Archives for June 2023

Report finds dramatic rise in Chilean freight crime

June 27, 2023 by Julia Hiles

The latest analysis from international freight insurer, TT Club and business improvement consultants BSI SCREEN, reports dramatic 2022 year-on-year increases in freight crime in Chile with incidents of theft estimated at 27% up on pre-pandemic levels.

A 450% increase in the frequency of insurance claims in 2022
Increased value of claims over same period of 820%
Over half of cargo crime incidents involve hijacking
Insider threat heightened due to socio-economic factors
Most common commodities targeted were electronics (25%) and foodstuffs (20%)

TT Club has once more come together with BSI SCREEN, this time with the Logistics Association of Chile (ALOG) and the crime investigation unit, Signum Services (an associate of TT within the Thomas Miller Group), to focus on a worryingly dramatic trend in the Chilean freight transport sector. The extensive report, based on the wide-reaching data resources of the four organisations, has recently been published. Entitled ‘Freight crime in Chilean supply chains’ it is available for download HERE

In an introduction to the risk landscape, the report notes that pandemic-induced measures such as quarantine, restrictions in movements, curfews and had the effect of reducing the incidence of cargo theft for much of 2020 and 2021. However, last year, with such limitations lifted, levels of crime sprung back with vengeance to 27% higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to ALOG data.

“The underlying factors that seem prevalent in explaining the alarming statistics seem to be predominantly social and economic in nature,” comments TT’s Managing Director of Loss Prevention, Mike Yarwood. “Inflation, increases in the cost of living and social unrest have motivated individuals to turn to crime. These circumstances, which also encourage a larger black market, particularly in foodstuffs, instil heightened criminality in the population.”

Indeed, the report found that criminal organisations that are behind much of the theft have exploited to a greater degree than in the past those employed in the supply chain, to provide valuable data and information on cargo flows, nature of loads and an ability to falsify delivery instructions. Labour strikes, also common in a recession, create pinch points in the usual smooth flow of goods. Such locations become a focal point for crime. The reported statistics show that second to hijacking as a mode of theft (57%), is the combined activity of stealing from a facility or of a vehicle itself, when cargo is at rest, contributing to 32% of all incidents.

“A primary goal of TT in participating in this report is the same as that of our partners at ALOG and BSI,” says Yarwood. “It is to create a greater awareness of the threats, so operators can take mitigating protectionist steps. To this end, our report carefully details two of the primary strategies used by the criminal fraternity, – hijacking and the use of insider knowledge and cooperation. The report also provides a well-researched case study on the role criminal organisations are playing in infiltrating the supply chain in Chile, and throughout Latin America.”

As with all awareness reports of this nature, TT and its co-authors are keen to offer guidance on how such theft risks can be alleviated with advice, in particular on combatting the criminal device of fictious pick-ups. The report contains a long list of measures from secure verification procedures and driver ID checking to staff training in identifying suspicious circumstances and monitoring through tracking technology to ensure shipments are being delivered correctly.

“With the help of our partners, utilising a wide range of in-depth data resources, TT will continue to research cargo crime internationally in order to forearm the supply chain industry with information on trends in such damaging losses,” concludes Yarwood.

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.

https://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 ALOG Chile

The Logistics Association of Chile – ALOG Chile A.G., is the entity that brings together Logistics Operators, Freight Forwarders, and Logistics Service Providers at a national level. ALOG Chile A.G. consists of approximately 90 member companies, categorized as Active members, Collaborative members, and Independent Professional members, encompassing 90% of the national market.

In its spirit of multi-nationalist work, ALOG Chile A.G. participates in the International Committee of the National Chamber of Commerce (CNC) as an active member. Internationally, it is a member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA) and has a collaborative working agreement with the Colombian Federation of International Trade Logistics Agents (FITAC).

Filed Under: TT Club

Opening ceremony for Dachser’s new high-bay warehouse in Memmingen

June 26, 2023 by Julia Hiles

This state-of-the-art warehouse is fully automated and climate-friendly

Kempten, June 26, 2023 – Together with some 100 guests, Dachser celebrated the opening of its new high-bay warehouse in Memmingen. The new facility had gradually been going into operation in recent months. Dachser invited policymakers, administrators, and industry representatives to see the new facility in the Gewerbegebiet Nord industrial park near the A7 highway. The logistics provider invested some EUR 30 million in the fully automated warehouse.

Construction for the new logistics facility started in spring 2021. It consists of a front building with 2,700 m² of floor space and an adjacent high-bay warehouse that provides 7,500 m² of logistics space. At 32 meters tall, the storage facility covers only a small area but provides space for 52,000 pallets of non-chilled food and food packaging. It also features a mezzanine with 2,300 m² of floor space for manual picking and finishing operations.

Dachser’s Allgäu logistics center is the company’s largest operational location worldwide. With the new logistics facility now in operation, the family-owned company offers a total of more than 200,000 pallet spaces in Memmingen.

“The new warehouse is designed to offer top performance to keep pace with growing customer demand in the region,” explains Thomas Henkel, General Manager of Dachser’s Allgäu logistics center in Memmingen. “Automation and sustainability were the main focus when building it.” Storage and retrieval of pallets, for example, is fully automated. As many as 400 pallets per hour—or 5,000 per day—of incoming and outgoing goods can be handled via 22 loading and unloading gates. This is made possible by features such as automatic unloading systems, an automatic palletizing station, and eight rail-guided rack operators in high-bay storage.

“For Dachser, the high-bay warehouse in Memmingen is one of the most important new facility projects of the past few years. It brings together state-of-the-art automation technology and the latest sustainability concepts based on the accumulated expertise of our network and our employees,” says Dachser CEO Burkhard Eling. “This investment benefits not only the Memmingen location but also the Dachser company as a whole.”

Energy from clean sources

A concept for sustainable operations maximizes CO₂ savings. Most of the energy required to operate the high-bay warehouse is generated by a rooftop photovoltaic system with a power output of approximately one megawatt. Whenever additional electricity is needed, Dachser will procure 100 percent renewable hydropower and wind power from the public grid. In addition, the warehouse draws heat from the energy-efficient district heating system of a regional thermal power plant.

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 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

De-risking the carriage of lithium-ion batteries

June 21, 2023 by Julia Hiles

At the heart of efforts to draw attention to the hazards inherent in transporting lithium-ion batteries, specialist freight insurer TT Club now urges debate leading to a balanced, yet realistic awareness of the dangers, and a united approach to enhancing their safe carriage. Improved regulatory clarity is required and auto manufacturers need to address transport safety issues more thoroughly.

London, 21^st June 2023

Rapid development of battery technology and the uncertainties created by these developments, particularly concerning safety when the energy packs are being transported require the logistics industry to have a clear understanding of the dangers which can include fire, explosions and toxic gas emissions. Moreover, there needs to be increased efforts to minimise the risks, and if necessary, make sure there is an effective response to any catastrophic event.

Alarmist reports in the media can overstate the number of incidents involving electric vehicles. Indeed Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at insurance mutual TT Club points out that “Lithium-ion (li-ion) battery fires are not an everyday occurrence. But when thermal runaway does happen, the result is release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, a very high temperature fire and can spread very fast.”

The release of toxic fumes may be the first alert, but fire with temperatures higher than 1,000degs centigrade can be reached in a matter of seconds and, as the mix of chemicals and metals ignites, devastation can ensue.

In keeping with its mission to extend awareness and achieve a united front, TT Club was delighted to be part of a forum of interested parties which was held recently in London. Much was revealed by the speakers and valuable debate ensued. “Supply chain players including ship owners, carriers, forwarders, terminal and port operators and insurers are engaged with these debates. Indeed, the maritime regulator IMO (International Maritime Organization) has its guidance for carriage of these batteries under serious review,” says Storrs-Fox. “But we need to bring manufacturers of EVs and the batteries that power them actively into the debate. Their ambitions for the development of more powerful, lighter and diverse battery cells must not be allowed to outstrip prioritising safety concerns surrounding their future transportation around the globe.”

Such concerns regarding the battery packs within electric vehicles (EVs) have been raised in the US and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has carried out a study. The forum heard that EVs were reported to have incurred fewer fire incidents than internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. However, there are a few provisos to be highlighted here – not least that there are far fewer electric cars on the road than ICE vehicles.

Secondly it is understood that newer batteries are less likely to ignite or explode than used batteries, effectively the older the li-ion unit, the greater the chance of an incident. As a result, it is not clear how the batteries will perform through the intended life, given that the switch to EV’s is only now gathering pace and most battery packs are new.

Regarding the rapid spread of fire, Eva Mckiernan, the technical director at firefighting consultancy Jensen Hughes highlighted the dangers of thermal runaway as the most pressing issue after ignition. She explained that these energy packs are thermo-dynamically unstable. When the batteries are damaged, they can release hot and poisonous gases into containers or onto car decks of ro-ro ships and other vehicle carriers within seconds. When the batteries explode those extraordinary temperatures can be reached.

“Thermal runaway occurs when the heat and chemical reactions reach a certain level, they are effectively self-sustaining and very difficult to extinguish,” she added.

Of course, EVs are just one use for li-ion batteries, which can be found in a variety of goods including e-bikes and scooters, as well as computers and mobile phones. All of these goods are transported with batteries in containers. Whilst transported as new, it may be reasonable to expect appropriate packaging, although state of charge is variable, used and damaged batteries present considerable uncertainty for the transport supply chain.

“Currently li-ion batteries are classified as one of four UN numbers, depending on power output or the weight of lithium in them and whether they are contained within devices or shipped separately. All four are Class 9 in the IMDG Code – Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles,” explained Storrs-Fox. “Class 9 is the least hazardous ranking and dates from a change in IMDG Class from 4.3, which was made in the late eighties. Clearly there is a need for a radical review of this classification, as the size and energy capacity of these batteries has altered dramatically since then. As has the volume being carried in container ships.”

This raises concern that li-ion batteries are not classified as sufficiently hazardous and the range of potential Special Provisions increases complexity and uncertainty. All this may have serious ramifications when a container is being accepted for shipment or a ship stowage plan is being compiled. Storrs-Fox concludes, “In addressing the commercial opportunity in the answering the agenda to move away from fossil fuels, there needs to be urgent engagement from manufacturers and OEMs to resolve the justifiable concerns of the logistics industry – ahead of regulatory strengthening.”

About TT Club

https://www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

Agreed on Joint Evaluation with JFE Steel Corporation to Establish CCS Value Chain Originated from Japan Aligned with CCS Study in Malaysia

June 19, 2023 by Julia Hiles

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC HD), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and JFE Steel Corporation have agreed to conduct a joint evaluation aiming to establish the CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) value chain originated from Japan (hereinafter “the Evaluation”), aligned with the joint study*¹ on CCS in Malaysia with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the four companies on June 19.

JAPEX, JGC CORPORATION (JGC), an operating company of JGC HD for overseas EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction), and “K” LINE, has been proceeding with the joint study (hereinafter “the Study”) with PETRONAS, including study on suitable sites for CO₂ storage in Malaysia and its technical evaluations, CO₂ capture and transport from the PETRONAS’s LNG complex in Bintulu, and potential of transportation from outside Malaysia including Japan. As part of this study, the three companies also have worked on the investigation and dialogue with potential candidate emitters, considering CO₂ transportation from Japan. As a result of the dialogue with the candidates, the four companies have found that their future direction of the Study aligns with the one of JFE Steel, which has been considering reduction of CO₂ emission from their operations. Therefore, the four companies signed the MOU to conduct the Evaluation.

The four companies will conduct the Evaluation to establish the CCS value chain, from CO₂ separation and capture at JFE’s steelworks in Japan, to marine transportation of liquefied CO₂ to the receiving point(s) in Malaysia, including estimation of required facilities and costs. The Evaluation will also be appropriately aligned with the study of CO₂ receipt and storage in Malaysia within the scope of the Study with PETRONAS.

By the establishment of the international CCS value chain through the Evaluation, JAPEX, JGC HD, “K” LINE, and JFE Steel aims to contribute for the realization of carbon neutrality by 2050, including the realization of de-carbonized society in Asia targeted by Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI)*².

*1: Please refer a joint press release “JGC CORPORATION and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. Joins CCS Study in Malaysia” on July 29, 2022.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral7943232713056097109/main/0/link/220729EN.pdf

*2: The Japanese Government’s initiative announced in May 2021, which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and carbon neutrality simultaneously in Asia.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Establishment of K LINE MARINE & ENERGY PTE. LTD.

June 16, 2023 by Julia Hiles

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that K LINE MARINE & ENERGY PTE. LTD. (KME) was established on June 7th in Singapore.

In May 2022, “K” LINE set up a new company in Singapore to satisfy ever-diversifying needs for high-quality ship management services, the establishment of a community-based support structure, the adaptation to new fuels and other needs, in an effort to improve our global safety and quality management structure encompassing ship management companies and other maritime technology organizations, human resources and operational sites. As a measure to strengthen our organization, KME was established to develop ship safety and quality management, securement and development of crew members capable of handling new fuels and new technologies and other functions that are currently handled by the Tokyo head office, with the goal of strengthening our global structure for safety and quality management, including maritime technologies.

KME will also function as a commercial hub for the transportation of energy resources such as LNG carriers, oil tankers and carbon neutrality-related ships (e.g. LNG/ Ammonia fuel supply ships, liquefied CO₂carriers, etc).

“K” LINE considers Asia to be a growing market. In particular, Singapore is home to the business locations of many resource majors and is a place where business and information accumulate. The city has become an important location for us to meet the needs of customers and expand our businesses.

We will facilitate the evolution of our community-based, organizational operating capabilities including our capabilities connected to energy resource transport in Asia, think outside-the-box in seeking the solutions our customers desire and demonstrate organizational operating capabilities integrating the sales and technical divisions. In this way, we will meet the needs of various customers in reducing their environmental impact and other areas. Moreover, we will pursue continued growth by continuing to strengthen our partnerships with customers.

[Overview of the New Company]

Company name	K LINE MARINE & ENERGY PTE. LTD.
Head Office	Singapore
Date of Establishment	June 7, 2023
Start of Operation	August 1, 2023 (planned)
Shareholders	Wholly owned by “K” LINE

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Change of Responsibilities of Executive Officer

June 16, 2023 by Julia Hiles

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) hereby announces that the following change of responsibilities of Executive Officer were resolved at the Board of Directors Meeting held today.

Change of Responsibilities of Executive Officer as of July 1, 2023

Position	Name	Responsibilities
Managing Executive Officer	Akihiro Fujimaru	(Present) In charge of Marine Sector (New) CEO of K LINE MARINE & ENERGY PTE. LTD

Please see below the list of responsibilities of Executive Officers as of July 1, 2023.

Title	Name	Responsibilities
President & CEO	Yukikazu Myochin
Vice President Executive Officer	Atsuo Asano	Assistant to President & CEO, Responsible for Dry Bulk Carriers Unit, in charge of Bulk Carriers
Senior Managing Executive Officer	Yukio Toriyama	Responsible for CFO Unit(Corporate Planning, Research, Finance, Accounting, Taxation), CFO (Chief Financial Officer)
Senior Managing Executive Officer	Kazuhiko Harigai	Responsible for Energy Transportation Business Unit
Senior Managing Executive Officer	Kiyotaka Aya	Responsible for Marine Sector Unit, CSO(Chief Safety Officer)
Senior Managing Executive Officer	Shingo Kogure	Responsible for General Affairs, Human Resources, Legal, Corporate Legal Risk & Compliance Unit
Managing Executive Officer	Takenori Igarashi	Responsible for Product Logistics Business Unit (Car Carriers)
Managing Executive Officer	Noriaki Yamaga	Responsible for Corporate Sustainability, Environment Management, IR and Communication Unit, In charge of Corporate Planning, Research
Managing Executive Officer	Keiji Kubo	Responsible for Product Logistics Business Unit (Logistics, Port, Short Sea and Coastal Business and Affiliated Business), Containerships Business Unit
Managing Executive Officer	Michitomo Iwashita	Responsible for Advanced Technology, Ship Technical, GHG Reduction Strategy Unit, Digitalization Strategy Unit, In charge of Electricity and Offshore Business
Managing Executive Officer	Masatoshi Taguchi	In charge of Coal & Iron Ore Carrier Business, Coal & Iron Ore Carrier Planning & Operation, Drybulk Planning
Managing Executive Officer	Satoshi Kanamori	In charge of LNG, Carbon-Neutral Promotion
Managing Executive Officer	Akihiro Fujimaru	CEO of K LINE MARINE & ENERGY PTE. LTD.
Managing Executive Officer	Yutaka Akutagawa	In charge of Finance, Accounting, Taxation
Executive Officer	Hisashi Nakayama	In charge of Tankers, Fuel Strategy & Procurement
Executive Officer	Fumiyoshi Sato	In charge of General Affairs, Legal, Corporate Legal Risk & Compliance, Assistance to Internal Audit, CCO (Chief Compliance Officer)

Executive Officer	Hiroshi Uchida	In charge of Digitalization Strategy, CIO(Chief Information Officer)
Executive Officer	Shingo Kameyama	In charge of Advanced Technology, General Manager of Advanced Technology Group, Technical Support for Marine Sector Unit
Executive Officer	Shingo Ikeda	In charge of Ship Technical, GHG Reduction Strategy, General Manager of Ship Technical Group, GHG Reduction Strategy Group
Executive Officer	Shinya Tamaki	In charge of Human Resources, General Manager of Human Resources Group
Executive Officer	Haruhiko Sugimoto	In charge of Car Carrier Business, Car Carrier Planning & Development, Car Carrier Quality and Operations

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Hong Kong achieves CEIV Lithium Battery certification

June 16, 2023 by Julia Hiles

IATA accreditation demonstrates logistics provider’s commitment to safety and operational excellence

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, has secured International Air Transport Association (IATA) Center of Excellence for Independent Validators Lithium Batteries (CEIV Li-batt) certification in Hong Kong, as part of its continuous efforts to provide the best-in-class service and be the valued growth partner of choice for their clients.

This certification demonstrates GEODIS’ commitment to safety, security and compliance and positions it well to serve the growing demand of lithium batteries, which are increasingly being used in a wide variety of consumer goods, ranging from laptops, mobile phones to watches, vehicles and other devices.

With its strategic location, Hong Kong is a critical hub for GEODIS and serves as a key gateway into Asia Pacific and Mainland China. Hong Kong’s proximity and ease of cross border transportation makes it an ideal hub enabling the logistics provider to meet its clients’ requirement for flexibility, convenience, and speed for their global shipments in or out of China.

In 2021, GEODIS Hong Kong was accredited as an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department. AEO status recognizes the application of excellent security and safety procedures within the supply chain industry. GEODIS in Hong Kong provides logistical support to businesses across key verticals such as High-Tech, Retail, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods and Industrial Goods.

“GEODIS’ strategy is built on business and operational excellence. With the IATA CEIV Lithium Battery certification, our customers can be assured that their lithium battery shipments will be handled with the utmost care and adhere to the highest industry and security standards,” said Christopher Cahill, Sub-Regional Managing Director, North Asia, “This certification also demonstrates our unwavering commitment to health, safety and security. The rigorous assessment required by this certification gives us the opportunity to continually review and ensure a safe environment for our people and operations.”

The certification process included training for employees, on-site assessments of operations and validation of documentation to stringent standards.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com   

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” LINE Joins Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s “GX League”

June 16, 2023 by Julia Hiles

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has participated in the GX League, which will begin full-scale operation from this year.

Based on the goal of our Environmental Vision of “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions by 2050,” we have formulated a growth strategy that regards contributing to the realization of a low-carbon and decarbonized society as a business opportunity.

In the latter half of the 2020s, we will contribute to the realization of low-carbon and decarbonization of marine transportation in our customers’ value chains through our own efforts to reduce GHG emissions, aiming to introduce zero-emission ships using new fuels.

Furthermore, by responding to the demand for support vessels for projects related to the renewable energy field, such as offshore wind power, transportation of new energy sources, such as hydrogen and ammonia, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) transportation, we will leverage the strengths we have cultivated to date and actively engage in businesses that contribute to the low-carbon and decarbonization of society.

Through our participation in the GX League, we aim to be a company that continues to be chosen by all stakeholders by further accelerating these initiatives, reducing environmental impact, and continuously improving corporate value toward the realization of a sustainable society.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line Holds Environmental Awards 2023 Ceremony

June 16, 2023 by Julia Hiles

“K” Line Group Environmental Awards 2023 Ceremony held on June 12, 2023.

The awards were established to honor and give recognition to outstanding environmental-preservation-contributive activities undertaken by both executives and employees working throughout the “K” Line Group according to the direction developed in “K” Line Environmental Vision 2050. This year marks the 9th awards ceremony since establishment of the awards in 2015. We accepted many entries from our group companies both in Japan and overseas. The activities of five companies — one “Grand Award” , four “Excellence Award” and one “Special Award” — were selected from such standpoints as “originality,” “challenge level,” “degree of contribution,” “continuity” and “potential for pervasiveness”, and they received the awards from our President and CEO, Yukikazu Myochin.

The “K” Line Group will continue to broadly share environmental preservation activities being addressed within our Group companies via the presentation of these annual “K” Line Group Environmental Awards in order to demonstrate the environmental preservation activities by the entire Group. Through this emphasis on continuing to aggressively contribute to environmental preservation and biodiversity protection, we will successfully accomplish our mission, i.e., “Passing on a sustainable society and this blue and beautiful ocean to the next generation” as expressed in “K” Line Environmental Vision 2050.

Awardees of the “K” Line Group Environmental Awards are as follows:

GRAND AWARD

Reducing fossil fuels and CO2 emissions by using EV cars, installing solar carports and storage batteries at the Daikoku Car Carrier Terminal

Daito Corporation

The Daito Corporation considered ways to contribute to CO2 emissions reduction at the Daikoku Car Carrier terminal, and decided to convert company cars to EVs and install solar carports that can charge EVs. The solar carport can be used to charge EVs, and a portion of the surplus power can be supplied to the guardroom office or can be stored in storage batteries for use at night or in times of disaster.

The amount of electricity generated during the first four months of operation has been 1581.9 kwh since it started operating in November 2022, resulting in a reduction of approximately 1140.55 kg of CO2 emissions.

EXCELLENCE AWARD

Restoring the ecosystem through dam building

“K” Line (Thailand) Ltd.

The water storage will increase in forests by building check dams in national parks and we can restore the ecosystems of surrounding organisms.

Improvement of business operations through the introduction of RPA

Nitto Total Logistics Ltd.

We can improve work efficiency and reduce copy paper usage.by Introducing RPA (Robotic Process Automation) into daily operations,

Use of “ECOPLA WOOD” as a substitute for wood dunnage

“K” Line Marine Solutions Co., Ltd.

We can reduce wood usage by changing the part of the dunnage (cargo bedding material) used for curing and protecting cargo and hold decks from wood to “ECOPLA WOOD”, which is Recycled Plastic Products.
Entering into World’s first full scale CCS project with Northern Lights for two liquefied CO2 vessels/CO2 reduction through CCS/liquefied CO2 transportation Carbon-Neutral Promotion Group (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.)

We participated in the world’s first full-scale Carbon capture and storage value chain project in Norway by two liquefied CO2 carriers.
(Special Award) : Accumulation 10 entries

“K” Line (Thailand) Ltd.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line in receipt of Gold Award in the 44th 2023 Japan BtoB Advertising Awards

June 12, 2023 by Julia Hiles

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) received the Gold Award in the Magazine Advertising Category for the 44th 2023 Japan BtoB Advertising Awards hosted by the BtoB Association Japan. The award was given for four advertisements in “K” LINE’s environment series, entitled, “Full ahead to carbon neutral”, and the award ceremony was held on June 9th.

The Japan BtoB Advertising Awards is the only comprehensive contest for BtoB advertising works in Japan, started by the BtoB Association Japan in 1980. The Awards are divided into 15 categories, including the Product Catalog Category, the Poster Category, and the Newspaper Advertisement Category, and the purpose of the Awards is to commend the creative results of business advertising in Japan and to acknowledge and offer evaluations of excellent BtoB advertising by experts in creating advertisements and marketing. This was the first award in any of the categories for “K” LINE.

“K” LINE established the long-term “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050*¹ policy on the environment, defining a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2008 and establishing the goal reaching net zero in GHG (GreenHouse Gases) by 2050. In the Medium-Term Management Plan released in May 2022, “K” LINE established a long-term management vision to commit to a smooth energy transition for both the company and society and to promote activities aimed at realizing a low-carbon and decarbonized society. “K” LINE’s environmental advertising, entitled, “Full Steam Ahead to Low Carbon and Decarbonization”, was created based on specific initiatives and each of the four advertisements features a different model: an LNG-fueled pure car and truck carrier, a main measure to reduce GHG emissions by 2030; SEAWING, an automatic kite system to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20% by utilizing wind power; a zero-emissions ammonia-fueled pure car and truck carrier aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050; and a ship supporting offshore wind power generation that is expected to become popular in the future.

Going forward, “K” LINE will continue to strive to contribute to sustainable economic and social development and enhance corporate value while actively and flexibly responding to customers’ needs, including environmental responses which are expected to grow, and preserving the environment through business activities based on the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050.

*¹: “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050:-Blue Seas for the Future-

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