Transport communications

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Participation in the “Japan Hydrogen Association”

December 7, 2020 by

We are pleased to announce that we have participated in the “Japan Hydrogen Association”　founded by and among numerous private companies who are aiming for the building and enhancement of the hydrogen society. The association will promote global cooperation in hydrogen-oriented activities as well as establishment of supply-chain of hydrogen.

In pursuit of the principle in our long-term guideline concerning environment, “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Blue Seas for the Future, under which we have promised not only to reduce the emission of greenhouse gas (GHG) from our own fleet but also to encourage decarbonization of society, we are diligently working toward our goal to become a leading player to supply and transport new energy.

The hydrogen is expected to play a central role to solve global warming. We have decided to participate in the association because its initiative – implementation of hydrogen in the society and encouragement to develop hydrogen industry through collaboration with various stakeholders – is fully aligned with our principle to drive decarbonization of ourselves and the society.

We will continue to devote our utmost effort to achieve environmentally low-loaded service to realize decarbonized society as our priority issue

Planned activities of “Japan Hydrogen Association”

  1. Proposal and coordination of projects for the social implementation of hydrogen
  2. Consideration of fund, its launching, and basic administration and management.
  3. Policy proposal for the demand creation, and deregulation.
  4. International activities.
  5. Information gathering inside and outside Japan, analysis, and publicity.

References : “K” LINE’s Activities in relation to hydrogen

September 4, 2020 release:

Launch of Kobe/Kansai Hydrogen Utilization Council

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/Liquefied_gas/Liquefied_gas4587140778761113582/main/0/link/200904EN.pdf

December 19, 2019 release:

Participation in “CO₂-free Hydrogen Energy Supply-chain Technology Research Association (HySTRA)”～Towards the Realization of a Hydrogen Society, “K”LINE will be involved in the Demonstration of the World’s First Liquefied Hydrogen Carrier ～

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/Liquefied_gas/Liquefied_gas6775753940900439662/main/0/link/20191219_en%20%20.pdf

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS welcomes New Regional Managing Director, Contract Logistics in Asia-Pacific Region

December 1, 2020 by

Twenty-five year logistics veteran, Eric Herman, joins GEODIS to strengthen the supply chain operator’s growth in contract logistics throughout APAC

Eric’s extensive logistics experience in supply chain strategy, operations and capacity assessments, as well as network and facility design will support GEODIS’ increased focus on Contract Logistics in APAC.

Eric joins GEODIS from CBRE GROUP’s Supply Chain Advisory Asia where he was a Senior Consultant. His previous career includes running Puma Energy in Indonesia; leading Contract Logistics & Business Development for CWT Ltd, and various management roles in ocean carrier Maersk. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience from working across many industry verticals.

In welcoming Eric, GEODIS APAC Regional President and CEO, Onno Boots said, “Eric has an in-depth Asia-Pacific market knowledge of e-commerce trends, last-mile networks and next generation warehouse designs. Through his leadership, I see the strengthening of our team’s capability and commercial approach. He will lead an accelerated growth strategy, by guiding our investments in Contract Logistics across the Region, expanding GEODIS’ footprint and implementing state of the art technology.”

Eric commented: “COVID-19 and the recent Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership trade pact, formalizing the world’s biggest trade deal, will greatly accelerate the need for robust supply chains that connect clients across the APAC region and beyond. Clients must adapt to rapid upticks in volumes. Major brands with increasing e-commerce businesses are desperate to retain their market share and get products to their end customers quicker than ever before.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide.

In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

CTU Code ‘Quick Guide’ now available in Mandarin

December 1, 2020 by

The Cargo Integrity Group makes its recently published ‘CTU Code – a Quick Guide’ available in the Mandarin language to further its campaign for the adoption and implementation of crucial safety practices throughout the global supply chain.

25 November, 2020

The organisations, which comprise the Cargo Integrity Group (CIG), strongly believe that more widespread use of, and adherence to, the IMO/ILO/UNECE Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units (CTU Code) and the packing practices and techniques it covers will dramatically increase the safety and security of the global container supply chain. Many incidences of container fires aboard ships, landside conflagrations, container stack failures, vehicle rollovers, train derailments, internal cargo collapses and incidents of invasive pest contamination, can be traced to poor packing practices.

The five international freight transport and cargo handling organisations that are collaborating under the Cargo Integrity banner are the Container Owners Association (COA), the Global Shippers Forum (GSF), ICHCA International, TT Club and the World Shipping Council (WSC). In September, the group published materials in English to provide ready guidance to the CTU Code, including a Checklist of actions and responsibilities of those undertaking the packing of cargoes in freight containers specifically. This is now also available in Mandarin Chinese HERE

The group recognised that the full CTU Code, together with its annexes and further ‘informative material’, comprises hundreds of pages of text. This comprehensive body of guidance provides all parties in the supply chain with information about their responsibilities, details of how to pack, secure packages and cargo items and takes account of diverse forces encountered during transport, load distribution and the capability to brace and secure effectively. It also places responsibility on the shipper to declare correctly the composition of the cargo. However, its sheer size and comprehensiveness militates against its easy usage and application to all cargo types. The Quick Guide aims to provide a ready route map for all actors in the supply chain.

It is important for the CTU Code to be as accessible as possible to as many operatives as possible and the aspiration is that this Quick Guide, which distils the Code into just thirteen well-illustrated pages, will encourage them to learn how the Code can be applied to their own particular needs.

It is the intention of the organisations in the Cargo Integrity Group to make the Quick Guide available in other languages as a key part of its dissemination programme and further translations are planned during 2021.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

  1. The five organisations co-operating in the Cargo integrity Group are:
  • Container Owners Association (COA)

Media Contact: Patrick Hicks, Secretary, Container Owners Association, secretary@containerownersassociation.org

  • Global Shippers Forum (GSF)

Media contact: James Hookham, Secretary General, jhookham@globalshippersforum.com Tel: +44 7818 45 04 40

  • International Cargo Handling Co-ordination Association (ICHCA International)

Media contact: Maria Udy, Portcare International, maria@portcare.com

  • TT Club

Media contact: Peter Owen, Portcare International, info@portcare.com

Tel: +44 1737 248300

  • World Shipping Council (WSC)

Media contact: Anna Larsson, Communications Director: alarsson@worldshipping.org

Tel: +47 484 06 919

  1. PDF copies of the published documents are available HERE

Copyright exists in these documents but reproduction in whole or part is permitted subject to acknowledgement of the source.

  1. The CTU Code is the Code of Practice for Packing of Cargo Transport Units jointly published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Copies are available for download here: http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Cargoes/CargoSecuring/Documents/1497.pdf

https://www.unece.org/trans/wp24/guidelinespackingctus/intro.html

Filed Under: TT Club

GEODIS Aims for 25% of its Leadership Positions to be Held by Women by 2023

December 1, 2020 by

GEODIS has structured an internal women’s network.  This is dedicated to giving both GEODIS’ male and female employees opportunities to express themselves, make suggestions, initiate or support actions that contribute positively to gender equality and that help increase the number of women in leadership positions. The network is also intended to improve the reputation of the logistics and transport industry, a field traditionally dominated by men, to one with an image of greater equality and attractive to women.

Today, December 1st, 2020, GEODIS is holding its annual “GEODIS Women’s Network” (GWN) summit. “We want to continue the action we have already initiated and give women the means to access key positions. Our goal is to increase the number of women in managerial positions.” says Mario Ceccon, Executive Vice President Human Resources for GEODIS group. “At 13% in 2017, women now hold 18% of leadership positions. We are aiming for 25% by 2023.”

The GWN is a worldwide network open to all employees, supported by Senior Management, and energized by an active steering committee made up of women and men from various countries in which the Group is active (France, Germany, Denmark, Singapore, the USA, etc.), and representative of various functions such as: Human Resources, Operations and the Group Management Board. The GWN acts to promote inclusion, reduce professional disparities between men and women, improve the balance between work and private life and provide equal career prospects. “With a woman as CEO, GEODIS is already signaling loud and clear that women have access to leadership positions” says Mario Ceccon.

Over the next 3 years, the GWN will concentrate its actions on the following objectives:

  • Studying and harmonizing possible wage disparities
  • Establishing a program aimed at placing more women in leadership positions
  • Increasing the recruitment of women and women’s representation in the transport and logistics industry as a whole

Attracting more women to the Logistics & Transport sector

The network’s other objective is to re-align the sector’s image by promoting actions that encourage women to make a career choice to join a logistics and transport organization.  “We encourage women to access positions offered in the transport and logistics industry. Our program will help to change an outdated, male dominated image of our sector” concludes Mario Ceccon.

At GEODIS, women make up 40% of the workforce.

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Truckers Get More Help on Safe Parking

November 24, 2020 by

Motorway Buddy, the app to assist road hauliers and drivers to accurately plan their overnight parking, has been enhanced with UK police-sourced theft and vehicle interference data to identify safer parking options.

London, 24 November 2020

The upgrade to the app, which has already been downloaded 130,000 times and used over three million times, has been made possible by a unique partnership between Motorway Buddy, freight industry insurer TT Club and NaVCIS Freight, part of the  National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service, a UK National police unit.

Police theft and incident data is used by NaVCIS Freight to produce a “heat map” illustrating vulnerable parking locations that is overlaid onto Motorway Buddy’s existing search engine for overnight parking. In addition to crimes reported to the police, the app’s new functionality also allows drivers to upload reports of suspicious incidents that do not necessarily warrant police action at the time, this information will be disseminated via subsequent updates.

Chris Holloway, ex-trucker and Motorway Buddy pioneer, remarks, “I am particularly pleased that with the support of TT Club and the cooperation of NaVCIS the app can become even more valuable in helping not just drivers but also the haulage companies identify safer overnight stops and pay charges online.  The heat map is dynamic and updated on a regular basis.  The locator tool and zoom-in facility are easily used and provide flexibility in the case of traffic congestion and other delays.”

The screenshot below illustrates the overlaid map and more detail can be accessed here https://motorwaybuddy.com/

Speaking on behalf of TT Club, Mike Yarwood Managing Director Loss Prevention said, “As a mutual insurer specialising in the international freight business we are committed to supporting efforts to minimise risk, loss and damage to freight and cargo carrying assets.  The latest additional functionality of the Motorway Buddy App helps hauliers lower their risk profile. Fuel syphoning can be a particular problem.  It represents a financial loss to the haulier, which is often unrecoverable as the value is below the excess stipulated on many insurance policies.  The cumulative cost of these occurrences along with other less serious damage to vehicles can become significant.”

In addition to information on over 300 truck stops, frequently used lay-bys and other informal parking sites are covered by the app and the newly installed ‘heat map’.  The latest NaVCIS data emphasises the risks of utilising these informal, unsecured areas.  So far this year, of the 3,200+ cases handled by the unit 51% occurred in such locations.  The diagram below provides more detail of these cases, the cargo value of which amounted to nearly £74 million.  Further anecdotal evidence points to an even greater proportion of the more minor, currently unreported incidents, also taking place in these areas.

“Our goal,” concludes Holloway, “is to encourage a far bigger use of truck stops; for these facilities to be even better secured and patrolled than they are at the moment and for more locations to be developed.  Our app will better inform drivers and haulage companies in their decision-making, heighten demand for more secure locations and to reduce crime both officially logged and currently unreported.”

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 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

About Motorway Buddy (MWB) App

The Motorway Buddy smart phone App is an established suite of products recognised by UK government and trade organisations as the go-to truck-stop locator for UK and European drivers. The App was developed in 2011 by a former HGV driver, as a driver friendly compliance and safety management tool. The App provides the location of over 300 recognised truck stop facilities across the United Kingdom. The App is currently available in English, Romanian and Polish.

https://motorwaybuddy.com/

For more information on how to support the work of the NaVCIS’ Freight Unit and to help mitigate the risk of cargo theft, please contact freight@navcis.pnn.police.uk

Filed Under: TT Club

GEODIS pledges a firm commitment to Gender Diversity

November 18, 2020 by

On the occasion of the Global Women’s forum, GEODIS announces an agreement with Bureau Veritas to recognize its commitment to gender equality in the workplace. The aim is to achieve a recognized standard across 12 countries over the next 3 years.

By obtaining the GEEIS (Gender Equality European & International Standard) designation, GEODIS would establish common gender equality and diversity in the workplace standards within its various lines of business. These standards include pay, the advancement of women, skills development and diversity.

Under the agreement with Bureau Veritas, which is expected to be signed before the end of the year, GEODIS will have its practices audited for a 3-month period across 12 of the countries in which the Group operates, starting in 2021 with France, England, Germany and Italy. GEODIS will continue this process in 2022 in Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Australia and then Morocco, the United States, Poland and Singapore in 2023.

Management, the Human Resources department and staff representatives within each country will be interviewed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of gender equality initiatives.

Once obtained, the label will remain valid for 4 years. It comprises 5 levels, one of which will be assigned based on the best practices and readiness of each country. Going forward, the latter will work in close collaboration with Group headquarters and the Arborus association[1] to take ownership of the GEEIS standard.  This is comprised of multiple criteria (there are 10 for level 1) related to sensitivity and training, local initiatives undertaken by the country’s Human Resources department and senior management and application of the Group’s policy.

“This label is a way to create a common culture with regard to gender equality in the workplace internationally, and to deploy best practices on a large scale.  Among other goals, it is aimed at seeing more women in management positions,” says Mario Ceccon, Executive Vice President, Human Resources of GEODIS.

GEODIS has also signed the G20 EMPOWER Alliance pledge, supporting the advancement of women in the private sector. EMPOWER (Private Sector Alliance for the Empowerment and Progression of Women’s Economic Representation) was launched at the 2019 G20 summit in Osaka to advocate the advancement of women in the private sector, foster a supportive, inclusive culture and create more leadership opportunities for women.

[1] https://arborus.org/en/qui-sommes-nous/

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K” Line Listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Asia Pacific Index, a Leading Index for ESG Investment, for 10 consecutive years

November 17, 2020 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” Line) has been selected again as an Asia Pacific Index component of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), one of the leading global indices for ESG investing, for the 10th consecutive year since 2011.

DJSI, the index provided by S&P Dow Jones Indices, measures the performance of companies in terms of economic, environmental and social criteria, through a corporate sustainability assessment, and only includes companies with remarkable performance. Among those indices, Asia Pacific Index selects 158 companies in the Asia-Pacific developed region (including 82 Japanese companies) as components, as a result of sustainability assessment of 606 largest companies in the region. Launched in 1999, DSJI is one of the first global sustainability benchmarks for investors which integrate sustainability consideration into their portfolios.

We have defined initiatives towards sustainability as an important management issue. We will continue striving to fulfill our social responsibility through our business activities and contribute to sustainable progress of the society.

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line : Certified for Cyber Security Management System in also Singapore

November 11, 2020 by

“K” Line Ship Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd (KLSM SGP), a group company of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd (“K” Line), was certified by ClassNK for Cyber Security Management System (CSMS) recently after CSMS acquisition of “K” Line Energy Ship Management Co., Ltd.,Tokyo. (Note 1)

The ship management companies in “K” Line group are not only targeting to acquire the CSMS certification but have been working on the development of practical measures and guide to safely protect ships from Cyber Security threats as first priority. KLSM SGP has been incorporated Cyber Security Management into Safety Management System (SMS) manual and developed Cyber Security Management Plan (CSMP) and its guide (CSMG) as supplementary volume, and KLSM SGP and container ship “ONE HAMBURG” managed by KLSM SGP acquired CSMS certification.

Certificate presentation ceremony on board the ship

KLSM SGP prepared under the various restrictions imposed by COVID-19, and the certification process by ClassNK was completed on October 15, 2020. All vessels under the management of KLSM SGP will be equipped with required IT equipment and arrangements for Cyber Security measures in accordance withy the certified guide in the same manner as “ONE HAMBURG”.

We will provide the safer and best maritime transport service by strengthening protection against cyber risks on both shore and ships.

Filed Under: "K" Line

GEODIS appoints a New Regional Customs Brokerage Director in Asia-Pacific Region

November 10, 2020 by

Dr Kian Chuan Chang joins GEODIS to take over as Regional Customs Brokerage Director

Dr Kian Chuan Chang,
Regional Customs Brokerage Director

Dr Chang has extensive experience within the express transportation sector. Skilled in Logistics Management, Transportation, Customs Brokerage Management and Third-Party Logistics (3PL), he has a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Imperial College, London and a Professional Doctorate from Central Queensland University. He replaces Alan Miu, who is retiring.

In welcoming Dr Chang, GEODIS APAC Regional President and CEO, Onno Boots said, “With the constant evolution of our customers’ supply chains featuring the establishment or expansion of manufacturing bases in ASEAN markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam, or selling into more countries riding on the ecommerce boom, our customs brokerage team works alongside our customers, guiding their businesses through the different regulatory requirements for trade. Dr. Chang’s expertise will lead us to become an even more valuable partner to our customers.”

Customs brokerage services must, of necessity be based on a local presence in key locations within APAC. There is a requirement for up-to-date knowledge that is specific to industry verticals; hi-tech, automotive, FMCG or retail. New Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and new customs procedures recently introduced by different governments underline the value of trusted customs brokerage advice. 

Therefore Dr Chang observed, “With an increase in global challenges due to regulatory changes as well as customers’ expectations, we will work to offer a full suite of innovative customs brokerage solutions that focuses on adopting new technologies to deliver accurate customs and trade compliance.”

GEODIS – www.geodis.com

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide.

In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS, Uncategorized

GEODIS commits long-term airfreight capacity between Europe and USA

November 5, 2020 by

GEODIS, a global logistics provider, has announced the continuation of its scheduled Own Controlled Network (OCN) service linking Europe and the USA.  The current service, providing three full rotations each week, has been confirmed throughout 2021.

With transatlantic air freight capacity continuing to be tight and forecasted to remain so well into 2021, GEODIS is contracting freighters to operate within its OCN as part of its global AirDirect service offering. The 2021 schedule is confirmed between Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) with 3 departures and 3 return flights a week.

Eric Martin-Neuville, Executive Vice President, Freight Forwarding of GEODIS said, “Our customers on both sides of the Atlantic have been suffering from a severe shortage of regular, guaranteed air freight options.  We foresee this situation remaining for some time and so have committed resources to provide stability and assure the continuity of our service through the full year of 2021. As a critical element of our OCN program, we can ensure seamless end-to-end delivery through consistent monitoring and control of all shipments, including pharmaceuticals and medical equipment as well as vaccine delivery as it becomes available.”

Through its AirDirect product, GEODIS will offer capacity wherever the market demand requires.  Additionally, GEODIS AirDirect services operate a weekly fixed day schedule between Hong Kong (HKG) and Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL) as well as Shanghai-Amsterdam-Shanghai (AMS-PVG-AMS).

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its commitment to helping clients overcome their logistical constraints. GEODIS’ growth-focused offerings (Supply Chain Optimization, Freight Forwarding, Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express, and Road Transport) coupled with the company’s truly global reach thanks to a direct presence in 67 countries, and a global network spanning 120 countries, translates in top business rankings, #1 in France, #6 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2019, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS
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