Managing security for Israel’s newest port was an opportunity Itzik Sheriti couldn’t pass up

“This is the first port built in Israel in 60 years so the idea of running security here was exciting. I was a bit sad leaving my former security position but since coming here in 2019, a new world has opened to me.”Itzik Sheriti, HSE Manager, Haifa Bayport

To meet demands of managing security at the Mediterranean’s automated, most advanced and greenest port, Itzik had to adapt a security industry managerial style he’d developed over decades.

“An automated port authority means fewer humans so less human error. It’s a completely different approach.”Itzik Sheriti, HSE Manager, Haifa Bayport

HAIFA BAYPORT: AN AGAINST-THE-ODDS COLLABORATION

The 540,000 square meter Haifa Bayport general contracted by China State Constructionofficially opened in September 2021- a mere three years after its formidable construction undertaking began.

Construction stages included reclamation with landfill along Haifa’s coast, installing port terminals, administrative buildings, industrial scaffolding and automation nerve centers and installing an electricity network - all according to China State Construction and Israeli planning and Port Authority security and licensing guidelines.

Haifa Bayport operates 24/7. Its handling capacity is 1.86 million containers per year - a significant number when factoring in Israel’s 99% port-driven import/export trade

“Theimportance of Haifa Bayport is not only regional for Israel alone. It also plays a role in maritime transportation around this area”

Ji Guangmin, Construction Commander-in-Chief, SIPG Israel Haifa Bayport

The progress of port construction moved according to schedule until the COVID 19 pandemic hit the world, threatening workflow.

“The hardest part came in early 2020. The Israeli workforce was unable to work.” Feng Jinhua, Project Manager of  CSCEC Israel Haifa Bayport Project.

Shipments of raw materials required for construction slowed due to the pandemic. A year later, in May 2021, conflicts between Gaza and Israel broke out further threatening the  set September 2021 completion deadline.

“With the joint efforts of both Chinese and Israeli staff, we tried to overcome various difficulties while doing a good job in the pandemic prevention and control, so as to make sure the Port is open on time”Feng Jinhua, Project Manager of CSCEC Israel Haifa Bayport Project.

Hard work paid off and the teams met their September deadline.

PERSONAL BENEFITS

Beyond learning new technical skills, Itzik and other Israelis working at the port benefit from the personal interactions gained via collaboration with Chinese colleagues.

“I had no contact with Chinese before I came to work at Haifa Bayport. For me, this port opened a door to the world of firsts.

The first time working with Chinese friends, first time eating authentic Chinese food, first time experiencing the Spring Festival and the first time witnessing my Chinese colleagues’ high level of hard work and dedication”Itzik Sheriti, HSE Manager, Haifa Bayport