Transport communications

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Archives for May 2022

Proliferation of innovation in supply chain safety encapsulated in Awards Digest

TT Club and ICHCA’s concerted efforts to encourage improved levels of safety across the supply chain have brought significant results as evidenced by the number and quality of projects entered into the 2021 Innovation in Safety Awards.  The results of the over 30 organisations submitting their initiatives have now been compiled into a Digest to allow their full potential to be realised across the industry.

London, 31st May 2022

Initiated in 2016 and hosted by ICHCA International, the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award has been designed not just to recognise excellence in the field but above all to both encourage further resource to be invested in resolving safety issues, and to allow ground-breaking research and development to be accessed by all those operating the global supply chain.

“It is vital that the phenomenal work being carried out by the organisations that enter these Awards be made available to others who can benefit from the improved safety measures that are on display,” says Richard Steele, ICHCA’s CEO. “Consequently, we have produced this Innovation in Safety Awards Digest, which brings together details of a wide variety of products and procedures that achieve a demonstrable improvement in cargo handling and transport safety.” A copy of the Digest in PDF form is available for download HERE

TT Club, as a prominent freight transport insurer, and ICHCA International, the association representing cargo handlers, have long worked together to identify and promote operational safety in the industry.  They consistently generate safety advice and support innovation to improve safety in cargo operations and logistics.

“Our dedication to improve safety standards in the global transport and logistics industry continually is part of the core mission of TT Club as a mutual insurer specialising in liability and asset covers for freight transport and cargo handling operators and cargo handlers,” explains Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT’s Risk Management Director.  “Founding and continuing to support this Innovation in Safety Award programme is central to who TT is and it has been rewarding to see a record number of submissions in 2021.  VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S was announced the winner for its HydroPen system designed to fight onboard container fires. But it is vital that all the innovations that were entered should be profiled in full through this Digest.” 

Submissions to the Award programme have ranged in focus from bulk cargo handling to securing containers and their cargoes; from safety reporting and education to the correct handling of dangerous materials; from environmental monitoring to fire detection and suppression. The Digest demonstrates the energy deployed globally in enhancing safety and the quality of developments.  It is hoped its publication will further encourage the industry’s commitment to safety efforts throughout the supply chain as a whole.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

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 97% 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

“K” Line : Delivery of new W-MAX Class LNG Carrier for Petronas LNG Ltd. named “LAGENDA SURIA”

The newly-built W-Max class liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier for Petronas LNG Ltd. is delivered at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. today.

Two new-building vessels will be delivered to PETRONAS for the long-term Time Charter

(Note 1). The first vessel was given her name “LAGENDA SURIA” and another sister-vessel will be named “LAGENDA SERENITY” next month. These vessels will engage in transportation of LNG from Malaysia (Bintulu) to Shenergy (Group) Co., Ltd., China.

“Lagenda” is a Malay word for “legend” and “Suria” is for “Sun”. “Serenity” is a reflection of “calmness or peacefulness”. “Lagenda” signifies the new iconic industry standard for the pace of procurement and chartering with the first W-Max design (Note 2). “Suria” and “Serenity” signifies the clean energy source of which the vessels will dedicatedly supply LNG to Shanghai to light up the city and for sustainable and peaceful future.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan published on May 2022, “K” Line define LNG carriers business as one of the top priority area for driving growth,“K” Line will flexibly and proactively respond to customer needs, including growing needs for environmental and digital solution to maximize its corporate value.

(Note 1) Please refer to the press release on February 10, 2020 : “K” Line enters into Long-Term Time Charter with Petronas LNG Ltd. for Two Newbuilding LNG vessels.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/lng/lng1030731521550597510/main/0/link/20200210_en.pdf

(Note 2) Maximum vessel size which is acceptable for the discharging operation at Wuhaogou LNG terminal of Shenergy (Group) Co., Ltd.

Main Particulars of the Vessel

ShipyardHudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd.
LOA239.40 m
Beam36.60 m
Tank TypeMembrane
Tank Capacity79,958 m3
Propulsion SystemX-DF (dual fuel engine which uses gas admitted at low pressure)
Speed17.5 knots

We must innovate for a safer supply chain

So say TT Club and ICHCA which, with the support of TOC Europe, are emphasising their message by launching an inaugural Safety Village at the upcoming conference and exhibition in Rotterdam between 14th and 16th of June. The first of its type, the exhibition space will be dedicated to how innovation can lead to a safer supply chain.

Recent widespread disruption to global supply chains and the consequent pressures on freight transport capacity and cargo handling facilities requires a corresponding focus on safety measures throughout the system. As the success of the TT Club Innovation in Safety Award programme, operated by ICHCA International, has proved, there have been numerous ground-breaking innovations with multiple applications aimed at reducing these safety risks. However, the two organisations are keen to raise the awareness of the need for continuous development of the ways that we manage safety.

Featuring a meeting area and presentation facilities, the TT Club Safety Village will be the venue for workshops and panel sessions throughout the three days of the TOC Europe event. It will also provide opportunities for companies to showcase their innovative safety devices, processes and products. All aimed at championing safety in the supply chain and developing new solutions to managing risks.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at leading international freight transport insurer, TT Club comments. “It has been TT’s consistent mission to increase the levels of safety across the myriad of operational functions that constitute the global supply chain. We are keen to encourage every type of innovation from securing loads on all modes of transport to the correct handling of dangerous materials, and from safer working practices and equipment in cargo handling facilities to avoidance of vehicle collisions and fire prevention. Providing a focal point for discussion and promotion of such innovations at a leading industry forum such as TOC Europe will be a further benefit to the cause of safety that TT can provide.”

ICHCA International, the representative body for cargo handling operators across the globe, has run TT Club’s Innovation in Safety Award since its inception and is passionate about sharing innovation and learning across the industry. CEO Richard Steele points out, “In the recent past, our efforts together with TT Club have helped promulgate safety innovations including Hapag Lloyd’s Cargo Patrol that detects suspected misdeclared dangerous goods; terminal automation advances from Kunz and Yardeye in cooperation with CSX Terminals; VIKING Life-Saving’s fire suppressant systems, as well as safety devices developed by PSA International and Cargotec. Yet these represent just the tip of the iceberg. We were thrilled to see so many innovative ideas put forward for this Award. A digest of these will be available at the Safety Village and we hope it will help to inspire many other projects in the future.”

Representatives of both TT Club and ICHCA will be present in the Village at TOC Europe and invitations to attend the workshops and presentations will be issued in the near future.

https://www.tocevents-europe.com/en/attend/tt-club-safety-village.html

For information on how to participate in voicing safety concerns at the Safety Village please email:   riskmanagement@ttclub.com

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 97% 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 ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

GEODIS BECOMES OFFICIAL FREIGHT CARRIER OF RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE 2023

The France 2023 Organising Committee has announced that GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics provider, has been appointed as Official Fret Carrier of the tournament.  GEODIS has therefore committed to provide bespoke logistics services with the target of having the lowest possible impact on the environment.

Drawing on its expertise, worldwide capabilities and infrastructure, GEODIS will be responsible for ensuring the efficient management of approximately 80 tons of equipment for the 20 participating nations. It will also meet the logistical needs of the thousands of volunteers involved throughout the tournament. GEODIS will be fully dedicated to the seamless delivery of this major international sporting event, across nine stadiums in 10 French host cities.

In accordance with the Group’s ambition to continuously reduce its CO2 emissions by 2030, GEODIS will use low-carbon vehicles to achieve its mission. GEODIS is already committed to deploying such fleets in roughly 40 French cities between now and 2024.

19052022. Levallois-Perret. Lancement du partenariat entre GEODIS et la coupe du monde Rugby 2023. Marie-Christine LOMBARD, présidente du Directoire de GEODIS. Claude Atcher, Directeur Général du Groupement d’Intérêt Public chargé de l’organisation de la Coupe du Monde de Rugby 2023 en France.

Claude Atcher, France 2023 CEO, said: “From the start of the France 2023 project, we made our responsibility clear: to organise an event capable of minimising its impact on the environment, notably through the help of its partners. We are happy to share this ambition with GEODIS, a company that is both experienced in delivering international sporting events and committed to tackling environmental issues within its industry. We will work together to make Rugby World Cup 2023 a sustainable event, aligned with societal challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Marie-Christine Lombard, GEODIS CEO, said: “I am proud that GEODIS has been entrusted with the critical mission of being the Official Freight Carrier of Rugby World Cup France 2023. Team spirit, integrity, passion, discipline and respect are all values that characterise this sport and that we share at GEODIS. As the CEO of a French-rooted yet truly international group, I am excited for our teams to play a part in an event that brings so many people together and that gives France the opportunity to shine at an international level.”

ABOUT RUGBY WORLD CUP FRANCE 2023:

Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place in France from 8 September-28 October with matches played in nine venues across 10 host cities. The tournament will be the 10th men’s Rugby World Cup and the second to be hosted by France after a memorable event in 2007.

RWC 2023 will take place in a year when the sport celebrates 200 years since Rugby School pupil William Webb Ellis was credited with inventing the game of rugby football by showing “a fine disregard for the rules” in catching the ball and running with it in 1823.

RWC 2023 will set new standards in social responsibility, inclusion and sustainability for a major rugby event, targeting four key pillars for the tournament’s legacy: acting for sustainability and circular economy, supporting education, training and employment, respecting and protecting the environment and promoting inclusivity by being a champion for gender equality.

The showpiece event in men’s 15s, Rugby World Cup 2023 will feature 20 teams – 12 of whom qualified directly by finishing in the top three in their pool at Japan 2019 and eight from a global qualification process – with 48 matches played across 51 days.

ABOUT GEODIS:

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics provider recognized for its commitment to help clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimisation, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport), coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected in its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. GEODIS employs more than 44,000 people globally and has generated €10.9 billion in revenue in 2021.

More information on Geodis: www.geodis.com 

“K” LINE Group’s Yokohama Daikoku C-4 Terminal Starts Operation Utilizing Renewable Energy

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Daito Corporation (Daito) have started operation of “K” LINE Group’s first dedicated finished vehicle terminal in Japan, at Yokohama Daikoku C-4 Terminal from April 2022. On April 5th, “IVORY ARROW” operated by “K” LINE, a pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), made its first call at the terminal. On April 15th, we held a safety prayer ceremony with the terminal operators and an opening ceremony with the attendance of many related parties.

The terminal is used not only as an export and transshipment base for finished vehicles (new and used vehicles) but also handle a wide variety of vehicles such as break-bulk cargoes by utilizing work facility with large roof in terminal in order to meet a variety of needs.

In addition, the terminal will use electric power generated from renewable energy sources with virtually zero CO2 emissions. The terminal will procure 100% wind-generated renewable energy from blockchain-based electricity traceability service (a service for specifying the power plants from which electricity is procured) of “Minna-Denryoku”, operated by UPDATER Corporation.

Overall view of C-4 Terminal

In last November, “K” LINE has revised a part of our long term environmental guideline “K”LINE Environmental Vision 2050” (Note 1) and set our new target for 2050 as “The challenge of Achieving Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions”. We will strive to enhance our corporate value by contributing to the sustainable development of the economy and society, while protecting the environment through our business activities.

(Note 1) “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050

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

Terminal Overview

Name                   : Yokohama Daikoku C-4 Terminal

Location              : Daikoku Futo 22&24, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Japan

Business               : Finished-vehicle logistics

Pier length          : 350 m (1 berth)

Sea depth            : 15 m

Total yard area  : Approx. 153,500 m2 (including berth area)

Parking slots       : Approx. 8,000 units

CAPTION: From left: Mr. Ito, President of Yokohama Port Corporation; Mr. Kota Fujiki, Chairman of Yokohama Port Transportation Association; Mr. Nakano, Director of Port of Yokohama; Mr. Myochin, President of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha; Mr. Matsukawa, President of Daito Corporation; Mr. Kozo Fujiki, Chairman of Yokohama Stevedoring Association

Supply chain congestion increases threat of cargo theft

Joint report of 2021 global cargo theft trends finds shift in emphasis from risk of in-transit, vehicle- based attacks to losses while cargo is at-rest — storage locations are critical at risk areas.  Widespread congestion at ports and inland facilities lead to increased opportunity for thieves during the period

London & New Jersey, 16th May 2022

  • Globally cargo thefts from or of vehicles in-transit declined as incidents at storage facilities rose to nearly 30%
  • In North America prevalence of port congestion and railhead delays seen as crucial factor
  • Idle times in European locations also augmented theft and stowaway risk
  • Strict Covid-19 protocols at Asian ports, particularly in China created delays and backlogs leading to theft opportunities
  • Increased influence of insider infiltration into operator organisations such as haulage companies and warehousing facilities
  • Adoption by criminals of new technology- assisted by increased digitalisation of supply chain processes and communication

The annual report, based on recent incident data for the whole of 2021 collated from sources including law enforcement agencies, governments and trade associations, has been compiled, as in the past years by leading international transport and logistics insurer, TT Club and global provider of supply chain intelligence, BSI.  In this last reporting period input from the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region has also helped to significantly increase the level of intelligence in these territories.   

“Constant vigilance is required in order to combat the growing risk divergence in theft trends,” says Mike Yarwood, Managing Director, Loss Prevention at TT Club. “Criminals are quick to adapt to prevailing conditions and have swiftly responded to the increased opportunities that supply chain congestion presents through the amount of cargo laying idle.  In addition, the transport industry’s growing reliance on technology and a rapidly changing market for sourcing materials and components have opened up new avenues for criminals to take advantage of companies’ increased vulnerabilities. TT, along with its partners is committed to tracking and reporting on such developments in criminals methods of operation in order to reduce the risk of losses wherever possible.” 

As the graphic above illustrates the products most frequently involved in global cargo thefts overall last year, included agricultural produce (12%), food and beverage (14%), construction materials (9%) and electronics (10%) Significantly, many of the materials used to produce the latter two, such as nitrogen, iron ore, lumber, steel and semiconductors, have all experienced sharp price increases since the outbreak of the global pandemic due to shortages with a consequent increase in the value of the manufactured products.

The report also offers advice on how operators can protect their cargo from the theft risks outlined.  Tony Pelli, BSI’s Practice Director for Security and Resilience has produced a checklist of precautionary action points.  “To mitigate risk there are a range of safeguards, including careful verification of trucking companies and other sub-contractors; insisting on the provision of details such as driver’s name, trailer number and appointed pick-up times and background screening of employees,” explains Pelli.  “Vigilance is paramount, and we hope our reporting and advice will help supply chain partners to maintain and increase their diligent efforts to combat crime.”

Thorsten Neumann, President & CEO, of TAPA EMEA, commented: “What we are seeing in EMEA is a heightened level of risk to virtually all types of goods moving in supply chains across our region. This comes from increasingly active and sophisticated organised crime groups which often regard supply chains as an easy and lucrative target. Sadly, too many companies wait to seek solutions until they become a victim of a cargo crime but, by then, they will have suffered a significant financial and reputational loss. The way forward is to recognise the risks which exist and to learn about the industry standards, training and intelligence solutions which are available today and which are already key to the supply chain resilience of leading manufacturers and freight transport and logistic providers. All is not lost, but it is a time for action to manage these risks and prevent rising product losses.”  

Please click the following link for the BSI & TT Club Cargo Theft Report

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 97% 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 BSI

BSI is the business improvement and standards company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence, ‘inspiring trust for a more resilient world’. For over a century BSI has driven best practice in organizations around the world. Working with over 77,500 clients across 195 countries, it is a truly global business with skills and experience across all sectors including automotive, aerospace, built environment, food and retail and healthcare. Through its expertise in Standards and Knowledge, Assurance Services, Regulatory Services and Consulting Services, BSI helps clients to improve their performance, grow sustainably, manage risk and ultimately become more resilient.

To learn more, please visit: www.bsigroup.com

About BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions
BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions is the leading global provider of supply chain intelligence, global supply chain verification auditing services, audit compliance and risk management software solutions, and advisory services. BSI’s supply chain services and solutions and services can work independently to address specific needs or combined together to gain unparalleled visibility into your global operations. Implementing BSI’s holistic supply chain risk management suite provides organizations with a complete solution for a more sustainable and secure supply chain. To learn more, please visit www.bsigroup.com/supplychain

About TAPA

The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) is a not-for-profit industry that helps Manufacturers/Shippers and Logistics Service Providers minimise losses resulting from cargo thefts and to increase the security and resilience of their supply chains. Today, in the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, the Association provides a host of certifiable, independently-audited industry Standards for facilities, trucking operations and secure parking as well as training. The TAPA EMEA Intelligence System (TIS) also provide the latest and historic recorded incident intelligence, enabling more secure route planning by helping members understand when, where and how criminals are targeting supply chains, and the products most frequently stolen. The Association strongly advocates the reporting of all cargo thefts to increase industry knowledge of risks and to assist companies’ loss prevention strategies. TAPA EMEA’s President and CEO is Thorsten Neumann.

New Conceptual Designs for LNG-fueled and Battery-Powered Energy-Saving Bulk Carriers

~Approvals in Principle (AIP) Obtained from ClassNK~

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) jointly developed two conceptual designs for LNG-fueled and battery-powered energy-saving bulk carriers and obtained Approvals in Principle (AIP) (Note 1) from Japan’s ship classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK). “K” LINE developed a conceptual design for 200,000 ton class capesize bulk carrier in collaboration with Namura Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. and Taiyo Electric Co., Ltd. The other design was jointly created by “K” LINE, Shin Kurushima Sanoyas Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., and Taiyo Electric Co., Ltd for  90,000 ton class post-Panamax bulk carrier.

By selecting low-carbon LNG as the primary fuel source, an energy-saving vessel has been designed that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The design was further enhanced by adopting permanent magnet (PM) shaft generator (Note 2) technology, along with lithium-ion batteries, which are already being used in a wide range of fields in the society. Moreover, by utilizing batteries as part of the platform for power supply on board, the aim is to further reduce emissions going forward by later adding green energy sources with energy-saving technology.

AIP technical features and their benefits

  1. Utilizing LNG fuel
  1. Adoption of shaft generator technology
  1. Battery technology adoption

Small-capacity batteries with excellent charge and discharge rates will be used for auxiliary power during peak hours of onboard demand. They will also be utilized to store surplus electricity.

In the new post-Panamax carrier design, emissions will be reduced by using large-capacity batteries instead of a dual fuel generator during cargo loading and unloading. (The number of dual fuel generators installed can be reduced by one.)

In the new capesize carrier design, the battery capacity will be greater due to amount of power required during cargo handling. Here emissions during cargo handling will also be reduced by enabling vessel connection to shore power (Note 3).

Image of Future next-generation bulk carrier

In addition to the equipment for greenhouse gas emissions reduction under the recent AIPs, the aim is to further reduce emissions going forward by installing various optional technologies.

ダイアグラム

自動的に生成された説明
テーブル

中程度の精度で自動的に生成された説明

Last November, “K” LINE partially revised its Environmental Vision 2050 (Note 4) and decided to take on the challenge of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. “K” LINE views this challenge as one of the concrete initiatives that will help achieve its vision by 2050.

While public attention to the greenhouse gas emissions including from shipping is becoming increasing, “K” LINE will actively work to reduce environmental impact by researching, developing, and introducing ships with excellent environmental performance to achieve our goal set on “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 .

  • An Approval in Principle (AIP) indicates that a certification body has reviewed and approved the conceptual design. This means the design meets relevant technical requirements and standards, even in the case of new technologies and areas not specifically covered by current regulations.
  • A shaft generator uses the rotation of the ship’s propeller shaft to generate electricity.
  • A system that allows ships to switch off their generators when docked and obtain the necessary electricity through a connection to the onshore power grid.
  • Released Nov 4, 2021: The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions

Revision of 2050 Targets for “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/auto_20211102423677/pdfFile.pdf

Appointments to the GEODIS Executive Board

GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics provider, announces the appointment of:

  • Celeste Thomasson as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Group, supervising legal, insurance, compliance and audit 
  • Pascale Dubois as Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications & Brand

Celeste Thomasson and Pascale Dubois join the Group’s Executive Board, strengthening the management team of Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

Celeste Thomasson

Celeste Thomasson began her career in 1992 as an associate at Baker & McKenzie in Los Angeles, before joining Fournier Laboratories in 1999. She joined the Safran group in 2002 as Legal Counsel. She was promoted to Senior VP and General Counsel for Safran USA in July 2008, before being appointed Vice President Legal Affairs. In January 2014, she joined MorphoTrak (a subsidiary of Safran) as President and CEO, becoming a board member of the Zodiac Aerospace in February 2018. Appointed CEO of Safran Seats UK in January 2019, she filled the roles of Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary & President of the Ethics Committee for Safran group in 2020.

Celeste Thomasson holds a juris doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. She has been a member of the California bar since 1993.

Pascale Dubois

Pascale Dubois began her career in 1985 as a journalist.

In 1989 she joined Compagnie du BTP as Deputy Communications Manager. In 1994 she became Head of Press Relations and Financial Analyst Relations at Euro RSCG Finances (Havas Group). At the Colas Group in 1996, she was appointed Internal Communications Manager, before becoming Head of Communications in 2000. May 2008 saw Pascale in the role of Head of Communications and Philanthropy at the Safran group and an Executive Committee Member in 2015.

Pascale Dubois has a Master’s degree in History and has completed a training course dedicated to female board members (Certificat Objectif Administratrice) at the EM Lyon Business School.

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 global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2021, GEODIS employed over 46,000 people globally and generated €10.9 billion in revenue.

GEODIS Announces Turnkey eCommerce Fulfilment Site in Spain

GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics provider, continues its growth in servicing booming eCommerce retail channels across the world with an investment in a dedicated 55,000m² new warehouse space at Torija in the Province of Guadalajara, Spain. 

This is the first such investment of GEODIS in the country, being in part a response to a national growth rate in eCommerce sales of 17% last year, which drove the total value of the market to US$27 billion (Euros24.3 billion)[1].  Located just one hour from the center of Madrid on the main highway to the industrial city of Zaragoza, the 110,000m² site boasts a warehouse with a capacity of circa 50,000 pallets and 55 loading bays; direct employment for 150 will be generated.

“Undoubtedly the logistics challenges of servicing a fast-growing and at times unpredictable sector such as eCommerce requires flexibility in designing and implementing traffic flows as well as skilled and motivated manpower,” says David Pele, Country Operations Manager for the Contract Logistics line of business of GEODIS in Spain. “These considerations were paramount in our choice of location in a region where logistics skill-sets are well established within the local workforce. Fast efficient transport links to Spanish retail consumers and international road, rail and air links were also factors.”

While GEODIS has a presence in Spain at sites in Palencia and Burgos providing contract logistics services, the Torija facility will be a turnkey project for its supply chain management offering specifically tailored to an eCommerce retailer. The Company’s innovative IT solutions that increasingly enable eCommerce customers to grow their businesses rapidly and reliably across the globe will now be brought to bear in the Spanish market.

“ECommerce as a retail channel had 58% market penetration in 2021, meaning over half of Spaniards bought at least one product online last year. A maturing market such as this is regarded as both stable and one of potential steady and consistent growth as long as customer experience standards are maintained by retailers,” points out Iván Sánchez Intxaurbe, Managing Director in Spain. “It is these very attributes of guaranteed high service standards and a persistent drive for continual improvement that we believe marks out GEODIS.  We expect Torija to be the first of a number of eCommerce fulfilment centers within our future Spanish operations.”

[1] Source:  ecommerceDB.com

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 global network spanning nearly 170 countries, is reflected by its top business rankings: no. 1 in France and no. 7 worldwide. In 2021, GEODIS employed over 46,000 people globally and generated €10.9 billion in revenue.


[1] Source:  ecommerceDB.com