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DACHSER India Branches Boast CEIV Pharma Certification

CEIV pharma

DACHSER India Branches Boast CEIV Pharma Certification

DACHSER’s Mumbai and Hyderabad branches are among the few companies in India to receive the prestigious Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification  recognizing exemplary operations in transporting Life Science and Healthcare (LSH) products. Such products are both temperature and time-sensitive, requiring meticulous, accurate, and high standards in monitoring and handling to ensure product quality.

“Congratulations to DACHSER India on their CEIV Pharma certification. The time and temperature sensitive nature of pharmaceutical products means the highest standards are needed to make sure product integrity is maintained for such shipments,” said Vinoop Goel, IATA’s Regional Director for Airports and External Relations, Asia-Pacific. “With India being a major supplier of pharmaceutical products, DACHSER India’s CEIV Pharma certification will give pharmaceutical companies confidence and assurance that their cold-chain logistics requirements are being met.”

Difficult to obtain, the CEIV Pharma certification is earned by companies implementing efficient, safe, and excellence in transporting LSH products. Currently, DACHSER’s Hyderabad branch is one of two companies in the region to boast the accreditation. Through a strenuous audit ensuring compliance among all all facilities, equipment, operations and staff, DACHSER applied for the certification with the goal of adding to its already extensive history in handling pharma products.

“Obtaining the CEIV Pharma certification is an important milestone for DACHSER India. It emphasizes our continued focus for providing highly reliable logistic services to our valued customers in the LSH segment”, said Huned Gandhi, Managing Director, Air & Sea Logistics for the Indian Subcontinent. “Quality and efficiency have always been the cornerstones for our success and our teams are extremely proud to receive this accreditation from IATA.”
“By way of CEIV certification at our Mumbai and Hyderabad branches, DACHSER India has made a big step forward to further enhance its operational and technical competencies in serving our LSH customers,” concluded Zarksis Munshi, Head of Air Freight, Air & Sea Logistics India Subcontinent.

Asendia to Utilize Tigers Logistics for Oceania Launch

As expansion takes shape for Asendia, Tigers will maintain local logistics for the soon-to-be launched Asendia Oceania subsidiary throughout Australia. The international shipping and distribution company released information this week confirming Tigers is the provider of choice and will utilize its robust warehousing network to support efforts in B2C and omnichannel fulfillment.

“E-commerce fulfillment and international cross-border products continue to be a major focus for Tigers across the Asia-Pacific region, and builds on our cooperation across the USA into Europe, Russia, and Asia,” said Andrew Jillings, Chief Executive Officer, Tigers.

“Partnering with Asendia as it launches Asendia Oceania across Australia and New Zealand is an exciting moment that reflects Tigers’ ongoing global growth, and our support for the logistics and supply chain industry as it evolves through digitization and e-commerce.”

The companies announced the collaborative efforts will ultimately support increasing demand within the B2C cross-border e-commerce market, while focusing on strategies in supply chain optimizations in the near future. The Oceania launch is representative of Asendia’s global expansion plan and how the company will meet demand while offering fresh digital, logistics, and delivery services.

“The launch of Asendia Oceania is an exciting new milestone for Asendia in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Lionel Berthe, Head of Asia-Pacific, Asendia.

“It’s another sign of our commitment to growth in the region, and partnering with a global logistics player with strong capacities and experience in Australia such as Tigers is a key differentiator for cross border end-to-end services.“

Dynamic EMS: Adding Value with Low Volume Manufacturing Strategy

Dynamic EMS is taking a different approach in responding to a shift in  development of outsourcing strategies in the UK. The electronics manufacturing service provider released information on how and why it will dedicate primary operations to customers with LV/HM complex assembly needs, creating a focal point on long-term relationships and optimizing its potential.

“By becoming our OEM partners ‘solutions architect’, we’ve been able to focus on delivering complete design, engineering, development, and distribution services to all main traditional and emerging market sectors including computing, communications, industrial, medical (ISO 13485 certified), IoT, security and storage etc.,” said John Dignan, Owner and Managing Director of Dynamic EMS . “From small hand-held devices to massive electromechanical products, Dynamic EMS provides every market niche with a total robust and transparent supply chain solution.”

Dynamic EMS takes pride in its approach in meeting the demand for customization. The company released details of its business model featuring specific benefits of operating with low volume manufacturing and how it directly impacts not only Dynamic’s customers, but the customer’s customer as well:

-Quality checks are easily monitored as each and every product is tested

-Low volume production enables rapid innovation, which initiates the need-for-speed

-Growth strategies are mapped out for both educated OEMs and developmental OEMs

-For developmental OEMs, we become their design engineer for DFM, DFT, and DFC

-For educated OEMs, we review their production forecast for next generation DFM engineering

By leveraging the in-house specialists for the OEMs closer to them, Dynamic EMS serves as a major provider to local customers with specific
LV/HM assembly needs in the UK.

“We enable our customers to grow by leveraging and merging design, development, and distribution capabilities and resources our partners can remain competitive within what’s thought to be a higher cost geography.  The UK’s history of manufacturing means we hold a unique set of skills, suited to low volume / high mix complex assembly, it’s what we were raised to do, and to a world leading quality standard,” Dignan concludes.


HKSPA

World’s Largest Container Vessels Arrive at HKSPA Terminal

Hong Kong Seaport Alliance announced the successful arrival of the OOCL Hong Kong and ten additional OOCL and Cosco Shipping Lines Ltd. mega vessels at the HKSPA Terminal 8 facility this week, just six months following the alliance’s formation. OOCL Hong Kong- known as one of the largest container vessels in the world, deployed along with the other mega vessels at the end of June for the OCEAN Alliance’s Asia-North Europe Service, which included Hong Kong as a port of call.

Hong Kong, despite being small in size, has been in the league of the world’s top ten ports for the past 30 years or so. This is an enviable achievement not easy to accomplish. Credits must go to our port operators for the provision of highly efficient and professional services to the international shipping community,” said Angela Lee, Commissioner for Maritime and Port Development and Deputy Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport).

“Coupled with our sound fundamentals built over the years, including our free port status, strong international connectivity, trusted common law system, and a level playing field for business, I am confident that our port would be able to further leverage on new opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area Development, the Belt and Road Initiative and the New Land-Sea Corridor, and continue to thrive as a regional transshipment hub,” Lee added.

The massive OOCL Hong Kong container vessel boasts 21,413 TEU capacity and holds the title as the first in the world to exceed the 21,000 TEU capacity threshold. There are currently only 12 container vessels that can boast capacity of this size, and eight of them are among the mega vessels deployed during the OCEAN Alliance’s Asia-North Europe Service, including Cosco Shipping’s GALAXY. 

“As a Hong Kong company deeply rooted in the city, OOCL HONG KONG’s maiden call has a very special place in many of our hearts, said Andy Tung, Co-Chief Executive Officer of OOCL. “Containerships like the OOCL HONG KONG are important ambassadors of world trade and as a home carrier, we are very proud to have this vessel carry the name of Hong Kong, flying the flag of Hong Kong, and continue serving the industries of Hong Kong. OOCL is very blessed to call Hong Kong our home and being an integral part of the city’s vibrant business community over the last 50 years, providing a vital link to global trade. We like to thank the HKSPA for the wonderful hospitality and celebrating this milestone event together with us.” 

“We are proud of being ranked as the World’s Best Transshipment Port by COSCO SHIPPING this year,” said Hanliang Zhu, Managing Director of the Asia Container Terminals Limited (ACT) during the welcoming reception. “We will keep on working closely with the carriers as well as the shippers and other logistics providers to maintain Hong Kong as a reliable transshipment hub in the region.”

 

 

ExxonMobil-SABIC JV

Savage Selected as Partner for ExxonMobil-SABIC JV Rail Project

San Patricio County, Texas can expect to see the completed ExxonMobil-SABIC JV Rail Project facility as early as 2021, according to information released this week confirming global partner Savage, as the partner of choice behind the design, development, and operations of the facility.

The rail facility is the product of the joint venture, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures (GCGV), between ExxonMobil and SABIC and will handle railcars transporting plastic polymer, polyethylene. The facility will be completed in San Patricio County, Texas, next to the GCGV facility.

“We’re excited to partner with GCGV on rail infrastructure and operations to support what will be a world-class petrochemical facility,” said Savage’s Energy and Chemical Sector President, Brad Crist. “Our nearly two decades of handling plastics and working with major industry producers, coupled with our extensive rail experience, enable us to design this rail facility from an operator’s perspective to ensure it functions safely, efficiently and reliably without impact on the surrounding environment.”

Savage currently boasts a network of 50+ rail terminals currently under its operation. The company provide support with services including rail switching and indexing, railcar washing and loading, railcar repairs and facility maintenance in addition to designing and building the ExxonMobil-SABIC JV rail facility.

“This project is an example of how we can bring our diverse rail, logistics, engineering and facility operations capabilities together to create value for our Customers,” said Kirk Aubry, Savage President and CEO. “It’s the quality of our people, our solutions and our consistency delivering results that truly makes us distinctive in the markets we serve.”

Kuehne + Nagel

Kuehne + Nagel Finalize Worldwide Perishable Canada Co. Acquisition

Adding to its current presence throughout Canada, Kuehne + Nagel announced the completed acquisition of Worldwide Perishable Canada Co. (WWP) – known as a leader in tuna exports in addition to being one of the largest freight forwarders in Canada. This acquisition represents forward movement for the company to expand its position as a key provider in perishable cargo.

“We are looking forward to joining the Kuehne + Nagel Group. Combining the strengths of both companies, we will add outstanding value in the regional and international perishables business. For both, our customers and our employees this will generate growing perspectives and services,” said Doug McRae, Chief Operating Officer Worldwide Perishables Canada Co.

WWP was originally launched as a designated forwarder with a focus on local demand. The Halifax-based company brings more than seafood logistics expertise to the table, however. Information released by K+N confirmed more than 17,000 tons of perishable air exports per annum out of Canada will be represented through combining company volumes.

“Perishables logistics is one of our strongest growth drivers at Kuehne + Nagel, thus, we have been continuously investing in the expansion of our dedicated network: through selected acquisitions and by connecting key production countries to major markets,” says Greg Martin, Regional Airfreight Manager Kuehne + Nagel North America. “Setting up global certified standards which are reflected in our KN FreshChain solution, has further strengthened our perishables network worldwide, making it the largest in the industry.”

“Acquiring a specialized player in seafood logistics, Kuehne + Nagel consolidates its leading position in the market,” said Jamie Wood, National Manager Kuehne + Nagel Canada. “Using the network and experience of both companies, our customers can benefit from an enhanced offering and the best possible solution to their needs.”

Paramount Group

IMDEC 2019: Paramount Group Confirms Sponsorship & Support

Adding to its longstanding relationship with the Ghanaian Navy, Paramount Group confirmed a Platinum Sponsorship for the Ghanaian Navy’s 60th anniversary celebration taking place at this year’s International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC 2019 –https://imdecafrica.com/) in Ghana from July 24-25.

“We have a very strong and lasting relationship with the Ghanaian Navy and it is a great privilege to support this momentous occasion of its 60th Anniversary,” said Senior Vice President of Paramount Group, Mr. Eric Ichikowitz. “It is through partnerships like this that governments can unlock the vast benefits of the Blue Ocean economy by creating indigenous and regional naval capabilities that will bolster local manufacturing, skills development and technology transfer.”

The global aerospace and technology company will also participate as one of many delegates at the conference among more than 15 Chiefs of Naval Staff and a multitude of Africa’s public and private sector maritime stakeholders.

“This Conference affords Paramount Group and our stakeholders in the African security and defense space with a timely opportunity to present strategic, localized, and cost-efficient methodologies and solutions necessary to secure some of Africa’s most important assets: its waterways,” added Ichikowitz.

“We are looking forward to deliberate upon lasting solutions for addressing the socio-economical threats of piracy, human and drug trafficking, illegal fishing, bunkering and armed robberies that impact the present security and future potential of Africa’s maritime and coastal waters.” 

Ichikowitz will be leading delegations as a key speaker during the event appropriately themed, “60 Years of Naval Excellence: Securing the Maritime Domain for National Development.” Event attendees have the opportunity to participate in-depth panel discussions, breakout sessions, as well as VIP exhibition tours of elite military facilities including the Sekondi Naval Base.

In addition to its offering of multi-role naval vessels from interceptor light strike vessels, to off-shore patrol vessels, Paramount Group adds more value to its partnership with African navies through its systems installation, integration programmes, and implementing equipment upgrades installation combined with high-skills training. These efforts are combined to ultimately create operations aligned with economic and sustainable efficiencies among shore facilities.

“We are excited to join the Ghanaian Navy at IMDEC 2019, an event we anticipate will foster newfound dialogue and best practice in collaboration and innovation for securitizing the Gulf of Guinea. The ECOWAS is home to one of Africa’s foremost oil and gas enclaves that unfortunately today has grown increasingly volatile, costing the region billions of dollars in economic activity. We look forward to continuing to play a role in safeguarding these coastal waters in tandem with our partners across the region,” Ichikowitz concluded.

EFL Selects Pittsburgh Airport for Cargo Distribution Point

Pittsburgh International Airport has been confirmed as the airport of choice by EFL – a Sri Lanka freight forwarder and Qatar Airways customer. EFL announced the utilization of Qatar Airways Cargo’s nonstop service, specifically through one of the two weekly Boeing 777 freighters Qatar currently operates, following its first successful 90-ton shipment in May.

“Today’s announcement continues moving the airport corridor forward as a manufacturing and distribution hub. Congratulations to Christina and her team for this huge success for our region. As Pittsburgh strives to make additional connections to the global marketplace, this is a big step along that path,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

“The success of Qatar Airways, and the partnership with EFL, strengthens our ability to attract manufacturing and distribution to the airport. We are planting the seeds for manufacturing, distribution, logistics and connectivity in the global marketplace. We are excited to see it bear much fruit in the years to come, and to see the growth of jobs in these areas continue.”

A combination of proximity to major air cargo markets and cities positions Pittsburgh International Airport as an ideal choice for global freight forwarders. The Qatar Airways Cargo flights to Pittsburgh contribute to a total of 265 jobs and $42.8 million of economic output. Qatar Airways’ Pittsburgh-based flights represent the first scheduled international freighter route for the airport.

“Our goal is to build Pittsburgh into an international logistics center and with great partners like Qatar Airways Cargo and EFL, that goal is becoming a reality,” Pittsburgh International Airport CEO Christina Cassotis said. “This is cargo that used to enter into the U.S. through major airports such as New York and Chicago but instead they’re choosing to use our region as a gateway. That means jobs and business for our region.”

The addition of EFL serves as another example of how the airport’s gateway maintains competitive advantage through efficient and reliable global supply chain solutions in combination with the exemplary operations of Qatar Airways Cargo, including a 72-hour transit time from the Asia-Pacific region to U.S. regional and distribution centers.

“At EFL, it has been a constant pursuit to find efficient and innovative solutions for our customers, which has led us to this initiative with Qatar Airways Cargo, with who we have a relationship for over a decade,” added EFL’s Group Chief Executive Officer Senthil Shanmugam. “Considering EFL’s spread of seven offices in the USA, (with) five of them in (the) East Coast and Midwest, having a gateway that is accessible to these regions was important. Pittsburgh is a logical location for this operation as it allows us to have a fast turnover of cargo in comparison to more traditional and congested gateways. We’re grateful to the Allegheny County Airport Authority for assisting us with facilitating this effort.”

Case Study Reveals Bulk Terminal Pest Challenges

Information released in a case study by bulk terminal operator, HSE at Terminales Marítimos de Galicia (TMGA), is urging other terminal operators to reconsider their approach to effective pest control, as cargo fumigation isn’t making the cut and leaving too much risk for infestation. One of the causes identified is the presence of Weevils left behind long after lots have been shipped.

“We are finding that the pupae and larvae inside maize kernels in various consignments, and which were subjected to in-transit fumigation, are not affected by phosphine or phosphine generating fumigants and growing into weevils while cargoes are in storage,” said Javier Quintero Saavedra, head of HSE at Terminales Marítimos de Galicia (TMGA).

“Bulk terminals need to implement a fully integrated pest management plan. Operators must monitor silo temperatures and moisture and be able to spot insect and larvae infestations in large storage premises. They should also carry out regular cleaning of empty stores and better understand the use of different pesticides and their effects,” Saavedra added.

Balancing pest management while ensuring safety measures are in place is another challenge identified in the case study – which will be presented by Saavedra at this year’s  Association of Bulk Terminal Operator’s (ABTO) conference – Bulk Terminals,  in October.

“While grain cargoes are usually fumigated at origin or in-transit if larvae survive and evolve it can be a real issue for terminal operators,” ABTO CE Simon Gutteridge said. “It can write-off the whole consignment. There is obviously a strong case for fumigating cargoes stored in silos at discharge ports, especially where maize kernels are stored, but this is not without its own problems.”

As phosphine and methyl bromide are known as top chemical choices for fumigation, both are linked to high-risk health hazards including acute intoxication, hypoxia, asphyxiation, seafarer fatalities, and run the risk of leaks to other facilities. This risks and more will be discussed in detail during Saavedra’s presentation covering port-side fumigation.

“There are IMO guidelines for the use of pesticides in-transit, but the rules governing their use in storage facilities ashore is at national level. Although the European Commission oversees the approval of active substances, it is the individual state that decides whether to allow their use or not,” said Saavedra. “What the bulk terminals industry needs is more globally-focused best practice guidelines, an initiative supported both by ICHCA and ABTO.”

 

 

GEODIS

GEODIS Launches Airside Gateway at Schiphol

In response to substantial growth volumes recently experienced by global logistics specialist GEODIS Netherlands, the company announced the launch of its Airside Gateway – an innovative airfreight handling system located at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport hub, right next to the runway.

The Gateway offers 2500 m2 of warehouse and office space and serves as another step towards the company’s goal of streamlining efficiencies using innovation for the customer’s benefit.

“We estimate that Gateway will bring a significant decrease in airfreight handling times, ensuring quicker delivery of cargo and a better service to our customers,” Ellis de Jong, Operations Director Freight Forwarding said in the announcement. “Export wise, with Gateway we gain more efficiencies on the consolidation side.”

This effort not only supports meeting the increase in demand, but paves a way for a jump start in efficient delivery of goods while enhancing security measures. The announcement confirms the company is following the growth strategy set in place involving innovation and the Amsterdam Gateway.

“The opening of the Amsterdam Gateway is the next important step in both our regional planning and in our global growth ambitions. It will substantially increase our competitiveness and reinforce the crucial hubbing function of our airfreight operation in the region,” concluded Thomas Kraus, President & CEO North, East and Central Europe.