Friday, March 3, 2017

Friday Freight and Logistics Industry Roundup

A Summary of the Industry News that May have Missed the Headlines
Shipping News Feature
BELGIUM – GEFCO has launched a freight forwarding office and warehouse facility in Antwerp, Belgium. The new facility will specialise in Industrial Project Cargo by offering integrated solutions dedicated to high and heavy projects as well as out of gauge shipments. In a statement the company said:

“The Benelux region is a key sector for logistics in Europe. [Our facility is] close to Antwerp and Rotterdam ports, Zaventem and Schiphol airports for the import-export operations, and to Brussels, Antwerp and Amsterdam for the distribution, GEFCO has chosen it to create an effective network that meets its industrial partners growing demand.”

SINGAPORE – AAL is the first shipping company to be issued 2015 certifications by DNV-GL Singapore for ISO 9001 (Quality Management), and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). Simultaneously, the global multipurpose heavy-lift operator was also certified ISO 50001:2011 for Energy Management, and OHSAS 18001:2007 for Occupational Health & Safety. Kyriacos Panayides, Managing Director of AAL, commented:

“These latest certifications underscore AAL’s culture and values: management efficiency, environmental protection, energy conservation and commitment to health and safety. With the market at its most challenging, we’ve taken the bold step to invest significantly in our management systems and tools, and improve further the quality and range of services we offer as a point of differentiation between AAL and other carriers. We believe this is the only sustainable way to maintain our growing reputation and meet the expectations of our customers, vendors and partners worldwide.”

KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Express (KTZE) and global supply chain visibility specialist Globe Tracker International (GT), announced the deployment of hundreds of intermodal GT Smart UNIT45 reefer containers. These assets will travel along one of the longest rail trade route journeys in the World from Chongqing, China to Duisburg, Germany.

"The technology deployed for KTZE's solution is very robust, state of the art, with two-way communication to the reefer controller and multiple wireless sensors all customised to their specifications. The system is built to handle the harsh winter environments in Kazakhstan and Russia where temperatures often fall below -40 degrees centigrade," said Globe Tracker CEO, Jakup Lamhauge.

UK – The Energy Technologies Institute (ETI) is partnering with Teignbridge Propellers International Limited (TPIL), the largest propeller and stern gear producer of its kind in Europe, to develop a High Efficiency Propulsion System for ships which aims to reduce fuel consumption by around 8%. The two year project aims to develop a commercially-viable system that can be retrofitted to a variety of vessel types. Deborah Stubbs, the ETI’s High Efficiency Propulsion System Project Manager said:

“Unlike other forms of transport it is difficult to replace fossil fuels in marine vessels with low carbon alternatives so increasing fuel efficiency will become progressively more important if emissions and costs are to be reduced for the shipping industry. This project will develop a commercially viable product suitable for a wide range of vessels types and capable of being retrofitted to ensure it is attractive to ship owners and operators.”

“It is one of a number of demonstration projects the ETI is running which, when used in combination, could reduce fuel consumption by up to 30% and cut the carbon emissions from shipping in a cost effective manner.”

David Duncan, the chairman of Teignbridge Propellers International Limited said:

“We are delighted to have been selected for this technology development and demonstration project, it fits very well with the company's research and development strategy and plans. Teignbridge Propellers has an excellent engineering design team and a background of design development. The project will be helped by the use of the dedicated research test vessel presently under construction for Teignbridge Propellers. The selection by the ETI is a recognition and endorsement of the company's abilities.”

MACEDONIA – DSV is opening a new office in Skopje. The branch will be managed by Dragan Petrushevski, who has many years of logistics experience in Macedonia as well as abroad and is the first DSV presence in the country which has established a new company, DSV Road DOOEL, to manage all the company’s transport and logistics activities in Macedonia.

GREECE – The Palau International Ship Registry (PISR) has opened a new head office in one of the world’s most competitive shipping markets in Piraeus, Greece, as part of the expansion plans; the new office will complement the US Houston, Texas office. Panos Kirnidis, CEO of PISR said:

“Greece has always played an important part in the world of shipping and Palau Registry recognises this. This is why we have opened our Piraeus head office to ensure we can provide ship-owners and managers with a dedicated and reliable solution to the challenges they face. Our registration services are proving to be smoother, faster and even more efficient as we face the demands of the new shipping industry.”

UK – As the uncertainty over Brexit continues one firm has set up a microsite to try and spell out the importance of developments as they occur. Accounting and advisory company Moore Stephens said that:

“As the market rallies and the pound plateaus, it is easy to forget the enormity of the task ahead as the UK prepares to exit the EU. However, while the dust may appear to be settling, we are in fact entering an unprecedented period of uncertainty with rapidly emerging risks. It is now that businesses must fully assess how they will be affected.”

UK – US – SumoGlove International (Sumo) a UK-based producer of forklift safety equipment, has announced the appointment of BWS Industrial Services (BWS ISI) as its distribution partner for the East Coast of the US. BWS ISI will be responsible for growing sales of the Sumo Glove brand of lift truck fork attachments in an area that stretches from the Canadian border in the north to the Florida coast in the south of the US. William Williams, owner and President of BWS ISI, commented:

“As soon as I saw the Sumo Glove its potential to reduce stock damage and improve the safety of warehouse and distribution centre personnel was obvious.”

In simple terms, Sumo Gloves are fitted to the tips of a lift truck’s forks to provide a protective cover that limits the impact of a carelessly driven forklift against a load. By reducing the damage caused to palletised loads, the Gloves contribute significantly towards a safer workplace.

The company is also looking to appoint distributors and agents worldwide as it seeks to drive further sales growth for its Sumo Glove brand of forklift truck attachments.

“Any established lift truck dealers or even individuals with sales experience and contacts within their local forklift user market cannot fail to enjoy success with the Sumo Glove,” said Sumo’s Simon Ross.

Photo – Sumo Gloves in use.