Chairman’s Message

Wishing you all “A Happy New Year 2012” is a greeting that is worth repeating because looking back over the past twelve months gives me great cheer. We have been given tremendous support by the cargo fraternity during the course of year 2011 that passed by. It is therefore with great joy that we welcome the New Year, as I look forward to 2012 with enthusiastic optimism.

I am thankful for the support and cooperation from all our agents, associates, well-wishers and most importantly our staff at CSS who have contributed throughout the year 2011. Regardless of the global economic setbacks and its financial instability, we were successful in riding across complex situations. I believe it was our timely strategic planning and our readiness to think “out of the box” which proved to be the major contributory factors.

A recent article published in The Washington post makes comment about the change of business approach being recently made by Indian IT companies. Entrepreneurs are shifting their businesses from servicing corporate giants, to developing high value technology products based on intellectual property. India is no longer content to remain as the business process outsourcing centre of the world. Instead focus is being concentrated on the next generation’s revolution.

In a similar way it was our adaptability which we discussed at our recently concluded “Sales Strategy Meet” in Dubai. The theme we adopted was “Foresee the future” – Delivering services today whilst planning for tomorrow. It is a similar spirit a New Year brings and I am convinced that at CSS we can proudly say, “The best is yet to come”.

Breakbulk Americas Sets New Orleans Attendance Record

The 22nd Annual Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition set a new record for New Orleans attendance recently with a strong turnout of 3,342 attendees and 238 exhibitors. The event was held from October 24-27, 2011 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

CSS Group was well represented during the exhibition, led by Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development, Sreenath V, General Manager CSS Projects, Oil & Energy, Roshmon Manoli, Route Development Manager, North America, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, and Chandrakala(CK) Asst. Manager, NVOCC Operations. From IFS Doha, Oliver Hahn, Regional Manager was also in attendance.

“Being one of the largest and most important gathering in the Americas for companies involved in the shipping of heavy-lift, out of gauge project cargo and traditional Breakbulk cargoes, Breakbulk Americas was the perfect platform for CSS and its network partners to introduce its products and services whilst networking and developing relationships with the leading specialized carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements” – Sreenath V, General Manager CSS Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS Dubai.

The conference program showcased industry leaders and noted analysts during four days of education sessions and conference panel discussions, which addressed the project cargo market outlook, carrier solvency, new Incoterms, modularization trends and controlling contract costs, among other issues facing the Breakbulk and heavy-lift sectors.

In addition to the conference program and bustling exhibition hall, Breakbulk Americas 2011 hosted Breakbulk Education Day; the first annual Rickmers Golf Tournament, which raised $2,800 for the New Orleans Chapter of Habitat for Humanity; the Breakbulk Business Run, which brought together 40 runners for networking and charity, a certificate program in project cargo management and a heavy-lift technical workshop sponsored by Proven Logistics Solutions.

Breakbulk Americas is one of three major conferences and exhibitions organized annually by UBM Global Trade’s Breakbulk division. Breakbulk Americas will return to Houston October 9-11, 2012.

In addition to the trio of annual conferences and exhibitions, Breakbulk Events will premiere a trio of two-day congresses in 2012: Breakbulk South America in Rio de Janeiro in August 2012, Breakbulk India in Mumbai, India in November 2012, and Breakbulk Africa in Cape Town, South Africa in September 2012.

Hand Picked

A DEDICATED TEAM FOR FREIGHT FORWARDING

CSS has recently started a dedicated freight forwarding division, to cater to new business trends in the industry. Since its inception, CSS has been successful in providing the best freight forwarding service worldwide. In order to cope with international and local business expectations, CSS has created a specialized team, chosen specifically for their high level of industry expertise, to lead this new venture.

Massimilano Spina was appointed Vice President Freight Forwarding UAE, a member of the freight forwarding industry for over twenty years; he is excited to be strengthening up the division within the CSS Group portfolio. “One of the biggest challenges, which I will have to take on is making clients and the industry aware of a company that is primarily known for its NVOCC and projects.” Another challenge that Massimilano Spina is excited to take on is developing a network of global and local agents that are purely freight forwarders, and experts in their region.

In order to maximize the growth potential of the freight forwarding industry, three business development managers, with extensive experience in different facets of the industry will be joining Massimilano Spina, Richard Varghese, Raju Pandeti and Kunal Wadhwani.

With over 12 years in the industry, Raju Pandeti has ample experience in FCL export, Air export, FCL Import, Air import and cross trade both internationally and locally.   “I have chosen CSS Group as my next stepping stone in the freight forwarding industry because of this reputation as a market leader in the shipping and logistics industry.”

Richard Varghese, has always enjoyed the challenges and successes of being in sales, he believes it is truly an effort related business. Having been in the forwarding industry for the last 10 years he is truly excited to be part of the CSS family given its reputation and believes that working under this CSS name will give him an edge in the competitive sales industry.

CSS Group Teams Up With Naouri Group For Its Iraq Services

CSS Group is delighted to announce its latest service offering to the Republic of Iraq!

CSS Group has teamed up with a well established and reputable service partner the Naouri Group as part of its strategic alliance and Middle Eastern expansion program.

This alliance enables CSS and its global partners, the opportunity to be involved in Iraqi destined traffic due to the strategic importance of this market from the United Arab Emirates and the rest of the world.

Through this cooperation CSS will share in the largest segment of Iraqi Cargo arriving into the United Arab Emirates for transit to Iraq.

The synergy between CSS Group and Naouri Group will develop customized cargo services to all major ports and cities in Iraq offering support from six operational offices in the following areas of Iraq:BAGHDAD

  • BAGHDAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
  • BASRA
  • ERBIL
  • TREBIL
  • UM QASR


Together, CSS Group and Naouri Group will be focusing on all facets of freight forwarding which includes a team of logistic experts dedicated to handling services ranging from, Air Freight, Breabulk, Cargo Inspection, Customs Clearance, Heavy Equipment Logistics, Land Transportation, Projects, Oil & Energy, Freight Forwarding, Ocean Freight, Shipping Agencies, and Warehousing and Distribution.

CSS Group & Peters & May To Exhibit At One Of The World’s Most Influential Boat Shows

The 2012 Dubai International Boat Show is preparing to celebrate two decades of unrivalled success across the Middle East and a meteoric rise in its status worldwide. With three months still to go until the celebrations begin, Dubai International Boat Show running 13 – 17 March 2012, has already had to increase its exhibition space at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi to cater to an unprecedented 750 international and regional exhibiting companies and brands.

CSS Group and Peters & May will be exhibiting its first class products and services in the Luxury Supplies and Services Area of the Dubai International Boat Show, stand number LSS-D3.

With the strong Middle East demand for small and medium luxury, leisure and fishing boats, the show’s external area has also expanded; there will be an additional 30% of dry land exhibition space to cater to this burgeoning market.

Following an estimated AED 1 billion worth of sales as a direct result of the last show, the event is also widening its global reach even further in 2012. Exhibitors from more than 40 countries will be taking part including debut appearances from several new nations from as far afield as Madagascar and Tunisia.

The continuing rise in tourism numbers combined with the ongoing confidence in the shipbuilding industry and some of the best sailing waters in the world, has made this one of the most attractive regions to both industry investors and private owners. With the calibre of international exhibitors, Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and the event’s stunning location, this is now one of the most influential and enjoyable boat shows in the world.

“The Dubai International Boat Show is a vital platform for some of the most impressive, best known and a natural choice for the most prestigious Yacht and Marine logistics companies in the Middle East. This event is by far the best in the Middle East to both illustrate and increase CSS Group’s and Peters & May International success,” said Edward Morgan, Manager-Yacht & Marine Logistics CSS Group/Peters & May.

“The Dubai International Boat Show has not only maintained its position as an essential event for the region’s leisure marine industry, over 20 years it has become a vital gateway to the global boating market,” he added.

Dave Holley, CEO of Peters & May added, “The Dubai International Boat Show has always been an important date on our boat show calendar as it is the perfect time for us to showcase the continued high quality of our services. The Arabian marine industry has grown substantially over the past 20 years, thanks mainly to the local manufacturers and the foresight of the local governments.  We are fortunate enough to be partnered with CSS in Dubai as they continue to represent us in the best possible manner.”

Other key segments of the show include the Super yacht Boulevard, exclusively reserved for the showcasing of super yachts of 25 metres and above; the Marina Display Area, comprising of the largest on-water display in the Middle East; the Luxury Supplies & Services housing the finest luxury boat builders from around the world; and Equipment Supplies & Services, an indoor area filled with exhibitors specialising in products essential to the supply and servicing of the leisure marine industry.

And following on from the hugely successful inaugural Supercar Promenade last year, the finest models on four wheels will be back in force at the show with world class marques that will align perfectly with the prestige of the high end boating brands.

The 20th anniversary of the Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi from 13 – 17 March 2012 and will open to trade visitors and the general public from 3:00pm – 9:30pm daily.

Please visit CSS Group/Peters & May @ Stand Number LSS-D3- Luxury Supplies and Services Area.

Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show

A RESOUNDING SUCCESS AS SALES EXCEED AED 26 MILLION

Nearly 6,500 visitors flocked to the stunning Dubai Creek Marina for the second ever Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show held from November 17-19, 2011 which was officially inaugurated by  HH Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Prospective and existing boat owners from around the region, as well as fun-seeking families headed to the Dubai Creek Marina to view the striking pre-owned boats for sale as well as take part in exciting activities on the water including a Jet Ski competition.

Despite the frivolity of the occasion, business remained a key focus and the event proved to be a phenomenal success with 22 boats sold at a combined price of over AED 26 million. The highly sought- after Princess 50 was snatched off the market on the first day itself at the competitive price of AED 4 million. Separately, the top two buyers bought boats totaling AED 7.5 million respectively, including a pristine Azimut 62 for AED 4 million.

Sales were not limited to boats alone, as the event provided a ‘one stop-shop’ with a complete range of retail offerings from the marine and leisure industries.

CSS Group and Peters & May, first time exhibitors took advantage of their booths prime location by catering to the numerous Yacht and Marine Logistics inquires for first time and repeat yacht buyers.  “The tremendous response of the show and the vibrant atmosphere was essential for our networking and service offerings to all customers. By having our booth in a prime location we were able to attract large crowds whilst providing first class yacht and marine logistics services to all. The positive response gathered from the show, ensures CSS Group and Peters & May will be exhibiting in 2012.  Having increased the exhibitor area this year by 20% we successfully served as a platform to directly engage buyers and sellers of pre-owned boats, marine equipment and boating services.  As an established leader in the UAE boating community, CSS and Peters & May believe in providing support to local initiatives & our partners the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club,” added Edward Morgan, Manager Yacht and Marine Logistics, CSS Group/Peters & May.

Speaking on the event’s success, Mustafa Al-Hashimi, Club Manager of Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club said, “Following the successful debut of the Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show last year, we are thrilled to see that this year’s event has surpassed the last. The show was eagerly received by not only boating enthusiasts from around the region, but many families from the local community.  With boat sales topping AED 26 million, the overwhelming demand for the second Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show truly demonstrates that there is a strong and growing appetite for pre-owned boats in the region which this event is able to satisfy, and we very much look forward to building on this success for next year’s event.”

The Dubai Pre-Owned Boat Show took place from 17-19th November at Dubai Creek Marina which showcased 85 boats to the value of 55 million, ranging from a 25ft to 88ft and from 30,000AED to 22 million AED.

Yacht & Marine Logistics

CSS / Peters & May organized for the Radar Tower to be removed from the Formula 48 Sport Yacht in order to reduce the height of the boat and ensure its safe transportation. It was then collected, shrink-wrapped, loaded, lashed and exported to Houston Texas, USA aboard NSCSA vessel as a RORO shipment.

CSS Sales Strategy Meet 2012

Foresee the Future..!! Since its inception 16 years ago as a freight forwarding company, established in Dubai, UAE, CSS has achieved several milestones over the years. By foreseeing the future prospects we have broadened our expertise to cut through new horizons in the global frontier by generating new business alliances and also introducing new products in the market, which means, we need to understand the current changes that will benefit us in the future or the risks we need to learn to avoid.

The CSS annual Sales Strategy Meet was held at the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach on 10 and 11th of December 2011. The CSS Senior management and various department heads with overseas guests Oliver Hahn from IFS Doha, Jairam KR from CSS India, Dean Landers and Hussain from CSS Kuwait were part of the sales meet. The department heads gave presentations about the achievements and sales activities for the year 2011, which was reviewed by the senior management. They proposed ideas and strategies for the upcoming year 2012. The core purpose of analyzing the market trends and the business prospects in the market, the sales meet gives an accurate platform for the different departments to discuss and share valuable business aspects which helps in the future development of the company. There were breakout sessions with team building activities, which helped the attendees to take a break and also socialize as different groups.

Amith Horra, Chandrakala, Cheryl Annes, Deepu S Dev, Narayan and Bijesh headed the CSS Sales Strategy Meet committee. CSS extends its sincere gratitude to all attendees and are thankful for the cooperation it received to make this event a grand success.

Heavy Equipments – CSS Abu Dhabi

CSS Abu Dhabi has successfully completed the export of 26 units of welding machines along with 3 containers. The cargo volume was approximately 1400 CBM and the machines were exported from Jebel Ali to Xingang for one of the most valued customers based in Abu Dhabi. The heavy equipment department at CSS Abu Dhabi with the support of Ken Dinnadge, V P Business Development and under the supervision of Sujin Asst. Manager – Sales and his team, handled these cargos. The cargo was transported using low-bed trailers whilst arranging the lashing and securing done onsite under the supervision of CSS Abu Dhabi. Strategically located throughout the world, CSS has the global expertise and business alliances that specialize in heavy equipment movements worldwide. Local Knowledge with Global Expertise.

Projects, Oil And Energy

The Projects, Oil and Energy department facilitated a challenging transport movement (due to the size / weight of the transformers) for a Power project in the recent times. They were designated to receive the 4 x 335 Tons transformers, 4 x 50 Tons reactors and accessories of about 2500 CBM directly from the heavy lift vessel at Hamriyah Port – Sharjah onto hydraulic multi axle trailers for onward movement to the Ajman site location and installation onto the foundation by jacking and skidding. CSS Projects, Oil and Energy department is known for the professionalism and expertise in the movement of the over dimensional cargos. The entire project was supervised by the CSS staff from the time it arrived at the port until the heavy pieces were installed onto its final position. The entire job was completed within the committed time frame by CSS in close coordination with port, traffic department and onsite team of professionals.

CSS Logistics

Recently, CSS Logistics completed an Air Charter operation from Sharjah, UAE and Hamburg, Germany to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The charter operation was carried out on 16 x B747 and 2 x AN124 from Sharjah to Kandahar and 2 x AN124 from Hamburg to Kandahar. The operation included vehicles, 4 wheel drives, buses, vans and included heavy equipment such as a 60 Ton crane and Reach Stackers. The entire job was facilitated under the specialist supervision of Qais Abdulla, Branch Manager CSS Logistics, Jebel Ali and his team of experts. This job was one of the principal air charter operations undertaken by CSS Logistics and it was accomplished within a limited period of time, 26 days with highest level customer satisfaction achieved.

Where The World Comes Together

THAILAND PAVILION – DUBAI GLOBAL VILLAGE

For the past 15 years, Global Village has been providing cultural entertainment along with an international shopping experience to millions of visitors.  Breathtaking live performances, mouth-watering cuisine, authentic handicrafts and merchandise from different countries are all on display at the many national pavilions in Global Village.

Since the inauguration in 1997, Global Village has become the key entertainment and shopping destination in the region. It includes rich diverse cultures and civilizations and offers a diverse range of restaurants and shops from across the world.

There are many more attractions, including thrilling rides, games and firework displays, to complete your Global Village experience. Global Village runs from 1 November 2011 to 3 March 2012.

The CSS Air Freight and Ocean Freight division of CSS Group has been appointed yet again the exclusive agent to handle all the fresh fruits, garments, accessories and general merchandise from Thailand that will be retailed at the highly successful Thai Pavilion at the Dubai Global Village.

CSS Group will handle over 150 tons of fresh fruits, garments, accessories and general merchandise during the months of November to March 2012. Due to the perishable nature of the fruits, the cargo handler must be able to immediately process the documents required through various authorities during a short period of time, and offer clearance and refrigerated transport to the site at Dubai Global Village.

Mr. Jacob Isaac, General Manager, Air Freight Division, CSS Group commented “The CSS Air Freight team based at CSS Dubai Cargo Village, have an array of expertise and are geared to handle any specific or special need at any time to ensure our clients needs and time frames are met.”  Mr. Ahmed Al Rais, Senior Vice President, Air Freight Division, CSS Group stated, “The cargo for the Thai Pavilion is an exciting opportunity for us and over the years we have met each challenge positively, which was completed successfully during the given time frames. Our professional approach in handling all queries error free has been the cornerstone of our success.”

Mr. Tony, Managing Director Vega Intertrade & Exhibitions,  (The Organizer of Thailand Pavilion at Global Village) commented, “There has been a steady rise in the number of visitors to Global Village over the past 15 years. These guests come from all over the world to join in the festivities and fun featuring different countries. The number of both visitors and pavilions continues to rise. It is a testament to the immense success Global Village has achieved and plans to continue achieving for many more years to come. We are tremendously delighted with the professional service and transparency thus far received from the CSS Group staff and we look forward to continually building upon our business relationship with them.”

Ms. Mayuree (Molly) Phangphun, Managing Director-Molly Thai Tropical Fruit and Molly Spa added, “Global Village, the largest outdoor family entertainment venue in the region and member of Tecom Investments, has received 1.25 million visitors since the opening on 1st November till now. This is a substantial increase from last year’s show. Global Village is always keen on the development and modernization in all facilities. It is also the culmination of the continued success of Global Village to attract millions of visitors every year.  CSS Group is always available to assist us when necessary even during weekends, which are a peak time for us here at the Global Village. The on-call service standards offered are excellent and we look forward to working with them for more projects relating to the success of the remaining months of Global Village.”

Facts And Figures

•    2010    28 country pavilions and 4.5 million visitors

•    2009    28 country pavilions and 4.4 million visitors

•    2008    28 country pavilions and 4.5 million visitors

•    2007    59 days, 39 country pavilions and 4.2 million visitors.

•    2006    129 days, 40 country pavilions and 2.1 million visitors.

•    2005    Global Village reaches its 10-year mark with a new location and      longer operation period. 79 days and 5 million visitors.

•    2004    Global Village shattered records with 5.2 million visitors and 38     participating countries.

•    2003    3.1 million visitors with 31 participating countries.

•    2002    2.33 million visitors with 28 pavilions.

•    2001    1.68 million visitors with an increase of pavilions to 25.

•    2000    The number of visitors and pavilions saw increases to 1.59 million and 22, respectively.

•    1999    1.45 million visitors with a stable pavilion number of 20.

•    1998    1.2 million visitors and 20 pavilions from countries around the world.

•    1997    In it’s second year, Global village had 900,000 visitors. The number of participating countries reached 18.

•    1996    Global village was initially a small site along the Dubai Creek with small kiosks representing different countries. In it’s first year, Global village had more than 500,000 visitors.

Green Aviation & Logistics Group Realises Its Vision Towards Protecting The Environment

The 3rd Green Aviation & Logistics Group Networking Event organised by Arabian Reach saw the attendance of both members and prospective ones to see how companies can involve environmental protection in their daily lives and companies.

Green Aviation & Logistics Group is a special interest group under Dubai Economic Development office, being developed solely to promote the importance of green Aviation & logistics in the Middle East. The Group has eventually developed as a collaborative network of green aviation & supply chain experts, with a general or specific expertise in the areas, where aviation & logistics companies can improve their environmental performance of the supply chain.

In the opening words of the Founding Chairman Dr Khaled Almazroui, General Manager Fujairah International Airport, “This is a good arena for everyone to join in promoting the Green initiative in the Middle East’’. Dr Khaled welcomed everyone present encouraging them in their efforts to promote this course. GALG already boasts of eminent personalities from the aviation and logistics industry, who have evinced to be a part of it; thus, a global effort to protect the environment.

The Green Aviation & Logistics Group plans to have a training centre in the near future; where in there will be in-depth transfer of research results. The GALG member companies, authorities, governments and international companies and organizations, will have regular exchanges that will cover technical innovations and other drivers, like eco-design of engines, systems, GTL technology, fuel from algae, waste management, etc.

Eng. Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade Department-Dubai World was the first presenter for the evening and his based his presentation on Dubai Trade and how it is Facilitating Trade & Logistics through Dubai as well as the Significance of Trade in UAE which revealed that Trade and Logistics is the sole business hub in UAE and Dubai especially.

Eng. Mahmood Al Bastaki also looked at the Value of Trade in Dubai as the main push to the Commitment of Dubai Government to the Trade & Logistics sector considering the fact that a lot of Evolution has occurred in the Trade sector. In early 2000, the need for efficient, transparent and secured cross border trade mandated the creation of a single window by the Ports, Customs & Free Zones Authority. ‘’This is growth and Development’’ he added

Eng. Mazen Altoukhi, General Manager of Green Car Rental-Dubai, equally gave an elaborate presentation on Green Car Rental as the present and Future way of going Green. He drew examples from the various ways at which this can be done considering the fact that we cannot do without cars ion our world of today and in the business milieu.

Eng. Mazen Altoukhi also looked at the differences between the Electric vehicle and the hybrid car, coming out with the clear distinction that the former will use the Electric motor for propulsion rather than being powered by the gasoline powered motor; while the later refers to an automobile that has both a conventional gas engine and a bank of batteries and shares the demand for power between these two sources.

Why Go Green?

‘’Charging up at home means never going to the gas station and electric cars require almost none of the maintenance, like oil changes emission checks that internal combustion cars require. Electric motors develop their highest torques from zero rpms, meaning fast (and silent) – Zero-60 acceleration times’’ he added.

To drive 36,000km with a gas engine car, compared to Hybrid and electric cars, Eng. Mazen Altoukhi emphasized that the benefits come in terms of Cost and CO2, which is the green move we are heading for.

Special invitees for the evening were Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Dubai and Deepu S Dev, Marketing Coordinator CSS Dubai.

“Attending such events is crucial in this day and age whereby Go Green initiatives are being commonly carried out by organizations from all industries worldwide. It is vital that we continue to educate ourselves on new trends and developments and share this with our colleagues. As an organization that is active in various Green initiatives across the CSS Group, Go Green is a realisation of CSS Group’s vision. I would like to thank Arabian Reach for hosting an informative and well executed event whereby we were able to network with industry leaders and innovators adopting various Go Green initiatives,” added Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Dubai.

FPS AGM-Bali Indonesia

FPS Group recently held their annual AGM (Annual General Meeting) at the Intercontinental Bali Resort in Indonesia from October 18-21st, 2011. The FPS AGM is a platform for its members around the world to participate in networking sessions with other freight forwarders from across the globe whilst discussing new trends and opportunities amongst the freight forwarding fraternity.

CSS Group was well represented during the AGM with active participation from its network offices. Dean Landers, General Manager CSS Kuwait, Jairam KR, Director CSS India, Rajesh Arora, Asst. GM Import CSS India, Narayan R T, General Manager CSS Bahrain, Siby C Kurian, General Manager Sales & Marketing, CSS Dubai & Rajagopal, Sr. General Manager Finance, CSS Dubai attended the prestigious FPS AGM 2011.

Loving Moments

Jean-Paul van Munster, FPS Managing Director Rotterdam and Hetty Hof with the crystal memorabile, presented by T S Kaladharan, Chairman CSS Group for their engagement during the FPS annual general meet in Bali, Indonesia.

CSS Group wishes you a successful journey together.

Raag Malhar Friends Association

Friends association celebrated its 7th anniversary on November 18th 2011 at Dubai Women’s College Auditorium. As the main sponsor, CSS has been continuously supporting Friends Association over the years as part of the CSR activities and its always a proud moment to be part of the auspicious event.

The event named Raag Malhar – The Musical fusion was inaugurated by the Indian Counselor with the other dignitaries and also the souvenir named SMRITHI was released by The South Indian film director Blessy. The evening comprised of musical fusion and also dance forms from various artists from South India.

Utsavam 2011

THIRANOTTAM, a fraternity of art-lovers of the traditional art forms of Kerala, is a not-for-profit organization formed and functioning for the promotion of these art forms and the artistes. Thiranottam’s purpose and activities are to increase awareness and comprehension of classical performing arts of Kerala by conducting appreciation sessions, organizing stage shows of renowned professional artistes and providing a platform for the young and promising talents.

The curtain has been lifted on the 4-day cultural festival Utsavam’11, the fifth in its series, which has been showcasing the traditional and rich, classical arts of Kerala in UAE from 2007 onwards.  The Indian Consul General, His Excellency Sanjay Verma, and Padma Shree Kalamandalam Gopi, the eminent Kathakali artiste, and Padma Shree Mattannoor Shankarankutty Maraar, the virtuoso chenda player, inaugurated the event on 4th November 2011. It showcased more and more classical art forms from the realms of Natya Sastra (Science of Acting) to the UAE audience. With Koodiyaattom and Kathakali being the flag bearers of this Indian Science, Thiranottam thought it appropriate to coin the term International Koodiyaattam and Kathakali Festival (IKKF). Utsavam ’11 was grander than its predecessors, with greater emphasis on Taalam and Layam. World-renowned Chenda celebrity Padma Shri Mattannoor Sankaran Kutty has kindly consented to set the right tempo for this year’s festival. Apart from Thayampaka, the four-day event showcased various art forms like Koodiyaattam, Keli, Purappadu, Melappadam and Kathakali.

CSS Group was one of the main sponsors for the event.

KPL Twenty 20

TEAM ALLEPPEY RIPPLES BY CSS GROUP

CSS Group is pleased to announce its purchase of Team Alleppey Ripples for the next 5 seasons of the Kerala Premier League (KPL). The investment in the team shows the continuous support of CSS towards the sporting fraternity of the United Arab Emirates offering first class facilities for all sporting events.

Dubai will stage the richest domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament in UAE history in the name of the Kerala Premier League (KPL), which is set to begin from January 20th until February 24th, 2012 at the International Cricket Council Global Cricket Academy grounds.

The tournament is organised under the auspices of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) and the prize money for the winners of this tournament is Dh60,000 — the highest prize to be offered to a domestic team.
The tournament will be held along the lines of the Indian Premier League and has Indian pacer Shantakumaran Sreesanth as the brand ambassador.

South Indian film superstars Bharat Suresh Gopi, along with actress Bhamaa, are also brand ambassadors.

KPL Dubai is an event in consideration to bring in the regional fire of cricket with huge Asian population in the United Arab Emirates and the game is formed in such a manner that the presence of all cricket playing nationalities involved in the game. A total of 16 teams consisting of 14 districts of Kerala and 2 zonal teams namely Malabar and Travancore with each team consisting of a minimum of 3 players from Kerala in and remaining from the local talents, with one player under the age of 22 and a maximum of 2 international players with prior approval from the Dubai Cricket Council.

For further information, please visit:
www.kpldubai.com &
www.cssgroupsite.com

Ken Wins BTL Desert Challenge

CSS DUBAI  VP KEN DINNADGE WINS THE BTL  DESERT CHALLENGE, DUBAI CREEK GOLF AND YACHT CLUB  NOVEMBER 16, 2011

Deriving its name partly from the golfing expression ‘Tiger Line’ BTL now hosts 9 regional tournaments from Dubai to Korea with the main competition being the ‘BTL Masters’ held every September in Singapore, which is well supported by the global shipping industry.

Places at these events are much sought after and what better way to host clients than a round of golf where for 4-5 hours some sunshine, fresh air and conversations can be shared by all.

CSS’s own Ken Dinnadge upon his return to competitive golf tournaments won this Year’s Desert challenge in style after an 18-month absence from the Dubai shipping fraternity’s competitions.

Ken said, “I was thrilled to have been part of this tournament taking into account the international field of players which included some well known shipping CEOs and company owners. To take gold in this event was very special and is now part of history of BTLs event.