Profile: Port of Gibraltar A vital hub W ith more than 71,000 to meet the requirements of all ship discounts have been launched for both vessels transiting the owners and operators across a broad the eastern anchorage and western Strait of Gibraltar spectrum of markets such as cargo or anchorage in Gibraltar. In the east cruise liners. this means we have become a more annually, the Port of Gibraltar has become a vital Building on its strong reputation, in for ship husbandry, stores and crew bunkering port and a hub for ships of the port has undergone an extensive attractive option for ships that come all types and sizes. Renowned across review of its operations since changes, while the western anchorage’s the world, the maritime centre of Commodore Bob Sanguinetti was cost effectiveness will reinforce excellence provides turnkey solutions appointed Captain of the Port of further competitiveness for the Port of Gibraltar in May Gibraltar as a hub for bunkering. 2014. Focused on “In addition, we have eased driving efficiency, Bob restrictions on the number of bunker a former officer in the barges allowed to operate in the Royal Navy, discusses bay, which follows the freeing up of the programme of a couple of anchorage slots of the improvement, which west; this means we now have more was undertaken not than 20 per cent extra capacity for only as part of an anchoring. Meanwhile, with safety internal exercise, but as our top priority at the port, we also in consultation with have also doubled the number of the port’s client base vessel traffic service operators (VTS) and port community from five to ten; this means we have of Gibraltar. “In the better oversight and control of the past eight months we waters both in and around Gibraltar. have introduced new Parallel to this development, we have tariffs, so competitive recently introduced a web based vessel www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 49
Profile: Port of Gibraltar management system, linking shipping behaviour, the port authority has been agents with the port authority, pilots developing the port’s safety manual in and other service providers, making line with the UK’s Port Marine Safety the administration and logistics of Code (PMSC), while also introducing bringing a ship into the bay is far increased health and safety training much more efficient.” Coinciding with for its entire GPA staff. “We hope these developments, the port authority to increase awareness and a sense of has a new purpose built VTS office responsibility with regards to health currently under construction on the and safety,” confirms Bob. “Moreover, southern end of the rock; offering we are preparing for accreditation sweeping views across the Strait of of ISO 18001 management system Gibraltar, the office will overlook and are beginning to introduce a port the busy entrance to the bay, and is environmental management plan; anticipated to be fully operational by we are also a member of the Green the third quarter of 2015. Award scheme, and we work very Keen to further strengthen to port’s closely across government to look commitment to safety and responsible at issues such as climate change to Gibunco Group The history of the Gibunco Group stretches back 50 years when it was founded by the Bassadone family. Gibunco has grown from being a ship repair and ship agency operation in Gibraltar and now spans the globe with a network of offices in leading international centres of commerce and prime locations. Gibunco was established in 1965 as an underwater engineering and ship repair company. It has since grown into one of Gibraltar’s most progressive and diverse commercial organisations. The Group’s operations now include everything from petroleum supplies, marine engineering, shipping and mechanical engineering to property development. 50 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Port of Gibraltar further increase efficiency and our its edge through environmental credentials in the port.” a proactive Struck by the scale and breadth of approach to its activity at the Port of Gibraltar when services; a trend he first took on the role of CEO, that is to continue Bob brought an impressive range of as Bob highlights: knowledge and experience to ensure “We are looking the port will continue flourishing at ways to place in its three key markets: bunkering, our infrastructure cruise ships and superyachts. “I on a firmer footing spent 30 years in the Royal Navy, for the longer which was a fantastic career, with term; conscious of long periods at sea - this gives me a changing markets good understanding of the marine and competition, environment,” he says. “I have also we also need to constantly find ways Gibraltar Tourist Board as they renew held a number of senior management of delivering our bunkering services and refresh the wonderful attractions positions in the military, not just in in a safe and efficient manner. To on offer. Another aim for us is to, in the Navy, but also the Ministry of help us do this we have a bunkering partnership with the private sector, Defence. Furthermore, I have senior code of practice, which we have seen consider ways of developing our level experience in operations and emulated by a number of ports across infrastructure for superyachts, with planning, human resources, finance the globe. This is a testament to the a view to making Gibraltar a more and procurement, all of which feature high standards we maintain and to our attractive destination,” he concludes. heavily in the day-to-day running of a continued commitment to safety and commercial port.” environmental protection. Port of Gibraltar Moving forward, Bob and the port “There is also the cruise industry, www.gibraltarport.com authority have a number of plans in which is very active in Gibraltar, with place to further drive growth and the around 200 cruise ships a year calling • Largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean development of the Port of Gibraltar, at the Rock. We have recently heard • Commodore Bob Sanguinetti appointed particularly with regards to its that Carnival UK is listing Gibraltar CEO of the port in May 2014 bunkering operations. As the market as its third most visited port for 2015, • Has since been reviewing procedures to of bunkering is extremely competitive, and we are determined to remain increase eficiency the port authority has maintained abreast of this sector, in support of the www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 51
Profile: AegeAn MArine PetroleuM network inc Growing in strength A egean Marine Petroleum builders (MAN Diesel & Turbo, independent lubricants suppliers. Aegean is one of the biggest Network Inc. (Aegean) is Wartsila, MTU, and Mercedes Benz) an international marine in the market. Another aspect of business that fuel logistics company has always set Aegean apart from Through extensive global network that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants of blending plants, stock points and the competition is its dedication to delivery facilities, Aegean marine green operations. The organisation to ships in port and at sea. The lubricants are available in more than appreciates the value of the company procures product from 550 ports worldwide. 24/7 customer environment and the concerns of various sources (such as refineries, oil service is provided to customers those living within it, and is producers, and traders) and resells it and this is one of the company’s determined to maintain a dialogue to a diverse group of customers across competitive advantages in the with all interested parties in the all major commercial shipping sectors demanding marine lubricants market. industry and local communities and leading cruise lines. Aegean also offers a full range of to ensure that the integrity of its Aegean Marine Petroleum technical support services, such as: operations meets the health and safety developed and, in 2008, introduced • Complete used oil analysis in its expectations of the local communities in the market its own brand, ALFA Lloyds’ certified chemical and the regulatory requirements of marine lubricants. Aegean offers laboratory in Greece. the statutory authorities. Lloyds the full range of mineral, synthetic • 24/7 technical advice for the certify Aegean Marine Petroleum and next generation biodegradable engineers’ on board and ashore. for the environmental management lubricants and greases. Its lubricants • Technical presentations and system ISO 14001 and it also are blended from premium quality seminars on the latest developments adheres to ISO 9001 for its quality base oils and additives and are OEM on engine and machinery management system. Given the approved by the biggest engine lubrication. increasing regulations surrounding 52 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: AegeAn MArine PetroleuM network inc bunker fuel requirements, and the stringent legislation to which ship owners and operators have to adhere, being able to offer these green credentials provides Aegean with another layer of assurance and confidence for its clients. The last few exciting developments at Aegean begin in December 2014 with its entry to Los Angeles and Long Beach ports in the US, following the purchase of leftover fuel and infrastructure from the bankrupt OW Bunker. Aegean acquired marine fuel and assumed a storage contract with Vopak Terminal Los Angeles at an auction of OW Bunker’s assets. The company commenced bunker supply operations at the port of Los Angeles during the first quarter of 2015. Having a presence at the Vopak Terminal in Los Angeles will substantially broaden Aegean’s access to the marine fuel markets of the US west coast, and in so doing round out Aegean’s profile as a global marine fuel provider. The new deal illustrates Aegean’s strategy to enter new markets to provide its services, at the same time as increasing shareholder value. These plans include the start of bunker fuel supply operations in the Gulf of Mexico. Operating in international waters, off both the Texas and Louisiana coastlines, this service is invaluable to the tanker fleets that operate in this area, enabling them to avoid costly deviations and port calls to other bunker locations. Also the launch of physical supply and marketing operations in Germany during January 2015 has been announced. Operations include the office in Hamburg for the sale and remain confident that we are well physical supply of marine fuels and marketing of marine petroleum positioned to capitalise on several lubricants to all German ports and products throughout the Aegean risk-averse opportunities that will be based out of Hamburg, the network and to customers on a will allow Aegean to increase the second largest container terminal in worldwide basis. scale and efficiency of our global Europe. To support its local German E. Nikolas Tavlarios, president of marine fuel logistics network, grow operations, Aegean has assumed the Aegean Marine Petroleum Network, our customer base and enhance contracts for two modern, double- commented: “We continue to execute shareholder value.” hull bunkering barges previously on our strategy to opportunistically Following the statement that it will under charter to OW Bunker and enter new markets, strengthen and commence operations in Germany, approximately 20,000 cubic metres diversify our operating reach, all on 20th January 2015 Aegean also of on-shore storage capacity. The while enhancing our ability to service announced that it would begin company has also established a our customers on a worldwide basis. immediate marketing operations in marketing and business development As we embark on a new year we Russia. Aegean’s operations in this www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 53
Profile: AegeAn MArine PetroleuM network inc We believe that our expansion into Russia, combined with our recent entry aggregate principal amount of the into the US Gulf Coast, US West Coast, new notes, and has priced at 111.0 per cent, plus accrued interest, and German markets, demonstrates if any, from November 1, 2014. The our continued actions to strengthen company will use the net proceeds the Aegean network around the world from the sale of the new notes for working capital required to fund its expansion into existing and new region will include a marketing and our expansion into Russia, combined markets. business development office located with our recent entry into the US Heading into 2015, Aegean believes in St. Petersburg, dedicated to sales Gulf Coast, US West Coast, and that it will be a landmark year for and marketing of marine petroleum German markets, demonstrates our the company. As E. Nikolas Tavlarios products across all Russian ports. continued actions to strengthen the concluded: “We intend to continue With the assistance of five seasoned Aegean network around the world. executing our risk-averse strategy; industry professionals, previously We are confident that Aegean is well strengthening our brand, widening employed by OW Bunker, the positioned for continued growth, our customer base and increasing the company expects to gain important success and value creation in 2015.” scale and efficiency of our logistics local market intelligence, while These exciting developments were network.” providing enhanced service to client’s supported by Aegean’s upsizing and at all Russian ports. pricing of its previously announced Aegean Marine E. Nikolas Tavlarios noted: “We registered public offering of Petroleum Network Inc remain committed to meeting the additional 4.00 per cent Convertible www.ampni.com increasing demand of our growing Senior Notes due 2018 (the ‘new global customer base. This expansion notes’). The size of the offering has • Global presence in 21 markets is consistent with our efforts to been increased from $40.0 million • Expansion into US, Germany and Russia diversify our operations and enhance in aggregate principal amount of • 2015 predicted to be very exciting year our global footprint. We believe that the new notes to $42.0 million in 54 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Athus ContAiner terminAl Drive for success L ocated in the geographic to be created after this disaster,” 18 hectares of surface area and 4000 metres of usable rail tracks to receive explains Alain Rysman, general and economic hinterland of manager of ACT. “Since then we have Europe, with links to Belgian trains that we then unload and reload; to provide this service we have continued to witness strong growth Lorraine, France, Luxembourg and the German regions of the Saar, stackers with a 40 tonne capacity, Athus Container Terminal (ACT) is in the maritime container transport dedicated equipment such as six reach business through the provision of a over 250 km away from the three bi-modal transport solution.” three GPS guided mobile gantry cranes principal North Sea ports – Zeebruges, Originally handling containers in on tires and one crane for empty Antwerp and Rotterdam, which it a working area reaches in an efficient and profitable of 1.5 hectares, manner thanks to its rail-road the terminal transport solution. Indeed, to and increased its from Arlon, Reims, Nancy, Trier, surface area over Saarbrucken or Luxembourg, the the years, which company can provide a rapid service resulted in the straight to the destination port. terminal’s surface Active since 1979, the terminal’s area increasing establishment was the result of a to 15 hectares common drive for success from local and its container entrepreneurs and various players in handling capacity the transport sector following a major reaching 120,000 economic crisis in the region, which containers per resulted in approximately 3000 job year by 2006. losses. “We were the first organisation “Today we have www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 55
Profile: Athus ContAiner terminAl containers,” highlights Alain. Not only committed to using cutting edge technology, the company ensures rapid and effective transport of containers for customers through the continued development and improvement of the terminal. A recent example of this is the last mile project, which involves towing cargo trains deeper into the container terminal for the last mile. “This is a vital development for ACT as we are able to pull or push our trains from the station to the terminal, which means we are no longer linked to one precise rail operator, but are now independent; this is something we view as critical for our future,” says Alain. He continues: “On top of this, we have a new business growing now; previously we were only transporting the containers, but we began loading Kalmar Belgium and unloading items inside the Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy containers two years ago. Because industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container of this diversification in our service movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network offering, we have enhanced the skills and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move. of our personnel to ensure we give an 56 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Athus ContAiner terminAl exceptional service to our customers. organisation system. It can now offer surrounding the use of trucks in towns We have all that is needed and more direct trains to/from main quays and highways, while also maintaining to provide our personnel with the of Antwerp and it can connect to consistency in controlling its relatively knowledge and skills they require; Zebrugge and Rotterdam by barge or new ways of operating. On top of most recently this has involved truck from these quays. this, it will be paying close attention extensively training new locomotive Previously working in partnership to upcoming opportunities in the drivers for the last mile project.” with rail firm ERS on its Rotterdam market, as Alain concludes: “We see Divided into two segments, the route, the independent terminal is opportunities in Rotterdam and also highly experienced team at ACT currently looking to develop greater Zeebruges, following the partnership work on either the management business connections with the Port between Maersk and MSC; this means of the terminal by focusing on of Rotterdam as it continues with its a number of our clients will be moving activities such as handling, reception, expansion. “We are beginning to put to Zeebruges too. We will be going container storage and repairs or on plans into place with a connection via with them, to continue providing the management of transport, which Antwerp, from which we anticipate solutions for their containers. involves organising the road and rail to have a direct train connection to However, I think the connection to the transport of containers. The skill, Rotterdam with as much frequency south will really bring up some more flexibility and efficiency of these teams as possible,” notes Alain. In addition opportunities for us to expand our mean customers are fully confident to enhancing its relationship with services in both directions.” that their containers are transported in the Port of Rotterdam, the terminal a safe, secure and timely manner. will also focus on developing Athus Container Terminal Using a rail and road operating connections with ports further south; www.tca.be system, the ACT organises daily round a strategy that is anticipated to trips to and from Antwerp, Rotterdam involve investments into 1.5 km of • Maritime gateway of the Saar-Lor-Lux region and Zeebruges; for the former it used infrastructure in the south. • Offers an eficient and proitable bi- to use the National Rail Container With investment plans in place to modal transport solution Network (NaRCoN) system. However ensure future growth, the adaptable • Looking to develop connections with NaRCoN was stopped in September terminal will focus on finding a ports further south 2013 and ACT launched a new rail new solution for the mobility issues www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 57
Profile: BURGESS MARINE A diverse service T rading internationally from in Saudi and Oman; we also work international scale, while also offering six geographical locations with Serco Marine and Babcock a complete solution on mechanical in the UK, Burgess Marine overhauls and renewals. International as well as numerous Ltd’s legacy dates back to Since it was previously featured large ferry operators and commercial the 1970s, when it began working on in April 2013, Burgess Marine has Looking to dominate the market short sea ferries and high speed craft. operators.” in Shipping and Marine magazine Following a successful number of and strengthen its services, Burgess witnessed continued growth and years in these markets, the company Marine acquired its biggest gained a number of new contracts strategically expanded its footprint competitor, Southampton based and made a further acquisition, into the commercial marine, defence Testbank Ship Repair, in January as Nick states: “Over the last two and superyacht sectors of the shipping 2013. This move has proven highly years we have moved to a new base industry in the early 2000s. Today fruitful for the company, as the in Plymouth where we are doing focused on these three core specialist merging of both businesses enabled more work for companies such as markets, the company boasts an Burgess Marine to become the largest Babcock International, the Royal impressive client list, including the independent ship repairer in the UK. Navy and Serco Marine. We were Royal Navy, P&O Ferries, Rolls On top of this, many of Testbank’s also heavily involved in the refit of Royce, RNLI, Brittany Ferries, BAE key customers renewed their long- MY Shemara, which was successfully Systems, Wartsila and Eurotunnel. term contracts with Burgess Marine. launched in April 2014. Working “Our largest single customer is BAE Following this strategic development, with Shemara Refit LLP was fantastic Systems,” confirms Nick Warren, the company announced its for us and involved the rebuild of a managing director of Burgess Marine. partnership with global fuel injection 1937 gentleman’s motor yacht that “We work with them predominantly supplier PB Asher, a specialist in re-engineered from the keel up. It was in the UK, across multiple revenue marine fuel injection systems, which a project of longevity that lasted circa streams, and also with their businesses further boosted its presence on an three years; it was a steep learning 58 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: BURGESS MARINE curve, and we are very proud to Ship Repairs ex Managing Director be associated with this successful now runs Meercat. He comments: project.” “Since taking over the business Launched from Burgess Marine’s we’ve sold vessels into both the Fish ship-lift facility in Portsmouth Farm industry and the Dive Support Harbour, the 65-metre classic industry - the strength, quality and superyacht was provided with versatility of the product really do specialist support and personnel for make our offering unique.” structural and fabrication works In January 2015 Nick lead an as well as mechanical works and MBO of the business and shortly pipefitting. The superior level of thereafter announced the arrival of service delivered was possible thanks RJD as a new major shareholder, to major investment at the company’s as Nick highlights: “Most recently Portchester facility over the last two we have completed a private equity years. For example, the channel and transaction, in which RJD joins the syncrolift pit was dredged to allow business as a major shareholder. vessels with a maximum draft of This transaction will give us the 4.5 metres to use the ship lift. financial security and corporate Moreover, the wires, bearings finance experience to continue and winches were all updated growing at the same rate that we to significantly improve the have been, so we can continue to infrastructure. expand geographically and further In addition to these developments, the company acquired Meercat Workboats in August 2014. “Our intent is to keep Meercat very much Rapid Welding & Industrial Supplies standalone. The business has a great Rapid Welding & Industrial Supplies Ltd, along with RentArc Ltd, is an established group of companies well-known for hiring and supplying high quality welding equipment and consumables to ANY industry sector. In the business of ‘Keeping Welders Welding’, Rapid is proud to work product and a great reputation,” closely with Burgess Marine, sourcing equipment and quickly solving welding problems to provide the total package. As supply partners to say Nick. Jason Coltman, Testbank eminent brands such as Lincoln Electric, Fronius and Kemppi, Rapid offers competitive prices and an unbeatable service. www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 59
Profile: BURGESS MARINE diversify the service that we offer. RJD’s investment represents the first chapter of real growth and improvement; not just in turnover and margin but in both corporate governance and business practice. We want to get better. We want to offer better customer services and increased product offering and a high standard of industry best practice.” RJD’s funding and support will ensure the 130 strong Burgess Marine, which achieved an annual turnover of more than £25 million in 2014, to further grow alongside an ever-changing industry and become a leading operator in the UK marine services sector. With the contract now signed and the transaction publicised, Nick discusses the company’s next plan of action: “The international development of the business has been very positive so far, and the RJD transaction involves further expansion in the North East and North West of the UK and consolidation in our home market from the Thames Estuary to the Bristol Channel. We 60 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: BURGESS MARINE have already successfully established in that market – we offer good ourselves in Plymouth and become a value for money and we’ve plenty of major supplier to Babcock and Serco, experience,” says Nick. Burgess Marine but we are now focused on enhancing “Meanwhile, looking further www.burgessmarine.co.uk our geographical reach in the UK to ahead, we want to become an all- • Specialise in marine engineering and give us an all-encompassing network. encompassing national ship repair ship repairs • Acquired Testbank Ship Repair in “We are firm believers in a fair days network with the appropriate January 2013 pay for a fair days work, so what geographical locations to keep • Acquired Meercat Workboats in August we need to do is to take that concept all of our customers happy from 2014 • RJD became new major shareholder in and create a truly national ship both a price point and service level February 2015 repair network that is built around perspective,” he concludes. this ethos. It is all about the level of service that we provide our customers with, the turnaround times, our attitude and the way we communicate with our client base. We are looking to build meaningful long-term Jarrett Scaffolding relationships with our customers. Our Jarrett Scaffolding is a Hampshire ethos is genuinely different - unlike based company, delivering scaffold access and containment solutions to our competitors our intent is not to the marine sector. The team have maximise our clients spend. We don’t enjoyed working with Burgess Marine start jobs without permission and on a number of projects, predominantly in Portsmouth and Southampton. we don’t set out to hit the client with Marine projects are bespoke and extras and variation orders. We want often complex by nature and the team transparency, no surprises and a long- enjoys the challenges these bring. Through working closely together, term relationship that brings mutual Jarrett Scaffolding and Burgess Marine value.” have developed an excellent working As a provider of an extensive relationship, delivering high quality scaffold structures. range of services such as ship repair and conversions, dry dock support, mechanical engineering, diving teams, surveys and specifications, welding and fabrication, warehousing and procurement, the future looks positive for Burgess Marine as it continues to operate in a buoyant market. “One area we see opportunity is in the superyacht market, as that sector has an existing number of firms that charge a premium for their services, however, we can work on a yacht for the same price as could on a commercial vessel or a warship. This is a price that is more competitive than the current players www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 61
Profile: AndriAki ShiPPing Tanked up A Shipping and Marine in August 2012, ecologically sound and safe seaborne provider of marine Retaining a strong commitment to transportation services the company has continued to provide high quality services to ships of NJ since its inception in trade, Andriaki Shipping continuously Goulandris family interests while also 1953, Andriaki Shipping strives to deliver a superior service Co. Ltd. has used its knowledge and optimum safety; a commitment that experience to manage more than 100 maintaining a conservative approach through maximum quality and to the challenging shipping market, as vessels of all types and sizes over CEO of Andriaki Shipping Dimitris has resulted in a leading reputation the last six decades and is proud to Korkodilos begins: “Over the last in ship management. “We have been deliver a comprehensive range of ship few years we have taken a step away in the business for 62 years now and management services, such as technical from managing bulk carriers and now our goal to become a leading name management, crewing, purchasing and concentrate on tankers, with six of in shipping through excellence has day-to-day operational services, to these vessels currently operated and remained the same,” says Dimitris. ships owned by N.J.Goulandris family managed by us. We manage, operate “Key to our success is our personnel, interests. In 2008 the London based and charter these ships, which are both onshore and onboard, most of organisation used its well known owned by NJ Goulandris family which have been with us since the name to set up Athens based NJ interests, which we have managed start of their careers; this continuity Goulandris Maritime Inc, a move that ships for since our establishment. means we can easily pass on the ideas stemmed from its desire to reunite the “Our vessels, two VLCCs and four and values of the company and further commercial, technical and operational suezmax vessels, are mainly operating strengthen our high operating and aspects of the business together under across the globe, however one VLCC maintenance standards. Our personnel one roof. The company’s office in the is currently on a time charter with stay with us because of our values and capital now acts as a chartering liaison BP for one year. The market has the way we operate; they know we are office that also handles accounts been difficult over the last few years, a company with high standards that and insurance issues. Following the which has left us with the challenge can’t be compromised.” relocation, Andriaki Shipping, which of running ships in a cost-efficient Committed to continuously operates as the group’s management manner while also ensuring the highest improving environmental performance arm, is housed under the same roof as possible quality standards. With the in all operations, Andriaki Shipping NJ Goulandris Maritime. co-operation of our sea farers we have complies with all applicable Since it was previously featured in managed this successfully.” environmental laws and regulations, 62 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: AndriAki ShiPPing one of the best cadet training programmes in Greek shipping. The company hires about ten cadets each year in both deck and engine departments and enables them to obtain their second officer/third officer licenses. “As part of our training we also have an English teacher go on board and travel with the ships so sea farers can take lessons on board,” adds Dimitris. Cautiously optimistic of the shipping industry’s recovery, Dimitris anticipates potentially expanding its management services to third-party tanker owners while also maintaining its leading reputation for quality. “At the moment we are managing ships exclusively for the NJ Goulandris family, but our next step is to potentially take on ships from other owners who would like to enter the tanker market but aren’t prepared to build a managing organisation. Although we are open to this development, it could only take place if we were to find someone who could share our values and standards,” he concludes. Andriaki Shipping www.andriaki.gr • Manage and operate six tankers • Over six decades of experience • Prepared for environmental regulations such as SECA, which came into effect January 1st 2015. “All of our ships have been modified to meet SECA regulations,” confirms Dimitris. “We are also aware you have to clean certain tanks to meet the 0.1 per cent sulphur in fuel requirement, and have made the necessary modifications to piping, machinery, main engines and diesel generators. Meanwhile, with regards to ballast water treatment, due to the USCG approval uncertainties, we have not made any decisions on installing systems as of yet.” Another way the company ensures its stringent safety and environmental policy is achieved is through the constant monitoring of its six Greek flag vessels as well as high levels of communication between staff. “Our office personnel continuously monitor the vessels’ safety and environmental performance, while our officers all get briefed and debriefed as they pass through the office to sign on and off. We also provide both in-house and third party training to our staff and arrange third party audits,” explains Dimitris. On top of training its staff, Andriaki Shipping’s comprehensive cadet training programme provides people looking to begin their sea career with www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 63
Profile: ReedeRei NSB Branching out F ounded by a management amounts into its IT systems, quality international market. However, not management and the improvement with a strong knowledge only do we offer our services in ship in shipbuilding, German management within this branch, we of processes, a decision that was strengthened by the training of also offer crewing, supply chain and quality ship manager Reederei NSB boasts more than 30 years experience in managing container teams for operations both ashore agency services that are tailor made for the Chinese market; in fact, the first and onboard. This dedication to vessels, product, crude and gas continuous improvement has proven Chinese crew will be signing on by the tankers. Renowned for its experience highly fruitful for the company, with end of January,” explains Tim Ponath, and commitment to innovation, the a number of business expansions chief operating officer of Reederei company has established successful taking place since it was last featured NSB. Adhering to its motto of ‘local partnerships with key ship owners in Shipping and Marine in July 2014. dedication with global background’, such as CONTI Reederei, GEBAB, “One milestone for Reederei NSB the company is immensely proud of RWE Innogy and Norddeutsche during 2014 was the opening of a the foundation of this joint venture, Vermoegen, as well as charterers such new branch in Shanghai, named Asia and is certain to provide optimum as CMA CGM, Evergreen MSC and Marine Shanghai, in November. This services to customers. Hanjin within the container market. newly founded branch emerges from Another major development for However, upon seeing opportunities a joint venture between the Chinese the dynamic Reederei NSB is the in the offshore market, Reederei NSB Shanghai Nan Dou International foundation of NSB Marine Solutions expanded its services after winning a Shipmanagement Co. Ltd. and GmbH in October 2014. Offering management contract for two jack-up Reederei NSB. state-of-the-art technology and vessels that were owned by German “Although the joint venture processes, the subsidiary combines blue chip energy provider RWE Innogy still serves local customers, this these strengths with the expertise in 2010. development means we are currently of parent company Reederei NSB Over the following five years NSB in the process of opening up our and managing directors Markus Reederei focused on investing large ship management services to the Thewes and Tim Ponath, who 64 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: ReedeRei NSB notes: “The implementation of NSB relatively smaller propulsion engine Marine Solutions is a very important due to increasing displacement, as achievement for Reederei NSB. well as a lower speed and enhanced Customers can select from a broad fuel efficiency. “This results in a much portfolio of services, pick individual better IMO Energy Efficiency Design products or receive a full-service Index, and a significant decline in package. As a result, they can meet CO emissions per tonne mile for the 2 new economic or legislative challenges widened ship. The result looks even and focus their own resources where better if the CO emissions are related 2 they are required the most.” to the pure cargo weight,” explains Appointed to the management Tim. board as COO of Reederei NSB in Having strengthened its early 2015, Tim is now managing international service offering and with the company together with his father, a number of projects in the pipeline, CEO Helmut Ponath, and CFO the highly knowledgeable Reederei Lutz Weber. “Being from the second NSB will be delivering tailor-made generation, I am looking forward to solutions to an increasing customer managing the business that my father base for years to come. helped to build and significantly vessel will be delivered in April 2015.” shaped. It will give me the opportunity The innovative widening concept Reederei NSB to actively contribute to shaping the is used on panamax containerships, www.reederei-nsb.de future of our company,” he says. which, with a beam of 32 metres, With a strong presence in Singapore, have been the backbone of container • Thirty years experience in ship management the US and Shanghai, the international shipping for many years. This • Recently opened a new branch in ship and crew management firm process not only makes the vessels Shanghai anticipates expansion in Manila more economic, but also provides • Implemented NSB Marine Solutions in October 2014 over the coming years; it also seems greater stability with less ballast further opportunities for growth in water, container slot increase, and a the offshore sector, following the establishment of a joint venture between Reederei NSB and Offcon GmbH. This venture has led to the progression of the multi-purpose offshore vessel (MPOV) project and the development of vessel types MPOV-62 and MPOV-32 as Tim notes: “The MPOV-Wind family is tailor-made to the requirements of the offshore-wind market and offers a highly efficient and cost-optimised concept which also includes logistics and maintenance to wind farm operators.” The MPOV-62 and MPOV-32 offer cost efficiency during construction and operation as they both employ the same components and systems; moreover, the vessels are highly flexible and can be deployed during various phases of operation. In addition to these developments, the company has continued to provide innovative services to its customers while working on a number of projects, such as its widening of a number of boxships on charter to MSC. “This project is progressing according to schedule,” confirms Tim. “We had steelcutting in September 2014, with the first vessel, MSC Geneva, arriving at the shipyard in December. The outfitting and lofting is currently in progress and the converted www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 65
Profile: Petro tank Sa Smooth operator F ounded in 1980, Argentinean notes that the staff at Petro Tank philosophy is to operate and maintain As a family run business, Nicolas ship owner Petro Tank SA vessels to a high standard, as if they were our own; to us a vessel must boasts more than 30 years benefit from working with a team of people that can be trusted to move experience in the ownership be technically, structurally and and technical management of oil “As a family we are likely to share product carriers, chemical tankers, the company in the right direction: cosmetically sound to commence operations.” anchor handling and supply tugs and common values as to how things Services from Petro Tank include general cargo vessels. Operating as a should be done, which gives us an crew transportation, platform supply, privately owned family business, the extra sense of purpose and pride; we offshore accommodation, maintenance company has expanded its services also have a strong commitment to the support, standby safety services over the years and consolidated itself success of the business and are more and anchor handling and mooring as a leader in its field within the likely to put in the extra hours and capabilities in both shallow and South American region. Current main effort to become more successful. We deepwater environments. On top of activities include barge transportation, have a flexible approach to working this, the company provides coastal towing, salvage operations and general hours and strong personal bonds, and offshore towage of all kinds of offshore services. which means we are more likely to vessels, barges, wrecks, pontoons, “We are a top of the line maritime stick together in hard times and show floating cranes and other heavy service provider in the South Atlantic determination to make the business lift equipment. “Our naval experts area, Rivers de La Plata, Parana and successful.” participate together with our clients Paraguay,” confirms Nicolas Padilla, Mainly operating within the in the planning and confection of the operations director at Petro Tank. offshore sector, Petro Tank is towing schemes, which will later have “Made up of experienced professionals committed to meeting the stringent to be approved by flag authorities and/ from the shipping industry that strive standards that are expected from or classification societies,” explains to provide both convenient and oil and gas companies as well as the Nicolas. committed quality services, we want demands from customers within Having earned a strong reputation to help our customers achieve their the shipping industry, as Nicolas for its ability to provide instant and business goals. Key to our success are highlights: “We have long-term professional response to a variety a number of strengths; these include a experience in managing ships in of marine emergency situations, the highly experienced board of directors, traditional commercial management company has successfully participated well trained staff, long-lasting positive structures; our chartering and in all kinds of operations thanks to relationships with clients, safety at operations department is in charge its professional staff, fully equipped work and clearly stated missions and of seeking cargoes and operating vessels and its vast network of goals.” the vessel through its voyage. Our subcontractors and strategic alliances 66 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Petro tank Sa looks positive for Petro Tank as it focuses on expansion into a number of strategic areas, as Nicolas concludes: “We aim to continue our expansion into the barge towing market through the Hidrovia Parana-Paraguay, while also focusing on establishing operations in Uruguay too. At the same time, we are progressing with plans to start business in Brazil; the country is definitely somewhere to be working over the next ten years. Although our strategic vision depends operator worked on salvage operations such projects. We have worked in the past we are accustomed to change and are on the conditions imposed by the new knows what to do for these kinds of government after elections this year, throughout Argentina. “We have as refloating, fire fighting, wreck for clients such as WesternGeco, which flexible enough to adapt to different I’m sure gave CGG confidence when removal and environmental care scenarios.” making a decision as to what company services both on our own and for Petro Tank SA should assist Oceanic Champion third party salvors such as Smit, www.petrotank.com.ar Ocean Salvage and Tsavliris,” explains while operations are conducted in the Nicolas. “Moreover, we have vast As the company tenders for a experience of working on our own • Main operations in South America and with contractors such as Saipem number of long-term contracts in • Contract with CGG for seismic operations the offshore and river towing/barge and McDermott on the construction, exploration area.” • Argentinean ship owner and operator repair and installation of offshore transportation markets, the future structures. These include gas pipelines, petroleum products pipelines, jetties and fixed platforms.” For these projects, the company supplies clients with personnel, owned and chartered vessels, logistics at shore and heavy lifting equipment. In January 2015 Petro Tank was proud to announce that it had been awarded a contract with CGG, a geo-science French-based firm, to offer assistance in its seismic operations on behalf of ENARSA that are ongoing in the Malvinas Basin. Petro Tank’s vessel will perform chasing activities as well as the delivery of supplies and bunkers to CGG’s seismic vessel Oceanic Champion throughout the project, as Nicolas notes: “We have a vast experience in giving support to seismic vessels in South Argentinean Seas; our crew is well trained and www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 67
Profile: NOBLE CHARTERING Pump up the volume A subsidiary of Noble chartering services provider within the of 120,000 metric tonnes and a high Group, a market-leading speed loader with 1200 metric tonnes dry bulk market. In 2011 it reached global supply manager of loading capacity per hour; the port is a milestone when 100 million tonnes of cargo were carried throughout anticipated to be in operation by the agricultural and energy products, metals and minerals, leading One development for NCL took exceptional performance in all aspects independent ship-owner, operator the year, proof of its commitment to final quarter of 2015. and trader Noble Chartering Ltd. of business. place in August 2014 when it entered (NCL) provides customers with Since then NCL has continued to into a joint venture agreement with high quality, cost effective, safe and witness significant volume growth and OPG Power Ventures Plc, which will efficient logistics solutions. Not only development, which is thanks to its result in attractive long-term rates an essential part of the supply chain strong relationships with key clients for international freight. Having for major corporations throughout across a range of industries and a previously worked together, the Asia, Noble Chartering is also the high level of staff retention. In 2012 AIM-listed developer and operator company of choice for many blue two two capesize and one panamax of power plants and charterer’s new chip firms throughout the world. This newbuild were delivered, while contract will ensure visibility, control includes power plants and steel mills Noble Group invested in logistics and competitiveness with regards in Japan, major shipping companies in with a new port facility in Russia, a to transportation costs for OPG’s Korea and steel mills and power plants new terminal in Mexico and office imported coal requirements for the in China, as well as major mining expansions in Geneva in 2013. Further Chennai I, II and III power plants. organisations in Australia and Brazil; strengthening its logistics efficiency, the With both companies committed it also delivers exceptional services to group’s subsidiary Noble Argentina to achieving savings against shipping high-end clients in Europe and the US. acquired 22.75 per cent of Sitio O rates, NCL and OPG are to purchase Founded in 1988 in Asia as a de Quequeun, otherwise known as two $28 million 64,000 tonne cargo business segment of its predecessor Sitio O, a private consortium that vessels, with approximately Noble Resources, which had achieved awarded a concession to build and $9 million each being invested up one million tonnes of cargo per year operate a deep-sea port in Quequen, until the delivery of the vessels in in third party freight that year, NCL Buenos Aires, in August 2014. The the first quarter of 2017. today is recognised as a superior vessel facility will have a storage capacity More recently, Noble Group, which 68 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: NOBLE CHARTERING www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 69
Profile: NOBLE CHARTERING operates from more than 150 locations the company’s growth will be further profitability in stagnated markets, the and employs over 80 nationalities, enhanced by COFCO’s upstream entire group also retains its focus on marked another landmark in origination and trading operations eco-friendly operations that ensure its history with the closure of a that are linked to the downstream vessels operate at optimum speed transaction to sell 51 per cent of its processing and distribution capabilities of fuel consumption, which ensures agricultural business to COFCO and of COFCO and its Chinese based NCL’s carbon footprint remains within an investor consortium in September affiliates. This creates a wholly the parameters set by Noble Group, 2014; a strategic development that integrated value chain and provides while also delivering the most cost resulted in the establishment of new Noble Agri with an enviable efficiency results. With a re-invigorated joint venture Noble Agri. With the opportunity to lead the way in the balance sheet and strong business transaction brought to fruition, Noble global seabourne market for bulk partnerships, NCL aims to immerse Group anticipates significant growth agricultural products. itself further into delivering the needs as Noble Agri continues to emerge as Despite being early days for the of its customers to leverage local a core player in the global agricultural two companies, the launch of Noble relationships at a global level and thus markets. Agri has so far proven a highly fruitful become part of the best commodities Focused on engaging in agricultural venture that will complement Noble organisation in the world. trading and processing businesses that Group’s core strategy, which was originate from low-cost producing decided in October 2014 in issue 39 areas such as South America, East of its corporate magazine nobleworld: Noble Chartering Europe, India, South Africa and ‘Noble’s core strategy is to be the best www.thisisnoble.com Australia, to supply high demand merchant in the world at moving the • Leading independent ship-owner regions such as The Middle East and physical commodity from the producer operator and trader Asia, Noble Agri owns and operates to the consumer and managing the • Offers award-winning dry bulk logistical logistics and processing assets in market, credit and operational risk solutions • Renowned for reliability and strategic locations across the globe. associated with that.’ performance Having carried 46 million tonnes of As Noble Group and NCL agriculture bulk product in 2013, continue to perform well and increase 70 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Ato B@C ShiPPing Versatile vessels P rivately-owned ship owner, crewing and technical management of its vessels. Proud to have developed operator and logistics close relationships with a number of firm AtoB@C Shipping AB has developed its fleet customers, the company’s dedicated and services since its foundation to become a highly reputable team of young personnel focus on maintaining a successful and transporter of wood pulp, steel, reputable organisation through scrap and project cargo within the continuous improvements in all areas Scandinavian and European market. of operation. Currently operating a fleet of 30 Discussing AtoB@C Shipping’s well-maintained, ice classed, modern history with Shipping and Marine multipurpose vessels, some of which magazine in May 2014, managing are fully owned, while others are on director Anders Nilsson stated: “I time charter from owner friends and started the organisation in 1998 partners, the company has enjoyed and was an employee for two years rapid growth to become a strong before I made a bet to the buyer of logistics partner that strives for the company that I establish AtoB@C continuous improvement. Shipping without any money at all. Mainly trading in the Baltic Sea, My income was commission only at Continent, North Spain, Portugal first, but then I progressed into time and the West Mediterranean Sea, charters; the company hasn’t had a the company has a strong customer minus year since it was established base of more than 40 clients, mainly and was even generating profit during operating in industries such as paper the economic crisis in 2008. and steel. Meanwhile, associates in “Our growth stems from flexibility; Holland and Germany handle the when the economic market became www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 71
Profile: Ato B@C ShiPPing challenging we adjusted very quickly and cut the company in half then grew it again. We are conservative with our cash flow, which is why companies in the shipping industry view us as a good partner. We also focus on enhancing our versatility to ensure we deliver on time; this is our main advantage in a competitive market with tight deadlines as it leads to customer satisfaction. One way we do this is by having the same types of vessels, which can then be swapped if there are delays.” Focused on the 4000 to 10,000 tonne vessel market, AtoB@C Shipping mainly uses 4000 tonne ships to meet the needs of customers trading in the Baltic as these vessels provide cost efficiency and punctuality due to fact they have a one-day turnaround in Baltic ports. “There is a limit for these ports, 5000 tonne vessels and above have a turnaround of two days,” explained Anders. 72 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Ato B@C ShiPPing the last eight months, the company is cautiously optimistic about the future, as demand within the industry continues to increase for highly flexible and punctual shipping services. “With the market remaining challenging, we have seen some players in Europe close down, while others are coming up, so there will be less players in the market over the To further strengthen its consolidation to ensure we have the coming years. Despite the challenges, chartering services, the company best fleet to optimise our services. there is increasing demand for high entered an agreement with Rederi However we did acquire a vessel in flexibility in the industry, so we aim AB Transatlantic, whereby all of December 2014 and are cautiously to increase our vessel numbers to Transatlantic’s commercial activities beginning our newbuild programme. 35 in the short term. However, to within its short sea bulk division are “So far design work has begun, meet this demand we will require a outsourced to AtoB@C Shipping. but we will wait another 18 lot more vessels, so we will try to Starting in September 2013, the months before we progress into the do this alone while also researching agreement has enabled AtoB@C construction phase; everything is potential co-operations with others. Shipping to gain more efficiencies upside down at the moment because Meanwhile, looking further ahead, and scale than what either company of the oil price, so we are still figuring our major target is to renew 60 to had independently. Moreover, with our what kind of fuel would be best 70 per cent of our fleet over the AtoB@C Shipping’s fleet more than to use and what engines to install. next three to five years,” Anders doubled, the strategic venture has However, key to our newbuild concludes. resulted in the creation of a Nordic programme is low consumption, no leader in the Baltic short sea bulk matter what we end up burning.” AtoB@C Shipping market, as Anders highlights: “This With the SECA regulations coming www.atobatc.se agreement has resulted in our into effect on January 1st 2015, turnover more than doubling over the company has been looking into • Leading European multipurpose vessel the last 12 months, it is now slightly consumption levels with the aim of owner above 90 million euros, so profit has removing the vessels with the highest • Fleet of 30 vessels • Entered partnership with Rederi AB tripled from what it was previously. pollution levels from its fleet. Translatlantic in 2013 Since this business agreement was With a contract volume increase made we have been in a period of of approximately 15 per cent over www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 73
Profile: norled AFjordable luxury F or several generations began operating high-speed ferries ferry traffic has been of and boats along the inner fjord great importance for those of Oslo, including routes between living and travelling along Nesodden and Aker Brygge, and the Norwegian coast. As a fully Troms. With approximately 1400 owned subsidiary of Stavangerske in 2011 began activity in North Dampskibselskap, Norled AS is employees, Norled has a turnover responsible for the groups ferry 1.6 MNOK annually, generated from transport. With 80 vessels across the its administrative offices in Bergen entire group, the company covers and Stavanger, as well as regional much of the regular traffic along the offices in Ålesund and Oslo. Norwegian west coast. Today, Norled is one of the largest In 2009, then Tide Sjø, Norled transportation companies with 50 74 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: norled experience. Reflecting that strong to their destination. Offered for customer focus and desire to offer all private travel, vacation, adventure amenities and comforts the business or business trips, the vessels are has equipped its fleet with the latest, equipped with comfortable chairs modern facilities. that give the opportunity to work on Western Norway is famous the trip, or to simply relax. for its stunning coastline and the Recognising the market of people majestic fjords. The combination wanting to simply visit the area, of unique and beautiful nature and not just travel through, Norled a rich cultural life provides many established a tour programme in opportunities for sightseeing tours Western Norway. The combination and events at sea. The coast and of nature and a rich cultural life fjords contrast with the landscape provides many opportunities for in a way that reflects the constantly sightseeing tours and events at sea, changing Nordic climate, varying offered across three of the major from mystic tranquility to an fjords in Fjord Norway: Sognefjord, orchestra of elements. The fjords Lysefjord and Hardangerfjord. combine breathtaking nature with Having been operating in the folklore and history dating back industry for several years, the to the origin of the European business has established links with culture. With the aim of opening the several fjord restaurants along the environment to visitors, the business west coast of Norway, and has car/passenger ferries and 30 large established a tour programme so become an expert in tailor-made expressboats situated along the that its customers may enjoy some events, be it for company gatherings, whole coast of Norway as well of the best that Norway has to teambuilding or other events. as in the fjords. Each year, the offer. Incorporating travel by boat, Through its own coaches and charter business transports approximately bus and hiking, clientele are able boats it is able to transport and 18 million passengers, across to make the most of an otherwise entertain from 12 to 280 people. tourist routes on the major fjords untouchable landscape. Whilst much of its customer base as well as coastal express. Its ferries Offered as an exotic retreat from is attracted to the landscape, there operate, from Vest-Agder in the everyday life, Norled provides an is a popular following of clientele south to Trondheim in the north, express boat service, with a fleet seeking to immerse themselves in and no matter how long or short the that will take passengers quickly the wealth of history and the Viking journey, its aim is to always provide and safely through the some of the past that is strong in the region. its passengers with an enjoyable regions most beautiful countryside Rogaland has several historical sites www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 75
Profile: norled scheduled for an imminent launch. In September 2014 the company was awarded the prestigious ‘Ship of the Year’ industry award, recognising the provision of a propulsion system with the extremely low energy consumption. As the worlds first fully battery driven ferry, the ZeroCat’s change in power source will reduce emissions from 50 to as low as five per cent. Whilst completing the fjord crossings using little energy, the technology also ensures a safe and efficient solution and places that can be linked to the wooden houses in Northern Europe. for low speed maneuvering when Viking Age, and the combination Today famous for its most operating near piers. With space for of factors has led the business important industry, the petroleum 120 cars and up to 360 passengers, to offering a tailor-made Viking trade, attraction to the region is the vessel is a welcomed asset to experience. Visiting several sites such ever growing, fueling the company’s Norled’s fleet. as Swords in Stone, reliving stories clear commitment to providing about Erling Skjalgsson and Harald a customer and environmentally FairHair and visiting the Viking driven approach. Dedicated to Norled Hall at Ørnebergtunet have proved preserving the environment, as www.norled.no very popular programmes. For those the business continues to grow, it • Ferry service operator customers looking for a different has been focusing on replacing all • Launching innovative model approach, it offers a city ramble its older fleet with state-of-the-art • Ongoing upgrade of leet and harbour trip on a veteran ship, vessels, particularly promoting taking in 173 of the best-preserved its new battery powered vessel, 76 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: IonIc ShIPPIng (Mgt) Inc up Bulking F ounded in 2013 with a the way it operates its fleet of eight bulkheads, fuel efficiency devices and vessels, each of which boast superior super low friction paints. We want vision of establishing a ship management company quality, fuel efficiency and exceptional to define ourselves as a quality ship that would always remain standards. Spyros Vlassopoulos, manager,” he continues. “We try to committed to service excellence, discussed the company’s strengths in are of the relevant specification and Ionic Shipping (Mgt) Inc’s mission managing director at Ionic Shipping, ensure that the ships that we run is to provide cost-effective maritime a competitive market with Shipping whenever we get the opportunity to transportation solutions to its and Marine magazine in May 2014: offer our opinions regarding new charterers and carriers. Benefiting “Without a question of doubt, there builds we recommend to owners the from three directors with an is a lot of competition in the market, equipment that we would think it accumulated experience of more however, as many of us here come beneficial to include. This is to make than 80 years in the maritime from a tanker background we are the vessels as ‘bullet proof’ as possible industry, Ionic Shipping has the using tanker management practice in and preferable for our clients because expertise and knowledge to deliver a managing our fleet of bulk carriers. we know what our head charters dedicated turnkey service; a strength This is something that we believe require.” Complementing these core that is complemented by a team of is recognised and seen by our end strengths is the company’s first class dedicated sea-faring and shore-based users because this is one of the technical maintenance service, which employees who aim to enhance fleet crucial points that we are doing to ensures minimal down-time and very operations through the delivery of a differentiate us from our competitors. little risk of incidents at sea. comprehensive range of services such “The quality of the way the ships In fact, health, safety, quality as technical, operations and supply are run in addition to the tonnage and environmental responsibilities management, as well as commercial, itself is something that we are very are maintained throughout Ionic insurance, crewing, financial proud of. Moreover, there are several Shipping, with high ethical standards management and new build projects. extras that we have on the ships a core value for the proud firm. Since its inception the company has that are useful to our clients, such The company exemplified these gained a strong reputation thanks to as CO in the cargo tanks, A60 steel standards in 2013, when the United 2 www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 77
Profile: IonIc ShIPPIng (Mgt) Inc 78 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: IonIc ShIPPIng (Mgt) Inc Tadotsu shipyard in Japan, the vessel complements the company’s existing fleet of three sister handysize vessels (34,000 dwt) from the Korean Dae Sun shipyard and a further three sister Supramax vessels (56,000 dwt) that were built by Mitsui in Japan. All of the vessels incorporated in the Ionic fleet are of the highest quality and the arrival of the Ionic Kleos represents an important milestone for the company as Mr Vlassopoulos elaborated in May 2014: “With the delivery of the Ionic Kleos we are States Coast Guard (USCG) advised organisation that is committed entering the Kamsarmax segment of Ionic that two of its vessels had to positive long-term business the dry bulk market, which underlines been awarded approval within the relationships. Complementing this the organic growth for our company. Qualship21 programme; an initiative operating philosophy, the company’s Tsuneishi’s Tadotsu shipyard is well that aims to reward high-quality Athens-based dedicated management recognised for this series of 82,000 ships with incentives to encourage team is pro-active in meeting dwt Kamsarmax vessels as well as operations of a superior quality. customer needs in close partnership being acknowledged by our end Furthermore, the company became with its knowledgeable office staff users.” a member of Helmepa (the Hellenic and crew that operate on board its Following the addition of Ionic Marine Environment Protection vessels. “We are keen to ensure that Kleos, the latest vessel to enter Ionic Association); first established in 1982, we have a full compliment of well Shipping’s managed fleet is the Ionic the pioneering association is a place qualified officers and crew,” states Mr Kizuna, which was constructed at for Greek seafarers and ship owners Vlassopoulos. “Fortunately, we are the Tsuneishi yard and delivered to voluntarily commit to safeguarding closely linked with a manning agency on 30th January 2015. Not only the seas from ship-generate pollution. in the Philippines that we work with complementing the company’s True to its motto ‘To Save the Seas’, and have our own pool of seafarers Kamsarmax fleet, the 81,868 dwt HELMEPA aims to eliminate marine and officers. We make sure that there vessel, which has an LOA of 299,00, pollution that is generated from ships, is a set agenda, training and rotation a beam of 32,26 and 14,43 draft, while also enhancing safety levels for of crew and more importantly, will continue to cement its strong those onboard. continuity throughout the fleet and commitment to quality tonnage. Despite being a relatively young crew. We also run a cadet programme Despite facing challenging times organisation, Ionic Shipping has to ensure that the continuity is there ahead due to the political turmoil generated a strong global presence, for years to come.” in the region, the Greek firm will thanks to its willingness to forgo Having earned solid business remain focused on delivering a first- short term profitability in order relationships with first-class suppliers, class service to its customers. By to create a customer-focused workshops and marine service remaining conservative in a difficult providers, the company ensures market, Ionic Shipping aims to ensure consistent reliability from its fleet its name continues to be associated SeaStar Management as well as continuous high-quality with exceptional ship management SeaStar Management is one of the leading catering services. Furthermore, with all bulk services. providers to the global shipping community and are carriers presently deployed on fixed severing IONIC SHIPPING (MGT) INC. where their team of dedicated specialists ensures that vessels are provided term charters, Ionic Shipping’s current with nutritious, healthy, ample and cost-efficient provision client base includes well-reputed firms Ionic Shipping (Mgt) Inc supplies.“ such as Louis Dreyfus Commodities, www.ionicship.com SeaStar Management utilizes their strong supplier network and close communication with the vessels crew to ensure Cargill, Bunge and Vitol. • Manage high-spec bulkers and carriers all their requirements are met. To further enhance its services, • Strong global presence Customer focus and efforts in continually driving Ionic Shipping added the newbuilding improvements, increasing efficiencies and streamlining • Operate eight vessels customers’ procurement processes are the cornerstones of Kamsarmax bulk carrier Ionic Kleos theirs day-to-day activities in 2014. Constructed at Tsuneishi’s www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 79
Profile: commercial mariNe & PiliNg A strong foundation S ince its inception in 1991, – Marine Civil Engineering services systems, which involve strict quality “We provide two core capabilities Commercial Marine & control procedures, to deliver Piling (CMP) has developed and steel foundation construction. superior solutions. Furthermore, a reputation for excellence Underpinning our capabilities is CMP has acquired a wider skill base in the piling field; by using its vast expertise and state-of-the-art 25 years of experience in project through the recruitment of experts management and professional to combine skills that complement technology, the company has gained services. We can deliver projects its own; a move that has resulted a strong customer base and worked through the full procurement cycle in a strong team of knowledgeable on a number of major projects. from project concept through professional directors, project However, while piling remains a construction to completion and managers and technical experts. key business activity, the company handover. Whilst primarily based “Our skill base is perfectly suited made the strategic decision to in the UK we have also successfully to operating within the marine diversify its services through the delivered projects in Europe and renewable energy sector and we acquisition of Branford Civil & Africa,” states Kris Branford, have successfully delivered a number Marine Ltd in 1999. Since then, Operations Director at CMP. of projects to market leaders such the Hampshire, UK, headquartered Committed to providing a as E.ON, DONG Energy, and CMP has successfully expanded into range of services to suit its clients’ Siemens,” explains Kris. the marine civil engineering and requirements, the company uses A recent major project for specialist marine piling markets. in-house project management the innovative firm involved the 80 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: commercial mariNe & PiliNg successful construction of a 68 metre long concrete berthing facility for DONG Energy in partnership with Scottish Power Renewables Ltd at Barrow in Furness. Awarded the contract in April 2013, works commenced on site at the end of June, with CMP’s scope of work including a non-intrusive UXO on site during construction.” Despite 2 survey of 5000m of sea bed at these challenges, the company the site, localised dredging of completed the project ahead of time, uncontaminated silts that lay which was thanks to CMP’s project beneath the proposed pontoon to management shortening the design eliminate the risk of grounding the and construction phases and forming pontoon at low astronomical tide, close co-operation between DONG movement monitoring of the dock Energy’s engineers and CMP’s wall during dredging and piling designers and construction staff. operations as well as the design, Following this project, Harwich Rollins Marine Services supply and installation of 4No International Port awarded the tubular steel mooring piles at the company a contract in May 2014 to Rollins Marine Services were pleased to work with Commercial Marine & Piling on their DONG Energy Project at Barrow in Furness which involved the ends and internally to the inside face reinstate the berthing and mooring design and installation of service pedestals, SOS stations, pump out stations on of the pontoons. dolphins to berth two and carry specially constructed heavy duty concrete pontoons. “The project comprised of the Recently we also carried out work for them at Port of Harwich, which included installation of large mains services and high level LED flood lighting. design and construction of a new pontoon berthing facility for offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels. The new pontoon is fully equipped with light, power, fresh water, high speed refuelling stations, sewage and bilge water pump out services and a 20 metre outreach dockside crane,” says Mike Coster, Project Manager at CMP. “The 68 metre long x 5 metre wide x 270 tonne berthing pontoon comprises of three heavy duty pre cast concrete floating modules which were manufactured close by in the sheltered conditions of Barrow port. Each 90 tonne module is heavily reinforced with 15cm thick walls and weighing 90 tonnes each. The units were lifted into the water by 500t crane, connected end-to-end with semi flexible connections and towed through the lock and attached to the mooring piles. “The project presented some interesting design and operational challenges due to its location and DONG Energy’s bespoke requirements. The site is in an exposed and unprotected location in the Barrow estuary and subject to an 11 metre tidal range, waves of 1.5 metres and wind speeds up to 45m/s, all of which were experienced www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 81
Profile: commercial marine & Piling out concrete repairs to the quay equinox low tides levels. It was Wharf, London. The company is also at berth three after a collision by thanks to careful pre-planning and working on the marine bid for the Sirena Seaways. “The scope of works favourable weather conditions on Thames Tideway Tunnel in London, included the installation of 2No steel the day that the installation and final which will include the construction mooring dolphin piles 2.25 metres welding works were successfully and of a number of large marine diameter x 39 metres long x 73 quickly completed, the jack up legs structures that will facilitate the tonnes each, 150t mooring bollards, raised and the barges were able to £40 billion installation of London’s new access platforms and linking withdraw with more than two hours new super sewer. footbridges and the installation to spare before the arrival of the of a new 30t torsion fender panel ferry.” Commercial Marine to the berthing face of the piled Having proven its flexibility dolphins,” says Mike. “The torsion and expertise during the most & Piling fender panel also had to be installed challenging of projects and difficult www.cmp.uk.com to the dolphin pile within a seven environments, the future looks • Marine civil engineering and piling hour window between ferries and positive for CMP as it prepares to contractor tide level restrictions. Only two embark on a £12 million project • Acquired Branford Civil & Marine in 1999 days in September were available to to construct a new Combi-Wall • Capacity to act as principle contractor for projects up to £15 million carry out the works, which required cofferdam as part of the new Wood suitable tide times and very low Wharf development, in Canary 82 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: steerProP At the heart of technology F ounded in 2000, Steerprop provides first-class, tailor-made efficiency CRP ECO propulsors for Ltd. is at the centre of azimuth Steerprop azimuth propulsors to a cruise ship and arctic operations.” propulsion technology. The As such, Steerprop is dedicated global maritime market, as managing director, Petri Tolonen elaborates: company was founded by to providing a reliable solution in personnel with decades of experience arctic conditions, technical offshore with azimuth propulsion and “Our main customers are shipyards, any application, including harsh vessel owners and design offices that specialises in the design, production respectively build, own and design environments and demanding cruise and service of azimuth propulsors of vessels. As customer satisfaction is and cargo markets. By categorising superior quality. Its special focus is in vitally important to a specialised its propulsors into roughly three developing and delivering efficient and company like Steerprop, every categories, Steerprop is able to quickly reliable bespoke propulsion solutions customer is just as important as indentify the needs of its clients for the most demanding applications another to the company. In addition according to market. However, the through the combination of decades to the research and development company considers these categories to of experience and proven technology centre at our headquarters in Rauma, be merely a raw definition, the final with the latest 3D-design software Finland, we work closely with a delivered product is always customised and advanced calculation methods to number of partners. For example, we to meet and exceed the individual produce azimuth propulsion systems work with companies that conduct client’s and the vessel’s operational of exceptional quality and excellent open-water and ice-basin model tests. profile. Steerprop azimuth propulsors lifetime economy. Co-operation with such companies has are available in every application with Through its worldwide network been particularly fruitful to Steerprop open propellers and ducted propellers of agents and partners, Steerprop in developing high power and high as well as Steerprop dual-end contra- www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 83
Profile: SteerProP 84 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: SteerProP rotating propellers. Furthermore close support and environmental every system is designed and built in friendliness. Primarily due to their accordance to the regulations of the propulsive efficiency – they are able appropriate regulation society. to produce the same propulsive thrust To ensure that it is able to deliver with less fuel, meaning that less fuel world-class azimuth propulsion is consumed. Secondarily due to the solutions to clients today and into reliable nature of the systems, less the future, Steerprop continuously spare parts are needed and consumed. invests the latest design technology “As reliable and efficient and training, as Petri explains: “We propulsors, our products offer the keep our design and engineering best lifecycle economy – resulting software up-to-date at all times and in fuel savings and lessened need also make sure that our staff are well for service and less off duty time,” trained through on-going training. he continues. “As I mentioned Co-operation with universities and before, we have an organisation other educational institutions is also of experts and we are also able to very important for us; we always provide service quickly and flexibly have young students working on their to our customers. And of course, theses within the company. Of course as legislation concerning maritime this is obviously not purely altruism emissions is introduced worldwide, on our part, as we want these talented environmentally friendly products students to stay in Steerprop and thus will be very beneficial.” secure the continuity of the business.” The high level of service offered Steerprop works to ensure that by Steerprop coupled with the it is focused on the quality of its natural advantages of the azimuth propulsion systems at every stage system has made the Steerprop of the business and at every stage azimuth propulsor system the of production. As well as ensuring propulsion system of choice for that the company maintains the right clients in a number of challenging in-house design skills and knowledge environments. Furthermore the base, Steerprop also employs a company’s dedicated investment into rigorous testing regime so that its research and development will ensure clients can rely on a proven, effective that its azimuth propulsor systems solution every time. “Our Factory will continue to lead the market Acceptance Test is designed to test well into the future, as Petri details: every aspect of the propulsors and “During the past few years we have their control systems function before put enormous efforts into research Petri Tolonen, managing director delivery. We test every single propulsor and development. For example, we with the same control components have developed new, very powerful predecessor, Jarmo Savikurki has done that it will be delivered with. Because propulsion for icebreakers. We also excellent work in building and steering of this, we are able to guarantee designed the new Steerprop CRP Steerprop to this current excellent easy commissioning of the units ECO product family both for cruise situation and I have big shoes to fill. I and the flawless performance of the ships as well as ice going vessels. The am very excited to continue this work entire propulsor system,” Petri says. first references with both of these and the starting point is great - the “Of course, even before the control propulsion types are about to go company is in a good situation and system and propulsor are connected into operations. Vyborg shipyard in people in the organisation are highly to each other, each individual system Russia and Arctech Helsinki Shipyard skilled and motivated. This year a is meticulously tested and inspected in Finland are building 18 MW special emphasis will be on allocating to ensure that it is up to our stringent icebreakers for the Russian Ministry resources to growing and improving standards.” of Transportation. Each of these the after-sales service business and The success of Steerprop is built icebreakers is equipped with two of we will continue to strengthen our on a combination of its dedication our SP 110 PULL ARC units at nine organisation and to further improve to delivering the highest standards MW in the RMRS Icebreaker seven our strengths.” in the design and manufacture of its ice class.” products and also in part, due to the Although the current low price Steeprop benefits of the azimuth propulsor oil and the political uncertainty www.steerprop.com systems themselves. Commenting on concerning Russia and the Ukraine has the advantages of the azimuth system, created relatively challenging market • Founded in 2000 Petri says: “The main benefits of conditions, Steerprop is both confident • Azimuth propulsor systems Steerprop azimuth propulsor systems and excited about the future of the • Bespoke design solutions are long-term cost savings, aftersales business, as Petri concludes: “My www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 85
Profile: Ambrey risk Proper protection A mbrey Risk provides happened in the Iraq/Afghanistan security services to private security market. So we knew we had to grow fast to fight the maritime, private and corporate clients, and economics of being paid less and less in the five years since the company predicted has indeed come to pass was established it has grown into a for what we do. The situation we major player and market leader. As but because we managed to grow John Thompson, a co-founder of the relatively quickly, we have been able company explained, it supports a to pass on savings to clients that we wide variety of clients, including ship have made due to our economies of owners, ship management companies scale, and that has been key,” said and major charterers. It also works John. closely with insurance underwriters, He continued: “When we set up the UK Government, industry the company we were very focused associations and international on our core business, which is the initiatives to set and maintain high armed guarding sector, and we spent standards across the sector. a lot of time analysing the market A fast pace of expansion has been to make sure we are agile enough to a trend that Ambrey Risk embraced make very fast changes and give the from the beginning. “This was all market what it wants when it needs down to the economics really - we it. For example when we first got always knew that the price our clients into the armed guard business it was were willing to pay would decline, largely dominated by UK nationals as emergent security threats usually but we quickly saw that costs needed cycle in this way. It is exactly what to come down, so we set our office 86 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Ambrey risk up in India and began recruiting from a really top drawer training and Indian military leavers. We were the compliance team that has been first company in the sector to do that central to the business right from and we now have over 220 Indian day one,” confirmed John. “They staff making up 50-60 per cent of our make sure our activities are carried business. We’ve always made sure to out in compliance with the relevant constantly monitor the market, move regulations, and that all our team early and then reinvest very heavily are properly trained because we are wherever we can to make sure that only ever as good as our last job. Our we reinforce success.” operational performance is entirely This pace of growth has continued dependent on training and this has since Ambrey Risk was last in the been a key differentiator for us in a pages of Shipping and Marine in crowded market place.” July 2014. John noted that in just When looking at Ambrey’s seven months the company has performance in the market it has seen exceptional results. This grown by about 40 per cent in terms protection part facilitated by an acquisition, significant award. Just before of volume of business. That was in has been upheld by a recent and as he explained: “We bought Drum Christmas 2014 Ambrey Risk was placed in the top ten of the Sunday Cussac’s armed maritime security Times Virgin Fast Track 100, which business, a great move in support of identifies the 100 fastest growing our growth plans and also for them as strategically they were very focused growth. “We came eighth in the on expansion in their broader risk country and in the Midlands where management and technical businesses. companies in the UK, based on sales “This was a good fit for us, as it has given us significantly more capacity. In buying that business we have ensured our ability to always have the right equipment in the right place at the right time, a major challenge in our line of work. It is not possible to deliver an armed security service on a ship if you haven’t got firearms and everything you need in position at the right port of embarkation. We also brought across their pool of deployed manpower, many of those guards bring a lot of experience from the last four or five years in anti-piracy work.” The integration of the company into Ambrey Risk has been smooth, largely because of the prior similarities between the two businesses: “Much of Drum Cussac’s equipment was procured from the same supplier as us in the UK. How they did business logistically resembled many of our own systems. In addition, their training and compliance standards were geared for the rigours of oil and gas majors, just like ours and that made the process much simpler,” added John. This last issue has always been a priority for Ambrey Risk, as it works in a business with strict standards and demanding clients. “We have www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 87
Profile: ambrey risk we are based, we were the fastest of PMSCs are likely to grow rather growing company,” noted John, than diminish. We will also look to proudly. raise awareness of our West Africa This recognition strengthens services, growing and improving Ambrey’s belief that its approach capability as that market matures. to business is working and that We will also look to drive growth in it needs to continue to build on our training business which trained this going forward. One part of over 1000 maritime security guards this future plan is continuing to in 2014 in the UK, Greece, Poland, develop its international presence. India and Sri Lanka. Overall, we are “The business was founded in rural always striving to be recognised as Herefordshire, but at considerable the global leader in maritime security cost as a small business we invested risk management services in all parts in offices overseas early on to keep of the world and we will continue to bringing in more business. As a result work hard towards that goal.” of this strategy we now have offices in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ambrey Risk Korea, and India, all of which bring www.ambreyrisk.com in work to the UK, from where our • Ranked 8th fastest growing company in services are delivered.” the UK in Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track John concluded: “This year I 100 in 2014 think we will enhance and build • Successfully acquired and integrated competitor on our strong base in the Somali • Plans for further growth in East and Piracy market. As naval forces start West Africa to drawdown the need for services 88 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: ERIK THUN The next generation W ith a history extending grow and remains a family-owned outlook and to have a longer business. investment profile. Erik Thun also back more than seven Although the Erik Thun Group designs all of its ships in-house in decades, Erik Thun AB co-operation with Ferus Smit in the is presently active within a number is a third-generation ship owner and management has built its last 30 ships at the same company that operates a number of of business areas, shipping has Netherlands. To date the company always remained at the core of its subsidiaries as part of the wider Erik activities since it was established by yard and the result has always been Thun Group. Further to its vessel Helge Källsson during 1938. “The well performing, high-quality vessels. ownership and management services, company was founded in Lidköping, The strategy of the business is to the group maintains a diverse Sweden as a shipping company source its vessels in a good way so portfolio of interests including the and today operates with several that they have a relatively strong operation of the Segerhammars integrated parts of the business,” comparative advantage - in total Erik Skeppsmäkleri AB and Citadel elaborates deputy managing director, Thun presently have around Shipping AB port agencies; aircraft Henrik Källsson. “Erik Thun AB 40 ships.” sales and leasing, prominently within manages everything from technical As the main shipping arm of the the Nordic market and Ireland; and through to commercial departments Erik Thun Group, Erik Thun AB Direkt Chark AB, which produces and has traditionally always been further subdivides it activities into high quality processed meat products involved in local short-sea shipping four main areas comprised of its in its own facilities in Gothenburg within Northern Europe. Being a tanker business, operated by the and the company operates one of family company is a very strong Thun Tankers subsidiary, which Sweden’s largest facilities for cold advantage because it means that represents a market leader in the smoked and air-dried processed the business does not have to look operation of smaller tankers around meat. Throughout the history of at each quarter so much, instead 8000dwt; dry cargo vessels that sail the business it has continued to it is possible to consider a further off the west coast of Sweden to the www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 89
Profile: ERIK THUN Baltic Sea and Continental and Mediterranean ports; self-unloading ships, equipped with Thun Cargo Scooper discharging equipment that trade throughout Nordic Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as between Brazil and Canada; and cement carriers, which it operates through a 50-50 joint venture with the Norwegian ship owner Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi AS. The venture is known as JT Cement AS and owns a fleet of eight tankers under 6000dwt that operate within Northern Europe. Throughout its history, Erik Thun AB has developed a reputation of building strong relationships with both its clients and partners in a number of sectors through the implementation of innovative joint ventures. Presently Erik Thun AB is in the process of building a further joint venture with Swedish partners Ahlmark Lines and VT group of Holland. This is in response to Sweden’s decision in December 2014 to apply for EU-wide rules applying to inland navigation. As the use of inland waterways begins to take off within Sweden, Erik Thun and its partners intend to provide a competitive alternative to road and rail links throughout Sweden and throughout Europe. A further development for the company in recent years has been the successful launches of its MV Alice and MV Helge general cargo vessels. The vessels are named after the founder of Erik Thun, Helge and 90 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: ERIK THUN his wife Alice and are described as into Africa and we will possibly Trollmax ships. Trollmax vessels are look into South America and Asia Erik Thun AB orientated bulk vessel that have been to investigate opportunities there. www.thun.se specifically designed to sail the locks The North Europe market is very of the Trollhättan canal and Lake well established so we will look to • Established 1938 • Vessel owner and management company Vänern, which is the largest inland other areas for growth, possibly • Fleet of 40 modern vessels lake in Sweden. This makes the with further joint ventures and vessels perfectly suited for sea river acquisitions.” shipping duties and furthermore, the ships are designed to incorporate modern, fuel-efficient technology. Erik Thun is a market-leader in the design of economically responsible vessels and is currently due to receive its first LNG powered vessel in 2016, as Henrik explains: “This is quite an interesting project because to our knowledge this will be the first LNG powered dry cargo vessel. We believe that LNG is a very good bunker as it is a very clean fuel that will satisfy increasing regulation and that as such this is the future for our segment.” By designing its vessels to be highly fuel-efficient, Erik Thun has managed to mitigate the impact of increasing regulations such as the Sulphur Emissions Control Area (SECA) that arrived in 2015. However, the company is still committed to improving its performance and is embarking on a process of switching to LNG and retrofitting scrubbers to parts of its existing fleet. These will occupy much of the company’s time during 2015, however over the longer-term Erik Thun is focused on growing the business in new markets, as Henrik concludes: “The company will look to move into new regions in the future, we are doing some trade www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 91
Profile: Peel Ports GrouP Bold investments S trategically located to serve over 100 destinations across the Salford. Port Cheshire is now a cleared the whole of the United globe. Meanwhile, the 36-mile long site so is now completely waterside Kingdom, the Peel Ports Manchester Ship Canal handles connected and is being marketed Group is one of the largest eight million tonnes of cargo per as a potential site for tri-modal port groups in the country, with seven ports and terminals under its annum and operates as one integrated connections. Meanwhile, Port Salford will operate as a container terminal on waterway with the Port of Liverpool ownership and operation. Committed to provide a multimodal solution; a the outskirts of central Manchester; to investing in its future, the group’s strategic decision that significantly we already have some anchor tenants increasingly diverse offering of reduces congestion and carbon taking warehouses planned for here.” agility, efficiency and promotion emissions on major UK road and rail Moreover, the group has invested of progressive partnerships ensures networks. extensively in improving Runcorn customers receive cutting-edge, Having invested millions in the Docks over the last five years in optimum solutions. promotion of Manchester Ship Canal a bid to boost its standing and Not only in the centre of the as a green-highway alternative to road reputation as a significant port of country but also at the heart of the and freight, the Peel Ports Group has call on the Manchester Ship Canal. group are the Port of Liverpool and also invested in the upgrading of the Strategic developments have proven Manchester Ship Canal; the former infrastructure, as David Huck, Peel highly fruitful, with Runcorn Docks of these significant assets is one of the Ports Group’s port director discusses: recording a 48 per cent increase in busiest and most diverse ports in the “Aside from general maintenance, tonnage over the 12 months leading to UK, handling more than 30 million we have also been investing in two January 2015. tonnes of cargo annually and serving key areas, Port Cheshire and Port Since it was previously featured 92 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Peel Ports GrouP in Shipping and Marine magazine, Peel Ports Group has continued with its major investment programme across all seven of its UK ports and terminals while also receiving visits from prime minister David Cameron, transport minister Jon Hayes and Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin at the Port of Liverpool. These visits allowed the business to show how it can support the ongoing economic recovery and add to the UK’s trading infrastructure thanks to its proximity to the majority of the population and ability to help boost efficiency in the supply chain. representing the Maharashtra well as the arrival of our five mega- “We have invested in cranes and a Chamber of Commerce, endorsed the max ship-to-shore cranes, which are new fleet of wheel loaders for bulk new Liverpool2 deepwater container scheduled for delivery in September handling equipment at Runcorn terminal at the Port of Liverpool, 2015,”explains David. Docks. We have also installed a new hailing it ‘visionary’ after a visit in Once opened, Liverpool2 will not IT system called DBIS CommTrac, for December 2014. Currently undergoing only double the Port of Liverpool’s which we won the IT Solutions Award a £300 million investment, Liverpool2 container capacity, but will also at the International Bulk Journal will double the port’s capacity and connect directly to a number of Awards 2014 in Rotterdam alongside enable it handle next generation port-centric logistics hubs along the DBIS. The system is operating at our container ships once it is completed Manchester Ship Canal and serve as a agri-bulk terminals in Liverpool and in the final quarter of 2015. “This major transhipment hub to Peel Ports Manchester,” says David. year will see the first phase of the terminals in the Irish Sea in Dublin Moreover, Mr Ram Bhogale, quay completed and commissioned as and Belfast, and Glasgow. It will also www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 93
Profile: Peel Ports GrouP play a strong role in reducing cost, Due to go live alongside the Navis congestion and carbon footprint in N4 TOS in March 2015 is the cargo owner supply chains. AutoGates technology, which forms In addition to these developments, part of the group’s £5.5 million the group has continued to strengthen investment in introducing advanced its role as a turnkey solution provider infrastructure and technology at the with the upcoming implementation Port of Liverpool. Replacing the of the latest Navis N4 TOS (Terminal group’s manual system, AutoGates Operating System), which will will provide a fully-integrated and allow the organisation to streamline streamlined process from entry to operations and align customer loading/unloading. experience at all container terminal “The AutoGates technology is locations. “We are migrating the cutting edge,” confirms David. “It will existing Liverpool system, Navis allow hauliers to drive through the 3.7 TOS, onto the Navis N4 TOS OCR (Optical Camera Recognition) platform. The beauty of the Navis gate and it will then take an image platform is that it will work across of the container number and vehicle the group, so the whole of the Peel registration number before identifying Ports Group’s cluster will operate on any hazard placards and whether or one platform, from Dublin to Belfast, not there is a bolt seal present on the Manchester to Glasgow,” highlights container. It will then electronically David. match that image, translating it into a data image and then match that data up with a vehicle booking number and data provided by the shipping line via the port community system in the port community system, thus enabling the truck to transit straight through into the port.” Once this part is completed, the driver’s association with the booking is confirmed via an electronic scan of the driver’s finger and an electronic registration of their ISPS card. Should this match, the haulier will receive a small to docket as to where he or she will have to go from there. “This is a much more effective process as the driver won’t have to get out of the vehicle,” adds David. With a major focus on growth over the coming years, the port’s customers will continue to reap the benefits of its major investments into the future. Furthermore, the innovative group will remain fully engaged with the requirements of the market place to ensure it provides optimum services and solutions. Peel Ports Group www.peelports.com • One of the UK’s largest port groups • Own and operate seven UK ports and terminals • Massive investments over recent years 94 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
Profile: Fareast shiP ManageMent A fine crew F ounded in 2012 by a young conversion management, certifications insurance and logistics solutions. yet highly experienced team and day-to-day operational problem “FSMHK has moved under the solving and its services allow the ship of professionals, Fareast Ship group umbrella of the Fareast Group, Management Hong Kong Ltd. which has activities like ship owning, owner to concentrate purely on cargo (FSMHK) was established to offer of ships, shipping agency, marine high quality and personalised services fixture and freight collection. ship chartering, sale and purchase In addition to its comprehensive in ship management operations to ship management services, FSMHK consultancy and surveys and marine the owners of various ship owners also maintains close relations with a recruitment agency, new building throughout the world. As such, in only number of chartering and brokering projects and site supervision which a short amount of time the company houses that assists owners with has helped the company to assist has established its own and associated commercial fixtures and provide pre- owners to obtain all services as one offices within Asia, Africa, Europe, the fixture and post-fixture value added stop solutions,” elaborates managing Middle East and the Americas. services. As such the organisation director, Surinder Singh. “The group Throughout its history the handles a huge range of services profile assists new and upcoming ship company’s team of well-trained across a wide scale of shipping related owners, investment firms or private and like-minded professionals has projects, which enables it to provide equity funding to comfortably enter developed FSMHK according to full flexibility to select any type of the shipping sector to earn excellent a combined synergy concept that service or package of services that benefits and positive returns. We offer combines experience and expertise suits a clients’ needs. Furthermore various tailor-made projects suited to to offer bespoke ship management FSMHK is also part of the Fareast the individual investor’s requirements solutions to well reputed oil majors, Group, a group of pioneering ISO and profile. The company policies of owners and ship management certified companies covering various all of the businesses within the group companies. These solutions include sectors in the marine industry maintain the personalised and bespoke technical, commercial, legal and from consultancy to shipbuilding, approach that clients look for and insurance, ship purchase and takeover operations and commercial, human there is no compromise to work that is planning, dry docking/repairs and resources, technical ship management, below the company benchmark, which www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 95
Profile: Fareast shiP ManageMent
Profile: Fareast shiP ManageMent recent years, FSMHK has forged ahead and proven itself to be a reliable and effective partner to clients seeking to weather the turbulent conditions created by the global economic downturn and increasing environmental regulation. “We operate as an opportunity for ship owners under distress where with our experience and vast network, we can assist them with vessel’s commercial, chartering and technical handling to help keep them afloat in the market,” Surinder comments. “In fact this is one of the company’s biggest strengths. In the past we have assisted many owners who suffered setbacks and helped them to revive in the industry. We take up these challenges more and more is designed to follow the compliance multiplied, giving us more room to often and the services that we provide standards of the shipping industry.” accommodate more vessels.” are advertised as word of mouth Since FSMHK was last featured in Growth within the marine sector through owners, charterers, ship Shipping & Marine magazine during is not always an easy prospect with a brokers and even insurance brokers, October 2014, the business has turbulent global market and increasing which we consider our best marketing continued to grow and has increased pressure to address new regulations tool. It is the practical experience of its presence within the tanker market creating challenges for vessel owners our clients which really helps FSMHK as Surinder explains: “Since the last and ship management companies alike. to get more business.” feature the company has expanded its Despite these challenges, FSMHK has As FSMHK transitions into 2015, fleet to over 20 vessels and specialised enjoyed a successful and sustained both it and the wider Fareast Group more in tanker management with history of growth and remains will continue to serve ship owners its present fleet of very large crude prepared to anticipate the needs of its and management companies with carriers (VLCCs), very large gas clients as well as the changing tides expert vessel management solutions. carriers (VLGCs), oil, chemical and of the marine market. “Any good As part of its association with the gas tankers. We have also been very ship management company, whether Fareast Group, FSMHK will acquire actively involved in vessel operations, it is FSMHK or another, will share a a number of new vessels over the assisting the ship owners and further similar line of approach of preplanning coming moths that will allow it to offering our commercial management all regulations, which are planned to continue to develop its presence in the services. We have gone further to come in say over two to three years,” tanker market and beyond. “We have extend commercial management Surinder says. “So 2015 regulations obtained the assignment for another along with technical management to which were declared in 2012 or 2013 two new buildings to commence owners that seek these services under or example, were planned for right from March 2015,” says Surinder. one banner. As such our seagoing staff away so there would be no last minute “The new building supervision and and shore team have proportionally rush to comply. For vessels coming chartering of these vessels will be into service as late as 2014, work handled by the group companies was arranged promptly so we don’t and the technical and commercial see challenges in deploying them in management has been awarded 2015. The real challenge on the other to FSMHK.” Indeed through the UNIMARINE hand, is working with older ships management of an established fleet UNIMARINE, a member of USTC group serving the shipping to reach the standards put forth by and the building of new vessels and industry since 1876, provides unique marine lubricants various countries and in this we take partnerships, the future of FSMHK is supply solutions and technical services globally. Supported by a lubricants team experienced in technology, assistance from the class and makers set to be extremely buoyant. product development, supply chain management and to find the best solution to ensure the vessel operations, UNIMARINE focuses on worldwide vessels do get compliant. The sulphur Fareast Ship 24/7 technically reliable and cost efficient marine lubricants supply solutions through its extensive network. emissions control area (ECA) and the Management UNIMARINE LUBESAFE innovative and reliable technical ballast water treatment regulations www.fsmhk.com services offer used oil analysis, on board minilabs, cold have been some recent examples of corrosion monitoring and trainings on board and onshore. • Provider of ship management services UNIMARINE is proud to support the growth of FAREAST new requirements.” • Operational worldwide with global ofices HK Ship Management by providing innovative and reliable Although the market has been • Part of the Fareast Group marine lubrication services to their fleet. challenging for vessel owners in www.shippingandmarine.co.uk - 97
Profile: Port of tórshavn for the future Planning T he Faroe Islands lie development director of the port, began by explaining, the Port has northwest of Scotland, been in existence since early settlers halfway between Iceland arrived in the Faroes, and its name and Norway. The archipelago is composed of 18 islands the Nordic god. Having existed for and its capital city, Tórshavn, is one of originated as ‘The Port of Thor’, after the smallest capital cities in the world. over 100 years, the port has been While it may be small on a global through many evolutions, and as the scale, for the Faroes, Tórshavn is a capital city expanded it amalgamated vital hub. Home to just under half with neighbouring villages and their the total population of the Islands, facilities – as a result today the Port and the location of the Government, consists of several harbours, at three is also hosts the main port – the Port different ports. “This gives us a lot of Tórshavn – which is an essential of flexibility, and means we can entrance for imports, as well as an always find the best solutions for our exit for exports, and an established customers. In total we cover an area stopover point for cruise ships. There of around 270,000 sq m, and we is also a growing amount of visits have around 2.5 km of quays, with from supply vessels. a maximum draft up to around 11 As Annfinn Hjelm, business metres,” said Annfinn. “We are the 98 - www.shippingandmarine.co.uk
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