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Dachser pursues sustainable growth

April 2, 2019 by

Logistics provider reports 5.5 percent growth; European export business remains primary growth driver; new records in shipment, tonnage, and workforce

Kempten, Munich. April 2, 2019. Dachser posted substantial growth once again in 2018. The logistics provider increased its consolidated net revenue by 5.5 percent to EUR 5.57 billion. As they did last year, shipment numbers increased, rising by 2.5 percent to 83.7 million; tonnage rose 3.0 percent to 41.3 million metric tons. With 30,609 employees in total, up 1,511 from the preceding year, Dachser’s workforce reached a record high.

The global logistics provider’s growth was again boosted by economic conditions. However, certain challenges became increasingly apparent: the shortage of professional drivers and logistics operatives; potential capacity bottlenecks resulting from pronounced seasonal peaks and a shortage of load capacity; and growing uncertainty about diesel driving bans, Brexit, and the future of international trade relationships. “By 2018, it was clear that logistics had to focus on the discipline of scarce resources management,” explains Bernhard Simon, CEO Dachser SE. “Against this backdrop, it is important to handle growth with purpose and manage it such that we maintain a healthy balance between quality, processes, and costs. Only sustainable growth will benefit our employees and customers.”

Business development in detail

Dachser’s Road Logistics business field—which comprises the transport and storage of industrial goods (European Logistics) and food (Food Logistics)—posted dynamic growth again in 2018 to increase its consolidated net revenue by 6.6 percent to EUR 4.47 billion.

The European Logistics (EL) business line posted the strongest growth with net revenue up 7.0 percent to EUR 3.55 billion. Shipments and tonnage each increased by 3.1 percent. “All four regional business units helped substantially strengthen the network. The network effects in the export business ensure that the EL business units continue to grow and mutually drive each other’s growth,” says Simon.

Dachser’s Food Logistics business line also posted robust revenue figures for 2018. Consolidated net revenue increased by 5.3 percent to EUR 917 million. The virtually unchanged number of shipments compared to the previous year was offset by tonnage growth of 2.0 percent. “We continue to pursue our quality strategy, and it is paying off. Dachser Food Logistics has seen positive development for many years now and is generating growth with national transports and contract logistics. We have also seen encouraging growth rates in cross-border transports,” reports Simon. “On the downside, the shortage of freight space and drivers plus seasonal fluctuations in volume are hitting this segment hard.”  

The Air & Sea Logistics business field again proved to be volatile. As a result of exchange-rate effects, decreasing freight rates, and a downturn in volume on the China-Europe route, consolidated net revenue stagnated at around EUR 1.19 billion. A 2.9 percent decrease in the number of shipments was offset by tonnage growth—most notably in sea freight—of 6.6 percent. “By 2020, we aim to replace all isolated solutions with our Othello transport management system, which we developed in-house. In 2018, we completed the rollout of the system in China to mark a major milestone in this project,” Simon explains. “The key to sustainable growth in air and sea freight lies in mastering and managing complex interfaces and the deep integration of our logistics systems. As we have seen with European overland transport, our investments in integration and standardization will pay off here, too.” 

Investment in network and personnel

In times of scarce resources, investment in personnel, capacities, and innovations is critical to Dachser’s continued growth. In 2018, the company invested EUR 126 million in logistics facilities, IT systems, and technical equipment. For 2019, the company has earmarked EUR 234 million for this purpose. Dachser also places a strong focus on training, an approach that has proved very successful, particularly for professional drivers. “At present, we have 207 people training to become professional drivers through Dachser Service & Ausbildungs GmbH, which makes us one of the largest driver training centers in Germany. Our next step is to broaden our focus to include logistics operatives in transit terminals and warehouses,” Simon says. 

Overview of net revenue:

Net revenue (in EUR millions) 2018 2017 Change
Road Logistics 4,465 4,187 +6.6%
European Logistics 3,548 3,316 +7.0%
Food Logistics 917 871 +5.3%
Air & Sea Logistics 1,185 1,190 -0.4%
Consolidation
(deducting revenue from company interests of 50% and lower) 		-80 -98  
Group 5,570 5,280 +5.5%

Overview of gross revenue, incl. duties and import tax:


Gross revenue (in EUR millions) 		2018 2017 Change
Road Logistics 4,741 4,441 +6.8%
European Logistics 3,824 3,570 +7.1%
Food Logistics 917 871 +5.3%
Air & Sea Logistics 1,835 1,785 +2.8%
Consolidation
(deducting revenue from company interests of 50% and lower) 		-83 -107  
Group 6,493 6,118 +6.1%



About Dachser:

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

American Club Managers enhance Global Services Team with new Senior Appointments

April 1, 2019 by

NEW YORK, 26 MARCH, 2019:  Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. (SCB), Managers ofthe American Club, has announced several senior appointments which have been made to enhance the capabilities of its global service teams.

At the Club’s headquarters in New York, Margaret Lee has been appointed as Lead Counsel. With twenty years of experience in the industry, Margaret is a New York-admitted attorney who worked in private practice before joining the Club’s management several years ago.

Margaret has particular expertise in occupational disease claims and, in addition to overseeing the wide – and diverse – range of legal matters which attend the operation of the Club and its Managers, she is a member of the International Group’s Occupational Disease Sub-Committee in which role she liaises with the representatives of other clubs in this important area of the Group’s collective engagements.

In the Managers’ office in Piraeus, Joanna Koukouli has been appointed as Deputy Global Claims Director, reporting to Global Claims Director Don Moore in New York. Holding both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law, and qualified to practice in Greece, the United Kingdom and New York, Joanna also has twenty years’ industry experience including that of in-house counsel at a major Greek container company.

Joanna has also been appointed as Joint Managing Director of the Piraeus office, in which role she will continue to work closely with Dorothea Ioannou, the Managers’ Chief Commercial Officer.

In addition, Marivi Banou has been appointed as P&I Claims Manager, assisting Joanna Koukouli in the general day-to-day supervision of the Piraeus-based claims team. Having gained a degree from Metropolitan University, London in shipping and transport, and then acquired experience in both the shipowning and insurance broking sectors, Marivi originally joined the Managers’ Greek office on its opening in 2005.

At the same time, Elina Souli was recently recruited by the Managers’ Piraeus office to undertake the roles of FD&D Manager and Regional Business Development Director. With undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in law, and holding legal qualifications from both Greece and the United Kingdom, Elina has extensive experience working with both a major local shipping firm and the branch office of another Group club.

In her new role, Elina brings a duality of expertise in promotion of the Club’s capabilities both in Greece and elsewhere in the region.

Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of SCB said:“I am delighted to announce this quartet of senior appointments.  They speak not only to the evident abilities of the individuals concerned, each of whom has more than twenty years’ experience, but also to the growing gender diversity for which our company continues to gain a market-leading reputation. I am certain that Members, and the Club’s many other friends, will wish to congratulate Margaret, Joanna, Marivi and Elina, in the expectation that they will continue to apply their characteristic energy and dedication to the fulfilment of their new professional duties.”

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.

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.

Filed Under: The American Club

SAL Heavy Lift, Spain opens its doors

April 1, 2019 by

SAL Heavy Lift and Davila Group come together to establish SAL Heavy Lift, Spain.  

SAL Heavy Lift GmbH is proud to announce that together with its Spanish business partner Grupo Davila (Davila Group), a new entity has been formed to represent SAL in the Spanish market.

As of 1st of April 2019, SAL Heavy Lift, Spain will open its doors to Spanish clients.

In charge will be Sr. Carlos Claramunt Lebrón – a familiar name to many, who brings 15 years of commercial and technical experience in the maritime industry to the role. 

Eduardo Davila, President of Davila Group, says: “I am honored to have SAL as a close business partner and to be able to present SAL Heavy Lift, Spain to the Spanish market. We share the same passion for shipping and both companies represents the best of shipping within our respective fields. I am confident that with the closer ties we are creating between us, we will provide the best possible service to our clients wherever they are in Spain.”

The concept is a new one to both SAL and Davila. It takes the most relevant elements of each company to create a dedicated and client focused service offering in the local market. 

Justin Archard, Chief Operating Officer of SAL Heavy Lift, explains; “With Davila Group, we saw the right partner to advance this concept. We have worked with the Davila Group and family for a long time, and the timing and opportunity for this step suited us both.  Davila has been a significant part of the Spanish shipping industry for more than 100 years and I have no doubt that we have the best possible partner to help develop the SAL brand in the Spanish market.”

Carlos Claramunt Lebrón: 15 years of experience within the maritime sector, 5 years in heavy lift shipping. A qualified Naval Architect.  Carlos can connect sales and marketing with deep technical knowledge and understanding.  SAL Heavy Lift, Spain will reside in Madrid.

aAbout 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 company was founded in 1980 as “Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land GmbH & Co. KG” and belongs to Harren & Partner Group since 2017. The modern fleet of heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers. The vessels of SAL Heavy Lift boast an impressive travel speed of 20 knots, up to 3500 m2 of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons: amongst the world’s highest lifting capacity in the heavy lift sector. As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, the company meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation and health, safety and environment.

www.sal-heavylift.com

About Grupo Davila

The Davila Group is a family owned company whose origins date back to its parent company Joaquin Davila & Cia, which was founded in 1917. The Davila Group is a Spanish based company with more than 100 years of experience in the Spanish maritime sector, and with a strong inter-national presence in South America.

The Group’s main services include amongst others: a network of agencies dedicated to the representation of tramp and liner vessels, the managing and development of container and reefer terminals, reparation and maintenance of dry and reefer containers, project cargo and container forwarding focused in all the different areas of the supply chain, customs agents with special focus in perishable cargo, mega yacht management and brokerage and their own Marina located in Vigo which includes one of the best known restaurants in the city.

The key of the Group’s success resides in its qualified team of professionals and a personalized service to fit customer’s needs. 

www.grupodavila.es

Filed Under: SAL Heavy Lift

Campaign for Greater Container Safety Must Focus First on Dangerous Goods

March 21, 2019 by

The recent reports of container ship fires has once more focussed those in the container supply chain on safety issues related to the incorrect processing of dangerous goods.  The nascent Cargo Integrity campaign initiated by the international transport and logistics insurer, TT Club has as a consequence gained renewed impetus. 

20 March, 2019

The recent fire aboard ‘Yantian Express’, details ofthe final judgment on the  ‘MSC Flaminia’ explosion in July 2012, and the ongoing investigation of the ‘Maersk Honan’ fire are currently making headline news.  Then just days ago news has come in of ‘Grande America’ sustaining a container fire in the Bay of Biscay and subsequently sinking.  These perilous incidents not only frequently cost lives, millions of dollars in cargo losses and ship damage, but also significant delays in cargo supply chains amounting to major disruption across numerous industries in these ‘just-in-time’ days.

Yet these incidents are merely the tip of a failing safety iceberg.  Taking the maritime segment of global supply chain, it is estimated that a major container ship fire at sea occurs on average every 60 days, albeit that there have already been four major cargo-related fire incidents in 2019.  Furthermore TT Club’s records indicate that across the intermodal spectrum as a whole, 66% of incidents related to cargo damage can be attributed to poor practice in the overall packing process; that is not just in securing but also in cargo identification, declaration, documentation and effective data transfer. The calculated cost of these claims in the Marine Aviation & Transport (MAT) insurance sector is in excess of USD 500 million a year.

Peregrine Storrs-Fox, TT Club’s Risk Management Director, is leading the Cargo Integrity charge, “We are endeavouring to focus all direct and indirect stakeholders on recognising and doing the right thing,” he states. “One particularly critical aspect of this is the correct declaration and handling of dangerous goods (DG).”

All types of cargo can be mishandled, however wrongly classified, labelled, packed or simply inaccurately identified dangerous commodities bring the greatest potential risk of disaster.  Estimating the degree of failure to comply with best practices in this regard is not straightforward.  ICHCA International, the cargo handling operatives association has calculated that of the 60 million packed containers moved each year, 10% or six million are declared as DG.  Information from published government inspections (which are invariably biased towards declared DG loads) suggests that 20% of these are poorly packed or incorrectly identified.  This translates into 1.3 million potentially unstable DG containers traveling around the world each year.

Storrs-Fox emphasises that this scale of risk is elevated when undeclared or misdeclared DG consignments are considered.  “In these cases an estimate of volumes is more obscure. An indication has been given through the work of one container carrier, Hapag-Lloyd, developing a profiling algorithm to search its booking system for potential misdeclaration of commodities.  Results from Cargo Patrol, when extrapolated to the carryings of all the lines, concludes a reasonable estimate in excess of 150,000 volatile containers in the supply chain each year.”

Container lines in particular are making efforts to mitigate the problem.  The Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), in which many of the top lines participate, has been active for a number of years and has successfully identified a number of commodities that commonly cause problems during transport – not always limited to those formally identified as dangerous.  TT Club has additionally promoted, together with UK P&I Club and Exis Technologies, the Hazcheck Restrictions Portal, which is designed to identify and streamline the complexity of regulations and protocols imposed by carriers and ports around the world in relation to transporting declared dangerous goods.

However, as Storrs-Fox concludes, “There is very much still to be done in achieving true Cargo Integrity. Our diverse campaign is seeking significant cultural and behavioural change to say the least.  Certain elements may require legislative action, enforcement and inspection and there are great challenges in the field of technological development.  Above all there is a need for all involved in the supply chain to have a realistic perception of risk and a responsible attitude towards liability.”  

ENDS

Notes to editors

TT Club is the international transport and logistics industry’s leading provider of insurance and related risk management services. Established in 1968, the Club’s membership comprises ship operators, ports and terminals, road, rail and airfreight operators, logistics companies and container lessors. As a mutual insurer, the Club exists to provide its policyholders with benefits, which include specialist underwriting expertise, a world-wide office network providing claims management services, and first class risk management and loss prevention advice.

www.ttclub.com

Filed Under: TT Club

GEODIS Expands Growth in E-Commerce

March 7, 2019 by

New logistics centre in Oberhausen under construction

Levallois-Perret, 7 March 2019 – GEODIS will open a new warehouse in Oberhausen this summer. The 40,000 square-meter building is being built by SEGRO, a UK industrial real estate group, with which GEODIS has already implemented other major projects.

GEODIS will hire up to 500 employees for the extensive warehousing and order picking operations in Oberhausen. The combination of a strong, available pool of skilled workers and an attractive logistic location with very good transportation connections make Oberhausen the ideal choice for this new location. In addition, the logistics center will be implemented with an innovative warehouse concept that combines maximum space utilization with maximum productivity. Over the years, GEODIS has developed this industry-specific and highly automated process.

With this new opening, GEODIS is continuing to expand its long-standing e-commerce strategy. In recent years, the company has significantly expanded its contract logistics business on a national and international level with well-known companies in this sector. With Oberhausen, a total of six of the 14 logistics centers operated by GEODIS in Germany alone will specialize in e-commerce.

“We have been pursuing a very successful growth strategy in this market segment for years,” says Thomas Kraus, President & CEO North, East and Central Europe. German e-commerce has been growing steadily for years. Market sales have increased to 63 billion euros in 2018, an increase of around ten percent compared to 2017.[1]  “The demand for modern and innovative logistics concepts in this area is high, because the goods are to be delivered to the end customer as quickly, cost-effectively and efficiently as possible. Thanks to our many years of experience, we have been able to develop a high level of expertise and concrete unique selling propositions in this area. This makes e-commerce one of our core competencies, both in Germany and internationally,” adds Kraus.

Further information on GEODIS can be found at http://www.geodis.com

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 2017, GEODIS accounted for over 40,500 employees globally and generated €8.1 billion in sales.

[1] According to the industry report Online-Handel 2018 of the IFH Cologne.

Filed Under: GEODIS

“K”LINE Press Release – Notice on Provision for Losses and Extraordinary Losses from Business Structural Reforms, and Revised Forecast of Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2018

March 7, 2019 by

“

Please be advised that “K” Line Tokyo Head Office published the following press release today.

Please click the following addresses to read our reports.

・Notice on Provision for Losses and Extraordinary Losses from Business Structural Reforms, and Revised Forecast of Financial Results for Fiscal Year 2018.

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/auto_20190307487356/pdfFile.pdf

・Supplementary report

https://www.kline.co.jp/en/news/ir/irnews-201903071500-en/main/0/link/20190307_Supplementary%20Explanation%20Material%20EN.pdf

If you cannot open the URL please access via our Website.

http://www.kline.co.jp/en/
Filed Under: "K" Line

“K” Line announce the Launching of a 200,000-dwt Bulk Carrier “CAPE SAPPHIRE”

February 26, 2019 by

Today, at the Marugame business headquarters Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., the 200,000-dwt ton Cape size bulker “CAPE SAPPHIRE” has been completed.

The ship is compliant with the Common Structural Rules for Bulk Carrier (CSR-BC) for bulk cargo ships, and the main institution is equipped with an electronically controlled engine with enhanced anti-corrosion measures, in order to save energy, we have installed WAD (Weather Adapted Duct) in front of the propeller and Hybrid Fin behind the propeller.

Furthermore, for complying with the regulation of SOx Global Cap that will be enforced in all sea areas from January 2020, the vessel is equipped with a scrubber on the funnel to remove sulfur oxides from the gas discharged from the engine, it is a state-of-the-art ship that gathers world-class technology among Cape size bulkers and she will be engaged in iron ore and coal transport for Japanese steel mill.

With a large number of vessels from various types with various sizes – from very large to small -, “K” Line offers its customers a unique range of transport services. “K” Line will remain committed to flexibly and actively responding diversifying needs for shipments of ore and other iron-bearing raw materials.

Vessel Particulars

LOA                      :           299.95M

Width                  :           50.00M

Depth                  :           24.70M

Draft                    :           18.32M

Deadweight      :           208,564T

Gross Ton          :           107,454T

Main Engine     :           MES MAN-B&W 6G70ME-C9.5

Speed                   :           14.5KTS

Class                     :           NK

Flag                      :           Japan

Builder                :           Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.

Filed Under: "K" Line

American Club reports strong tonnage and premium gains over 2019 P&I Renewal Period

February 26, 2019 by
  • Year-on-year P&I tonnage rises by 10%, premium by 4%, FD&D tonnage and premium grow by 8% and 2% respectively.
  • Club’s retained claims exposures continue to develop favorably into 2019.
  • Investment earnings rebound substantially in January 2019 following creditable 2018 year-end performance.
  • Eagle Ocean Marine enjoys year-on-year revenue growth of 42% as fixed premium market continues to undergo realignment.

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 25, 2019: The American Club experienced a very positive outcome to the recently-concluded 2019 P&I renewal season. The Club’s mutual P&I and FD&D business saw increases in both tonnage and revenue, while the Club’s fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), recorded a significant rise in year-on-year income.  There was also good news on the claims and investment fronts.

The American Club’s mutual P&I business saw tonnage increase by more than 1.6 million gt as of February 20, 2019 by comparison with the previous year, and by just under 900,000 gt in regard to mutual FD&D entries. Year-on-year premium growth was more subdued – as soft market conditions continued to prevail – with increases of 4% for P&I and 2% for FD&D entries.  However, the average rate per gt on renewing P&I entries was about 1.5% higher than the expiring figure, a positive sign for risk pricing into 2019 and beyond.

The Club’s retained claims development for the most recent policy year remained favorable, emergence for 2018 at the twelve-month point being some 26% better than 2017. While the figures are immature, they augur well for the future, although the incidence of larger claims within the International Group Pool over recent months will counterbalance to some extent the very favorable results of the Club’s own Members.

The Club’s fixed premium brand, Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM), also saw substantial growth.  It acquired nearly 450,000 gt of new business over the renewal season, reflecting additional revenue of about $2.75 million.  Year-on-year premium for EOM increased by 42% as of February 20, 2019, while its claims performance continued to develop favorably.  EOM complements the Club’s mutuality as it grows its footprint throughout the world.  In a period of some uncertainty for the fixed premium P&I market, EOM remains committed to providing the gold standard of service in its field.

Having successfully weathered financial market turmoil toward the end of 2018, the American Club’s investment portfolio has performed well into the current year.  While the Club’s investment return was flat at year-end 2018 (though substantially better than benchmark), its portfolio generated a return of 2.7% for January 2019 alone, with a positive 1% in the fixed income space being further buoyed by an equities’ performance in excess of 7% for the period.

Speaking in New York today, Joe Hughes, Chairman and CEO of SCB, Inc., Managers of the American Club, said: “The 2019 renewal was thoroughly positive for the American Club and Eagle Ocean Marine. Both performed exceptionally well in a challenging environment.  Their success in attracting new business speaks to the confidence of the global maritime community in the Club’s and EOM’s ability to deliver insurance services of the highest quality and relevance to their customers.

Our outstanding people are at the core of our continuing success, and I am certain that the American Club and EOM will continue to be the leading choice for those we are proud to serve over the years ahead.”

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.

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.

Filed Under: The American Club

Joint Development of an Innovative Method for Ship Hull Inspection and Maintenance Using Drone and Image Analysis System

February 26, 2019 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., (hereinafter referred to as “K” LINE) is pleased to announce the launching of a development project using an innovative method for ship hull inspection and maintenance by a drone and image analysis system jointly with TECHNOS MIHARA CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as TECHNOS MIHARA), a professional company of “non-destructive testing” in Hiroshima, Japan.

“K” LINE has been maintaining the finest quality of our fleet under unique ship management policy named “KL-QUALITY,” designed as a high-level and systematic ship inspection program by a dedicated team consisting of professional Superintendents. However, we have continued having difficulty for a long time in inspection of ship parts that are hard to access, such as the top side of cargo hold, ship hull under water, etc. As a result of multiple on-site trials with aerial and underwater drones with TECHNOS MIHARA, which has sophisticated technology for drone operation and image analyzation, we’ve found notable improvement in the accuracy of such inspections. In addition, we have also enjoyed an improvement in efficiency and safety of the inspections by automation using these drones.

“K” LINE and TECHNOS MIHARA are now proceeding to the next step and have reached a mutual agreement to develop a new system for ship hull inspection and maintenance through integration between drone and digital image analysis technology of TECHNOS MIHARA together with the long-time accumulated and cultivated expertise and know-how of “K” LINE’s ship management.

Our new department known as “AI/Digitalization Promotion Division” was set up in January 2019 and is aiming to introduce new technology, improve our high-value-added transportation services and obtain the best possible satisfaction and reliability from our esteemed customers. “K” LINE is dedicated to continue seeking the best and safest services through strong cooperation and alliances with various businesses partners across different fields.

Please refer to the link below for a close up video captured by aerial drone.

(URL) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2LkC-C1Og

The development history of drone of TECHNOS MIHARA:

2014                TECHNOS MIHARA started to develop a drone for marine transportation business.

Apr 2018        Started practical tests on board supported by “K” LINE.

Jul 2018          Started a service of aerial crop spraying by drone.

Jan 2019         Obtained world’s first approval from Class NK as an official drone service provider for an alternative vessel inspection system.

Jan 2019         Obtained world’s fourth (Japan’s first) approval from Bureau Veritas as an official drone service provider.

Filed Under: "K" Line

Maiden Call from Ichthys LNG Project to Naoetsu LNG Terminal in Japan for “K” Line’s LNGC “Oceanic Breeze”

February 26, 2019 by

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereinafter referred to as “K” LINE) is proud to announce that “K” LINE’s LNGC “OCEANIC BREEZE” which carries LNG from Ichthys LNG Project in Australia made maiden call to Naoetsu LNG Terminal operated by INPEX CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as INPEX) in Japan.

“OCEANIC BREEZE” is owned by “K” Line and INPEX Shipping Co., Ltd., a fully-owned subsidiary of INPEX, and is a dedicated LNGC for carrying 0.9 million tons of LNG per year from the Ichthys LNG Project in Darwin, Australia to Naoetsu, Niigata, Japan.

Ichthys LNG Project is the first large-scale LNG project by global standards operated by INPEX. The Project is characterized as “All Japan” for its features such as 70% of approx. 8.9 million tons per year of LNG produced by the Project will be supplied to Japanese customers, along with the fact that Japanese companies are major participants in crucial parts of the Project’s value chain, including exploration and production, building of liquefaction plants and receiving terminals, laying pipelines, and maritime transportation.

In addition to LNG, the Project will produce LPG (approx. 1.65 million tons per year) as well as approx. 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

We are proud to further mention that “K” LINE Group will be more involved in the shipment of LNG, LPG and condensate exported by the Project. The Project’s first LNG cargo was carried by our LNG carrier “PACIFIC BREEZE” in October 2018 and first LPG was also carried by our VLGC “GRACE RIVER.” It is further planned that Aframax tankers operated by our subsidiary in Singapore will carry condensate products. Recalling the importance of our crucial role in the energy value chain, “K” LINE Group is committed to continue providing the most reliable and stable service possible to our valued customers with assurance of the highest standard of safety.

Filed Under: "K" Line
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