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GEODIS extends its Contract Logistics reach to Sweden

October 21, 2021 by

In pursuing its goal of organic growth GEODIS, a global leading supply chain provider, is establishing a contract logistics footprint in Sweden for the first time with the opening of 16,000 sqm facility at Arendal, near Gothenburg.

One of the market leading freight forwarders in the country, GEODIS will open its new warehouse, strategically located in the proximity of Gothenburg port, on 1st December 2021 in order to now establish contract logistics operations in Sweden. Arendal is located only 15 km from the city of Gothenburg, It benefits from excellent connections to the regional motorway network with access to Stockholm and Malmo, as well as Oslo in Norway, and the wider Nordic region.

The full range of warehousing and distribution services will be offered including, receiving goods to WMS, inventory storage, pick and packing, case palletization, value added services, returns processing, quality control and distribution. A variety of industry sectors will be catered for at the new facility, but fast-growing retail and ecommerce verticals will be core businesses served.

Thomas Kraus, GEODIS President & CEO North, East and Central Europe commented on the expansion into the Swedish market, “The GEODIS Freight Forwarding business has been long-established in the country and our traditional customers have been calling for an extension to our services. We will draw on our well-established contract logistics operations capabilities throughout Europe and around the world to help our customers to achieve their ambitions for business growth. It’s the ideal stepping-stone for GEODIS growth in Sweden.”

Managing Director of GEODIS in Scandinavia, Magnus Tornerhjelm sees the new facility’s location as a particular asset.  “This new, strategically positioned facility provides a solid logistical base. It is an answer to the warehousing and logistics needs of our current and future customers while also allowing them to benefit from a last mile distribution network,” he said.

In Sweden, the GEODIS group operates from 8 locations (Helsingborg, Jönköping, Borås, Norrköping, Lund, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö) and employs 350 employees.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Link to photograph : https://geodis.keepeek.com/mndKzrWLs

Filed Under: GEODIS

HPC with new MD duo

October 20, 2021 by

Hamburg, 20 October 2021 – Dr Nils Kemme has been appointed Managing Director of HPC Hamburg Port Consulting. His appointment, effective from September, completes HPC’s dual leadership by seasoned experts promoted from its own ranks. Nils Kemme has been working at HPC for a decade in various management positions. Together with fellow Managing Director Suheil Mahayni, he will be driving the further development of consulting services and digital solutions for the global port and logistics industry. 

Hamburg Port Consulting. Dr. Nils Kemme

Nils Kemme has been closely associated with terminal operations since his university days. A business economist specialising in logistics, he conducted research on the optimisation of Automated Guided Vehicles AGV at Container Terminal Altenwerder, part of the HHLA Group, and wrote his doctorate on simulation-based planning and optimisation of container terminals.

As a terminal planner at HPC, he has developed numerous planning and optimisation projects aimed at operational efficiency and has established HPC’s own simulation department. With his team, he has successfully implemented more than 40 such simulation projects. Additionally, Nils Kemme has brought into focus significant features in the areas of sustainability and electrification of equipment. Having assumed the role of a partner in 2019, he has since taken responsibility for shaping the company. 

“With Nils Kemme, we have gained a renowned expert in the industry as well as a confident leader,” says Suheil Mahayni. “As an insider, he is also very familiar with the DNA of the companies within our group.  I am really looking forward to our cooperation.”

The joint MDs are united in their motivation: “Together we can demonstrate how we want to develop our organisation: customer-, team- and technology-oriented,” says Nils Kemme. “With climate change, the demands of energy transformation and new technologies, the global port and logistics industry is facing major challenges.  We must meet these with a strong team possessing a great deal of expertise, motivation and a good connection to the customer,” adds Suheil Mahayni.

Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) operates as a logistics consulting company, specialised in strategy and transformation services for the ports, terminals, and rail sectors. Since establishment in 1976, the Hamburg-based consulting company has delivered approximately 1,700 projects across 130 countries spanning six continents, along the full port project development cycle. HPC employs about 100 domain experts with a background as terminal operators, software engineers, logistics managers, transport economists and mathematicians. As a subsidiary of the Hamburg Port and Logistics Corporation (HHLA), HPC has its roots in port handling of container, break bulk and multipurpose, as well as hinterland operations. www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Filed Under: HPC Hamburg Port Consulting

GEODIS’ Executive Leadership Program recognized as the best Asia’s Training & Development Excellence Awards 2021

October 20, 2021 by

Global leading transport and logistics provider wins top award for redefining leadership in the logistics sector

GEODIS has been named ‘Best Leadership Development Program for Top Management’ at the 2021 Asia’s Training & Development Excellence Awards. Hosted by the World HRD Congress and the Employer Branding Institute, the annual event identifies outstanding talent and development initiatives from organizations across Asia, while celebrating the best practices in employer branding and Human Resources (HR).

The pandemic has undoubtedly changed the inner workings of the supply chain, prompting logistics service providers to explore alternative routes and sourcing strategies; this in addition to investing in digital transformation solutions that meet the rising expectations for operational efficiency through already overwhelmed freight channels. Such complexities have heightened the need for businesses to ensure employees have the necessary support, skills and mindset to not only adapt, but to thrive within a rapidly changing market environment.

Applying a human design centered approach to leadership has thus become a core aspect of GEODIS’ long-term strategy. In particular, the Executive Leadership Program for the senior management team, comprising 132 global board members and leaders, ensures GEODIS’ leaders have the skillsets and resources to make well-informed strategic decisions amidst the industry’s complex climate. This two-year program (2020-2022), delivered by Harvard Business School, features a comprehensive curriculum covering key business issues such as customer centricity, leading in adversity, and CSR and sustainability.

Mario Ceccon, Executive Vice President Group Human Resources, GEODIS, said: “We are very pleased to have our Executive Leadership Program recognized by the jury at the Employer Branding Institute. This is a much-valued testament to GEODIS’ continued efforts to become not just an employer of choice, but also a company that has the foresight and capabilities to take the company even further”.

Onno Boots, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, GEODIS, said: “Given the persistence of change sweeping the industry, it is more crucial than ever for our team to have the skills required to respond to, what are now every-day challenges.  Training and development programs are therefore crucially important to us.  We already have plans in place to further scale up our training initiatives across all levels.”

GEODIS is currently gearing up for the next phase of its leadership program, with new modules and sessions in the pipeline to maintain the company’s competitive advantage in a post-pandemic era.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Dynamic Consumer Buying Patterns Challenge the Flexibility of Supply Chain Management

October 18, 2021 by

Northampton, UK: 18th October 2021

The buying patterns of UK consumers have changed dramatically, resulting from lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The surge in DIY and home-based leisure activities and the sales of related products have boomed and seem here to stay. The dominant means of purchasing has shifted with online sales almost doubling during the first few months of the pandemic. DACHSER DIY Logistics specialist services have aided retailers in coping with both trends.   

The sudden growth in online shopping and the dynamic activity in the e-commerce economy made sales forecasting, inventory planning and supply chain engineering challenging to say the least. Previously infrequent e-commerce consumers found a new way of sourcing their DIY tools and materials. Statista reported the buying activity to have increased by more than 50%, jumping from 6% up to 14% of total sales in the first six months of the crisis, according to management consultant Accenture. More significantly, this level appears to have stabilised in the relatively less-restricted post-crisis period. 

Dachser’s industry solution specific for the DIY sector helps with these challenges, providing individually tailored logistics services for customers in the DIY, garden and home leisure sectors. Established twenty-two years ago, DACHSER DIY Logistics currently has an annual shipment volume of 7.7 million consignments. These figures indicate the significance of this sector-specific logistics solution and how the Dachser team continue to react to the demands placed on the DIY suppliers and retailers by the changing buying patterns of consumers.

The e-commerce boom in the DIY and household goods sector is here to stay. However, so too are the logistical challenges of delivering a huge range of products quickly and efficiently across the UK and Europe from source regions around the world. It is clear that retailers who have not positioned themselves for an e-commerce future will face particularly severe challenges. They must come up to speed as soon as possible.

Suppliers also experience other challenges brought about by the characteristics of an online marketplace, including irregular demand spikes that require sudden changes in supply capacity. These unpredictable order sizes can make managing the distribution difficult, for instance, direct delivery, holding inventory in intermediary hubs, last-mile delivery, proof of receipt and handling product returns.

Consequently, Dachser focuses on a range of tailored eLogistics services to adapt to the continuing digitalisation of its customer’s order processes and supply chains. Providing access to all relevant data concerning customer shipments and a system that has a direct connection with the Dachser transport and warehouse management systems, has proved beneficial to the customer. eLogistics provides quick and accessible information about all processes along the supply chain. There are numerous functions available for handling, control and transparency. Crucially in circumstances where online sales demands are immediate and fluctuating, there is the ability to track in-depth process sequences both in transit and in the warehouse when necessary.  

With variations in routing, volumes, delivery criteria and unexpected disruptions occurring, maximum transparency of the product supply chain is vital in a DIY supplier’s competitive advantage within the future of online sales.

ABOUT DACHSER UK

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customised services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s offerings. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems provide for intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 30,800 employees at 387 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2020. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 78.6 million shipments weighing 39.8 million metric tons. DACHSER is represented by its own country organisations in 42 countries on five continents. For more information about DACHSER, please visit dachser.co.uk

Filed Under: Dachser UK

Jürgen Adler joins GEODIS as Vice President Automotive Vertical Market

October 14, 2021 by

Jürgen Adler has been appointed head of the Automotive market, one of the strategic vertical markets in which GEODIS is seeking to expand.

Jürgen Adler, age 43, is a German national and holds a degree in Transport and Logistics from the University of Bonn. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the logistics and transport sector of the automotive industry.

Jürgen Adler

Speaking several languages, he has worked on five continents, principally in Germany, France, China and the United States.

His aim will be to address the specific expectations of the sector, which is currently facing significant structural changes as well as ongoing supply chain disruptions, in a sector where “just-in-time” is a standard.

Philippe de Carné, Executive Vice President Business Development, Innovation & CSR, said: “Faced with the increasingly rapid pace of change in the field of new mobility, Jürgen will draw on his experience to help GEODIS customers in the Automotive sector manage their supply chains on a global scale, taking account of the challenges of flexibility and cost reduction.”

Jürgen Adler said: “I am delighted to be joining GEODIS, where I will be able to contribute to developing solutions for the Automotive market. Both manufacturers and suppliers need a reliable logistics partner who can bridge the visibility gap through its global end-to-end solutions.”

Jürgen Adler joined GEODIS on October 1, 2021. He is based in the GEODIS offices in Frankfurt, Germany.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

“K “Line Conduct Emergency Response Exercise

October 12, 2021 by

On October 7th, 2021, “the Emergency Response Exercise” was carried out as a part of training of optimum emergency response prepared for any major maritime accidents. The scenario of the exercise developed when an Ore Carrier chartered by “K” Line collided with a Coastal Cargo Carrier when she was transiting in Tokyo Bay. We confirmed a series of emergency response process by setting crisis-management headquarters upon receiving an incident report, establishing communication channel with Ship Owner, Ship Management company and conducting a mock press conference at the end of the exercise.

Emergency Response Exercise Headquarter　　

Online tools were effectively used on the assumption that many concerned members were working remotely in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to enhance our communication by using online tools during an emergency response and then identified the points and tasks to work and improve on.

A mock press conference was held both at the press room and online simultaneously. Many questions were raised by the attendees as media reporters that made the event more realistic and momentous.

At the mock press conference

“K” Line principle and vision calls for enhancing “Safety”, “Environment” and “Quality”. While growing interest on safety and environmental load reduction over the world, we are preparing for any unexpected and unforeseen circumstances through the “Emergency Response Exercise”. Furthermore, we promote safety in navigation, environmental conservation, and quality enhancement, which are important to fulfill social responsibility while doing work on awareness building activities like “Safety Campaign”.

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS Collaborates with Bastian Solutions on New Fulfillment Site to Deliver Highest AutoStore Throughput Globally

October 7, 2021 by

Global leading transport and logistics provider GEODIS today announced a partnership with Bastian Solutions to implement an AutoStore system into a new fulfillment site for a leading clothing retailer. The $48 million material handling equipment deal will deliver the highest throughput documented of an AutoStore system globally to support the retailer’s omnichannel capabilities, including e-Commerce and its more than 1,000 stores across the United States.

AutoStore is a pioneering goods-to-person automated storage and retrieval system that is the market leader in storage density. AutoStore Bins are stacked vertically in a grid and retrieved by Robots that travel on the top layer of the system, allowing the grid to be placed around columns and on mezzanines and multiple levels. This design allows bins of products to be stacked on top of each other in a condensed grid-style system, increasing storage capacity up to four times in the same footprint and performance up to 10 times without added workers.

“GEODIS’ strategic partnership with Bastian Solutions and AutoStore will provide us even greater efficiencies and added capacity as we continue to navigate ongoing industry challenges on behalf of our clients, such as swiftly changing consumer buying patterns and labor shortages,” said Rob Thyen, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Facilities at GEODIS in Americas. “By investing in technology such as the AutoStore system, we can ensure we are supporting our clients’ future growth and exceeding their expectations.”

GEODIS is estimated to move up to 270,000 order lines per day in service of both retail store and direct-to-consumer channels, making this the AutoStore system with the highest throughput in the world. GEODIS will use the AutoStore system to facilitate fulfillment for its customer’s retail and e-Commerce channels to deliver a truly omnichannel solution. GEODIS will also utilize the AutoStore technology to expedite e-Commerce returns, which continues to be an industry priority due to recent increases in online purchases. In addition to featuring the innovative AutoStore storage and fulfillment technology, the 400,000-square-foot facility will include robotic piece picking with five robotic arms, automated packing and carton closing, and more. Construction for the site is expected to begin in January 2022 and wrap in November 2022.

“It has been a pleasure working with the GEODIS team,” said Marvin Logan, Vice President of Solution Delivery at Bastian Solutions. “We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the necessary advantage to remain competitive—especially as the retail and e-Commerce markets continue to change drastically. With this system, GEODIS will be well-equipped to meet demand, thanks to the advanced automation in this new omnichannel facility.”

Bastian Solutions is one of the leading partners in AutoStore installations. This project marks the second AutoStore system that Bastian Solutions has implemented on behalf of GEODIS. Construction is currently underway for an AutoStore system at a highly automated fulfillment site on behalf of a top pet product retailer, which is expected to be completed in November 2021.

“It is an exciting time for retailers, especially given the substantial increase in e-Commerce orders that we have seen over the past 18 months,” said Paul Roy, North American General Manager for AutoStore. “We’ve always aimed to provide an autonomous robotic solution that empowers our customers to fully leverage their warehouse operations to ensure an efficient, reliable and sustainable supply chain. Now, in partnership with GEODIS and Bastian Solutions, we’re proud to continue empowering retailers with a system that delivers the highest throughput globally.”

To learn more about GEODIS, visit www.geodis.com. To learn more about Bastian Solutions and AutoStore, visit www.bastiansolutions.com.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Bastian Solutions –bastiansolutions.com

Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Advanced Logistics company, is a trusted supply chain integration partner committed to providing clients a competitive advantage by designing and delivering world-class distribution and production solutions. By combining data-driven designs, scalable material handling systems and innovative software, the company helps clients across a broad spectrum of markets become leaders in their industries. For more information, visit bastiansolutions.com.

AutoStore – www.autostoresystem.com

AutoStore, founded in 1996, is a robot technology company that invented, and continues to pioneer, cube storage automation—the densest storage and order fulfilment solution in existence. The company’s focus is to blend software and hardware with human abilities to create the future of warehousing. AutoStore solutions are appreciated worldwide, with more than 600 systems installed in over 30 countries within a wide range of industries. All sales are designed, installed and serviced by a network of qualified system integrators—called “AutoStore Partners.” The company’s headquarters is in Nedre Vats (Norway), with additional offices in Oslo (Norway), U.S., UK, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Japan and Korea.

Filed Under: GEODIS

HPC to survey information systems for inland waterway ports and terminals in Europe

October 6, 2021 by

Potential analysis and determination of digital maturity level of the European inland waterways within the TEN-T corridors to inform an EU-wide digitalisation strategy

Hamburg, 6 October 2021 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting, the leading logistics consultancy for ports, maritime and inland terminals as well as intermodal rail transport, has been commissioned by the German Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping (GDWS) to conduct a study on information services for ports and terminals. The analysis is being carried out as part of a European project aimed at developing a digitalisation strategy for freight transport on continental Europe’s inland waterways. 

As the central federal authority of the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration, the GDWS is participating in the “Digitalisation of Inland Waterways” (DIWA) project, which is funded by the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme and involves four other national inland waterway authorities: the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Austria. The project aims to develop a common, integrated strategy for the digitalisation of the inland waterways of the TEN-T corridors, making the transport mode more competitive and sustainable in the long term.

“We at GDWS are pleased that, together with our European project partners, we will be able to help shape the future of European inland waterway transport and to contribute to this environmentally friendly mode yielding an even better performance,” say Thomas Wagner, Head of Department for Inland Transport Engineering and Tobias Aretz, National DIWA Coordinator (both GDWS).

As part of the business process developing a framework for the DIWA master plan, HPC has been commissioned to explore the information services for ports and terminals. The focus will be on building an inventory of the data inter-faces between inland navigation operators and European ports, as well as the IT system landscape.  The aim is to determine the existing level of digital maturity and future potential with regard to the digitalisation of the processes engaging ports and inland navigation.

” Against the background of the heavy utilisation of road and railway systems, the integration of inland navigation into the overall development of intermodal transport concepts is very welcome, ” says Hartmut Beyer, authorised signatory at HPC. He is convinced that “The digital transformation of the inland waterways network will significantly increase the attractiveness of the mode for customers. At HPC, we are very pleased to be able to input into the strategic development of this important trans-European project with our combined port and IT know-how.”

HPC has many years of experience in this sector and has advised national and international inland ports on operational issues, analyses and digitalisation projects. For example, HPC supports the Hamburg Vessel Coordination Center HVCC in optimisation and coordination of maneuvering when feeder vessels and larger ships meet in restricted parts of the Elbe or in port.

In addition, HPC has successfully implemented digitalisation and inland navigation projects for operators on the Rhine, in India and the USA.

HPC is an active member of the Inland Vessel Working Group of Hamburg Hafen Marketing. The working group aims to strengthen the role of inland navigation in the Port of Hamburg.

Further information on the DIWA project and the TEN-T corridors can be found at www.masterplandiwa.eu.

For more information on HPC’s consultancy services, please visit www.hamburgportconsulting.com.

Filed Under: HPC Hamburg Port Consulting

GEODIS to Open New Multi-User Facility in Luhari to Seize Strong Growth Opportunities in India’s Retail Supply Chain

October 6, 2021 by

The facility extends GEODIS’ contract logistics capabilities in India to support the e-commerce boom with advanced warehousing solutions for retailers

GEODIS, a global leading transport and logistics services provider, today announced the upcoming launch of a new multi-user facility at the LOGOS Logistics Estate in Luhari, 60 kilometres north of Delhi.  This will support the rapidly growing needs of GEODIS clients within the retail sector. Developed by LOGOS, one of Asia Pacific’s top logistics property groups, the new purpose-built facility offers both a modern infrastructure and an extensive space that allows GEODIS to fully optimize its contract logistics offerings to the Indian market which is currently experiencing unprecedented demand.

The shift towards online shopping and omnichannel platforms, accelerated by the pandemic, has compelled retailers to seek logistics operators who can provide the sheer capacity to manage large merchandise inventory, along with the necessary tools to ensure both real-time and end-to-end visibility. The 26,654 sqm warehouse will have a state-of-the-art storage system consisting of both selective and very narrow aisle (VNA) pallet racks.  Equipped in this way, the new facility addresses retailers’ concerns regarding space availability and packing efficiency to ramp up order processing procedures.

The LOGOS Luhari Logistics Estate is strategically located within close proximity to other large industrial clusters, including Bawal, Bhiwadi, and Dharuhera, as well as the central business districts of Gurugram and Delhi, the International Airport and National Highway 48.  The location is a prime spot for manufacturers and retailers alike, who wish to strengthen their presence in New Delhi and Northern India. With these strong networks in place, GEODIS’ customers can look forward to faster and more reliable delivery options when the facility officially opens in March 2022.

“The new facility in the LOGOS Luhari Logistics Estate ushers in a new era for GEODIS’ contract logistics capabilities and reinforces the company’s commitment to being a strategic growth partner for our retail and e-commerce customers,” said Lakshmanan Venkateswaran, Sub-Regional Managing Director, South Asia, GEODIS. “We look forward to unveiling the facility and its potential to strengthen both our own and our partners’ presence in an industry that is currently undergoing a great deal of change.”

CEO of LOGOS’ India business, Mehul Shah, added: “This is our first partnership with GEODIS and we are pleased to be working with them to deliver their state-of-the-art facility at Luhari. LOGOS is committed to establishing a new benchmark of high quality and sustainable logistics warehousing in India to support the critical infrastructure services needed and our work with GEODIS is another step in achieving this. We look forward to supporting GEODIS’s real estate needs throughout India and Asia.”

The Luhari Estate will incorporate market leading sustainability and environmental initiatives including 20 acres of Miyawaki Forest Plantation, solar power generation and distribution for warehouse and common infrastructure energy provision in line with both partners’ commitments to care for the environment. State of the art monitoring to measure warehousing air circulation, temperature, energy and water usage will also be employed within the Estate in conjunction with heat mapping on the movement of trucks and people throughout the property.  Such operational control will also influence the future design requirements of logistics estates. 

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a global leading transport and logistics services provider recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a global network spanning nearly 170 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France and #7 worldwide. In 2020, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.4 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Joint Research on Marine Plastic Waste Launched with Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology

October 4, 2021 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) announced today the signing of a joint research agreement with Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) to start joint research on marine plastics. The TUMSAT has been leading research in this field, surveying the amount of marine plastic waste (Note 1), including microplastics (plastic particles 5 mm or less) floating in the world’s oceans. This joint research will use “K” LINE’s vessels, which navigate many seas around the world, to collect samples of plastic particles, and is expected to promote the study of marine plastic waste.

The joint research will evaluate how much plastic waste can be collected from seawater under common process without installing any special equipment on intake and filtration of seawater by ships on voyages in order to avoid possible further marine pollution. First, the “K” LINE vessel will take samples from the seawater intake line with a strainer while the ship is running, and then the TUMSAT will collect plastic particles from the samples and analyze the material, size, and other elements.

The project will lead to further research, such as the collection of microplastics in the open sea using ocean-going vessels and the establishment of a monitoring system for the density of microplastics in specific areas.

As an integrated logistics company grown from shipping business, the “K” LINE Group is working to reduce its environmental impact based on its corporate philosophy of helping to enrich the lives of people and its mission of “Blue Seas for the Future.” (Note 2)

(Note 1) The marine plastic waste problem

It is said that approximately eight million tons of plastic waste is discharged from land into the ocean every year throughout the world. This causes various problems, such as deterioration of ecosystems and the marine environment, deterioration of coastal functions, disruption of vessel navigation, and impacts on fisheries and tourism. There is also concern about the impact of microplastics from seafood on the human body. As such, it has become a global environmental issue. It is also said that more than 95% of marine plastic waste originates from land-based sources. Social initiatives are underway on land such as efforts to prevent the generation of plastic waste and introduce legislation. However, there is still no established method of recovering this marine plastic waste without expending significant energy.

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

Tackling marine plastic waste is part of the Action Plan for until 2030.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/management/main/00/teaserItems1/0/linkList/0/link/K-LINE_E-vision_en_2020_v2.pdf

Filed Under: "K" Line
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