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Archives for June 2012

Geodis Wilson announces a new recruit for their Marine Logistics Vertical

June 25, 2012 by

Miami, Florida – 25 June 2012

Geodis Wilson is pleased to announce the appointment of Sergio Herrero as the new Vertical Market Director of their Marine Logistics division. Based in Miami, Florida, Sergio will spearhead this emerging industry segment of Geodis Wilson, and will have global responsibility for its development.

Sergio Herrero joins Geodis Wilson with 30 years of experience in the freight forwarding industry, the last 5 years of which he has spent with the Marine Logistics sector at UTI USA, where he was Director of Client Solutions within the Cruise sector.

Geodis Wilson runs a global network of teams dedicated to the marine industry along the entire breadth of international routes. “Marine Logistics is an important vertical market for us where we see large potential of growth, development and solution design in all regions within our network.” said Martin Svantesson, Global Director Vertical Markets, “Sergio´s experiences will ensure us taking this vertical market to the next level.

ENDS

About Geodis Wilson and the Geodis Group

Geodis Wilson is a leading global freight management company. With 7,300 employees in more than 50 countries the company delivers tailor-made, integrated logistics solutions to customers enabling them to operate as ‘best in class.’ Geodis Wilson is the freight forwarding arm of Geodis Group which became part of the French rail and freight group SNCF in 2008. With its 46.000 employees in 120 countries ‘SNCF GEODIS’ ranks among the top 7 companies in its field in the world.

For more information about Geodis Wilson go to – www.geodiswilson.com

Sergio Herrero

Sergio Herrero will be based in Miami, Florida and can be contacted as follows:

Email: Sergio.Herrero@us.geodiswilson.com

Tel: + 305-718-9442

Cell: +1 786 210 4916

For further information, please contact:

Press Contacts

Michael Zuchold

Communications Manager

Geodis Wilson                  

Tel.: + 49 174 909 8788                                     

E-Mail:michael.zuchold@hq.geodiswilson.com

Filed Under: GEODIS

Cristal e-College Receives Approval from Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Japan under new Certification Program

June 20, 2012 by

20th June 2012

Cristal e-College1 (hereafter called CeC) which is in cooperation with “K” Line Group for the education of seafarers received approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Japan (hereafter called MLIT) under new certification program for seafarers, that is the same as Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA).

Under this certification program, it is possible for the graduates from an approved college located in a country where the Japanese government recognized Certificate of Competency2 to work on Japanese flagged vessels as Officers without taking designated examination.

MLIT examined CeC’s curriculum regarding the courses for operating vessels and engines to confirm that the college is providing adequate education in mid – March 2012 before the approval. This new certification program will be applied from 1st batch of “K” Line class who graduated from the college in April 2012.

“K” Line will strive for further improvement in safe and high-quality transportation by strengthening education of seafarers.

1 Cristal e-College (CeC) ：

Merchant Marine College, located on Bohol Island in middle of the Philippines, opened in 2008.

“K” Line gives examinations to recruit high-achieving students. The students take lectures at the college for 3 years and onboard training for one year. The students are provided with “K” Line’s own curriculum in addition to the college curriculum, and onboard training on vessels managed by in-house ship management companies in accordance with “K” Line’s own Cadet Training Program, “K” Line’s aim being to develop them into efficient senior officers. 1st batch of “K” Line class graduated from the college in April 2012.

2 Certificate of Competency:

The license issued to Officers in accordance with international regulations to work onboard.

For further information, please contact:

Captain Gakuro Hosomi

Manager of Seafarers Policy Team, Marine Human Resources Group

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd

TEL: 81-3-3595-5654   FAX: 81-3-3595-5151

Filed Under: "K" Line

Member Growth and Financial Security Underpin 2012 Results from Shipowners’ Club

June 14, 2012 by

The Shipowners’ Club, the specialist P&I insurer serving the global, smaller and specialist vessel sectors, announces its results for the year ended 20th February 2012, which feature a healthy overall surplus, increased premium revenues and growth in both tonnage and Member numbers.

London, Luxembourg, Singapore & Vancouver, 14th June, 2012

The most positive aspect of a very strong set of results was the increased gross written premiums at US$ 209.7 million, up 6.5% on last year.  Growth was certainly the underlying theme, with the total number  of Members up by 5.3% to 5,922; vessels entered increasing by 8.1% to 31,341 and total gross tonnage  rising to 19.8 million, an up-lift of 11.2%.  Shipowners’ financial security was also reinforced by a growth in free reserves to US$234.5 million resulting in total funds of US$ 502 million, an increase of 16.5% on the position at the previous year end.

In commenting on the results, Charles Hume, Chief Executive said, “We believe that our further growth last year is indicative of the continued strength and stability which our Members find in the Club during uncertain and volatile times.”

Given the difficult trading conditions in all markets over the twelve-month operating period, Shipowners was also pleased with its strong technical performance.  The overall surplus of US$ 46.5 million consisted of an underwriting surplus, up 13% on last year at US$ 28.6 million and an investment return of US$ 18.9 million before taxation.  The underwriting result represents a combined ratio of 84.9%, in line with the previous year and the investment result is a 4.8% return on capital.

“Our technical result confirms our determination to underwrite to a modest surplus and is reflected in our average combined ratio over a ten-year period of 97.1%.  Our Members appreciate that we have no additional or release calls and the Club’s ‘what you see is what you get’ approach.  We look forward to working together with our Members in continuing to enhance the financial security and service that we provide.” said Hume.

Shipowners’ steady growth has been founded on a superior service to its Members, including loss prevention advice, claims handling expertise and responsive underwriting.  Recently, additional investment in staff has been significant, strengthening the Club’s resource in all three of its operational offices in London, Singapore and Vancouver. New product development is also key to Shipowners’ growth strategy and a commitment to policy wording simplification in certain vessel categories, notably yachts last year. With fishing and passenger vessels to come, this has met with an encouraging degree of success.

ENDS

Financial Highlights as at 20th February 2012 (vs 2011)

  • Net result:  Overall surplus of US$46.5 million (US$52.9 million)
  • Gross premiums earned: US$209.7 million (US$196.8 million)
  • Claims incurred, net of reinsurance:  US$115.4 million (US$106.3 million)
  • Combined ratio:  84.9% (85.0%)
  • Operating expenses: US$43.0 million (US$40.5 million)
  • Investment return:  US$18.9 million gain (US$27.6 million  gain)
  • Free reserves: US$234.5 million (US$187.9 million)

A pdf of the full Annual Report 2012 is available for download at www.shipownersclub.com

Notes for Editors:

The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer, providing Protection & Indemnity insurance to smaller and specialist vessels since 1855. The Club currently insures over 31,000 vessels from 5,922 Members worldwide and is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

The Club has offices located in London, Luxembourg, Singapore and Vancouver.

Filed Under: The Shipowners' Protection Ltd

“K” Line Assists in Rescue of Small Boat in Distress – Pure Car Carrier (PCC) ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’

June 13, 2012 by

June 13, 2012

‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’, a Pure Car Carrier (PCC), cooperated with rescue operation of a small boat that was in distress about 500 miles east off Choshi, Japan on June 7th.

On 7th of June, 2012 at 10:40 (Local Time), K Line fleet PCC ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ was requested by Japan Coast Guard to rescue the small boat “Gulliver” that had sent distress signal in the sea area vicinity. At 13:00 on the same day, in compliance with the request, ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ immediately headed for the missing position under  rough sea conditions. On 8th of June, 2012 at 12:37, ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ found the British adventurer.

‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ tried to rescue the boat; however this proved difficult to do alone due to the severe weather conditions. Under the command of the Japan Coast Guard, ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ drifted in the vicinity of “Gulliver” and supported the boat whilst it waited for the arrival of a Patrol boat. After the arrival, at 17:06 of the same day, ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ returned to her normal voyage. At 18:00 of the same day, the Patrol boat informed ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’ that the adventurer was safely rescued. We praise the rescue of Japan Coast Guard and continue to cooperate with them.

"K" Line's 'Texas Highway' : A Pure Car Carrier

About ‘TEXAS HIGHWAY’

Management Company：TAIYO NIPPON KISEN CO, LTD.

Captain：KIMIO IZUMO

Flag：Japan

Crew：21　(7 Japanese, 14 Filipinos)

Gross Tonnage：55,458 tons

Type of Vessel：Pure Car Carrier

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line and Noble form Joint Venture

June 13, 2012 by

June 13, 2012

Noble Chartering Inc (NCI), the dry bulk chartering arm of commodity trader Noble Group, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (“K” Line) are delighted to announce the signing of an agreement to commercially operate several Cape Size Bulk Carriers. A new company (K Noble Hong Kong Ltd.) will run the joint venture which will be comprised of a pool of Cape Size Bulkers, starting July 2012.

The Venture is a natural consequence of the close relationship between the “K” Line Group and Noble that dates back several years, and follows a number of successful dry bulk projects between the companies.

NCI AND “K” Line has identified major synergies between their respective Cape businesses. These will provide the new operation with efficiencies and cost savings, and additionally with enhanced market knowledge. This venture will be well positioned to offer competitive pricing and freight solutions to customers, while creating value for shareholders.

The joint venture will be managed out of Hong Kong.

About Noble Group

Noble Group (SGX: N21) manages the global supply chain of agricultural and energy products, metals and minerals. Noble operates from over 140 locations, employing more than 70 Nationalities. Noble manages a diversified portfolio of essential raw materials, integrating the sourcing marketing, processing, financing and transportation of those materials. Noble owns and manages a portfolio of strategic assets, sourcing from low cost producers such as Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Indonesia and supplying to high growth demand markets including China, India and the Middle East. Today, Noble has interests in grain crushing facilities, coal and iron ore mines, fuel terminals and storage facilities, sugar and ethanol plants, ports, vessels and other key infrastructure facilities.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Geodis Wilson Expands Cross Border Trucking Operations to China

June 7, 2012 by

Hong Kong, 22 May 2012 – Geodis Wilson, one of the world’s leading freight management companies, today announced its expanding trucking operations to include China, an extension of its existing routes through Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Indochina region. The full cross-border route between Singapore and China covers a total distance of 5,950 kilometres and has an efficient lead-time of 6-7 days.

Customers can choose between full container load (FCL) services, or less than container load (LCL) services. FCL containers are sealed from door-to-door and opened only if required by border customs, while LCL containers are consolidated at Geodis Wilson facilities along the route, and fed into the main road network by regional trucks.

“One distinctive element of our cross border trucking product is the range of security measures. They enable us to monitor and protect cargoes and help to ensure that our clients’ goods can be delivered on time. This includes solid contingency mechanisms, for instance in case of severe weather, complex customs clearing or for accident prevention”, said Chris Lee, Regional Director Cross Border Trucking.

Geodis Wilson has more than 17 years’ experience operating cross-border trucking services in Southeast Asia. It started services between Malaysia and Thailand in 1995, extending into Singapore in 1996. The company has been operating daily scheduled LCL services since 1999, providing full customs clearance support to shipments. Customers benefit from a single provider across multiple customs checkpoints. To support this, Geodis Wilson operates staffed customs offices at key borders in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

In line with Geodis Wilson’s innovative approach to customer service, schedules can be tailored to meet customers’ requirements, helping businesses to benefit from savings in inventory holding costs. The service also provides customers with more flexibility than air freight, as road shipments do not have the same capacity and dimension limitations.

– ENDS –

Notes to Editor:

About Geodis Wilson Asia Pacific

Geodis Wilson Asia Pacific is a division of Geodis Group, a global logistics provider. As part of the French railway company SNCF, Geodis offers a wide range of sustainable, innovative and cost saving multimodal solutions.

Geodis Wilson makes customers more competitive by delivering their cargo across five continents by sea and air and by making their supply chain transparent and easy to manage.

An early trendsetter in supporting customers in the region, Geodis Wilson was one of the first international logistics companies to establish operations in China and India, and has been operating in Asia Pacific for over 30 years. It has a passionate team of more than 2,100 employees in the region, striving to deliver ‘best in class’ customer service and performance.

For further information about Geodis Wilson’s innovative approach, please visit www.geodiswilson.com

Filed Under: GEODIS