Transport communications

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Archives for May 2025

“K” LINE received a visit from Singapore Management University

May 20, 2025 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that it has received a visit from  16 students from International Trading Institute, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University (SMU).

Since its establishment in 2000, SMU has produced a large number of human resources to trading industry, including marine transportation, and offers Industry Study Mission, overseas company visit programme, for students specializing in maritime business or global trading. This year, Tokyo was selected as the place to visit, and “K” LINE has decided to cooperate on the programme since Singapore is an important business base for the company.

At the company visit on May 13, 2025, “K” LINE offered a two-hour programme, including a lecture on its business and environmental initiatives followd by a Q&A session, during which the students asked various questions actively. They seemed to be particularly interested in “K” LINE’s environmental initiatives.

“K” LINE will continue to promote understanding of the shipping industry by accepting company visits and cooperate in the development of the next generation.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Japan’s Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) Initiative Presented at ICHCA AGM

May 20, 2025 by

Yusuke Suemune of Japan’s Ports and Harbours Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) today outlined in detail his Government’s plans to achieve carbon net zero by 2050 at all Japanese ports via its Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) initiative backed by a CNP certification process.                                                                    

Barcelona, 19st May 2025

The presentation given today in Barcelona as part of the ICHCA AGM contained the announcement of MLIT’s launch in June of its Carbon Neutral Ports (CNP) Certification for container terminals. The Certification process will evaluate each terminal’s decarbonization efforts.  Critically this assessment will be on a ‘per-terminal’ rather than a ‘per-port’ basis. The Certification will be multi-faceted.  Each element geared toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. 

As Suemune outlined, the process of decarbonization will involve evaluation of a wide variety of stratagems including low-emission handling equipment and LED lighting on the terminal operation side and efforts concerning carriers, such as zero emission vessel fuels and truck appointment systems.

“The evaluation will be performed at multiple certification levels from Level 1 to Level 5,” explained Suemune.  “Should the detailed and stringent requirements of each level be achieved then Certification will be granted for three years, after which the terminal will need to reapply.  Thus ensuring that decarbonization efforts are maintained.  We believe port decarbonization cannot be achieved in a single step, nor in the short-term; rather a long-term perspective must be pursued.”

In welcoming the MLIT initiative, Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA commented, “We are both honoured and delighted that MLIT through their representative Yusuke Suemune has chosen the ICHCA forum to announce the CNP Certification initiative.  Environmental care is at the forefront of ICHCA’s mission and the efforts of such influential members such as the Japanese Government’s MLIT is a great example of how the cargo industry can deliver on that commitment.”

In addition, the results of the evaluation process will be visible to all port users, as they too are encouraged to contribute to the carbon zero target by 2050.  By initiating the CNP Certification, Ports and Harbours Bureau of MLIT is determined to objectively assess the status of decarbonization plans across all ports in the country on the basis of common and well defined criteria.

Yusuke Suemune’s presentation can be viewed in full HERE

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 MLIT

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is the Japanese government ministry responsible for the comprehensive and systematic use, development and conservation of the nation’s land, the integrated development of social capital for these purposes, the promotion of transport policies, the development of meteorological services, and ensuring maritime safety and security.

Filed Under: ICHCA

“K” Line Releases Video Update on Medium-Term Management Plan and FY2024 Results

May 8, 2025 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has released a video on its official website explaining the progress of its medium-term management plan and the results for FY2024. Initially shared on “K” Line With, the Group’s internal video communication platform, the video is now available to a broader audience.

“K”LINE’s latest video on Financial results for FY2024 & Medium-term Management plan Progress

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/corporate/kline_with.html

“K” Line With details the progress of the medium-term management plan on a quarterly basis, providing explanations of the latest earnings forecasts and also focuses on initiatives which consider the three important points of the medium-term management plan, specifically, the business strategy, the functional strategy and the capital policy. By doing so, it communicates the progress in the medium-term management plan to people in the “K” LINE Group and a broad range of other stakeholders.

The first half of the video explains the FY2024 earnings results and FY2025 earnings forecasts.

The latter half of the video details how “K” LINE will be a company that is chosen by customers and partners through continuous efforts to strengthen its functional strategy and achieves a growth strategy capitalizing on low carbon and decarbonization initiatives as opportunities.

“K” LINE has posted the video on its official website in addition to “K” Line With to make outside stakeholders more aware of the Company’s activities. “K” LINE also aims to deepen understanding of the medium-term management plan among business sites on land and sea within the Group, globally promote internal communication and information sharing, encourage a sense of solidarity as a source of the Group’s strength, and reinforce the foundation of its business operations.

(A news release related to “K” Line With)
November 17, 2023: Sharing Information within the Group Using Video Communication Site for Employees “K” Line With
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/other/other-20231117.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Financial Highlights for FY2024

May 8, 2025 by

Please be advised that “K” LINE Tokyo Head Office published the following press release today. 

Please refer to the attached PDF documents for details.

・Financial Highlights for FY2024

This document is also available on their website both in English and Japanese.

( <https://www.kline.co.jp/en/>)

Filed Under: "K" Line

Laying the Groundwork for Infrastructure Investment in Cabo Verde: HPC Finalises Pre-Feasibility Study for Porto Fundo Terminal

May 1, 2025 by

Comprehensive market analysis, terminal layout, and financial assessment set the stage for investor engagement and next-phase feasibility planning in Cabo Verde.

Hamburg/Santa Cruz, 30 April 2025 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) has successfully delivered a pre-feasibility study for the development of a bulk cargo terminal at Porto Fundo in Santa Cruz, Cabo Verde. Commissioned by Spanish infrastructure company COPISA, the study provides a foundation for assessing the viability of a new terminal on the island of Santiago and sets the course for further investment planning.

Representatives of COPISA, AFRICOM, the Municipality of Santa Cruz and HPC, and it was taken at the Municipality of Santa Cruz.

Located on Cabo Verde’s largest and most populous island, Santiago, Porto Fundo is strategically positioned to serve the country’s key agricultural region and half of its population. As part of the Sotavento Islands, Santiago also plays an important historical and logistical role within the archipelago, lying between the islands of Maio and Fogo and home to the nation’s capital, Praia.

In its assessment, HPC analysed the market potential of a new bulk terminal, considering the competitive landscape, proposed cargo mix, investment and operational costs, and price positioning. Building on this foundation, HPC developed a terminal operations and layout concept, complemented by a financial analysis to support the next stage of planning and investor engagement.

The study is intended to serve as a business case for attracting financing from various sources, including multilateral and development finance institutions, and to initiate a detailed feasibility phase. COPISA, which intends to construct the terminal and secure financing in collaboration with AFRICOM, a Mauritanian investment company, engaged HPC to deliver the independent assessment as a first step. A local subsidiary has already been established to manage port construction and implementation of operations.

“This project responds to the growing need for efficient port infrastructure to support the economic development of Cabo Verde. By improving bulk handling capacity, the terminal at Porto Fundo can strengthen local supply chains, reduce import costs, and contribute to the country’s long-term growth with new export opportunities. The terminal will also provide capacity for the regional transhipment of grain and hydrocarbons and, in the future, hydrogen products. The pre-feasibility study lays the groundwork for turning this vision into a concrete investment opportunity,” said José Manuel Valero Pérez, Managing Director of COPISA Cabo Verde.

The final report includes detailed market demand projections, confirming a long-term need for dry and liquid bulk handling capacity in Cabo Verde. In response to project-specific requirements, the terminal design was refined to accommodate the handling of hydrocarbons, ensuring alignment with anticipated cargo flows and operational needs.

“The future bulk terminal at Porto Fundo will be more than a logistics asset – it will open up new business opportunities for Cape Verde and make the islands an important maritime hub on the West African coast,” said Dr Martin Schramm, the responsible Project Manager at HPC. “By localising key cargo handling capacities, Cabo Verde can reduce dependency on transshipment routes, stabilise supply chains for essential goods like construction materials or grain, and strengthen its economic autonomy. Our study shows that with targeted investment, this vision is well within reach.”

In early April, representatives from HPC, COPISA, AFRICOM, and other stakeholders met with the government of Cabo Verde to present the results of the study. The project received full political support, and the process for establishing a public-private joint venture to realise the port development was initiated. As a first step, COPISA, AFRICOM, and the municipality of Santa Cruz signed initial documents formalising their collaboration. HPC will continue to support the project’s advancement through future planning and implementation phases.

The Porto Fundo study reflects HPC’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in island contexts, where tailored planning, realistic investment pathways and close stakeholder collaboration are essential.

For more information, please contact: Steffi Karsten, HPC Marketing / PR, E-Mail: s.karsten@hpc-hamburg.de

About HPC
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting empowers ports, terminals, and hinterland operators worldwide to achieve efficient operations, sustainable growth, and sound investment decisions. Founded in 1976, HPC has delivered over 1,900 projects across 135 countries, guiding clients through every stage of the port project cycle.

HPC’s core expertise includes automation, AI-driven operations, and digitalization, with solutions like Port Community Systems and Maritime Single Windows transforming the way ports operate. At the same time, HPC offers a comprehensive portfolio of consulting services, addressing challenges from facility optimization to strategic decision-making – all tailored to unlock efficiencies and drive long-term success.

With a team of about 100 specialists – including terminal operators, data scientists, and logistics professionals – HPC blends deep industry insight with cutting-edge technology to deliver impactful solutions. From container and breakbulk handling to multipurpose facilities and hinterland logistics, HPC builds on decades of experience to help clients achieve sustainable prosperity.www.hamburgportconsulting.com

HPC legt Grundlage für Hafeninvestitionen auf den Kapverden: Vormachbarkeitsstudie für Terminal Porto Fundo abgeschlossen

Marktanalyse, Terminalkonzept und Finanzbewertung schaffen Basis für Investorenansprache und weitere Planungen.

Hamburg/Santa Cruz, 30. April 2025 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) hat erfolgreich eine Vormachbarkeitsstudie für den Bau eines Massengutterminals in Porto Fundo, Santa Cruz, Kapverden, abgeschlossen. Beauftragt vom spanischen Infrastrukturunternehmen COPISA, bildet die Studie die Grundlage für die Bewertung der Realisierbarkeit eines neuen Terminals auf der Insel Santiago und definiert die nächsten Schritte der Investitionsplanung.

Porto Fundo liegt auf Santiago, der größten und bevölkerungsreichsten Insel der Kapverden. Strategisch positioniert, erschließt der Standort das wichtigste landwirtschaftliche Anbaugebiet des Landes und versorgt rund die Hälfte der Bevölkerung. Als Teil der Sotavento-Inseln spielt Santiago zudem eine bedeutende historische und logistische Rolle im Archipel – zwischen den Inseln Maio und Fogo gelegen und Heimat der Hauptstadt Praia.

Im Rahmen der Studie analysierte HPC das Marktpotenzial des neuen Massengutterminals und berücksichtigte dabei die Wettbewerbssituation, das geplante Güterspektrum, Investitions- und Betriebskosten sowie Preisstrategien. Aufbauend auf diesen Ergebnissen entwickelte HPC ein Betriebskonzept sowie einen Flächen- und Layoutentwurf für das Terminal, ergänzt durch eine Finanzanalyse zur Vorbereitung der nächsten Projektphasen.

Die Vormachbarkeitsstudie soll als Grundlage für eine fundierte Investitionsvorlage zur Gewinnung von Finanzierungspartnern – darunter multilaterale und Entwicklungsfinanzierungsinstitutionen – dienen und die Grundlage für eine detaillierte Machbarkeitsprüfung bilden. COPISA, das den Bau des Terminals in Zusammenarbeit mit AFRICOM, einem mauretanischen Investmentunternehmen, umsetzen will, beauftragte HPC mit der Erstellung dieser unabhängigen Bewertung. Eine lokale Tochtergesellschaft wurde bereits gegründet, um den Bau und späteren Betrieb des Hafens zu organisieren.

„Dieses Projekt reagiert auf den zunehmenden Bedarf an effizienter Hafeninfrastruktur, um die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung der Kapverden zu fördern. Durch den Ausbau der Massengutkapazitäten kann das Terminal Porto Fundo lokale Lieferketten stärken, Importkosten senken und neue Exportchancen schaffen. Zudem wird es Kapazitäten für den regionalen Umschlag von Getreide, Kohlenwasserstoffen und perspektivisch auch Wasserstoffprodukten bieten. Diese Studie bildet das Fundament, um diese Vision in eine konkrete Investitionsmöglichkeit zu überführen,“ erläuterte José Manuel Valero Pérez, Geschäftsführer von COPISA Cabo Verde.

Der Abschlussbericht enthält eine detaillierte Analyse der Marktnachfrage und bestätigt den langfristigen Bedarf an Umschlagskapazitäten für trockene und flüssige Massengüter. Zudem wurde das Terminaldesign projektspezifisch angepasst, um auch den Umschlag von Kohlenwasserstoffen zu ermöglichen und zukünftigen Ladungsstrukturen gerecht zu werden.

„Das zukünftige Massengutterminal in Porto Fundo wird mehr als ein logistisches Drehkreuz sein – es eröffnet neue wirtschaftliche Perspektiven für die Kapverden und stärkt die Position der Inselgruppe als maritimer Knotenpunkt an der westafrikanischen Küste,“ sagte Dr. Martin Schramm, verantwortlicher Projektleiter bei HPC. „Mit dem Aufbau eigener Umschlagskapazitäten können die Kapverden ihre Abhängigkeit von Transshipment-Routen verringern, die Versorgungssicherheit für wichtige Güter wie Baustoffe und Getreide erhöhen und die wirtschaftliche Eigenständigkeit stärken. Unsere Analyse zeigt, dass diese Vision mit gezielten Investitionen realisierbar ist.“

Anfang April trafen sich Vertreter von HPC, COPISA, AFRICOM und weiteren Partnern mit der kapverdischen Regierung, um die Ergebnisse der Studie zu präsentieren. Das Projekt erhielt volle politische Unterstützung. Im Anschluss wurde der Prozess zur Gründung eines öffentlich-privaten Joint Ventures angestoßen. Als ersten Schritt unterzeichneten COPISA, AFRICOM und die Gemeinde Santa Cruz die Dokumente, die die Gründung in die Wege leiten. HPC wird den weiteren Entwicklungs- und Umsetzungsprozess weiterhin aktiv begleiten.

Die Vormachbarkeitsstudie zum Terminal Porto Fundo steht exemplarisch für HPCs Engagement, nachhaltige Infrastrukturprojekte in Inselregionen voranzutreiben – mit maßgeschneiderten Konzepten, realistischen Investitionspfaden und enger Zusammenarbeit mit lokalen Partnern.

Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an: Steffi Karsten, HPC-Marketing / PR, E-Mail: s.karsten@hpc-hamburg.de

Über HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting unterstützt weltweit Hafenbetreiber, Terminals und Hinterlandlogistiker dabei, effiziente Betriebsabläufe, nachhaltiges Wachstum und fundierte Investitionsentscheidungen zu erreichen. Seit der Gründung im Jahr 1976 hat HPC mehr als 1.900 Projekte in 135 Ländern erfolgreich realisiert und begleitet Kunden entlang des gesamten Hafenprojektzyklus.

Das Kerngeschäft von HPC umfasst Automatisierung, KI-gestützte Betriebsabläufe und Digitalisierung. Lösungen wie Port Community Systems und Maritime Single Windows verändern nachhaltig die Arbeitsweise von Häfen. Gleichzeitig bietet HPC ein umfassendes Beratungsportfolio, das von der Optimierung bestehender Anlagen bis zur strategischen Entscheidungsfindung reicht – stets mit dem Ziel, Effizienzpotenziale zu heben und langfristigen Erfolg zu sichern.

Mit einem Team von rund 100 Spezialisten – darunter Terminalbetreiber, Data Scientists und Logistikexperten – verbindet HPC fundierte Branchenkenntnis mit modernster Technologie, um wirkungsvolle Lösungen zu entwickeln. Ob Containerumschlag, Breakbulk-Handling, Multipurpose-Terminals oder Hinterlandlogistik – HPC baut auf jahrzehntelanger Erfahrung auf, um seine Kunden auf dem Weg zu nachhaltigem wirtschaftlichem Erfolg zu begleiten. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Filed Under: HPC Hamburg Port Consulting

ICHCA : Crucial amendment to IMDG Code on Ammonium Nitrate sanctioned by the IMO

May 1, 2025 by

The global cargo handling association ICHCA International (ICHCA) welcomes the recent IMO decision to amend a key aspect of the IMDG Code governing ammonium nitrate shipments to significantly improve their safe transportation by sea and highlights its  importance as part of the association’s Dangerous Goods Awareness campaign.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved changes to its maritime safety regulations in the form of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code to improve the safety of ammonium nitrate transport by sea. ICHCA is drawing attention to the move, as well as  other changes to the IMDG Code designed to improve safety when   shipping  handling and carrying  dangerous goods via its  awareness campaign throughout 2025. 

This particular change affects Clause 7.6.2.8.4 and reinforces that carriage of UN 1942 Ammonium Nitrate and UN 2067 Ammonium Nitrate Based Fertilizer under deck is only permitted if hatches including tween deck hatches are capable of being opened up in an emergency so that effective firefighting through maximum ventilation and boundary cooling can be undertaken.

The amendment follows an ICHCA prepared White Paper* on the subject lodged with IMO in 2022, which recommended clarification of the relevant IMDG Clause.  “Although not mandatory until 1st January 2026 it can be applied  on a voluntary basis from January 2025. ICHCA is urging all those involved in the maritime transport of ammonium nitrate to abide by the new regulation immediately,” says CEO Richard Steele.  “The work by our Technical Panel over several months made the case for amending the IMDG Code very clear, backed by thorough understanding of the properties of these compounds and by detailed guidance on how such risks could be mitigated.”

The risks posed by poor conditions of storage of ammonium nitrate, which is used extensively in the fertilisers and explosives industries, had been well documented but awareness of the dangers of fire during transportation by sea was less well recognised until the ICHCA White Paper showed the risks on vessels chartered to ship these compounds   through ports around the world.

Ammonium Nitrate (NH₄NO₃), a white to grey odourless chemical has a melting point of 169 degrees C and decomposes at 210 degrees C. While it does not burn by itself, it will significantly accelerate burning of combustible material.  “These properties in particular demand careful consideration of how and where ammonium nitrate is stowed on board vessels,” says the paper’s lead author Brian Devaraj, who is a member of ICHCA’s Technical Panel. “Ammonium nitrate fires can escalate out of control very rapidly. To help prevent consequential loss of life and damage, the new provisions laid out in the IMDG Code, in particular clause 7.6.2.8.4 should be complied with at all times.”

“This seemingly unremarkable clause is in fact crucial to safe shipping of ammonium nitrate,” explains Devaraj. “7.6.2.8.4 states that certain product with specified UN Numbers may be stowed under deck in a clean cargo space capable of being opened in an emergency, including need to open hatches in case of fire to provide maximum ventilation and to apply water.  This of course precludes a hold containing ammonium nitrate to be over-stowed with another cargo.” 

The intention of the amendment is to avoid any misunderstanding on this point, clarifying that all vessel hatches – including tween decks and any other compartments- should be openable in case of an ammonium nitrate fire. “Of particular concern is where this product is carried in multi-layered compartments of conventional reefer vessels, wherein compliance to this clause is next to impossible. Several jurisdictions, that handle the product in significant quantities, have already taken heed of this risk. Countries including Australia, South Africa and Chile have specific regulatory requirements. This newly worded clause in the IMDG will eliminate any ambiguity on its application to all types of ships including bulk, multipurpose tween deckers, conventional reefer vessels etc.” Devaraj concluded.

“The guidance of these authorities as well as the in-depth explanation of the significance of Clause 7.6.2.8.4 wording is contained within our White Paper and we at ICHCA are enthusiastically promoting the amendment and its immediate application by all involved in the ammonium nitrate trade,” concludes Steele.

*The whitepaper, ‘Ammonium Nitrate Fire Risk on Board Ships’ is available for free download Here

Notes to Editors:

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

Filed Under: ICHCA