Around 45 network members and guests attended The Heavy Lift Group’s (THLG) inaugural customer summit, held in Helsinki, Finland, during November.
The agenda included a masterclass from Satu Aronen, a logistics manager at Andritz Group – a global technology company that provides plant, systems, equipment and services for various industries, including the hydropower sector.
Aronen, herself from a forwarding background, provided attendees with an overview of project cargo procurement from the shipper’s perspective, including some tips for successful bidding.
Andrew Davies and Mart van Hoorn of Sarens gave a presentation about the company’s involvement in the Tengizchevroil (TCO) future growth project – wellhead pressure management project in Kazakhstan; Sarens was responsible for the land transportation and installation of pre-assembled units, pre-assembled racks and associated oversize equipment.
Bernd Schwengsbier of trailer manufacturer TII, highlighted the technical specifications and operational possibilities of modular transporters and specialised vehicles.
Paul Furlonger and Martin Banns from Antonov Airlines focused on floor loading limits, lashing requirements and constraints on using aircraft cranes for loading operations.
Blanca Claeyssens of ASA France – the newly appointed treasurer of THLG and a claims handling and risk mitigation specialist – discussed why transmitting technical information is essential to keeping cargo safe during transport.
Other event highlights included a presentation from Tom Dodd, the British Ambassador to Finland, who was on hand to answer any Brexit-related questions.
A number of new members were also approved at the Helsinki event, including Teamlifting of Saudi Arabia; Andina Freight from Peru; Rowners of Argentina; TPI from France; and Holleman of Serbia.
THLG will hold its next conference in Bremen during May 2020.
