Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

Archives for February 2021

“K”LINE Press Release – Notice of occurrence of Non-Operating Income by dividends income

February 26, 2021 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (hereafter, “the Company”) will account following dividends income on Non-Operating Income of non-consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

1) Outline of dividends

The Company will receive dividends of about 155 million U.S. Dollars from OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS PTE. LTD., the affiliate company accounted with the equity method in the fourth quarter of the current fiscal year.

2) Impact on The Companyʼs business performance

The Company will account aforementioned dividends income on Non-Operating Income of non-consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.

There will not be impact on consolidated financial results at the period, as it is dividends from the affiliate company accounted with the equity method.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K”LINE Press Release – Changes of responsibilities of Executive Officers

February 25, 2021 by

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office made the following press release announcement today.

To read this press release in its entirety, please see the attached PDF document or visit “K” Line website where it is available in English and Japanese.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS appoints new Regional Sales & Marketing Director

February 25, 2021 by

The logistics service provider GEODIS has strengthened its global sales & marketing team in the NECE (North, East & Central Europe) region with the appointment of Robert Mianowski. In his role, Robert will be responsible for the regional development and implementation of GEODIS’ sales and marketing strategy across the region.

Robert Mianowski has 25 years of industry experience acquired while working in various sales and marketing roles and later as managing director of leading transport and logistics companies in Europe.

After studying journalism, political science and business administration, he started his professional career in 1994 at TNT Express. There he held a number of management positions in Central and Eastern Europe, most recently Managing Director at TNT Express Eastern Europe. Before joining GEODIS, Mianowski was Vice President Operations DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) at FedEx Express.

In his role at GEODIS and based in Frankfurt, he will report to Thomas Kraus, GEODIS President & CEO North, East and Central Europe, who welcomes his appointment: “I am delighted that in Robert Mianowski we have been able to gain another very experienced industry expert to augment our team. The NECE region requires country-specific and holistic customer solutions due to the varying demands of individual companies and markets within it. With Robert’s considerable experience his support will enhance our abilities to design these solutions”.

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.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Annual cargo theft report indicates significant new trends

February 24, 2021 by

The report, which reflects whole year data from 2020 compiled by leading international transport and logistics insurer, TT Club, and global provider of supply chain intelligence, BSI, highlights significant new trends in risks both regionally and globally.

  • Thefts of cargo in transit remains highest proportion of total, all though the 71% share is a decrease from 2019 (87%)
  • Losses from warehouses and other storage facilities increases to 25%
  • An atypical year due to supply chain threats from the pandemic. These likely to be of continued concern well into 2021
  • New high-value targets created such as PPE, face masks and anti-bacterial gel. Vaccine supply chain to come under threat as roll out expands
  • Food & beverage sector remains largest target at 31%

24th February, 2021

The most significant trend highlighted by the report was the relative shift in the location of thefts, with in-transit incidents and those involving vehicles showing a decline, though remaining the most dominant threat, and theft from storage facilities increasing. The extent of the rise in the latter was variable from region to region however this trend was reflective of the disruption to supply chains brought about by radical changes to consumer buying patterns as a consequence of the pandemic.

TT Club’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood explains more, “The effects throughout 2020 of the COVID crisis threatened supply chain security, continuity and resilience. Not only did newly created high-value commodities such as PPE become targets for theft but bottle-necks in the logistics infrastructure at ports and warehouses brought increased potential risks. Temporary overflow storage facilities added to the dangers in loosening the grip of existing security systems.”

Although specific incidents have not yet occurred, unless distribution plans for vaccines are perfectly executed within the expectations of any given population, challenges will arise in protecting the single most valuable cargo of all in the coming months.

The accompanying infographics give an overview of the global data findings, but regional variances are worthy of note. In Europe, the stockpiling of goods meant these inventories came under particular threat with 48% of 2020 reported thefts coming from warehouses and production facilities. This was in contrast with 2019 when only 18% came at such locations. On the other hand, 54% of incidents occurred in rest areas and parking sites in 2019 — the 2020 figure was 19%.

In Asia, the countries with the highest risk remain India, Indonesia, China and Bangladesh. The proportion of storage-based risk remains around 50% in Asia as a whole but in Southeast Asia the in-transit risk indicates the prevalence of bribery and corruption with a high percentage of thefts being facilitated by employees and customs or other officials. 

North America continues to see theft coming almost exclusively in-transit via hijackings or directly from a parked vehicle. The risk of social unrest, particularly in Mexico, arguably impacted the risk of cargo loss through most of last year. Significant disruption to the Mexican rail freight industry, with protesters setting up blockades on train tracks, created a backup of cargo across the country. This disruption led to estimated losses of close to US$4.4billion

In South America, Brazil was a hotspot last year. A key driver of the high rates of cargo theft here remains the presence of major illegal drug smuggling gangs that need to fund their trafficking efforts. Again, the dominant risks were from hijacking and theft from or of vehicles.  These theft types accounted for 78% of the total losses reported. The extreme rate of cargo theft, however, did drop for the first time in several years, as continued efforts by police and industry contributed to a slight decline in incidents in 2020.

In the coming year disruption and the uneven resumption of international trade resulting from the spread of COVID will continue with imbalances in shipping container distribution that are likely to impact maritime, and through a knock-on effect air cargo capacity throughout 2021. The added vulnerability of cargo will therefore continue.

The key to mitigating threats in 2021 is to stay ahead of the risk. BSI and TT Club have once more collaborated to analyse the detail of these risks. In the report, the authors furthermore offer mitigation techniques so organisations can proactively understand their risk and build a supply chain that is ahead of the criminal tactics and emerging threats.

The full report can be downloaded free of charge HERE

ENDS

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

Filed Under: TT Club

Intermarine and SAL Heavy Lift say “Ola Brasil” and establish a new joint office in São Paulo.

February 24, 2021 by

SãoPaulo, 24th February 2021

An exciting new venture is about to unfold in Brazil. On March 1st 2021, Intermarine Brazil and SAL Heavy Lift Brazil will open their doors in the great South American country. By establishing a joint office, the two heavy lift shipping & logistics companies are set to strengthen their operations in South America and expand their activities within the project cargo and breakbulk sectors.

Intermarine and SAL Heavy Lift are ready to dance the samba. The two sister companies are very pleased to announce their establishment of a new joint strategic sales office in the important cargo hub of Brazil.

Staffed by seasoned commercial and chartering personnel, the new office will focus on servicing the needs of worldwide customers, supporting Intermarine’s Americas Liner Service and the heavy lift shipping activities of SAL Heavy Lift.

Svend Andersen, CEO Intermarine says: “I have done business in Brazil for more than 30 years and know the great importance of the country on the global heavy lift and break bulk scene. With our new joint establishment, we will offer our customers a local access point to a truly unique service with the combination of SAL’s global project and semi-liner services and Intermarine’s very strong Americas liner service and breakbulk business. I look forward to seeing our activities grow in Brazil with this new initiative in SãoPaulo”.

The office will be headed by Natalie Jones, a veteran in the Brazilian breakbulk and project cargo sector, where she has worked for leading carriers, including Intermarine, for more than 25 years. With a team of 5, she will take the lead in building up the new South American business base. 

Natalie Jones, General Manager, SAL / Intermarine Brazil

Natalie Jones, General Manager, SAL / Intermarine Brazil, states; “Brazil holds plenty of opportunities – especially within the power, energy and infrastructure arenas. With the combined services of Intermarine and SAL, our team has a very strong product to market, and I look forward to growing both business and brands together with the rest of the international teams.” And it feels good to be back to the great outfit where I first began my career!

Both Intermarine and SAL have considered, for quite some time, expanding its commitment to the Brazilian market as a natural steppingstone to strengthening their presence throughout the Americas.

Jens Baumgarten, Managing Director & Head of Chartering, SAL Heavy Lift, adds; “Historically, Brazil has provided plenty of attractive prospects, but our setup has lacked a base and the right resources. With our new office in SãoPaulo, I am confident that we can establish SAL as a household name in Brazil. I look forward to engage on this journey together with Natalie, the Brazil team and Intermarine.”

The office will target the growth taking place in the industrial, renewables, offshore oil and gas and power sectors in Brazil and South America in general together with the Intermarine and SAL teams in Houston and New Orleans, USA and in Hamburg, Germany.

Richard Seeg, President Intermarine, concludes; “Intermarine’s long legacy in Brazil forms the cornerstone of our activities in the region. With our new setup I am confident that we will see our break bulk activities grow together with the business activities of SAL.”

The office address and contact details is as follows:

Intermarine Brazil & SAL Heavy Lift Brazil

Rua Enxovia 472 Apt 1401

Vila SãoFrancisco, SãoPaulo – SP Brazil

04711-030

Phone +55 11 3368 1670

+55 11 3368 1673

+55 11 5049 0887

About Intermarine

Intermarine, as agent for Industrial Maritime Carriers, LLC, is a leading provider of reliable liner services for the transport of project, breakbulk and heavy lift cargo in the Americas. From its US offices in Houston and New Orleans and a wide network of agency offices throughout the region, Intermarine provides weekly sailings to and from the US Gulf and Colombia, Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname with frequent regular sailings to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, Brazil, and the West Coast of South America.

For more information please visit:

www.intermarine.com

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as in offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons the fleet belongs to the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

With the Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach, SAL offers advanced transport and offshore services to multiple sectors. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL holds a fleet of heavy lift vessels with 1A ice class, capable of trading in arctic waters and northern sea route transits. 

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. SAL’s latest investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators, takes an industry leading step in applying green technology to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents which spread across more than 20 countries.

For more information please visit:

www.sal-heavylift.com
Filed Under: SAL Heavy Lift

Adopting full scale of AI data analysis technology for environmental load reduction

February 17, 2021 by

〜 Confirmed high accuracy on ship performance evaluation〜

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has decided to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) developed by Bearing, Inc. (Note 1) for the ship ICT system “Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions” (Note 2) on 300+ ships under our operation for the purpose of improving performance evaluation accuracy. By combining the high-quality data collection technology that we have made over 20 years with the world’s most advanced AI technology of Bearing, Inc., we will realize higher accuracy of performance evaluation and reduce environmental load by economical and safe navigation.

Accurate evaluation of vessel operational performance in the actual sea area is highly important for enhancing economical operations and environmental friendly measures. With existing IoT technologies, certain level of operational performance evaluation with a certain accuracy using big data obtained in real time is still possible, but further improvement in accuracy is necessary in the shipping, shipbuilding, and marine equipment industries.

For many years, we have focused on “collection of high-quality data” and “advanced data analysis technology” and have made various efforts to improve the accuracy of performance evaluation technology. As a part of this, from the end of 2019, we have conducted a demonstration experiment to verify and evaluate data analysis technology by AI developed by Bearing, Inc.. As a result, we have confirmed that we could see the result with significantly higher accuracy compared with existing performance evaluation technology.

According to Bearing, Inc. other reason of successful result by the AI adoption is high quality operational data which “K” LINE has been piling up as our long-standing efforts, which makes Bearing, Inc’s AI analysis more accurate, and it can be said that our long-standing efforts have paid off.

In the future, by utilizing Bearing, Inc.‘s technology and high quality operational data, we will not only accurately grasp the operational performance of each vessel in the actual sea area and use it for operational management, but also accurately evaluate various fuel reduction efforts in both software and hardware, improve operational performance and advance ship management.

“K” LINE pursues safety, environment and quality as priority initiatives for our value creation in the management plan and accelerate those issues by DX utilizing big data and AI technology.

Data Analyzing by AI

(Note 1) Bearing, Inc.

Bearing, Inc is one of the portfolio companies backed by the AI Fund and MITSUI & CO. LTD. The AI Fund was founded by Dr. Andrew Ng who is a leading pioneer for AI in the world. Bearing, Inc has access to the latest AI technologies developed in the world’s most advanced AI research labs and the best-known machine learning practices used in the industry.

https://www.bearing.ai/

(Note 2) Kawasaki Integrated Maritime Solutions

Announcement on June 28, 2016
Joint development project of “K-IMS”; Integrated vessel operation and performance management system

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/other/other3295047094663452046.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

Dachser Air & Sea Logistics reorganise regional management

February 16, 2021 by

Dr Tobias Burger to head the ASL EMEA business unit, Ralph Riehl to take over the ASL Americas business unit.

Kempten, February 16, 2021 – Dachser Air & Sea Logistics (ASL) has reorganised management within its business units in Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) and Americas regions. 

Dr Tobias Burger, Managing Director, ASL EMEA

The position of Managing Director, ASL EMEA has been assumed by Dr Tobias Burger, who is already responsible for the strategic development of the business field Air & Sea Logistics as Deputy Director ASL. Before moving to the air and sea freight business, the 43-year-old was head of Corporate Governance & CEO Office at Dachser. Dr Burger succeeds Thomas Krüger, who has led the air and sea freight business in the EMEA region since 2016.

Ralph Riehl, Managing Director, ASL Americas

With immediate effect, Dachser Air & Sea Logistics has assigned responsibility for the ASL Americas business unit to Ralph Riehl. Before joining Dachser, the experienced manager worked for the logistics group Panalpina, now DSV Panalpina, for over 30 years, holding management positions in France, Singapore, and the United States. Most recently, Riehl was Senior Vice President of Sales, responsible for all DSV Panalpina sales in North and Latin America. Riehl assumes the position of Managing Director ASL Americas from Guido Gries, who has led Dachser’s business in the region since 2012.   

“We would like to thank Thomas Krüger and Guido Gries for their many years of dedicated work in the business development and integration of our air and sea freight network, and we wish them all the best for their professional and personal future,” says Edoardo Podestà, COO Air & Sea Logistics at Dachser. 

“Dr Tobias Burger and Ralph Riehl will provide new impetus for the sustainable and profitable development of Dachser Air & Sea Logistics in their regions through their optimal combination of in-house and external expertise. As a result, they will consistently drive the development of globally integrated, value-added solutions for our customers.”

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customised 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 31,000 employees at 393 locations across 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.  

Filed Under: Dachser UK

“K” Line Conduct Joint Emergency Response Drill with ONE

February 10, 2021 by

On February 9th, 2021, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Ocean Network Express (ONE) conducted a joint crisis management drill as a part of optimum training on emergency response, preparedness for any kind of major maritime accidents.

The scenario of the drill developed when ONE’s chartered vessel from “K” LINE encountered

main engine failure and ran aground on the Elbe River in Germany after losing control. Containers on deck were collapsed and part of them including hazardous materials fell into the river. A small amount of fuel oil leaked from the ship was observed at the surface of the river.

Participants from “K” LINE, ONE headquarters in Singapore, ONE regional headquarters in London, and “K” Line Ship Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd confirmed executing procedures, reviewing possible responses, and examining emergency measures with utilizing online communication tools.

“K” LINE principle and vision calls for enhancing “Safety”, “Environment” and “Quality”. We are preparing for any unexpected and unforeseen circumstances through the “Emergency Response Drill”. Furthermore, we promote safety in navigation and environmental conservation and quality enhancement in corporation with charterer and concerned parties.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” LINE Awarded CDP’ s “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard”

February 10, 2021 by

“K” LINE is pleased to announce that the company was recognized as ”Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” for three consecutive years, the top rating, on “Supplier Engagement Rating” from CDP, which is a non-profit global organization (NGO) engaging in activities for investigating and disclosing environmental information, on February 9.

“Supplier Engagement Rating” evaluates the companies initiatives for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain and ranks the companies in line with their efforts. Our strategies and initiatives were evaluated on “Supplier Engagement Rating”.

This year 396 companies, including 83 Japanese companies, out of 5,640 companies were awarded as ”Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” worldwide.  

Last June, we revised the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 in order to further refine the Group’s strengths of “safety”, “environment”, and “quality” and tackle the initiatives for “Decarbonization” and “Reduce an environmental impact on the sea and air”.  As an environmental front runner, we will continue to provide environmentally low-impact and high-efficiency marine transportation to as many people as possible around the world, and aim at realizing a sustainable society.

Related Links:

Please see the following for details of our “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/management.html#002

December 9, 2020

“K” LINE Awarded CDP’ s “A List 2020” on Climate Change

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr3596442103013453625/main/0/link/201209EN.pdf

January 15, 2021

Posted CEO Message for CDP2020 “A List” award

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-612440896952966589/main/0/link/210115EN%20.pdf

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Charters Tonnage to Alleviate Container Capacity Shortage on Asia-Europe Trade

February 10, 2021 by

GEODIS, a leading global supply chain operator, provides its customers with guaranteed space in an ultra-tight sea freight market from China to Europe.

The first 1,000TEU[1] capacity vessel, operated exclusively by GEODIS, is scheduled to arrive in Hamburg on 28 February. This ship is carrying a total of 435 forty-foot containers for customers who have found it increasingly difficult to secure space with regular carriers at a viable rate. The next vessel sailing is scheduled to leave Shanghai around 10 February. Depending on demand, GEODIS will plan additional sailings over the coming weeks.

Matthias Hansen is Senior Vice President Global Ocean Freight for GEODIS, “We understand the current market challenges resulting from unprecedented customer demand and the limitations of ocean carrier capacity and sailings from China and other parts of Asia,” he observed.  “We are working hard to find solutions for our customers.  Hence, this exclusive vessel charter to supplement fixed long-term agreements we have with core carriers.  We strive to deliver certainty to our customers amid the unstable market.”

“These market forces have created variable and unforeseen spikes in demand for Asian goods,” comments Onno Boots, GEODIS’ Regional President and CEO for Asia Pacific. “Our primary aim is to offer multi-modal solutions to our existing customers to enable them to ship on time and in a reasonably economic manner. As an adaptable and innovative service provider, GEODIS is permanently looking for alternatives including rail, ocean and air products that fulfil this aim for shippers on the increasingly volatile Far East West Bound (FEWB) trade lane.”

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.

[1] Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit.

Filed Under: GEODIS
Next Page »