Transport communications

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GEODIS acquires ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd., strengthening its freight forwarding offer in Switzerland

June 2, 2023 by

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, announced today that it has acquired the Swiss freight forwarder, ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, commented: “Switzerland is home to a wide number of multinational companies that are key GEODIS customers, among them several dynamic members of the pharmaceutical industry. Having acquired ITS, GEODIS is one step closer to its aim of completing a global end-to-end network to serve its customers.

Under the leadership of Massimo Bianco and Javier Sanchez, ITS has successfully developed into a trusted partner and special services expert for its customers. We look forward to welcoming ITS talented management and staff into GEODIS.”

Left :Massimo Bianco, CEO of ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd and
right : Eric Martin Neuville, Executive Vice President, Global Freight Forwarding GEODIS

ITS is an independent Swiss freight forwarder, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Reinach, in the canton of Basel-Country. ITS main offering is high-tech “special services”, organizing transport and logistics for dedicated projects and outsized equipment for the industrial, automotive and defense sectors. The company also provides standard ocean freight and general cargo services, as well as other ancillary services (oil and food, event logistics, artwork transportation, customs brokerage, etc.). ITS employs 26 people and reported revenues of CHF 58 million in 2022.

Massimo Bianco, Chief Executive Officer of ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd., said, “Our aim is to provide an even broader range of services to our customers across an extended geographical market.  This move, which combines our existing capabilities with GEODIS’ wealth of expertise and global footprint will help achieve that goal and assist all customers in navigating the complexities of an ever-changing supply chain environment.  We are therefore delighted to be joining GEODIS, with whom we share an ambition to constantly grow our business and that of our customers.” 

ITS will join the GEODIS Global Freight Forwarding line of business and will report into the Region EUROPE.

GEODIS übernimmt ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd. und baut sein Speditionsangebot in der Schweiz aus

GEODIS, einer der weltweit führenden Unternehmen im Transport- und Logistikbereich, gab heute die Übernahme des Schweizer Spediteurs ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd. bekannt.

Marie-Christine Lombard, CEO von GEODIS, erklärte dazu: „Zahlreiche multinationale Unternehmen, die wichtige GEODIS-Kunden sind, haben ihren Sitz in der Schweiz. Unter ihnen sind auch einige bedeutende Akteure aus der Pharmaindustrie. Mit der Übernahme von ITS ist GEODIS seinem Ziel, seinen Kunden ein weltweit lückenloses Netzwerk anzubieten, einen Schritt näher gekommen. Unter der Führung von Massimo Bianco und Javier Sanchez hat sich ITS erfolgreich zu einem bewährten Partner und spezialisierten Experten für seine Kunden entwickelt. Wir freuen uns darauf, das erfahrene Management-Team und die talentierten Mitarbeitenden von ITS bei GEODIS willkommen zu heißen.“

ITS ist ein unabhängiger, 1992 gegründeter, Schweizer Spediteur mit Hauptsitz in Reinach im Kanton Basel-Landschaft. Das Unternehmen bietet hauptsächlich spezialisierte Dienste für den High-Tech-Bereich an. Dabei geht es insbesondere um die Organisation von Transport und Logistik für dedizierte Projekte und überdimensionale Ausrüstung für die Industrie, den Automobilsektor und die Verteidigungsbranche. Das Unternehmen bietet auch standardmäßige Seefracht- und allgemeine Frachtdienstleistungen sowie sonstige Zusatzleistungen (Öl und Lebensmittel, Veranstaltungslogistik, Kunsttransporte, Zollabfertigung usw.) an. Insgesamt beschäftigt ITS 26 Mitarbeitende und meldete für das Jahr 2022 einen Umsatz in Höhe von 58 Millionen CHF.

Massimo Bianco, CEO von ITS – International Transport & Shipping Ltd., sagte: „Unser Ziel besteht darin, unseren Kunden in einem größeren geografischen Markt ein noch breiteres Spektrum an Dienstleistungen bereitzustellen. Mit der Übernahme werden unsere bestehenden Fähigkeiten durch die umfangreiche Kompetenz von GEODIS und dessen weltweite Präsenz ergänzt. Dieser Schritt wird dazu beitragen, unser Ziel zu erreichen und wird alle Kunden unterstützen, die komplexe Welt einer sich ständig ändernden Lieferkettenumgebung zu bewältigen. Wir sind daher sehr glücklich, nun ein Teil von GEODIS zu sein. Mit diesem Unternehmen teilen wir unser Bestreben, unser Geschäft wie auch das unserer Kunden kontinuierlich auszubauen.“

ITS wird sich dem Geschäftsbereich GEODIS Global Freight Forwarding anschließen und an die Region EUROPE berichten.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com    

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. 

Filed Under: GEODIS

Joint Research Agreement Signed for Next-Generation (Floating Axis) Small-scale Offshore Wind Turbine Demonstration Project

June 1, 2023 by

Developing a Japanese-produced floating wind turbine to reduce the cost of offshore wind power

Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-POWER),1 Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO HD),2 Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Chubu Electric),3 Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE),4 and Albatross Technology Inc. (Albatross),5 have entered into a joint research agreement for a next-generation (floating axis) offshore wind turbine demonstration project (the “project”).

Artist’s concept of a floating axis wind turbine (FAWT) wind farm
(Courtesy of Albatross Technology Inc.)

The  Japanese government has announced the intention to maximize the adoption of renewable energy sources as part of the nation’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Offshore wind power, in particular, is considered a vital part of the initiative to make renewables a primary source of power due to the potential for large-scale installation, lower cost, and economic ripple effects. In Japan, with limited shallow sea areas, there is growing interest in floating offshore wind power because it can be deployed in deep water. To promote the widespread adoption, it is essential to significantly reduce costs through technological development. In addition, increasing the ratio of domestic production (in Japan) is expected to create a strong economic ripple effect.

Against this backdrop, the five partnering companies in this demonstration project will jointly develop a small-scale (20kW) next-generation experimental floating axis wind turbine that is expected to reduce costs and increase the domestic production ratio.

The floating axis wind turbine (FAWT) is a concept under which a vertical-axis wind turbine is supported by a “rotating” cylindrical floating foundation. Its main features are as follows:

Cost Reduction

  • The wind turbine can be tilted 20 degrees at maximum output, as it is designed to maintain effectiveness even when tilted. This allows for downsizing for the floating foundation and a significant reduction in equipment costs.
  • The wind turbine section can be manufactured at low cost through continuous pultrusion,6 a molding process used to form composite materials into long shapes, with carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
  • By taking advantage of the characteristics to install vertical axis wind turbines close to sea level due to their specific characteristics, operation and maintenance costs for the major apparatus are also anticipated to be substantially lower.

Increase in Domestic Production Ratio

  • The wind turbine blades can be manufactured in lengthwise sections with the same cross-sectional shape, eliminating the need for large-scale manufacturing facilities. Additionally, this design makes sections easier to transport, and is therefore suited for domestic production.
  • Japanese companies hold approximately 80% of the market share for carbon fiber, the raw material used in the carbon composite for the wind turbine.

J-POWER, Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering and Albatross are jointly conducting initial studies of the FAWT concept. Embarking on the tests signifies the next step under a new framework. For the project, small-scale experimental versions of the FAWT will be installed in Japanese waters. After confirming the validity of the analysis and design method, this will lead to an even larger scale (megawatt class) offshore demonstration project.

The five companies involved in the project will use their individual expertise to jointly develop the FAWT, which is anticipated to be a “game changer” in floating offshore wind power generation. Through this collaboration, we aim to make offshore wind power generation the primary source of electricity and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.

Goals of participating companies:

J-POWER, TEPCO HD, Chubu ElectricTo develop promising technologies for floating offshore wind power generation and increase the introduction of renewable energy, thereby contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.  
“K” LINEAs Japan’s Ship Safety Act applies to floating offshore wind turbines, “K” LINE will cooperate in the practical implementation of new floating offshore wind turbines by providing its expertise, and contribute to a decarbonized society by applying the knowledge gained from this research in activities for offshore wind support vessels in the future.  
AlbatrossTo practically implement innovative floating offshore wind turbines and widely extend their use both in Japan and internationally.  

Cooperating Organizations

The wind turbine section of the small-scale experimental units will be developed by Fukui Fibertech Co., Ltd. (Aichi Prefecture), and the floating section will be developed by Mirai Ships Inc. (Miyagi Prefecture). The carbon composite material molding technology will be developed in partnership with the Innovative Composite Center (ICC) at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and the motion analysis technology will be developed in partnership with Osaka University’s Graduate School of Engineering.

Notes:

  1. Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President: Toshifumi Watanabe)
  2. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Tomoaki Kobayakawa)
  3. Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (headquartered in Nagoya City, Aichi; President: Kingo Hayashi)
  4. Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yukikazu Myochin)
  5. Albatross Technology Inc. (headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Hiromichi Akimoto)
  6. A molding method for continuously manufacturing components with the same (fixed) cross-section by solidifying the resin and fibers as they are drawn through a mold
Artist’s concept of a floating axis wind turbine (5MW demonstrator) (Courtesy of Albatross Technology Inc.)

Filed Under: "K" Line

Freight industry must resist the tidal wave of drug smuggling

May 30, 2023 by

In response to the exponential growth in contraband drugs entering Europe via ports on the Atlantic seaboard, specialist freight insurer TT Club is increasing its efforts to promote industry awareness of both trends in criminal activity and methods of combatting its success.

In the past two months, since the beginning of April, yet more examples of criminal gangs utilising the complexity of European import trades to smuggle in drugs have continued to emerge.  Reports include cocaine in containers of fruit through the port of Antwerp; in Rotterdam narcotics were discovered in reefer containers carrying melons from Panama; ecstasy with a value of €1.5 million in a truck at Calais and Le Havre emerging as a hotspot for cocaine imports; 133 kilos of marijuana and hashish at the Port of Motril in southern Spain brought in from North Africa, and news of smuggling gangs with links to Brazil operating in Lisbon and Oporto.

“These are just fragments of the evidence that we have of the crucial role ports are playing in the illicit drug trade across Western Europe,” comments Mike Yarwood, Managing Director Loss Prevention at TT Club.  “110 tons of cocaine were seized at the port of Antwerp last year and much has been reported of how the city has become the European hub for drug importation.  But the network of channels for the trade is widespread and few ports along the seaboard can turn a blind eye to the problem.”

To open the industry’s eyes to the dangers yet further, TT is committing significant resource to collating detailed reporting, including that of their partner BSI Screen, to create greater awareness of the sophisticated methods that criminals employ, the extent of their geographical reach and the diverse gateways they are using to supply the vast European market for illicit drugs.

“Increasing awareness, particularly the role of European ports in drug smuggling is crucial to restricting this trade,” comments Erica Bressner, BSI’s European Analyst.  “Especially as indications show that smuggling at ports may be increasing for certain key narcotics, like cocaine. Europol has reported record-setting seizures of cocaine every year since 2017, particularly in seaports. This points to a growing market for the narcotic as cocaine becomes more affordable to the average consumer.”

“In response, European port authorities have worked to implement additional security measures to combat this trade and its concurrent violence. However, the control of the criminal syndicates is such that they have the ability to adapt their smuggling routes to evade authorities. This includes a diversification of smuggling routes to target non-traditional ports of entry where security measures are less intensive,” says Bressner.

With the potentially enormous profits to be made within the drugs trade, funds to bribe port employees and others working in the transport infrastructure are readily available.  Customs officials and police officers are not beyond corruption and the current levels of inflation and high living costs are further incentivising those that were perhaps beyond reproach in the past.  In addition to corruption, the criminal syndicates are able to discover key contacts at the ports (often online and through social media) and threaten them and their families with harm to ensure their compliance and silence.

Ports offer an attractive transfer point for drugs from sea going vessels and containers to trucks.  These trucks leaving for the hinterland can contain contraband, often without the driver’s knowledge, and are hijacked, increasingly by heavily armed and brutal gangs.  Also becoming more extensive is computer hacking, either to directly obtain information of a specific containers whereabouts or intended destinations, or to plant tracking software that facilitates raids at pinpointed locations.

Much more vigilance across European port communities is clearly required.  TT’s Yarwood outlines one strategy, “Employee vetting and training both in terms of motivating them to be vigilant and loyal but also in terms of maintaining secure processes of documentation and online communication.  Identifying the more common origin points of contraband cargo, such as South America and North Africa, and ‘rogue’ consignees and unexpected delivery points will help,” he advises.

Security at the established targeted ports has naturally been increased with, for example a new seventy-strong security corps established in Antwerp, increased CCTV surveillance and the use of drones in Rotterdam, and a specialist anti-drug trafficking police unit in the Netherlands.  However, the crime groups are well entrenched, having established long tentacles throughout supply chains and are sophisticated in their expertise and knowledge of how trade works. 

“We are dealing with global crime syndicates,” concludes Yarwood.  “Efforts to combat their activities will be akin to squeezing a half-inflated balloon, we may constrict them in one or two ports but they will find ways to exploit others.  We urge all in our industry then to be aware of the possibilities of drug importation and to take all steps they can to restrict this illicit trade.”

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

https://www.ttclub.com

About BSI

BSI is the business improvement and standards company that enables organizations to turn standards of best practice into habits of excellence, ‘inspiring trust for a more resilient world’. For over a century BSI has driven best practice in organizations around the world. Working with over 77,500 clients across 195 countries, it is a truly global business with skills and experience across all sectors including automotive, aerospace, built environment, food and retail and healthcare. Through its expertise in Standards and Knowledge, Assurance Services, Regulatory Services and Consulting Services, BSI helps clients to improve their performance, grow sustainably, manage risk and ultimately become more resilient.

To learn more, please visit: www.bsigroup.com

About BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions
BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions is the leading global provider of supply chain intelligence, global supply chain verification auditing services, audit compliance and risk management software solutions, and advisory services. BSI’s supply chain services and solutions and services can work independently to address specific needs or combined together to gain unparalleled visibility into your global operations. Implementing BSI’s holistic supply chain risk management suite provides organizations with a complete solution for a more sustainable and secure supply chain.

Filed Under: TT Club

Innovative Solutions at forefront of GEODIS offering at Breakbulk Europe 2023

May 25, 2023 by

Leading project cargo forwarder GEODIS will exhibit at the world’s largest industry event for the sector, Breakbulk Europe 2023, from June 6th to 8th in Rotterdam.  GEODIS’ booth will be located in Hall 2 at 2F31.

Innovation is a key pillar of the services offered by GEODIS Project Logistics and a range of executive representatives will be in Rotterdam to demonstrate to visitors how sustainable solutions, skilled transport engineering and advances in digital technologies are employed to meet the client’s evolving supply chain challenges.

GEODIS delivers its Project Logistics services via offices located in more than 30 countries to all major industries. As a growth partner to its clients, the division serves customers with complex project moves, oversized shipments and extra-heavy transport requirements.  Its end-to-end solutions are tailored to each project and carried out within a strict no harm environment.

Breakbulk Europe provides a networking platform to generate new business and strengthen key existing relationships. It brings together industry decision makers in Rotterdam this June to drive the connections and innovation that support the completion of global projects. Breakbulk Europe has a truly international audience, representing over 120 countries​​​​​ under one roof.

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. www.geodis.com    

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS Expands Drayage Offering with Acquisition of Southern Companies, Strengthening End-to-End Supply Chain Capabilities Across U.S.

May 23, 2023 by

GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, announced today it has acquired Southern Companies, a leading drayage provider based in the U.S. that handles all phases of the import and export process. The acquisition enhances GEODIS’ end-to-end supply chain capabilities across the U.S., further strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading providers of logistics services.

Southern Companies is a family-owned business founded in Miami in 1965 and has moved more than 1 million containers. The company runs operating terminals serving seven key ports: Port of Miami, Port of Everglades, Port of Houston, Port of Jacksonville, Port of Tampa, Port of Savannah and Port of Charleston. Southern Companies provides a range of import and export services, including warehousing and trucking, to ensure customer goods are moving swiftly through the supply chain.

“The acquisition of Southern Companies represents an important addition to GEODIS as we continue to strengthen and grow our capabilities, our team and our client roster throughout the U.S.,” said Mike Honious, GEODIS in Americas President & CEO. “Southern Companies has been a leader in drayage services, from warehousing to trucking, for nearly six decades and operates in ports that are critical to our clients. From their people and culture to their expertise and capabilities, Southern Companies is an ideal fit for GEODIS and aligns perfectly with our Americas growth strategy.”

Jorge Mora, Owner & CEO of Southern Companies, said, “We have been relentlessly focused on import and export logistics, with a special emphasis on port operations, and have witnessed tremendous organic growth since our beginnings over 55 years ago. We understand the unique needs of our clients and have proven expertise in maintaining the highest standards of excellence while meeting the ever-changing demands of a growing international market. By combining our capabilities with GEODIS’ exceptional leadership, deep bench of experts and global footprint, we can expand our reach and provide an even broader range of services to our clients to help them navigate today’s complex supply chain landscape.”

The acquisition complements GEODIS in Americas’ existing transportation and warehousing capabilities, providing customers with an efficient and reliable end-to-end logistics solution. More than 80 employees spanning Southern Companies’ seven facilities throughout the Southeast will officially join GEODIS. With its Americas region headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee, GEODIS currently operates more than 150 warehouse facilities for its clients with over 50 million square feet of warehousing space in the U.S. alone. GEODIS now has more than 17,000 employees across North America.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com   

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 6 in its sector across the world. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Filed Under: GEODIS

TT Club joins anti-corruption alliance

May 23, 2023 by

In a move to underline further the mutual insurer’s commitment to making the industry safer and more secure, TT Club has joined the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), which represents a pre-eminent example of collective action to tackle corruption in the maritime sector.

TT Club has long been aware of the issues surrounding corruption in the maritime transport industry.  The insurer is dedicated to ensuring these corrupting effects on the overall integrity of freight transport worldwide are minimised, if not eradicated.  As such TT is delighted to partner with the MACN, an organisation with an exceptional track record of highlighting and reducing corruption. 

MACN is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption that enables fair trade to benefit of society at large. With a current membership of over 180 organisations globally, MACN has three primary objectives: Capability Building, Collective Action and Collaboration.

As the only non-P&I insurer to be part of MACN, and as a specialist mutual insurer in both maritime and shoreside multi-modal activities, TT is well placed to use its established skills in co-developing and sharing best practices across the complex global supply chain on both land and at sea.

TT will work with MACN in implementing its Anti-Corruption Principles by raising the awareness of corruption issues and promoting best practices to combat its effects.  Moreover the insurer will help MACN promote their drive for collective action with the aim of creating a more sustainable operating environment through anonymous reporting and data analysis.  Finally, through its experience and knowledge of shore-side operations TT will widen the scope of MACN efforts to combat corruption beyond its current maritime focus.  All in support of their own insured Members’ operations.

In commenting on TT’s new membership, COO Mark Argentieri said, “At TT we have aligned our ESG strategy with the UN Global Compact and its Sustainable Development Goals, becoming a signatory to the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance (UN PSI) late last year.  In now joining MACN, we are taking a further step in focusing on the issues that are most relevant to our own Members, and where the Club is able to have a positive impact, cooperating with international institutions that are dedicated to ensuring increased transparency in maritime transactions and enhanced procedural integrity.”

In welcoming TT as a new member, Cecilia Müller Torbrand, CEO of MACN said, “We are delighted to welcome TT Club to the Maritime Anti-Corruption network (MACN) and look forward to working together towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption. It is exciting that we will be able to reach a new group of stakeholders with TT Club as a Member.”

Within TT’s stated ESG framework (outlined in full HERE) there are particular committed actions that are very much in line with MACN’s aims.  TT’s history of working with governmental organisations such as the IMO, and a swathe of industry representative associations in order to improve safety, security and environmental standards is impressive.  The Club will replicate these efforts in working with governments, regulators and other key stakeholders to promote widespread action on anti-corruption matters.

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1100 Members, spanning container owners and operators, ports and terminals, and logistics companies, working across maritime, road, rail, and air. TT Club is renowned for its high-quality service, in-depth industry knowledge and enduring Member loyalty. It retains more than 97% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

https://www.ttclub.com

About the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN)

The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption that enables fair trade to the benefit of society at large. Established in 2011 by a small group of committed maritime companies, MACN has grown to include 190 companies globally, and has become one of the pre-eminent examples of collective action to tackle corruption.

MACN and its members work towards the elimination of all forms of maritime corruption by: raising awareness of the challenges faced; implementing the MACN Anti-Corruption Principles and co-developing and sharing best practices; collaborating with governments, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to identify and mitigate the root causes of corruption; and creating a culture of integrity within the maritime community.

https://macn.dk/

Filed Under: TT Club

Dachser announces coordinated solution to automotive component supply challenge

May 18, 2023 by

Dachser Air & Sea Logistics (ASL) teams in the UK and Germany collaborate to provide a major automotive supplier in China with a bespoke LCL (Less than Container Load) service from UK suppliers, shortening transit times by up to two weeks

From this month, Dachser UK’s ASL team will be liaising with the Coordination Tower Automotive (CTA) personnel based in Hamburg to significantly cut the transit time of components from the UK to an automotive customer  in China. Detailed discussions and site visits involving the two teams of Dachser ASL as well as representatives of the customer, have resulted in the implementation of specially designed LCL and bespoke buyers consolidation services to improve the door-to-door supply chain efficiency from the UK to China.

Christian Bumann, Department Head Coordination Tower Automotive, ASL, said “Dachser’s Automotive Logistics Solution offers a cross-divisional, tailor-made Buyer’s Consolidation solution for automotive suppliers, which gives the customer a competitive advantage. Through this LCL consolidation concept, we are responding to the complex and ever-changing demands of global automotive supply chains. We believe our new bespoke solution for moving components more effectively from the UK will reduce overall transit times for the customer and, as a consequence create for them an additional USP in their own market”.

Around 70% of the value added during the manufacture of a vehicle is created by suppliers. These suppliers specialise in the production of individual parts and modules, such as headlights, seats, gearboxes, steering wheels, etc. Dachser’s Automotive Logistics Solution focusses on Tier 1 to Tier 3 automotive suppliers to aid the logistics required between these suppliers. Their worldwide production sites create a particular need for specialised supply chain management, and a coordinated control tower approach.

Chris Radley, ASL UK Branch Manager said “We welcome this opportunity to work with the CTA team in Hamburg and to create new solutions together for an important global customer of Dachser. There is a great need for synchronised consolidation of customers’ shipments from the UK to overseas production sites and our joint expertise has enabled us to fulfil that need. The automotive solution has numerous time-critical demands as customers face increased and complex dynamic influences over their supply chains. By creating a made-to-measure solution to our customers individual challenges we can help them respond by optimising their supply chains.”

ENDS

About Dachser:

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter 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.

Thanks to some 32,850 employees at 379 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8.1 billion in 2021. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 81.1 million shipments weighing 42.8 million metric tons. Dachser is represented by its own country organizations in 41 countries on five continents. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

“K” LINE Concludes Long-Term Time Charter Agreement with Diamond Gas International Pte. Ltd. for One New LNG Vessel

May 18, 2023 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce the signing of a 15-year long-term time charter contract (with an option to extend the contract up to 10 additional years) with Mitsubishi Corporation subsidiary Diamond Gas International Pte. Ltd. (DGI) on May 12th. “K” LINE has also concluded a shipbuilding contract with Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (Samsung) for a 174,000 m3 LNG carrier.

This is the first long-term time charter contract between DGI and “K” LINE involving a newly built vessel. The plan is for this new vessel to be engaged in LNG transportation around the world beginning in the second half of 2026. This vessel will be equipped with an ME-GA*1 engine and achieve the reduction of environmental impact through the reduction of fuel consumption during operation.

In the 40 years since the delivery of the first Japanese LNG carrier, Bishu Maru, in 1983, “K” LINE has been establishing its expertise in LNG transportation and developing a worldwide network. The signing of the new contracts is a successful result of “K” LINE’s abundant experience supervising vessel construction, its high-quality ship management, and its ability to boast the highest level of safety in its commercially optimized operations.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan published in May 2022,*2 “K” LINE has positioned the LNG business as one of its top priority areas for future investment. “K” LINE will continue to expand its long-term contracts and accommodate the growing demand for energy by responding to the diverse needs of its customers.

*1 ME-GA Engine: a low-speed dual-fuel engine using low-pressure gas

*2 Medium-Term Management Plan (Released on May 9th, 2022)

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/ir/management/strategy.html

Vessel Specifications

ShipyardSamsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
DeliverySecond half of 2026
LOAApprox. 290 m
Beam45.8 m
Tank Capacity174,000 m3
Propulsion SystemME-GA
Speed19.5 kn
Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS wins award for operational efficiency in Poland

May 18, 2023 by

The global logistics services provider GEODIS in Poland has received the accolade from Castorama Poland, a DIY and home improvement retailer, part of Kingfisher plc.

Castorama recently held its annual Conference for Suppliers in Warsaw, an event organized by Castorama, and singled out GEODIS in Poland for their high level of service and operational efficiency for leading Castorama’s logistics projects in the country.

Image Caption: Left – Wojchiech Gondek, Supply Chain & Logistics Director, Castorama and Marcin Krzak, Managing Director, GEODIS Road Network (GRN).

The partnership between GEODIS and the leading DIY market supplier began in 2013 with the Road Network team now handling 760 thousand pallets a year, mainly through FTL services from Castorama’s hub warehouse to its stores throughout Poland. The further cross-dock (LTL) service is based on a network of 160 domestic and international suppliers spanning over 90 of these stores.

“We provide a wide range of value-added services for Castorama, including ADR transportation and temperature-controlled transport.” says Olivier Royer, Executive Vice President of GEODIS European Road Network activity. “We are very proud to receive this high-value award from Castorama which honors our partnership and our long-term cooperation with this valued customer. It shows once again that we are a reliable supplier for them.”

Based on a win-win strategy, this customer award recognizes GEODIS’ capacity to provide a custom-made solution, from initial preparation to implementation, advisory assistance, to KPI monitoring and reporting.

“The next steps, in order to continue building this trust and long-term business relationship, will be to make an assessment of potential opportunities throughout Castorama’s network, and to develop direct contacts with our client’s suppliers.” concludes Olivier Royer.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,400 employees, GEODIS is ranked world no. 6 in its sector. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group.

Filed Under: GEODIS

GEODIS opens a new site for eLogistics in the United Kingdom

May 18, 2023 by

GEODIS announces the opening of a new eLogistics platform in the UK. GEODIS eLogistics, which was launched in 2020, supports e-retailers in outsourcing their logistics operations. It offers a complete logistics solution for order preparation and personalisation, inventory optimisation, transport organisation and returns management.

In April 2023, a new GEODIS eLogistics platform opened up in Coventry, United Kingdom. This 7,000 m2 site is located in a strategic area allowing rapid distribution of products thanks to good transport links. It has the capacity to store more than 500,000 SKUs and to process up to 5,000 orders per day.

GEODIS’ eLogistics solution allows e-commerce companies of all sizes to efficiently outsource their logistics without the need for a large financial investment, thanks to shared multi-client warehouses and a more flexible contractual commitment. GEODIS eLogistics integrates seamlessly with the leading CMSs, ERPs and marketplaces. As soon as a buyer places an order online, the eLogistics teams take over the preparation and shipping of the order and any returns. E-merchants can track the progress of their business and their orders in real time thanks to the Visibility Portal, a digital platform at their disposal.

GEODIS now operates a total of six eLogistics platforms, located in the United States, France and the United Kingdom, with space also available in Germany, the Netherlands and Italy. A total of 40,000 m2 of warehousing is dedicated to this offering. 

Jean-Pierre Juteau, head of GEODIS eLogistics Europe, said: “The eLogistics offering is the latest innovation from GEODIS. The opening of this new eLogistics facility in the UK will allow new webshops, marketplaces and other kinds of e-commerce platforms to develop their businesses in a new geographical zone close to local markets.”

The attached video gives a behind the scenes view of the eLogistics solution.

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 specialises in five lines of business: Supply Chain Optimisation, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express and Road Transport. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and more than 49,000 employees, GEODIS is ranked world no. 7 in its sector. In 2022, GEODIS generated €13.7 billion in revenue.

Filed Under: GEODIS
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