The Wednesday Wire - May 6, 2015

This week's Wednesday Wire is sponsored by BNSF Logistics, a third party logistics services provider specialising in movement of freight around the globe, featuring uncommon service scope, resources and financial depth. Blade Runner is BNSF Logistics' latest innovation in global project cargo solutions.

Torquing point by Evie Aufheben

ICHCA International, the NGO association for the global cargo handling industry, has just released a new addition to its Briefing Pamphlet series - BP41 Safe Handling and Operation of Platform Flats and Flatrack Containers.

Container design and operations expert Bill Brassington, deputy chair of ICHCA's ISP Technical Panel, wrote the new publication, which provides detailed insight into the design of platform flats and flatrack containers, together with advice on best practice for operating these specialist container types.

Poor container loading and handling is responsible for an alarmingly high percentage of incidents along the transport chain, leading to damage, loss, injuries and fatalities - a fact recently highlighted by a number of concerned parties including insurance company TT Club.

The operation of platform flats and flatrack containers requires specialist knowledge and, in some cases, specialised handling equipment. These container types are generally used to carry oversize or project cargo that cannot be easily loaded into standard box type freight containers. Examples discussed and illustrated in the new publication include vehicles such as cars, vans, coaches and tractors; cable reels; construction materials and equipment and more.

BP41 Safe Handling and Operation of Platform Flats and Flatrack Containers is free to download from ICHCA's website for members of ICHCA International, and available to purchase by non-members.

In business

Nurminen updates outlook

Nurminen Logistics expects its net sales, operating result and earnings per share to decline from the level of 2014, having previously said that it expected to see a year-on-year improvement.


EMS takes Europatrans stake
EMS Log, member of the EMS-Fehn-Group, has purchased 70 percent of heavy duty trucking company Europatrans.

Cargolux launches Jumbo product

Cargolux has launched eight new specialised products to better serve the needs of the air cargo industry, including CV Jumbo that will be dedicated to heavy and outsized cargo transportation.

Contractual obligations

SP SPb invests in environment

The Sea Port of Saint-Petersburg (SP SPb) has allocated RUB5.1 million (USD99,101) for the implementation of an environmental protection programme at the gateway.

Capacity developments

Swire Shipping adds service

Swire Shipping will launch a new express service between North Asia, Papua New Guinea and Australia in July 2015, employing two multipurpose Chief class vessels.

GAC opens renewable energy base

GAC has opened a new UK office in Great Yarmouth to meet the needs of the renewable energy sector in the southern North Sea.


Grimaldi goes ro-ro to Greece

Grimaldi Group has joined forces with the port of Venice to launch a new ro-ro service from the Italian gateway to Patras, Greece.

On the move

Allport names leader  

Allport Cargo Services (ACS) has named incumbent managing director, Charles McGurin, as its new ceo.

GAC's sharpens focus on oil and gas

GAC is strengthening its strategic focus on the worldwide energy sector with the appointment of William Hill as its executive group vice president - Oil & Gas.                                

Morch joins Odfjell

Kristian Morch, partner and co-chief executive officer of Clipper Group, will leave the shipping line to become ceo of Norwegian shipping and tank terminal company, Odfjell SE.


Lie joins Cargotec
Cargotec Corporation has appointed Leena Lie as senior vice president, communications, effective August 1, 2015.                                          

Notable shipment

A wellhead control panel and hydraulic power unit with a combined weight of 17 tonnes has been delivered by Volga-Dnepr Airlines to Singapore on behalf of Pentagon Freight Services.