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.

HPC carries out technical due diligence for Hapag-Lloyd’s participation in J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited

Hamburg, 13 March 2023 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) is pleased to announce that it has performed the technical due diligence for Hapag-Lloyd as a basis for investment in a share of J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited (JMBPL). The participation involves 12 port terminal & logistic facilities in India and enhances Hapag-Lloyd’s engagement in the terminal sector in attractive growth markets.

JMBPL provides broad industry-focused logistics sector coverage to cater to future growth opportunities. Its diverse portfolio includes infrastructure, technology, logistics, and integrated services, enabling physical and digital coverage of India-based supply chain. Through its participation in JMBPL, Hapag-Lloyd aims at further strengthening its position in the attractive Indian market and jointly developing new business opportunities.

As an investor, Hapag-Lloyd wished to obtain an independent opinion from an internationally recognized consultant regarding the feasibility of an investment in the development of JMBPL. HPC was commissioned to support the participation process by conducting on-site inspections of the port facilities and carrying out technical due diligence. This provided sound insight to support decision making in the investment process.

“Terminal investments help us to actively influence an essential part of the value chain, determining the service level and quality for our customers and supporting our access to key markets. To conduct thorough due diligence for such an investment we relied on a partner who knows terminal operations inside out. HPC has thoroughly investigated the condition of the JMBPL terminals, appraised the investment levels necessary and assessed post-merger potentiality. HPC is a trusted partner for us, and we are very happy with the important role they played to support this transaction”, said Lisa Radke, Head of Global Terminal & Transport Procurement at Hapag-Lloyd.

As part of its comprehensive due diligence, HPC conducted an operations and technical assessment, including feasibility and risk analysis, as well as equipment and civil engineering assessments.

“As a global port consultancy with roots in terminal operations, we can assist our clients with advice on potential transactions from an operational, commercial, and technological point of view,” said Suheil Mahayni, Managing Director at HPC. “Close cooperation with Hapag-Lloyd’s team was crucial to the success of this assessment project. The open and transparent discussions with all parties created an atmosphere of trust from the beginning. This has enabled us to deliver a thorough valuation of the terminal operator and its assets for our client in a short period of time.”

With its operational expertise and holistic approach, HPC is well-positioned to help clients navigate complex acquisitions and make informed investment decisions.

For more information on port advisory services, please visit the website:
www.hamburgportconsulting.com

HPC führte technische Due Diligence für Hapag-Lloyd Beteiligung an J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited durch

Hamburg, 13. März 2023 – HPC Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC) hat für Hapag-Lloyd die technische Due Diligence als Grundlage für eine Beteiligung an der J M Baxi Ports & Logistics Limited (JMBPL) durchgeführt. Die Beteiligung umfasst 12 Hafenterminals und Logistikanlagen in Indien und erweitert Hapag-Lloyd‘s Engagement im Terminalbereich in attraktiven Wachstumsmärkten.

JMBPL bietet eine breite, branchenorientierte Abdeckung des logistiksektors, um zukünftige Wachstumschancen zu nutzen. Das vielfältige Portfolio umfasst Infrastruktur, Technologie, Logistik und integrierte Dienstleistungen, so dass die physische als auch digitale Abdeckung der indischen Lieferkette ermöglicht werden kann. Durch die Beteiligung an JMBPL will Hapag-Lloyd seine Position auf dem attraktiven indischen Markt weiter stärken und gemeinsam neue Geschäftsmöglichkeiten entwickeln.

Um eine unabhängige Meinung eines international anerkannten Beraters über die Machbarkeit einer Investition in die Entwicklung von JMBPL einzuholen, hat Hapag-Lloyd. HPC beauftragt, den Beteiligungsprozess durch die Besichtigung der Hafenanlagen vor Ort und die Durchführung einer technischen Due Diligence zu unterstützen. Dies lieferte fundierte Erkenntnisse für die Entscheidungsfindung im Investitionsprozess.

“Terminalinvestitionen helfen uns, einen wesentlichen Teil der Wertschöpfungskette aktiv zu gestalten. Sie wirken sich positiv auf das Dienstleistungsniveau und die Qualität für unsere Kunden aus und unterstützen uns zugleich, wichtige Märkte zu erschließen. Um eine gründliche Due-Diligence-Prüfung für diese Investition durchzuführen, haben wir uns auf einen Partner verlassen, der den Terminalbetrieb sehr gut kennt,” sagt Lisa Radke, Leiterin des Bereichs Global Terminal & Transport Procurement bei Hapag-Lloyd und ergänzt: „HPC hat den Zustand der JMBPL-Terminals untersucht, das erforderliche Investitionsniveau abgeschätzt, das Potenzial einer erfolgten Beteiligung bewertet und sich dabei als zuverlässiger Partner erwiesen. Wir sind mit dem Support von HPC bei dieser Transaktion sehr zufrieden.“

Im Rahmen der umfassenden Due-Diligence-Prüfung führte HPC eine betriebliche und technische Bewertung durch, einschließlich einer Machbarkeits- und Risikoanalyse sowie einer Bewertung des Terminal-Equipments und des baulichen Zustands.

“Als globales Hafenberatungsunternehmen mit Wurzeln im Terminalbetrieb können wir unsere Kunden bei potenziellen Transaktionen aus betrieblicher, kommerzieller und technologischer Sicht beraten”, so Suheil Mahayni, Geschäftsführer von HPC. “Die enge Zusammenarbeit mit dem Team von Hapag-Lloyd war entscheidend für den Erfolg dieses Bewertungsprojekts. Die offenen und transparenten Diskussionen mit allen Beteiligten schufen von Anfang an eine Atmosphäre des Vertrauens. Dadurch waren wir in der Lage, in sehr kurzer Zeit eine umfassende Bewertung des Terminalbetreibers und seiner Vermögenswerte für unseren Kunden zu erstellen.”

Mit seiner operativen Expertise und seinem ganzheitlichen Beratungsansatz ist HPC gut aufgestellt, um Kunden bei komplexen Akquisitionen zu unterstützen und fundierte Investitionsentscheidungen zu treffen.

Weitere Informationen über Hafenberatungsdienste finden Sie auf der Website: www.hamburgportconsulting.com

Award launched to recognise talent in supply chain security

Specialist international freight transport insurer TT Club is teaming up with the Transported Asset Protection Association’s (TAPA) Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region to encourage the next generation of supply chain security professionals to excel. Entries for the first ‘Young Supply Chain Resilience Professional of the Year’ award are now opened until 28 April 2023.

Both TT and TAPA EMEA are dedicated to bringing insight into the complex theft trends that exist within international supply chains.  With the aim of increasing awareness of the challenges in combatting such crime, the organisations also promote where possible risk mitigation guidelines and activities.  To these ends they are launching an annual award programme celebrating the successes of young supply chain security professionals and the next generation of leaders in supply chain resilience.

Explaining the motives behind the award, Mike Yarwood TT’s Managing Director, Loss Prevention said, “We wish to identify, inspire and reward young talent in the industry, encouraging them to continue to innovate, communicate with their peers and strive for greater security throughout the supply chain sector.”

The entry process starts on the 6 March and concludes on the 28 April.  With judging taking place in May, the winner will be invited to receive their award at TAPA EMEA’s RESILIENCE@RISK Conference in Amsterdam on 14 & 15 June 2023.

Each award entrant is being asked to contribute up to a 1,500 word submission based on a supply chain security related project in which they have been involved, with particular attention to the complexity of the issue, the originality and innovative nature of the solution and successes achieved. The judges, comprised of the TAPA EMEA and TT leadership will develop an objective scoring matrix in order to determine the finalists and eventual award winner.

Thorsten Neumann, President & CEO of TAPA EMEA emphasises the possible multiple benefits resulting from the awards programme as a whole, “In addition to the encouragement of young talent in our industry, we have aspirations of identifying good practice and innovative supply chain security solutions that we know proliferate internationally across the sector.  Our award and the attention it will hopefully attract will have the effect of promoting such activities, sharing them on an industry-wide basis for the benefit of all.”

The application form is available to download from the TAPA EMEA website LINK

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 TAPA EMEA

TAPA EMEA was formed in 2000 to tackle the multi-billion euro problem of cargo thefts from supply chains. Today, it boasts over 900 member companies in the Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) region, including many of the world’s biggest manufacturers and logistics service providers as well as leading SME freight forwarding and transport operators, insurers, law enforcement agencies, security service providers, and other stakeholders.

TAPA EMEA is working to minimise cargo losses and increase supply chain resilience by helping its member companies top understand and manage risks. TAPA EMEA achieves this through the development and application of its global supply chain Security Standards, collating and sharing of cargo crime incident intelligence, training, networking and through its support of, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, governmental and regulatory bodies.  For more information go to www.tapaemea.org

GEODIS concludes the acquisition of trans-o-flex in Germany

GEODIS today announces the finalization of the acquisition of trans-o-flex, following regulatory approval. trans-o-flex is a leading German network for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical goods and express premium delivery. This acquisition will establish GEODIS as one of the most prominent players in the key market of healthcare and will significantly enhance its delivery capabilities in Europe.

Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of GEODIS, said: “The acquisition of trans-o-flex, the largest temperature-controlled distribution network in Germany specializing in healthcare, accelerates our growth in a key market for GEODIS. We want to enable trans-o-flex to consolidate its market position in Germany and expand it in the largest European countries. It forms part of our ambition to develop our global end-to-end logistics solutions in support of our customers’ growth and geographical expansion.”

With this acquisition, GEODIS is adding a wide range of services for time-critical deliveries to its portfolio and offers a fast, reliable and time-definite delivery service in Germany, one of its key geographies.

The addition of trans-o-flex capabilities to the already existing Freight Forwarding and Contract Logistics businesses will strengthen GEODIS’ position in Germany, reaching close to €1,5 billion worth of revenue with more than 3,400 employees. Synergies for both companies will be created by leveraging all of trans-o-flex’s strengths and resources, including its strong brand and the expertise of its existing management team.

trans-o-flex will remain independent and will be run under the leadership of Wolfgang P. Albeck as CEO. The company will operate under a supervisory board chaired by Marie-Christine Lombard, with Christoph Schoeller as deputy chairman. Trans-o-flex will report to the Europe region under the leadership of Thomas Kraus. To ensure commercial synergies, Wolfgang P. Albeck will join the executive board of GEODIS’s Europe region.

Christoph Schoeller, deputy chairman of trans-o-flex, said: “We are pleased that trans-o-flex can now start a new, international growth phase. In order to ensure continuity, the entire trans-o-flex management will remain in office. Together we will continue to work on the success story of the Group.”

The focus of the express service, which was founded in 1971 and has established special logistics solutions for the cosmetics, consumer electronics and other sensitive goods sectors in addition to healthcare, is in Germany. Here and in Austria, the company employs almost 2,000 people at 77 network and warehouse locations. In both Austria and in Germany, the company has established its own nationwide network for actively temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transports at 2 to 8° C and 15 to 25° C.

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.

ICHCA Welcomes Port Technology International as New Member

The global association representing cargo handling companies, ICHCA International (ICHCA) is delighted to welcome Port Technology International, the leading multi-channel media company.

This new partnership has been welcomed by both parties as a framework to support their mutual interest in the dissemination of knowledge, best practice and commentary on the challenges and issues facing the global cargo handling community.

In welcoming the new member, Richard Steele, ICHCA International’s CEO stated, “Co-operation with key media organisations is critical to the safe and efficient performance of today’s increasingly complex supply chains.  At ICHCA we remain committed to our efforts to improve safety, security and sustainability and with the help of Port Technology International, we can continue to spread our key messages, through their editorial, webinars and industry events”.

With four upcoming events and a packed editorial schedule already planned for 2023 Port Technology International is delighted to become a member of the ICHCA International.  Director of Operations for Port Technology International, Tracy Catlin commented, “As a leading multimedia ports and terminals platform, safety in cargo handling is a key priority for Port Technology International and its readership. The solutions in which our sector applies improving productivity, safety and efficiency of cargo handling worldwide are part of a collaborative effort to which we aim to promote and discuss across the global supply chain.  Through ICHCA International’s diverse membership, case studies, and event offerings, Port Technology International aims to partner a media hub for increased health and safety awareness in the industry, highlighting the importance of training. We look forward to collaborating with ICHCA International’s members in the future and sharing knowledge across our mutual partners for the improvement of cargo handling worldwide”.

The current calendar of events hosted by ICHCA’s new member can be found here: www.porttechnology.org/pti-events

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.
www.ichca.com

About Port Technology International

Founded in 1995 Port Technology International (PTI) has grown from publishing a world leading Journal to now producing events, webinars, and other multimedia content.

Our community is made up of over 40,000 senior executives and key decision makers across the ports and terminals industry.

Through our Journal, events and digital media offerings PTI covers the latest technologies and innovations being adopted across the industry including terminals, digitalization, automation, shipping, global trade, sustainability and the energy transition, among others.

www.porttechnology.org

“K” LINE Starts Collaborative Research on Decarbonization with Anglo American

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Anglo American regarding the establishment of a working committee for collaborative research on decarbonization. 

“K” LINE has been engaged in the seaborne transportation of raw materials for Anglo American. Anglo American and “K” LINE have agreed to collaborate through the sharing of research and ideas and the utilization of both parties’ knowledge of new marine technology, alternative fuels and other fields that have the potential to grow in the near future to achieve their common goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Anglo American is a leading, global mining company with a portfolio of competitive, world class operations and a broad range of future development options. For more information about Anglo American refer to www.angloamerican.com.

In our Medium-Term Management Plan published on May 9th, 2022*1, “K” LINE defined the marine transportation business using coal and iron ore carriers as one of its top priority areas driving growth. We will continuously strive to enhance our corporate value by contributing to the sustainable development of society and the global environment with active collaboration on decarbonization through the development of partnerships with customers.

*1 Medium-term Management Plan (Released on May 9th, 2022)

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

Signing Ceremony
From left:  Peter Lye (Head of Shipping, Anglo American) and Masatoshi Taguchi (Managing Executive Officer, “K” LINE)

Safety Awards Digest – A Celebration of Widespread Innovation

Held for the fifth time, the Innovation in Safety Award attracted entrants from thirteen countries and featured a wide variety  of functionality across the cargo handling industry, from digitalisation processes, learning and predictive data application as well as safer physical operations and equipment. The winners were announced last week amidst much fanfare but the application and relevance of all the award entrants deserve to be celebrated.

The 2022 Safety Award Digest is designed not just to acknowledge the dedication to safety that the twenty organisations display in putting forward their innovative ideas but also to bring focus to these applications that will have relevance to operators in all parts of the industry and across the globe.

“It is vital that the phenomenal work being carried out by the organisations that enter these Awards be made available to others who can benefit from the improved safety measures that have been described in detail,” says Richard Steele, ICHCA’s CEO. “We have therefore, once more, produced this Innovation in Safety Awards Digest, which encapsulates in one document the products and procedures that have achieved a demonstrable improvement in cargo handling and transport safety.” A copy of the 2022 Safety Digest in PDF form is available for download HERE

In partnership, ICHCA and TT Club have made a fundamental commitment to risk reduction throughout the freight supply chain. This is an environment, in which whenever something challenges or undermines safety, security or sustainability, a key tool in preventing incidents or deficiencies recurring is innovation.

Those submitting the 2022 Award entries demonstrated the passion to enhance safety and dynamic action that exists. The range of innovations displayed the diversity and complexity of this industry, spanning entirely physical safety issues looking at machinery or operations but also showed a focus on digital opportunities for process improvement.  Learning tools were also in evidence as was workforce engagement initiatives and those aiming at  environmental protection and monitoring.

“For its part, TT is privileged to work closely with the industry considering its problems are, in equal measure opportunities to mitigate risk further,” comments Peregrine Storrs-Fox, Director of Risk Management,  “Our industry awareness and solution orientation results in broad networking and collaboration, amongst the industry and beyond, frequently ‘joining the dots’ and thinking ‘outside the box’. It is in this context – and core to TT’s mission – that the TT Club Innovation in Safety Awards were conceived, seeking to clarify problem statements, affirm or challenge assumptions, value and nurture concepts, and provide opportunity to network, profiling innovation that works.

In commending the Safety Digest to the entire industry, the partners remind all those involved that any innovation could be transformative for the risk profile and safety enhancement, as much for an individual operation as across the entire industry.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.

Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1,100 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 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

American Club experiences an encouraging 2023 P&I renewal

  • P&I tonnage 25% greater than a year earlier, premium up by 17%
  • FD&D premium grows by 20% over the year, tonnage by 26%
  • Charterers’ portfolio poised to increase by 10% in 2023
  • Eagle Ocean Marine strengthens its growing market position
  • Despite a difficult business landscape, Club embraces future with optimism

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27, 2023:  The American Club has reported encouraging year-on-year growth in premium and tonnage over the recent renewal period. Increases in both metrics were experienced across all of the Club’s insurance lines, strengthening its position for 2023 and beyond.

Premium income for the Club’s Class I (mutual P&I) entries was 17% greater than a year earlier, with concomitant tonnage growth of 25% over the period. Its Class II (mutual FD&D) portfolio also grew, while its Class III (charterers’) business is poised to increase by about 10% in 2023 by comparison with the previous twelve months.

Eagle Ocean Marine, the Club’s fixed premium facility, which serves the operators of smaller vessels in local and regional trades, also enjoyed a positive renewal season, strengthening its growing market position.

The Club’s Board had mandated an overall increase in expiring premium of 10% for the 2023 policy year, together with uplifts in certain deductibles. In the result, the cash rise on renewing business was just over 9%, with increases in deductibles over and above those generally prescribed, particularly through the application of higher annual aggregate deductibles in several sectors, providing an additional cash value of about 2% overall.

While the Club renewed about 95% of its expiring tonnage over the renewal itself, its renewing premium for 2023 was almost exactly the same as the expiring volume, implying an increase in the average rate per ton on the renewing portfolio of just under 8% by comparison with that of twelve months earlier.

Speaking in New York earlier today, Tom Hamilton, the Chief Underwriting Officer of SCB, Inc., the Managers of the American Club, said: “The American Club experienced a positive 2023 renewal season. Year-on-year tonnage entered for mutual P&I risks grew by 25% to just over 25 million gross tons with an increase in annualized premium to about $108 million. With similar increases in premium and tonnage entered for FD&D and charterers’ risks, as well as a solid portfolio under its Eagle Ocean Marine banner, the American Club commences the 2023 policy year with a premium income in excess of $135 million, an encouraging result providing a sound platform for further expansion over the months and years ahead.”

Dorothea Ioannou, the Chief Executive Officer of SCB, Inc., also commented on the Club’s recent results: “The growth of the Club’s premium and tonnage over the recent renewal reflects the loyalty and commitment of its Members and their intermediaries throughout the world. None of this is taken for granted, and will continue to be earned by a dedication to excellence in service provision, supported by a strengthening financial outlook for the Club. While business conditions remain challenging in many respects, the Club and its Managers are sure that the positive results of this renewal will enable further development of the Club’s market position in the future.”

Notes to Editors

The American Club

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

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

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

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

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

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

P&I Insurance

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

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

Solid results for GEODIS in 2022, confirming the Group’s strong growth dynamic

·         Revenues of €13.7 billion, up 19% compared to 2021, on a like-for-like basis, and up 68% compared to 2019[1].

·         EBIT[2] of €518 million, a 10% increase compared to 2021, on a like-for-like basis, and 90% higher than in 2019[1].

Bordeaux, 21 juillet 2022. Agence Geodis de Bordeaux.


Commenting on the annual results for 2022, Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Officer of de GEODIS, said:

“In 2022, GEODIS achieved a record level of performance for the third year in a row. These excellent results in a challenging economic and geopolitical environment stem from the expertise of our teams, the complementary nature of our various businesses and our ambitious development strategy. I am particularly proud of the work accomplished by the Group’s 49,400 employees, and I would like to thank them for their unfailing commitment.

“Although uncertainties remain in 2023, we remain confident in GEODIS’s growth prospects. Thanks to the diversity of our businesses and geographies and to our operational agility, we are looking forward to 2023 with determination. We will continue to pursue our growth dynamic in the service of our customers, the digitalization of our businesses and the implementation of our environmental commitments, which remain one of our key priorities.”

A performance that confirms the Group’s strategic choices

  • Sharp increase in revenues and profitability

GEODIS reported revenues of €13.7 billion in 2022, 19% higher than in 2021. This performance was driven by sustained activity across all the Group’s Lines of Business and demonstrated the relevance of its business model.

The Freight Forwarding Line of Business benefited from a favorable market environment, as freight rates remained high in both air and marine transport. Nonetheless, the fourth quarter of 2022 marked the end of the price boom caused by the pandemic. Even so, prices remain highly volatile.  

The Contract Logistics Line of Business saw a sharp rise in revenues in the United States as a result of business development and growth in volumes of existing customers. Business in Europe also continued to grow, despite an underlying decline in consumption in an inflationary environment as of the second semester.  

The Distribution & Express Line of Business managed to increase its volumes and its result by comparison with 2021 in spite of increased production costs owing to inflation.

The Road Transport Line of Business again enjoyed a high level of growth, largely because of increased business in southern and eastern Europe.

Overall, this performance resulted in a significant increase in profitability, with EBIT increasing by 10% to €518 million and EBITDA[3] standing at €1,163 million.

  • Growth boosted by strategic investments

In line with its “Ambition 2023” plan, GEODIS carried out further investments to strengthen its positions in core geographical zones and to expand its service offerings in certain Lines of Business. The Group has consolidated its integrated network of transport and logistics platforms on a worldwide scale.

In 2022, GEODIS carried out several targeted acquisitions:

  • Acquisition of Keppel Logistics, which has warehousing capacity in Singapore. This operation strengthens the Group’s Contract Logistics and e-Commerce services in Asia-Pacific.
  • Acquisition of Need It Now Delivers in the United States, which operates an excellent domestic freight network. Thanks to this acquisition, GEODIS has extended its presence in this strategic area, increased its capabilities in contract logistics and in urban logistics.
  • Proposed acquisition of trans-o-flex, a specialist in the controlled-temperature transportation of pharmaceutical products and a leading player in the premium express transport sector in Germany. This acquisition will establish GEODIS as one of the most prominent players in the key market of healthcare and will significantly enhance its delivery capabilities in Europe. Completion of this transaction is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

An increasing number of decarbonization initiatives to ensure responsible growth.

At GEODIS, growth is based not only on economic performance but also on the ability to control and reduce the environmental impact of its activities.

In 2022, GEODIS increased initiatives to reduce carbon emissions across all of its Lines of Business.

  • Greener fleets for road transport

GEODIS is accelerating the greening of its fleets with investments in low-carbon technologies. 420 biogas or electric vehicles are currently scheduled for delivery. These vehicles will enable low-carbon solutions to be employed for last-mile deliveries in the city centers of the 40 largest metropolitan areas in France by 2024.

GEODIS has also signed a partnership agreement with Renault Trucks to develop electric 16-tonne trucks designed specifically for urban logistics.

  • Acceleration of multimodal shipping

GEODIS is pressing ahead with the development of rail-road solutions, particularly to destinations in Italy, bringing the number of trains running on the European rail network to over 100 per week.

  • Development of an offer of alternative fuels for ocean and air freight

GEODIS offers its customers the option of using sustainable fuel, which results in reductions in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90% for ocean and air freight. The biofuel used for aviation is processed from biomass (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), while the alternative fuel used for marine freight is mostly produced from recycled oils (Sustainable Marine Fuel).

A solid outlook in an uncertain environment

Although the current macro-economic environment is uncertain, GEODIS’s growth prospects remain solid thanks to the diversity of its business portfolio and geographic locations.

In the future, the Group intends to pursue its development and capture new markets by accelerating its digital transformation, while enriching its portfolio of new offerings for its customers in all parts of the world.

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.


[1] On a like-for-like basis; the reference to 2019 is provided to allow comparison with a normal year unaffected by Covid.

[2] Earnings before interest and taxes

[3] Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

TT Club Innovation in Safety Award Winners Announced

The winner of the prestigious safety award made possible by the collaboration of ICHCA International (ICHCA) and TT Club for the fifth time was announced as AP Moller Maersk for its APMT Vessel Inspection App.  The winner and fellow short-listed entrants, Exis Technologies and Intermodal Telematics were present at the ceremony to showcase their innovations.

Caption :  Richard Steele, ICHCA, Morten Engelstoft presenting to Nissa Ibrahim of APM Terminals, Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club.

Both ICHCA and TT are delighted that the now well-established industry accolade, with its strenuous process of entering and judging have once more celebrated safety innovation within the cargo handling and transport sector.  There is now a real focus by organisations across the world on constantly searching for better solutions to the challenges of improving safety.

At the first ‘live’ Innovation in Safety Awards ceremony for four years, held in London today, all three finalists gave presentations of their ground-breaking initiatives, which through their variety of application reflected the broad categories represented by the twenty award entrants drawn from thirteen countries, and covering such diverse fields as digitalisation processes, learning and predictive data application as well as safer physical operations and equipment.

The winning innovation was APMT’s Vessel Inspection Mobile App.  “We are delighted with this recognition for the safety app we have developed in-house in collaboration with Maersk,” said Jack Craig, Chief Operations Officer at APM Terminals.  “The app provides a standardised digital platform for terminals to carry out vessel inspections, highlighting potential critical risk. It underpins our continuous focus on safety throughout our operations and is a great example of how we can smartly deploy technology to be even better at this.”

Joining APMT on the short-list and presenting its Hazcheck Detect innovation was Exis Technologies.  Chief Information Officer Mike Durkin said, “Hazcheck Detect can be accepted by competing carriers, offering the same technical solution with similar rules and immediate outcomes for cargo screening. This is critically important to prevent mis-declared and undeclared cargo being accepted or cancelled and re-booked on alternate carriers. We are honoured to be shortlisted for this award among a host of impressive entries.”

Making up the finalist’s podium was Intermodal Telematics BV (IMT) and its innovative Tank Container Temperature Monitoring.  “Safety remains a very hot topic across the tank container transport sector,” said Bernard Heylen, Sales Director at IMT. “With our multiple temperature alerting system we offer a digital answer to the increasing demand to transport dangerous goods safely and monitor them remotely. We continue to work in the interests of improved service quality, and in maintaining social responsibility by preventing dangerous incidents.”

Welcoming delegates (and online participants) to the awards ceremony and its accompanying safety seminar, ICHCA’s CEO Richard Steele underlined the aims of the on-going innovation in safety campaign, of which the awards are a critical part.  “We, of course acknowledge safety innovation – especially at a time of increased operational demand on global cargo handling. However, this is much more than a celebration. Our mission is also about, learning and thought leadership.  Our priority is to share these ideas with a wide audience, improving how we all can commit to continuous improvement in health and safety.  The award highlights direct evidence that our industry is actively innovating and changing.”

Steele went on to recognise the awards sponsor, “If you want evidence of industry commitment, look no further than the TT Club.  Not just sponsors in name but actively rolling up their sleeves and proactively driving an innovation and continuous improvement agenda.”

TT Club has been a driving force behind these awards since their inception, and very much committed to improvement in safety as a whole.  Peregrine Storrs-Fox is TT’s Risk Management Director, “We are delighted that the award has continued to attract substantial interest around the globe and across the industry, again demonstrating a passion to enhance safety and dynamic action to make this reality. We are pleased to report that this passion is shared by such a diverse group of operators and suppliers, with this year also featuring submissions designed for environmental protection and monitoring,” he commented.

The event announcing the winners was enhanced by a seminar which featured two discussion panel sessions on managing personal injury risk and minimising damage in cargo in transit with speakers from DP World, , Rombit, ConnexBird and the Safetytech Accelerator as well as TT Club and ICHCA.  The Keynote Speech was delivered by the vastly experienced Morten Engelstoft.  A recording of the proceedings is available on request.

“The Awards have been, and remain pivotal to our safety campaign,” emphasised Storrs-Fox.  “However through our own, and our colleagues at ICHCA’s cooperation with conference and exhibition organisers TOC, I am pleased to announce that the Safety Village initiative launched at TOC Europe last year will be repeated and enlarged at the same event in Rotterdam in June.”

The TT Club Safety Village will once more be the venue for workshops and panel sessions throughout the three days of the TOC Europe event. It will also provide opportunities for companies to showcase their innovative safety devices, processes and products. “Providing a focal point for discussion and promotion of such innovations at a leading industry forum will continue to benefit the cause of safety in the supply chain and the development of new solutions to manage significant risks,” concluded Storrs-Fox.

ENDS.

About ICHCA International

Established in 1952, ICHCA International is an independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the safety, productivity and efficiency of cargo handling and movement worldwide. ICHCA’s privileged NGO status enables it to represent its members, and the cargo handling industry at large, in front of national and international agencies and regulatory bodies, while its Technical Panel provides best practice advice and develops publications on a wide range of practical cargo handling issues.


Operating through a series of national and regional chapters, including ICHCA Australia, ICHCA Japan and plus Correspondence and Working Groups, ICHCA provides a focal point for informing, educating, lobbying and networking to improve knowledge and best practice across the cargo handling chain.

www.ichca.com

About TT Club

TT Club is the established market-leading independent provider of mutual insurance and related risk management services to the international transport and logistics industry. TT Club’s primary objective is to help make the industry safer and more secure. Founded in 1968, the Club has more than 1,100 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 93% of its Members with a third of its entire membership having chosen to insure with the Club for 20 years or more.

www.ttclub.com

“K” LINE Conducts Trial Use of Marine Biofuel on Capesize Bulker to Help Decarbonize the Shipping Industry

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) is pleased to announce that we have conducted the trial use of B24 marine biofuel comprising 24% fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) blended with very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), which was supplied by integrated energy company bp to the Capesize bulker “CAPE TSUBAKI” with the cooperation of the charterer, JFE Steel Corporation. This is third successful trial use of marine biofuel by a “K” LINE vessel. “K” LINE would like to accumulate expertise on the operation and use of biofuels.

The vessel was supplied with the biofuel in Singapore on 26 November 2022. In December 2022, after completing the loading of Iron Ore at Ponta da Madeira, the vessel started consuming the biofuel while navigating to the discharging port in Kawasaki. In this trial, biofuel had been stored for 2 months in a tank, and the biofuel was used for the long voyage after storage without any large problems. The FAME component of the marine biofuel blend used in this trial enabled a GHG emissions reduction of about 80-90% in the well-to-wake (from fuel generation to consumption) process without changing current engine specifications.

In addition to this trial, “K” LINE already has conducted the same kind of trial use of marine biofuel for a Supramax bulker for carrying hot-rolled steel coils with JFE Steel Corporation*1. Now “K” LINE has also conducted this trial for their raw materials shipments. “K” LINE aims to contribute the decarbonization of all of the marine transportation in the customer’s supply chain.

In “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-*2, we have set the 2030 interim target of improving CO2 emissions efficiency by 50% compared with 2008, surpassing the IMO target of a 40% improvement. Furthermore, we set our new target for 2050 as “The Challenge of Achieving Net-Zero GHG Emissions.” As an action plan, we will continue to work on the introduction of new fuels which have a low environmental impact and take on the challenge of achieving the targets we have established.

*1. August 26th, 2022.

“K” LINE Conducts Trial Use of Marine Biofuel for Decarbonization on Supramax Bulker

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/drybulk/drybulk-4419591465105910059/main/0/link/220826EN.pdf

*2. “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 -Blue Seas for the Future-

As an action plan for GHG reduction, we are introducing zero-emission fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen fuels, as well as carbon-neutral fuels such as bio-LNG and synthetic fuels.https://www.kline.co.jp/en/csr/environment/management.html