Transport communications

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Archives for January 2024

GEODIS has made decarbonization a driving force for its transformation and is committed to a pathway for reducing its emissions aligned with the Paris Agreement.

GEODIS has pledged to reduce its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% and reduce the carbon intensity of subcontracted transport (scope 3) by 30% by 2030 compared to 2022.

Confronted with the climate emergency, GEODIS is committed to a process of reducing its carbon emissions through the application of a science-based approach (the Science Based Targets initiative, or SBTi), in compliance with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° C. This commitment concerns both direct and indirect emissions.

Photo credit : GEODIS, Julien LUTT _CAPA
Caption :  GEODIS electrical vehicle

GEODIS has set targets of 42% for the reduction of the GHG emissions generated by its fleets of vehicles and its buildings (scopes 1 and 2) and 30% for the carbon intensity of subcontracted transport (scope 3) by 2030, by comparison with the base year 2022. These targets have been submitted to the SBTi for approval.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, said: “For many years, GEODIS has been working seriously alongside its customers and partners on measuring and reducing its impact on the climate. Our new goals will further speed up the process, and they establish GEODIS as one of the most committed companies. This new phase is fully in line with the Group’s ambition to make its lines of business more sustainable and to provide our customers with innovative, sustainable and ethical logistics offerings.”

To achieve these ambitious objectives, GEODIS has defined pathways for each Line of Business and geographic region, and has taken account of all the levers necessary for decarbonization.

With regard to its own fleet, GEODIS plans to continue the transition towards alternative vehicles and modes using carbon-free or bio-sourced energies and installing suitable infrastructures for refueling and charging. Collaborative innovation is key to these transformations. As far as last-mile deliveries are concerned, GEODIS has already set a target of providing low-carbon delivery services in 40 French cities by the end of 2024.

Alongside the transition of its own fleet, GEODIS is carrying out measures to reduce GHG emissions on all forms of transport involved in its operations. Its plan entails the use of sustainable marine fuel (SMF) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), giving support to customers seeking to optimize their flows and implement appropriate modal shifts, and permanent optimization of the efficiency of the resources employed (the latest generation planes, ships and vehicles; optimized loading and itineraries). This transformation depends on selecting subcontractors on the basis of their practices and commitments, and on supporting small road transport companies to help them carry out their own technological transition.

Reducing the carbon emissions of sites assumes a 40% improvement in overall energy efficiency as well as the availability of a minimum of 90% of low-carbon energy. Projects for new sites incorporate the most stringent environmental requirements.

Measures to achieve optimization, whether they concern routing, loading or the energy efficiency of vehicles or sites, make heavy use of increasingly sophisticated digital tools that are very much part of GEODIS’s ongoing innovation projects.

This transformation relies greatly on the commitment of GEODIS teams. A vast awareness campaign has given them a thorough understanding of climate issues, the principle being the more they understand, the better they will act. Meanwhile, the Group’s senior executives already have a climate criterion incorporated into the variable portion of their remuneration. In addition, environment-related criteria are taken into account in decision-making processes associated with acquisitions and investments.

About the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets.

(Source: Science Based Targets initiative) 

About Scopes 1, 2 and 3

Scope 1: Direct GHG emissions generated directly by fixed or mobile assets controlled by the company

Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with the consumption of electricity, heat or steam

Scope 3: All other indirect emissions not included in Scope 2 

(Source: GHG Protocol) 

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 four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

“K” Line : Comprehensively Providing the Japan Coast Guard with Marine Data Collected by Vessels in the Seas around Japan via IoS-OP

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that its commencement provision of marine data to the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). This data, sourced from monitoring systems onboard the merchant vessels of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and “K” LINE is now being shared through the Ship IoT data sharing platform IoS Open Platform (IoS-OP) managed by Ship Data Center Co., Ltd. (ShipDC).

In the past, the JCG relied on MOL, NYK, and “K” LINE for voluntary submission in marine data, which they then integrated manually. The IoS-OP gathers data from approximately five hundred ships operated by MOL, NYK and “K” LINE meaning it is one of the world’s largest ships IoT databases. Now, it has become possible to comprehensively supply the large body of detailed operational data gathered by the IoS-OP. The JCG plans to use this extensive data to enhance tidal current prediction accuracy, thus contributing significantly to marine safety and their work efficiency.

(Signers related in the above photo, from left side)
 
Mr. Yasuhiro Ikeda – Representative Director and President, ShipDC
Mr. Shingo Kameyama – Managing Executive Officer, “K” LINE
Capt. Hisaya Higuchi – Managing Executive Officer, NYK
Mr. Masayuki Fujita – Director General of Hydrographic and Oceanographic Department, JCG
Mr. Tomoyuki Koyama – Chairman, IoS-OP Consortium
Mr. Makoto Yamaguchi – Executive Officer, MOL
Mr. Hiroaki Sakashita – Representative Director and President & CEO, ClassNK

“K” LINE is committed to advancing data utilization by sharing shipping data via IoS-OP. This initiative not only contributes to the maritime industry’s growth but also aligns with our ongoing efforts to enhance navigation and cargo operation safety. Moreover, it reflects our dedication to environmental stewardship in an increasingly digital era.

In celebration of centralized management of marine data, a ceremony was held on January 26th with the attendance of relevant stakeholders.

TT Club seeks to mitigate a common cause of workplace injury

Falling from height is a leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries.  International freight transport and cargo handling insurance specialist TT Club is warning of this danger in the transport, port and logistics industries, environments in which, unfortunately elevated working locations are often unavoidable.

Continuing with its series of TT Briefs aimed at simplifying complex risk issues by providing easily digestible information and guidance, TT has published its latest Brief, Understand and mitigate the risks of working at height.’ In such working environments that are common throughout the supply chain, prioritising safety is of the utmost importance to prevent accidents and injuries. In this Brief TT looks at the steps that should be taken to reduce such risk, ensure the safety of your workforce when working at height, avoid exposure to injury claims and safety prosecutions, and reputational damage.

The series was Introduced three years ago by the specialist liability insurer; a TT Brief* is a two-sided infographic-style advice sheet, each aimed at a specific risk.  It is designed to offer guidance on general good practice to avoid loss.  It also has the potential to act as a poster to be utilised in the workplace so as, always in plain sight, it is a constant reminder to both employees and management.

TT’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention Mike Yarwood pinpoints the relevance of the latest Brief, “Globally, there is no consistent regulation that outlines at which height a worker is considered to be at risk of serious injury should they fall. Therefore, simply complying with regulated safety provisions may not be enough to protect a workforce from potentially fatal accidents. Our advice therefore is a considered guideline on the minimum measures that employers, be they warehouse, port or terminal operators, road hauliers or other carriers, should put in place.”

Recognising the range of operational conditions across the transport and logistics industry, the advice raises a number of points to consider relating to infrastructure design and improved working practices.

Safe stowage of cargo at various points in the supply chain is also discussed, as is the use of technology such as drones to carry out inspections or stocktaking, and deployment of fall prevention platforms.  Not least, training programmes and the encouragement of a strong safety culture should be in place throughout any operation.

Yarwood concludes, “When promoting best practices in working environments that have similar physical characteristics but are spread throughout the world, we believe effective communication is paramount. TT is always concerned with delivering relevant insight, based on the experiences of its insured, to best assist operators in avoiding situations of maximum risk. ‘Understand and mitigate the risks of working at height’ represents that commitment to safety that TT has at its core.”

* TT brief: working at height (ttclub.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 1200 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

Maritime safety advocate RightShip joins ICHCA

With safety at the core of this digital platform’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused risk mitigation services, RightShip is a fitting new addition to the ICHCA International’s (ICHCA) membership family

The International Cargo Handling Organisation (ICHCA) is committed to its core mission to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain and encourages all relevant operators, organisations, data and service suppliers and consultants to engage in constructive dialogue.  The news that RightShip has been recruited to its ranks is therefore a significant development in progressing towards its goals.

The Australia-based outfit is a leading global ESG-focused digital maritime platform, providing expertise in global safety, sustainability, and social responsibility practices. Founded with the mission to drive operational improvements in the global shipping industry, its clients access its due diligence, environmental and inspection services to help them manage risk and improve overall maritime safety standards.     

On the announcement of the news of joining ICHCA, RightShip’s Yucel Yildiz, Port and Terminal Manager said, “Alongside our mission to make our seas safer and minimise the environmental impact of international shipping, we wish to make a difference by supporting not-for-profit maritime organisations working to improve safety and the wellbeing of the workforce.  We believe ICHCA is such an organization providing a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying, and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain. Joining ICHCA will support us in achieving a long-lasting collaboration to achieve zero harm in ports and terminals.”

“We welcome the addition of a member which has such a clear commitment to safety and is proactively striving for environmentally sustainable and socially beneficial solutions to the industry’s risk mitigation challenges,” said Richard Steele, ICHCA’s CEO. “We are proud of the diverse nature of our membership. This fuels our strength of purpose and is vital in enabling ICHCA to be a relevant influence on the standards of safety through our industry and around the world.  RightShip’s particular expertise in forwarding ESG principles significantly enhances ICHCA’s representation of such diversity.

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 RightShip  

Established in 2001, RightShip is a leading global ESG focused digital maritime platform, providing expertise in global safety, sustainability, and social responsibility practices. Founded with the mission to drive operational improvements in the global shipping industry, more than 800 customers use RightShip’s due diligence, environmental and inspection services to help them manage risk and improve overall maritime safety standards.    

https://rightship.com/

“K” Line : Conclusion of Contract for Construction of Three Next-Generation, Environmentally Friendly Post-Panamax Bulkers

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and NIHON SHIPYARD CO., LTD. (NSY) have entered into a contract for the construction of three post-Panamax bulkers which NSY had newly developed and designed as next-generation, environmentally friendly ships. The new ship is a next-generation 92-type (92,000 deadweight tons) known as “K” LINE’s “Corona-series,” which are wide-beam, shallow-draft coal carriers optimally designed for transportation of coal to coal-fired power plants in Japan.

Phase 3 of EEDI*¹ will require bunkers (no less than 20,000 deadweight tons), for which construction contracts will be concluded in 2025 or thereafter, to be 30% more efficient in CO2 emissions compared to the EEDI standards. In pursuit of a further reduction in the environmental burden through greater fuel economy, the new ship is expected to achieve a 40% improvement in CO2 emissions efficiency based on NSY’s optimal ship development, including the newest main engine and the adoption of energy-saving accessories. Moreover, methanol-ready ship concept which assumes a shift toward methanol, a marine fuel with a low environmental footprint, will be adopted.

Outline of vessel

LOA:Approx. 229 mDeadweight ton:Approx. 92,000 MT
Beam:Approx. 38 mNumber of hold / hatch:7/7
Depth:Approx. 19.65 m  
Full load draft:Approx. 14.20 m  

Under “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, a long-term environmental guideline *², “K” LINE has set a goal of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. As part of its associated action plans, it plans to implement a shift such as new highly eco-friendly fuels, the use of wind power propulsion systems. 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 EEDI: Energy Efficiency Design Index.

The EEDI estimates ship CO2 emissions when carrying 1 ton of cargo for 1 mile.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/regulation.html

*² “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future

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

Dr. Tobias Burger becomes COO Air & Sea Logistics at Dachser

Focus on growth in global markets and integrated groupage transport

Kempten, January 11, 2024 – Since the turn of the year, Dr. Tobias Burger (46) has been the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) Air & Sea Logistics and a member of the Executive Board at logistics provider Dachser. The former Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics replaces Edoardo Podestà (61), who has retired from active professional life after a career at Dachser spanning more than 20 years, the last four of which he spent leading the air and sea freight business. 

Dr. Tobias Burger, Chief Operations Officer (COO) Air & Sea Logistic

“The thoroughly prepared handover at the top of the Air & Sea Logistics business field reflects the targeted and long-term oriented further development of our intercontinental network,” explains Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dachser. “Edoardo Podestà has built up our Asian business since 2003 and has made a significant contribution to the growth of our company over the past four years as COO Air & Sea Logistics. With Dr. Tobias Burger, we now have an experienced logistics strategist at the helm of our Air & Sea Logistics organization who has a deep and holistic understanding of the complex challenges facing the global logistics markets now and in the future.”    

The central task of Tobias Burger as COO Air & Sea Logistics is to drive Dachser’s growth in the global markets. “We are convinced that the main impetus for our future growth will come from our business in Asia and the Americas,” says Burkhard Eling, CEO of Dachser. “By closely interlinking intercontinental transport with our efficient European overland transport network, we want to offer our customers a comprehensive solution for groupage services around the world. This Global Groupage offering, delivered by an integrated network with comprehensive contract logistics capabilities, definitely calls for a powerful air and sea freight organization with a global presence.”     

Burger holds a doctorate in business administration, and he began his career as a strategy consultant at Siemens Management Consulting. He joined Dachser in 2009. After working in controlling and strategy development, he was given responsibility for Corporate Governance. At that time, he was already overseeing the strategic development of the global air and sea freight network. Burger was appointed Deputy Director Air & Sea Logistics in 2019, becoming Podestà’s right-hand man. During this time, he was initially global sales manager for the air and sea freight business. In 2021 and 2022, Burger led the ASL EMEA business unit’s operations as Managing Director with great success.

Edoardo Podestà: Two decades of growth and profitability for Dachser ASL

Podestà concludes his successful career as a logistics manager by handing over the reins to Burger. An Italian who has lived in Hong Kong for many years, Podestà joined Dachser in 2003 following its acquisition of a joint venture. As Managing Director, he was initially responsible for Greater China; as Dachser’s Asian business grew, he soon took on responsibility for the entire Asia-Pacific business unit. Since 2019, he had also been at the helm of the global air and sea freight business as COO Air & Sea Logistics. “Against the backdrop of an extremely volatile market environment, he applied his depth of experience and his creativity to always chart a clear course for growth and profitability,” Eling says. 


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

“K” Line : Asia Damage Prevention Meeting Held for Car Carrier Business

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) held the Asia Damage Prevention Meeting from December 7th to 8th in Bangkok, Thailand with the aim of improving transportation quality in the Southeast Asia region. The conference was attended by representatives of “K” Line and cargo-handling companies in Southeast Asia for discussion about how to improve quality services in marine transportation and cargo handling operations, around 40 people from seven countries.

The catchphrase of this conference is “Strict compliance of K Line SAFETY OPERATION PROCEDURE (SOP) is the guide to “ZERO DAMAGE “Strict compliance with “K” Line standard operating procedures (SOPs) is the guide to zero damage,” and the participants discussed how to improve quality services in the safe operation of car carriers. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the further penetration of “K” Line SOPs, sharing about new ideas of cargo handling equipment, operation procedures, and handling of next-generation cargo such as electric vehicles (BEVs). We also launched the K Learning system, a new education system for workers that we have started to introduce in worker training at each port. In addition, to encourage quality activities, we presented awards to the representatives of “K” Line and cargo handling companies in Southeast Asia that made exceptionally good efforts to achieve the best cargo handling quality in 2023.

We will always continue strive to improve “K” LINE global RORO service quality as we strengthen relationships with each Southeast Asian port through the regular Asia Damage Prevention meetings.

TT Club highlights the freight crime supply chain

Surprisingly, this shadow supply chain uses all of the same components as the legitimate one, from route planning to warehousing, with stolen goods marketed and sold using legitimate platforms to unsuspecting buyers. Freight insurance provider TT Club is promoting awareness of this supply chain ‘Black hole’.

London, 11th January 2024

Much freight crime is perpetrated by organised crime with profit, similar to commercial businesses as the ultimate aim. The process of storage, transport, distribution and marketing of stolen goods often shadow those of legitimate supply chains with criminals acquiring sophisticated logistics skills.  Their knowledge assists them in targeting shipments at a multitude of points; from truck hijackings to pilfering items from unsecured warehouses. Needless to say such theft not only results  in significant financial losses but also disrupts the flow of goods, leading to delayed deliveries and dissatisfied customers.

“At TT we are striving to highlight the responsibility that landlords in particular have to properly vet tenants of storage facilities and how they can prevent their properties being used to warehouse stolen goods” says Josh Finch.

“In a recent operation, police in the UK discovered a warehouse, at a location in Bradford that held hundreds of pallets of stolen goods. With the assistance of the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) the goods found were linked to known cargo theft incidents which spanned the previous six years and  amounted to several million pounds in value,” continues Finch.

“The warehouse itself was an unassuming commercial unit, which blended seamlessly with other legitimate businesses and exemplifies the duty landlords have to ensure that the sites they own and lease are not being used by their tenants for illegal purposes.”

TT Club is endeavouring to pinpoint the warning signs, and the nature of due diligence that is essential in preventing such properties from being exploited by criminals. Such measures include:

  • Background checks to scrutinize the business operations, financial stability, and track record of potential tenants
  • Inspection of premises regularly to ensure they are being used for legitimate purposes
  • Monitoring tenant activity, employing modern monitoring technologies, such as security cameras and access control systems
  • Collaborating with law enforcement at a local levelto share information and report any suspicious activity promptly
  • Review lease agreements to include clauses specifying the permissible uses of the property and outline the consequences for illegal activities
  • Engagement of professional services such as security experts with experience in identifying and preventing criminal activities

Increasing evidence from law enforcement agencies is confirming that a shadow supply chain operates alongside the legitimate transport of goods, using all of the same components from route planning to warehousing, with stolen goods marketed and sold using legitimate platforms to unsuspecting buyers. 

“As TT helps operators to navigate the complex world of cargo theft and freight crime, it becomes increasingly clear that shedding light on this black hole requires a collective effort from all stakeholders in the supply chain, from law enforcement agencies to warehouse landlords. Only through such collaboration can we hope to mitigate this ongoing threat and safeguard the integrity of the supply chain,” concludes Finch.

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 1200 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 : 2023 LNG Group and Carbon-Neutral Promotion Group Global Meetings Held

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha., Ltd. (“K” LINE) held two global meetings at its head office, one for the LNG Group on December 11, 2023 and the other for the Carbon-Neutral Promotion Group on December 12, 2023. The meetings were attended by 14 national staff and representatives from 4 overseas offices, as well as top-level managers from the head office, who engaged in lively discussions.

The LNG Group meeting featured the positioning and role of the Group in the Medium-term Management Plan and the sharing of the Group’s targets and the progress on them, followed by presentations by each location on current issues and future initiatives. The Group also discussed the marketing strategies to be implemented in each area from the perspective of future action plans. The Group will improve its competitiveness by continuously strengthening its integrated customer-oriented support at sea and on land in sales and ship management, while also continuing to seek to increase its market share by collaborating with locations, going forward.

The Carbon-Neutral Promotion Group meeting spotlighted liquified CO2 transportation recognizing it will take an important role in  the carbon neutrality of society, and participants from various location around the world exchanged opinions about business strategies. By gathering “K” Line’s expertise through the existing liquified gas transportation, we aim to contribute to the development of carbon capture storage projects through for the sustainable society and improve our corporate value.

In addition, a common session was held, where the Corporate Planning Group provided an explanation of the Company’s investment criteria and stance on investing, and also held a question-and-answer session. Participants were able to engage in cross-departmental discussion.

Going forward, “K” LINE will continue to regularly hold global meetings to share sector goals from a global perspective and, through these meetings, it will energize each location’s activities and deepen collaboration between locations to strengthen competitiveness, while also seeking to improve its customer-oriented services. “K” LINE will work to provide high-quality transportation services during the transition period while the energy mix is changing, thereby contributing to low-carbon and carbon-free initiatives for both ourselves and society as a whole.

Intermarine : A dynamic start to 2024 – four heavy-lifters join the Intermarine fleet

2024 is off to a strong start for Intermarine, where the multi-purpose carrier is gearing up for a dynamic year ahead. As the foremost operator in the Americas, the collaboration with heavy-lift powerhouse Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is propelling Intermarine to new heights. The break-bulk operator is thrilled to announce a fleet expansion consisting of two F500 heavy-lift vessels, one F360 and one F300, effective within days of publication.

MV Industrial Skipper

Intermarine has secured four vessels on a long-term charter. The vessels — who will be sailing under the names Industrial Fraternity (F360), Industrial Skipper (F500), Industrial Swift (F500) and Louise Auerbach (F300) — are set to kick off operations in the next few weeks. MV Industrial Fraternity will join the ranks around 12 January, followed by MV Industrial Skipper around 15 January. MV Industrial Swift and MV Louise Auerbach will come into service around 1 February. Initially, these vessels will join global trade routes with a focus on enhancing connections between Europe, Africa and the Americas — bolstering the company’s transatlantic network.

Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen says: “We’ve always had a dynamic blend of owned vessels and time-charter ships in our fleet. It’s a fundamental aspect of our business model. This approach gives us a versatile modus operandi, offering a diverse array of ships precisely tailored to meet the wide variety of customer requests and demands. By adding these modern heavy-lift vessels, we can build on our services with an extremely attractive offering. I’m confident our customers will appreciate it right from the start.”

These modern heavy-lift vessels seamlessly integrate into the portfolio shared by Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. The F500 vessels are equipped with 2 x 250 t SWL cranes (combinable to 500 t SWL). The F360 has 2 x 180 t SWL cranes (combinable to 360 t SWL), and the F300 offers 2 x 150 t SWL cranes (combinable to 300t SWL). Built between 2016 and 2017, the F500 types represent some of the newest, most efficient vessels in the sector. Boasting a length of 147 m and a draft of 7.5 m, these vessels facilitate operations in almost any port.

Intermarine COO Lars Rasmussen emphasizes: “It’s critical that we support our customers’ needs with consistent and readily available vessel positions. These vessels seamlessly integrate into our fleet and trade routes, offering operational efficiency and expanded capacity. Their remarkable flexibility, advanced technical capabilities and exceptional fuel efficiency make them an ideal complement to the services offered by both Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.”

MV Industrial Fraternity and the MV Louise Auerbach will commence operations from northern Europe. MV Industrial Skipper sets sail from Brazil and MV Industrial Swift departs from the Mediterranean Sea.

Harren Group CEO Martin Harren concludes: “These vessels represent not only exceptional capabilities but also crucial strategic assets for both Intermarine and the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. With this strategic commitment, we can cater to a more extensive customer base, reinforcing our dedication to meeting our clients’ evolving demands. We consistently ensure that our fleet is well-aligned and equipped with the necessary technical capabilities to address the ever-growing needs of our customers. We look forward to serving both new and existing clients, leveraging the strength of these remarkable vessels.”

Technical vessel particulars and schedules will be available on www.intermarine.com by January.

For commercial inquiries, please contact:

Mr Torben Reinhard (torben.reinhard@intermarine.com)

About Intermarine: For over 30 years, Intermarine has built an industry-leading team of experts with the resources, experience and spirit to provide exceptional service for their clients’ global cargo needs. With frequent, flexible liner service between the U.S. Gulf, NCSA, Caribbean, ECSA and WCSA, Intermarine offers the fastest regional transit available. Intermarine can transport cargos to every corner of the globe through locations in the United States, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Denmark and Thailand, and as part of the SAL Heavy Lift network with offices on all continents. With its dynamic fleet of highly specialized vessels, Intermarine delivers the most reliable solutions for breakbulk, project and heavy-lift cargos across the Americas and beyond.