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“K” LINE Begins Participating in Joint Study on Liquefied CO2 Marine Transportation for Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage

March 18, 2024 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) has reached an agreement with TOKYO GAS CO., LTD. (“Tokyo Gas”) regarding a joint study of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) marine transportation with a view towards achieving carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS).

The Japanese government believes CCS to be one of the significant methods for achieving carbon neutrality and aims to enable the storage of 120 to 240 million tons of CO2 per year in 2050. The final report of the study group for a long-term CCS roadmap suggests that the use of the promising storage potential overseas is one strong option. This requires the liquefaction of CO2 and marine transportation of the liquefied CO2 to a place suitable for CO2 storage.

The two companies will carry out a simulation of marine transportation of liquefied CO2 to storage sites in Japan and in the Asian-Pacific region for CO2 emitted in the Tokyo metropolitan area, as well as studying its economic efficiency and operations relating to the transportation of liquefied CO2 by ship. Based on the findings of this study, both companies aim to help achieve carbon neutrality in the Tokyo region with various types of carbon management solutions including CCS.

“K” LINE group is promoting a variety of initiatives to support the low-carbon and carbon-free of its own operations and  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. It is expected that liquefied CO2 carriers will sequentially begin to operate in Japan and overseas in the future. “K” LINE will incorporate knowledge*1 acquired from operations, including this study, into its future development of businesses with the aim of realizing a sustainable society and increasing its corporate value.

*¹The webpage for the press releases about “K” LINE’s activities concerning liquefied CO2 transportation:

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

Despite challenges, American Club experiences stability with the 2024 P&I renewal

March 15, 2024 by
  • 93% Member retention rate.
  • 2023/2024 policy year combined loss ratio tracking at 103%.
  • Average premium dollar per gross ton increased by 6.4%.
  • Eagle Ocean Marine bolsters profitability.

NEW YORK, March 15, 2024: The American Club has reported relatively moderate drops from the year-on-year renewal results, which reflects overall stability within the context of recent challenges as well as its de-risking strategy.

Gross tonnage for the Club’s Class I (mutual P&I) entries stands at 22.5 million, down by approximately 2.5 million compared to inception one year earlier, with a relative premium income drop of 6.5% over the period. Its Class II (mutual FD&D) portfolio followed a similar shift, while its Class III (charterers’ liability) business is poised to increase by about 5% in 2024 by comparison with the previous twelve months. Initial combined loss ratio for the 2023/2024 policy year is tracking at 103% as of December 31, 2023 with an improving trajectory.

Eagle Ocean Marine, the Club’s fixed premium facility, which serves the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, continues to benefit the mutual membership, with its overall historical net loss ratio now standing at 85% with the 22/23 and 23/24 facility year running below 70%, while the current 23/24 facility year relatively benign but still in an active period of development.

The Club’s Board had mandated an overall target increase in expiring premium of 7.5% for the 2024 policy year. As the overall combined loss ratio of renewing tonnage has continued to improve, the cash rise year on year on renewing business achieved was 4.2%, net of the downward adjustment in the IG reinsurance program cost for 2024 passed on to the Members in the usual manner. Augmenting the premium position were terms changes calculated to have a value of another 1% against net premium resulting in an overall increase of 5.2% on renewing premium. In terms of the average premium dollar per gross ton from expiry of the 2023 policy year to inception of the 2024 policy year, this increased by 6.4%.

Speaking in New York earlier today, Tom Hamilton, the Chief Underwriting Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, said: “The 2024 renewal campaign for the American Club built on the successes of recent renewals, focusing on rate adequacy and continued refinement of its portfolio and evidenced the support of its core, loyal membership. This is highlighted by a high retention rate amidst challenging times. We are grateful for the support of members and brokers around the world. The American Club commences the 2024 policy year in a solid position with premium income for P&I, FD&D and charterers’ liability classes, along with the contribution from Eagle Ocean Marine, in excess of $130 million and we are encouraged by the expectation for growth across all classes over the course of 2024/2025.

Dorothea Ioannou, the Chief Executive Officer of SCB, Inc., also commented on the Club’s recent results: “While the growth of the two preceding renewals has slightly retreated, this was partly deliberate through de-risking strategies, and partly natural as a result of S&P’s downgrade. The Club’s premium and tonnage volume remains at historically high levels, reflecting 30% more in premium and 20% more in tonnage as compared to the 2021 policy year, with consistently improving combined loss ratio results. Furthermore, the high retention levels of renewing tonnage, in the face of extraordinary disruption, is a testament to the strength of relationships within the Membership and acknowledgment of the American Club’s service. The Club represents a significant and important voice in the industry, and in the International Group. We have and will continue to ensure that it is heard.”

Notes to Editors

The American Club

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA.

The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York.

The Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents.

The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping.

The American Club also operates a fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), aimed at the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades. Since it commenced underwriting in 2011, EOM has enjoyed considerable success in building a growing footprint in this specialist market and generating strong profitability for the Club.

For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/

P&I Insurance

Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations.

Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

Filed Under: The American Club

TT Club Sponsors the Young Supply Chain Resilience Professional of the Year Award 2024

March 14, 2024 by

In announcing its continued support of the TAPA EMEA* Award, leading provider of insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry, TT Club proclaims its aim to encourage career development in cargo security and enhance resilience in the supply chain.

To enter, applicants must produce a 1,500-word submission on an innovative cargo security or supply chain resilience initiative they have developed or contributed to significantly. The potential areas of focus are an innovative solution to a current security concern or an experience of cargo loss that has been overcome in a practical way. Additionally, addressing an emerging new trend in security risk could be offered up.

Entries must be submitted before the closing deadline of 19 April 2024¹ and the winner will be notified by 1 May to ensure they can join TT at TAPA EMEA’s Annual Conference in Amsterdam on 12 & 13 June to receive their Award. Entries are to be judged on the originality and complexity of their solution, as well as how innovative and successful it is in improving supply chain resilience for the applicants’ companies or clients.

“We wish to identify, inspire and reward young talent in the industry, encouraging them to continue to innovate and communicate with their peers to strive for greater security throughout the supply chain sector,” said Mike Yarwood, TT’s Managing Director Loss Prevention. “We are extremely proud to continue our sponsorship of this Award; the inaugural award last year was a great success and attracted a number of bright young minds from the industry to showcase their respective security solutions.”

2023 Award Winner Sjef Boekestijn of Boekestijn Transport Service presents his solution

The 2023 Award was won by Sjef Boekestijn of Boekestijn Transport Service, for his entry on the creation of a new automated security auditing tool linked to clients’ Standard Operating Procedures.  Boekestijn Transport is domiciled in the Netherlands and Sjef is based in Poznan, Poland.  He was welcomed to London, as part of his award prize where he presented his solution to TT colleagues.  His hosts introduced him to the UK Government’s Department for Transport to discuss standards around truck stops in the UK and he also met with NaVCIS Freight** to discuss current trends in the causes of freight crime; Sjef providing insight from his experience across Europe.

Underlining the importance of the partnership between TAPA EMEA and TT Club, Thorsten Neumann, the former’s President & CEO said, “It is important for every industry to nurture the next generation of leaders. The business focus on supply chain resilience and cargo security has never been greater with the world facing economic, geopolitical, health and environmental challenges and disruptions, in addition to the now well-established and growing threat of cargo crime.  This award gives individuals in our industry an opportunity to earn an achievement they can carry forward in their careers. I ask senior managers in our membership to encourage their outstanding young professionals to participate is this year’s award.”

¹TAPA-EMEA-Young-Supply-Chain-Resilience-Professional-of-the-Year-Award-2024-Entry-Form (1).pdf

*Transported Asset Protection Association’s Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) Region

**The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service. A UK Police Authority.

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 1200 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

GEODIS Marks International Women’s Day

March 8, 2024 by

Leading global logistics service provider GEODIS is taking the occasion of International Women’s Day to announce significant achievements in the Asia Pacific region (APAC) in attaining GEEIS* certification by both its Hong Kong and Singapore operations, along with underlining its female leadership roles in the region.

Following the Company’s commitment to diversity and particularly to ensuring professional gender equality, Hong Kong and Singapore are added to the already 15 countries, which have attained the GEEIS certification.  It is all part of GEODIS’ diversity and equal opportunity drive to promote initiatives creating a culture of diversity, equality and inclusion throughout its work environment globally. The success of these efforts is further evidenced in APAC with the existing appointments of female General Managers in both Japan and Taiwan and women constituting a third of the regional management board and 40% of the country management teams.

Photo credit: Lin Hui LOW, Regional Marketing Operations Executive, GEODIS APAC and Middle East
Names of women in the picture, From Left to Right:
June KOH, Regional Human Resources Director, GEODIS APAC and Middle East
Evelyn OOI, Regional Information Technology Director, GEODIS APAC and Middle East
Florence LEE, Regional Sales and Marketing Director, GEODIS APAC and Middle East

Such certifications demonstrate GEODIS’ proven commitment and level of resources mobilized to achieve equality in the workplace. It is an evaluation of the steering, training and communications tools implemented to work towards equal opportunities and GEODIS in both Hong Kong and Singapore have now achieved Level 3 – ‘Very good practices’.

The accreditation is assessed by one of the world’s leading certification bodies, Bureau Veritas via an audit based on nine GEEIS criteria. This allowed GEODIS to present the nature of the general social environment and culture the company maintains. 

Welcoming the news of the double certification, Onno Boots, President & CEO of Asia Pacific and Middle East said, “Diversity and inclusion are at the core of our culture, it is reflected in our policies, reinforced through our processes and evaluated through our feedback mechanisms. This is achieved via a number of internal initiatives including, our Employee Engagement Group (EEG), in particular, our highly successful worldwide GEODIS Women’s Network (GWN) and Mentorship program; the Leaders Engagement Group (LEG); an Individual Development Plan (IDP). We are proud of the developments we have made in this area because we truly believe that diversity is a rich resource that stimulates innovation and team performance.”

GEODIS is convinced that fostering diversity wherever and however it operates is a real opportunity to develop the skills of all employees which in turn improves individual and corporate performance. The latest achievements in the region are testimony to the organization’s commitment to these values throughout the GEODIS family.

*The GEEIS (Gender Equality European and International Standard) is a real management support tool and contributes to promoting gender equality in the workplace. It certifies the level of resources mobilized by the company to achieve equality at work, as well as the successful deployment of the related human resource policy.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 53 000 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2023, GEODIS generated €11.6 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” LINE Awarded CDP’s “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard”

March 7, 2024 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that on March 6, 2024, the company was listed on the “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” for the sixth consecutive year, the top rating, on “Supplier Engagement Rating” from CDP, which is a non-profit global organization (NGO) engaged in investigating and disclosing environmental information.

The “Supplier Engagement Rating” evaluates the companies’ initiatives for climate change and greenhouse gas emissions throughout the supply chain and ranks the companies in line with their efforts. Our strategies and initiatives were evaluated via the “Supplier Engagement Rating”.

This year 450 companies, including 110 Japanese companies were recognized on the “Supplier Engagement Leaderboard” worldwide. 

Going forward, the “K” LINE Group will continue to enhance information disclosure based on a comprehensive understanding of climate change and natural capital and aim for sustainable growth and increased corporate value as a partner trusted by all its stakeholders.

Filed Under: "K" Line

JAPEX, JGC , and “K” LINE Sign a Storage Site Agreement with PETRONAS and PETROS for the CCS Project in Malaysia

February 29, 2024 by

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd.

JGC Holdings Corporation

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

PETRONAS CCS Ventures SDN BHD

PETROLEUM Sarawak BERHAD

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC) and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) (hereinafter referred collectively as the “Japan Consortium (JC)”) have agreed and signed the Storage Site Agreement (“SSA”) with PETRONAS CCS Ventures Sdn. Bhd. (PCCSV) and PETROLEUM Sarawak BERHAD (PETROS) for the M3 depleted field in offshore Sarawak, Malaysia on 26th February 2024.

Ceremony of the signing of the SSA

Signers related in the above photo, clockwise from upper left side :
 
Mr. Satoshi Kanamori – “K” LINE Managing Executive Officer
(Left) Dr. James Foo – PETROS Chief Operating Officer
(Middle) Nazrin Banu Shaikh S. Ahmad – PETROS Senior Vice President, Sarawak Resource Management
(Right) Anyi Ngau – PETROS Head Resource Strategy and Governance
Emry Hisham Yusoff – PETRONAS CCS Ventures Chief Executive Officer JAPEX Executive Dr. Tomomi Yamada – JAPEX Executive Management Officer, President of Overseas Business Div Ⅱ
Mr. Masahiro Aika – JGC Senior Executive Officer & TCO

The SSA not only enables the feasibility studies of the CO2 storage sites starting with the M3 depleted field (M3 CCS Project), but also the planning of relevant CO2 storage site development, including onshore terminals and transportation pipelines, as well as assessment of its techno-commercial feasibility.

This collaboration represents a significant advancement in the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including Malaysia and Japan.

The signatories of the SSA were PETROS Senior Vice President, Sarawak Resource Management Nazrin Banu Shaikh S. Ahmad; PETRONAS CCS Ventures Chief Executive Officer Emry Hisham Yusoff; JAPEX Managing Executive Officer and President of Overseas Business Division II, YAMADA Tomomi; JGC Senior Executive Officer, Technology Commercialization Officer, AIKA Masahiro; and “K” LINE Managing Executive Officer, Carbon-Neutral Promotion, KANAMORI Satoshi.

Nazrin said, “As the Resource Manager in Sarawak, this step forward signifies our commitment as Sarawak’s economic growth engine leveraging as an enabler. This is the first project for the industry and the impetus to more low-carbon solution projects. We also express our gratitude for the strong support from PETRONAS CCS Ventures and the Japanese Consortium in participating in this project in Sarawak.”

Emry said, “This collaboration is not just a strategic move to unlock potential CCS opportunities in Malaysia but necessary in addressing climate change as a collective action in achieving a low-carbon future. By securely storing captured CO2 underground, CCS plays a pivotal role in decarbonizing key industries, and it is hoped that this milestone will set an impetus for other CCS initiatives within Malaysia.”

“This is in line with PETRONAS CCS Ventures “ commitment in accelerating Malaysia’s potential as a prominent regional hub for CCS. The company continues to undertake deliberate actions to accelerate the development of a sustainable energy portfolio that prioritizes responsible practices,” adds Emry.

YAMADA representing the Japanese Consortium Parties said, “We are very proud to work with PETRONAS CCS Ventures and PETROS for this epochal project and believe that expertise of each company can make great contribution for realizing the CCS value chain centered on Sarawak aiming at the decarbonization of the APAC region, including Japan.”

By executing SSA for the CCS project in Malaysia, JAPEX, JGC, “K” LINE will contribute towards carbon neutrality in 2050, including the realization of a de-carbonized society in Asia targeted by the “Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI)” (*1).

*1: The Japanese Government’s initiative announced in May 2021, which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and carbon neutrality simultaneously in Asia.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : NEDO Green Innovation Fund Project

February 28, 2024 by

Approval in Principle (AiP) from Japanese Classification Society Class NK for the design concept of the Multi-functional Floating offshore windfarm Support Vessel

“K” Line Wind Service, LTD. (“K” Line Wind Service), a joint venture of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. and Kawasaki Kinkai Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., together with Japan Marine United Corporation (Japan Marine United) and Nihon Shipyard Co., Ltd. (Nihon Shipyard) have been jointly granted Approval in Principle (AiP) *¹　from Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) for the design concept of the multi-functional floating offshore windfarm support vessel (MFSV).

The development of this design concept is subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as a part of Green Innovation Fund Project “Technology development project for basic manufacturing and installation cost reduction for floating wind turbines”. *²

The development of floating offshore wind is expected to take an important and key role in the achievement of the carbon neutrality by 2050, especially in Japan where shallow water area to develop the bottom-fixed offshore wind turbines is limited.

The installation of floating offshore wind turbines always required mooring works by vessels, with the whole mooring system composed of an anchor, a mooring chain, and a fiber rope. “K” Line Wind Service has been pursuing the study on the most effective mooring method and the most suitable vessel design for such mooring work together with Japan Marine United and Nihon Shipyard. Finally, we completed the design concept of MFSV and obtained AiP from ClassNK.

This MSFV is designed to perform whole mooring works efficiently for floating offshore wind turbine installation, like “transportation of mooring system”, “deploying mooring system on the seabed”, “anchor tensioning”. On top of such primal functions, the uniqueness is multifunctional concept. This MFSV is designed to provide various vessel solutions in each phase of an offshore wind projects such as “Survey”, “Transportation”, “Construction”, and “Operation & Maintenance”. (multifunction concept of MFSV is currently under process of patent application)

“K” Line Wind Service is determined to contribute to Low-carbon and decarbonization of society by pursuing the provision marine and vessel solution including the design concept of MFSV for mass production and cost reduction of offshore wind power generation.

AiP award ceremony at Wind Expo 2024
From left :
Hirohiko Yanagita, Managing Officer of Japan Marine United Corporation
Toshiyuki Shigemi, Senior Executive Vice President of ClassNK
Teruki Kuramoto, President of “K” Line Wind Service, Ltd.
Yoshinori Maeta, President of Nihon Shipyard co., Ltd.,

*¹ AiP, which stands for Approval in Principle, is a scheme for the examination of plans and documents based on the rules for products in the early design stage to confirm their technical feasibility from the viewpoint of the rules.  (Source: Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, ClassNK )

*² about adoption of the Joint Project “Mass-Production and Cost Reduction of Floating Offshore Wind Installation” as Green Innovation Fund Project “Cost Reductions for Offshore Wind Power Generation Project”

Related Press Release of Green Innovation Fund Project

Joint project on “Mass-production and Cost Reduction of Floating Offshore Wind Installation” adopted as Green Innovation Fund (On January 21, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20220121.html

Filed Under: "K" Line

Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine join forces in new commercial joint venture: JSI Alliance

February 28, 2024 by

After three years in a successful joint venture, Dutch maritime heavy lift transport and engineering contractor Jumbo Shipping and German breakbulk and project cargo specialist SAL Heavy Lift are thrilled to welcome their American sister, multipurpose and liner operator Intermarine, to the group. On 1 March 2024, JSI Alliance will be ready to set sail with a new combined fleet of 50 vessels.

Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine have reached a significant milestone – one that resonates throughout the world of heavy lift shipping. They have joined forces to create a new industry powerhouse with the experience, legacy and reputation of these three renowned carriers, combining their fleets and all commercial activities for breakbulk and project cargo. What can be seen as the evolution of the commercial alliance Jumbo and SAL formed in 2021, JSI Alliance builds on the same fundamental principles. They will provide a unified commercial entry point for sales and marketing for their joint network of offices and agents in 23 countries worldwide. Versatile and flexible, the large fleet of around 50 vessels ranges from effective multipurpose vessels to the most advanced heavy lift ships in the world, with a lifting capacity of up to 3,000 t SWL. This essentially creates a real one-stop shop for customers seeking all kinds of maritime breakbulk or project transport solutions.

Intermarine President Richard Seeg explains: “This is a great step for Intermarine and a significant milestone for us in our over 35 years of business. We’re a sister company to SAL, which means we’ve had some cooperation up to this point. But forming a real commercial joint venture and alliance marks the beginning of a new and greater adventure. I’ve truly admired what Jumbo and SAL have managed to achieve over the past three years, and I’m excited to bring the Intermarine product to the joint venture. This will add more services and an expanded reach to the portfolio. With our strength, especially in the Americas, I’m sure our alliance is off to a great start.”

JSI Alliance stands for both commercial flexibility as well as technical excellence, offering semi-liner and liner services as well as customised project shipping solutions around the world. Services range from effective transport solutions for small parcels and single cargo items to the most complex industrial cargo units. The ability to combine services and transport solutions gives customers a new multitude of options.

Laurens Govers, Director Chartering & Projects at Jumbo Shipping, adds: “When we launched our commercial alliance with SAL three years ago, we weren’t sure how the market and our customers would receive this new take on a commercial cooperation in the heavy lift sector. Today, we look back at the success it’s been. Through our growing relationship with Intermarine as well, I’m confident that our new setup and wider service scope as JSI Alliance will be a valuable addition to our platform. Every customer, from EPCs and industrial equipment manufacturers to project freight forwarders, will find transport services that can benefit their business and projects in our new constellation.”

The Jumbo and SAL services and fleets are highly complementary, but the Intermarine “products” are somewhat different and expand the scope. The Intermarine fleet is based on standardised, effective multipurpose vessels typically geared up to max 500 t SWL, essentially where the Jumbo and SAL vessel portfolio begins. Furthermore, Intermarine is highly experienced in operating a mix of owned and time-chartered vessels, both on a short- or long-term basis. While the owned fleet typically takes on complex cargo operations, volume cargo and vessel positions may require a different approach. The focus on flexible commercial solutions that Intermarine brings to the table really helps JSI Alliance achieve their goal of being a true one-stop shop for customers.

Intermarine COO Lars Rasmussen says: “We have a setup where we can combine many different vessels and service scopes. With JSI Alliance, you can find simple, straightforward transport solutions as well as the capacity to handle the most complex heavy lift projects. We can combine standard multipurpose ships, with mighty heavy lifters, deck carriers and even in some case bulk vessels – all under our operation and management. I’ve been in bulk, breakbulk and project shipping for over three decades now, and I’ve never seen a commercial solution as comprehensive as this.”

JSI Alliance holds a combined +120 years of experience between its three members. The fleet and service scopes differ somewhat in the new joint venture, but Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine share a very similar culture and values. This is essential in a close, unified commercial structure where all sales teams work from the same platform.

SAL Heavy Lift Managing Director Jens Baumgarten summarises: “We’ve obviously gained vital experience in our years of commercial partnership with Jumbo. JSI Alliance emerged more or less organically with our closer commercial cooperation with our sister company, Intermarine. That being said, we’ve worked intensively over the past several months to prepare and set up our structures so we can operate effectively from day one. Our greatest priority is keeping our customers happy – both during and after each project and shipment. We believe that the added value we create for our customers will strengthen relationships and lead to repeat transport inquiries over many years.”

JSI Alliance replaces Jumbo-SAL-Alliance as the unified marketing platform and brand. As operators and owners, however, Jumbo, SAL and Intermarine remain independent – allowing the three brands to be active in the market.

Intermarine CEO Svend Andersen stresses: “JSI Alliance is the pinnacle of commercial innovation in heavy lift shipping. My many years in shipping have given me good instincts for which collaborations work and which don’t. I have no doubt that this one is a winner. Combining our strengths both commercially and technically outmatches any other operator in the market. Whether in Asia, Europe, Africa, the US or South America – the JSI Alliance organisation ensures that every customer gets the best possible service.”

All sales offices are unified from day one as JSI Alliance offices represent all three members. Also, back-office support functions such as engineering, QHSE and project management will contribute to the alliance organisation, maximizing synergies between the entities.

Daan Koornneef, CEO of Jumbo Shipping, concludes: “I’ve truly enjoyed witnessing the progress and the effective way our three organisations have come together, where we build on the success of the now former Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. And Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and Harren Group, agrees: “For our company and group, it’s vital that we remain agile commercially and operationally, and seize the opportunities as they come – this is the true spirit of our organisations. JSI Alliance marks a new cornerstone for our business.”

About JSI Alliance:

JSI Alliance stands for sea logistics of all types of heavy lift, breakbulk and project cargo in all markets. Side by side, three of the most prominent and technologically advanced breakbulk and heavy lift carriers, Jumbo Shipping, SAL Heavy Lift and Intermarine, are combining their strengths and resources to deliver the best maritime transport solutions to customers worldwide. Three united teams and three fleets operate as one shared fleet – specialised in their respective business fields. And customers benefit from simplified, full-scope services. JSI Alliance controls and operates around 50 owned and chartered project cargo vessels – of these, 25 high-end project cargo vessels. With three DP2 vessels, four semi-submersible deck carriers, two range-extending Fly-Jibs and eleven ice-class vessels, JSI Alliance can reach almost any location and master the most demanding scopes. JSI can also organise time charter vessels if needed.

JSI Alliance provides highly flexible shipping solutions and an unparalleled range of breakbulk and project shipping services in the market. Lifting capacities from standardised multipurpose ships range from 160 t SWL to 3,000 t SWL. As such, JSI Alliance manages the largest fleet of vessels in the +800 t lifting segment as well as the most advanced green heavy lift ships, with Orca series vessels launching in 2024. This provides a commercial bandwidth that stretches from rapid positioning vessels for smaller or larger single shipments to large volume contracts and full-scope solutions for complex projects – all under one roof. A strong group of experienced professionals – commercial, engineering, project management, QHSE – works closely together with a combined network of agents and offices worldwide. They provide partnership, expert advice and safely delivered goods to a wide range of clients, including EPCs, brokers, forwarders, OEMs, energy companies and more.

JSI Alliance: stronger, together.

Filed Under: Intermarine, SAL Heavy Lift

Safety innovators acclaimed at annual award ceremony

February 26, 2024 by

From a shortlist of three chosen by judges from a total of twenty-eight outstanding entries for this year’s competition, the partnership between Cross Currents 88 and G2 Ocean AS was announced as the winner of the TT Innovation in Safety Award, at a presentation ceremony in London today.  The two highly commended innovations came from Royal Haskoning DHV and Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore.

Winner Photograph : (l-r) Richard Steele, ICHCA; David Robinson MBE; Jan Andreassen, G2 Ocean; Thomas Keenan, Cross Currents 88; Mike Yarwood, TT Club

Independently organised by international cargo handling association ICHCA, the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards are dedicated to both organisations’ mission to promote and improve safety in all operational aspects of the supply chain.  In encouraging innovation, the Awards are aimed at showcasing products, processes and services that address safety issues, to as wide an audience as possible, in an increasingly complex and challenging industry.

The successful shortlisted entries offered solutions to preventing potentially fatal falls in cargo holds, enhancing mooring safety and improving the safety and stability of containers on board ships.  In a competitive final “Spyder Netting” from Cross Currents 88 and G2 Ocean AS was declared the winner. CEO of ICHCA, Richard Steele said, “Falls from height during cargo operations is a vitally important risk to be managed. Spyder Netting, a thin layer of plastic film which can be rolled out across gaps and secured between layers of cargo, has already saved lives. Cross Currents has been personally thanked by a stevedore whose fall was arrested by the netting.”

At the presentation ceremony, attended by representatives of many of the Award entrants and safety professionals from across the global industry, all three short-listed innovations were revealed in detail.  Cargo handling veteran David Robinson delivered a keynote speech and presented the award to the winners.

The wide-ranging safety challenges tackled by this year’s award entrants fell into four main categories. Both the advantages of using data collection in providing insight into safety improvements and the growth of learning technology in training using virtual simulation featured heavily. In the operational environment, practical products to secure cargo and distance human involvement through automation were put forward.  Finally, segregating machines from people was a primary aim of many. This goal is crucial in improved safety, as the situation causes the second highest amount of severe consequence incidents in cargo operations.   

This, the sixth iteration of these unique and prestigious awards, is part of ICHCA and TT’s jointly held value to encourage innovative solutions to crucial safety challenges. “However, they are just part of our efforts,” said TT’s Mike Yarwood.  “We want to nurture widespread and varied advances in safety innovation, so we seek to give all entrants the oxygen of visibility in the marketplace to help develop and grow their initiative to benefit cargo handling operations globally.”

So, the partners aim to provide a tool kit that helps promote these ground-breaking ideas in a number of ways.  A Digest of all the award entries is available   NOW. In the months between awards cycles, entrants are invited to various discussion forums, conference and exhibition appearances, including the TT/ICHCA Safety Village at TOC Europe in June (details HERE).

All these opportunities seek to enable and act as communications conduits for innovative thinking in safety, the partnership helps link innovators with those looking to invest in safety measures and operators seeking solutions.  Through these efforts, the relevance of the innovative products and services can also be honed to maximum effect, and their place in established safety practices of the future cemented.

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 primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1200 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

The Chugoku Electric Power and Nippon Gas Line Participate in the Joint Evaluation to Establish CCS Value Chain Originated from Japan for the CCS Project in Malaysia

February 26, 2024 by

Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX), JGC Holdings Corporation (JGC HD), Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE), and JFE Steel Corporation (JFE Steel) have agreed that The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc. (EnerGia) and Nippon Gas Line Co., Ltd. (NGL) participate in the joint evaluation aiming to establish CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) value chain originated from Japan (hereinafter “the Joint Evaluation”) for the CCS project in Malaysia and concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the six companies (hereinafter “the Six Companies”) on February 26, 2024.

JAPEX, JGC HD, “K” LINE (hereinafter “the Three Companies”), and PETRONAS CCS Ventures Sdn. Bhd.（PCCSV） signed the Key Principles Agreement in September 2023 to commercialize the CCS project (hereinafter the “CCS Project Development”) and have commenced the specific preparatory works with a view of beginning the front-end engineering design in 2024 and the subsequent construction works*1. As part of the CCS Project Development, the Three Companies conducted a survey assuming recipt of CO2 from Japan and discussions with candidate CO2 emitters, have found that their direction aligns with EnerGia’s to consider further reduction methods of CO2 emissions from power generation businesses, and with NGL’s to proceed with commercialization of domestic marine transportation of liquefied CO2, therefore, the Six Companies signed the MOU to conduct the Joint Evaluation, in addition to JFE Steel which participated in June 2023*2.

The Six Companies will conduct the Joint Evaluation, collaborating with the CCS Project Development, to establish the CCS value chain, from CO2 separation and capture at JFE Steel’s steelworks and EnerGia Group’s power plant to marine transportation (including domestic marine transportation in the Setouchi area) of liquefied CO2 to the receiving point(s) in Malaysia, including estimation of required facilities and costs.

In the CCS Project Development, aiming to start injection and storage of CO2 emitted in Malaysia as well as captured outside Malaysia such as in Japan under the seabed at the end of 2028, the Three Companies have been proceeding with the detailed study on the specifications and estimated costs of ,necessary facilities, including CO2 pipelines from onshore gathering facilities, marine transportation of liquefied CO2, and receiving facilities for liquefied CO2 transported by ships and offshore injection facilities, and business scheme. 

By executing the Joint Evaluation for the early commercialization of the CCS project, JAPEX, JGC HD, “K” LINE, JFE Steel, EnerGia, and NGL will contribute towards carbon neutrality in 2050, including the realization of a de-carbonized society in Asia targeted by the “Asia Energy Transition Initiative (AETI) ” *3.

*1: Please refer to a joint press “JAPEX, JGC HD, and “K” LINE Sign a Key Principles Agreement with PETRONAS for the maturation and development of the CCS Project in Malaysia” on November 20, 2023

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20231120.html

*2: Please refer to a joint press “Agreed on Joint Evaluation with JFE Steel Corporation to Establish CCS Value Chain Originated from Japan Aligned with CCS Study in Malaysia” on June 19, 2023

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/carbon-neutral/carbon-neutral-20230619.html

*3: The Japanese Government’s initiative announced in May 2021, which aims to achieve sustainable economic growth and carbon neutrality simultaneously in Asia.

Filed Under: "K" Line
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