Transport communications

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Archives for March 2025

New Appointment to the GEODIS Management Board

March 10, 2025 by

GEODIS, world leader in transport and logistics, announces the appointment of Jean-Benoit Devauges as Group General Counsel.  He will be a member of the Group’s Management Board, which is chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS. He also becomes a member of the Executive Board of GEODIS alongside Marie-Christine Lombard and David-Olivier Tarac.

Jean-Benoit Devauges

Jean-Benoît Devauges began his career with international arbitration firm Lazareff & Associés before joining Renault’s legal department in 2000 as corporate lawyer. In 2006, he joined the Nissan Motor Company’s global legal department in Tokyo, Japan, before being transferred two years later to the United States, joining Nissan North America’s legal team in Nashville, Tennessee. He was appointed deputy to the group general counsel of Renault in 2011 with responsibility for partnerships, mergers and acquisitions. In 2017, he was promoted to general counsel and was appointed secretary to the board of directors in 2019. Since 2023, he has been general counsel and head of legal affairs, ethics and corporate governance at MEDEF, the French business confederation.

Jean-Benoît Devauges holds postgraduate diplomas from the University of Paris I in international business law and from the University of Paris II in E.U. law.  He is admitted to practice in France. 

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 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

TT Club highlights dangers of fire to mobile port equipment

March 10, 2025 by

Analysis of the international freight and cargo handling insurer’s claims history reveals that a fifth of all losses and damage to port equipment are related to fire.  There exists a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce and terminal users that must be addressed.

London, 6th March 2025

TT Club is warning cargo handling and terminals operators that fire remains a major cause of damage and losses to port and terminal equipment.  The insurance specialist’s analysis of a ten-year claims history shows that of the near 1600 fire-related claims it has received over that period, some 19% have involved this equipment.  With some minor variation over the years, the percentage has remained relatively consistent.

“Fire risk not only poses a significant concern in terms of insured losses and obvious operational disruption, fire also presents a real and significant risk to the safety of the workforce, facility visitors/users and indeed the general public,” comments Neil Dalus from TT’s Loss Prevention department.  “As a result we strongly advise that fire detection and suppression systems in port equipment are considered by operators as critical safety measures.”

Total percentage of claims relating to equipment fires in a 10yr period

TT Club also commends the recently published white paper by the Port Equipment Manufacturing Association (PEMA]) entitled ‘Fire Detection and Suppression Systems for Mobile Port Equipment’ (Click here). The paper is comprehensive in its coverage of fire safety measures and particularly emphases importance of regular maintenance, collaborative risk assessments, adherence to industry standards, and of course mandatory regulations.

Among the essential information contained in the PEMA white paper are the range of available technologies for fire detection and suppression; current trends in electrification and automation together with their particular associated risks and environmental considerations when addressing the potential consequences of equipment fires.

Percentage of claims relating to equipment

In summary Dalus concludes, “”TT joins with PEMA in urging the installation of state-of-the-art fire suppression systems in all port equipment together with strict adherence to manufacturers’ service protocols and remote monitoring for autonomous equipment.  Going forward we advise the close collaboration between fire suppression system suppliers, equipment manufacturers and port operators in tackling the dangerous trend in the consistent risk of fire.”

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. The Club’s services include specialist underwriting, claims management and risk and loss management advice, supported by a global office network. TT Club’s mission is to make the industry safer, more secure and more sustainable. 

Established in 1968, TT Club currently services more than 1400 Members – container owners, operators, ports, terminals and logistics companies. Its membership covers the entire logistics journey, working across maritime, road, rail, and air ranging from some of the world’s largest logistics operators to smaller, bespoke companies managing similar risks. The Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. Its average annual customer retention rate is consistently over 95%, with some Members having chosen to insure with the Club for over 50 years. 

TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller – an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized

GEODIS’ Drive to Sustainability Forges Ahead with a New Fleet of Biofuel Trucks in the UAE

March 10, 2025 by

GEODIS, a world leader in the transport and logistics sector, has launched a new fleet comprising eleven Euro 4 and Euro 6 biofuel trucks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative, particularly the adoption of biofuel is another sign of GEODIS’ firm commitment to reducing its carbon footprint globally, while further maintaining operational efficiency and delivering sustainable solutions for customers

GEODIS has set targets of a 42% reduction in the GHG emissions generated by its fleets of vehicles and its buildings (Scopes 1 and 2) and a 25% drop for the carbon intensity of subcontracted container

shipping, road, and rail operations (Scope 3) by 2030; both compared to the base year 2022. The current initiative in the UAE aligns with GEODIS’ broader strategy to commit to a process of such reductions through a science-based approach (Science Based Targets – SBT), in line with the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° C.

The new fleet, consisting of two ten-ton and six six-ton trucks along with three fifty-foot tractor-trailers will utilize biofuel. Biofuel emits less CO2 compared to diesel. The fleet will serve customers in the high tech, retail, pharma, automotive and industrial sectors, providing freight transportation services from pick-up and delivery to and from airport locations, warehouses and retail stores in the Middle East.

Chris Cahill, Managing Director, GEODIS Middle East and India Subcontinent, said: “Relying on a new fleet of trucks is a critical component of our growth strategy for the Middle East region. This initiative not only underscores our commitment to sustainability but also enhances our capacity to meet the evolving needs of our customers. By integrating sustainable transportation and technologies into our operations, we are positioning GEODIS as a leader in responsible logistics and paving the way for future growth and innovation in the region.”

Over recent years GEODIS has made significant investments in the Middle East region by expanding its presence in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. GEODIS offers a full range of end-to-end supply chain solutions from freight, customs brokerage, contract logistics to project logistics throughout these countries. 

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 50,000 employees. In 2024, GEODIS generated €11.3 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

Filed Under: GEODIS

The American Club achieves target increase with the 2025/2026 P&I renewal Premium year on year rise of 7% with other adjustments adding additional 4% value

March 10, 2025 by

The American Club has reported a strong renewal, achieving targets set by the Board for 2025. While gross tonnage for the Club’s Class I (mutual P&I) entries was virtually unchanged at the turn of the renewal at Noon GMT 20 February 2025, premium income increased by over 7% at the renewal. Its Class II (mutual FD&D) portfolio was renewed on a similar basis, while its Class III (charterers’ liability) business is poised to increase by about 5% in 2025.

Eagle Ocean Marine, the Club’s fixed premium facility, which serves the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, carries an overall historical net loss ratio of 68%. The 23/24 facility year is running below 40%, while the current 24/25 facility year is relatively benign but still in an active period of development as the facility year runs to July of each year.

The Club’s Board mandated target increase in expiring premium for the 2025/2026 policy year was met as the cash rise year on year on renewing business was 7%. Supporting the premium position were deductible and term changes calculated to have a value of another 4% against net premium, resulting in an overall increase of 11% on renewing premium.

Speaking in New York earlier today, Tom Hamilton, the Chief Underwriting Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, said: “The 2025 renewal underscores the value Club members place on the high level of service provided by the Club, evidenced by a business retention rate of 94% during the renewal. The American Club’s focus remains on rate adequacy and sustainability particularly in response to the emergence of Pool claim activity during 2024. Importantly, the American Club commences the 2025 policy year in a solid position with premium income for P&I, FD&D and charterers’ liability classes, along with Eagle Ocean Marine, in excess of $130 million, and we are encouraged by the expectation for growth across all classes over the course of 2025/2026. We are grateful to our Members, new and existing, our producing brokers, our Board of Directors, and of course, to our executives throughout the world, all key to the Club’s continuing resilience.”

Notes to Editors The American Club 1 American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American P&I Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA, providing ocean marine third party liability insurance. The Club is the only American member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of twelve mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of the world’s ocean going fleet. The American Club has been successful in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York. The Club provides expert local service for its members across all time zones, through management branch offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents, as well as through its European subsidiary in Limassol, Cyprus. The American Club also operates a fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades. For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/ P&I Insurance Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations. Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

Filed Under: The American Club