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Archives for July 2016

“K” Line announce construction of New Cold Storage in Vietnam Completed and now Open for Business

July 21, 2016 by

We are pleased to announce that construction of a Cold Storage Warehouse in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, by CLK COLD STORAGE COMPANY LIMITED – a joint-venture established by Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line), Cool Japan Fund Inc. (“Cool Japan”) and Japan Logistic Systems Cor160721 New Cold Storage in Vietnamp. (“Japan Logistic Systems”) – has been completed with Opening Ceremony held on July 21, after which operations start.

Persons involved in the project, including Mr. Tran Thanh Liem, Chairman of Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, Mr. Satoshi Nakajima, Council General of Japan in Ho Chi Ming City, Mr. Eiichiro Nakanishi (Chairman) and Mr. Hirotake Nakanishi (President) of Japan Logistic Systems Corp., Mr. Nobuo Sugiuchi (Senior Managing Director) of Cool Japan, as well as parties concerned, joined Eizo Murakami, President & CEO of “K” Line, at the completion ceremony.

Warehouse location

About 22 km from central Ho Chi Minh City (about one hour via Route 1). Good access from Cat Lai Port and the international airport.

Warehouse features

As a Cold Storage project based on an all-Japan set-up, this was the first time in Vietnam for both the “hard” and “soft” aspects, from design and construction to cooling equipment and operation of the warehouse, to be led entirely by Japanese companies. Various protective measures for goods as well as energy-saving measures have been taken based on the know-how accumulated by Bangkok Cold Storage Ltd, member of the “K” Line Group, which has been operating Cold Storage services in Bangkok, Thailand since 1989, to safely and hygienically store the precious merchandise of our customers. In consideration of environmental conservation, natural refrigerants (NH3 and CO2) have been adopted.  The temperature can be controlled to address the various needs of customers from −50°C to +25°C.  This is the first facility to provide super frozen storage room in Vietnam.

We will continue to contribute to the promotion of Japanese foods and ingredients in Vietnam, which is expected to grow even further in the future, using the knowledge and network of Japan Logistic Systems, which has been operating in Vietnam for over 20 years, and “K” Line group’s marine and air transport services.

Outline of joint venture and freezing and refrigerating warehouse

1. Name CLK COLD STORAGE CO., LTD
2. Address Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
3. Representative Naoki Sakai
4. Business details Cold Storage Warehouse and Related Services
5. Capital US $15 million
6. Date of foundation April 25, 2015
7. Start of business July 7, 2016
8. Investment ratio “K” Line                                   25.0%Japan Logistic Systems               26.0%

Cool Japan                                49.0%
9. Access About 22 km from central Ho Chi Minh City; about 25 km from Cat Lai Port
10. Area  Land: approx. 19,000 m2Total floor space: approx. 7,000 m2
11. Structure, etc. One-story warehouse divided into 13 rooms
12. Temperature range Super Frozen: −50°C; Frozen: −25°C ~ −18°CChilled: −5°C ~ +5°C; Low: 0°C ~ +15°C

Constant: +5°C ~ +25°C
13. Other 17 dock shelters, 4 dock levelers, emergency power generator, advanced thermal insulation equipment, temperature/atmospheric pressure control within the warehouse, and external air infiltration-suppression functions, 24-hour security system with security guards, pest-proofing measures, etc.

Under our medium-term management plan, “Value for our Next Century -Action for the Future -” which is “K” Line’s management strategy for our 100th anniversary in 2019, we have complemented our highly volatile marine shipping services, and positioned logistics business as a sector for steady income. We will continue to expand our logistics business, especially in Southeast Asia, where economic growth has been remarkable.

 

 

Filed Under: "K" Line

Evergreen’s Inaugural Voyage through Expanded Panama Canal

July 11, 2016 by
160711 Inaugural Voyage Celebration

Evergreen held a special ceremony at Panama Canal’s Cocoli Locks. Representatives from shipping related industries and government agencies were present at the event to witness the significant milestone. Important guests are listed below (from left) Third left : Panama Canal Authority, Manager of the Division of Economic Analysis and Market Research, Ms. Silvia de Marucci Seventh left : Unigreen Marine S.A. Chairman Mr. Scott Chang Eighth left : Panama Maritime Authority General Director of Merchant Marine, Mr. Fernando Solórzano Ninth left : ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Panama, Mr. Jose Maria Liu, Tenth left : Unigreen Marine S.A. President Mr. Frank Zeimetz Eleventh left : Colon Container Terminal Chairman – Captain Yen-I Chang

Ever Lambent, an 8,452 TEU containership owned by the Evergreen Group, passed through the expanded Panama Canal on the ninth of July (Panama time), marking a new era for Evergreen Line’s all-water services connecting the Far East with the US East Coast.  Evergreen held a special ceremony to mark the occasion at the Canal’s Cocoli Locks.  Representatives from shipping related industries and government agencies were present to witness and celebrate the significant milestone.

Ever Lambent is 334 meters in length, 45.8 meters wide, with a deadweight tonnage of 104,408 tons and scantling draft of 14.2 meters. The vessel is not only Evergreen’s first large containership to pass through Panama Canal’s third set of locks but also the first Taiwanese operated cargo ship of over 100,000 DWT to transit the expanded waterway. Ever Lambent is deployed on the NUE service, which serves Qingdao, Ningbo, Shanghai, Coco Solo (Colon Container Terminal), Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore and New York.

In light of the business opportunity presented by the expansion of the Canal, Evergreen recently upgraded the size of the ships it utilizes on its Far East – USEC services, introducing 8,452 TEU L-class containerships to replace the 4,211 TEU D-type vessels previously deployed. Evergreen’s internal research indicates that the eco-friendly L-class vessel can offer the equivalent capacity as two traditional Panamax ships while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by 40% and lowering carbon emissions by the same percentage.

Together with the fleet upgrade program, Evergreen has further enhanced its service cooperation with strategic partners to offer both a direct service from the Far East to US Gulf ports, including Houston, Mobile and Miami through a capacity swap arrangement and to offer a more comprehensive service to its existing network of destinations.

In light of the demand for increased terminal capacity to handle larger vessels following the completion of the Canal’s expansion program, Evergreen has built the new Berth No. 4 at its Colon Container Terminal. At CCT, Evergreen will continue with the next stage of a planned expansion program, which on completion, expected around the first quarter of 2017, will enable the terminal to handle two large vessels of 12,000 – 14,000 TEU simultaneously.

Furthermore, Evergreen is developing 32 hectares of land adjacent to the terminal into a sizeable logistics park. Expected to be completed in two years, the new facility will connect with the terminal operation and provide seamless, efficient logistic services for customers.

ENDS

 

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

“K” Line and KLPL to Invest in Next Generation VLCC and AFRAMAX

July 7, 2016 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) and “K” Line Pte Ltd. (KLPL), have signed the ship building contracts for three next generation VLCCs and two AFRAMAX tankers in line with their fleet upgrading plan under the newly-reformed Medium-Term Management Plan, “  　 Value for our Next Century – Action for Future -“.

Orders for two VLCCs were placed by “K” Line with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) which will deliver them in 2017 and 2018, respectively, and order for one VLCC with Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. which will be delivered in 2018, whereas orders for two AFRAMAX tankers were placed by KLPL with Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., which will deliver them in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

These VLCCs and AFRAMAX tankers are designed to comply with all existing regulations as well as forthcoming rules such as the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ship’s Ballast Water and Sediments.

 

Main Particulars of VLCCs

Shipyard　Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd.　 Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Imari Shipyard

Delivery                        2017, 2018                    2018

LOA                              339.5m                         338.9m

Beam                            60.0m                           60.0m

DWT                             311,360MT                    310,300MT

Tank Capacity                348,500m3                    351,500m3

Main Particulars of AFRAMAX tankers

Shipyard                        Sasebo Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.

Delivery                        2018, 2019

LOA                              243.8m

Beam                            42.0m

DWT                             113,000MT

Tank Capacity                125,400m3

 

With these five new ships, “K” Line and KLPL will continue to provide reliable and stable service to our valued customers with the highest standard of safety.

 

Filed Under: "K" Line

Handling Dangerous Goods is a Global Concern – comment from TT Club

July 7, 2016 by

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at TT Club, discusses the need for increased rigour in the handling of dangerous goods:

“The explosion at Tianjin Port last August should be seen as a spectacular example of why those operating throughout the global supply chains should examine their work practices and risk procedures more thoroughly. With estimated insured losses between US$2.5 and US$3.5 billion, this incident becomes a focal point, drawing attention to underlying vulnerabilities within global supply chain processes. It underlines how cargo in transit, potentially mis-declared, or packed or handled incorrectly, can cause widespread damage and loss of life.

“TT Club’s analysis of its claims history reveals that incident causation is concentrated within just five classifications. Approximately two thirds by both value and number relate to the sum of vehicle accidents, including both road traffic and cargo handling equipment collisions, fire, theft and poor cargo packing. This rolling five year analysis takes in over 7,500 insurance claims, with a total insured claim value of around US$500 million. The total economic costs, which studies have indicated could be many multiples of the insured losses, should in reality account also for hidden losses, such as management time and distraction, and reputational damage. While there is substantial consistency in the relative significance of each major causation year-on-year, it is notable that the costs related to fire are almost invariably disproportionate to the number of incidents.

“Risk assessment surveys at ports over the last 12-18 months have found worryingly little adherence to segregation requirements for dangerous goods. As with the well-established rules for transport by each mode, there is relevant guidance for activity within the port area. At international level, this is provided in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) document ‘Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Cargoes & related Activities in Port Areas’ (MSC.1/Circ.1216 (2007). National guidance or regulations are likely also to be applicable

“Considering the continuing need in other parts of the supply chain, not only to review regulation and guidance, but also to promote sound corporate culture, it is perhaps time that the existing IMO recommendations are reviewed and some teeth added to bring about greater adoption at national level. Clearly, such matters need to be better integrated globally, in order to improve practice in handling dangerous goods, resulting in the safety of workers and third parties, as well as maintaining the integrity of cargo and transport infrastructure.”

ENDS

 

Notes to editor

TT Club

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self- employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance
Filed Under: TT Club

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company COMMENCES operations

July 4, 2016 by

CYPRUS, JULY 1, 2016: The American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company (AHHIC) Ltd is pleased to announce that the Cyprus regulatory authorities have approved the company’s operating license.

The company, established in Cyprus in 2015 by the cooperation between the American P&I Club and Hellenic Hull Management, is now officially in operation with immediate effect. AHHIC is a global insurer and covers all hull and machinery risks for shipowners worldwide.

American Hellenic Hull is the first marine insurance company in the region that meets all the requirements of the European Solvency II Directive.

Management and operation of the new insurer has been undertaken by Hellenic Hull Management, led by managing director Ilias Tsakiris. Hellenic Hull’s team has already been working to ensure the new company’s initial growth.

American Hellenic Hull was recently presented to the international shipping market with a large reception at the Posidonia 2016 international fair in Greece. The company’s first event attracted 4,000 people from the maritime sector including senior representatives of 350 shipowning groups. The sponsors and managers of American Hellenic Hull thanked the shipowners present for their support of the new venture. It was underlined that the company is ready to compete for a significant share of marine business worldwide in all the major markets.

“I wish to thank the teams from both companies that have worked hard to create American Hellenic Hull, but above all thank you to the Greek and international shipping community for their immediate support,” said the chairman of the American P&I Club’s board of directors, Arnold Witte.

Ilias Tsakiris, managing director of Hellenic Hull Management, said: “My colleagues and I are extremely proud of our strategic alliance with the American Club. Our 20-year history of management and operating knowledge in the marine insurance market guarantees the success of this major new international marine insurer, which will offer clients the benefits of a local service approach.”

ENDS

AMERICAN P&I CLUB:

  • American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA.
  • The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York. Τhe Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents.
  • The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping. For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/ – the full 2015 Annual Report for the American Club can be accessed on its website.

SOLVENCY II

EU insurance legislation unifies a single EU insurance market and enhances consumer protection. The third-generation Insurance Directives established an “EU passport” (single license) for insurers to operate in all member states. Solvency II is a fundamental review of the capital adequacy regime for the European insurance industry. It has established a revised set of EU-wide capital requirements and risk management standards that replaced the previous solvency requirements. Solvency II aims to achieve consistency across Europe and includes the following key ideas:

  • market consistent balance sheets
  • risk-based capital
  • own risk and solvency assessment
  • senior management accountability
  • supervisory assessment
Filed Under: The American Club

TT Club Seeks to Calm the Troubled Waters of VGM on the Eve of Effective Date

July 4, 2016 by

[[With the effective date of the container weighing regulation, known as Verified Gross Mass (VGM), at hand, the freight insurance specialist TT Club is accentuating the positive and assures the industry that help remains available.  The mutual insurer, which sees VGM as one of the key safety measures for container operations worldwide, has published a pithy, user-friendly summary for all those involved

London 30 June 2016

Clarity is what TT Club believes is required when tackling the amendment to SOLAS[1], requiring a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for all packed containers loaded onto ships from 1st July.  Clarity and collaboration.

The mutual insurer’s latest pithy, ‘Stakeholder digests’, providing guidance to the regulation and how it affects various parties in the container supply chain, from shippers to forwarders and terminals though to carriers, has been made available on its website[2].  The guidance is simple to follow and seeks to build on the everyday cooperation between all stakeholders in the diverse and efficient containerised industry that exists today.

In launching the Stakeholder digests, as part of an extensive micro-site on container weighing, TT Club’s Peregrine Storrs-Fox commented, “VGM is a safety initiative that many in the industry have been seeking. TT Club’s commitment continues, its discussions with industry figures having started years before the initiation of the work at the IMO[3]. In a true spirit of collaboration, representatives of all parties involved in the container trades have been consulted during the four years of IMO debate.  The regulation, effective tomorrow, is the result of an industry working together to improve safety, efficiency and its own professional practices.”

Reaction from many quarters of the industry has been positive, engaging to resolve the complexity and potential difficulties.  According to the regulation VGM shall be obtained either by weighing the packed container [‘Method 1’] or weighing all constituent parts in the load [‘Method 2’].  A substantial number of container terminals around the world have now announced arrangements to assist shippers with ‘Method 1’.

Shipping lines are posting the tare weights of their containers online to assist with the calculation inherent in ‘Method 2’, a compromise process that was included in the SOLAS amendment as a result of shipper representation.  Furthermore, BIC[4] has announced the launch of its ‘Technical Characteristics Database’[5], intended to provide easy access to tare information. Thus, while harmony will never reign supreme in any industry, the container business has come together well in this case.

On the other hand Government bodies, the competent authorities to which the IMO is looking to consistently enforce the regulation across the globe have been surprisingly reticent.  Despite encouragement from the IMO for governments to communicate fully with industry stakeholders, around 80% of SOLAS signatory States have yet to publish guidance on national implementation. There are, of course, notable exceptions, where national competent authorities have engaged actively with industry and other maritime administrations to ensure common understanding of the processes and interpretation of the regulation.

Consistency, however, across the international governmental spectrum has been lacking, causing much frustration. TT Club highlights the less-than-helpful and confusing messages from some governmental bodies.  It has, therefore, been left to industry partners to step into the breach and provide practical support for implementation of this mandatory international regulation. Working with World Shipping Council, ICHCA and Global Shippers’ Forum, TT Club has twice published ‘Industry FAQs’, however, it is recognised that national governmental authorities and enforcement officers will ultimately be responsible for final interpretation.

Collaboration across the container industry remains key, since it epitomises the ‘global village’. For TT Club, Storrs-Fox concludes, “The broad safety issues that VGM goes part way to addressing should be our chief concern.”

ENDS

[1] International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended

[2] www.ttclub.com/loss-prevention/container-weighing/stakeholders-digest

[3] International Maritime Organization

[⁴] Bureau International des Containers et du Transport Intermodal

[5] www.bic-code.org/bic-tcd

 

News to editors

TT Club

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Thomas Miller

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principle activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance

www.thomasmiller.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: TT Club