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PEMA and ICHCA sign MoU to advance sustainable practices and safety standards in the cargo handling sector.

September 20, 2023 by

Two international associations closely involved in the port and terminal industry are committing to cooperate in improving safety and sustainability across the global industry.  The Port Equipment Manufacturers  Association (PEMA) and International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) have announced their joint signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to effect their mutual aims.

20 September 2023

The collaboration will enable each organization to better achieve their objectives through a programme of cooperation, which will include agreed actions and initiatives, meetings, sharing and exchange of information and ad hoc task forces to enhance their respective impact on issues and topics where both organizations have a common interest.

The MoU provides a framework to pursue cooperative projects.   Though not a commitment of funds, the future cooperation that is agreed will enable each group to benefit from the common activities in their respective strategies, furthering a wider understanding where areas of joint interest have been identified.

PEMA’s President Achim Dries commented, “At PEMA we are thrilled to announce the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding with ICHCA.  It is a momentous step toward fostering greater collaboration and innovation within the maritime industry. This partnership holds immense significance for PEMA as it underscores our commitment to advancing the global port and terminal sector,” he said.

“Together with ICHCA, we are poised to harness collective expertise, drive sustainable practices, and elevate safety standards, all for the benefit of our industry stakeholders. This MoU signifies not only a union of two influential organizations but also a shared vision to shape the future of safer port equipment and operations. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and achieving remarkable milestones together.” 

In welcoming the initiative represented by the joint signing, Richard Steele, CEO of ICHCA added “At ICHCA we remain committed to our efforts to improve safety, security and sustainability in the global logistics supply chain, especially at the ship/port interface.  I believe our agreement with PEMA will significantly enhance our ability to deliver on that commitment. The mutual cooperation between our two organisations will be aimed at the universal understanding and application of measures for the safe handling. I am particularly pleased that ICHCA is now teaming up with such a highly respected organisation as PEMA; one that has a global reputation for passionate commitment and practical action to drive safety measures. I’m excited by the prospect of working together.”

A crucial element of the MoU will be an exchange of information and the collaboration of staff and association members, who can offer an unequalled wealth of professional expertise, which can become a fountain head of knowledge in best practice and improved standards throughout the industry worldwide.

ENDS

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

TT Club : Fire not the only danger with lithium-ion batteries

September 7, 2023 by

TT Club, the specialist international freight insurance provider is seeking greater emphasis on the critical dangers of toxic gas emissions associated with lithium-ion battery fires.  The failure of such batteries has the potential to occur with no prior warning, or with such speed that there is typically no time to react to any warning signs.

London, 7th September 2023

Devastating consequences of rapidly spreading, and often challenging to extinguish fires involving the batteries particularly in electric vehicles (EV) on board ships, and other parts of the supply chain have been well-documented in recent months.  There is however less awareness of the highly toxic combustion products that are released and their respective impact to the health and wellbeing of those exposed to the gases.

Based on the evidence of past fires the time between the initiation of a failed battery igniting to a discharge of toxic vapour can be measured in seconds rather than minutes. This is due to a process known as thermal runaway.  The rapid sequence of events typically occurs where an internal electrical short within one of the battery cells generates heat; this breaks down the internal structure of the battery, increasing the rate of the reaction in an ever-increasing cycle.  There is often a dramatic release of energy in the form of heat and a significant emission of toxic gases.

Neil Dalus of TT endeavours to paint a picture of the dangers.  “During a lithium battery thermal runaway event, research has shown that significant amounts of vapour can be produced per kWh (kilowatt hour).  In many common supply chain scenarios, including ships’ holds and warehouses, the reality is that such vapour clouds are likely to accumulate. Even when the clouds are able to disperse, the potential toxic effects may occur at lower concentrations.”

Potential vapour volume production
Source: Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries 80 (2022)

Drivers, stevedores, ships’ crews and first responders attempting to control the blazes encounter what might appear to be smoke but is in fact a mix of toxic gases, generated quickly and in large volumes. These gases once in the atmosphere behave differently to smoke, often pooling at floor level due to their density.  “Traditionally where fires and smoke are concerned one would stay low to avoid inhalation, doing so where lithium battery fires are concerned is likely to prove problematic,” observes Dalus.

The toxicity of gases given off from any given lithium-ion battery differ from that of a typical fire and can themselves vary but all remain either poisonous or combustible, or both.  They can feature high percentages of hydrogen, and compounds of hydrogen, including hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen chloride and hydrogen cyanide, as well as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and methane among other dangerous chemicals.

In terms of hazards to the wellbeing of those in the vicinity of such an incident, one particularly problematic component is hydrogen fluoride (HF). Although HF is lighter than air and would disperse when released, a cloud of vapor and aerosol that is heavier than air may be formed (EPA 1993). On exposure to skin or by inhaling, HF can result in skin burns and lung damage that can take time (hours to weeks) to develop following exposure. HF will be quickly absorbed by the body via skin and lungs depleting vital calcium and magnesium levels in tissues, which can result in severe and possibly fatal systemic effects. The hydrogen content of the released gases can give rise to vapour cloud explosion risks which have the potential to cause significant damage.

TT advocates a range of measures to mitigate the risks. A prudent starting point would be to perform a fire risk assessment, considering the specific hazards presented by lithium-ion batteries. Risk mitigation considerations thereafter could include providing operatives with certified full-face self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical-resistant boots among other protective equipment, as well as drench showers for post-response decontamination. Strategic positioning of fire-fighting equipment should also be a key consideration. 

Early detection of such an incident can also be pivotal in managing the response, camera and thermal imaging could enable an expedient response. Such equipment might have already become commonplace for some modes, however conducting a thorough risk assessment for example when cargo is stored in warehouses would be prudent. As Dalus comments however, “Given the hazardous nature of this vapour, if any of these measures are not in place then the best course of action is to evacuate the area and leave the incident response to the emergency services, ensuring that the known risks are appropriately communicated.”

Consideration should also be given to the location of any incident that might include clean up and entry. The gases produced potentially leave toxic deposits on all surfaces and in the atmosphere. Therefore, once the incident is under control, potential hazards remain.

A full report on the dangers of emissions from lithium-ion fires, as well as detailed safety advice is available from TT’s websiteHERE

TT Club will be hosting a webinar on the subject of ‘Lithium-ion batteries in the logistics supply chain’ on 11th October.  To register to attend please click  Registration (gotowebinar.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 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members, with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

“K” Line : MOU for Feasibility Study to Establish a Japan-Australia CCS Value Chain

September 7, 2023 by

Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo), Toho Gas Co., Ltd. (Toho Gas), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) and Woodside Energy Ltd (Woodside) have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly conduct a feasibility study to establish a CCS (*1) value chain between Australia and Japan.

This study is to investigate the feasibility of establishing an entire CCS value chain among the four companies, whereby CO2 emissions from various industries and companies in the Chubu region, Japan, are hoped to be captured/accumulated, and liquefied by using such technology as CO2 separation and capture using unutilized LNG Cryogenic Energy” (*2) being developed by Toho Gas and transported to Australia by a low-temperature, low-pressure liquefied CO2 carrier for injection/storage at Australian storage site. Through this study, we will estimate the amount of CO2 to be captured, examine the optimal CO2 capture, accumulation and transportation methods, estimate the amount of CO2 that can be stored at storage sites in Australia, evaluate the necessary storage technologies and monitoring systems. In addition to the technical requirements, we will assess the relevant regulatory frameworks and the costs in each segment of the CCS value chain. The four companies aim to work together to assess the commercial viability of the CCS business.

The Japanese government has set a goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to Net Zero by 2050 and implemented a policy to develop a business environment to initiate CCS projects by 2030 in its “Basic Policy for the Realization of GX” (*3). CCS is expected to play a very important role in achieving GHG emission reduction targets as one of the primary decarbonization solutions.

Sumitomo Corporation, Toho Gas, “K” LINE, and Woodside plan to exchange information, knowledge, and experiences through the progression of this CCS initiative.


■ Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation has highlighted mitigation of climate change as one of its key areas of focus and has committed to being carbon neutral by 2050. Sumitomo Corporation recognizes that CCUS (*4) is a key technology to combat climate change, and in January 2023 established a dedicated global CCUS team within the Energy Innovation Initiative. This new team will capitalize on existing resources to establish new business along the whole CCUS value chain, including CO2 separation and capture, transport and storage and utilization of the captured carbon.

■ Toho Gas
Toho Gas Group is now accelerating efforts to reduce carbon emissions and even support decarbonization of its customers based on the ‘Toho Gas Group 2050 Carbon Neutrality Initiative’, centered on the use of three energy sources of gas, hydrogen and electricity. In the field of CCUS, Toho Gas Group is focusing on the development of technologies, including CO2 separation, and capture, and will contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by implementing CCUS in society across the full value chain, including CO2 separation/capture at the customer’s site, utilization and storage.

■ “K” LINE
“K” LINE group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the low-decarbonization of its own operations and the low-decarbonization of society in accordance with its long-term environmental policy, “Environmental Vision 2050”. In the field of CCS, we are planning to start the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) transport from next year. We will apply the knowledge gained through the operation of these vessels, which will be launched sequentially in Japan and overseas, to future business development, including this project, with the aim of realizing a sustainable society and enhancing corporate value.

■ Woodside Energy
Woodside Energy is an Australian energy company that is progressing CCS initiatives

*1 CCS: Carbon Capture, and Storage.

*2 CO2 separation and capture technology using unutilized LNG cryogenic energy
Technology to separate/capture CO2 contained in factory exhaust gas by chemical absorption method using a small amount of energy by using unutilized LNG cryogenic energy. This technology was adopted by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as a “Green Innovation Fund Project / Development of Technology for CO2 Separation, Capture, etc.”

*3 “Basic Policy for the Realization of GX” (Released as of Feb 10th, 2023 by METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, JAPAN)

*4 CCUS: Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Appointment to the Management Board of GEODIS

September 7, 2023 by

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, is pleased to announce the appointment of Xavier Avrard as Chief Strategy Officer. He will be a member of the Group’s Management Board, under the chairmanship of Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS.

Xavier Avrard, Chief Strategy Officer, GEODIS

Xavier Avrard joined GEODIS in 2014 as Group Controller. After contributing to the acquisition of OHL in 2015, he was appointed Managing Director for Projects Logistics, initially for Africa and then for the WEMEA region.

In 2019 he was named Senior Vice President of the Odyssey program, focusing on launching and managing the Group’s digital transformation program.

In January 2023, Xavier took over the strategic development of the Europe region, particularly the integration of trans-o-flex, a company recently acquired by GEODIS.

Since July 1, he leads the new Group Strategy Department. This department will be responsible for corporate strategy, mergers & acquisitions, post-merger integration and the monitoring of the Group’s strategic investments and developments.

Before joining GEODIS, Xavier Avrard held positions as financial controller and Chief Financial Officer with a number of major international groups. 

Xavier holds a Master’s degree in economics from the University of Bordeaux, and he was awarded a postgraduate diploma in management control and audit by the IAE (Institut d’Administration des Entreprises) in Bordeaux.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

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

Filed Under: GEODIS

Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance expand business and set up new hub in Chile

September 5, 2023 by

Multipurpose carrier Intermarine and sister company Jumbo-SAL-Alliance (JSA) expand their presence in South America, opening a new office in Santiago. JSA–Intermarine Chile is led by General Manager Nelson Matus.

The last few years have been dynamic and exciting for Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance – and 2023 is just as eventful: With more industrial projects on the horizon, especially wind energy, Intermarine and JSA are taking advantage of the positive momentum and expanding in South America.

Intermarine’s MV Industrial Challenger in Chile

Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance are joining Intermarine’s long-time agent, Marval, to form the new subsidiary JSA-Intermarine Chile. The first office to carry the name of both companies will be led by Nelson Matus, a veteran in the South American breakbulk and multipurpose sector with over 25 years of experience. Matus and his five-person team will take the lead in expanding the new Chilean business base.

“I’m extremely pleased that Nelson and his team are part of the Intermarine-JSA family. They have tremendous experience in the heavy lift and logistics business,” says Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen. “Intermarine and Marval have already collaborated successfully for many years now in South America. We’re excited to join forces and further expand our group presence in the region.”

Jens Baumgarten, Director Chartering & Projects at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, explains: “Chile plays a significant role in South America due to its stable economy, geographic location, extensive raw material exports, reliable infrastructure and project outlooks, particularly in wind energy. The potential in the South American market and in Chile specifically is enormous, especially when it comes to the wind sector.”

“Our new joint branch gives customers access to the unique combination of Intermarine’s very strong Americas liner services and breakbulk business as well as JSA’s global project and semi-liner services”, adds Intermarine’s President Richard Seeg.

“We are very excited to join this ambitious and winning team,” stresses Nelson Matus. “The vibrant spirit, outstanding reputation and quality, and combined fleet of +50 vessels inspired us to take this wonderful opportunity.”

When SAL Heavy Lift took ownership of Intermarine back in late 2020, they followed a long-term strategy of developing the two enterprises as closely associated sister companies with different business models and offerings. This approach has proven highly successful. Intermarine’s business has thrived alongside SAL’s, showing the complementary nature of the fleets and service offerings. The new office in Chile is a good example of this success.

For Harren Group, Intermarine’s and SAL’s parent company, the branch is the 25th office worldwide. Harren Group CEO Dr Martin Harren explains: “It’s truly exciting to make our next strategic move: opening an office that represents both Intermarine and JSA with such an experienced and long-term partner as Marval. Everyone at Harren Group is proud to see Intermarine and JSA take this next step on their shared journey. This expansion not only strengthens our local business. It also elevates our global portfolio and the presence of our entire group.”

The new JSA-Intermarine Chile office (chile@intermarine.com, +56 2 2352 3400) is located in the World Trade Center in Las Condes (Nueva Tajamar 481, 14th Floor, office 1405, Tower South). Easily accessible, it is conveniently located near Santiago’s major business centres.

About Intermarine and Jumbo-SAL-Alliance: For over 125 years combined, Jumbo Maritime, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine have built the industry’s leading team of experts who have the resources, experience and spirit to provide exceptional services for their clients’ global cargo needs. Intermarine, with their frequent and flexible liner services between the US Gulf, NCSA, Caribbean, ECSA and WCSA, offers the fastest regional transit available. SAL Heavy Lift, together with commercial partner Jumbo Maritime, holds the largest and most advanced heavy lift fleet in the +800 t sector as well as an extensive network of offices on all continents. With their semi-liner and project shipping services, they can offer solutions that scale up to the most complex of heavy lift shipping projects. Having the flexibility of the Intermarine commercial setup paired with the versatility, commercial scale, engineering and project management capabilities of the combined SAL and Jumbo fleet, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance and Intermarine can transport cargos to any corner of the globe. Together, the three companies hold a fleet of +50 multipurpose and heavy lift vessels delivering the most reliable solutions for breakbulk, project and heavy lift cargoes across the Americas and beyond.

About Marval: Marval is a Chilean maritime service company founded in 1989 by current President, Francisco Lobos. The company has represented various shipping lines from around the world since its inception. Over the past 35 years, the second generation of leadership and a team of highly experienced executives have helped Marval evolve into a conglomerate of diversified enterprises covering multiple maritime transport sectors and logistics services in Chile and abroad. As a major stakeholder in central Chile’s main grain port with over 250,000 square metres of warehouses and depots spanning the coastline as well as strategic inland locations, Marval has become one of the country’s primary logistics providers for various industries – including mining, energy, refined grain, fruit and the retail sector.

Filed Under: Harren & Partner, SAL Heavy Lift

GEODIS will bring its logistics expertise to Rugby World Cup France 2023… the sporting event of the year!

September 5, 2023 by

Rugby World Cup 2023 runs from September 8 to October 28, 2023, in France. GEODIS has been chosen as Official Freight Carrier for the tournament. Behind this international sporting event lies a tailor-made logistics operation that will ensure the tournament runs smoothly.

The GEODIS group has assigned around 140 employees to the operational organization of this event. In all, some 80 tonnes of equipment essential to the teams will be airlifted to France, then transported between the teams’ hotels and the 10 host cities.

GEODIS is responsible for transporting equipment to and from the countries of origin of the various teams, located on five continents.

From the start of Rugby World Cup 2023 and throughout the 51 days of competition, more than 40 GEODIS drivers will be transporting equipment for the 20 participating teams, including players’ kit, as well as training and body-building equipment, between the teams’ base camps and the stadiums where the matches will be played. This represents an average of 4 tonnes of freight per team. For journeys of under 300 kilometers, road transport will be used with biogas-fueled vehicles. 

To provide all these services in France and in the teams’ home countries, GEODIS is relying on both its Freight Forwarding and Distribution & Express Lines of Business, with coordination handled by a dedicated control center based in Brive-la-Gaillarde, in southwest France.

Stéphane Cassagne, CEO France for GEODIS, said: “Transport and logistics are among the prerequisites of any successful sporting event. On the strength of our experience at Euro 2016 and the Women’s World Cup in 2019, we will be providing a robust, coordinated operational system for this prestigious sporting event, which embodies the values of commitment, trust and solidarity – values that mirror those of GEODIS. Our fast-acting, highly-skilled teams are capable of handling any contingency that may occur throughout the tournament, and thanks to them we are proud to be the Official Freight Carrier for Rugby World Cup France 2023.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

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

Filed Under: GEODIS

TT Club Innovation in Safety Award 2023 Opens for Entries

September 4, 2023 by

Following the recent success of this annual Award with record number of entries, the 2023 award will continue to form the centrepiece of TT Club and ICHCA’s on-going efforts to encourage players in the freight transport and cargo handling sectors further in continuing to improve operational safety and efficiency through innovation.

London, 4 September 2023

ICHCA International, the global cargo handling association, launched the 2023 TT Club Innovation in Safety Award today inviting entrants to submit details of their innovations by 13November 2023. The Award, which is open to an individual, team or company involved in cargo logistics, has seen the prestige associated with winning or being highly commended, grow year-on-year. Past winners have ranged from individual entrepreneurs and specialist suppliers to employee teams in major industry businesses. Entrants are required to show that a product, idea, solution, process, scheme or other innovation has resulted in a demonstrable improvement in safety.

Details of how to submit entries and of the judging criteria can be found HERE

Both ICHCA and TT Club have a fundamental commitment to risk reduction throughout the entire freight supply chain. Promoting safety advice and good practices is paramount to the philosophy of the two organisations and the Award reflects this commitment. As such, the Award and the consequent profiling of the innovations put forward by its enthusiastic entrants, is central to the two organisations’ efforts to support continuous improvement in safety. They will continue to provide opportunities to showcase winners and other entrants, organising Safety Villages at industry forums and other live or virtual events. The range of the safety information and guidance documents these two organisations produce, from white papers to webinars and from advisories to checklists, can be found on their individual websites.

TT’s Risk Management Director Peregrine Storrs-Fox has been a supporter of the Award since its inception in 2016, “In TT’s role as a specialist provider of insurance products and risk management services to the supply chain industry, we have always emphasised the critical nature of loss prevention. At its essence this involves innovation to overcome experienced deficiencies – and then sharing what has been learned to enhance safety and certainty of outcome,” he says.

“TT is therefore proud to have worked closely with ICHCA for a number of years, both in presenting this Award and urging everyone across the entire industry to seek constant improvements in good practice systems and procedures safety. We look forward to celebrating the wealth of safety innovation that will once more be attracted by this Award.”

In past years, submissions to the Award programme have ranged in focus from bulk cargo handling to securing containers and their cargoes; from safety reporting and education to the correct handling of dangerous materials; from environmental monitoring to fire detection and suppression. The 2022 Award went to APMT’S Vessel Inspection Mobile App.  The App was developed in house in collaboration with Maersk and the core tenets made freely available to the industry. It provides a standardised digital platform for terminals to carry out vessel inspections, highlighting potential critical risk.

Two further shortlisted in this latest Award were NCB Exis Technologies for their Hazcheck Detect Innovation, allowing competing carriers the same technical solution with similar rules for immediate outcomes of cargo screening.  Finally Telematics BV (IMT) for its innovative Tank Container Temperature Monitoring system, offering a digital answer to the increasing demand to transport dangerous goods safely and monitor them remotely.

Richard Steele, ICHCA’s CEO comments, “A massive benefit of the Award is that we make the innovative work carried out by the organisations that enter, available to others. Working together in partnership with TT, we strive to achieve this through publishing a Digest of all the entries and helping the innovators to disseminate their knowledge through webinars and Safety Villages at industry exhibitions.”

“At ICHCA we believe that safety is the partner of efficiency, not its opposite.  A well-run safety-conscious organisation is an efficient and sustainable organisation. Accidents cost lives, money and reputation. We challenge ourselves and our industry to move safely forward. We are proud of the innovation our industry has achieved and we wish to celebrate those achievements into the future.”

The Award ceremony will take place in London on 22 February 2024 those shortlisted will present their entries, the winner announced and innovation will be celebrated once more.

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

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 mission is to make the global transport and logistics industry safer, more secure and more sustainable.  Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: ICHCA, TT Club

HPC empowered to drive Georgia’s National Maritime Single Window Initiative through IT Management

September 4, 2023 by

Hamburg, 04 September 2023 – The U.S. Department of State, Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program, in consultation with the MTA Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia (MTA) and Amentum, a premier leader in global engineering, project management and solution integration, has chosen the port specialist HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) as its trusted partner to perform comprehensive IT management services for establishing a National Maritime Single Window (NMSW).

The introduction of such a platform aims to enhance transparency in government processes concerning international maritime transportation and foster interagency collaboration. By streamlining operations and facilitating efficient information exchange, the launch of the NMSW will bring significant improvements to the logistics industry and position Georgia as a crucial hub of the Middle Corridor and gateway to Europe.

Port of Poti

A National Maritime Single Window is an electronic platform that facilitates the exchange of information between government agencies and the shipping industry. It serves as a centralized system for reporting and processing maritime transport-related information, including cargo, vessel, crew, and port details. As of January 1, 2024, all public authorities of International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states are required to establish, maintain, and use such systems in ports.

Georgian ports including the Port of Batumi, Port of Poti, the Kulevi Terminal and the Supsa Terminal handle an annual cargo throughput of 50 million tonnes and 2.2 million TEU, and currently lack from a multiport data information exchange platform.

The importance of a project of this supranational scale is reflected in its governance structure. Funded by Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program and managed by International Crime Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the project is being operationalized by Amentum to be commissioned and managed in the future by the MTA as owner of the Georgia MSW.

HPC, in partnership with software provider Prodevelop and local Plisk Consulting, emerged victorious from a competitive tender process issued by EXBS. Their collective expertise will encompass defining, designing, developing, and implementing the National Maritime Single Window for Georgia. The scope of HPC’s work covers process definition, requirement engineering, and software implementation support in compliance with IMO regulations.

During the stakeholder workshop in July, Aleksi Akhvlediani, the recently appointed new Director of the MTA, highlighted the value of the initiative, stating, “By adopting the National Maritime Single Window, we are actively pursuing increased efficiency and attractiveness to the logistics industry. This step represents a significant advancement in Georgia’s digital supply chain infrastructure and is a crucial development for our economic growth and Georgia’s geopolitical significance of the Middle Corridor.”

Nuno Nunes, Project Lead at HPC, emphasized the value of inclusion and effectiveness of such a digital data exchange system, stating, “The collaboration provided by a National Maritime Single Window enables better support to the private sector by facilitating faster governmental agency interventions in processes. This results in more efficient customs procedures, enhanced transparency in import and export operations, and supports integration between Asia and Europe.”

The implementation of a Maritime Single Window will be instrumental in developing the middle corridor. By digitizing cargo information exchange, it significantly enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly when faced with the complexities and transitions associated with multiple border controls. Georgia’s proactive approach should serve as an example for others to follow.

HPC recognizes the importance of including all stakeholders in this transformative initiative. As a strategic partner, HPC is committed to ensuring fostering an inclusive and seamless integration process. HPC boasts extensive, global experience in supporting governments and port authorities in implementing state-of-the-art collaboration platforms, including national maritime single window systems and port community systems.

For more information on IT implementation and community system integration services, please visit the website: www.hamburgportconsulting.com

About HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting operates as a logistics consulting company, specialising in strategy and transformation services for the ports, terminals, and rail sectors. Since its establishment in 1976, the Hamburg-based consulting company has delivered about 1,800 projects across 135 countries spanning six continents along the entire port project development cycle. HPC employs about 100 domain experts with a background as terminal operators, software engineers, logistics managers, transport economists, data scientists and mathematicians. As a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port and Logistics Corporation (HHLA), HPC has its roots in port handling of container, breakbulk and multipurpose, as well as hinterland operations. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

HPC unterstützt Georgiens „National Maritime Single Window“-Initiative mittels IT-Management

Hamburg, 04. September 2023 – Das US Außenministerium hat im Rahmen des Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) Programms in Absprache mit der MTA Maritime Transport Agency von Georgien (MTA) und Amentum, einem führenden Unternehmen für weltweites Engineering, Projektmanagement und Lösungsintegration, den Hafenspezialisten HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) als kompetenten Partner für die Erbringung umfassender IT-Management-Dienstleistungen zur Errichtung eines National Maritime Single Window (NMSW) ausgewählt.

Die Einführung einer solchen Plattform zielt darauf ab, die Transparenz der behördlichen Prozesse im internationalen Seeverkehr zu erhöhen und die behördenübergreifende Zusammenarbeit zu fördern. Durch die Straffung der Abläufe und die Erleichterung eines effizienten Informationsaustauschs wird die Etablierung des NMSW erhebliche Verbesserungen für die Logistikbranche mit sich bringen und Georgien als wichtiges Drehkreuz des Mittleren Korridors und Tor zu Europa positionieren.

Ein National Maritime Single Window ist eine elektronische Plattform, die den Informationsaustausch zwischen staatlichen Stellen und der Schifffahrtsindustrie erleichtert. Es dient als zentrales System für die Meldung und Verarbeitung von Informationen über den Seeverkehr, einschließlich Fracht, Schiff, Besatzung und Hafendaten. Ab dem 1. Januar 2024 sind alle Behörden der Mitgliedsstaaten der Internationalen Seeschifffahrtsorganisation (IMO) verpflichtet, solche Systeme in den Häfen einzurichten, zu pflegen und zu nutzen.

Die georgischen Häfen, darunter der Hafen von Batumi, der Hafen von Poti, das Kulevi Terminal sowie das Supsa-Terminal, haben einen jährlichen Frachtumschlag von 50 Millionen Tonnen und 2,2 Millionen TEU und verfügen derzeit nicht über eine Plattform für den Austausch von Daten über mehrere Häfen.

Die Bedeutung eines Projekts dieser supranationalen Größenordnung spiegelt sich in seiner Governance-Struktur wider. Das Projekt wird vom EXBS-Programm des US-Außenministeriums finanziert und vom International Crime Investigative Training Assistance Programm (ICITAP) des US-Justizministeriums (DOJ) verwaltet. Derzeit operationalisiert von Amentum, soll das Projekt in Zukunft von MTA, dem Inhaber des NMSW von Georgien, beauftragt und durchgeführt werden.

HPC hat sich zusammen mit seinen Partnern, dem Softwareanbieter Prodevelop und dem lokalen Unternehmen Plisk Consulting, in einem von EXBS durchgeführten Ausschreibungsprozess durchgesetzt. Ihre gemeinsame Expertise umfasst die Definition, das Design, die Entwicklung und die Implementierung des National Maritime Single Window für Georgien. Der Aufgabenbereich von HPC reicht von der Prozessdefinition über das Anforderungsmanagement bis zur Unterstützung bei der Softwareimplementierung in Übereinstimmung mit den IMO-Vorschriften.

Während eines Stakeholder-Workshops im Juli hob Aleksi Akhvlediani, der kürzlich ernannte neue Direktor der MTA, den Wert der Initiative hervor und erklärte: “Mit der Einführung des National Maritime Single Window streben wir aktiv nach mehr Effizienz und Attraktivität für die Logistikbranche. Dieser Schritt stellt einen bedeutenden Fortschritt in Georgiens digitaler Lieferketteninfrastruktur dar und ist eine entscheidende Entwicklung für unser Wirtschaftswachstum und Georgiens geopolitische Bedeutung des Mittleren Korridors.”

Nuno Nunes, Projektleiter bei HPC, betonte den Wert der Beteiligung und die Effektivität eines solchen digitalen Datenaustauschsystems: “Die Zusammenarbeit, die durch ein NMSW gewährleistet wird, ermöglicht eine bessere Unterstützung des Privatsektors, indem sie ein schnelleres Eingreifen der Regierungsbehörden in die Prozesse gestattet. Dies führt zu effizienteren Zollverfahren, erhöhter Transparenz bei Import- und Exportvorgängen und unterstützt die Integration zwischen Asien und Europa.”

Die Einführung eines NMSW wird für die Entwicklung des mittleren Korridors von entscheidender Bedeutung sein. Durch die Digitalisierung des Frachtinformationsaustauschs werden Effizienz und Kostenwirksamkeit erheblich gesteigert, insbesondere angesichts der Komplexität und der Übergänge, die mit den zahlreichen Grenzkontrollen verbunden sind. Georgiens proaktiver Ansatz sollte als Beispiel für andere dienen, die ihm folgen sollten.

HPC betont die Bedeutung, alle Beteiligten in diese transformative Initiative einzubeziehen. Als strategischer Partner setzt sich HPC für die Förderung eines inklusiven und nahtlosen Integrationsprozesses ein. HPC verfügt über umfangreiche, weltweite Erfahrung in der Unterstützung von Regierungen und Hafenbehörden bei der Implementierung von hochmodernen Kollaborationsplattformen, einschließlich NMSW und Port Community Systemen.

Weitere Informationen zur IT-Implementierung und zur Integration von Community Systemen finden Sie auf der folgenden Website: www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Kontakt

Steffi Karsten, HPC-Marketing / PR, E-Mail: s.karsten@hpc-hamburg.de

Über HPC

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting ist ein global agierendes Logistikberatungsunternehmen, das sich auf Strategie- und Transformationsdienstleistungen für die Sektoren Häfen, Terminals und Bahn spezialisiert hat. Seit seiner Gründung im Jahr 1976 hat das Hamburger Beratungsunternehmen rund 1.800 Projekte in 135 Ländern auf sechs Kontinenten entlang des gesamten Entwicklungszyklus von Hafenprojekten durchgeführt. HPC beschäftigt rund 100 Experten aus den Bereichen Terminalbetreiber, Software-Ingenieure, Logistikmanager, Verkehrsökonomen, Datenwissenschaftler und Mathematiker. Als Tochterunternehmen der Hamburger Hafen- und Logistikgesellschaft (HHLA) hat HPC seine Wurzeln im Hafenumschlag von Containern, Stückgut und Mehrzweckfracht sowie im Hinterlandbetrieb.

Filed Under: HPC Hamburg Port Consulting

“K” Line : Use of Internal Azure OpenAI Chatbot Based on Azure OpenAI Service Begins in Japan

August 29, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that in Japan it has today started using AIplicity Chat Powered by ChatGPT API (hereinafter “AIplicity Chat”) provided by Japan Business Systems, Inc. across “K” LINE offices in Japan.

It is an AI chat service based on the Azure OpenAI Service which Microsoft offers on its Azure cloud.

“K” LINE has been proactively assessing the various latest technologies to provide superior services in the rapidly-changing business environment. In this, it has studied ways to use ChatGPT. It has decided to quickly introduce this service for several purposes including the streamlining of employees’ operations, encouraging the utilization of technology, supporting the implementation of duties in a secure and reassuring environment and piquing employees’ curiosity and their spirit of trying new things.

To prevent data leaks, AIplicity Chat is designed in consideration of security. For example, it does not make secondary use of the information entered. It stores the information exchanged on an internal network of offices in Japan in the Azure tenant. “K” LINE has prepared guidelines for the use of generative AI and made them accessible across the company to make its personnel aware of the risks involved in inputting and outputting data and to draw their attention to these risks. In the future, it will discuss the utilization of AI from different perspectives and test the service itself to continually upgrade AIplicity Chat.

At “K” LINE, digitalization and efforts to actively use data and digital technologies are underway with a view toward laying a solid business foundation for the realization of the business strategy in the medium-term management plan announced in May 2022*¹. Through this digitalization, “K” LINE will continue to enhance its business processes and support its core values of safety, environmental conservation and quality to achieve continuous growth and increase its corporate value.

References

*¹Medium-term Management Plan (announced May 9, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html

(Reference)

DX Strategy 2023 (announced on December 22, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/dx_strategy.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : MoU Signed with NAVTOR A.S. on Fleet Monitoring and Support System

August 29, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has adopted NavFleet as a fleet monitoring system platform provided by NAVTOR A.S. (NAVTOR), and witnessed by Norwegian Embassy in Japan, “K” LINE signed a MoU with NAVTOR regarding the development of “K” LINE 24/7/365 global fleet monitoring and support system through the use and functional expansion of NavFleet on August 25.

NAVTOR is Norway-based company developing the maritime DX business that is well known as a provider of electronic navigational charts, who has advanced software development capabilities and extensive experience.

NavFleet a total ship operations platform that provides a monitoring of vessel position, weather and route information on shore through automatic and seamless data communication via the cloud, and automatically alert users potential navigational risks to prevent navigational accidents. Future, NavFleet is capable to unite business critical data from various systems and provide overview of the fleet operation at a glance, while assisting to automate tasks, simplify regulatory compliance and ensure safe navigation of the fleet at all times.


“K” LINE is promoting the strengthening of a worldwide organization system covering Safety and Quality Management to achieve the business strategy in its medium-term management plan announced in 2022. “K” LINE will continue to develop its competitiveness and corporate value by targeting supremely safe navigation and transport quality management supported by the contributions of the knowledge and experience of competent human resources and the technologies complementing the human factors.

References

Business Briefing (Released on May 26, 2023) p. 57, 58

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/library/event.html

Medium-term Management Plan (Released on May 9, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html

Filed Under: "K" Line
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