Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

New Chair Announced for Cargo Handling Industry Body

October 20, 2025 by

International Cargo Handling Association (ICHCA) has a new chair. Australian Scott McKay has been elected, effective 30 September.  

With members from the port, terminal, shipping and cargo handling community throughout the world, ICHCA remains committed to improve the safe working environment of all those handling cargo throughout the international maritime supply chain.

The appointment of McKay, a veteran with nearly forty years experience of supply chain management is seen as reinforcing that mission, particularly regarding the Association’s attempts to disseminate safety performance data and innovations to cargo handlers and the broader industry.  McKay commented, “I see that ICHCA has a fantastic opportunity to further develop gathering, analysing and sharing safety data and best practice to help improve safety decisions and cultural change along and across the cargo supply chain.”

McKay joined a state chapter of ICHCA Australia seven years ago.  He was appointed Chair and became a member of the international board in November 2023. Formerly a chartered accountant at KPMG and a principal at Aurecon a design and delivery global infrastructure consultancy, he has vast experience in the supply chain industry, including senior roles in Europe, Asia and Australia as CEO in warehousing and road transport, container rail and intermodal and bulk ports operations.

Currently, as founder and chief executive of Flywheel Advisory, he helps organizations and businesses using supply chain as a differentiator to drive profitability and service levels. He is also CEO of T Ports, a bulk grain handler that develops and operates bulk ports and transhipping operations for global grain traders in Australia. T Ports provides innovative solutions for bringing deep seaports closer to the grain grower.

McKay replaces John Beckett who steps down as Chair after 18 years of service, including eight as Chair. “I believe Scott is a highly appropriate professional to be taking on the role of ICHCA Chair. He inherits a membership which is growing rapidly and has diverse members of all sizes and nationalities that share a common goal to maintain, and where possible improve safety regimes for all operators in the industry.  I wish him and the ICHCA community every success in the future.”

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

“K” LINE Carried Out Emergency Response Exercise

October 14, 2025 by

On October 8th, 2025, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) carried out “the Emergency Response Exercise” as a part of training to optimally prepare for any major maritime accidents. The scenario of the exercise developed assuming that an LPG carrier owned by “K” LINE group collided with a tanker while navigating in Osaka Bay. It confirmed a series of emergency response process by setting crisis-management headquarters upon receiving an incident report, establishing communication channel with the ship management company and conducting a mock press conference at the end of the exercise. During the press conference, journalists asked many questions, creating a tense atmosphere to a real conference.

While growing interest in safety and environmental protection over the world, “K” LINE Group positions the safe operation of vessels as the top priority in fulfilling its social responsibility as a shipping company. Moving forward, it will continue to contribute to society by preparing for unforeseen circumstances through large-scale accident response drills and by ensuring daily safe operations of its vessels.

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Celebrates 500th Dedicated Freighter Flight from Asia to Mexico

October 10, 2025 by

GEODIS, a leading global logistics provider, today announced a significant milestone for its dedicated freighter network, celebrating the 500th successful flight on its route from Asia to Guadalajara, Mexico. Through a long-term partnership with Atlas Air, the leading global provider of outsourced aviation logistics solutions, GEODIS has established a service with proven safety, consistency and reliability. This achievement highlights the service’s success in providing secured capacity, reduced lead times and end-to-end reliability, solidifying it as a foundational element of GEODIS’ regional strategy and a critical component of its customers’ supply chains.

Credit @ GEODIS Mexico
Caption L to R:  First Row: Ivonne Mendoza (Country Business Development Manager); Miguel Muñoz (Managing Director); Carmen Pomar (Customer Retention & Operations Manager); Juan Carlos Anzelmetti (National Sales & Marketing Director)

Launched in 2019, the dedicated freighter service was designed to provide a consistent and secured cargo solution from Asia to Mexico. The service operates two weekly flights, one each from Shanghai and Hong Kong, China, directly to Guadalajara. Demonstrating the resilience of this route, and the commitment to its clients,  GEODIS has maintained the service through the unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic as well as the recent geopolitical disruptions to worldwide supply chains.

“Reaching 500 flights is an incredible achievement and proves our unwavering commitment to our customers in Mexico and the Latin American region,” said Miguel Muñoz, Managing Director at GEODIS in Mexico. “This milestone is a clear signal that GEODIS Mexico has strengthened its position in the local market, and it would not have been possible without the great collaboration between our teams in Mexico and Asia as well as our corporate headquarters in Paris and our regional headquarters in the U.S. We look forward to building on this momentum and are committed to reaching the 1,000-flight mark, continuing to serve as a growth partner for our customers.”

A Seamless End-to-End Solution:

The dedicated freighter service offers an integrated, end-to-end solution for customers. This 500-flight milestone reinforces Mexico’s position as a strategic gateway for GEODIS, strengthening logistics links between Asia and South America. This reflects GEODIS’ Air Freight vision to deliver innovative, flexible and high-quality solutions that connect global markets and support customers’ growth. While flights from Shanghai and Hong Kong land in Guadalajara, the service is complemented by a robust intra-Mexico ground network, providing daily scheduled deliveries to major cities including Mexico City and Monterrey. For added flexibility, shipments can either clear customs directly in Guadalajara or be moved bonded to their final destination before clearing. This seamless air-to-ground connectivity ensures the speed and reliability of the flights are maintained throughout the supply chain.

The 500th flight was celebrated with a ceremony at the Guadalajara airport upon the flight’s arrival, which included a ribbon cutting with GEODIS leaders and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque.

To learn more, visit www.geodis.com.

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. The Group operates 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

GEODIS Strengthens its Ambitions in the Aerospace and Defense Sectors

October 2, 2025 by

In response to the rapid changes taking place in the international environment and growing logistics needs in the aerospace and defense sectors, GEODIS is accelerating its development in these strategic markets. The Group remains firmly committed to becoming the partner of choice for industrial and institutional players in the sector. To support this ambition, Brigadier General Arnaud Weixler (Ret.) will head GEODIS’s operations in the aerospace and defense sectors.

In a rapidly changing geopolitical and international environment, GEODIS is developing its aerospace and defense business. The Group is seeking to establish a long-term presence in these sectors and become a key player, notably by supporting the growing needs of France’s Defense Industrial and Technological Base (BITD). The modernization of military equipment and the accelerated renewal of army hardware are driving rapid growth in the aerospace and defense markets.

Resulting from the substantial growth in defense and security budgets, increasingly complex and strategic logistics presents challenges that GEODIS is well positioned to address. GEODIS already supports numerous aerospace and defense leaders, providing them with its full range of expertise. With its strong local and international presence, the Group meets a wide range of demanding requirements, including Aircraft on Ground (AOG) logistics requiring the rapid delivery of essential parts and services, oversized special transportation, high value-added warehousing and secure supply chain management.

One of GEODIS’s principal references is KNDS, for which it inaugurated a state-of-the-art automated logistics facility in Montbeugny, central France, in 2023, illustrating the Group’s ability to support the leading players in the sector with innovative and high-performance solutions.

With the aim of achieving these ambitions, the aerospace and defense sectors will now be directed by Brigadier General Arnaud Weixler, whose international expertise and in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by the sector will be valuable assets for GEODIS. He attended the 121st session of the NATO Defense College and has held senior positions within NATO and the French Army. He has also planned and led numerous logistics operations at home and abroad, working closely with industry as well as relevant private and public entities.

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. The Group operates 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

GEODIS and Hapag-Lloyd strengthen their digital collaboration with the deployment of a real-time solution for integrating their rates.

September 23, 2025 by

GEODIS, a global leader in transport and logistics, and Hapag-Lloyd, one of the world’s leading container shipping companies, announce a significant milestone in their joint digital integration, aimed at accelerating and securing the exchange of rates and service data between their two organizations.

Photo Credit : Hapag-Lloyd

At the core of this collaboration is a Contract API (Application Programming Interface) — a direct, system-to-system digital connection between Hapag-Lloyd’s pricing platform and GEODIS’ global rate database. This interface enables the fully automated and real-time transmission of contracted rates, surcharges, transit times, and service options.

Thanks to this new integration, GEODIS now benefits from instant access to over 75% more Hapag-Lloyd rates than before, significantly reducing manual input and improving operational accuracy. The transition from a processing time of up to five days to instant rate availability marks a major improvement in responsiveness and efficiency across the supply chain.

Commenting on this development, Jan Naumann, Head of Export Trade Europe, Global Ocean Freight at GEODIS, said: “This implementation is more than a technical success: it demonstrates how digital collaboration benefits our customers. We provide them with faster and more accurate data flows, as well as smoother operations, while enhancing our efficiency and responsiveness. It also reflects our shared ambition with Hapag-Lloyd to develop smarter, faster, and more transparent logistics processes through digital innovation.”

Arne Zass, Director Digital Transformation & Automation at Hapag-Lloyd added: “Hapag-Lloyd is delighted to recognize the GEODIS team for their outstanding collaboration on our recent API integration. Their fast execution, expertise, and visionary approach to digitalization have set a new standard for seamless connectivity and customer experience. We truly appreciate the commitment and positive energy the GEODIS team brings to advancing innovative and sustainable logistics solutions together.”

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. The Group operates 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.

GEODIS und Hapag-Lloyd verstärken ihre digitale Zusammenarbeit durch die Einführung einer Echtzeitlösung zur Integration ihrer Tarife

GEODIS, ein weltweit führendes Unternehmen im Bereich Transport und Logistik, und Hapag-Lloyd, eine der global führenden Container-Reedereien, informieren über einen bedeutenden Fortschritt bei der gemeinsamen digitalen Integration. Das Ziel besteht darin, den Austausch von Tarifen und Servicedaten zwischen den beiden Unternehmen zu beschleunigen und sicher zu gestalten.

Das zentrale Element der Kooperation ist eine Contract-API (Application Programming Interface), die als direkte digitale Verbindung zwischen der Preisplattform von Hapag-Lloyd und der globalen Tarifdatenbank von GEODIS dient. Diese Schnittstelle ermöglicht in Echtzeit die vollautomatische Übertragung von Vertragstarifen, Zuschlägen, Transitzeiten und Serviceoptionen.

Dank dieser neuen Integration profitiert GEODIS nun von einem Zugriff in Echtzeit auf über 75 % mehr Hapag-Lloyd-Tarife als zuvor. Dadurch werden manuelle Eingaben erheblich reduziert und die betriebliche Genauigkeit verbessert. Der Übergang von einer Bearbeitungszeit von bis zu fünf Tagen hin zur sofortigen Verfügbarkeit der Tarife stellt eine bedeutende Verbesserung der Reaktionsfähigkeit und Effizienz entlang der gesamten Lieferkette dar.

Jan Naumann, Head of Export Trade Europe, Global Ocean Freight, bei GEODIS, kommentiert diese Entwicklung wie folgt: „Die Implementierung ist mehr als nur ein technischer Erfolg. Sie verdeutlicht, wie unsere Kunden von der digitalen Zusammenarbeit profitieren. Wir bieten ihnen schnellere und genauere Datentransfers sowie optimierte Abläufe und verbessern gleichzeitig unsere Effizienz und Reaktionsfähigkeit. Das spiegelt auch unser gemeinsames Ziel wider, mit Hapag-Lloyd durch digitale Innovationen intelligentere, schnellere und transparentere Logistikprozesse zu entwickeln.“

Arne Zass, Director Digital Transformation & Automation, bei Hapag-Lloyd, ergänzt: „Wir freuen uns über die Fortschritte, die im Rahmen dieser Partnerschaft erzielt wurden, und sind mit dem Ergebnis äußerst zufrieden. Die erfolgreiche Implementierung dieser API-Lösung unterstreicht unser gemeinsames Engagement für gegenseitiges Wachstum mit unserem strategischen Partner GEODIS. Sie stärkt zudem die Integration und führt letztlich zu einer Vereinfachung der Geschäftsabläufe.“

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS ist einer der weltweit führenden Logistikdienstleister, bekannt für seine Expertise in allen Bereichen der Lieferkette. Als Wachstumspartner seiner Kunden hat sich GEODIS auf vier Geschäftsbereiche spezialisiert: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport und European Road Network. Sein globales Netzwerk mit ca. 50.000 Mitarbeitern erstreckt sich über 170 Länder. 2024 erwirtschaftete GEODIS einen Umsatz von 11,3 Milliarden Euro. GEODIS ist ein Unternehmen der SNCF-Gruppe.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Two More Deck Carriers: SAL Heavy Lift Expands Fleet with Semi-Submersible Vessels MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise

September 23, 2025 by

SAL Heavy Lift is pleased to announce a further expansion of its deck carrier fleet. The German heavy lift and engineering specialist has acquired two semi-submersible deck carriers, MV Sun Shine and MV Sun Rise, from former owner Pan Ocean (Korea). Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in Europe between October 2025 and April 2026 and will be commercially operated as part of the JSI Alliance.

This step follows SAL Heavy Lift’s successful long-term charter of the semi-submersible deck carriers MV Zhong Ren 121 and MV Zhong Ren 122 in 2023. With the new acquisitions, SAL is doubling its capacity in this specialised segment.

“We’ve listened closely to our clients during the operation of the Zhong Ren vessels and recognised a growing demand for additional tonnage and greater operational flexibility,” says Matthieu Moerman, Director Renewables & Offshore at the JSI Alliance. “With four vessels now in this segment, we can offer our clients even more robust services and tailored solutions for large-scale and complex projects. Notably, MV Sun Shine is among the few deck carriers worldwide built outside China, giving us greater flexibility regarding tariffs and trade regulations.”

Key features of MV Sun Shine:

  • Built in Korea, 2008
  • Deadweight tonnage (DWT): 17,113 t
  • Deck size: 148 x 48 m
  • Semi-submersible capabilities for transporting floating cargo
  • Maximum submerged deck draught: 7.05 m
  • Uniform deck strength: 18 t/m²
  • Average service speed: 9 knots
  • Fully equipped for worldwide operations

Key features of MV Sun Rise:

  • Built in China, 2012
  • Deadweight tonnage (DWT): 24,629 t
  • Deck size: 134 x 44 m
  • Semi-submersible capabilities for floating cargo transport
  • Maximum submerged deck draught: 7.5 m
  • Uniform deck strength: 20 t/m²
  • Average service speed: 9.5 knots
  • Fully equipped for worldwide operations

Following the takeover, the ships will be renamed MV Luisa (Sun Shine) and MV Alma (Sun Rise), named after the daughters of two Harren Group colleagues.

Dr Martin Harren, CEO of the Harren Group and SAL Heavy Lift, elaborates on the strategic intent behind the fleet expansion: “These two vessels are of significant importance to our group. They enable us to broaden our service spectrum – from smaller MPP vessels with lifting capacities of 300 t and 7,700 DWT to large semi-submersible deck carriers with almost 25,000 DWT. This puts us in a position to cover the entire scope of the MPP and heavy lift sector and to provide our clients with the right tonnage from the most capable fleet in the world.”

SAL Heavy Lift is not only strengthening its fleet in the deck carrier segment: to meet the growing demand in this highly specialised market, the company will also expand its sales, engineering, and operations teams in Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Singapore.

About SAL Heavy Lift:
SAL Heavy Lift is one of the world’s leading carriers, specialising in the maritime transport of heavy lift and project cargo. Operating a modern fleet of specialised vessels, SAL Heavy Lift provides highly flexible solutions for both project shipping and offshore operations.

The fleet features service speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib capability, 1A ice class rating, up to 3,500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space, and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 tonnes, making it one of the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

Together with Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift operates approximately 75 MPP and super heavy lift vessels (as of mid-2026), employing more than 1,200 people worldwide and maintaining a strong international presence with 27 offices across 23 countries. These capabilities enable SAL Heavy Lift to deliver comprehensive global heavy lift and project cargo services.

As a member of the Harren Group, SAL Heavy Lift upholds the highest standards of quality, technical innovation, health, safety, and environmental performance. Its latest investment in the Orca Class newbuilding programme sets new standards in the adoption of green technologies within the maritime industry.

In partnership with Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine jointly operate the marketing platform JSI Alliance, further strengthening their position in the market. The JSI Alliance fleet comprises around 85 MPP, heavy lift and offshore vessels.

Filed Under: Harren & Partner

“K” Line : SEAGATE CORPORATION Concludes Agreement on Construction of Electric Tugboat

September 17, 2025 by

SEAGATE CORPORATION CO., LTD. (SGC), a consolidated subsidiary of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), officially concluded an agreement today with Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd. (Kanagawa Dockyard) on the construction of an electric tugboat (EV tug, with EV standing for electric vessel) powered by a large-capacity lithium-ion battery.

SGC has discussed the detailed design of the tugboat with Kanagawa Dockyard and equipment manufacturers in accordance with the hybrid EV tug construction plan*1 announced in July 2022. The anticipated specifications have recently been achieved due to the downsizing of the tugboat’s equipment and the improvement of maintenance performance resulting from introduction of a newly developed domestic technology, leading to the construction agreement with Kanagawa Dockyard.

The tugboat will have a hybrid EV system incorporating many new technologies which have not previously been used in domestic tugboats into its drive motors, swing devices, current control systems and other components. It is equipped with a power generator to be used when the battery does not have enough remaining electricity during the operation of the electric propulsion system which is primarily powered by the lithium-ion battery. This significantly reduces the consumption of fossil fuels and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions compared to tugboats equipped with conventional main engines fueled by heavy oil. The project is highly regarded for its innovative technologies, leading to the decision to choose it to be a demonstration project linked to the 2025 subsidy for the rationalization of energy consumption and the shift to non-fossil energy in the transportation sector (a project promoting the innovative streamlining of coastal shipping and the shift to non-fossil sources of energy), provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The project will proactively seek to achieve the decarbonization of the coastal ship industry.

The tugboat is scheduled for completion in the latter half of 2027 and will be deployed at the Port of Tokuyama-Kudamatsu in Yamaguchi prefecture, which seeks to become the hub for the supply of clean energy as it sits in front of one of West Japan’s largest chemical complexes. The tugboat will facilitate the arrival and departure of ships at the port, and it will also engage in security operations, contributing to the establishment of a carbon neutral port (CNP).

The “K” LINE Group develops and operates the DRIVE GREEN NETWORK system for promoting the Group’s environmental management activities in line with its long-term environmental policy, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050: Blue Seas for the Future.*2 The Group as a whole works together to protect the environment. The “K” LINE Group will continue to support the decarbonization of society and contribute to the enrichment of people’s lives.

(*1) SGC Hybrid EV Tug Construction Plan (announced in July 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/csr/csr-20200722.html

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

As part of our action plan to reduce GHG, we are engaged in a number of initiatives, for instance introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, and carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/environment/management.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Appointments

September 17, 2025 by

Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS, has appointed Amaury Valicon, Executive Vice President Europe effective November 1st. He replaces in this role Thomas Kraus.

Since joining GEODIS in 2017, Amaury Valicon has served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer. He will continue to report directly to Marie-Christine Lombard and remain a member of the COMEX.

Amaury Valicon

Marc Meier, with over 30 years of international experience (DACHSER, Senator International, Fr. Meyer’s Sohn, Kühne+Nagel), becomes Managing Director Germany-Austria-Switzerland on October 1st.

Maurizio Bortolan, former executive at BRT (Geopost), MAERSK and Number 1, takes over as Managing Director Italy on October 1st.

Marc Meier and Maurizio Bortolan will report to Amaury Valicon. These appointments strengthen GEODIS’ European leadership and support its growth ambition.

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. The Group operates 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

JSI Alliance Expands Presence with New Office in BilbaoServing the Iberian Project and Heavy Lift Market

September 16, 2025 by

The new office in the northern Spanish shipping and logistics hub will handle commercial representation and provide port agency services across Spain, Portugal, and North Africa. This branch, established in cooperation between Noatum Maritime Services and SAL Heavy Lift, will serve the entire MPP and heavy lift fleet of the JSI Alliance.

“We are delighted to have found the ideal partners in SAL Heavy Lift and the JSI Alliance to further advance our growth strategy in port agency services,” said Terry Gidlow, CEO of Noatum Maritime Services. “Both sides bring decades of experience in the international project and heavy lift sector and complement each other perfectly – a truly ideal match.”

Noatum Maritime Services is a division of Noatum Maritime, a leading provider of port and agency services across the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, with a growing presence in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Noatum Maritime itself leads the Maritime & Shipping activities of AD Ports Group.

Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift, Intermarine, and the Harren Group, underlined the importance of the new partnership: “Having an outstanding team led by Josu Iturri in Bilbao, and working closely with Noatum Maritime Services, will play a key role in our future development. Our strong presence in North and South America will become even more closely connected with European ports, as many transatlantic routes pass through Iberia. In light of our planned fleet expansion, strengthening our activities in Spain is a logical step – and with Noatum Maritime Services, we have exactly the right partner at our side.”

The combined JSI Alliance fleet – comprising Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine – is recognised as a global leader in project and heavy lift logistics. With lifting capacities of up to 3,000 tonnes, it offers customers virtually unlimited possibilities. In just a few weeks, the first of five Orca Class vessels will be commissioned. The Orcas will be the most efficient and modern heavy lift ships in the world.

The new JSI Alliance representative office on the Iberian Peninsula will initially serve the Spanish, Portuguese, and North African markets, with plans to expand activities into Turkey and later the Middle East.

About Noatum Maritime Services:

Noatum Maritime Services is part of Noatum Maritime, an industry leader with an integrated portfolio spanning shipping, offshore and subsea operations, marine services, drydocking and shipbuilding, as well as agency and logistics solutions. Noatum Maritime Services provides end-to-end support across the full maritime value chain.

With a physical presence in 77 ports across 17 countries, and service coverage extending to 814 ports in 118 countries, the company combines a strong global footprint with deep local expertise. Its services include port operations, commercial liner and ship representation, and specialised solutions tailored to the diverse requirements of international clients.

Serving a broad range of stakeholders – from cargo owners, traders and miners to oil majors, ship owners, operators and managers – Noatum Maritime Services handles all major cargo types, including containers, dry bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, crude oil, refined products, natural gas and passenger traffic.

The company sets itself apart through deep domain expertise, long-standing local relationships and a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics and risks. Leveraging the strength and reach of its wider ecosystem, Noatum Maritime Services delivers value-added, integrated solutions designed to support complex maritime operations worldwide.

About SAL Heavy Lift:
SAL Heavy Lift is one of the world’s leading carriers, specialising in the maritime transport of heavy lift and project cargo. Operating a modern fleet of specialised vessels, SAL Heavy Lift provides highly flexible solutions for both project shipping and offshore operations.

The fleet features service speeds of up to 20 knots, dynamic positioning systems, Fly-Jib capability, 1A ice class rating, up to 3,500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space, and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2,000 tonnes, making it one of the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

Together with Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift operates approximately 75 MPP and super heavy lift vessels (as of mid-2026), employing more than 1,200 people worldwide and maintaining a strong international presence with 27 offices across 23 countries. These capabilities enable SAL Heavy Lift to deliver comprehensive global heavy lift and project cargo services.

As a member of the Harren Group, SAL Heavy Lift upholds the highest standards of quality, technical innovation, health, safety, and environmental performance. Its latest investment in the Orca Class newbuilding programme sets new standards in the adoption of green technologies within the maritime industry.

In partnership with Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine jointly operate the marketing platform JSI Alliance, further strengthening their position in the market. The JSI Alliance fleet comprises around 85 MPP, heavy lift and offshore vessels.

Filed Under: SAL Heavy Lift

Changes to the GEODIS Management Board

September 16, 2025 by

GEODIS, world leader in transport and logistics, continues to focus on innovation and transformation with the creation of a new department dedicated to artificial intelligence. The GEODIS Management Board, which is chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, will be strengthened through two new strategic appointments:

  • David-Olivier Tarac has been appointed Executive Vice President Artificial Intelligence
  • Carole Besnard has been appointed Group Chief Financial Officer.
Carole Besnard (Photo Credit is Thomas Laisné)
David-Olivier Tarac (Photo Credit is Thomas Laisné)

GEODIS confirms its determination to make artificial intelligence a key part of its strategy. A new department dedicated to AI has been formed within the Group, which will play a pivotal part in the transformation of GEODIS. This positions AI as a driver of performance, process simplification and innovation across all its Lines of Business. The initiative will enable GEODIS to harness the power of AI to accelerate its transformation and drive sustainable growth for its customers and partners throughout the world.

This new strategic department will be headed by David-Olivier Tarac. He joined GEODIS in July 2022 as Deputy Group CFO and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2023. He is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique and the Ecole des Mines de Paris.

David-Olivier will be replaced as Group Chief Financial Officer by Carole Besnard, who has served as Deputy CFO since 2018. Thanks to her leadership and strategic vision, she will pursue  the ongoing transformation of the finance function, with the aim of strengthening performance management and of continuous improvement.

Carole has acquired over 25 years of experience in finance. She first worked in an audit firm, before taking positions with Keolis and SNCF. She joined GEODIS in 2012 as Head of accounting studies and methods. In 2014, she transferred to SNCF Logistics as Director of Accounting and Internal restructuring. She returned to the GEODIS Finance department in 2017 as Group Accounting and Internal Control Director . Since 2018 she has held the position of Deputy Group CFO. Carole is a graduate of the Burgundy School of Business.

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. The Group operates 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
Next Page »