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“K” Line Continues to be Selected as an Index Component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia/Pacific Index

September 14, 2015 by

September 11, 2015

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as an Asia/Pacific Index component company of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), one of the leading global indices on Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)(*1). It has been selected for 5 consecutive years since 2011.

DJSI is a world’s leading SRI index jointly offered by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC of the United States and Robeco SAM AG of Switzerland, which only includes the top ranked companies among the largest 3,000 companies worldwide as a result of evaluation of their sustainability performance in terms of social, environmental and economic criteria. Launched in 1999, DSJI is one of the first global sustainability benchmarks for investors and fund managers who integrate sustainability consideration into their portfolios.

As a global logistics company group centering on shipping business, “K” Line always strives to contribute to realize the better society and increase the corporate value.

*1 SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) describes an investment strategy which takes account of enterprises’ social, ethical and environmental aspects as well as financial performance.

Filed Under: "K" Line

FIATA Announce Winner of Young Forwarder Award

September 14, 2015 by

The 2015 Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) Award has been presented to Daniella Smal of Zambia at the FIATA Annual Congress in Taipei.

10th September 2015

150910 FIATA YIFFY Winner

FIATA YIFFY Winner 2015 – (l to r) President of FIATA, Francesco Parisi; YIFFY Award winner, Daniella Smal and TT Club’s Mike Yarwood

FIATA celebrates the achievements of young freight forwarders working for logistics companies in its ranks at its Annual Congress every year.  This year was no exception as the numerous attendees at the Taipei Congress applauded the winner of the Young Freight Forwarder of the Year (YIFFY) Award, Daniella Smal of Zambia.

Insurance provider to the international freight transport industry, TT Club is proud to have sponsored this award for each of its seventeen years and Claims Manager; Mike Yarwood was on hand to announce the winner and present the award with a brief speech, evocative of the important achievements in training made by FIATA and its members.  Commenting on the outstanding quality of the work presented to the judges Yarwood said, “From a bewildering, yet highly professional array of entries the YIFFY Steering Committee selected a shortlist of four regional finalists.  These four young professionals were then invited here to Taipei to face the judges and present their dissertation topic. Congratulations to all four finalists for their polished presentations and especially, of course to our winner Daniella”.

The four regional finalists were:

Africa/Middle East      Mrs Daniella Smal, Zambia

Americas                     Mr Kaya Karakaya, Canada

Asia/Pacific                 Mr Madi Kassebekov, Kazakhstan

Europe                         Mrs Jennifer Taylor, England

The judges stressed that the dissertations this year were of a particularly high standard. The work of the entrants as a whole admirably demonstrated the complexity of processes carried out within the global supply chain and the logistics skills required to serve it. The diverse subjects covered by the dissertations included the transport of Liquid Argon, Copper Cathodes, High Fashion Garments and an Air Separation Plant, a clear example of the variety of challenges the industry is facing to provide crucial trade services.

The TT Club sponsored award is presented in recognition of operational excellence in the logistics field and was established by FIATA with the support of TT Club to encourage the development of quality training in the industry and to reward young talent with additional valuable training opportunities and enhanced visibility. The TT Club has been a sponsor of the award since its inception and remains firmly committed to the importance of individual training and development within the global freight forwarding and logistics community, which is regarded by FIATA as a strategic important cooperation.

Speaking on behalf of TT Club, Yarwood said, “We are pleased to be continuing our sponsorship of this unique award into 2016. Once again, we hope that the competition will prove to be successful in terms of attracting outstanding candidates from across the globe. The quality of the dissertations and presentations this year were of the usual exceptional standard and it was clear that a lot of research, planning and hard work had gone into their preparation.”

Inviting the Chairs of the FIATA Foundation, the FIATA Advisory Body Vocational Training and the FIATA Logistics Academy for the group photograph the President of FIATA, Francesco Parisi, said: “Learning is crucial for our young professionals to succeed in their career. This is the reason why over the years FIATA has maintained a proactive approach on logistics training by adopting the worldwide vocational training programme, where the ABVT ensures the compliance of the FIATA well known standards. Now the FIATA Logistics Academy comes to assist with extensive promotion and networking in this area, with the assistance of the Foundation and its focus on developing countries and territories, I consider the training package is now complete and quite appealing. The YIFFYA is really the accomplishment of this enthusiastic approach and its sight into our future contributes to making our ranks forward looking and capable of taking present and future challenges. I am grateful for the support we get form the TT Club and hold it in great esteem.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services.  As a mutual insurer, TT Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Customers include some of the world’s largest shipping lines, busiest ports, biggest freight forwarders and cargo handling terminals, to companies operating on a smaller scale but whose operations face similar risks. TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller.

www.ttclub.com

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services. Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance

www.thomasmiller.com

About FIATA

FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, was founded in Vienna, Austria on May 31st 1926.  It is a non-governmental organisation that today represents an industry covering approximately 40,000 forwarding and logistics firms, employing around 10 million people in some 160 countries. FIATA has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (inter alia ECE, ESCAP, ESCWA, etc.), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the UN Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) as well as many other UN related bodies, e.g. the World Bank. It is recognised as representing the freight forwarding industry by many other governmental organisations, governmental authorities, private international organisations in the field of transport and logistics, such as the European Commission (through CLECAT), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Union of Railways (UIC), the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), etc.

Filed Under: TT Club

Evergreen’s Bronson Hsieh Addresses FIATA’s World Congress

September 14, 2015 by

The executive shares his views on global transport and logistics trends

150910 Bronson at FIATA 1September 10, 2015 – Bronson Hsieh, Second Vice Group Chairman of the Evergreen Group, delivered the keynote speech at the FIATA World Congress 2015 in Taipei.  He talked about a slow but upward development of the global economic recovery, different trends in the container shipping and air freight markets as well as the opportunities for logistics service providers brought about by growing cross-border e-commerce.

To start, Mr. Hsieh quoted IMF (International Monetary Fund) forecasts that imply that the world economic outlook is experiencing a slow but upward development in spite of some regional variations. In addition, he noted several free trade agreements have begun to take shape in recent years, such as TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership), RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership). Once established, these economic cooperation agreements will remove trade barriers and thereby accelerate growth of international trade and cargo flows.

Next, Hsieh analysed major trends in the container shipping market. “The current trend in vessel upsizing is to benefit from the scale economics that large vessels afford by reducing unit cost,” he said.  However, to effectively produce the expected cost benefits, Ultra-Large Container Ships have to be sufficiently loaded. Carriers are thus motivated to join alliances and work with other members to raise capacity utilization on these big ships.

After its expansion project is completed in 2016, the Panama Canal will be able to handle new ‘Panamax’ vessels of around 12,000-teu ships, causing a fundamental shift in U.S. supply chains and cargo movement patterns. To prepare for the large vessels and cargo flows attracted to the expanded Panama Canal, several ports on the U.S. east coast are deepening channels and enlarging their facilities, added Hsieh.

As far as developments in the air freight industry are concerned, he mentioned that as consumer electronics are getting smaller in size, most air cargo carriers are not ordering bigger freighters.  He cited statistics from IATA and pointed out that deliveries of wide body freighters were matched by retiring of older ones in recent years; payload capacity of the global freighter fleet is not increasing.

In contrast, the growing fleet of passenger jets is adding more belly capacity to air freight markets. Belly holds of passenger jets offer additional cargo revenue.  Order books of Boeing and Airbus show that many airlines prefer aircraft models with high belly capacity, including Boeing 777, Boeing 787, A330 and A350.

Referring to statistics provided by Transport Intelligence (Ti), he noted that major logistics service providers managed to increase revenues in recent years in spite of volume fluctuations. The trend proves that customers are willing to pay higher charges for comprehensive logistics solutions and a customized service.

Hsieh believes that the expansion of cross-border e-commerce will provide new business opportunities for logistics service providers. E-commerce platforms are offering trade assurance services to create trust between buyers and suppliers and to speed up online business-to-business transactions.  It requires a trusted logistics service provider to oversee the fulfilment process and arrange transportation.  In return, the logistics operator can secure the cargoes from these online transactions.

Hsieh concluded by saying, “If logistics service providers want to stay at the forefront of the industry and participate in the growing e-commerce business, they need to embrace the dynamics of these developments and provide effective solutions.”

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

Menlo Logistics Partners With Prologis on New 70,000 sq meter Distribution Center in Eindhoven

September 14, 2015 by

Build-to-Suit Logistics Hub Represents Major Expansion for Menlo in Benelux Region

AMSTERDAM — 1 Sept. 2015 — Menlo Logistics (Menlo), the US$1.7 billion global logistics and supply chain management subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), today announced a build-to-suit agreement with global industrial real estate developer Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) for a new 70,000 square meter regional logistics facility in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.

The facility will be located at the Acht industrial park in Eindhoven adjacent to the A2/N2 Eindhoven ring road, which offers direct access to Belgium and Germany, as well as Amsterdam to the north. It will be one of the largest build-to-suit projects in the region. The expansion spotlights Menlo’s commitment to investing in the expanding market for high-value warehousing, distribution and fulfillment services in the Benelux, and its growing prominence as a strategic logistics hub for central Europe.

“The Benelux region and Europe as a whole has always been a strong market for Menlo and represents one of our most promising growth areas, due largely to our presence in the healthcare sector, where we have served medical device manufacturers for many years,” said Robert L. Bianco Jr., president of San Francisco, California-based Menlo Logistics. “Our long-term lease for this facility with our real estate development partner, Prologis, further reinforces our commitment to the European market not only for healthcare logistics, but across a wide spectrum of industries. We are investing to grow with our customers.”

The new Eindhoven facility complements Menlo’s European footprint, which includes a network of 16 facilities throughout Europe staffed by 800 employees. The company services more than 30 European businesses and multinational companies in sectors such as healthcare, fashion and apparel, consumer goods, e-commerce, high tech, industrial manufacturing and automotive.

“This transaction reflects the strong demand for Class-A facilities in Tilburg, Eindhoven and Venlo and further strengthens Prologis’ presence in this market,” said Bram Verhoeven, country manager, Prologis Benelux. “We are pleased to further our global partnership with Menlo in the development of strategic industrial real estate properties that provide high-value logistics services for local, regional and global businesses.”

The new 70,000 square meter distribution centre will be a multi-discipline, multi-client facility capable of supporting the local, regional and global supply chain operations of manufacturers, distributors and service providers across a variety of industries.

Eindhoven will be one of Menlo’s most advanced facilities, with specific design elements and features to address the stringent requirements of the multiple industries the company supports. The facility also will be capable of delivering other value-added services such as picking and packing operations, product configuration, customized labeling and return management services. More than 200 employees will support the operation.

Initial site preparation for the facility began in late July. Construction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2016.

“This new facility is an ideal match for our needs and will accommodate the rapid growth we expect from our ambitious European expansion plans,” said Tony Gunn, managing director, Menlo Logistics Europe. “Prologis collaborated effectively with us to develop a modern, strategically located facility built to our exact specifications. It will provide another efficient platform from which we can employ our Lean approach to logistics and supply chain management.”

Menlo is a leading global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations on five continents. Established in Europe for more than 20 years, the company’s services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehousing, distribution, fulfillment and transportation management, supply chain engineering and other value-added services across multiple industries.

Prologis is the leading provider of industrial real estate in the Benelux, with approximately 1.7 million square meters of logistics and distribution space in the region. Menlo also partners with Prologis to lease and operate logistics facilities in Asia and North America.

“Our customers expect consistent, efficient, high-quality service, and this new facility, coupled with our commitment to sustainable business practices and Lean continuous improvement, delivers on that promise,” concluded Menlo’s Bianco.

Menlo Logistics images are available at www.con-way.com/en/about_con_way/newsroom.

Follow Menlo on Twitter: http://twitter.com/MenloLogistics

About Menlo Logistics

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.7 billion global provider of logistics, transportation management and supply chain services with operations in five continents, including North America. As a third-party logistics provider, San Francisco, California-based Menlo Logistics’ services range from dedicated contract logistics to warehouse and distribution management, transportation management, supply chain reengineering and other value-added services including packaging, kitting, order fulfillment and light assembly through a strategic network of multi-client and dedicated facilities. With nearly 20 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.8 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at http://www.con-way.com/en/logistics.

About Menlo Logistics Europe

In Europe, Menlo Logistics maintains 16 dedicated or multi-client Logistics Centres and Transportation Control Towers located in the Netherlands, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Hungary and the United Kingdom. This warehouse and transportation network can serve as a pan-European distribution solution, using one or several facilities.

4PL supply chain and transport management solutions, as well as 3PL warehousing, VAS and distribution services, are offered to a variety of vertical industry sectors, including retail and consumer, e-fulfillment, health care, e-returns, manufacturing support, data centre logistics, spare parts and aftermarket supply, and high-tech logistics. The European headquarters is at the multi-client Amsterdam Distribution Centre in the Netherlands. For more information, go to www.menlologistics.com/europe

ABOUT PROLOGIS
San Francisco, Calif.-based Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) is the global leader in industrial real estate. As of June 30, 2015, Prologis owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 670 million square feet (62 million square meters) in 21 countries. The company leases modern distribution facilities to more than 5,200 customers, including third-party logistics providers, transportation companies, retailers and manufacturers.

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics

DACHSER opens two new branch offices in Greater Paris

August 25, 2015 by

DA_WB_Quelle Dachser

Kempten, August 25, 2015. International logistics provider DACHSER is repositioning itself in Greater Paris with two new locations in Wissous and Pantin. Paris Wissous, located near Paris-Orly International Airport, serves as a transshipment point for industrial goods. The new Pantin location, northeast of the French capital, is in charge of supply to downtown Paris.

“With our new Wissous and Pantin locations, we are integrating Greater Paris into our seamless network in an ideal way, and at the same time putting ourselves in the most strategic position for city logistics,” explains Michael Schilling, COO Road Logistics at DACHSER.  DACHSER already has a presence in the region through branch offices in Cergy-Pontoise, Villeparisis, and Vemars at the edge of the city. In addition, there are three warehouses and a branch office of the Air & Sea Logistics Business Field at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Gateway to European markets

A 7,000-square-meter, 70-dock transit terminal and 1,500 square meters of office space have been available in Paris Wissous since June. With approximately 100 employees, the terminal is located near several long-distance transit axes that head south or are near the Paris Ring highway. Approximately 170 tons of goods enter the DACHSER network every day from Wissous. In the medium term, the volume is expected to rise to 280 tons, with a strong focus on goods export. The new branch office is replacing the former Vitry-sur-Seine location, which had reached the limits of its capacity.

In Greater Paris equipped for the future

The new branch office in Pantin lies in direct proximity to the city’s “boulevard périphérique” freeway. The company now has a 5,800-square-meter, 39-dock transit terminal there with 542 square meters of office space. The Pantin site is taking over supply to all of downtown Paris, and replaces the former Paris-based Aulnay/Unic and Sentier locations. Pantin employs a staff of 45 workers.

DACHSER operates in France with a total of 72 locations and has approximately 3,000 employees. In 2014, revenues from DACHSER France totaled approximately EUR 793 million.

About DACHSER

DACHSER, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, is one of the leading logistics providers.

DACHSER provides comprehensive transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: DACHSER Air & Sea Logistics and DACHSER Road Logistics. The latter is divided into two business lines, DACHSER European Logistics and DACHSER Food 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.

With a staff of around 25,000 employees at 437 locations all over the globe, DACHSER generated revenue of EUR 5.3 billion in 2014. The logistics provider moved a total of 73.7 million shipments weighing 35.4 million tons. DACHSER is now represented in 42 countries with its own country organizations.

For more information about DACHSER, please visit www.DACHSER.de

Filed Under: Dachser UK

Geodis acquires OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) and enhances its Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics offering in the US

August 19, 2015 by

17 August 2015

Levallois-Perret, France

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

GEODIS, the number 4 European supply chain operator – 100% owned by SNCF Logistics – has entered into an agreement to acquire OHL (Ozburn-Hessey Logistics) for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 1951, OHL is one of the leading 3PL companies in the world, operating more than 120 value-added distribution centers in North America with over 36 million square feet of flexible warehouse space, and providing integrated global supply chain management solutions including transportation, warehousing, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and import and export consulting services.

“We are proud to welcome the customers and employees of OHL to GEODIS and to provide our global customers with OHL’s expertise and presence in the North American market” says Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO of GEODIS. “Likewise GEODIS offers a second to none Global footprint for North American corporations and the clients of OHL seeking to grow internationally.”

GEODIS is recognized as its clients’ growth partner, offering tailor-made solutions in over 67 countries through its five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport. With over 120,000 customers and 30,000 employees, GEODIS’s annual revenue amounts to €6.8 billion.

Earlier this year, GEODIS has unified its offering under one unique brand: GEODIS. In time, OHL will also be rebranded GEODIS.

“We are excited to join forces with GEODIS and look forward to the extended reach of a worldwide Group” says Randy Curran, CEO of OHL. “Both organizations have a long tradition of finding world class supply chain solutions for customers in pursuit of the superior customer experience.”

Employing over 8,000 transportation and fulfillment professionals, OHL has unparalleled experience in direct-to-consumer fulfillment, serving a wide range of business sectors from specialty retail to manufacturing. OHL specializes in the sectors of apparel, electronics, healthcare, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods. OHL’s annual revenue is reported at €1.2 billion.

“Bringing together the complimentary customer portfolios and capabilities, combined with the great cultural fit of both companies makes outstanding strategic sense for GEODIS”, according to Marie-Christine Lombard. “We look forward to our enhanced offer to even better serve our clients as their growth partner.”

OHL is currently owned by private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS). WCAS focuses its investment activity in two target industries: information & business services and healthcare. Since its founding in 1979, WCAS has organized 16 limited partnerships with total capital of over $22 billion.

The closing of this deal will be effective after completion of the usual regulatory approvals. The transaction will be financed with available cash resources and through existing and new debt arrangements.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” Line Provides Aid for Promotional Events in the US in support of Tohoku region, Japan

August 12, 2015 by

August 12, 2015

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has announced that it has provided free ocean transportation of festival decorations that will be used at sightseeing and product promotion events in California, United States, which will be held by six prefectural capitals in Tohoku region, Japan.

These events will be held with the aim of attracting tourism from foreign countries and expanding markets for local products of Tohoku, which was seriously affected by the great east Japan earthquake in 2011,. “K” Line has decided to provide free ocean transportation for the events as part of its support for the reconstruction of the region.

The festival decorations will be used at two events being held in Los Angeles County. One is the 75th NISEI WEEK JAPANESE FESTIVAL on 15 – 16 August in Little Tokyo, and the other is the 2nd RISING TOHOKU FOOD FAIR IN L.A from 20 – 23 August in Torrance.  “K” Line hopes the success of these events will result in improved awareness and tourism for the Tohoku region and interest and demand for its local produce.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Evergreen Orders Ten 2,800 TEU Class Vessels

August 10, 2015 by
150810 Evergreen Orders Ten 2,800 TEU Class Vessels

Signing representatives and witnesses posed for a photo in the newbuilding signing ceremony, from left to right: Mr. Bronson Hsieh, Second Vice Group Chairman of Evergreen Group, Mr. Anchor Chang, Chairman of Evergreen Marine Corporation, CSBC Chairman Mr. Sun-Quae Lai, CSBC President Mr. Lie-Lin Chen

August 10, 2015 – Evergreen Group today signed an agreement with CSBC Corporation, Taiwan to build ten 2,800 TEU class B-type vessels. Witnessed by Evergreen Group’s Second Vice Group Chairman Mr. Bronson Hsieh, the contracts were signed by EMC Chairman Mr. Anchor Chang and CSBC Chairman Mr. Sun-Quae Lai. The first ship is planned to be delivered during the second half of 2017 with the completion of the series due by the first half of 2018. The vessels are planned to be deployed in the intra-Asia trade.

Mr. Bronson Hsieh said, “After the negotiations of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are concluded, the ASEAN countries, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand are expected to remove trade barriers, enhancing bilateral trades and thereby boosting  regional cargo growth.  Our decision to invest in these newbuildings is aimed at providing for the growth potential brought about by this free trade development.”

Evergreen’s B-type vessels will be 211 meters in length, 32.8 meters wide, and have a design draft of 10 meters with a capacity of about 2,800 TEU.  The ships are designed to load 13 rows of containers on deck, which is within the span of existing gantry cranes in the major ports of intra-Asian trade.    The hull design of the vessels is wider in comparison to ships of a similar capacity. Such design enables the ships to navigate in shallower ports encountered in the intra-Asia trade and to enhance their cargo carrying capability.

In line with the stringent eco-friendly criteria that Evergreen has imposed on its own operation, the ships will be equipped with CSBC’s innovative Sea-Sword Bow (SSB) technology. This energy-saving device enables the ships to maintain optimum performance in various navigational conditions and to reduce fuel consumption by around 10% compared to traditional bow designs.

The ships are also to be equipped with an electronic-controlled fuel injection engine, which meets the IMO Tier II standards for NOx emission and can reduce the emissions by around 20%. In line with IMO’s requirements of Energy Efficiency Design Index  (EEDI), the ships can cruise at a speeds up to 21.8 knots, enhancing their on-time performance and competitiveness.

To provide shippers with superior transport service, Evergreen is committed to innovative planning and adopts the most advanced shipbuilding technologies to introduce more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly ships.  The programme will rejuvenate its operating fleet thereby enhancing the quality of service offered to customers and reinforcing the line’s competitiveness in the marketplace.

 

Filed Under: Evergreen Line

“K” Line Receives Awards for Vessel Speed Reduction Program from both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

August 10, 2015 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) received awards for achievement of high compliance rate for their vessel speed reduction programs from both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2014.

The Port Authorities have implemented the vessel speed reduction programs asking vessels to comply with the speed limit of 12 knots within the designated coastal sea area in order to reduce emissions of exhaust gas when arriving to or sailing from the ports. “K” Line is commended for their voluntary participation in both programs as a shipping company whose vessels call at both ports.  We were awarded by these programs as one of the top performers, based on our total of 170 ships, representing 323 qualifying legs within 40 nautical miles (about 74 kilometers) during 2014 in both ports.

This year, we were awarded the “Vessel Speed Reduction Program” from the Port of Los Angeles for the 7th consecutive year, and “Green Flag Program” from the Port of Long Beach the for the 10th consecutive year, both since the Programs commencement.

The “K” Line Group is making every possible effort to successfully implement its own environmental program, as well as cooperate with any other environmental preservation objectives being introduced by other parties, and will continue to actively contribute to protection of the global environment.

Filed Under: "K" Line

TT Club warns of liability issues due to Calais crisis

August 6, 2015 by

6 August 2015

As the political and humanitarian situation in Calais continues to unfold, the specialist freight transport insurer, TT Club provides a perspective on the implications for the freight and haulage industry and steps which operators can take to avoid heavy penalties from being caught carrying illegal immigrants. While focused on the current situation in Calais, the precautionary measures recommended are generally relevant.

The problem of illegal immigrants entering Western Europe has been a geopolitical issue for several years. Thus far in 2015 it is widely reported that there have been in excess of 37,000 attempts by immigrants to cross from France to England, the vast majority via Calais.

The commercial reality of the situation is highly damaging both for the local economies and the freight industry, the use of which unfortunately appears to be the preferred means of cross border movement. Substantial delays and property damage have ensued; the FTA (UK’s Freight Transport Association) estimates the cost to the industry to be £750,000 per day.

Are these costs to be augmented by operator’s liability for loss and damage to cargo? The action of breaking a cargo unit’s seal immediately brings into question the integrity of the cargo, but even minor human ingress will physically damage cargo. There have been reports of up to 30 people entering a single freight container. When cargo is intended for human consumption the result frequently is that the receiver will simply reject the entire cargo exposing the freight operator to significant claims as well as the costs of destruction and disposal. Furthermore, there are fines of £2,000 per immigrant discovered, which, subject to an appeal process, will be imposed on the driver and freight operator.

As far as cargo claims are concerned most shipments by road into the UK are subject to the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road 1965 (CMR). The Convention foresees such ‘unpreventable’ cases with the provision that protects the operator ‘in circumstances which the carrier could not avoid and the consequences of which he was unable to prevent’. However, successful defence of a claim is dependent on the circumstances and differing jurisdictional approaches.

So how can operators take preventative steps to help defend such claims and avoid fines?

It is essential not only to have a system in place but also to demonstrate that it is effective.

  • Provide written procedures and instructions to all drivers, highlighting the risks.
  • Provide robust security measures and devices to secure the vehicle, trailer and cargo.
  • Provide all drivers with a security check list
  • Provide training to all drivers on the above
  • Closely monitor all drivers to ensure compliance.
  • Regular checks of the vehicle, trailer and cargo, creating an audit trail.

The UK Border Force has published a document outlying 10 steps to avoiding a fine which can be found in several languages at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-hauliers-on-preventing-clandestine-entrants

Applying sound practice, adequate training, use of security devices and regular checking procedures will help reduce exposures. Where an incident has occurred, however decisive early action to involve insurers and experts could result in mitigating the potential cargo claim and saving a portion of the cargo.

A fuller account of TT Club’s advice to cross-channel freight operators can be found on its website  Click here

ENDS

Notes to editors:

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services.  As a mutual insurer, TT Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

Customers include some of the world’s largest shipping lines, busiest ports, biggest freight forwarders and cargo handling terminals, to companies operating on a smaller scale but whose operations face similar risks. TT Club specialises in the insurance of Intermodal Operators, NVOCs, Freight Forwarders, Logistics Operators, Marine Terminals, Stevedores, Port Authorities and Ship Operators. TT Club is managed by Thomas Miller.

www.ttclub.com

Thomas Miller is an independent and international provider of insurance, professional and investment services.

Founded in 1885, Thomas Miller’s origins are in the provision of management services to mutual organisations, particularly in the international transport and professional indemnity sectors; where today they manage a large percentage of the foremost insurance mutuals. Thomas Miller also manages insurance facilities for all the self-employed barristers in England & Wales, as well as trustees of pension schemes, patent agents and housing associations.

Principal activities include:

  • Management services for transport and professional indemnity insurance mutuals
  • Investment management for institutions and private clients
  • Professional services
  • Building defects insurance

www.thomasmiller.com

Filed Under: TT Club
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