NEW HIGH BAY CONTAINER STORAGE SYSTEM LAUNCHED AS “BOXBAY”

Introducing a new and intelligent High Bay Storage system that will transform the way containers are handled at ports.

Dubai/Dusseldorf, 17 April 2019: A new international joint venture that aims to change the way that containers are handled in ports has been launched by global trade enabler DP World and industrial engineering specialists, SMS Group.

“BOXBAY” represents a new and intelligent High Bay Storage (HBS) system that will be ready in time for the Dubai Expo 2020 with a pilot project scheduled at Jebel Ali Terminal 4.

The patented design and rack structure of the system creates unique advantages with containers stored up to eleven stories high, delivering the capacity of a conventional terminal in a third of the surface area.

By being fully automated it has direct access to each container, eliminating unpaid and unproductive reshuffling. It also features significant gains in handling speed, energy efficiency, safety and a major reduction in operating costs.

The joint venture brings together decades of experience in container terminal logistics at DP World and AMOVA’s high bay storage handling for metal products that weigh as much as 50 tons each in racks as high as 50 meters. BOXBAY will present its technology and operator business cases for the first time in public at the Terminal Operator Conference (TOC Europe) in Rotterdam in June.

DP World Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “We continue to explore new technologies that push boundaries, disrupt and add value for our operations and customers. We are excited by the prospects for BOXBAY as handling speed and efficiencies are key aspects of the ports and terminals business and the system is a major development for the sector around the world. We look forward to the technology being installed especially in readiness for Expo 2020.”

Dr. Mathias Dobner, CEO of BOXBAY, said: “With our BOXBAY High Bay Storage technology, we are introducing a revolutionary system that will disrupt global port logistics. Following the world’s operators’ tremendous interest in our joint venture, we are now looking forward to showcase our solution to them in person.”

Burkhard Dahmen, CEO of SMS group, said: “The BOXBAY system is a direct result of our “New Horizon” strategy, in which SMS transfers proven technology from the metallurgical sector to other industries.” TOC Europe will take place from 18th to 20th of June in Rotterdam and the BOXBAY booth (E93) is located in the main hall.

CSS AT SCLG EVENT

THE ANNUAL NETWORKING AND DINNER IN DUBAI

CSS Group attended the SCLG annual networking and dinner in Dubai. This year the event was organised at the Sobha Hartland. MBR City, Ball room.

The networking dinner was attended by Ajay Krishnan Chief Operating Officer, Freight forwarding CSS Group and Rosh Manoli, General Manager, Sales & Marketing CSS Dubai. The networking event was a gathering of supply chain management professionals from across various industries. It included manufacturers and MNC’s who have a presence in this region. The event was very good as it was a platform for knowledge sharing and information on key trends in the supply chain industry. More than 110 industry professionals from around 70 organizations attended the function.

“SCLG Annual Networking was a perfect platform to meet and interact with a cross section of Supply chain management professionals from various organizations. Foundations of long-term business associations are laid during such events and this truly was a great opportunity for us from CSS” mentioned Ajay.

Headquartered in Dubai (UAE), Supply Chain & Logistics Group (SCLG) is a membership driven industry business group engaged in advancing supply chain & logistics industry locally, regionally and globally. SCLG currently has a membership base of 200+ corporate organizations and is growing.

“The annual networking dinner organised by SCLG is considered as one of the premium events in Dubai. The increase in the number of attendees itself is a proof of the importance of the function. We had a very good opportunity in meeting professionals from various industries and introducing them about the CSS Group” commented Rosh about the function.

SCLG is a purpose-based organization delivering values through bringing policy-centric discussion, connection, communication, collaboration, creation, motivation, empowerment and encouragement to individuals, organizations industry and economy. SCLG engages in supporting and conducting industry-centric conferences, roundtables, educational awareness, site visits and supports publications and co-ordination of magazines and research notes aimed at growth and innovation of organizations.

DEEPLY SADDENED WITH THE DEMISE

CSS GROUP EXTENDS THEIR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FAMILY

CSS Group was deeply saddened with the demise of Mr. Lalit Sharma, CEO of Lalit Freight Services. Mr Sharma has always been a great supporter of CSS Group and a long-time business associate. Chairman of CSS Group T S Kaladharan extended his condolences in Mr. Sharma’s untimely departure. “Mr. Sharma’s inspiring leadership and pursuit of excellence have created an enviable reputation for his company in the freight forwarding business. With his demise, we lost a great friend who stood with us in our ups and downs” mentioned Kala in his message.

A brief profile on Mr. Lalit Sharma

With very humble beginnings with his law degree in his hand, Mr. Sharma’s arrival to Dubai was a very unexpected one. Landed in Dubai Mr Sharma started his career as an accountant in a construction company. But soon he has to look for another job due to many unforeseen misfortunes. His next assignment was with a Freight forwarding company where he not only looked after the accounts, but was extremely engaged with the core trade as well. His impeccable skills in PR and communications supported his growth to a great extent.

Founded in 1997, the eponymous company, Lalit Freight Services, had a rich client base, mainly consisting of Mr. Lalit’s friends who were impressed with his work ethics, and the ability to negotiate and obtain the best rates for them. As in any business, there were ups and downs, but Lalit Freight Services continued to thrive and cater to the client’s needs with utmost dedication.

Mr. Lalit Sharma worked round the clock to run a business that is his legacy.

Lalit Freight Services has always been a family business committed to providing excellent services to its clients. After Mr. Lalit Sharma’s sad demise on March 28th 2019, his wife (Shashikala Sharma), son (Kunal Sharma), and daughter (Palvi Sharma), hope to continue the legacy he left behind with the same dedication that he had.

INTERMODAL 2019

CSS GROUP ATTENDS THE THREE-DAY EVENT IN SAO POLO

Intermodal South America, which is considered to be the largest platform that provides communications and idea exchange amongst the cargo and logistics fraternity concluded successfully, recently in Sao Polo, Brazil. CSS Group participated the event from 19th to 21st March, which consisted of exhibition and networking events. CSS was represented by Midhun George Assistant General Manager Sales, CSS Abu Dhabi & Krishna, Management Trainee, CSS Dubai.

“Every year Intermodal brings in immense prospects of business for us at CSS Group and I think that there is no other better manner we can reach the Latin American fraternity across the globe than Intermodal,” commented Midhun about the exhibition.

Considered by the industry experts as a strategic platform for generation of new businesses, Intermodal South America gathers during its three days the main players in international and national market, promoting businesses and partnerships, working as a platform for launchings, brand reinforcement, joint-ventures, sales and networking.

“Intermodal is a worldwide show for coordinations, transport, freight and global exchange. There is abundant opportunity of relationship building, which could eventually become business. Moreover, this event brought in Global giants and start-ups under the same roof for interaction” Mentioned Krishna about the event.

TASTE OF INDIA PART II

I hope you had a good time learning Vedic maths in the 1st part of this series.Today we will speak of mathematics and Hemachandra numbers ( the series of recurrences)
Mathematics is, in large part, the search & study of patterns and for the explanations as to why those patterns exist. We will see the use of these patterns in day to day life.

Example: Patterns in motion of planets led to theory of gravitation or patterns in genomes help in curing disease.

Lets start the math with the universe of Whole Numbers:

What are whole numbers :

……-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,…..

Lets see some number sequences below:

1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1,…. All 1’s
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,….Counting numbers
1,3,5,7,9,11,13…. Odd numbers
2,4,6,8,10,12,14…Even numbers
1,4,9,16,25,36,….squares
1,8,27,64,125,…..cubes
1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128,….Powers of 2
1,4,16,64,256,1024,4096….Powers of 4

Lets see now how sequences are related:

Example 1: Odd numbers and Square numbers are related

How ?

When you add up the odd number sequence you get the square number sequence

1=1
1+3 =4
1+3+5=9
1+3+5+7=16

Formula : 1+3+5+…..(2n-1) = n square

Example 2: Counting numbers and square numbers are related

How?

When you add up the counting numbers sequence to a point N and back to 1 , you get the square numbers sequence.

1=1
1+2+1 =4
1+2+3+2+1 = 9
1+2+3+4+3+2+1 = 16

Formula : 1+2+3 + ….+ n +…..+ 3+2+1 = n square

Now lets see the Hemachandra number series : (Hemachandra (1150 AD) number series also written by Gopala ( 1135 AD ) also known as Fibonacci( 1200 AD))

Write down 1 and 2

The next number is the sum of the previous two numbers

1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,……..

Formula: Hn= H (n-1) + H ( n-2)

So which is the 7th number in the series , look up and count , its 21. and so on.

Where is it applied ?

Hemachandra numbers in Sanskrit Poetry :

Poetry has 2 syllables – Long ( 2 beats) And Short ( 1 beat)

The number of ways you can fill up 8 beats:

Long Long Long Long = 2+ 2+2+2 = 8

(Short Short ) X 4 = 8

Short Long long Short Long = 1+2+2+1+2 = 8

So answer to the question that in how many ways can you fill up 8 beats , see the 8th number in the Hemachandra sequence : answer is 34.

Hemachandra numbers in Nature:

a) Daisies ( flower) have 13 , 21, 34 petals – all Hemachandra numbers

b) Pine Cones have 8,13,21,24 etc spirals – again all in the Hemachandra numbers series

Now , lets evaluate some others mathematical concepts.

Prime Numbers

2,3,5,7,11,13,17,…….

Prime numbers have only two factors , 1 and itself

You cannot have two numbers multiplied to get that number – that is a prime number.

So lets see for example the number 13 = 1X13 = 13 = two factors only , 1 and 13.

But these prime numbers were discovered way before humans by nature.

You know Cicadas ? These are insects ( bugs)

Cicadas live underground and emerge only once every N years , where N tends to be a prime number like 13 or 17

Why ?

The hypothesis is that then N is least likely to be a multiple of the length of the predators population cycle which could kill them off.

Indian Cicadas come out every 7 years and some every 19 years

In America , they come out every 13 years and 17 years.

It was observed that those coming out in years other than prime numbers were predated and lost their lives so this pattern has become common that they come out only in prime number years , based on their predators life cycle!!

Prime numbers in everyday life

Suppose you have two 200 digit prime numbers

Give them a computer , and it can multiply them in a fraction of a second and give the answer which will be a 400 digit answer.

Now take this 400 digit answer and give it another computer , and ask to find the original two 200 digit prime numbers.

The best known algorithms , working on all the worlds computers , would still take billions of years to find those two 200 digit prime numbers !!!!

Which means A multiply by B = C – here finding C is very easy A XB but to reverse find the factors A and B which result in C is impossible !

So basis this , it is easy to multiply two large prime numbers but hard to do the reverse process , is the basis of the world’s encryption !!!!

Often when we submit private information on the internet , prime numbers are what are being used to encrypt the information and protect it since no one knows how to find factor numbers ( or so we think ) this method of encryption is presumably secure !

The thesis is that it is difficult to go backwards and find the factor or find a quick way to find the factor. So the problem of factoring is the basis of encryption technology.

(Opposite of multiplication is factoring – 10X10 = 100

100 is multiplication and factoring is to know 10 and 10 are the factors)

142857 :

Example of 142857 – a 6 digit number – so we will multiply it till 6 and see:

142857 X 1 = 142857

142857 X 2 = 285714

142857 X 3 = 428571

142857 X 4 = 571428

142857 X 5 = 714285

142857X 6 = 857142

Look closely , the same numbers get interchanged in the answers , observe carefully!!!!!!!

Are there such n digit numbers so the if you can multiply by 1 through n , the number just cycles around ?

Yes example is 0588235294117647 ( 16 digits)
Try multiplying this 16 digit number with 1 and till 16 and the answers will be the same numbers just circling around.

Are there infinitely many such numbers ? No one knows ….

Reasons for this pattern is Self similarity and Fractals:

Examples of self similarity and fractals in Nature are as follows:

Fern leaves – each leaf is just the same as another of its leaf.

Similar fractals are snowflakes , leaves , clouds , coastlines , mountains , lightening ……

Another example of Fractal architecture is The Kandariya Mahadev Temple in Madhya Pradesh

Self similarity in man made art :

Fulani wedding blanket from Nigeria

M.C. Escher the Dutch artist who made mathematically influenced graphic art – zoom a picture and you keep seeing the same picture in the picture.

In todays times , Princeton University even has a Fractal broccoli !

Thanks for taking the time to read this ancient power of Indian sciences and now you can go back to WhatsApp university to learn and argue on what NDA did or UPA did which is our current obsession !

Pride is a result of complex. So if you are already feeling proud that it was an Indian who discovered these patterns and not the Italian Mathematician Fibonacci , it has nothing to do with Hemachandra or Fibonacci , it is to do with your own complex. And yes , I purposely didn’t mention that Hemachandra was a Jain monk born in Gujarat so as not to let any artificial pride get in the way of understanding the subject for what it is. Happy Easter!

PS: This article is directly influenced from the lectures and work of the current generation mathematician at Princeton University , Professor Mr Manjul Bhargava!

GENERAL AVERAGE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF MARINE CARGO INSURANCE

General Average is a principle of maritime law, whereby all stakeholders in a sea venture proportionally share any losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole in an emergency.

The principle underlying General Average is generally regarded as having been first codified, in the Rhodian Law sometime in the 9th century B.C based on the principle “That which has been sacrificed for the benefit of all shall be made good by the contribution of all”.

In recent times, recognizing the need to formulate the principle to create uniformity across seafaring nations, a set of rules were laid down following conferences in York and Antwerp in the late 19th century, resulting in the York-Antwerp Rules, which is the standard rules relating to General Average in modern times.

The one crucial element that makes all the difference, when a General Average is declared is whether the cargo is insured or not and whether such insurance cover General Average and Salvage Claims. Marine Cargo Insurance can make all the difference in a General Average. The importance of Marine Cargo Insurance is twofold. The same not only indemnifies the policyholder for loss or damage to the cargo, but will also respond to General Average and Salvage Claims.

When a General Average is declared, an Average Adjuster is appointed to co-ordinate the claims, who formulate the extent of the loss which can include repairs to the vessel, salvage and towage costs, loss or damage to cargo survey costs etc. These costs, whilst not impacting directly on some parties, needs to be shared. The Average Adjuster approaches the parties to the voyage for contribution towards these costs in line with the principle of General Average.

If the cargo is insured, the insurers will deal with the Average Adjuster and provide a Guarantee to satisfy the claims of the General Average; leading to the release of the undamaged goods to the owner.

On the other hand, if the cargo is not insured, the Average Adjuster will request a cash deposit from the owner before releasing the undamaged goods. In certain circumstances, this can be a significant amount of money, which can put a great strain on the cargo owner.

It is therefore of paramount importance that the cargo is insured, prior to the shipment and special care should be taken to ensure that such insurance covers General Average and Salvage Claims. This will not only protect you for loss or damage to the cargo themselves, but will deal with any General Average and Salvage Claims, should such a situation arise.

HOW POROUS IS YOUR LIFE?

Some years ago, Kaleidoscope featured an article about ‘Techno-leapfrogging’. It’s a notion that persons, technology and economies can move themselves forward rapidly by adopting modern systems without going through the intermediary steps. Younger people do this easily because they take what is available now, as their starting point. Ask them what is a ‘brick’ mobile phone and they will have generally no idea. They take the internet, cloud storage and the fact that ‘World Wide Web’ was 30 years old last March for granted. Today the greater majority would be lost without their ‘www’ connection. So, when someone asked the Kaleidoscope team, if we enjoyed being connected, it was a challenge to compare what our social life situation was in 1989 with where we are now.

It will be difficult for some to realise that writing letters or sending a fax, way back then, was the only way to confirm a telephone discussion. However, unlike emails neither could be hacked and compromised. Equally can you imagine standing at a bus stop with nothing to do, where you take advantage of this opportunity to chat with other regular travellers to work? Nowadays many are lost in their isolated world of checking their mobiles. Yes, it is definitely true that we did use our time to interact with what was around us and consider things. Even with this approach some questioned if we were living life too fast. The 19th century acclaimed poet William Henry Davies, in his poem ‘Leisure’, wondered: –

‘What is this life if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?

Currently it’s the norm to walk about, ignoring others, with eyes staring down at our mobiles. Many are totally disconnected with their local and social environment, only just about trying to avoid bumping into others. There is certainly no consideration given to ‘standing and staring’, looking at what is going on around them. But what about the person who is not on a mobile? Someone who is looking around? Someone who is checking you out? In such circumstances the whole idea of social interaction is turned on its head. Distraction from our actual environment may mean we miss obvious opportunities whilst, at the same time, we have made ourselves ‘porous’ both visually and electronically.

Those who techno-leapfrog into such a situation have automatically accepted it as being normal. They feel comfortable, even though they are missing out on person to person contact and direct emotional interaction. Being primarily use to social media, staying in touch via mobiles, means they have no basis for comparison with anything else. Mobile communication demands instant responses. Such thoughts are almost ‘peer to peer’ which is why posts are put into the ‘Twittersphere’, ‘Snapchat’ or ‘Instagram’ which are later regretted, when it is too late.

New technology really should come with a warning that we need to reassess and refocus on how we communicate and understand others. In doing so we have to set aside a basic human characteristic of using body language and facial expressions as a way of interpreting what is really meant. Even Facebook or Skype video are restrictive in emotional terms. It is true that you can actually sense and smell fear and you can’t do this by video!
For those who believe that new technology is the next best thing since sliced bread, then perhaps it would help to consider how things have advanced since 1989. Apply the same rate of change and reasoning to where we are now and try asking yourself: –

“If Google, Apple and Amazon have us talking to them now, who will be listening and reacting to what we say in 30 years’ time?”

‘Hi Alexa set the alarm for 6am’ – ‘Hi Alexa play some Bollywood music’, sound innocent enough but it’s been reported that these messages are being stored and examined. Children love playing with dolls and ‘Barbie’ now interacts and build-ups responses with their very young owners. This is where human bonding starts to be replaced with technology and our lives become porous. We have started to leak out information, to others, without realising it. You may be reassured to know that tech companies apparently only listen selectively to your voice, on the basis that they can use information to improve their product. However recent reports, that some share voice clips without your knowledge, must be cause for future concern. Giving out personal information, without your realisation, means your home is no longer your castle because your walls have become porous. Technology is listening in; on the basis it is there to be your assistant.

Maybe as we reach for the future, we should keep a firm eye on how porous are our lives becoming. After all if things progress too far, we may reach a stage where is it too late to hanker for ‘Leisure’ where: –

‘We have no time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
A poor life this, if full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare’.

Chairman’s Message

Companies are made-up of management and staff that are invariably a unique combination of brains and personalities. Being able to bring all their talents together, in order to achieve success, is a paramount challenge.

Consequently, it has always been a debatable issue as to which is more important, personal or company growth. However, I feel it is a topic that needs serious analysis. Nimble companies adapt to new situations and marketing conditions, whereas rigid companies eventually crack under the strain.

Growth is a word which motivates ambitious people, especially those who have already experienced the phenomena of company fortunes growing and falling. It’s unfortunate that self-centered persons never really take time to study the reasons for such ebbing and flowing events.

Correspondingly a company needs to find the time to recognise staff’s talents and promote their aspirations for personal growth. Such considerations lead to teams being assigned a manager or leader. Every holder of such positions must develop an ability to study team members’ aspirations and respond to them, both individually and collectively. In order for a company to grow successfully change is very important. Realistically meaningful changes are only possible when employees acclaim growth. This motivates them to take on new challenges, expand their capabilities, cultivate new behaviours and entertain innovation.

With these thoughts uppermost, my message for this edition of Lighthouse is specifically directed to the managers and leaders within the CSS Group. You have a responsibility to your company whilst, at the same time, ensuring that this responsibility cascades down to each of your team members. A healthy body relies on all its organs functioning properly. This makes everyone, regardless of their role, an important part of CSS. Our greatest asset is our staff and, as a responsible company focused on developing advancement; we must never forget that appreciating individual aspirations are a solid basis on which to build growth.

Strengthening Relationships

IFS SPAIN VISITS CSS GROUP RECENTLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

CSS Group recently received Ms. Lilia Garcia, Foreign Sales Manager of IFS Spain at the Regional Headquarters of CSS Group in Dubai. Her visit was as part of a strategic sales campaign initiative to CSS Offices in the Middle East. Along with the subjects of mutual interests and business development, the current market scenario -too- was brought in to the discussion table by both companies. It was mutually agreed to work more closely to enhance business in 2019 through the trade lanes which are already open.

“It was our pleasure to host Ms. Lilia in our Dubai office and show our facilities to her. We would be extremely delighted to work closely to further develop our customer-focused business initiatives and personal relationships with IFS Spain” commented Chandrakala (CK) COO, NVOCC, CSS Group, during the occasion.

During her Middle East tour, Ms. Lilia visited the CSS Group Offices in Sharjah and Bahrain as well. CSS team members from the respective regions conducted joint sales visits with IFS representative, so that the Middle East customers could directly interact with the Spanish agent. CSS sales staff had an interactive session with Ms. Lilia and discussed many matters which needed close attention.

“In IFS, we believe that the close and continued contact with our partners is the way to improve our common service to the freight forwarders and to understand their needs” mentioned Lilia to Lighthouse.

IFS Spain started in 1985 in Valencia as NVOCC with a firm commitment to provide quality services to industry professionals on the principle of strict neutrality. Since then they expanded in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Sevilla and Alicante) and then opened borders to Portugal, the USA, Mexico, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and France.

Consolidated Shipping Group, established in the year 1995 in Dubai, UAE is one of the fastest growing NVOCCs. Being a prominent name in the field of freight forwarding in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, CSS Group has to its credit an enviable list of Global Network Partners.

There is Something More in NVOCC Business

CHRIS WILSON, PRESIDENT, CARO TRANS, SHARES HIS VIEWS WITH LIGHTHOUSE

Being a renowned and reliable name in the NVOCC business Caro Trans over the years has earned a respectable position both in business and in the minds of their clients. Lighthouse team had a brief chat with Mr. Chris Wilson, the President of Caro Trans, wherein he spoke about the current trends, the future and prospects of NVOCC business.

Chris was optimistic about the current trends and what it leads to the future growth when he shared his views on the business outlay and forecast of the NVOCC business.

“The NVOCC business is increasingly competitive and we must continue to deploy technology in the most innovative and efficient means possible. Our clients demand accurate and timely information delivered instantly across the supply chain. However, it is dedicated and passionate Team members delivering exceptional service to our clients that will become our greatest differentiator.”

CSS Group enjoys an in-depth relationship with Caro Trans. They both have been working together for many years and has remained trusted partners supporting each other in their respective regions. Chris continued, “Caro Trans is with CSS Group for 7 years now and we are quite keen to continue developing our services throughout the Middle East. Our goal is to become the number one NVOCC between USA and Middle East.”

Focused approach and time bound strategies will define the future prospects of the NVOCC business. Customer centric approaches and personalization has great role to play in developing a meaningful business model. “We need larger customers and we need to explain to the largest LCL clients how an NVOCC – a true LCL consolidator can add significant value to their supply chain,” said Chris.

Various new IT solutions are being implemented by NVOCC companies to increase efficiency, reliability, and security of operations by reducing operational costs. But one must understand that, the NVOCC industry is still slow to develop and deploy interesting technology. As a result, our industry is ripe for a thoughtful and passionate disrupter, Chris added.

While saying goodbye, Lighthouse requested a message from Chris for the CSS family:
“Thank you for always supporting our efforts to grow our business. It has been a very strong partnership and we look forward to expanding our business and growing our services throughout the Middle East.Thank you and Wish you a much prospective 2019!” Commented Chris.

Networking Opportunity During Breakbulk

HÖEGH HOSTED DINNER PROVIDES NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PARTICIPANTS

Breakbulk Middle East provided opportunities to interact on several platforms, for the participants. The event was well attended by CSS delegates and participated at the networking dinners. One such was organized by Höegh. Head of Country (UAE), Finn Roden from Höegh invited for a presentation of their Breakbulk cargo handling initiatives, followed by a Customer Appreciation Dinner at the -“Bliss 6” Restaurant-The Conrad Hotel Dubai on the 11th of February.

The Global Head of Breakbulk Sales – Stian Omli from Head office in Oslo started off with the opening speech. CSS Group was represented by Midhun George, General Manager, Abu Dhabi and Angeli Sudheer, Manager Pricing & Customer Service, CSS Dubai.

“It was a well-organized gathering by Team Hoeg opening up the opportunity to interact with the industry partners and meet some old friends from the Industry. Such gatherings help to personalize and strengthen your relationship with your partners.” Commented Angeli.

Leif Höegh & Co is an international shipping company, founded in 1927 by Norwegian Leif Höegh (1896-1974). Since 2006 the company has been structured as two separate entities, Höegh Autoliners and Höegh LNG, with Leif Höegh & Co acting as a common holding company.

An Informal Get Together

CSS GROUP ATTENDS THE DINNER HOSTED BY MAERSK & SAFMARINE

CSS Group represented by their COO, NVOCC Chandrakala and Deputy General manager, Sales & Marketing Rosh Manoli, attended an informal dinner hosted jointly by the Maersk and Safmarine. The dinner was organized during the Breakbulk Middle East 2019 conference at the Mint leaf of London, Emirates Financial Tower on the 11th February.

CSS Group enjoys a great working relationship with both Maersk and Safmarine over the years. “It gives a positive vibe when you share your time with long term friends from within the professional community. Thanks to Maersk and Safmarine for a delightful dinner networking opportunity” mentioned Chandrakala about the event.

Christopher Cook, Managing Director UAE, Oman & Qatar, Manoj Panicker Special Cargo Manager, Revenue Management A.P. Moller- Maersk India from Maersk and Pankaj Kumar Regional Manager ME & Africa from Safmarine posed for a photo with CSS Group representatives. “Such get togethers provide invaluable opportunity to share ideas and discuss many industry related topics. Great evening and thanks to the hosts” commented Rosh. Breakbulk Middle East 2019 was held on 11th & 12th February at the Dubai trade Centre.

Taste of India

In this series, I would like to bring out the real taste of India like Vedic maths, Hemachandra numbers etc which are fascinating concepts and also explain many complex realities of the universe in simple terms. Today we start with Vedic maths.

Vedic Maths

Any number multiplied by 11:

32 times 11 :

Split 3 and 2

3 2

Add 3 and 2 = 5 and put it in between

Answer is 352.

Similarly,

45 times 11 = 495

75 times 11 = 7125 —> 1 gets carried over and it becomes 825

Base method ( can be used for any numbers close to bases of 10,100,1000 etc )

99 times 97

100 is the base

99 is less than 100 by how much = 01

97 is less than 100 by how much = 03

Now cross subtract : 99 less 3 = 96

Or

97 less 1 = 96

Each way the answer is same so 96 is the first part.

And now multiply the difference 01 times 03 = 03.

So 9603 is the answer.

Do it with 98 times 97 , answer is 9506.

996 times 997

Now take 1000 as the base

996 is less than 1000 by how much = 004

997 is less than 1000 by how much = 003

Now cross subtract : 996 less 003 = 993

Or

997 less 004 = 993

Each way the answer is same so 993 is the first part.

and now multiple the difference 004 times 003 = 012.

So 993012 is the answer.

14 times 12

Base is 10

14 is 4 more than 10

12 is 2 more than 10

So cross Add

First part is 16.

Multiply difference 4 times 2 = 8

So 168 is the answer.

Mental squaring

101 square = 101 times 101

By the same method above, answer is 10201.

102 square = 102 times 102

By the same method, answer is 10404

105 square : 11025

106 square : 11236

Vertically and crosswise sutra:

31 times 12

31

X12

Formula:

a) :: —> multiply last digit of each row for last number

b) :: —> cross multiply 1st digit of 1st line with 2nd digit of second line

cross multiply 2nd digit of 1st line with 1st digit of second line

Add the two for middle number

c) :: —> multiply first digit of each row for 1st number

a. 1 times 2 = 2 – last number

b. 3 times 2 = 6 + 1 times 1 = 1 add the two = 7 – middle number

c. 3 times 1 = 3 – first number

Answer is 372

Now 12 times 34

12

X 34

a. 2 times 4 = 8 – last number

b. 1 times 4 = 4 and 2 times 3 = 6.
4+ 6 = 10 so carry over 1 – middle number is 0.

c. 1 times 3 is 3 + carry over 1 = 4 – first number
Answer is 408.

So the few methods with a few examples of Vedic maths should help you become smarter and not depend always on your smart phone.

Keep massaging your brain and relish the taste of India

Coming up soon with Hemachandra numbers in the next series !

About Creativity At Work

The ability to produce through imaginative skill, to make or bring into existence something new.”
Creativity at Work is a rich resource for developing personal creativity and organizational innovation in the workplace.

HOW IT HAPPENS

To create a new solution you need to define a new problem.
The ability of an individual or team to understand a problem in a new way is one of the most important first steps in the successful creation of a new solution.

Understanding how an individual creates or comes up with something new.

Intelligence and creativity have a complex relationship.

Intelligence is correlated with Creativity.

It depends on the measure of creativity used.

Highly intelligent people can still be uncreative.

CAN CREATIVITY BE LEARNED?

Creativity begins with a:
Foundation of knowledge
Learning a discipline
Mastering a way of thinking
You can learn to be creative by experimenting, exploring, questioning assumptions.

Five key behaviours that optimize your brain for discovery:

Associating: Drawing connections between questions, problems, or ideas from unrelated fields.

QUESTIONING

Observing: Scrutinizing the behavior of customers, suppliers, and competitors to identify new ways of doing things.

Networking: Meeting people with different ideas and perspectives.

Experimenting: Constructing interactive experiences and provoking unorthodox responses to see what insights emerge.

OVERCOMING MYTHS ABOUT CREATIVITY

Beliefs that only special, talented people are creative diminish our confidence in our creative abilities.

Researchers examined outstanding performances in the arts, mathematics, and sports, to find out if “the widespread belief that to reach high levels of ability a person must possess an innate potential called talent.”

TO BRING CREATIVITY AT WORKPLACE:

1. Keep asking new Questions
2. Working on you most productive hours
3. Taking risks
4. Try to create something everyday
5. Ask the right questions
6. Bulid a network
7. Practice Openness : It reflects how much you are motivated to consider new ideas, concepts, and experiences. The most creative people are typically very open people.

WAYS TO BRING CREATIVITY AND IMPROVE TALENT (CREATIVE WAYS TO ATTRACT TALENT IN COMPANY):

Let Employees Lead ; Encourage your team to volunteer in leadership roles outside the organization. Encourage employees to look for people who demonstrate strengths in skills that your team needs and reward people internally for identifying and attracting new talent.

Become A Kind Organization :
Kindness always works. Kindness works in customer service and it works in relation to attracting and retaining talent. Benefits can be matched, but kindness is unique.

Develop A Mentor-First Mindset :
Ask your leaders to adopt a mentor-first mindset and not just serve as “managers.” Managers tend to focus on compliance and conformity; established processes tend to be prioritized over people. Mentors, on the other hand, care deeply about the mission and the humans they hire to accomplish that mission.

Ask For Employee Referrals :
Employee referral programs have always been one of the least utilized but best resources .Provide an incentive to your staff to refer potential employees.

Reach Out To Previous Employees Who Left On Good Terms :
Don’t be afraid to contact employees who left on good terms. Figure out why they left (Was it a better opportunity or more money?) and see what it would take for them to rejoin your organization.

DIFC – Common Law in Civil Law Jurisdiction

The United Arab Emirates is essentially a civil law jurisdiction heavily influenced by French, Roman, Egyptian and Islamic law. Common law principles, such as adopting previous court judgments as legal precedents, are generally not recognized. In 2004, Dubai’s ruler at that time established The Dubai International Financial Center (The DIFC) Courts, providing an independent administration of justice in DIFC, attempting to ensure that Dubai would offer to its players the highest international standards of justice administration, and efficiency, flexibility and certainty that is usually provided by the Common Law.

The DIFC is an independent jurisdiction under the UAE Constitution, with its own civil and commercial laws distinct from those of the UAE. DIFC laws and regulations are written in English and default to English law in the event of an ambiguity. The DIFC also has its own courts, with judges taken from leading common law jurisdictions including England, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The DIFC’s independent jurisdiction extends to a range of areas including corporate, commercial, civil, employment, trusts, and securities law matters. Other laws of the UAE or the Emirate of Dubai, such as criminal law and immigration regulations, continue to apply within the DIFC. The DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre is an independent Centre of international arbitration that uses rules modeled on the London Court of International Arbitration. The principal governing body of the DIFC is the DIFC Authority. The financial services regulator is the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which regulates the conduct of financial services in and from the DIFC. The DFSA is distinct from the UAE’s federal Securities and Commodities Authority, whose jurisdiction covers the wider UAE outside the boundaries of the DIFC. Since DIFC is one of Dubai’s independent free zones, it offers companies 100% ownership without the need for a local partner and since it is governed by a common-law framework distinct from the UAE legal system, with laws and regulations issued in English. DIFC offers clients a 50-year guarantee of zero taxes on corporate income and profits, complemented by the UAE’s network of double taxation avoidance treaties. Thus, the importance of DIFC courts has been growing in Dubai as a sound alternative. On the one hand, they are the exclusive jurisdiction for companies whether individual or multinationals established in DIFC or for transactions finalized within its territories, further, parties to a contract may come to a written agreement to approach the DIFC courts in the case of dispute.

Nowadays majority of the contracts will establish two mandatory clauses that will decide the future of the contracts in case of the dispute, i.e. the governing law and the jurisdiction clause and while the governing law will be of essence to decide the legal framework that will apply to and govern the contract, the jurisdiction clause will determine the place where the case will be heard, giving the parties with an option to choose between arbitration and courts with exclusive and non-exclusive jurisdiction. Being an independent jurisdiction within the UAE, DIFC is empowered to create its own legal and regulatory framework for all civil and commercial matters, which gives it a unique identity and is favored by the outside entities and individuals who are accustomed to and familiar with common law jurisdiction. Hence it would not be unusual to say that DIFC is indeed a landmark initiative exercising Common Law principals in Civil Law Jurisdiction.

Contributed by : Adv. Joy Thattil

Qoovee

If you are exploring export & import opportunities, you need buyers, dealers or suppliers and you want to professionally promote your business on the Internet, then all this and more you can get on the Qoovee.com international business platform.

Qoovee.com is a meeting place of buyers and suppliers.

Tens of thousands of small, medium, large companies and entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries already have been selling and buying products in bulk and business services on Qoovee.com.

Hundreds of thousands of wholesale buyers and customers of business services discover reliable suppliers here.

12 reasons to promote your business on Qoovee.com

1. A leader on search engines
2. International audience- more than 50 countries
3. Ready online store with promotion on Google, Yandex, and Qoovee
4. Discovering the target audience and buyers
5. There are inquiries from customers – you pay. There are no inquiries – any way you promote for free.
You pay only after you get inquiries from your potential clients, for requests of your contact details, and at the same time, you set the rate for how much to pay for the clients’ inquiries.
6. Participation in commercial biddings (Access to the request for orders )
7. High-level support of the Qoovee platform from business and different government bodies
8. Direct access to suppliers of products and services for your business
9. Safe transactions. Protection and guarantee of payment
10. Logistics, Shipping worldwide.
11. Participation in the Global Online Expo – Worldwide Online Exhibition, more than 100 participant countries, 100 thousand companies and 21 million visitors
12. Joining the international Qoovee business club. Networking with the owners and top-managers of companies, getting privileges and services for your business.

It is worthy to note last accomplishments of the platform; Qoovee.com now is the first official e-trade platform in Dubai where Dubai’s companies will trade with the world. Qoovee will contribute to the foreign trade of Dubai Emirate with other markets. Official cooperation with the Government of Dubai began on February 19. The agreement was signed at the Dubai World Trade Center. The government of Dubai will actively attract the business of the Emirate to the Qoovee.com platform to enhance entering the international markets, as well as support the promotion of the platform in world markets. In turn, Qoovee will actively develop trade with the Emirate and attract international trade players to do business with Dubai companies. This cooperation will allow establishing close trade relations on the platform of Qoovee.com not only with Dubai business but with the entire Middle East market.

Get started now. Register your company.

www.Qoovee.com
office@qoovee.com

Release of The Cargo without The Presentation of Original Bill of Lading

Risk Factors Involved in Non-Presentation of OBL
It is quite evident by now that there is risk associated with delivery of cargo with the Letter of Indemnity and not the original Bill of Lading. The below listed are some of the basic risks that are involved in the same:

1. Mis-delivery of Cargo:
It is well understood a bill of lading, amongst other functions, acts as a “key” to the warehouse which, when available at the discharge port, is presented to the Master in order to release the cargo to the “bearer” of the bill of lading. Where such a “key” is not available at the discharge port, it must be remembered that an LOI will not absolve the carrier from liability if the cargo is delivered to the wrong party.

2. Insurance Cover:
It is well understood that liabilities arising as a consequence of mis-delivery are not covered under all P&I Club rules unless the Directors of the club in question otherwise agree. The LOI is designed to try to alleviate such risk, so far as it can, but it must be understood that an LOI effectively substitutes an Owner’s P&I cover for mis-delivery claims and there are certain insurance policies that do not cover the claims arising out of non- presentation on BL.

3. Creditworthiness of the Party:
This is one of the most important factors while delivering cargo with letter of indemnity. In some cases, the party that presents the letter of indemnity may not be related or connected to the cargo or the shipment in actual. In other cases, the parties may represent themselves as the agent of the cargo interest, but they could be deceitful and later the carrier may be held liable by the actual cargo interest. In some cases, the consignee may have failed to pay the shipper the value for the cargo which could also lead to non- receipt of the Bill of lading. So, the carrier/ shipping line must always ensure to check the creditworthiness of the party claiming the cargo with the letter of indemnity.

Reasons for non-presentation of BL:

  • Consignee has not received the Bills of Lading from the shipper in spite of cargo on board.
  • Consignee has only received an electronic copy or the telex message.
  • Consignee has not paid the buyer yet for the cargo bought and has existing dues.
  • Consignee or agents have misplaced the documents or the Bill of Lading.
  • The party representing the consignee or the cargo interest may be fraudulent and not acting in good faith.

Conclusion:
The practice of delivery of cargo without presentation of original bills of lading is very familiar, and is here to stay as long as shipping exists. Delivery of cargo without presentation of an original bill of lading, although not recommended, is a reality of international trade and if the parties act cautiously then no one would suffer a loss in the business. It is therefore important to remember the risks involved in such operations and to act cautiously in order to minimise risks to shipowning interests.

Mood Music

Multitude types of sound – office chatter, crowds cheering, car horns blaring, babies crying, dogs barking, birds singing and waves breaking on the shore, all affect us in different ways. Often we fail to recognise their impact as we relegate them to the backdrop hubbub of what we are doing. However all these sounds influence us, and the way we feel within our environment, especially when we are unable to control them.

Sounds have long been thought to influence human emotions and the significance of music has raised considerable interest amongst researchers. Understanding music-induced emotions, and its capability of influencing our moods, has gained greater importance. Music has been a part of our inheritance over many years. Classical music has an unbroken living tradition which goes back over a thousand years. Music played an important role in William Shakespeare’s plays. In ‘Twelfth Night’, written in 1602, Duke Orinso considers his infatuation with music might cure his obsession with love. He compares how eating too much food quells one’s appetite by musing;

‘If music be the food of love, play on’.
Whilst Shakespeare recognised music as feeding the emotions, scientific study of this phenomena have been rare until relatively recently. There is now significant interest amongst the science and medical professions. Businesses that also need to make a connection with their customers, in order to make their product attractive, now focus on the impact music makes.

So how and why does music affect us?
The initial impact is the beat. This fundamental driving component actually causes our hearts to start to beat in synch with the rhythm. This happens as the music starts to encroach into our personal environment. With background music it is an almost stealth-like. If we are immersing ourselves in the sounds the effect is more immediate. A slow beat causes our heart to slow and, depending on the ‘key’ of the song, it may either convey love or sadness. The ‘key’ is just as important as the beat because the choice of ‘key’ influences the feel a tune. A ‘major key’ tune will usually feel cheerful and convey an upbeat message to our brains but a ‘minor key’ will cause sadness. Equally a fast moving tune, depending on the key, can make us feel excited and full of joy or frightened.

Why does this happen?
When we listen to music our brains produce the chemicals serotonin and dopamine. It’s their combination that influences our emotions. This is why music may make us feel sad, hyped-up, tranquil or angry. Indeed the wide-ranging scope of music may end up blending our emotions in many ways.

Once we realise this connection we can choose the music to reflect our mood.

Indeed it seems that we have a habit of choosing the music based on the moods we are already feeling. We do this deliberately for specific or special occasions. Religious and political gatherings, weddings and funerals, anniversaries and parties, all immediately bring our own favourite music to mind. However if we want to change a negative current mood, choosing music that is more upbeat will lift us out of depression. It therefore becomes important not to choose music which encourages our depression. This link also explains why those dancing at raves become higher and higher. The participants are continually lifted upwards, as the beats and rhythms are constantly boosted.

Music communicates through beat and melody. It is therefore a universal means of communication. This is why we can travel the world and find enjoyment experiencing the musical feeling of another culture. A country’s culture influences their basic formation of music. The most obvious example of this is a comparison Western pop music and Indian Bollywood style tunes. The only really recent cross-over tune was from the film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ with ‘Jai Ho’ (You Are My Destiny). However the Internet is causing the different styles of music to become integrated. Even the ethics that move composers and musicians are becoming similar as these quotes show:-

‘One good thing about music is when it hits you, you feel no pain’ – Bob Marley
‘I love appreciating all kinds of music’ – Taylor Swift
‘Music is about transporting people, speaking a language which languages fail to express’ – A. R. Rahman.
Music development and its ability to impact on moods relies on new talent so it was interesting to find this quote:-
‘I bridge the gap between music and life and now my heartbeat swings as sweet as a melody’ – Aloysha Peter.
Now in his twenties, his quote shows empathy with other musicians.

Experiences in our own lives invariably influence our future and Aloysha’s first musical adventures started when singing in a Trivandrum church choir – Kerala. His latest song, which he composed, arranged and produced, is called: ‘Lahari Ee Lahari’ – appropriate English translation – ‘Deliriously Happy’. It features Aju Varghese, a popular actor and comedian and Shann Rahman a music composer and singer. Both are well known for their work in Malayalam cinema. Its enthusiastic fun beat and melody has an infectious feeling which demonstrates how music can uplift our moods. Sometimes just being told about a piece of music may alter our mood. If you hear an artiste’s name it may conjure-up a tune in your mind and suddenly your mood is altered. So choose your music to create, enhance or change your mood because hopefully it may make you deliriously happy. The choice is yours.

Chairman’s Message

Invariably the start of a New Year provides an opportune time to look back on events of the previous twelve months and look forward with anticipation to the year ahead. The support and encouragement we have received from our partners, customers and colleagues, over the last twelve months, were really appreciated. It gives us welcome impetus that raises us to a higher level of confidence. Our mutually beneficial relationships have developed into friendships. This, has in turn, energised us to explore larger horizons. Thank you to everyone, as I wish you a wonderful year ahead.

A speech that I heard recently, from the former President of United States of America, George Bush Jnr., during the memorial service for his father Bush Snr., was thought-provoking. In this speech he mentioned the inaugural address of his father as the 41st President of USA. Bush Snr., said, “We cannot hope only to leave our children a bigger car, a bigger bank account. We must hope to give them a sense of what it means to be a loyal friend, a loving parent, a citizen who leaves his home, his neighborhood, and town better than he found it.”

I found this statement has got many overarching meanings, not only in our personal life, but in business too. It is the responsibility of every succeeding generation to leave what they’ve inherited, in better shape and condition. If we are able to start this New Year, by taking a lead that invigorates generations to come, I believe it will help focus our minds on achieving greater success for all of us.

CSS Group Strategy Meet 2018

THE ANNUAL STRATEGY MEET CONCLUDES ON THE 17TH OF NOVEMBER, 2018 IN COLOMBO, SRI LANKA

The CSS Group’s annual Strategy Meet 2018 was held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Resort, Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 15th to 17th November. Time to evolve continued to be the theme this year for the meet, which invariably declares the need for strategically design new plans and programmes to enhance the business performance in this most challenging time. The meeting was inaugurated by Sasikala (SK), Manager- Corporate communications, CSS Group.

As a usual practice, budgets, achievements and strategies were presented by all divisions and departments. Delegates representing various offices of CSS Group and associates, participated the two days meeting in Colombo. Discussions and debates were seen all through the presentation on topics which needed extra thrust and focus.

The Sri Lanka operations of CSS Group was kick-started alongside the strategy meet in Colombo. The CSS Group operations in Colombo received a soft launch during the event. Full-fledged operations will soon commence from the region. The meet was concluded with a vote of thanks by T S Kaladharan, the Chairman and Founder of CSS Group, wherein he re-iterated the need for more focused strategies and personalized services in all segments.

The last day was dedicated to one-to-one meeting amongst various departments and associates. CSS has always strived to excel in all the ventures, year on year and today has reached a respectable position amongst the renowned names in the field of Shipping and Logistics in the Middle East and the Indian Sub-continent.

POST-MEET SOCIALIZING EVENTS
Day one dinner for the delegates were organized at the Rustic and Lovely Buba beach club and seafood restaurant, in Mount Lavinia, Colombo. The restaurant on the beach served some exquisite seafood cuisine within a stress release ambience for the delegates after a hectic meeting day. The group travelled in a coach together to this seaside venue and partied till mid-night.

Prestigious Access towers II within the Colombo city was the chosen dinner venue for the group on the second evening. The renowned roof top bar and restaurant here was ready to receive the cheerful gathering by sun down. The venue opened up a panoramic view of the Colombo city with all its lights and glitters. The new office bearers from CSS Colombo and associates from Maldives also attended the socializing session.