Transport communications

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

“K” Line : Delivery of Coal Carrier “TOHOKU MARU” for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc.

February 6, 2020 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereafter called “K” Line) is proud to announce the delivery of “TOHOKU MARU,” an 91,000 DWT-type special coal carrier at Oshima Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. on 6 February 2020.

TOHOKU MARU is same type as “K” Line’s specialized fleet for transport of thermal coal known as the “Corona-series”. The “Corona-series” consists of epoch-making coal carriers equipped with wide beam and shallow draft, which are the most suitable type to enter ports of Japanese Thermal Power Stations to discharge cargo.

TOHOKU MARU is equipped with latest energy-saving and ecological technology such as Advanced Flipper Fins and Rudder Fin which promote her propeller efficiency. She also has the latest ecological technology such as ballast water management system which protects marine ecosystems, and SOx Scrubber which eliminates sulfur oxides from exhaust gas of engine and enables her to comply with the Global regulation of SOx which started in January, 2020.

TOHOKU MARU will be principally involved in carrying thermal coal to Thermal Power Plants for Tohoku Electric Power Co., Inc..

Vessels’s Specifications:

　 　 　
LOA 234.99 M Deadweight Tons 91,818 MT
Beam 43.00 M Gross Tons 52,458 T
Depth 18.40 M Net Tons 28,945 T
Full Draft 12.885 M Hold/Hatch 5/5
Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line Press Release : Announcement of Financial Highlights for 3rd Quarter FY2019

February 6, 2020 by

January 31, 2020

Please click the following addresses to read our reports.

・Financial Highlights for 3rd Quarter FY2019

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/ir20200131e/main/0/link/2019_3_report_e.pdf

This is also available on “K” Line’s website:

http://www.kline.co.jp/en/

Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line to Provide Support for Those affected by the Australian Bushfires

February 6, 2020 by

January 30, 2020

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. announced that it will provide a monetary donation in the amount of 10 thousand Australian dollars through the Australian Red Cross toward relief efforts in the areas damaged by the Australian Bushfires.

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to those in the disaster areas and sincerely wish for the earliest recovery from this most unfortunate event.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Dachser DIY-Logistics under new management

February 5, 2020 by

The Dachser network currently handles five million shipments for the DIY and garden industry annually

Kempten/Cologne, February 5, 2020 – Jens Wollmann became Department Head Dachser DIY-Logistics at the start of the year. He is taking over from Ralf Meistes, who founded and grew Dachser DIY-Logistics and headed it for more than 20 years. Meistes retired at the end of 2019.

Jens Wollmann, Department Head Dachser DIY-Logistics

The Dachser DIY-Logistics industry solution has been around since 1998. “It has become established on the market over the last 20 years. Its annual shipment volume, currently at five million, clearly underlines the relevance of the logistics solution, which is specially tailored to the requirements of the global garden and DIY sector,” says Stefan Hohm, Corporate Director Corporate Solutions, Research & Development, who is in charge of Dachser’s global industry solutions business. The successful Dachser DIY-Logistics model, which combines the core services of Dachser’s global network with specific services and expertise for the DIY sector, is set to continue growing. “The demands placed on DIY-Logistics from suppliers, retailers, and consumers are changing more dynamically than ever, which is why we’re focusing on our range of tailored logistics services and the growing internationalization of the industry solution,” says Jens Wollmann in explaining the core tasks of his new position.

Wollmann has almost 20 years’ experience in the logistics industry, having spent over half of them at Dachser. After training to be a freight forwarding agent, the 43-year-old began his career at the company in 2004. For nine years, he worked in many positions within the Dachser Air & Sea Logistics business field, including in sales and in key account management. He left the company in 2013 for DHL. He held various sales positions there, most recently Head of Business Development & Account Management South, before returning to Dachser in spring 2018. Since then, he has been preparing to take over from Ralf Meistes within the Dachser DIY-Logistics industry solution.

About Dachser:

A family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, Dachser offers transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 30,600 employees at 399 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2018. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.7 million shipments weighing 41.3 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 44 countries.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

GEODIS recognized for its actions to mitigate climate impact

February 5, 2020 by

CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) has awarded GEODIS an “A-” rating for 2019. The Group is now categorized as a ‘Leader’ in environmental care.

This result recognizes the global logistics provider as a Leader that implements the relevant actions to effectively reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, reflecting outstanding environmental management. The achievement is encouraging given that only 6% of companies assessed by CDP from around the world have been rated “A –“ or higher.

“This score demonstrates that GEODIS places climate and carbon issues at the focal point of its business strategy. Our group has set itself the objective of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and supports its customers in the implementation of solutions that are every more respectful to the environment.” says Marie-Christine Lombard, Chief Executive Office of GEODIS.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy and its commitment to control and reduce the impact of its operations on the environment, GEODIS has responded to the CDP Supply Chain Program questionnaire each year since 2014. CDP is an international, non-profit organization that manages the largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities. Through respondents’ self-reported declarations, it evaluates practical measures undertaken, such as reporting processes or greenhouse gas emissions reductions programs in the supply chain and rates the companies accordingly.

ENDS

GEODIS – www.geodis.com 

GEODIS is a top-rated, global supply chain operator recognized for its passion and 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, #4 in Europe and #7 worldwide. In 2018, GEODIS accounted for over 41,000 employees globally and generated €8.2 billion in sales.

Filed Under: GEODIS

Dachser expands its logistics center in Hof

January 27, 2020 by

Hof/Kempten, 27 January, 2020 – Logistics provider Dachser is stepping up its contract logistics activities in the Upper Franconia region of Germany and moving into a new warehouse in the town of Hof. The warehouse will provide space for around 39,000 pallets and have 47 docking bays. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2020. 

The expansion also includes offices and communal areas covering a total area of 900 square meters. “Our new multi-user warehouse next to the existing logistics center will offer space for us to provide contract logistics services for a medium-sized customer from the DIY and gardening sector for example,” says Klaus Neubing, General Manager of the Hof logistics center, about the expansion of business at the location. The contract logistics services that Dachser offers in Hof combine transport solutions and warehousing with comprehensive value-added services such as picking and packaging. Following the expansion, Dachser will employ some 500 people in the town. In addition, around 300 people work regularly for Dachser through the independent transport companies or, for example, as seasonal workers.

Pan-European project developer and logistics specialist Verdion carries oit the construction work, and Dachser will be able to move into the building in fall 2020. “This expansion marks the next important step in our work with one of our major DIY customers in the region,” says Alexander Tonn, Managing Director European Logistics Germany, who is responsible for Dachser’s industrial goods business in Germany. “Together, we’re putting in place a sustainable, growth-oriented logistics concept in Hof.”

From a geographic perspective, Hof’s central location in Europe is perfect for the logistics center, since all the relevant European destinations and economic centers are within easy reach. Dachser’s logistics center in Nuremberg connects the Hof branch to the company’s worldwide air and sea freight network.

30 years in Upper Franconia

Dachser has been operating in Germany’s Upper Franconia region for over 30 years. Today’s logistics center, located on the outskirts of Hof since 2008, offers a 13,800-square-meter transit terminal and 11,800 square meters of warehouse space with 35,000 high-bay pallet spaces. This capacity has made the logistics provider a long-standing warehousing and transport partner in the region for customers from the industrial goods and food sectors.

“Hof is becoming an increasingly important logistics hub, and this expansion marks another step in this growth. Our town is proud to be home to a global company like Dachser. This expansion of the Hof branch means the company will provide a total of around 500 jobs, making it one of our largest local employers,” says Hof’s Mayor Dr. Harald Fichtner. “I’d like to take this opportunity to say thanks for the strong role you play in the community, including your valuable contribution to the Upper Franconia Logistics Agency. I wish the expansion project and the company every success!”

About Dachser:

A family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, Dachser offers transport logistics, warehousing, and customer-specific services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 30,600 employees at 399 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 5.6 billion in 2018. That same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.7 million shipments weighing 41.3 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 44 countries.

For more information about Dachser, please visit www.dachser.com

Filed Under: Dachser UK

‘Book it Right and Pack it Tight’

January 22, 2020 by

Insurance mutuals urge the container shipping industry and participants in the global supply chain it serves to give ever more serious attention to the causes and consequences of ship fires, jointly issuing a guide outlining the responsibilities of all stakeholders in reducing risk.

London, 22nd January, 2020

1st January this year saw mandatory enforcement of the latest version of the IMDG Code, Amendment 39-18.  As the incorrect declaration, packing, handling and stowage of dangerous goods of all types is seen as a primary cause of many container ship fires, insurance mutuals UK P&I and TT Club have once more collaborated in publishing guidelines under the title ‘Book it Right and Pack it Tight’.

The guide published this week and available free of charge*, provides key insights for all actors in the freight supply chain responsible for preparing unitised consignments for carriage by sea. It gives an overview of the practical duties and responsibilities under the IMDG Code for each stakeholder.

Stuart Edmonston is UK P&I’’s Loss Prevention Director.  “As mutuals, our chief aim is to minimise risk for our Members and the industry we serve,” he says.  “The recent spate of container ship fires with the consequent loss of life, damage to ships and cargo, and trade disruption has been a major concern to ourselves and TT Club.  UK P&I continues to participate in initiatives which focus on the capability to detect, suppress and extinguish fires at sea.  However we share our sister organisation’s desire to tackle the causes of such fires at source.”

TT Club sees its core contribution to seek significant improvements in cargo declaration and packing. “As so often the case, fires and explosions are merely the ‘tip of the iceberg’ of problems, which are inherent throughout the supply chain,” observes Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director.  “There are far too many errors in classification and declaration of commodities to be transported.  These are often amplified by poor decisions and practices relating to packaging, packing, segregation and securing. Such errors severely compromise safety in a variety of ways, but most critically when the goods should be rightly be described as dangerous in a regulated sense and, here, in compliance the IMDG Code.”

Uffe Ernst-Frederiksen, Head of Cargo Management at Maersk Line and Chairman of CINS says of this guide, “I find this publication to be tremendously useful and that if only people would read one book this year that it should be this one.”

Through its ‘Cargo Integrity’ Campaign TT Club has been for some time seeking to enhance awareness of the issues and to urge implementation of more rigorous practices relating to entering cargo into the supply chain. Its support of, and participation in CINS, is one such initiative. CINS is comprised of representative of container shipping lines which together control over 85% of the world’s container slot capacity. 

A recent CINS report, which should be seen as complementary to ‘Book it Right and Pack it Tight’, demonstrates substantial effort by the industry to bring understanding to the complexities involved in the ship stowage processes. It seeks to develop a commonality of approach in order to improve safety. Entitled ‘Safety Considerations for Ship Operators Related to Risk‐Based Stowage of Dangerous Goods on Containerships’**, it underlines the irrefutable fact that proper declaration is a paramount prerequisite.

One of the expert companies involved in the preparation of the CINS Risk Based Stowage report was Exis Technologies, whose input was focused around its detailed knowledge of the IMDG Code Dangerous Goods List and stowage requirements.  In collaboration other industry experts Exis categorised each commodity on the List by UN Number, placing it in the appropriate Risk Zone as defined by the CINS Stowage guidelines.  In order to further encourage the use of these guidelines, Exis has gifted the Hazcheck Risk Zone Data*** online as a free resource to all involved across the container supply chain.

*https://www.ukpandi.com/knowledge-publications/article/book-it-right-and-pack-it-tight-2020-edition-151231/

*https://www.ttclub.com/loss-prevention/publications/risk-management-handbooks/

**http://www.cinsnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CINS-DG-Stowage-Considerations-Final.pdf

***https://hazcheck.existec.com/hazcheck-systems/hazcheck-risk-zone-data.aspx

ENDS

About UK P&I

The UK P&I Club is a leading provider of P&I insurance and other services to the international shipping community. Established in 1869 the UK P&I Club insures over 244 million tonnes of owned and chartered shipping through its international offices and claims network. ‘A (Stable)’ rated by Standard & Poor’s with free reserves of $505m, the UK P&I Club is renowned for its specialist skills and expertise which ensure ‘best in class’ underwriting, claims handling and loss prevention services.

The UK P&I Club is managed by Thomas Miller, an independent and international insurance, professional and investment services provider.

www.ukpandi.com

About TT Club

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

As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a worldwide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

“K” LINE Awarded CDP’s “A List 2019” on Climate Change : Earning Highest Rating “A” for Four Consecutive Years

January 21, 2020 by

“K” LINE is proud to announce that the company was recognized as “A List,” the top rating, on climate change from CDP, which is a non-profit global organization (NGO) engaging in activities for realizing sustainable economy, in “CDP 2019 Japan Report Launch ” held on January 20 in Tokyo. The “A List” is awarded to companies that are evaluated as global leaders in their response to climate change.

From among the companies that disclosed their climate change information in response to a questionnaire sent from CDP on behalf of 525 institutional investors with total assets of over 96 trillion US dollars, 179 companies whose measures against climate change such as emissions reduction activities in the reported year were regarded as outstanding were recognized in the A List last year. Japanese companies number 38 among these and only 6 companies were selected for more than four consecutive years.

In our medium-term management plan, we have set ESG (Environment, Society and Governance) initiatives as a key management issue. As for the field of the environment, we are advancing measures in accordance with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Securing Blue Seas for Tomorrow -*. In particular, promotion  of a framework “DRIVE GREEN NETWORK” for continually promoting environmental preservation activities while ensuring environmental compliance throughout the entire “K” Line Group bore fruit to gain the 4th  straight year to receive the A List rating.

As an environmental front runner, we will continue to aim for the realization of business – marine transportation being more environmentally low-loaded and highly efficient from which more people throughout the world can benefit.

Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Officer, Atsuo Asano,
speaking at the debriefing session.

* : Please see the following for details of our “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050  –  Click here

Filed Under: "K" Line

TT Club Appoints Network Partner in Qingdao, China

January 20, 2020 by

International freight and logistics insurer, TT Club has announced the appointment of a new Network Partner, tasked with providing support for those the Club insures around the world, in Qingdao, China. The seventeenth such facility that TT provides globally, this complements the Club’s regional offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong

Hong Kong and London, 20th January, 2020

Fundamental to the mutual insurer’s service is its global reach.  Therefore to have the first Network Partner established in China, to complement the existing Shanghai corporate office, is an important landmark for the Club.

Allowing TT Club Members, its insured, to access a unique network of freight transport experts across the globe, Network Partners provide claims assistance, loss prevention and risk management advice to container lines, freight forwarders and other supply chain operators who arrange their insurance cover through TT Club.

Now in Qingdao, through the appointment of Ever Faith Marine Service Co Ltd., as of 10th January, TT Club has a presence in three key locations.  Qingdao joins TT Club’s management company Thomas Miller’s offices in Shanghai and its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong.

In making the announcement, Phillip Emmanuel, TT Club’s Asia Pacific Regional Director said, “TT Club Members large and small both operate and trade in a truly global environment and it is vital that they receive assistance from us wherever their business transactions are made and carried out.  We strive therefore to continually enhance the reach of our service network in order to deliver an unequalled level of claims and loss prevention advice.”

Ivy Yu will lead the Ever Faith team in serving TT Club Members.  Ivy spent four years working at the offices of TT Club managers Thomas Miller in Shanghai and will bring valuable experience of mutual insurance to the new Network Partner.

ENDS

About TT Club 

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

As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a worldwide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

SAL adds further to its digitalization strategy and appoints spearhead

January 13, 2020 by

Hamburg, 13 January 2020

SAL Heavy Lift is taking further steps to strengthen and develop its digital landscape by creating a new executive function that focusses on Information Technology and Digitalization.

With the dawn of the new year, SAL is taking action to ensure its further growth strategy, by strengthening its efforts towards digitalization. SAL and owners Harren & Partner have appointed Claas Matthies, Managing Director, as the new group Chief Information Officer (CIO). He takes on the leadership of the group’s digital strategy combined with responsibility for Group Accounting and Merger & Acquisition activities.

Claas Matthies

“Digitalization of business processes is becoming an ever more competitive parameter and we see great potential in developing our digital landscape even further from today. As a modern and dynamic shipping group, information technology plays a vital role in our further growth and development. I am happy to see Claas taking on this challenge in combination with his other activities within Group accounting and our M&A activities,” states Dr. Martin Harren, CEO, SAL Heavy Lift. 

This move aims to contribute to the increased profit growth and strategic development of SAL and Harren & Partner. Alongside this new position comes the appointment of a new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in the form of Mr. Soeren Bibow who joins SAL and Harren & Partner after a more than 20-year long career with leading German corporate banking institutions at which he oversaw shipping and maritime investments.

Soeren Bibow

Dr. Martin Harren goes on to state: “We are extremely pleased to see Soeren joining our management team. His tremendous experience and wide-ranging connections to the international banking world, paired with deep knowledge about Corporate Finance and Controlling, underlines that Soeren will play a key role in developing and executing on our strategic growth targets.” 

Soeren Bibow will take on the responsibility for the areas Financing, Treasury and Controlling and be part of the Group Executive Team.

“I look forward to being part of this highly experienced and motivated team and to take on the future challenges and the great work that lies ahead of us. I relish the task of continuing the successful development of SAL and Harren & Partner,” says Soeren Bibow.

The appointments were effective as of 6th January 2020.

ENDS

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers both within project shipping as well as in offshore projects. With travel speeds of up to 20 knots, up to 3500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons the fleet belongs to the most advanced in the heavy lift sector.

With the Type 183 fleet, equipped with dynamic position systems and an optional mountable Fly-Jib for greater crane outreach, SAL offers offshore services to multiple sectors. With the Type 171 and 116, SAL holds a fleet of heavy lift vessels with 1A ice class, capable of trading in arctic waters and northern sea route transits. 

As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, SAL meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation, health, safety and environment. SAL’s latest investments in advanced hydrogen/methanol power generators, takes an industry leading step in applying green technology to its fleet. The global outreach of SAL is ensured via own sales offices and exclusive agents spread across more than 20 countries.

www.sal-heavylift.com  

Filed Under: SAL Heavy Lift
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