Dear Readers,
Friends, it’s Thursday again and the date is 16th August, 2018. One thing came to mind recently as I was reading an article from Malaysia about the alleged greed and corruption involving the former PM Najib Razak. If what you read is true then my question is, how much is enough?
What is the point of amassing 50 million USD (for example), hundreds of handbags, luxury yachts, etc? I recall the story about Imelda Marco’s collection of shoes and generally, it seems that nothing is enough and that money in some ways makes people lose their mind.
The movie Wall Street (the original from 1987) does pretty well at epitomizing greed unlimited. Michael Douglas perfectly portrays the shark Gordon Gekko, if you haven’t seen the movie please do. It is as valid today as ever and I believe that not much has changed.
There are countries where corruption is rife, economic development suffers and big social problems are evident with uneven distributions of wealth. I lived in some pretty corrupt countries where I’ve seen it first hand and I suppose if our leaders are corrupt then why should “normal people” not follow in their footsteps? Few, if any ever seem to be held accountable and the same goes for the bankers that facilitate it.
Countries need role models just as children do, so we as citizens of the world still have a lot of work to do. I hope I don’t sound like a preacher, believe me, I am also keen to do better myself, but somehow perhaps in later years I have found that there is a limit to how much one can “eat”.
Logistics is also prone to corruption and if we participate or turn a blind eye we grease the wheel, so wouldn’t it be better to say no to any potential customer who wants you to lubricate the wheel in order to get their business?
Speaking of business, we have in store for you today interviews from across the world. We start with a freight forwarder/shipowner active in Africa then interview a US-based logistics provider moving heavy pieces around the world by sea and air and finally we end up in the United Arab Emirates talking to a local service provider that offers you not only logistics but also seaworthy packing and lashing.
We also have some interesting shipping news and a recommended source of African business news, we also have sector news and a few videos that you may find interesting, especially the one about the South China Sea and the disputed small reefs and islands there claimed by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, etc.
Until next week, I remain,
Yours sincerely,
Bo H. Drewsen
bo.drewsen@projectcargo-weekly.com
Navitrans – SA
Interview with
Mr. Loïc Adigard des Gautries
Chief Commercial Officer
What are your main activities at Navitrans – we understand that Africa is very much in your focus?
Africa is clearly at the heart of our operations and day to day developments: 18 out of our 20 countries covered are in Africa. Navitrans has always been, since day one, linked to Africa and will continue to be. Our vision is to be the most sought-after and respected service provider in the Marine, Freight Forwarding & Project industry in Africa.
DT Project America
Interview with
Mr. Julien Lesech
Branch Manager
What are the main activities in your group? I understand that you recently acquired a trucking company as well?
In the US our main activities are complex supply chain management and project cargo. We do air, sea, ground shipments from and to the US as well as cross trade shipments. The recent acquisition we made in the US is to reinforce our current ground services, but proper and more detailed announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
Zuhal Shipping & Logistics – Dubai, U.A.E.
Interview with
Mr. Niroshana Hettiarachchi
Manager Sales & Marketing
There is a lot of competition in the UAE, in what way do you feel that your company is different?
We have a very experienced and dedicated operations team who monitor each and every move of all shipments and update the customers regularly. Also, we have appointed key account holders to focus on their customer’s daily requirements and demands. We treat all shipments with high importance and I can say that we have achieved success in close communications and efficiency.
African Business News
Editor’s Note:
Drugs and weapons are also profitable in shipping. There’s no doubt though, that MSC would rather have avoided someone using their ships to transport a huge load of drugs that were seized recently in a US port. Regrettably, the hiding places on giant container ships or in the containers therein are numerous and possibly inexhaustible.
We recommend you to take a look at this newsletter focused on Africa, at least it gives a kind of overview on what’s happening. African Business
M/V Orca Ace calls Port of Vancouver USA on her Maiden Voyage
The Port of Vancouver USA welcomed the M/V Orca Ace, commanded by Capt. Yury Golovatyuk of Russia, on her maiden voyage Aug. 8
The Orca Ace, a “Next-Generation Car Carrier” cargo ship for autos and roll on/roll off cargoes, was built in Japan. She is 656 feet long with a deadweight capacity of 15,495 metric tons. Her specially designed hull shape and improved two-stroke engine help reduce carbon emissions as she transits the globe. She is owned by Lunar River Line S.A. of Panama and operated by Mitsui OSK Line Ltd.
CNCo Opens New Branch Office in Vancouver
The China Navigation Company (CNCo), celebrated the official opening of its new branch office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on 9 August 2018.
The opening ceremony was graced by The Honourable, Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade & Technology, British Columbia, who unveiled a plaque in the CNCo office located at W Hastings Street. Minister Bruce Ralston said, “The Province recognises the significant contribution that The China Navigation Company makes to the shipping industry worldwide. We look forward to this new regional North American office in Vancouver contributing to increased trade between B.C. and the Asia Pacific. A strong shipping industry will create good jobs for people and increase opportunities for B.C. businesses to connect with Asian and other markets around the world.”
Aviation
GKN Aerospace to Establish New Wiring Facility in India to Support Expansion in Asia
The site will focus on the assembly of wiring systems for commercial aircraft and will operate alongside the existing Joint Venture for wiring systems in Bangalore which is serving the defense market. The plans also include the installation of proprietary wiring design and manufacturing system, a unique tool that is rolled out globally throughout all manufacturing locations worldwide to ensure the same high quality everywhere in the world. Read more…
Oil & Gas
Petrofac Awarded Additional Scope of Work With Tatweer Petroleum
Under the terms of the additional scope of work contract, Petrofac will execute on a lump-sum turnkey basis the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of additional Gas Wells and connect them to the Gas Dehydration Facility. Read more…
Renewables
Siemens Gamesa to supply wind turbines with 208 MW total capacity for one of Norway’s largest wind park
Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) will supply the Tonstad Wind Farm in Norway with 51 of its SWT-DD-142 Onshore wind turbines. After commissioning, the wind farm will be one of the largest in Norway. The project is developed by ENGIE and will have a total capacity of 208 MW. The wind farm is located in the municipalities of Sirdal and Flekkefjord in the South of Norway. Siemens Gamesa secures the long term performance of the wind farm with a full service agreement. Installation of the wind farm will begin in 2019. Read more…
Cement Plants
Deshbandhu Group awards contract for 1500tpd plant
Guangdong Power Engineering Co Ltd, an arm of Energy China, has won a contract to construct a 1500tpd cement plant for the Bangladesh-based Deshbandhu Group. Read more…
Blockchain Technology Could Disrupt Logistics Industry
Editor’s Note:
Blockchain is a buzzword that’s getting more and more popular. This video explains a bit about the technology and it’s potential ramifications.
A Rare View of the South China Sea
Editor’s Note:
China is active officially and unofficially in the disputed areas in the South China Sea which is close to some of the worlds most busy shipping lanes. See this video clip courtesy of SCMP via CNN.
A project cargo vessel from Thorco Shipping went aground on an atoll in French Polynesia.
Editor’s Note:
It is being reported that poor fuel quality bunkered in Singapore could have something to do with the engine trouble it encountered. It is not the first time that bunker supplies from Singapore has been in the spotlight. It so-happens that this atoll was the very same place where the famous Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl onboard Kontiki arrived decades ago.
