Evergreen Marine Gets 20-Year Extended Lease Of Panama’S Colon Terminal

Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine Corp announced it has won an approval to extend its lease of the Colon Container Terminal (CCT) in Panama for another 20 years.

The extended 20-year lease was approved on Wednesday by the government of Panama, ahead of the inauguration of the expanded Panama Canal on 26 June. Evergreen Marine stated in a news release that the extended lease of the container terminal will help improve its service and efficiency and consolidate Panama’s status as a transhipment hub in the Americas.

CCT can accommodate large containerships and it has three wharfs for small to medium sized boxships. With number 4 wharf being expanded to link to number 3 wharf, the entire docking length will be 780 metres, long enough to cater to two large ships of 12,000-14,000 teu. Two other wharves can accommodate ships of up to 5,000 teu.

Evergreen highlighted that with the joining of wharves 3 and 4, the total annual capacity at Colon port will increase to 2.4m teu from 1.5m teu.

New Policy For Dry Bulk Cargo For Major Ports In India

To increase efficiency of major ports, a new berthing policy for dry bulk cargo will be in place from August 20, the government said today.

“Ministry of Shipping has formulated a new Berthing Policy for Dry Bulk Cargo for all major ports which will come into effect from August 20, 2016,” Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.

The objective of the new policy is to provide a standardised framework for calculation of norms, specific to the commodity handled and the infrastructure available on the berth besides driving higher productivity and achieving near-design capacity of the available equipment/infrastructure, it said.

It will reduce berthing time and overall turn-around time of ships, drive higher cargo throughput using the available infrastructure in major ports, the statement, said adding it will improve utilisation of port assets and create additional capacity without any significant capital investment.

Further, the policy aims at increasing competitiveness of major ports by creating value for the trade through reduced logistics cost and at reassessing the capacity of the berths based on the expected performance of the berth equipments and vessels derived from performance norms.

“All the major ports will be holding trade meetings between July 1 to July 18, 2016 to sensitise the norms, incentives, penalties and charges to be implemented,” it said.

Dry bulk cargo currently makes up over 26 per cent of the cargo handled at the 12 major ports while growth in coastal shipping is expected to add about 100-150 million tonne per annum (MTPA) of additional dry bulk cargo at ports by 2020-25.

Jet Airways Set To Add More Flights To Gulf

Jet Airways has announced its move to operate new daily services from Hyderabad to Dammam and from Mangaluru to Sharjah from August 7.

A press release said that the addition of these services will bolster Jet Airways’ offering to the Gulf, strengthening the network and enhancing connectivity for passengers. Dammam will be the second city in the Gulf region to be connected with Hyderabad by Jet Airways after Abu Dhabi. With the addition of Sharjah, Jet Airways will operate to three cities in the Gulf region from Mangaluru.

The airline currently operates daily flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Mangaluru.

Gaurang Shetty, Wholetime Director of Jet Airways, said in a statement: “With economic ties between India and the Gulf region flourishing, Jet Airways recognises the need to provide more flight options to its passengers.”

Travel between India and the Gulf is witnessing rapid growth with over 32 lakh flyers travelling to the Gulf countries from India between January to March 2016 and a similar number returning to India during the same period.

Qatar Airways Cargo Announces Major Expansion

Qatar Airways Cargo plans to expand into three key new markets and is launching a new portfolio of air freight solutions, the first of which will be QR Live, for the transportation of animals.

The announcement was made by Qatar Airways chief officer cargo, Ulrich Ogiermann at a press conference on the opening day of Air Cargo China 2016 in Shanghai.

Ogiermann said the world’s third largest cargo carrier by international flights will enter the Transpacific, Australian and South American air freight markets in the next nine months.

This major enhancement of the carrier’s network is made possible by the constant growth of its fleet, which now includes nine Boeing 777F, eight Airbus 3330F and two Boeing 747F aircraft, as well as the opening of its new European hub in Luxembourg.

The cargo carrier projects that its pure cargo fleet will grow to 22 aircraft by 2017 and from 1 July, the carrier will double its flights into and out of Luxembourg providing better connectivity for its customers.

Ogiermann also announced that Qatar Airways Cargo will add Halifax (Canada) and New York (JFK) to its freighter network in July 2016.

Safmarine At 70

CSS Group participated at the 70th anniversary celebrations of Safmarine recently held in Dubai. The milestone achievement was celebrated by Safmarine, inviting their industry partners and well-wishers for a cocktail dinner and entertainment evening on the 01st June, at the Al Wasl ball room of Dusit Thani in Dubai. CSS Group was represented by Seshan Janik, Vice President NVOCC and Angeli Sudheer, Manager Pricing and Customer service.

Safmarine is an international shipping company offering container and break-bulk shipping services worldwide. Formed in 1946 by South African industrialists and American ship owners, Safmarine is now widely known as a north/south trade and African specialist. The line is represented in more than 130 countries throughout the world, with more than 1200 sailors selling their services.

“CSS enjoy a warm and cordial business relationship with Safmarine which was established more than 5 years ago. It has been a wonderful relationship and we have gone at great lengths to jointly develop business across global markets. We are extremely delighted to be a part of this wonderful celebration”, mentioned Seshan Janik.

The celebrations witnessed some interesting games for which prizes were given to the winners. A short film depicting the history and growth of Safmarine was also shown at the occasion. CSS had a wonderful opportunity to network amongst the industry partners and share ideas during the function.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Stars

CSR activities have always been an integral part of CSS for the last two decades of its service in the UAE and India.  By participating in the charity initiatives of the UAE government CSS has always demonstrated its responsibility in giving back to the society.
Being a renowned philanthropist, T S Kaladharan, Chairman of CSS Group had initiated many an events in India as well which covered the educational and healthcare spectrum of his home state of Kerala. During the recent school reopening in the state, a novel venture was organized on behalf of CSS Group, contributed by Kaladharan, in his village of Thrikkunnappuzha. This year CSS donated One thousand school kits with bags, books, pencil boxes and pencils along with an umbrella with it, amongst the less fortunate government school students of the region.
This initiative went helping 5 schools in the village witnessing enthusiastic small faces cheerfully receiving the contribution. CSR initiatives of CSS Group new bags and umbrellas were distributed amongst pre-primary and primary school children at Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppey Dist. Kerala. Five schools which are running under the Government of Kerala aid were benefitted by this regular CSR programme of school aid distribution.
New bags and umbrellas brought beaming smiles on the  little faces. The programme commenced with local authority members from the Panchayat wards welcoming the gathering.  All the children, their parents and the school authorities were present for the occasion.  Sumptuous feast in the traditional Kerala style was also orgaised for the students, parents and the school staff on the first day of the academic year. G Unnikrishnan, Head of Marketing and Corporate communications, CSS Group and Hareendran, Manager, Devas Farm house represented CSS Group at the function.

Healthier Lifestyle – An Easier Way…

There are two occasions when magazine articles seem to focus on lifestyle. The beginning of a New Year is the obvious one, when we all are encouraged to make resolutions. The other time is now, as the mid-point of the year, draws near. At this juncture enough time has passed for us to be able to assess what any resolutions have achieved. Invariably we all think about lifestyle but other demands seem to distract us. Living healthily all seems so simple but it is never this easy. Some of us have more will power and greater motivation whilst others struggle. If you start with a negative mind-set you are doomed to failure.  Hopefully this article will provide you with some tips to help you develop a technique which works.

It’s not that long ago that eyebrows may have been raised if a middle-aged person joined a gym or kickboxing club, took-up Pilates or even started dance classes. Nowadays in many cultures, almost anything goes in the quest for a healthier lifestyle.  What we need to ensure, in this pursuit, is that we enjoy it. If trying to be healthier brings us pleasure, both emotionally and physically, then we will carry on and achieve our goals.

The first step is to get a training buddy then set goals and find ways of making things fun. You have to have an objective and a real reason that will encourage you to take the first step. Having a training buddy, where you arrange to regularly meet someone, will provide encouragement and also means you will probably have a laugh egging each other on. Once this becomes part of your routine then you are on your way to success.

The second step is to remember to start with small steps. Booking a session with a trainer and finding yourself in roomfuls of strange machines and pounding bodies can be really scary. So start off gradually and don’t be pushed into trying too hard. Once you know how to use the various types of equipment you will begin to enjoy it. Being surrounded by others, enjoying exercising, spurs on motivation. Joining-in with various classes also provides welcome variation. Of course if gyms are not your thing then you’ll just have to accept it and discover an alternative.  Even simple things like taking breaks from sitting at the desk or doing press-ups and stretching whilst the TV adverts are showing all helps to break an unhealthy cycle of inactivity. Regularly playing sports, swimming, tennis and golf or even walking and gardening can all play their part as forms of exercise. Gyms are not the be all and end all.

The third step is the 5 minute rule. If you struggle to get into your exercise routine, after a tiring day at work, then give it 5 minutes. Often, in such situations, it’s not a physical tiredness which is holding you back but the mental left-overs from the stresses and strains of work. Chilling for 5 minutes can make all the difference.

The fourth step for many is the real fun – adding ‘the beat’ to your exercise! Boosting up your pace with a lively beat in your headphones really does make all the difference.

The fifth step is all about variation. Variety really is the spice of life and by combining cardiovascular activity, at your own level of fitness, with weight training will achieve the best results.  The different routines will provide a more interesting programme of training that will also bring better health rewards. Hopefully your gym will have its own qualified trainer or coach, so seek their advice and guidance

Finally the sixth step is to realise that a healthy mind and a healthy body are intrinsically interdependent. Remember that training your mind, as much as your body, is of equal importance. After exercise, good sleep, sufficient recovery time and nourishing food are necessary requirements. If you are ill or injured you must not trying pushing yourself. Similarly when you ‘on a downer’ and lacking motivation having a good mental attitude and emotional skills will help get back on track.

This brings us back to the first step because, with the help of your training buddy, you’ll be able to remind each other that where the mind goes the body follows. In the process you will both enjoy, reaping the benefits, encouraging each other to lead healthier lifestyles.

Have fun………

Maritime Arbitration As An Alternative Recourse

Arbitration is emerging as a viable and preferred recourse to dispute resolution even in maritime matters owing to the international and cross border nature of the subject matter.. The traditional and usual methods of approaching national courts of the parties, independent of each other, choosing one of the courts of the parties or choosing a neutral national court or resorting to mediation or conciliation, so on and so forth, have their own setbacks. For instance, the National courts of independent parties may be perceived to be partial, corrupt or incompetent by the other, while a neutral national court of a third country and its procedures, though assuring, might seem foreign and alien to both the parties. Mediation and conciliation on the other hand may have no final result as they are just  forms of further agreement. In relation to all of the above, Arbitration tends to sort out the ambiguities and drawbacks of the conventional solutions pragmatically.

There are an array of advantages for the parties in using arbitration, such as, the ability of the parties to choose the identity of the arbitrator, or the mechanism of choosing the arbitrator, the place or venue of the arbitration, the procedure of the arbitration (including the degree of confidentiality involved), the law to govern the dispute, the law to govern the procedure of the arbitration and the court to supervise the arbitration are all important benefits which gives the parties greater degree of freedom and flexibility in resolving the dispute relating to them. It is also a way to escape the mundane and complex legal systems of ordinary jurisdictions, which international parties are forced to interact owing to commercial interest in maritime industry. Still further Conventions like United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards 1958 (the New York Convention) and the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration 1985 (the Model Law) have cemented the recognition of international arbitrations globally; thereby making Arbitration awards conformably with these conventions far more widely enforceable than the judgments of national courts.

Chairman’s Message

T S Kaladharan

 

Nowadays many companies spend a considerable amount of money, on motivational activities, for their employees. But does anyone take stock of the results, which follow, after such programmes? How much has anyone really benefitted? These are not my questions but ones that
I recently heard from one of my friends who leads a large work force, of around 500 people, in India. If you ponder on this, to what extent do you feel that what he said is correct? Is the concept of motivational projects losing appeal?
I believe that it all depends on how a company encourages its staff to talk with each other. This applies not only at work but also in our family and social lives.  Emails and texting have replaced many opportunities to talk. Even during lunch-breaks many are hunched over their mobiles, interacting with social media, in preference to talking. It is obvious to me that you cannot realistically build on the benefits of motivational ventures if we do not talk with each other. Of course, just like other means of communication, I am mindful that actions speak louder than words.
Nevertheless the greatest motivation lies in the, sometimes magical, results arising from talking to each other. Within CSS I have always desired an environment where we are all encouraged to talk with each other, regardless of our position within the company, because great ideas may spring from the smallest seed. To achieve the best motivational results one needs to balance the art of talking with the skill of listening. An observer recently made a comment about Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth saying that her greatest skill, when talking with others, was to always listen intently.  Taking on board such a combination I am confident that we will be motivated in an effectively beneficial way.
Enjoy Reading!!!

Strategic Buying & Beyond in an International Marketplace

CSS Group participates at the 3rd IPSC Conference 2016


The 3rd International Procurement and Supply Chain conference was held in Atlantis the Palm, Dubai on the 16th April 2016. Consolidated Shipping Services Group participated in the event in both Panel discussion as well as sponsorship arena. The 3rd International Procurement & Supply Chain Conference, 2016 is an annual gathering of eminent logistics and supply chain experts who think globally but act locally. Built on the theme “Strategic Buying & Beyond in an International Marketplace,” the conference focussed on Excellence in Supply Chain means moving beyond costs and creating better products with minimum damage to the environment. It also discussed on an integrated strategy to procurement and supply chain.

CSS Group Vice President for Freight Forwarding & Key information Department, Ajay Krishnan was one of the panel members for the discussion topic “Why Benchmarking is important to Supply Chain”. The topic discussed on subjects like companies need to make use of the latest technologies and the skills of empowered professionals to push profits in a resurgent Middle East economy. To improve their supply chain performance, companies are adopting new best practices. A memento was awarded to Ajay for being the panellist. “This was an opportunity to share thoughts, indulge in a constructive debate on why benchmarking is essential to supply chain with other experienced minds from our fraternity. The session and the event as a whole allowed us to showcase the initiatives we have, as the CSS Group, in improving the supply chain process for our customers,” commented Ajay.

The conference was organised by The Blue Ocean Academy, which is considered as the region’s largest knowledge empowerment enterprise. The one-day conference brought together heads of Supply Chain and Procurement and important policy-makers from the Middle East region who have played a crucial role in transforming UAE into the leading supply Chain hub that it is today who will analyse contemporary trends and pave the foundation for future innovation.

CSS Group showcased its services and facilities in the exhibition which was simultaneously held with the conference. CSS was honoured with a memento for being a silver sponsor for the event, which was received by Ajay on behalf of the staff & management of the company.

World Cargo Alliance – Abu Dhabi

Console shipping services India at WCA Conference

WCA has seen record attendance figures at its first ever WCA Conference Week in the Middle East region. The seven-day event, which took place from 10-16 March 2016 in Abu Dhabi in the UAE, was attended by 2,585 members, representing 1,358 companies from over 100 countries.
Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. (CSS India) attended the conference and was represented by Jairam K R, Director, CSS India. WCA is the world’s largest and most powerful network of independent freight forwarders, with over 6,056 member offices in 186 countries worldwide.
“WCA provides ample space to interact with the agents globally and discuss new concepts and concerns of the Logistics industry. Being the first time in the Middle East, WCA attracted delegates both from the east and the west equally. CSS India has great benefits in being at the WCA conference and we enjoy networking here”, commented Jairam K R.
Dan March, WCA’s new Chief Executive Officer, said of the restructured schedule, bringing together the 18th Annual and 8th Worldwide Conference: “The new format of a combined plenary session, one-on-one meetings and gala awards dinner has been a great success. Not only does this allow us to reduce the conference duration by a day – saving all delegates time and money – but it also provides even more interaction and business opportunities for attendees of both conferences.”
Important member benefit announcements were made during the plenary session, including the formal launch of Consol2Xchange, the network’s new consolidation exchange platform where members can search, negotiate, sell and purchase consols online.
Additionally, WIN – a platform that, traditionally, cost members to connect with agents, brokers and carriers – is now exclusively free for members through to the end of this year.
WCA also announced a new initiative to help members become proactive leaders armed for a future in e-commerce logistics.  David Yokeum, who will head up WCA’s newly, formed Supervisory Board as Chairman, said: “By 2020 it is projected that freight forwarding will be 20 per cent e-commerce driven. Therefore, we feel compelled to become heavily involved and are working hard to develop e-commerce tools for our members.”

From Derince to Dubai

Transformer movement and installation by CSS Projects team

The Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed a major movement recently.

Six Transformer units each of 7 x 2.8 x 3 M and weighing 60 tons each were moved from Derince Port, Turkey to Dubai. The movement was from Door to Door including the installation procedures. As is the practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, Destination and the Travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. At the destination, transformers were installed using the Jacking and Skidding method under the supervision of technical experts.

Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire route. “CSS Projects team has got a proven expertise in transformer movement, as we have done some major movements in the past as well. When it comes to installation, highly experienced technical team comes into the picture. Our past experience and successful results attracts clients to us when such demands pitch in”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.

With New Responsibility

CSS Group Management is pleased to announce that Sreenath V, Siby C Kurian & Ajay Krishnan has been promoted as Vice Presidents. In the new role they will continue to oversee the activities of their respective departments. With their vast experience and commitment towards the company, the management expect to see remarkable progress in all sectors related to the departments and wish them all success.


Sreenath V
Vice President- Operations & Projects


With hands on experience in Operations and Projects management, Sreenath had spearheaded his team in successfully completing CSS commitments in the past. Leading a large workforce in the operational division and keeping them motivated are some of the many achievements of his career.


Siby C Kurian
Vice President- Sales & Marketing


Excellent PR and Marketing skills within the industry has made Siby one of the known faces amongst the shipping and logistics fraternity. Total commitment towards his responsibility and his team has always brought in laurels for the company, throughout his career.


Ajay Krishnan
Vice President- Freight Forwarding & Key Information dept.


A thorough professional in the field of Shipping and Logistics and a vast knowledge about the liner activities from his past career, Ajay looks after the Freight Forwarding and Key Information Department of CSS. With a little under two decades of experience in the industry, Ajay’s new position is sure to bring in changes within the department.

Break Bulk Europe 2016- Antwerp

CSS Group delegation to visit Break bulk Europe from 23 to 26 May 2016

Breakbulk Europe is the largest exhibition & educational forum in the world addressing the needs of traditional breakbulk and project cargo logistics professionals.  Breakbulk also serves as an excellent networking platform for shipping and logistics professionals and has also played host to the formation of agreements and identification of new agents for participating companies.

CSS Group delegation will attend the exhibition and seminars to explore new opportunities from the European Breakbulk cargo and logistics market. Breakbulk Europe’s targeted programming will ensure that you develop skills and strategy to help you do your job more effectively.

New this year, will be several micro-seminars that will take place in the exhibit hall during the exhibition. And we’ll hold a series of conference sessions, featuring VIP shippers and others, over the course of the two-day exhibition.

Breakbulk Europe Exhibition provides networking opportunity and connects with over 350 exhibitors and sponsors that provide specialized services. Exhibitors and sponsors include specialized ocean carriers, freight forwarders, ports/ terminals, logistics providers, ground transportation, heavy air, export packers, equipment companies and more.

Highlights of the event:

•     Over 7,200 participants attended Breakbulk Europe 2015

•     Meet with over 350 international exhibitors and sponsors

•     Hear from industry experts during the conference sessions

•     Learn new skills in the educational workshops

Seshan Janik Joins CSS Group

CSS Group is extremely pleased to announce that Seshan Janik has joined the group company as the Vice President- NVOCC division. Seshan is based at the Dubai office and carries with him 25 years of combined industry experience in various positions and departments of Shipping and Logistics. His last assignment was with Freight Systems Group. At CSS, Seshan will be responsible in strengthening the world wide NVOCC network of CSS Group and to explore new channels of development. Seshan is an accomplished leader, with a track record of working with high-profile companies. He brings a great mix of leadership, inspiration, operational experience, technical breadth, and passion for customer care.

As part of our commitment to ensure world class and non-compromised service levels, CSS has always maintained the cream of team at all levels of its operation. By assigning this new position to Seshan, CSS entrusts a great responsibility to this thorough professional.

A post graduate in Management, Seshan has won several awards and accolades all through his career. We wish him all success and look forward to have your guidance and cooperation for this gentleman as you have done in the past for the CSS Group.

Contact

Mobile: +971 56 5367640
Email: seshan@cssdubai.com
Tel: + 971 4 3248884 ext: 212

Intermodal 2016

CSS Participates in Intermodal Exhibition and conference

Intermodal South America, which is considered to be the largest platform that provides communications and idea exchange amongst the cargo and logistics fraternity concluded with colours recently. CSS Group takes pride to be a part of the exhibitions as a trade visitor this year also. CSS Group was represented by Siby C Kurian, Vice President for Sales & Marketing. “Every year Intermodal brings in new prospects of business for us at CSS Group and I believe that there is no other better manner we can reach the Latin American fraternity across the globe than Intermodal,” commented Siby about the exhibition.

Almost 50,000 professionals from the logistics, cargo and foreign trade industries gathered in Sao Paulo for the three-day event, the largest event of its kind in Latin America. Intermodal South America Transport Exhibition is the leading exhibition and conference event for international trade, logistic, transport and cargo handling.Considered by the industry executives 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

Brazil can rely on companies from the logistics, cargo transport and international trade sectors to overcome the current crisis atmosphere. In an environment where this word was traded for others such as investment, business and proactivity, over the three days of Intermodal South America, the production chains of these sectors provided a demonstration that it is possible to quickly return to a virtuous circle of growth. From April 5th to 7th at the Transamerica Expo Centre, São Paulo, the event brought together 600 brands from 25 countries as exhibitors and a highly knowledgeable audience of attendees, primarily executives with high levels of decision-making power.

“This 22nd edition of Intermodal has enabled companies to be certain that an atmosphere of crisis can be overcome with more investment and boldness. The ability to recover shown by these sectors is notable and our mission is precisely to stimulate and boost the success of the companies that exhibit with us, gathering together interests and promoting discussions on essential themes for the development of the market in Brazil and Latin America”, said Jean-François Quentin, CEO of UBM Brazil, the event promoter.

Why Rocket Science is So Simple But Logistics is Not

We all keep saying : This is not rocket science!

Its more to describe something as simpler compared to a more complex rocket science which looks very intriguing from the outside.

Rahat Talreja
Vice President – CSS India

Today, I wish to decipher it and make it as simple as it is for you. Today you will realise that it is safe to tell a rocket scientist that it is not logistics (to make his own subject seem simpler to him)

First of all, the word Rocket Science itself is a misnomer. It is more appropriately Rocket Engineering or Rocket Technology.

Why?

Science is basically the study of the origins, nature and behaviour of the universe. science is therefore “study” of what is already there.Whereas Engineering is more about using scientific concepts and engineering principles to solve problems and develop new technology. Engineering is therefore “problem solving through solution development”

Now what exactly is Rocket Engineering?

Aerospace Engineering – which has 2 parts: aeronautical and astronautical

Aeronautical is used to describe all engineering which relates to flying within the stratosphere (lets say our local aircraft etc)

Any flying outside it is referred to Astronautical (rocket, spacecraft etc)

So all study & development related to Astronautical is Rocket Science as we know it.

So why do we think its complex?

Since all the flying is outside the stratosphere, complex weather conditions, temperatures, pressures, objects, gravity etc are involved. This is the main reason we think its tough. Because we never look up, we are mostly looking in our computers or the road or the nice building or the good looking people and things which are on ground near us, that’s it. In fact Rocket science is so simple that you will see many producers made movies on science fiction like:

Alien, PK, Krissh, Interstellar, Star Wars, Star Trek, Gravity, Independence Day, Apollo 13, Spaceballs, Avatar, Extra Teresstial, Jaithra Yathra, Bharathan Effect , Indru Netru Naalai etc.

But, have you ever seen a single movie on Logistics, about packing a console box, about warehousing , about a trailer looking for parking at an Indian port ?? never, because no producer understands it to attempt it.

Rocket science is so simple that only 1 company in the world is needed to run it : NASA

But logistics is so complex that many individuals, in every country around the world have gone their way and accumulated a team of people and we have thousands of logistics companies yet no one is able to say that we don’t need any more. So the research continues at every level.

Rocket science is so simple that they dont have any convention or meeting or get together or associations or maybe once a year if they do.

Logistics is so complex that we have 8-10 associations like CAI, AMTOI, FFAI, IATA, WCA, PCN etc, we have at least 10 meetings per month in every nook of the world, we have agent meetings with one to ones at least once every quarter, internal meetings every day, and sales meetings twice a day at least.

Rocket science also never produces any heroes . By the way, which aerospace hero do you know and are chasing to hire ? But logistics is such a complex subject that heroes are made in every corner and are chased for their 100, 200 , 500 , 750 cbms with pots of cash by all.

Before a space mission, every Tom Dick and Harry or in Indian context, every Sonu, Monu and Tonu know that a “rocket” will be used and there are 5 astronauts going in it.

But in logistics, till the Friday cut off, even the head of the company doesn’t know if it will be a 20’ or 40’ or 40 HQ that has to be placed and how many cbm if at all a 40 HQ – 45, 55, 65 or 70 cbm will be stuffed in it.

When you look in the sky, even a child knows : Hey thats the moon, thats the sun and it will rise for sure everyday.

But on looking at a well dressed salesman in logistics, no one can say for sure if he will stuff your cargo, release your BL on time, pick your phone when cargo is shut out or not fleece the city if there is a case of cross stuffing.

A rocket or spacecraft does most of the work through computers which are fully automated, like an auto pilot in commercial aircraft.

But in logistics, carting, stuffing, stowing, lashing, choking, sealing, shipping, destuffing, unloading, storing, delivery order, outstanding payment collection, etc everything is done by breakfast eating, coffee sipping human beings.

When a spacecraft takes off, it leaves so much of gas behind it.

A logistics salesman’s sales pitch is THAT gas.

Rocket science is heavily funded by the government due to its non commercial and expensive expenditious nature.

Logistics companies have the same nature of being non commercial (since everyone wants minus freight and free other things like stuffing plan, sailing schedule, hand delivery of BL, make the certificate of origin for free, less DO fee, less storage, discount on THC etc) and also expensive due to rocket high rents, salaries, travel costs, high interest rates etc but no one will fund it.

Never heard of IT scrutiny notice, service tax notice, DRI notice, ED notice, Customs notice, CBI notice or Income tax raid on NASA.

The most important, there is no service tax on flying to space

But wef 1 June 2016, everything is subject to service tax in logistics

When you die and meet Neil Armstrong in heaven, tell him about it.

By the way, just like people who live have the fear of dying, people in heaven always have the fear of being born (their worst dream being to be born and make a living out of collecting cargo)

World of Knowledge Opened for the Little Ones

CSR @ CSS – New Library and Smart class for Govt. LP School from CSS Group Chairman

As part of the CSR initiative, CSS Group Chairman T S Kaladharan, sponsored a new library and smart class with a stock of books to the Lower Primary School at Thrikkunnappuzha. The library consists of a cross section of books from Children’s section to the reference section which is required for the teaching staff.

A smart class was also constructed and inaugurated which will facilitate the teaching lab activities in the future. The library and smart class was inaugurated in a grand function which was organised within the school premises on the 10th March 2016. The library was inaugurated by renowned journalist and cultural activist Chunakkara Janardhanan Nair.

The function was inaugurated by poet Inchakkadu Balachandran whose poems had greatly influenced the malayalee minds. At the function, as per the request from the audience, he recited his own poem. CSS Group was represented by the Head of Marketing and Corporate communications, Unnikrishnan G.

P Ramachandran from the PTA and the School Headmistress M. M Sreedevi who were on the dais thanked T S Kaladharan for his donation. The entire function was well attended by the students and their parents.

DP World looking at US $2bn Russian Investment

Dubai-based port operator DP World is eyeing three sites in Russia as part of a $2 billion joint venture it signed in January, as per their group chairman.

The three sites are in Vladivostok in the east of Russia, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea. Sultan Bin Ahmed bin Sulayem did not provide more specific details during a press conference in Dubai.

In January, DP World signed a JV agreement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to develop ports, transportation and logistics infrastructure in Russia.

At the time, Vladivostok was one of the regions to be targeted by the Joint Venture – Bin Sulayem had met Russian president Vladimir Putin there several months earlier to discuss possible investments.

The eastern port of Vladivostok is considered crucial to boosting trade with China, as the Far East superpower increasingly looks to transport products more cheaply by land to Russia and Europe, rather than by sea.

Bin Sulayem told journalists on Sunday that the JV would seek to invest the planned $2 billion among the three areas over the next 20-30 years.

He said no financial commitments had yet been made, but explained that the RDIF Joint Venture “would be the vehicle through which will be invest”.

DP World is in various stages of negotiations for investments in 15 other markets, but Bin Sulayem declined to reveal full details while talks are still on going.

Among the targeted markets are, Senegal, where DP World is hoping to ink an agreement to operate the port to anchor a new free zone being planned by the Senegalese government.

There are also plans to invest circa $1.9 billion in China – it has several investments there already – Georgia, Somalia, Madagascar and Albania.

Bin Sulayem added that the lifting of sanctions in Iran presented new opportunities, particularly as DP World looks to tap into nearby markets such as Kazakhstan to open up inland transport gateways to China.

Emirates SkyCargo launches next-gen cool chain cover

Emirates SkyCargo has launched a next-generation version of its protection product for valuable temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals.

The new product, called White Cover Advanced, weighs just 3kg, and completely encloses the shipment allowing for cooling during transportation and cold storage.

Applying the sheet to a pallet takes two people no more than eight minutes, said the airline said in a statement.

White Cover Advanced uses DuPont’s patented Tyvek material made of high density polyethylene to form a tough protective barrier against varying external temperatures and direct sunlight.

The material is water resistant to prevent moisture damage while breathable, thereby reducing condensation and dryness. It is also 100% recyclable.

The White Cover is primarily used in the Middle East carrier’s cool chain solutions for perishables, such as vegetables and fresh fruits, but also offers additional protection for packaged pharmaceutical shipments in Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) range and in insulated packaging.

“The pharmaceutical industry moves products worth over $1trn annually. Temperature changes during transportation can pose a serious threat to the integrity of these sensitive products,” explained Henrik Ambak, senior vice president of Emirates’ cargo operations worldwide.

“They must be kept within different CRT bands in accordance with the revised European Union’s Good Distribution Practice. The White Cover Advanced, with its silver-coating technology, provides a reliable and affordable means of protecting these products from temperature spikes during air transportation,” he added.

The carrier’s range of advanced protective techniques and solutions in transporting perishable products include: Cool Chain Premium, Cool Chain Advanced and Cool Chain Standard, each of which is designed to meet specific requirements of customers.