Transport communications

Portcare International is the press relations consultancy for the shipping and logistics industry. Formed by transport people for transport people. We can truly claim to understand our clients’ needs and ‘talk the same language’. Portcare provide effective, value for money PR to some of the industry’s best-known names.

“K” Line issues its “Social and Environmental Report 2011”

August 9, 2011 by

August 9, 2011

“K” Line has issued its “Social and Environmental Report 2011” in English and Japanese, which summarizes their activities for social contribution and environmental preservation. The report has been published to provide “K” Line’s stakeholders with easy-to-understand explanations on their approach to social responsibility and measures they take for safety in navigation and cargo operations and environmental preservation, which are based on their corporate principles.

In this year’s report, “K” Line emphasize articles on four themes considered important from the viewpoint of responsibility as a shipping line. These themes are Safety in Navigation and Cargo Operations, Environmental Preservation, Work Environment, and Social Contribution. They also striveto show as many opinions from people working for the “K” Line Group as possible.

The report is available to download from the “K” Line  (http://www.kline.co.jp)

Filed Under: "K" Line

Shipowners Beefs Up Its Singapore Branch

August 9, 2011 by
P&I insurance provider, The Shipowners’ Club,  continues to expand business in the Asia-Pacific region; invests additional resource in its Singapore branch in order maintain service levels and respond to market growth.

London & Singapore, 9th August, 2011

Steve Randall - General Manager Director, Singapore

Growth in demand for its liability insurance cover for small and specialist vessels of all types is cited as a major imperative behind Shipowners’ moves to expand its team of underwriters and claims handlers at its Singapore branch.  Improved customer service to Members and their brokers based on local, time zone based expertise is another goal of the expansion.  As is the development of new products and simplification of existing cover more appropriate to the market’s needs.

In announcing a raft of new employees and some changes in the responsibility of personnel, Shipowners General Manager of the Singapore branch, Steve Randall said, “Since opening our Singapore branch in 2009, we have continued to provide our customers with a global service but on a local basis. This has allowed us to forge closer bonds with our Members and their brokers in the region. As a result, we are seeing a constantly growing membership and broker base here, which requires us to increase significantly our office personnel.”

Robert Hunt has responsibility for the Club’s Australasian and Far Eastern Members

Robert Hunt, is moving from the London branch to Singapore in early-August.  Robert, who has worked in the P&I market for many years, firstly as a broker and for the last seven years at  Shipowners as an underwriter, has had responsibility for undertaking the Club’s Australasian and Far Eastern Members for some years and will be better positioned geographically to service these accounts from the Club’s Asian hub. 

Dolf Ng

Joining Shipowners after five years with Standard Asia is Singaporean Dolf Ng.  Also an underwriter, who started with the Club earlier this year, Dolf will bolster the branch’s underwriting capacity and help develop the Club’s business in the Asia-Pacific region.  The department is also well supported by two underwriting assistants; Celinne Lim gained experience in commercial underwriting before joining the Club a little over two years ago and Yang Shangrong, who joined late last year and has a varied background in business commerce solutions and sales and customer support.

Celinne Lim

Yang Shangrong

On the claims side, the Singapore branch has significantly developed its resource within the last six months with two claims handlers having been appointed earlier this year; Shirley Ng has experience as both an insurance broker and a claims manager at a freight forwarding company in Singapore, while Rosli Bin Samat has a wealth of marine and cargo related experience.  Having joined Shipowners from a position responsible for insurance claims at a major shipowner involved in the offshore industry, Rosli also has experience as a marine surveyor and has three years sea-going experience. 

Shirley Ng

Steve Randall comments, “We are determined to resource the branch with the relevant skill set to further improve our service to Members and their brokers here in the Asia-Pacific region.  Our commitment to provide insurance solutions and to develop new products has never been stronger and we will develop our programme of tailored seminars to help inform Members on loss prevention and claims reduction management in particular.”

Rosli Bin Samat

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer, providing Protection & Indemnity insurance to small vessels since 1855. The Club currently insures almost 29,000 vessels from 5,624 Members worldwide and is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

The Club has branches located in Luxembourg, London, Singapore and Vancouver.

Filed Under: The Shipowners' Protection Ltd

Shipowners’ P&I Restructures its London Operation

July 25, 2011 by

London, Luxembourg,  Singapore & Vancouver, 25th July, 2011

As part of its on-going drive to increase both customer focus and operational efficiency, the Shipowners’ Club, which specialises in the provision of P&I insurance cover for small and specialist vessels worldwide, has restructured the key departmental functions at its London branch. 

The claims and underwriting teams will now be organised according to three distinct areas of responsibility, called syndicates.  Within each syndicate underwriters and claims handlers will work alongside each other, bringing a greater degree of synergy to the Club’s service delivery to Members.

One syndicate will handle European business; another will manage the “rest of the world” accounts, which fall within the London branch’s realm of responsibility* and a third syndicate will focus on the offshore sector.  The latter is an area already prominent in the Club’s portfolio and within which Shipowners plans to develop its service offering further.

In announcing the changes Shipowners’ CEO, Charles Hume, said, “We believe that the Club’s new operational approach will provide Members and their brokers with a rounded overall service, more attuned to their needs and will help to develop customers’ relations with a broader range of the Club’s staff, putting a larger degree of their skills at the Members’ disposal.”

The London branch’s loss prevention team will sit alongside the syndicates and continue to assist Members in minimising their exposure to risk.   The syndicate concept is one that the Club’s managers believe will ensure that service levels are enhanced and in every case will confirm with Members and their brokers that they are comfortable with the arrangements going forward.

The re-organisation at the London branch of the Club forms part of a continuing programme to re-energise customer relations, stabilise existing business and engender growth through closer links with all its customers, Members and brokers alike.  This growth will be underpinned by a systematic, focussed development of simplified insurance products; this process of simplification is in specific response to customer demands. 

Announcements by Shipowners covering expansion at its Singapore branch, the details of its new offshore syndicate in London and the terms of a number of simplified forms of cover aimed at specialised small vessel sectors will be made over the coming months.

In addressing potential concerns of Members over the consequences of the changes, Hume concluded, “Inevitably there will be some re-allocation of responsibilities and as such it is possible that an individual underwriter or claims handler, who previously looked after a particular Member’s affairs, may change.  We plan to limit this disruption as we recognise the importance of existing relationships.  Such potential changes will be discussed individually with Members.”

*The Club’s other two branches in Singapore and Vancouver are responsible for the Asia-Pacific and the Americas regions respectively

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

The Shipowners’ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer, providing Protection & Indemnity insurance to small vessels since 1855. The Club currently insurers almost 29,000 vessels from 5,624 Members worldwide and is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

The Club has branches located in Luxembourg, London, Singapore and Vancouver.

Filed Under: The Shipowners' Protection Ltd

“K” Line to Launch New Direct Service from Far East to India and Pakistan

July 25, 2011 by

July 22, 2011

KAWASAKI KISEN KAISHA, LTD. (“K” Line) is pleased to announce launching of a new dedicated service (called CIX-2) between the Far East and Indian Sub-Continent from 10th August 2011.

The new CIX-2 service, currently operated by Evergreen Line and Simatech Shipping, will run with six 2500-2800 teu vessels and offer a fixed-day weekly sailing. “K” Line will deploy one vessel to this new service.

The port rotation will be as follows:

Xingang – Qingdao – Shanghai – Ningbo – Singapore – Tanjung Pelepas – Port Kelang –  Nhava Sheva – Karachi – Colombo – Port Kelang – Tanjung Pelapas – Singapore – Xingang.

“K” Line presently operates another weekly service (called INDFEX) calling at Nhava Sheva port. The new service will double sailing frequency for Nhava Sheva and newly add Xingang and Qingdao as direct calling ports.

“K” Line continues to provide high quality direct service to meet customer demands and enhance service coverage between the Far East and Indian Sub-Continent.

For further information, please contact:

Fumiyoshi Sato

Manager, Planning Team, Containerships Strategy Group

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd.

Tel: +81-3-3595-5341　Fax: +81-3-3595-5288

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line Enhances Far East – West Africa Service

July 21, 2011 by

July 21, 2011

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) is pleased to announce an upgrade of its West Africa Express Service (WAX) to a weekly service with an additional Singapore call on both west and eastbound.

A total of 11 vessels will be deployed with “K” Line deploying 2 vessels, China Shipping 4, Hapag-Lloyd 2 and the remaining 3 coming from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), who will newly join the service, covering a 77-day round voyage.

Details of the service are as follows:-

  • Vessel Deployment:

Eleven (11) x 2500 TEU type vessel

  • New WAX service rotation (77-day round voyage):

Shanghai – Ningbo – Xiamen – Shekou – Singapore – Port Kelang – Durban (South Africa) – Tema (Ghana) – Lome (Togo) – Cotonou (Benin) – Tincan Island (Nigeria) – Durban –

Port Kelang – Singapore – Shanghai

  • Commencement date:

Departure from Shanghai on August 23, 2011

“K” Line offers efficient, high-quality services in its Far East – West Africa service with additional Singapore call, which provides wider connection coverage for Southeast Asian countries.

Filed Under: "K" Line

5th “K” Line Maritime Academy Global Meeting Held in Tokyo

July 18, 2011 by

15th July 2011

“K” Line held the 5th Global Meeting of “K” Line Maritime Academy (KLMA) which is the aggregation of our seafarer’s training centre in the world including the career path of seafarer on 4th and 5th of July in Tokyo. 110 and more participants including instructors from each KLMA around the world, representatives of in-house ship management companies and concerned manning agents, President and CEO Jiro Asakura, “K” Line executives and staff attended this meeting.

In the plenary session on the first day and the instructors’ meeting on the second day, KLMA (Headquarters) in Tokyo explained the review of current measures and policies for securing and fostering seafarers in view of 5 years having elapsed since its establishment as well as showing new direction for the future. Each ship management company introduced its own specialized approach to training and KLMA instructors introduced the present situation and their effort at each KLMA in the world.  The discussions for those issues were executed very actively and positively and all attendees shared KLMA’s future challenges.

Furthermore, KLMA Instructors took the real danger sensing course as external training for their skill improvement on 7th July. They will bring their new knowledge and experience back to their countries and put their new skills into action from the KLMA training.

According to the KLMA Master Plan based on these common consensus, we will accelerate progress towards securing and fostering good seafarers to fulfill our safety standards, assure maximum safety of navigation, maintain and improve the “K” Line brand of Security, Safety and Trust, and then achieve “Synergy for All and Sustainable Growth,” the main theme of our mid-term management plan called “K” LINE Vision 100.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line agrees Contract with National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations

July 14, 2011 by

July 14, 2011

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) completed a dedicated vessel contract for grain raw material transportation, from North America Gulf, West Coasts and Australia using Panamax and Handymax type vessels, with the National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations (JA Group).

The distribution volume of domestic mixed grains varies between 24 -25 million tons a year, and the handling amount of JA Group accounts for about 30 percent. In concluding all contracts, “K” Line will transport about two million tons of grain for JA Group in total.

JA Group aims to provide a constant supply of grain to Japan through the efficiency of this transportation system, effected by the reliability and dependability of these vessels, and consequently helping in the support of production of Japan’s domestic stock raising farmers.

““K” LINE Vision 100 – New Challenges” is the mid-term management plan that the Company announced in April, which includes a fleet expansion plan for mainly small and medium-sized bulk vessels. This plan encourages efforts to promote a stronger relationship with the JA Group, including a series of contracts in the future similar to this current one, which will strive to achieve our mission for “Expansion of stable earnings base and sustainable growth”.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Dachser opens Rhine-Neckar logistics centre

July 13, 2011 by

Newly built Mannheim branch to create around 50 new jobs by mid-2012

Kempten/Mannheim, 13 July 2011. Dachser has officially opened its Rhine-Neckar logistics centre. For its new Mannheim branch, the internationally operating logistics provider has invested in the region of EUR 40 million, already creating 25 new jobs. Another 25 will follow by mid-2012.

The 130,000-square-metre site on the Friedrichsfeld-West industrial estate will be utilized by all three business fields: Dachser European Logistics, Dachser Food Logistics and Dachser Air & Sea Logistics.

The new logistics facility comprises two transit terminals: 9,200 square metres is available for industrial goods and 3,800 square metres for temperature-controlled foodstuffs. There is also a 6,000-square-metre warehouse with 13,200 pallet spaces for correct storage of goods with different temperature ranges, enabling the Mannheim branch to provide additional scope for high-quality contract logistics services. A two-storey administration building with over 3,300 square metres of usable space completes the logistics centre. On the roof space, Dachser has also installed a photovoltaic system with a rated output of around 800 kWp.

“Dachser has had roots in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region for 45 years. Our Mannheim branch employs a staff in excess of 300 and today’s new opening represents one of the biggest expansion projects in our company’s history,” says Michael Schilling, managing director European Network Management & Logistics Systems at Dachser. “The continued success of the Mannheim branch underscores the sustainable, customer-oriented growth we are striving for as a logistics provider.”

“This new logistics facility puts us in an excellent position for future growth,” comments branch manager Christian Klein. “Warehouse space and value added services in particular are currently in high demand in the greater Mannheim region. We are now in a position to offer our customers an ultramodern facility in conjunction with tailor-made contract logistics solutions – all conveniently located near the A656, A5 and A6 motorways.”

In 2010, Dachser generated total revenue of EUR 3.8 billion. 19,250 staff working in 310 profit centres worldwide handled 46.2 million consignments weighing a total of 35.5 million tonnes.

left to right: Schilling, managing director European Network Management & Logistics Systems at Dachser; Christian Klein, Branch Manager at Mannheim and Dr. Peter Kurz, Mayor of the city of Mannheim

Filed Under: Dachser UK

TT Club delighted as FIATA’s training initiative attracts more participants than ever before

July 12, 2011 by

12th July 2011

Four regional finalists representing the future of the freight forwarding industry are preparing to travel to Cairo, Egypt for the FIATA World Congress – 16 – 21 October 2011. The four, from the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Hong Kong and Ireland , will each be hoping for selection as the overall Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year 2011 and a prize that includes hands-on training experience at one of TT Club’s regional centres in London, Hong Kong or New Jersey.

The Young International Freight Forwarder of the Year Award is recognition by FIATA, and the participating sponsors, of the need to develop quality in the industry and to reward young talent with valuable training opportunities. TT Club has been a sponsor of the award since its inception and firmly believes in the importance of individual training and development within the industry.

2011 attracted the highest number of participants in the Awards’ thirteen year history.  Each participant had to select one key import commodity/cargo for their home country plus one key export commodity/cargo. They were asked in their dissertation to consider the complexity of the issues of importing and exporting i.e.  bulk cargo, time sensitive delivery, hazardous goods, multi modal moves as well as cross-border issues, regulatory issues and risk management.

The award will consist of practical and academic training, including a week based at one of the TT Club’s regional centres in London, Hong Kong or New Jersey and attendance at the TT Club’s “Insight into Transport Law and Insurance” course in London. Additionally, one year’s free subscription to the International Transport Journal (ITJ), Switzerland and International Freighting Weekly in the UK, is provided.

TT Club’s European Regional Director, Andrew Kemp commented: “We were delighted that this year’s awards proved to be the most successful in terms of attracting candidates from across the globe – the highest number of candidates that we have had since the inception of the award. The topic that we had picked this year was intended to attract more candidates – so the Steering Committee are encouraged that this aim was met. In terms of the calibre of dissertations, this year’s candidates managed to raise the bar on expectations. It was clear that a lot of research, planning and hard work had gone into the production of these papers. The dissertations were of a consistently high standard.

It meant that the judging of the papers was significantly harder than in recent years – but, we are delighted to announce the Regional winners are:”
Region Africa/Middle East :  Mr  Niranjan Venkatesh, United Arab Emirates

Region Americas :   Ms  Rosa Maria Gallardo Reyes, Mexico

Region Asia/Pacific :    Mr  Lai Kin Wong, Hong Kong

Region Europe  :    Ms Silvia Valles Barrera, Ireland 

Documentation for the 2012 Award will be distributed to FIATA Association members towards the end of August 2011 with the usual deadline for nominating candidates of 15 January 2012.
 

Note to Editors:

The TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the 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.

Filed Under: TT Club

Menlo Worldwide Logistics Expands Warehouse, Distribution Capacity in Singapore

July 12, 2011 by

Global Logistics Firm Strengthens Support for Asia Customers with Advanced Facility Emphasizing Environmental Sustainability

SINGAPORE — July 12, 2011 — Menlo Worldwide Logistics, the global logistics subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), today announced it is expanding its presence in Singapore and breaking ground on a new, 400,000-square-foot warehousing and retail distribution management centre on Sunview Way.

The new Sunview Way facility complements and expands Menlo’s existing capabilities in Singapore, where the company provides a wide variety of logistics, warehousing, inventory and transportation management, distribution, fulfillment, light manufacturing and supply chain design and engineering services for local and multinational customers. The four-story centre joins Menlo’s current footprint of seven facilities in Singapore, which support the supply chain operations of customers in aerospace, retail consumer electronics and apparels, automotive, wine and spirits, chemical, and industrial products businesses.

The new centre will feature advanced building design and construction materials emphasizing environmental sustainability and high levels of energy and water efficiency to achieve the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark environmental initiative. This program encourages the use of recognized best practices in environmental design and construction and advanced “green” building performance.

Said Mr. Kelvin Wong, executive director of logistics and professional services, Singapore Economic Development Board, “Menlo’s decision to establish a regional retail distribution centre in Singapore is a testament to Singapore’s position as a leading supply chain management hub in Asia for consumer and retail business. The centre will add to the suite of specialized logistics capabilities in Singapore, and allow consumer and retail companies to better manage their supply chain in Asia.”

The Sunview Way facility will serve as Menlo’s new base for storage and distribution, high-velocity picking and packing operations, customized labeling and return management services. This integrated facility offers customers a more sustainable tenure of space, the ability to share and leverage existing IT platforms, an experienced management and labor infrastructure, automated product and freight-handling equipment and warehouse management assets. This facility will house 150 employees supporting the multi-disciplined operations.

“Menlo started in Singapore 15 years ago with one facility and 25 employees,” said Desmond Chan, managing director, South Asia for Menlo. “This expansion marks an important milestone which speaks to our commitment to Singapore and our focus on providing customers with best-in-class facilities, tools and services to increase efficiency and drives value into a wide spectrum of logistics operations and supply chain solutions.”

Menlo’s existing network of seven facilities are located throughout Singapore with 450 employees and provide dedicated and multi-client distribution services. Menlo also operates additional multi-client logistics facilities in Southeast Asia, as well as China, India, Australia, North America and Europe.

Follow the Con-way companies on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Con_way_.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics images are available at

www.con-way.com/en/about_con_way/newsroom.

About Menlo Worldwide Logistics
Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a US$1.4 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 Mateo, Calif.-based Menlo Worldwide 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 more than 16 million square feet of dedicated warehouse space in North America, the Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, and industry-leading technologies, Menlo Worldwide Logistics creates effective, integrated solutions for the transportation and distribution needs of leading businesses around the world.

Menlo Worldwide Logistics, LLC, is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.0 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics company. For more information, please visit us on the Web at www.con-way.com.

Filed Under: Menlo Logistics
« Previous Page
Next Page »