Transport communications

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Archives for June 2020

GEODIS PUBLISHES ITS ANNUAL BUSINESS AND CSR REPORT

In this report entitled “Securing Supply Chains”, GEODIS reviews the high points of 2019. A year marked by strong governance, its new strategic plan, Ambition 2023 and its determination to create sustainable value. Central to the Group’s success were a trusted relationship with its stakeholders, successful reorganization, a strong culture of innovation and tangible CSR commitments.

Despite sluggish global economic conditions, the Group achieved solid financial results and pursued its aims in the areas of social and environmental responsibility, confirming its role as a committed industry leader.

Both financial and non-financial indicators, as well as external assessments reflect this conclusion:

  • 87% satisfied customers,
  • 91% of employees satisfied (87% in 2017),
  • More than 13,000 new hires,
  • €223M in cash flow from recurring operations,
  • Recognized as a “Leader” in Gartner’s “Magic Quadrant” report,
  • “Gold” level, the highest score ever obtained (score 72/100**), awarded by EcoVadis
  • CDP* A- rating, the highest ever obtained. It places the Group in the category of companies that lead the way in controlling and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

GEODIS enhanced its global digitalization strategy, particularly through its “Odyssey” program aimed at improving support function processes and expanding its product portfolio using innovative digital solutions.

The year was also marked by the launch of a new express delivery service from Hong Kong to Mexico for high-tech customers (called “AirDirect Mexico”); several major contract renewals and the opening of sites, including 100,000 m² for a major e-commerce company.

Firmly convinced that a successful company requires flawless logistics, GEODIS also asserted its role as a growth partner for its customers by adopting a new brand signature “Keep Rising”, signifying resilience and a drive to succeed.

“In 2019, constantly changing market dynamics demanded flexibility. More than ever we focused on our customers’ success by providing transport and logistics solutions that have optimized their supply chains and improved their environmental performance. Thanks to the commitment of our teams around the world, we have implemented innovative solutions on many occasions jointly initiated with our customers.

The Covid-19 pandemic crisis has revealed the extent to which logistics is a strategic factor for companies as well as for nations.

The multiple and complex challenges that the disruption brought to the global economy demonstrate the need to make supply chains more secure.” says Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

GEODIS’ 2019 Activity and CSR Report is available for download by clicking here.

*The CDP was formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

**Score of 72/100 (+ 2 points) awarded in 2019.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Robert Erni to become Dachser CFO

Effective January 1, 2021, 54-year-old Swiss citizen Robert Erni will take over as CFO from Burkhard Eling, who will become CEO of the family-owned company.

Kempten, June 23, 2020 – Dachser is appointing experienced logistics CFO Robert Erni to succeed Burkhard Eling. Erni will begin his onboarding phase at Dachser as Deputy Director on September 1, 2020.

Most recently, the 54-year-old was CFO at listed logistics provider Panalpina, where he headed the merger with Danish logistics group DSV. During his time at Panalpina, he successfully managed various acquisition projects in addition to two substantial SAP rollouts and the organisational changes these required, thus supporting the company’s global growth strategy. Erni began his career at logistics company Kühne+Nagel, where he held posts in Hong Kong, India, Argentina, and the US before returning to his home country of Switzerland, where he was in charge of global controlling at company headquarters.

“Robert Erni is an extremely experienced CFO who has spent over 30 years working in the logistics sector,” explains Dachser’s current CFO Burkhard Eling, who will become CEO as of January 1, 2021. “We are delighted to have him on our new Executive Board and look forward to working with him to address future challenges in a way that creates value and growth.”

Dachser CEO Bernhard Simon, who will head the company’s Supervisory Board as of 2021, adds: “Being CFO of a family-owned company like Dachser is about much more than mastering the figures: our CFO maintains close relations with our shareholders, shapes the strategy process, and in so doing also plays a major role in the operational business. In Robert Erni, we have found a CFO who can fully meet these requirements from January 1, 2021, onward”.    

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 31,000 employees at 393 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.7 billion in 2019. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 80.6 million shipments weighing 41.0 million metric tons. Country organisations represent Dachser in 44 countries.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com.

American Club conducts 2020 Annual Meetings virtually: Reports continuing progress across all business lines

IT and other management capabilities mobilized over recent months to secure unimpaired service in response to COVID-19 pandemic

  • American Club tonnage grows during 2019, premium remains flat
  • Eagle Ocean Marine enjoys steady expansion with continuing profitability
  • American Hellenic Hull reports increasing income and profits, buoyed by higher pricing
  • American Club investments generate a 10.6% in 2019, best in a decade
  • Modest decline in tonnage at 2020 renewal offset by 10% rise in premium per ton
  • Members’ risk profile improves again for 2020, encouraging positive claims outlook
  • Attritional losses stable in 2019, but incidence of larger claims increases
  • 2019 Pool claims develop at elevated levels similar to those of 2018
  • 2017 policy year closed without further call, release call margins for open years maintained
  • 2019 year-end GAAP free reserves grow by 20%, statutory surplus by 18%
  • As COVID-19 pandemic grips the world, IT and other capabilities mobilized to secure unimpaired service to all stakeholders
  • Early impact of COVID-19 muted, but longer-term market consequences uncertain
  • Annual Meeting of Members elects Mr. Weipeng Chen of CCCC International Shipping Corp., Mr. Emmanuel Michelakakis of Global Maritime Group, Inc., Mr. Leon Patitsas of Atlas Maritime, Ltd. and Mr. Joe Hughes of the Club’s Managers as new Directors
  • Annual Meeting of the Directors re-elects Mr. George D. Gourdomichalis and Mr. Robert D. Bondurant as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board respectively
  • Joe Hughes retires as Club Secretary after 20 years’ service.  Ms. Dorothea Ioannou elected by Directors to that position as his successor
Ms. Dorothea Ioannou

NEW YORK, JUNE 19, 2020:  For the first time in its history, Members attending the American Club’s Annual Meeting in New York yesterday did so remotely, in a virtual format made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Despite the unusual circumstances, Members heard that the Club had made solid progress across all business lines over the previous twelve months, with 2020 having also started on a positive note.

While the shipping and insurance sectors had continued to experience headwinds in 2019, the American Club had nonetheless seen a modest growth in tonnage, although income had remained flat.  However, the Club’s fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, had continued to expand its market share and revenue while maintaining respectable profitability.  Year-on-year premium growth had been in excess of 10%, while the facility’s cumulative combined ratio remained below 80%.

American Hellenic Hull, the American Club’s fast-growing, Solvency II-accredited hull and war risks underwriting subsidiary domiciled in Cyprus, had enjoyed conspicuous success during 2019, with rising revenue and profits buoyed by higher levels of market pricing.  This had continued with growing momentum into the opening months of the current year.  The company’s results as of end-May, 2020 indicated a year-to-date combined ratio of just over 90%, driven, among other factors, by a 29% increase in rates on renewing business.  Rising profitability was expected over the months ahead.

The American Club’s attritional exposures during 2019 had remained stable by comparison with the previous year, but the incidence of larger claims had increased over the period.  The experience of the International Group’s Pool in 2019 had been broadly the same as that of 2018, while the early development of exposures into 2020 suggested a continuation of the elevated level of losses which had characterized the two earlier years.  It was encouraging to note, however, that the Club’s retained claims had emerged in a relatively benign manner over the opening months of the current policy year.

The 2019 financial year had seen a 10.6% return on the Club’s investment portfolio, the best result in a decade.  This, together with a 48% increase in net premium and assessments earned by comparison with the previous year, some of which was attributable to supplementary calls for 2016 and 2017 (formally closed without further call at the meeting), and a 6% reduction in management overhead, had contributed to a year-end increase in the Club’s GAAP free reserves of 20%, in tandem with a rise of 18% in statutory surplus.

Having adopted a zero-general increase for the 2020 renewal, the American Club nevertheless experienced an increase in average P&I rates per ton of about 10%, albeit with a modest reduction in overall tonnage against a background of membership consolidation.  It was also encouraging to note that, partly in consequence of that consolidation, the risk profile of the existing membership had improved once again for 2020, implying a favourable claims outlook for the future.

The meeting was told that, in early 2020, the “lockdowns” precipitated in many parts of the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, together with their social, economic and political implications, had created new and unprecedented challenges for the American Club and its related businesses. 

Happily, with the active support of its Board, the Club’s Managers had been able to respond with agility to these new circumstances, adapting traditional modes of operation to take account of remote working in a virtual environment.  The Managers’ IT and other capabilities had been marshalled to considerable effect in responding to these new realities to secure unimpaired service to all the Club’s and EOM’s stakeholders.  The early impact of COVID-19 on the Club, EOM and American Hellenic Hull had been muted, but the longer-term consequences for the marine insurance sector at large remained uncertain.

At the Annual Meeting of the Members, Mr. Weipeng Chen of CCCC International Shipping Corp., Mr. Emmanuel Michelakakis of Global Maritime Group, Inc., Mr. Leon Patitsas of Atlas Maritime, Ltd. and Mr. Joseph Hughes of the Club’s Managers were elected as new Directors.  Messrs. Nicholas Tragakes and Mr. Lianyu Zhu retired from the Board at the meeting, and were thanked most warmly for their contribution to the Club’s affairs over their years of service.

The Board also noted with sadness the death, in April 2020, of Mr. Richard H. Brown, Jr.  Dick Brown was one of the leading maritime lawyers of his generation and had been a servant of the American Club for some forty years as General Counsel and, more recently, as a member of its Board.  He had participated in the affairs of the Club over much of its recent, transformational development in which he played an important role. He would be much missed by all who had been privileged to know him.

At the Annual Meeting of the Directors, which took place immediately after that of the Members, Mr. George D. Gourdomichalis of Phoenix Shipping and Trading S.A. and Mr. Robert D. Bondurant of Martin Resource Mgmt. Corp. were re-elected as, respectively, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Board.

At the same time, Mr. Joseph Hughes, Chairman and CEO of the Club’s Managers, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., retired as Club Secretary after twenty years’ service in that role.  Ms. Dorothea Ioannou, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of the Managers, was elected Secretary in his stead.  In addition, Mr. Lawrence J. Bowles was re-elected as General Counsel.

Speaking in connection with the Annual Meeting, Mr. Gourdomichalis, the Club’s Chairman, said: “2019 was not an easy year for P&I underwriters.  In common with its counterparts elsewhere in the International Group, the American Club encountered headwinds in conducting its business and had to make difficult choices in several areas.  However, with the unwavering support of its membership, the Club was able to make solid progress in achieving many of its longer-term goals.  More recently, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused the Club to adopt new and agile responses to the needs of its Members. We have weathered the storm with some success, I believe, and are well placed to exploit the post-pandemic insurance landscape of the future.”

Joe Hughes, Chairman & CEO of Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., the Club’s Managers, also commented: “2019 brought both challenges and opportunities for the American Club and its related businesses.  Attritional claims remained stable, but larger exposures continued to rise.  Premium pricing strengthened across all insurance lines.  Investment earnings were the best for a decade.  Difficult decisions to levy calls on earlier years were made to ensure continuing balance sheet strength.  Loss prevention initiatives multiplied.  The management team was strengthened through the acquisition of new, and redeployment of existing, professional talent. Both Eagle Ocean Marine and American Hellenic Hull performed conspicuously well.”

He continued: “The COVID-19 pandemic over recent months has generated an unprecedented mobilization of management resources, geared to entirely new ways of working, to secure unimpaired service to our stakeholders.  Despite the exigencies of the present, my colleagues and I look forward with optimism to the many opportunities for future growth and development which will gain further momentum when normal conditions return.”

ENDS

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, 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.

The American Club also operates a fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades.  Since it commenced underwriting in 2011 with its coventurers at Lloyd’s, EOM has enjoyed considerable success in building a growing footprint in this specialist market and generating strong profitability for both the Club and its co-insuring partners.

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, Ltd. (AHHIC) is a wholly-owned, Solvency-II accredited hull and war risk subsidiary of the Club, based in Cyprus.  Since it began operating in mid-2016, AHHIC has enjoyed an increasing market presence coupled with growing premium volume and rising profitability.

For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/

“K”Line VIDEO RELEASE: TRIBUTE TO OUR SEAFARERS

This unprecedented and difficult times have brought a lot of challenges to many of our seafarers: lockdowns, travel restrictions, difficulties on crew changeovers and restrictions on shore leaves are among others. 

But despite of this challenging situation, our seafarers are staying strong to maintain the supply chain moving, to keep the global economy running and to support the lives of people all across the globe. 

To give honor and gratitude to all seafarers’ hardships and sacrifices, we have created a video message to remind them that they are not alone in this fight; that they are not forgotten; that we are all in this together.

The video is published on K-Line’s official YouTube channel as per link below. Please take a look and feel free to write your message on the comments section to express your support and appreciation to all our seafarers.

“K” Line Movie “THANK YOU SEAFARERS”-UNSUNG HEROES-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1RM3V5SfRkD6nlPJZE0bcA

We will continue to exert our utmost efforts to smoothly conduct crew replacements in cooperation with relevant organizations.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. Stay Strong.

Thank you Seafarers!

Dachser opens new warehouse in Karlsruhe

43,000 pallet spaces for chemical industry products

Kempten, June 17, 2020 – Dachser has begun operations at a new hazardous materials warehouse with 21,800 square meters of floor space in Malsch, near Karlsruhe, Germany. The specially equipped facility can safely store chemical products and hazardous materials such as paints, coatings, and adhesives in a total of 43,000 pallet spaces. Dachser invested more than 20 million euros in the warehouse.

Baden-Württemberg is one of the top five German states for chemical industry revenue. As such, there is strong demand there for logistics companies that can serve as a reliable transportation partner while also offering safe storage of chemical products and hazardous materials. Dachser’s Karlsruhe logistics centre has grown along with its customers to become a pivotal logistics hub for chemical products in the global logistics provider’s European network. A further advantage of the location is its excellent connections to France—the number one destination for German chemical exports. “Constantly growing demand from the chemical industry made building the new facility an absolute must,” said Bernd Großmann, Branch Manager Dachser Malsch. 

Construction work for the new hazardous materials warehouse began in spring 2018, and the first customers began to move in during February 2019. With the official launch a few weeks ago, all work is now complete. All the hazardous materials warehouse’s transportation, storage, and logistics services are now up and running, with direct daily routes connecting it into Dachser’s close-knit European network.

Expertise for the chemical industry

The new hazardous materials warehouse can accommodate 43,000 pallets on 21,800 square meters of floor space. It is divided into nine sections separated by firewalls. Each section has an automatic fire extinguishing system with both ceiling and in-rack sprinkler systems. The depressed floors are specially designed to retain product leakage and firewater, while barriers at the wastewater outlets provide increased groundwater protection.

Dachser has experience in handling hazardous materials and offers a global industry solution, DACHSER Chem-Logistics, that is tailored to the particular logistics needs of the chemical industry and applies the highest safety standards. For instance, the company has a central dangerous goods management team and 226 regional dangerous goods safety officers. 

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 31,000 employees at 393 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.7 billion in 2019. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 80.6 million shipments weighing 41.0 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 44 countries.  

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com.

GEODIS APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR INDONESIA

Leading global logistics provider, GEODIS has announced the appointment of Tomy Sofhian as the Managing Director of Indonesia from May 2020.

Tomy reports to Rene Bach-Larsen, Sub-Regional Managing Director ASEAN, who commented: “Tomy Sofhian joins GEODIS with a wealth of experience in the supply chain industry and at a key time during our expansion of operations in Indonesia.  We continue to support Healthcare and Pharma Industries with our bonded warehouse equipped with cold chain facilities in Soewarna business Park. Crucially, this facility enables us to manage and control pharmaceutical products from China and rest of Asia, which are being delivered to key facilities locally.  Tomy’s expert regional knowledge and commitment will help the further development of our team in Indonesia to meet in reaching our growth targets.”

GEODIS professionals in Indonesia are also extensively involved in supporting customers in the oil and gas industry, providing specialized logistics services in the remote region in the vicinity of Balikpapan, a seaport city in East Kalimantan.  GEODIS has a regular air cargo service to Balikpapan with connections from Singapore four times a week.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Economics & Business (majoring in Strategic Management) from Diponegoro University, Indonesia, Tomy Sofhian, 48, joins GEODIS with a career long in both local and regional experiences, having spent nearly 20 years in the freight delivery sector.

ENDS


GEODIS –
www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #4 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2018, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

American Club Urges Industry to Step Up Care of Seafarers Mental Health

Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurers American Club and Eagle Ocean Marine issue advice on key action points that can immediately make a difference in a video log entitled ‘Seafarer Mental Wellness –  Five Things the Industry Can Do Now’.

NEW YORK, June 11, 2020

Continuing their commitment to supporting seafarers and ship owners in the challenging times precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, American Club and Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM) have made available key advice on maintaining seafarers’ mental health via a video log (Vlog).  It is available on the Club’s Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/GmFig5RjBVI

Joe Hughes, Chairman & CEO Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for the American Club, commented:

“Already of major concern to those involved in the shipping industry, the condition of seafarers’ mental well-being has become more critical during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Since the outbreak of the pandemic we, at the American Club and Eagle Ocean Marine, have attempted to bring the need for action to the attention of owners, managers and authorities alike.”   

“We expressed our, as well as our Members’ and business partners’ support for all mariners through our ‘Weathering the Storm’* video last month, and now want to inject some practical advice into what has become a global, industry-wide campaign.”

Using the most accessible and expressive of channels of communication to deliver its advice the ‘Seafarer Mental Wellness – Five Things the Industry Can Do Now’ Vlog is presented by the Club’s Managing Director in Hong Kong, Chris Hall with clarity and relevance to the current situation.

 “The crucial aspect of ameliorating the plight of many seafarers suffering from depression and anxiety is a clear understanding of the problem and taking straightforward and effective action,” he said. 

 Mr. Hall continues, “Even before the pandemic took hold, an ITF survey, in collaboration with Yale University, identified that 20% to 25% of seafarers were suffering from some form of mental ill-health.  COVID delays in crew changes have been well documented. Unexpected extensions to contracts and voyages have exacerbated the problem. This was the primary reason, the same survey concluded, for higher levels of anxiety and depression.”

The Vlog contains five key actions, which start with simple recognition of the situation, without which nothing effective can be achieved, and go on to proffer advice on prioritizing the provision of assistance to crew members through counselling; encouraging on-board social activity, communication and mutual understanding; widespread adoption of anti-virus best practice to engender a sense of control; and consultation with seafarers in preparing mental wellness policies and programs.

“Practical engagement with our owners and the crew members who work with them in response to critical issues has always been the approach of the American Club and EOM.  We hope the preparation of this Vlog, and others that we plan for the future, given the face-to-face nature of the information delivery that it affords, will help bring more effective care for seafarers in the future,” concluded Hughes.

The Club is providing constantly up-dated advice to its Members and those insured by EOM on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This addresses a variety of concerns that owners have expressed including the welfare and protection of their workforce.  The dedicated webpage can be accessed here  https://www.american-club.com/page/COVID-19

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVTBZ0v1w4Q

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, 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.

The American Club also operates a fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades.  Since it commenced underwriting in 2011 with its coventurers at Lloyd’s, EOM has enjoyed considerable success in building a growing footprint in this specialist market and generating strong profitability for both the Club and its co-insuring partners.

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Company, Ltd. (AHHIC) is a wholly-owned, Solvency-II accredited hull and war risk subsidiary of the Club, based in Cyprus.  Since it began operating in mid-2016, AHHIC has enjoyed an increasing market presence coupled with growing premium volume and rising profitability.

For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/

TT Club publishes workplace guidance to help UK ports through the coronavirus pandemic

As businesses across the UK strive to regain levels of activity with the easing of restrictions, it is imperative to maintain the safety and well-being of all workers and more important than ever for employers to understand the unusual risks that they and their workforce face under unique circumstances. TT Club, a leading international insurance provider specialising in the cargo handling sector and an Associate Member of the British Ports Association (BPA) has prepared a short paper for UK ports and terminals to consider as part of their risk assessment and management plans during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

UK ports have demonstrated their resilience by continuing to facilitate 95% of the UK’s trade throughout the lockdown period, which includes half of the country’s food imports, along with medicines, energy and fuel. Those port workers responsible for making it happen have been identified as ‘key workers’ by the Government and continue to need support as the lockdown now starts to be gradually lifted.

The TT Club paper (available Here) is part of the BPA’s Port Futures Programme, which considers emerging and innovative trends in the ports sector.

Commenting on the TT Club paper, Sara Walsh, Corporate Services Manager, at the British Ports Association said: “Duringthis rather unusual and challengingtime,all UK ports are under a lot of pressure. They are having to make difficult decisions about how best to maintain their workforce so critical tasks are performed and legal duties met, whilst also supporting staff who are working at home or are self-isolating.

We are pleased to be working with TT Club to produce this short paper that addresses some of the key things UK ports and terminals must continue to prioritise when managing their workforce during COVID-19 and its immediate aftermath.

The maritime sector is like no other and has worked together during this unprecedented time to overcome the challenges faced as best it can whilst still ensuring food, medicines, energy, fuel and other products continue to flow into the country.”
TT Club is a mutual insurer, formed by the transport industry for the benefit of the industry. Its mission is to make the industry safer and more secure and therefore prioritises risk management and loss prevention, promoting the development and implementation of sound operating practices to the port and terminals sector. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, TT Club has a wealth of guidance to the industry as a whole through its dedicated web page that can be accessed here https://www.ttclub.com/news-events/coronavirus-guidance/

Michael Yarwood, TT Club’s Managing Director for Loss Prevention commented on his organisation’s report for the BPA: “Like many other sectors who have ‘key workers’, those who work at UK ports and terminals are in a unique position as the vast majority of roles cannot be performed at home.
We have compiled a list of factors operators should consider as part of their risk assessments and management plans during the COVID-19 outbreak. From social distancing, cleaning facilities, personal protective equipment, shift patterns, communications to remote working and health and well-being, ports must continue to support their staff and ensure all risks are managed as best they can be.

We are committed to supporting the industry in this effort and are continuing to create and collect resources such as this paper to guide good practice.”
In further support of the ports sector during the pandemic, Port Skills and Safety, the industry body for port health and safety with which BPA works closely is developing a ‘Gazetteer’ document that will signpost the various government and industry guidance documents available. 

Ports of all size and type are having to alter their usual ways of working to ensure social distancing measures can be followed as much as possible. The Gazetteer will be circulated to BPA members and can be consulted here, Ports Coronavirus Hub. It is intended as a living document, updated as new government and industry guidance continues to be published.
About TT Club – TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.  www.ttclub.com  

About British Ports Association (BPA)

  1. The British Ports Association represents the interests of over 100 port members, covering more than 400 ports, terminal operators and port facilities.
  2. The UK ports industry plays a key role in the country’s economy as 95% of the UK’s international trade – imports and exports – is carried through British ports.
  3. UK ports also handle more than 60 million international and domestic passenger journeys each year.
  4. The UK port industry is the second largest in Europe, handling around 500 million tonnes of freight each year.
  5. UK ports directly employ around 115,000 people.

The British Ports Association recently produced a video which highlights the importance of ports to the UK’s economy. It can be viewed by clicking here

Media / Photos
Photos are available for publication in connection with this story: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hpmvwcu8o3dm2lp/AAChVlLzRrXl1s5As8uj2Zm2a?dl=0

GEODIS transports 50 million disposable medical gloves from China to Germany for the German Government

The international logistics provider GEODIS is ensuring the safe transport of the cargo from China to Germany. The Freight Forwarding unit of GEODIS in Germany won this major contract of 275 tons in a public tender from the German Government. Around 50,000 boxes of gloves will be transported in five shipments from Chengdu, in the Chinese province of Sichuan, to Frankfurt and Nuremberg by Airfreight and Rail.

The air and rail transportation solution, which GEODIS developed in close cooperation with all partners, includes the continuous monitoring of the shipments. Employees of the Chinese supplier watch over the dispatching and loading of the containers at the Sichuan Medicines & Health Products I./E. Corporation’s production facilities in Shendong, where the certified goods are manufactured. The GEODIS teams in China and Europe monitor transport from Chengdu to the destinations in Germany. So-called GEOtags are used for the containers, which enable live tracking via GPS.

The first airfreight shipment from Chengdu Airport to Frankfurt took place on May 19. This first partial delivery consisted of 2.5 million disposable gloves, packed in 2,500 boxes weighing almost 15 tons. In Frankfurt, GEODIS employees packed the goods on 40 pallets, cleared customs and prepared them for collection.

The first of the four shipments by rail departed from Chengdu to Nuremberg on May 21. Loaded in 40-foot containers, 9,000 boxes with around nine million gloves arrived last weekend. Four more containers left Chengdu on May 28 and June 4. New ones will follow on June 18, and 25. The final shipment is planned to arrive in Nuremberg on July 11.

With its combined transport solution, GEODIS guarantees maximum flexibility in order to be able to react quickly to changes in the supply chain.

The international law firm Berg & Moll, which is specialized in projects for the Belt and Road Initiative, is responsible for contract execution and project monitoring. The transport of medical protective clothing currently involves high risks. Reduced transport capacities, short-term cancellations or changes in modes of transport, strict quality controls and purchasers who do everything they can to intercept goods while they are in transit make the whole process difficult. Claudia von Selle, partner at Berg & Moll, praised the effective teamwork: “Thanks to the great commitment of our Chinese partner and the GEODIS teams in China and Europe, all hurdles were quickly overcome.”

In Germany, the team around Antje Lochmann, Managing Director of GEODIS Freight Forwarding Germany, is coordinating all the activities involved in the contract. “As a response to the new requirements and demands, GEODIS has developed a dedicated concept for transportation of medical protective clothing, and we are particularly pleased to be able to support the German Government with this know-how.”

ENDS    

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

TT Club warns of persistent ‘stowaway’ risk

Clandestine migration has been a problem for the transport sector across Europe for some time now. While more stringent border crossing checks have been imposed due to the current COVID crisis, the risk to operators is not diminished. Furthermore, as the restrictions on movement begin to ease migration activity could be set to escalate warns international freight insurer TT Club

The smuggling of people has unfortunately become a major issue in certain parts of the world. Political imperatives in target countries have led to stricter immigration restrictions and increased government action. International clandestine migration has become a persistent threat to the unitised supply chain.

No mode of transport can be considered exempt from clandestine movement of people. However, the risk is greatly heightened during the road modality. In Europe, BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions statistics highlight that 86% of recorded incidents involve movement of cargo by road, which in the case of the UK also often involves a ferry crossing.

Nor has the current COVID pandemic lessened the dangers.  The effect is more that enhanced border control measures and travel restrictions have merely shifted the focus or means of smuggling activities temporarily.  Indeed, according to a recent report[1]from the European Migrant Smuggling Centre (EMSC), part of Europol, migrant smugglers have been increasingly using small boats to cross river borders and the English Channel.  More significantly for the freight industry, the report goes on to say there has also been a shift “to hiding of irregular migrants in concealments in freight vehicles and cargo trains that still move across the borders” during the COVID outbreak.

“Our first consideration of course must be with the well-being of the migrants themselves, who are often victims of criminal activities and whose lives are often at risk,” says TT Club’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention Mike Yarwood. “In terms of the liabilities that transport operators are exposed to, however, TT Club is warning of potential physical damage to cargoes, additional freight costs, vehicle and equipment detention, fines, penalties and reputational damage,” Yarwood states.

Criminal organisations are often the facilitators of this clandestine movement. They know that the simplest way to move people across international borders is to hide them in legitimate freight transport.

Pre-COVID there had been numerous incidents featuring the cross-channel route to the UK in the recent past, including the tragic case of 39 Vietnamese migrants found dead in a refrigerated road trailer last October. However, such events have not been limited to this type of cargo unit – as proved by the discovery in March of 10 Eritreans in a shipping container in Hull. The container was unaccompanied and was loaded onto a ferry in Zeebrugge.

TT Club emphasises that all stakeholders who regularly undertake cross border freight movements must be vigilant. Close consideration should be given to the preventative guidance that governmental authorities produce. TT Club itself has collaborated with leading global provider of supply chain intelligence; BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions to publish a StopLoss briefing entitled Clandestine Migration*.

In the fast-changing COVID circumstances, the easing of ‘lockdown’ restrictions may further exacerbate the problems of illegal migration. “This might be a particular danger as regards potential movement into the UK,” states Yarwood. “Although cross-border freight services are still running during the COVID lockdown and therefore providing opportunities to migrants, it is likely that there are large numbers of people currently unable to move, who may want to cross to the UK and will attempt to as the restrictions on movement are lifted at first gradually and then fully.”

“Constant vigilance and awareness are the only ways to combat stowaways in these types of transport. Vehicles should be checked regularly en route to ensure that they have not been entered, particularly after stops when left unattended,” advises Yarwood. The briefing document details the measures that should be taken: specific training for drivers; precise security procedures; robust security devices to secure the vehicle, goods and cargo space; and practical measures before and during the packing process, and in transit.

TT Club remains committed to assisting operators with advice and the development of good practice guidance in all risk situations, including the serious situation involving clandestine migration. But as Yarwood concludes, “Whilst owners, operators or drivers may contract with third parties to conduct the required checks on their behalf, they are likely to remain liable to any penalty and/or loss incurred. Consequently, due diligence in the selection of such contractors is critical.”

[1] EMSC 4th Annual Activity Report – 2009 (https://www.europol.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/emsc_4th_annual_activity_report_-_2019.pdf)

*Available for download HERE

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more. 

www.ttclub.com