The Friday Flyer - October 3rd 2014

This week saw thousands of industry professionals descend on the US city of Houston for the 25th Breakbulk Americas exhibition and conference, which is dedicated to the world of heavy lift, project and breakbulk cargo.

Once again the event provided a chance for those involved in the industry to network, do business, meet like-minded professionals from around the world and make long-lasting friends.

Overall, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism from an industry that is hoping for a lasting recovery to develop, and HLPFI staff enjoyed presentations from Drewry's Susan Oatway on the state of the heavy lift and multipurpose fleet; as well as a great presentation on the extraordinary changes taking place in the world's oil and gas sector. A packed room heard Paul Runge from Africa Project Access deliver a thought-provoking analysis of Southern Africa's unique project risks and opportunities.

HLPFI's representatives used the occasion to deliver copies of our latest issue directly into the hands of exhibitors and visitors; encourage them to complete our reader survey and consider a subscription to our recently launched Capital Projects and Contracts newsletter.

This week's Friday Flyer is sponsored by Air Charter Service (ACS), which specialises in arranging charters on cargo aircraft, as well as private jets and group charters. With 18 offices spanning North America, South America, Europe, CIS, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, ACS is globally recognised as one of the leading names in air cargo chartering.


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In business

Having received court approval, South Korean shipowner Pan Ocean has put itself up for auction.

Japan's Yusen Logistics signed an important and strategic collaboration agreement with Turkey's Inci Logistics.

The Port of Houston Authority and the Port of Antwerp signed a memorandum of understanding to boost trade.

Aeroscraft Corporation received validation of the 40D Sky Dragon airship's type certification from Mexico's aviation authorities.

The Trident Alliance welcomed five new members - Scorpio, Flinter, Solvang, Nordic Tankers and Ardmore Shipping Corporation.


Capacity developments

BigRoll Shipping ordered a third 21,000 dwt module carrier from Cosco Dalian Shipyard.

Crowley's solutions group received the first two of potentially four new heavy lift, ballastable deck barges.

Van der Vlist increased its fleet of transport vehicles capable of carrying large components for the wind energy industry.

Autokranverleigh Pengel added a new Liebherr LTM 1220-5.2 mobile crane to its fleet, while Southern Crane took delivery of its first Tadano all terrain crane - a new ATF 90G-4.

Cargolux added the 11th Boeing 747-8 freighter to its fleet, while AirBridgeCargo Airlines pledged to increase its B747 freighter flights linking Tokyo and Seoul with Moscow.

The Crosby Group launched its latest line of G-2140 'all alloy' shackles.


Shipment of the week

RollDock's heavy lift vessel RollDock Sea performed the first of four voyages from Monfalcone, Italy to the Port of Rotterdam, carrying two topside lifting system beams. The beams, each of which weigh approximately 1,300 tonnes and have the dimensions 65 m x 6 m x 7 m, will be installed onboard Allseas' platform installation/decommissioning and pipelay vessel Pieter Schelte. The beams were loaded and discharged using the ro-ro method.


On the move

CEA Projects opened a new yard in Songkhla, Thailand, while DICA Outrigger Pads held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its move to a new headquarters in Guthrie Center, Iowa. Elsewhere, GAC Group added a new office in Antwerp. Lifting Gear Hire established a new warehouse in New Jersey, USA.


Network and association developments

The WCA Projects network welcomed two new members to its group: IAL Container Line USA in New Jersey, and Jori International in Calgary, Canada. CLC Projects added six new members to its roster, including Ruwa Sped in Switzerland; Shanghai Baring International Freight Forwarding; GDS Green Delta Shipping Polska in Poland and Germany's GDS Green Delta Shipping; Allied Logistics as a representative in Oman; and Polytra representing Zambia. The Project Partners network gained new member, Rutherford Global Logistics, with its three offices in Canada, while France's Philco International joined the XLProjects (XLP) network alongside new member for the USA, Breakbulk Transportation Inc. The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) welcomed back returning members, EverBank Commercial Finance and Tortorigi Hauling; as well gaining the following new members: Cables Y Equipos SA de CV, HoistCam, International Machine Transport and US Machinery.


Capital projects and contracts

Have you got your subscription to HLPFI's Capital Projects & Contracts yet?

HLPFI has officially launched HLPFI's Capital Projects & Contracts e-newsletter.

It is now published on a weekly basis, providing an overview of contract awards to EPCs, oil majors, mining and civil engineering companies, energy groups and OEMs, as well as relevant information to the project freight forwarding community.

If you have not subscribed and would like to receive our Capital Projects & Contracts newsletter, please contact David Kershaw - dk@heavyliftpfi.com - to set up a subscription, which will cost you USD825, GBP500 or EUR650 per annum.


All about Evie

Evie had to hide behind a pillow this week as she watched a video of two containerships colliding in the Suez Canal - she can't help wondering whether one of the captains might have nodded off as the vessel went casually cruising into the side of the other ship. Oops. You can watch the drama unravel here.

Evie had a great time at the Breakbulk Americas event this week, meeting up with friends old and new, and trying some out some of Houston's local cuisine. She is now going on a diet.