Transport communications

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Archives for November 2017

“K” Line : Start of Auto Logistics Services for Finished Vehicles in Philippines

Start of Auto Logistics Services for Finished Vehicles in Philippines

In the Philippines, where sales of automobile are remarkable, logistics services for finished vehicles have started operations. K Line Auto Logistics Philippines, Inc. (hereinafter referred to as “KALP”), a joint venture between “K” LINE and local partners, has signed a contract with a major automobile manufacturer and started to work together with them from this November.

In Asia, where automobile sales are becoming active, especially within the ASEAN region, demand for finished car distribution is increasing, such as improving the efficiency of supply chains to transport and sales of imported/manufactured automobiles. In particular, the Philippine’s domestic distribution demand of finished vehicles is increasing, such as new car sales in the Philippines having recorded highest totals for 5 consecutive years. In 2017, an increase of about 16% was also recorded, so KALP will be a service that further responds to local customer needs.

KALP provides High Quality and Value Added services for Import customs clearance, land transportation, storage, and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). Last year, in Vietnam, where growth of new car sales is also remarkable as well, we started total service of logistics for finished vehicles for the first time in that country, and have been providing integrated transportation in cooperation with maritime transportation service by our own Pure Car Carrier (PCC).

In our medium-term management plan, we positioned logistics business as one of our stable and growth businesses, and we are continuing to expand completed Auto Logistics Services. Launching of KALP’s automobile logistics-related service will be the 10th (tenth) country, with service now covering major ASEAN countries. We will continue to make efforts to improve customer satisfaction by utilizing know-how of high-quality transportation cultivated through marine transportation by our PCC fleet.

GEODIS opens a new Parisian Distribution Centre serving the City of tomorrow

GEODIS has opened a new site in the 12th arrondissement of the French capital. After two years of construction, the new 15,000 m2 depot symbolizes the Group’s determination to strengthen and develop its position in the Paris region. The new facility also underscores GEODIS’ commitment to a cleaner urban distribution, achieved notably by developing the use of logistics bases located in different parts of the capital and using a fleet of electric vehicles.

After two years of preparation, GEODIS has opened its Paris-Bercy depot located several meters from the old site, in the 12th arrondissement near Porte de Charenton. GEODIS has invested in this new, more modern facility to have a distribution tool that is better adapted to the environmental expectations of the Paris city community.

Several objectives have inspired the project since its inception in 2011; responding to the customers’ growing demand with the resulting increase in volumes, modernizing an ageing site, and improving working conditions for employees. The aim was also to develop a new environment-friendly distribution model in the capital. GEODIS’ Paris operation relies on distribution bases, referred to as “blue-bases”, each one measuring 1,000 m2 and located in the city centre of Paris. These bases serve as distribution relay points from which clean vehicles adapted to last-mile logistics carry out local deliveries. Two blue-bases – Boulevard Ney in the 18th arrondissement and Bercy in the 12th – are already up and running. Three more – Forum des Halles in the 1st, Invalides in the 7th and Porte de Versailles in the 15th – will complete the strategy over the coming months.

Our new site is both one of a kind and doubly strategic,” says Olivier Melot, Executive Vice President, Distribution & Express, GEODIS. “One of a kind, because taking a clean slate and an empty warehouse, we have designed and implemented an unprecedented network, based on a blue-base system, which is located as close as possible to our Parisian customers. Strategic, because the new development strengthens our position to serve central Paris and validates our urban delivery solution, which will be that demanded by the cities of tomorrow. What’s more, we will be introducing 30 additional electric vehicles in the coming weeks.”

The new 15,000 m2 Parisian site also features two new sorting lines, an overhead line capable of sorting 2,500 parcels an hour and a ground line used for pallets, operating at a rate of 200 pallets an hour. With this new technical equipment, the depot is capable of initiating 3,000 deliveries a day, or 8,400 parcels.

In the long term, to continue boosting service quality, particularly with regards to recipient-customers, this system will be completed by new, environmentally respectful services, such as on-foot deliveries from blue bases, the implementation of a series of pick-up locations, and evening deliveries across the city.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a Supply Chain Operator ranking among the top companies in the field in Europe and the World.  GEODIS, owned by SNCF Logistics, which in turn is a business line of the SNCF Group, is ranked as the number four logistics provider in Europe and number seven at a worldwide level. GEODIS is also listed as a “Leader” in Gartner’s 2016 Magic Quadrant of Worldwide 3PLs. GEODIS’ reach includes a direct presence in 67 countries and a global network spanning over 120 countries. With its five Lines of Business (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), GEODIS manages its customers’ Supply Chain by providing end to end solutions enabled by over 39,500 employees, its infrastructure, its processes and systems. In 2016, GEODIS recorded €8 billion in sales.

Good Housekeeping Essential to keep a Vessel Ship-Shape

The American club launches free pocket guide to maintaining a safe working environment on board

william_moore

Dr William Moore, Head of Loss Prevention and Senior Vice-President, The American Club

New York, November 30, 2017

Daily maintenance and cleaning tasks are essential to supporting a safe working environment on-board a ship, but the importance of these simple actions can also often be overlooked.

The latest in The American Club’s Pocket Guides, which contain valuable loss prevention advice for its Members and the industry at large, has just been published, titled Good Housekeeping. The guide underlines how essential a well maintained and uncluttered work environment is to the health and safety of the ship’s crew and the efficient and secure operation of the vessel.

While the phrase ‘ship-shape’, meaning in good order, neat and trim has been borrowed from the days of sail, The American Club has reverted to the more modern idiom, which refers to a well-run home to emphasise the importance of a safe working environment on-board ship.

Announcing the publication of the Pocket Guide, the Club’s Head of Loss Prevention and Senior Vice-President Dr William Moore commented, “We have previously reported that the overall cleanliness and general housekeeping of ships revealed during surveys have in some cases become a cause for concern. The appearance of ships and shipboard equipment on the outside suggests how well things are operating on the inside.”

As a consequence of these observations the Club felt it was important to stress certain common-sense practices in an easily understood and convenient format; the Guide quite literary folds-up to be carried in crew members’ pockets. The guidelines are ordered according to areas of the ship – deck, engine room, galley, stairs and ladders – as well as drawing attention to commonplace hazards – oily rags, paint lockers, acetylene cylinders.

Each section itemises ‘what to look for’ and outlines the tasks to be carried out to minimise risk.  As ever the Club’s advice is intended to assist Members and their crews in ensuring that ships are maintained to the highest standards. Good Housekeeping-A Pocket Guide can be accessed in English, and in new and traditional Mandarin, on the Club’s website:

http://american-club.com/page/good-housekeeping

In conclusion Dr Moore emphasised, “A ship’s cleanliness and neatness contribute to the health, safety and happiness of the crew.  Furthermore, housekeeping oversights rarely go unnoticed during port state control or vetting inspections, ISM audits and condition surveys. A well-kept vessel is sure to make a good first impression.”

Notes to Editors

The American 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.

The 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, Houston, Piraeus, Hong Kong and Shanghai, 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/

Call for United Front on Cargo Safety

Amsterdam, 28th November, 2017

Safety aspects of the way in which cargo is packed and transported in unit loads across the global supply chain continue to be the focus of opportunities for improvement.  During a session of the Intermodal Europe Conference in Amsterdam today, four industry organisations representing different sectors of the supply chain have been drawing attention, in particular, to the responsibilities of container owners and operators in providing equipment that is fit for purpose and  properly packed with cargo as set out in the CTU Code.

The Global Shippers Forum (GSF), ICHCA International, TT Club and the World Shipping Council (WSC) have for some months now been working together to improve safety through a focus on cargo integrity.   The specific aim has been to promote wider use of the IMO endorsed CTU Code[1] for correct packing and securing of all cargo transport units (CTUs).  Improved standards of declaration and handling of dangerous goods are also within the scope of the Code, together with steps to prevent pest contamination, and the provision of containers and other equipment that comply with international rules and standards.

The Code calls for effective interaction between the shipper, who is responsible for specifying requirements for the type of equipment suitable for the cargo intended to be carried, and the container operator in providing units that satisfy such requirements, meet applicable safety and manufacturing standards, and are clean.  Faulty and badly maintained units may have as serious ramifications as incorrect and deficient packing of cargo inside the units.

The Intermodal Conference followed a meeting of the Container Owners Association (COA – http://www.containerownersassociation.org/) earlier in the week and Bill Brassington, representing ICHCA, drew attention to the importance of liaising with that group to ensure safe containers are provided. “While we wish to create greater awareness to the way in which cargo is correctly packed into units, we must also emphasise that those units are suitable.  Our group and the COA are working together to advise operators of their responsibilities,” he said.

“Engagement with governments and industry groups representing the diverse mix of supply chain stakeholders is one of our primary goals,” explained TT Club’s Peregrine Storrs-Fox. “Through communication and understanding of the safety issues comes a wider implementation of the CTU Code and other best practices aimed at cargo and environmental safety.  To this end we urge regulatory and advisory bodies as well as associations to unite with us in spreading the good word.”

The group has been working with the IMO for some time, contributing to aspects of the CTU Code and other regulatory recommendations, but there remains an element of concern that governments may not effectively be communicating agreed IMO requirements and advisory information within their jurisdictions.

Lars Kjaer of the WSC explained, “Although the IMO agreed to amend SOLAS[2] to require a verified gross mass of packed containers as a condition for vessel loading, government enforcement of the regulation may be uneven. We want to make sure that governments as well as industry are promoting the CTU Code and its best practices to all parties in the CTU supply chain around the globe.”

Of course, those that pack the units are primarily responsible for cargo integrity and safety.  These individuals act on behalf of the shipper or beneficial cargo owners.

Chris Welsh as Secretary General of the GSF is representative of shippers within the group of four. He spoke in Amsterdam of the complexity of interaction between stakeholders in the supply chain and how this adds further to the need to engage all in promoting safety.  He stated, “In many modern international supply chains there are multiple ‘hand-offs’ where cargo is passed variously from manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, warehouses, consolidators, forwarders and logistics operators to shipping lines.  Ultimately, however, it is the responsibility of the shipper as the party causing the transport of the CTU unit to demand and control compliance with proper packing standards, and to specify the type of equipment needed for the cargo. This is a responsibility clearly set out in the CTU Code. It cannot be negated or ignored irrespective of the complexity of the logistics chain.”

The challenge taken forward by this industry group is communication to all stakeholders. Through governmental and industry events, progress is being made in increasing awareness of the CTU Code and linking with other organisations which can assist in promoting its widespread adoption in order to deliver improved safety and sustainability in the international supply chain.

[1] IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Cargoes/CargoSecuring/Pages/CTU-Code.aspx)

[2] International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended

ENDS

 

Notes for Editors

The Global Shippers’ Forum (GSF) is the world’s leading global trade association representing shippers engaged in international trade moving goods by all modes of transport. Chris Welsh MBE chaired the Expert Working Group charged with drafting IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code). More information is available at: www.globalshippersforum.com

The International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, security, sustainability, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and goods movement by all modes and through all phases of national and international supply chains. ICHCA actively participated in the Expert Working Group and debates leading to the approval of the CTU Code. More information is available at:  www.ichca.com

The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. The TT Club participated in the Expert Working Group and debates leading to the approval of the CTU Code. More information is available at: www.ttclub.com

The World Shipping Council (WSC) represents the global liner shipping industry on regulatory, environmental, safety and security policy issues.  The WSC has observer status at the IMO and was actively involved in the development of the CTU Code. More information is available at: www.worldshipping.org

 

Liner Trade Award Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. & “K” Line (Australia) Pty Ltd. are pleased to announce that ‘’K’’Line Group received the Liner Trade Award in Australia-North East Asia (Remark) category, that is one of main trades along with South East Asia, at the 22nd Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards sponsored by Daily Cargo News (an Australian leading shipping & maritime news incorporation with Lloyds’ List) and other parties in the industry which held on Nov.16th, 2017 in Sydney.

It is our honor to receive high praise from customers and the industry.  We will ensure continuous reliable high quality liner service and let it go forward to Ocean Network Express(ONE) which is scheduled in coming April, 2018.

“K” Line Group Introduces New Total Auto-Logistics Business in Chile

 

171116 Total Auto-Logistics Business in Chile

KAR Logistics S.A. (hereinafter shown as KAR*), Joint Venture Company between “K” Line and Agencias Universales S.A.(AGUNSA), which handles Total Logistics Services in Chile and  Latin America countries, has started Auto-Logistics service in Santiago, Chile from Aug, 2016.

Customer requirements for services related to automobiles in Chile and Latin America countries around Chile that are showing continuous growth of vehicle sales and import have been on the increase. With the combined know-how of the two joint venture companies, KAR provides the required value-added service that can successfully satisfy the logistics needs for vehicle.

KAR inaugurated a facility dedicated for vehicle logistics at Noviciado, close to the capital Santiago. And KAR also runs its own fleet of GPS-equipped car transporters. With the facility and equipment, it offers an integrated logistic service for vehicle as well as transportation, storage, accessorizing, and pre-delivery inspection.

“K” Line Group places “Logistics Business” as a stable profit-making sector in its  “Medium-Term Management Plan,” and by following this strategy, “K” Line is further enhancing its Automobile Logistics Business that is already in operation in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, India, Australia, Brazil and Vietnam. “K” Line will continue to make every effort and do its best for achieving maximum customer satisfaction in Vietnam by utilizing its many years of experience and know-how in sea transportation by Pure Car Carrier vessels.

Delivery of 311,000 DWT-type VLCC “KISOGAWA”

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereafter called “K” Line) is proud to announce the delivery of “KISOGAWA,” a 311,000 DWT-type VLCC at Nantong Cosco KHI Ship Engineering CVLCC “KISOGAWAo., Ltd (hereafter called NACKS), China on November 15, 2017.

Main Particulars

 

LOA   :   339.50 m

DWT  :   312,020 MT

Beam  :   60.00   m

Gross Ton   :   161,486 T

Depth   :   28.90   m

Tank Capacity   :  350,337 ㎥

Draft   :  21.00   m

Flag  :  Republic of Panama

Class   :  ABS

Features

  1. The vessel achieves low fuel consumption (about 20% reduction compared with our conventional VLCC) by removing Bulbus Bow, applying ultra-long stroke slow speed main diesel engine and highly-efficient large diameter propeller.
  1. A ballast water management system ensures ocean habitat is protected from unwanted environmental effects.

“K” Line is committed to continue providing the most reliable and stable service possible to our valued customers with the highest standard of safety.

 

Cold Storage Warehouse in Vietnam Acquires “ISO22000 Certification”

We are pleased to announce that “CLK COLD STORAGE COMPANY LIMITED,” an affiliated company of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) that operates a Cold Storage Warehouse in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has acquired ”ISO22000:2005 Certification,” an international standard for food safety management systems.171114 Cold Storage Warehouse in Vietnam

“CLK COLD STORAGE COMPANY LIMITED” was established jointly by “K” Line, Cool Japan Fund Inc. (“Cool Japan”) and Japan Logistics Systems Corp. (“Japan Logistics Systems”), and started operation in July 2016 as the first warehouse to provide four temperature zones (Freeze, Chilled, Low temperature, Constant temperature) in Vietnam.  Cold Storage Warehouse’s certification by ISO22000 is one of very few in Vietnam and it is a pioneering case as a Japanese logistics company.

Through acquisition of this certification, we will strive to further develop Cold Chain in Vietnam by offering Japanese-style, high-quality, high-value-added logistics services, paying close attention to “food safety,” and continue strengthening our logistics business which we positioned as an important task under our medium-term management plan.

 

1. Name CLK COLD STORAGE COMPANY LIMITED
2. Address Lot B2, Tan Dong Hiep B Industrial Park, Tan Dong Hiep Ward, Di An Town, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam
3. Certification Standard ISO22000:2005
4. Date of Certification October 19, 2017
5. Certification Number 760029
6. Category of Certification Provision of Transport and Storage Services for Perishable Food and Feed
7. Certification Body Guardian Independent Certification Ltd (GIC)

TT Club Highlights Global Supply Chain Weakness to Cyber Attack

13th November, 2017

The Trans- Pacific Asia Conference, held in Shenzhen, China last month provided an opportune forum for leading international freight transport insurer, TT Club to add its voice to growing concerns over the frailty of the global supply chain when faced with cyber-attack.

Alexis Cahalan, formerly of the TT Club, now with Thomas Miller Law based in Sydney, emphasized the logistics and freight forwarding community’s particular vulnerability to disruptive cyber activity.  “Operations which are characterized by widespread office networks;  reliance on multiple third party suppliers;  IT systems predominantly of an in-house, legacy nature, which are poorly protected by security software; and a lack of open communication and reporting of damaging past cyber experiences, are common within the global logistics community.  These characteristics lead to greater risk,” Cahalan emphasized.

Her conference paper, entitled ‘Cyber Risk: Protecting Your Assets from Invisible Attack’ referenced the recent “not Petya” incident as evidence that the risk of cyber attack is now a reality which needs to be seriously addressed by all participants in the transport supply chain.  “There is a case for employing a corporate culture of risk management to assess these vulnerabilities within individual companies and to develop a response framework with this in mind,” advised Cahalan.

Risks are increasing rapidly not just in terms of greater hacking and malware activity.  The desire for supply chain visibility and efficiencies is driving technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things and access through smart phones and the like.  There is a danger that rapid adoption of such technology means many companies have yet to consider thoroughly the cyber security implications of BYOD (‘bring your own device’) procedures.

TT Club is committed to preparing appropriate loss prevention and risk management advice and support for freight transport operators on an ongoing basis. Defensive action in such a challenging environment can’t be whittled down to just one area of operation. However, human behaviour, both a successful supply chain’s greatest strength and weakness, can be usefully targeted.

“Employee awareness of the potential dangers of day-to-day activities will help with cyber defences. Trust in email communication, auto-connect Wi-Fi settings and password protocols, peripheral equipment and flash drives, computers in general, should all be monitored and reviewed,” concluded Cahalan. “Staff and contractors should be brought to understand that the critical balance between ease of operation and security may bring inconvenience. A corporate culture that articulates, enforces and educates cyber defence will achieve much in terms of mitigating risk.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. As a mutual insurer, TT 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.

Customers include some of the world’s largest shipping lines, busiest ports, biggest freight forwarders and cargo handling terminals, to companies operating on a smaller scale but whose operations face similar risks. TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller.

www.ttclub.com

About 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 including legal services, claims and captive management
  • Managing General Agency

www.thomasmiller.com 

 

SAL gets a new sister – SAL Engineering

Hamburg, 1. November 2017 – SAL Engineering GmbH is established as an independent Engineering house within the Harren & Partner Group. SAL Engineering becomes a sister company to SAL Heavy Lift GmbH, and is utilizing from the know-how, and practical experience that has been obtained over the past 35 years creating engineering solutions for the worldwide recognized project carrier.

There is a new kid on the block, yet it builds on a foundation that is very well established with over 35 years of operation. A new chapter has begun within heavy lift & marine engineering. SAL Engineering GmbH is opening as an independent engineering house, offering highly specialized technical engineering, consultancy and site support services.

SAL Engineering does therefore not set off as an industry newcomer. With thousands of realized projects for SAL Heavy Lift, the company is already having solid experience to present from its first day of operation.

Karsten Behrens, General Manager SAL Engineering states: “I am very happy about bringing SAL Engineering to market. For many years our team has been developing heavy lift solutions to customers world-wide – but always in combination with cargo bookings on company tonnage. Now we can also deliver it as an independent service – and with a wider scope, not only to our industry, but to multiple industries.”

SAL Engineering will offer services within three business fields: Engineering, Consultancy and Site Support & Surveys. Amongst these fields, services such as structural designs and hydrodynamic calculations, design reviews and FEED studies as well as cargo operations and condition surveys can be mentioned as a few within the palette of competences.

Axel Urban, General Manager SAL Engineering explains: “We have some of the best minds in our industry. Our team consists of naval architects, master mariners, structural and welding engineers and hydrodynamic experts, that in combination can develop fully customized solutions within all disciplines of marine engineering and heavy lift transportation. Our solutions are rooted in practical experience – resulting in an efficient and cost-effective result. We know how to put a concept into realization.“

SAL Engineering can support a wide range of industries enabling many to benefit from the comprehensive service levels. It is recognized that technical pain points may exist in a broader range of businesses, even outside the heavy lift and marine construction sector. And here SAL Engineering seek to offer its services as well.

Heiko Felderhoff, Managing Director SAL Engineering adds: “The bandwidth of businesses that can benefit from our services are actually quite broad – we can supply technical designs and execution models to EPC houses, support other shipowners, but also provide vital services to financial institutions and public authorities just to mention a few. By providing comprehensive optimization solutions to industries that have stake but not necessarily direct know how, SAL Engineering may prove to become an important business partner. And as we offer services both as packages or as customized solutions there is an effortless way forward for anyone seeking our services.”

The engineering support to SAL Heavy Lift will remain unchanged. Customers can still expect the same level of technical solutions which has always characterized the service from SAL.

ENDS

About SAL Engineering GmbH

SAL Engineering GmbH, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is an independent engineering and consultancy house offering technical solutions within sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo, marine installation and site support. The company was founded in 2017 as a sister company to SAL Heavy Lift GmbH, a worldwide recognized premium heavy lift project carrier. With a team consisting of +30 specialists and several thousand realized projects behind them, SAL Engineering build on the profound know-how and skills that has been obtained over the years in the SAL Group. SAL Engineering GmbH is residing in Hamburg Germany, and makes use of the latest technologies to develop customized solutions to clients worldwide. The company meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation and health, safety and environment.