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“K” Line : (Amendment）Allocation of Treasury Stock to Board Benefit Trust

August 29, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. hereby make amendments to “Allocation of Treasury Stock to Board Benefit Trust” announced on August 2, 2023.

Reason for amendment

The amendment was made because the wording could have led to a misunderstanding that the stock repurchase and the allocation of treasury stock to the Board Benefit Trust were a series of events.

Details of the amendment (excerpt)

The amendments are underlined in below.

(Before amendment）

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) stated in the “Notice Regarding Cancellation of Treasury Stock” announced on March 14, 2023 that, the Board Benefit Trust that was established for officers’ performance-based share remuneration was scheduled to acquire the Company’s stock by underwriting the disposal of the treasury stock for its expanded cap of funds around August, 2023.

However, the Company hereby announces that it plans to delay the allocation of treasury stock to the Board Benefit Trust stated above to around November 2023 following the completion of the stock repurchase by the Company during the period from August 3 to October 31, as announced today in the “Notification of Stock Repurchase and Share Buyback through Off-Auction Own Share Repurchase Trading (ToSTNeT-3)”

(After amendment)

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “the Company”) stated in the “Notice Regarding Cancellation of Treasury Stock” announced on March 14, 2023 that, the Board Benefit Trust that was established for officers’ performance-based share remuneration was scheduled to acquire the Company’s stock by underwriting the disposal of the treasury stock for its expanded cap of funds around August, 2023.

However, the Company hereby announces that it plans to delay the allocation of treasury stock to the Board Benefit Trust stated above until after the completion of the stock repurchase by the Company announced today in the “Notification of Stock Repurchase and Share Buyback through Off-Auction Own Share Repurchase Trading (ToSTNeT-3)”. The method and timing of the allocation will be announced as soon as it is decided.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Dachser and Fercam strengthen groupage and contract logistics business in Italy

August 24, 2023 by

Long-standing partnership leads to foundation of a joint venture for groupage and contract logistics

Kempten/Bolzano, August 23, 2023 – Fercam is set to transfer its Distribution (groupage) and Logistics (contract logistics) divisions to a joint venture with Dachser under the name “Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.”. Dachser’s 80 percent share in the new venture strengthens and rounds off its European network. The transfer of control is still subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.

According to the terms of the contract signed by the two companies, Fercam will detach its Fercam Distribution (groupage) and Fercam Logistics (contract logistics) divisions from Fercam AG and integrate them into the new company by the end of the year. These two divisions, which employ 920 people at 43 locations in Italy, generated some EUR 400 million in revenue in 2022.

From the beginning of 2024, the independent company will operate under the name “Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.” and report directly to Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. As before, the groupage and contract logistics business in Italy will be managed by Fercam´s Distribution and Logistics manager Dr. Gianfranco Brillante and his proven team, whose expertise will provide continuity in the Italian market. Fercam AG will own a 20 percent share in Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.

Fercam Transport (national and international road and rail transports), Fercam Air & Ocean, and Fercam Special Services (Fine Art, Fairs & Events, Home Delivery, Removals & Relocation, Archive & Documents Management)—including all international subsidiaries—remain exclusively owned by Fercam AG and will not become part of the new joint venture. Fercam plans to promote further growth and internationalization of these divisions in the future, including overseas.

“As family-owned companies, Dachser and Fercam are united by an understanding of values-oriented management that ensures the future viability of the company over generations. So we’re all the more pleased that we’re now strengthening our bond even more, building on our 20 years of collaboration to found this joint venture in Italy,” says Bernhard Simon, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Dachser.

“Dachser is a dynamically growing family-owned company with similar goals and short decision-making channels, making it an outstanding and reliable partner for us for all European transports. Over the course of our partnership, however, conditions have changed considerably, with market share concentrated among only a few European and global players. That’s why we decided to launch a joint venture exclusively for groupage and contract logistics. It´s a win-win situation for both sides”, says Thomas Baumgartner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board at Fercam. “This allows us to further strengthen our ties with our partner company while simultaneously solidifying our own position,” explains Hannes Baumgartner, Managing Director of Fercam. “Being a part of Dachser’s European network opens up additional opportunities for growth, particularly in exports. That creates security and stability for the future.”

Completing the European network

The majority takeover of Fercam’s groupage and contract logistics business is the third major acquisition Dachser has made to expand its transport and logistics network in Europe, following Graveleau (France, 1999) and Azkar (Spain, 2013). “With this acquisition, we are closing the last remaining gap and rounding off our own groupage and contract logistics network in the major continental European markets,” explains Burkhard Eling, CEO of Dachser. “Our focus remains on growing organically and sustainably. In addition, this year we’ve strengthened our presence in key markets such as Benelux, Australia, Japan, and now Italy through targeted acquisitions.”

Customers stand to benefit from uniform processes and systems

“Dachser and Fercam have been working together with great success for 20 years. During this time, we’ve gotten to know each other very well and gained an appreciation for one another,” adds Alexander Tonn, COO Road Logistics at Dachser. Family-owned Fercam, headquartered in Bolzano, South Tyrol, has been handling the distribution of all groupage shipments with industrial and consumer goods from Dachser’s European network in Italy since the start of the partnership, and feeds corresponding shipments from Italy into this network. “Fercam is a guarantor of continuity and expertise in Italy. Through this acquisition and other investments, we can further accelerate our growth—especially in the Italian market—and improve the quality of our offering even more. Our customers in Europe, Italy, and worldwide will benefit from consistent processes and uniform systems in the medium term,” Tonn says regarding the synergies and customer benefits of the new joint venture.

Thanks to their long-standing partnership, Dachser and Fercam are already fully in sync when it comes to operational groupage handling. Fercam makes a point of continuously investing in its logistics facilities, digital systems, and climate protection—the two companies are an excellent fit in this respect, too.

Joint venture without duplicate structures

Dachser’s European Logistics business line did not previously have any locations of its own in Italy, so the joint venture will not result in any duplicate structures. All employees of Fercam’s Distribution and Logistics divisions will work for Dachser & Fercam Italia. Dachser’s acquisition of shares in these two divisions is also a symbol of the company’s commitment to make additional, sustainable investments in its Italian locations.

In the Food Logistics business line, which handles the transport and storage of chilled and non‑chilled food, Dachser has been represented in Italy since 2017 with three locations and around 270 employees. 

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2022. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 41 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

About Fercam

Fercam is based in Bolzano in South Tyrol, Italy. In 2022, the family-owned company generated revenue of EUR 1.128 billion. The transport and logistics provider has branches in 21 countries and a close-knit network of forwarding agents worldwide. Fercam offers specialized services in a wide range of transport and logistics areas:

Fercam Transport for road and rail transports, Fercam Air & Ocean, which handles imports and exports with its own customs clearance offices, and Fercam Special Services covering Fine Art, Fairs & Events, Removals & Relocation, as well as Archive & Documents Management.The activities of the divisions for groupage and contract logistics will soon be performed by the joint venture with Dachser: Dachser & Fercam Italia S.r.l.

For more information about Fercam, please visit fercam.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

GEODIS makes strategic investments in Asia expanding Road Network from Singapore to China

August 22, 2023 by

Equipped with industry-leading Internet of Things (IoT) security features and infrastructure, the GEODIS Road Network is integrated with major air and sea ports and offers multimodal options to meet customer needs for agile and flexible supply chains.

GEODIS, a global leader in the transport and logistics sector, is driving its growth in Asia with strategic investments in its capabilities and infrastructure in the region. The company has expanded its Road Network from Southeast Asia (SEA) to China – solidifying its position as a leader in providing secure day-definite, cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions connecting Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

The Road Network features advanced IoT technology and equipment for transporting goods securely for the High Tech, Semiconductor, Automotive, Engineering, Retail, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sectors. Investments have also been made to increase service frequency and to enhance its capabilities with dedicated customs brokerage and trade compliance teams at major border crossings to facilitate the seamless movement of goods. The Road Network integrates with major air and sea ports to offer customers a variety of multimodal options to meet the challenges of today’s fast-moving  environment and their need for agile and flexible supply chains.  

The Road Network to Shenzhen will officially launch on 23 August 2023 and will subsequently be extended to Hong Kong, and in the near future to Indonesia, connected by an inter-modal road-sea service.

In recent years, trade between ASEAN and China has grown rapidly, underscoring the significance of logistics in facilitating trade. Road freight has become one of the fastest-growing modes of transport in the ASEAN freight market with Thailand and Vietnam looking to invest  further in infrastructure to support cross-border trade. The Road Network will enable GEODIS to access the expanding logistics sector in Asia Pacific, projected to reach US$4.5 trillion by 2029 with an anticipated growth of 5.24% from 2023 to 2029.

“ASEAN and China are two of the fastest growing economies in the world. As the region remains poised for growth, GEODIS sees the extension of our Road Network to China as an opportunity to enhance our multimodal solutions and connectivity across major air hubs and seaports to give customers greater flexibility and reliability. We have made significant investments to our security, infrastructure and capabilities to ensure a safe and efficient flow of goods for our customers. Ultimately, we want to provide them with a competitive advantage to grow their business,” said Onno Boots, Regional President and CEO of GEODIS Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Recognizing the need for high security, GEODIS has made significant investments into advanced IoT security equipment and processes to safeguard high-value shipments throughout the Road Network. With GPS-tracked, sensor-equipped containers, prime movers and trailers, the Road Network is monitored 24/7/365 by a professional command center, providing real-time, end-to-end visibility of shipments actual locations. Customers can access automated updates of shipment milestones including border crossings via GEODIS’ freight management solution.

The Road Network will be equipped with industry-first truck safety and driver assistance features such as brake assist, stability control assist, hill hold assist and driver fatigue monitoring, to ensure utmost safety of people, vehicle and cargo.

GEODIS also targets heightened economic, operational and environmental performance through high-utilization double-deck container loading, and reduction in carbon emissions through their fleet of new prime mover trucks. Last year, GEODIS added to their fleet seven new Mercedes-Benz Actros prime movers, equipped with the latest in security and safety technologies.

The completion of the GEODIS Road Network from Singapore to China is part of the company’s continued investment to boost its capabilities and infrastructure to match their customers’ growth in the Asia Pacific region.

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 : Death in confined spaces – a hidden danger

August 1, 2023 by

International freight transport insurer TT Club is seeking to draw attention to the life-threatening hazards caused by enclosed and confined spaces prevalent throughout the global supply chain.  Toxic gases produced by some cargoes as well as leakages, residual fumigants and other causes of a reduced oxygen environment are the chief problems, with 60% of fatalities suffered by would be rescuers.

Confined or enclosed spaces are common in the supply chain industry. Such spaces exist across all freight modalities; from tank containers to cargo hold stairwells and holds, to road tankers and sealed cargo units.  A lack of understanding of the danger present may have fatal consequences.

Without sufficient oxygen the human body starts to shut down very quickly. Any rescue operations are therefore time critical. The primary cause of reduced oxygen levels is the increased presence of other gases, such as carbon dioxide. This may arise from rusting of the ship’s structure or metal cargoes, oxidation of cargoes such as coal or the decomposition of biodegradable cargoes, for example fish meal, logs, bark, or wood pellets.   All these lead to carbon dioxide – and potentially other gases – being released, simultaneously depleting the oxygen. Other associated hazards include flammable or toxic vapours from leaking cargoes or leaking pipes or hoses.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Risk Management Director at TT explains that a lack of awareness of these, often hidden dangers is surprisingly high. “The key risk is that workers may not readily recognise spaces that could present danger,” he states.  “The cargo hold of a ship is a leading example, but containers and other cargo transport units pose similar risks; there may be a lack of knowledge of the cargo packed or whether fumigants have been used. Similarly, tanks units, whether a road barrel or tank container, certainly qualify as enclosed spaces.”

The speed with which the effects of oxygen depletion can become debilitating require thorough and regular communication to ensure that operatives understand the risks.  When entering a lethal space there are no obvious red flags. In terms of symptoms there are no warning signs such as coughing or feeling breathless or nauseous.  An individual can pass out without having the opportunity to raise an alarm or escape. 

The quick onset and catastrophic nature of these symptoms often leads to others rushing to the aid of the casualty, unaware of the reason for their collapse. Statistically, over 60% of fatalities connected to confined and enclosed spaces are suffered by would be rescuers.

“The silent and invisible nature of this killer emphasises the importance of raising awareness of the risk,” stresses Storrs-Fox.  “Developing and undertaking drills to practice rescues are crucial steps in mitigating the risks, as are a number of other strategies including risk assessments of working in potentially hazardous spaces, discouraging short cuts in work practices and testing, monitoring and venting air in confined areas.”

While not exhaustive, TT has developed a checklist of risk mitigation strategies that can be applied across all modes, whether on land or at sea.  This can be accessed HERE

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.

Filed Under: TT Club

Celebrating Young Talent in Logistics – FIATA and TT Club Announce Winners of the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award 2023

July 27, 2023 by

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations and TT Club, the leading international freight transport insurer, are excited to unveil this year’s outstanding regional achievers of the Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Award 2023.

The 2023 regional winners are:

  • Region Africa and Middle East: Andre Hein Gerber, SAAFF, South Africa
  • Region Americas: Viktoriia Rudyk, CIFFA, Canada
  • Region Asia-Pacific: Hasbi Bin Yaakob, SLA, Singapore
  • Region Europe: Nils von Salzen, DSLV, Germany

FIATA and TT Club express their heartfelt congratulations to the four regional winners and acknowledge the paramount importance of such competitions that encourage young people to showcase their talents and dedication in the logistics industry. By participating in the YLP Award, these young professionals have not only demonstrated their profound knowledge but also honed their skills.

The YLP Award is significant in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of logistics professionals. This year again, exceptional dissertations were submitted by the winners, which not only capture the intricacies of the global supply chain but also consider diverse parameters, displaying their ingenuity and commitment.

FIATA and TT Club are delighted to continue encouraging and celebrating the brilliance and dynamism of YLP and recognise the invaluable experience and exposure gained through such competitions, paving the way for these young professionals to make a positive impact on the industry’s future. Both organisations eagerly look forward to resuming the physical competition format, this year again, providing an enriching experience for the regional winners at the FIATA World Congress in Brussels, Belgium. The event offers a unique opportunity for them to immerse themselves fully in the freight forwarding community, fostering valuable connections and furthering their careers.

Belgium, known for its strategic location at the heart of Europe, plays a crucial role in the logistics landscape, serving as a major gateway for trade and commerce. By participating in this prestigious event in Brussels, the regional winners will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of the Belgian logistics industry, further enhancing their understanding of global supply chains and exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.

About FIATA

FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a nongovernmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 countries. FIATA’s membership is composed of 111 Associations Members and more than 5,500 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of 40,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Based in Geneva, FIATA is ‘the global voice of freight logistics’ www.fiata.org.

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.

https://www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

“K” LINE Relocates Container Terminals in Kobe

July 26, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) currently uses the Port of Kobe Rokko Island RC4-5 container terminals leased from Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation. Talks with Kobe-Osaka International Port Corporation and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have resulted in the conclusion of a written basic agreement on the relocation from the RC4-5 container terminals to PC14-17 container terminals (PC14-17), among the PC13-17 container terminals of the southern pier in the Port of Kobe Port Island (Stage 2) area, which is currently undergoing construction for expansion and functional reinforcement. We are coordinating the timing of the relocation with the parties involved by the end of fiscal year 2025, at which the construction will be completed.

The relocation will enhance the specifications of the terminals, thereby building an environment where large containerships can be accepted. With the relocation, we also expect to offer shipping companies and customers more flexibility for berth arrangement and for more convenience with transship containers.

After our involvement, PC14-17 will be among the largest container terminals in West Japan, handling nearly 40% of foreign trade containers at the Port of Kobe. The “K” LINE Group will offer high-quality services with Nitto Total Logistics Ltd., a company of the Group that operates the facilities.

Through this project, “K” LINE will actively and flexibly respond to customers’ needs, including the expected rise in demand for environmental and DX-related action. Based on the “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050, we will also seek to preserve the environment through business activities and contribute to sustainable economic and social development in an effort to enhance our corporate value.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” LINE Signs Service Contract Agreement with DIABOS

July 26, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) signed a service contract agreement on port expense settlement services with DIABOS Global (DIABOS) in July 2023. DIABOS is a company in the JM Baxi Group, which is “K” LINE’s business partner in India. Based in Mumbai, its expertise is contracted services for port expense settlement, serving a large number of shipping companies around the world. With an abundance of practical experience, it has accumulated a great deal of related data.

“K” LINE is pressing ahead with digital transformation from five perspectives specified in its DX Strategy*¹, namely DX ashore, DX at sea, DX of data, DX of human resources and security that supports DX. As an initiative for DX ashore and for DX of data, it is set to introduce the VESON IMOS Platform (VIP) in 2024. It is a platform provided by Veson Nautical (Veson) to cover a series of ship operation management processes including charter contract conclusion, financial management and fuel management. Today, “K” LINE operates the tramp service business -*² globally. The agreement is aimed at increasing “K” LINE’s business efficiency and budget management accuracy and broadly improving its business quality by outsourcing to DIABOS port expense processing operations, including assessment and journalizing of port expenses that occurs in huge numbers every day and data entries into the VIP system.

At “K” LINE, digitalization is underway as a functional strategy for realizing the business strategy in the medium-term management plan announced in May 2022. With the use of data and digital technologies, “K” LINE will enhance the core values of safety, the environmental conservation and quality in a bid to boost its competitiveness and corporate value.

From left to right:
“K” LINE：Kohei Morita（General Manager of Drybulk Planning Group)
Diabos：Mr. Rohit Khera
Diabos：Ms. Meera Kumar (CEO)
“K” LINE：Masatoshi Taguchi（Managing Executive Officer)
“K” LINE (INDIA) PRIVATE LIMITED：Chengwen Cheang
“K” LINE：Eisuke Hayashi（Bulk Carrier Group)

*¹DX Strategy 2023 (announced on December 22, 2022)
https://www.kline.co.jp/en/sustainability/dx_strategy.html

*²Car carrier transport is excluded.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” LINE selected as a Constituent of FTSE4Good Index Series, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Sector Relative Index

July 24, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has been selected as a constituent of the “FTSE4Good Index Series”, one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the second year straight and 19th time in total. “K” LINE has also been listed as a constituent of “FTSE Blossom Japan Index” for six years in a row and “FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index for the second consecutive year respectively, since those indices were initially launched.

Created by the global index provider FTSE Russell (the trading name of FTSE International Limited and Frank Russell Company), the FTSE4Good Index Series is designed to measure the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices, selecting 1,074 companies from developed countries including 226 Japanese companies, and 566 companies from emerging countries. On the other hand, FTSE Blossom Japan Index and FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index reflect the performance of Japanese companies that demonstrate strong ESG practices (310 companies and 605 companies are selected respectively out of 1,424 constituents of FTSE Japan All Cap Index). These indices have been adopted as a benchmark of ESG investing by Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) in Japan. Those indices are used by a wide variety of market participants to create and assess responsible investment funds and other products.

“K” LINE has been addressing sustainability as a priority issue of its corporate management, and advancing various initiatives to respond flexibly to various needs. These include not only changing customer needs, but also the needs of nations and the global community, especially for the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and measures to mitigate climate change. Going forward, “K” LINE will continue to pursue greater corporate value, creating both economic and social values sustainably, through proactive sustainability efforts.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Participating in the Second Stage of the Nippon Foundation MEGURI2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Project for Social Implementation

July 24, 2023 by

We will participate in the Joint Technological Development Program for the Demonstration of Fully Autonomous Ships under the MEGURI 2040 Fully Autonomous Ship Project* (hereinafter MEGURI2040) administrated by the Nippon Foundation, as a member of the Designing the Future of Fully Autonomous Ships Plus consortium (hereinafter DFFAS+)** consisting of 51 companies in Japan.

On July 20, the Nippon Foundation held a seminar*** on the MEGURI2040. At the seminar, an overview of the second stage of MEGURI2040 and the project’s initiatives were presented.

This program is positioned as the second stage of MEGURI2040, which started in 2020, and aims for full-scale commercialization of fully autonomous ship technology by 2025, which was developed in the “Joint Technological Development Program for Demonstration of Fully Autonomous Ship,” which was carried out as the first stage, in cooperation with the Nippon Foundation.

Program Overview
The program will aim for full-scale commercialization of fully autonomous ships technology by 2025, with four goals.

In addition to designing next-generation ships that will support the coastal shipping industry in the future, a demonstration of ship-land operations will be conducted to simulate the future coastal shipping industry that will be supported by fully autonomous ship. The demonstration will use four different types of ships (a newly built full package container ship; with fully autonomous operation system, an existing container ship, a RORO cargo ship and a remote island route ship; with some autonomous operation system) and two Fleet Operation Centers.

  • Standardization of developed technologies

To refine the fully autonomous ship technology developed in the first stage, and by standardizing these technologies into international standards, to strengthen Japan’s maritime industry and lead the international competition in fully autonomous ship technology.

  • Reinforcement of development process infrastructure

Based on the development process infrastructure established in the first stage, reinforce it further by upgrading simulation technology, generalizing risk assessment, etc.

  • Social Implementation

To commercialize an autonomous navigation system (including land-based monitoring system) and to establish a certification scheme necessary to commercialize the system.

In addition, to improve the environment for social implementation, we will utilize our knowledge of technological development to establish international and domestic rules for fully autonomous ships, examine human resource requirements and training methods to accommodate new working styles, study the use of deregulation and other methods to ensure the continuous commercial use of fully autonomous ships, and examine insurance and freight rates for fully autonomous ships.

Our Approach

We, Kline, are collaborating with Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Japan Radio Co., Ltd., and YDK Technologies Co., Ltd. to retrofit the existing RORO cargo ship ‘Hokuren Maru No.2’ (operated by Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha) with unmanned and autonomous navigation capabilities.

By leveraging our expertise in safe operations, we are developing a system that replicates the sequence of piloting actions—namely ‘perception, information processing, analysis, planning, and execution’—that were previously carried out by humans, using cutting-edge AI technology and other advancements. Our goal is to further enhance the safety and quality of transportation provided by our operated vessels.”

In order to solve social issues in Japan’s coastal shipping industry, such as reducing labour shortages and the workload, preventing maritime accidents, and maintaining remote island shipping routes, and to support stable domestic logistics and transportation infrastructure, the Nippon Foundation, DFFAS+ participating companies, and domestic and international partner organizations will continue to work together toward the commercialization of fully autonomous ships by 2025.

*A subsidization scheme to cultivate further momentum for technological development in the field of crewless maritime autonomous surface ships, promoting changes in logistics, economies,  and social infrastructure in Japan, and supporting such technological development through the success of the world’s first crewless autonomous operation trials by domestic coastal vessels.

** Companies participating in the DFFAS+ project include Japan Marine Science Inc. (project leader); Akasaka Diesels Limited; IKOUS Corporation; Imoto Lines,Ltd.; Weathernews Inc.; Uyeno Transtech Ltd; EIZO Corporation; SK WINCH CO.,LTD.; MTI Co., Ltd.; NX Shipping Co.,Ltd.; NTT Communications Corporation; Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.; KAWASAKI KINKAI KISEN KAISHA,LTD.; KANDA DOCKYARD Co., Ltd.; KYOKUYO SHIPYARD CORPORATION; Kinkai Yusen Kaisha Ltd.; Kokusai Ryobi Ferry Co.,Ltd.; Sunflame Co., Ltd.; Sanwa Dock Co., Ltd.; JRCS Co.Ltd.; JAPAN HAMWORTHY CO.,LTD.; Japan Marine United Corporation; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.; SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation.; Suzuyo Marine Co., Ltd.; Space Compass Corporation; TERASAKI ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.; Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd.; TOKYO KEIKI INC.; TST CORPORATION.; MIRAI R＆D (Research & Development);Nakashima Propeller Co., Ltd.; Nabtesco Corporation; NIHON SHIPYARD CO.,LTD.; Japan Radio Co., Ltd.; NYK Line; The Hanshin Diesel Works, Ltd.; BEMAC Corporation; pluszero, Inc.; FUJIWARA SHIPBUILDING CO.LTD.; FURUNO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.; Honda Motor Co., Ltd.; Honda Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.; Marindows Inc.; Marubeni Corporation; MIURA CO.,LTD.; Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.; Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company, Limited; Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc.; Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.; YDK Technologies Co.,Ltd.

*** Presentations on technologies and rules for fully autonomous ships and a panel discussion on expectations and challenges for the commercialization of fully autonomous ships.

The Nippon Foundation Fully Autonomous Ship Project MEGURI2040 Seminar on Fully Autonomous Ship

Filed Under: "K" Line

New Appointments to TT Club Boards

July 24, 2023 by

Morten Engelstoft has been elected as the new Chairman of TT Club as Ulrich Kranich retires.  Three new Directors also announced. 

The liability insurance provider to the international cargo and logistics industry has announced that Morten Engelstoft is to take over as Chairman of both Through Transport Mutual Insurance Association Limited (Bermuda) (‘TTB’) and TT Club Mutual Insurance Limited (UK) (‘TTI’)* on the retirement of the present incumbent, Ulrich Kranich.

Ulrich Kranich (l) and Morten Engelstoft (r)

Engelstoft spent thirty-six years in various positions and across three regions within Maersk. He retired in June 2023 from the position of CEO of APM Terminals. He has a depth of knowledge and vast experience in operations that are at the core of TT Club’s membership base.

He commented, “TT Club remains the foremost specialist insurance provider to the majority of container shipping lines, a substantial number of terminal operators and a wide range of logistics and transport operators.  I look forward to leading the Boards and helping to guide the Club on its continuing path of providing essential cover and valuable loss prevention advice to a dynamic and vital global transport community.”

Ulrich Kranich retires from his position as Director and Chairman of the Club after sixteen years.  Charles Fenton, CEO of TT Club took the opportunity of thanking Kranich. “Ulrich has been a much valued guiding hand in a period that has seen significant change in our industry.  His insight and wise advice has been fundamental to TT’s continued success in this period,” he said.

Kranich commented, “It has been an honour to lead such a valued organisation owned by the industry and in Morten the Club has a fantastic person to take the Club forward to continue to support Members ”.

Ulrike Baum of Rohlig Logistics who has been on the Board since 2016 has stepped down as director. She was similarly thanked for her service, which included time on Board Committees.

Marika Calfas of NSW Ports in Sydney has been appointed to the Board; as has been John Chambers, currently Specialist Director – Insurance who also serves on the TTI Board. Miguel d’Orey of Orey Shipping in Lisbon has been appointed to the TTI Board.

*TTB is composed of a large group of directors that meets three times a year and provides leadership and industry view that impacts long-term strategy. TTI is a subsidiary of TTB. A smaller group, it meets more frequently to provide closer oversight of the Club’s operational and financial performance.

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.

https://www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club
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