nvadmin, Author at Lighthouse

CSS Volunteers at Al Noor Family Fun Day in Dubai

CSS Group has actively participated in various CSR events over the years and has witnessed a positive response from its employees, through their active participation. Continuing the tradition of its CSR program, CSS volunteered for the Al Noor-Samsung Family Fun Fair on Friday February 28th, 2014 that took place at the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs premises. It is an exciting community event that has been specially created for a noble cause.

“The Annual Family Fun Fair has become a highly anticipated Annual Event of the year in the Al Noor Calendar. With more than 5,000 people attending, this carnival-like event had games, bouncy castles, hands-on activities, crafts, performers and many other activities for all – children, youth, adults and elders,” added Amith Horra, Marketing Manager CSS. The CSS staff’s involvement included volunteering their time and strength to assist the organizers with various tasks relating to the fun fair ranging from various food counters, game stations and raffle draws.

ABOUT AL NOOR

Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs opened its doors in Dubai on November 21, 1981, starting with only eight children. The Centre serves children with special needs from different nationalities and can accommodate up to 300 children in their facility. The Centre has been generously donated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and Ruler of Dubai and was made possible through the benefaction of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

CSS Group Gears up for Breakbulk Antwerp 2014

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.

Since 2009, CSS Group has participated in numerous Breakbulk Exhibitions held around the globe including Singapore, China, North and South America and Europe. Participating in key exhibitions such as Breakbulk, provides CSS Group the platform on which we can showcase the vast majority of the services we offer to potential customers and clients within this booming sector. Exhibitions such as Breakbulk, also serve as an excellent meeting ground for like-minded individuals within the industry to discuss recent trends, network and more importantly create business opportunities within their sector.

“Breakbulk Europe is one of our key exhibitions on our marketing calendar, as it is the ideal venue for CSS to identify potential clients, gain a deeper understanding of international market trends in specialised fields, and more importantly create avenues for new business opportunities within all our sectors,” said T.S. Kaladharan, Chairman, CSS Group.

As part of its contribution to the shipping and logistics industry, Breakbulk Europe also provides educational seminars to its participants that cover key topics which are pertinent to the industry that has an ever changing business landscape due to regulatory rules, advances in technology etc. In the BreakBulk Europe 2014, participants will learn about the current business challenges & opportunities facing shippers within the traditional breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo markets. BreakBulk Europe topics that will be discussed include, Combating the Scourge of Piracy; The Changing Emphasis on European Short Sea Shipping; Ports, Roads & Rail Development in India; New Future for Energy Generation and many more.

The CSS Group – Projects, Oil & Energy division will be in attendance during the Breakbulk, Europe as it is in the field of interest. Known as a provider of end-to-end solutions in energy trade and project cargo movement, the exhibition is the ideal platform for the division to emphasize its core competencies. Even though still considered as a niche market, the project cargo movement has grown because of the increased demand brought about with the diversity of Projects.

According to Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS, “Our presence at such exhibitions is vital because of the wide reach Breakbulk exhibitions have globally, and their impact on the industry. Over the years we have seen the exhibition grow from strength to strength, not only in terms of exhibitors and visitors, but also its impact on the sector as a whole. It is the catalyst for numerous business opportunities for all key players within the sector.” Having carved a name for itself, the Projects, Oil & Energy team at CSS have successfully handled key accounts globally, and proved themselves as the undisputed leader in the area of specialization they have. CSS Group, Projects, Oil & Energy division will be in attendance at Booth No. 302H2, Hall 2 at the Breakbulk Antwerp Expo being held from May 12th-15th, 2014.

Why Breakbulk Europe 2014?
•   Over 5500 participants attended Breakbulk Europe 2013
•   Over 200 international exhibitors and sponsors present
•   Learn from the best in their field at specially designed executive presentations
•   Learn new skills in the educational workshops from industry experts

Please visit us at Booth No. 302H2, Hall 2 & for more details please contact the CSS Group Marketing department on amith@cssdubai.com

Dubai Expo 2020

The Great Exhibition, held in London in 1851, inaugurated World Expos as the hallmark events of a world aspiring to strengthen its connections, celebrate its cultural diversity and marvel at its technological wonders.

Today, World Expos remain a key meeting point for the global community to share innovations and make progress on issues of international importance such as the global economy, sustainable development and improved quality of life for the world’s population.

Every five years, World Expos attract millions of visitors who explore and discover pavilions, exhibitions and cultural events staged by hundreds of participants including nations, international organisations and businesses.

Each World Expo is a catalyst for economic, cultural and social transformation and generates important legacies for the host city and nation. For instance, Shanghai 2010 World Expo helped transform a heavily industrial city-centre area into a thriving cultural and commercial district while also bringing its theme “Better City, Better Life” to the attention of 73 million people.

The next World Expo takes place in Milan, Italy, in 2015. The focus: “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life”

Italian Premier Enrico Letta on visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai struck a bundle of agreements with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for progress in upcoming world fairs in the two countries, trade, tourism and energy.

Two agreements signed in Dubai concern Universal Expositions Milan Expo 2015 and Dubai Expo 2020 to lower customs barriers between the two countries for the next two world fairs.

In keeping with the effort to use Milan Expo 2015 as a platform for trade and policy promotion, an agreement signed in Abu Dhabi between Gruppo Cremonini Inalca and the UAE sovereign fund Emirates Advanced Investment Group will create an innovative technological platform to import and distribute Italian agrifood products in the Gulf and throughout the Middle East.

The theme of Milan Expo 2015 is ‘’Feeding the planet,” which runs May 1 to October 31 next year, and deals with food security, combating hunger, and promoting environmentally, socially and economically sustainable global food production practices. A fourth agreement deals with city water treatment and environmental protection, opening cooperation in public bids between the two countries.

The next milestone will be building the UAE’s pavilion at the Milan Expo next year. A working demonstration of the UAE’s Masdar City – an entirely sustainable, clean-energy enclave – will be on show at Milan Expo 2015, where the UAE’s pavilion will be built following sustainability principles such as rainwater recovery, recycled materials and solar panels, demonstrating the relationship between water, food and energy. Long, winding 12-metre-high sand-textured walls will recreate the region’s sand dunes. A revolving theatre and an oasis are part of the dramatic pavilion planned for the Italian world fair.

Story-telling was a vital ingredient in UAE offerings, said Peter Vine, the Director of the UAE pavilion project in Milan. “The pavilion will celebrate the UAE and tell the story of its remarkable growth. Visitors will also meet Emirati ambassadors who will be the conduit for telling the stories about how the UAE has grown.”

Courtesy ANSAmed & The National

10th Anniversary of GPLN

The GPLN Annual Global Meeting will see GPLN celebrating its 10th anniversary from March 16-18, 2014 on their home turf in Bangkok. The event will be held at the prestigious Landmark Hotel, Bangkok.

Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS Group, Narayan RT, General Manager CSS Bahrain and Renjith Pillai, Branch Manager, CSS Abu Dhabi will be representing CSS Group during the three day GPLN Annual Global Meeting whereby they will be able to network with various members and discuss various trends and market forecasts within the industry.

“We are looking forward to attending the upcoming GPLN Annual Global Meeting as we are afforded the opportunity to meet a multitude of partner companies to discuss past, current and future business, exchange sales leads and develop a range of business possibilities within the GPLN Network. On behalf of CSS Group we would like to congratulate GPLN on their 10th Anniversary milestone,” added Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS Group.

About GPLN Annual Meeting: GPLN brings together project cargo experts and independent project logistics specialist companies from around the world, all of whom have an expert focus on project logistics. The Annual Global Meeting will allow members a face-to-face contact with other GPLN partners whereby they will be able to efficiently build professional relationships in the most lasting and cost effective manner.

Commendable Job from CSS Delhi

CSS Delhi has got a success story to mention. The staff and management at CSS Delhi is pleased to say that they have done a commendable job in the past few months, despite of the turbulent economic and trade situations prevailing, pre & post budget sessions in India. In the month of January 2014, CSS Delhi did an all time high business in terms of the number of console containers in export and import, FCL containers as well as Air import tonnage.
After being established in 2007, Console Shipping Services India Pvt Limited, Delhi is now ranked among the top 5 NVOCC / Console Agents in the area where they operate and showing a remarkable growth in all segments. CSS Group with its headquarters in Dubai has got a full-fledged presence in all major ports in India. CSS India started their business as a Consolidator. Now they have come up with Air & Sea total logistics solutions under one roof. CSS Delhi has a dynamic & young dedicated thirty member staff to handle their business with personal attention and professional outlook. The team which is well dedicated in their work of cargo management is always looking for new opportunities to broaden their horizon in unpaved ways like Projects & Events management and many more verticals.
CSS Delhi has direct console business to destinations as mentioned below:
Sea Export: Germany / United Kingdom / Spain / Singapore / Hong Kong / Latin America & Dubai
Sea Import: Germany / China / Singapore / Korea / Hong Kong / Dubai and much More…
Team CSS Delhi has no reluctance to say that their achievements would not have happened without the professional approach of their management. “The extensive support we get in all our endeavors from the CSS Group management, is the cornerstone of success,” mentioned Rajesh Arora, VP, North India. They have full confidence in themselves, to reap more benefits in the future and in new areas of business. However, the imminent general elections and the unstable economic and trade scenario in India could become a hindrance. But CSS foresee bright and sunny days ahead.

Insight into the Technical Department @ Jebel Ali Port

78 Quay Cranes, over 250 RTG/RMG, 100s of trucks, forklifts, and other port equipment. Enormous assets to manage. How does the department do it? And more coming with T3…

There are separate maintenance workshops at Terminal 1 & 2 for cranes, mobile equipment, reefer, cold store, high voltage and crane systems. We have a large team of skilled and trained professionals who undergo regular training. We are proud to provide 99% of the maintenance and service requirements in-house; which include regular preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance. In addition, we have implemented automated workflows for our assets.

Total stock category items over 27,500

This is one of the largest technical teams in Dubai. What is the scope of your services?

Inventory Value AED 50 million

Our workshops also provide support to Imdaad, Trakhees, JAFZA and other business units. Spare parts are stored in two major warehouses within our terminals. Even though we have one of the largest we maintain minimal stock levels for which we have price agreements and consignment stock agreements with major suppliers.

Bringing in spare parts is one of the more complex supply chains. How does the department plan and manage this activity to ensure round-the-clock operations?

Average consumption of spare parts per month AED 6 million

Inventory is classified into two categories: stock and non-stock. Stock consists of spares that are required for regular maintenance. The inventory is maintained based on the below factors:

• Frequency of PM services
• Lead time
• Buffer stock
• End user’s
recommendation
• Equipment population

Non-stock consists of spares that will be made available based on user demand.

Inventory Ratio at our stores – 4.2

Our Inventory is classified based on different commodity groups against each type of spare parts. Currently, we have a total of 1100 active commodity groups in use.

How is the logistics of procuring managed?

Overseas deliveries are either by sea or air freight. The mode is chosen depending on the urgency of the material requirement.

However, for bulk orders sea freight is the preferred mode as they are ordered for planned maintenance and the consumption pattern is predetermined.

How does the team cater to un-planned/emergency/breakdowns?

Emergency maintenance is an inevitable activity in busy terminals. There is a dedicated crew working round-the-clock to attend to breakdown calls.

Online breakdown reporting, SMS notifications and joining forces with the Operations team reduces downtime.
By using the latest technology in trouble shooting and repairs, using modern communication systems, breakdown reporting, online and offline crane maintenance – thermography, ultra sound scanning, oil sampling and so on are tools we have implemented to reduce breakdowns.

THE SWITCH FROM FOSSIL FUEL TO ELECTRICITY WILL REDUCE MONTHLY DIESEL CONSUMPTION BY 109,000 LITRES IN AVERAGE, SAVING ON ENERGY COSTS AND REDUCING EMISSIONS BY ALMOST 2,000 TONS OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) PER YEAR, BASED ON FIELD TRIALS.

How does the department train and equip the team?

DP World operates a Technical Training Centre which is responsible to improve knowledge, increase skill sets and ensure that the team is informed and adept with new technologies and advancements in the industry. The centre offers training in various engineering fields like mechanical, electrical, electronics, computer applications as well as soft skills courses, safety courses, seminars and conferences. These technical courses are typically conducted by our in-house trainers and support from external training institutes is obtained as required.

How does the team effectively plan and manage quality. Do we have quality certifications in place?

We are proud that the Technical department is accredited with ISO 9001:2008, which emphasises on a number of quality management principles including a strong customer focus. In addition, the department is ISO/IEC 17020:2008 certified, which concerns our inspection criteria, including load test and structural inspection for all equipment’s.

Quality, planning and inspection are the pulse of the department. The heart is Maximo, a maintenance management system used to plan, organise and manage maintenance of all equipment at Jebel Ali Port. The quality section effectively manages documents related to equipment, including manuals, catalogue of parts, drawings, test certificates, service history including registrations, renewals and inspections. This library of asset information is accessible through handheld devices which connect to the maintenance system, Maximo, allowing day-to-day capture and access to the information.

How does the technical team encourage innovation?

The team have a proven track record of innovation. In a major step towards mitigating the environmental impact we successfully electrified eight diesel powered Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes.

In addition, the team implemented a sensor light system, which is integrated with the crane management.

Callidus Corporate Training

The Maritime sector plays a vital role in shaping today’s modern economies due to its expansion along with the growth of International trade and business.

Callidus Corporate and Maritime Consultancy, an established maritime and consulting company and a law firm in Dubai and India, launched its Corporate Training Division in Dubai conducted a half-day workshop at Flora Creek Hotel, Dubai on January 23rd, 2014 relating to Shipping Documentation and Professionalism In Career. Over the past two years of its operations in Dubai, Callidus has been able to make a mark in legal and maritime advisory space. During their journey, Callidus has been supported by Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS). The CSS Senior Management delegation that attended were from the UAE offices with a presence of over 12 participants in the workshop titled “Workshop on Documentation – Legalities & Professionalism”. Adv. Joy Thattil, Partner of Callidus spoke about “Relevance of Contract in Shipping Documentation” and Krishna Prasad, MD, Aster Marine Cargo LLC dealt with “Contract of Carriage – A Commercial Perspective.” Benny George, Head of Training, Callidus gave an insight into “Professionalism in Career”. “Callidus would like to place on record, their sincere gratitude for the continued support given by CSS in all their endeavours,” added Adv. Joy Thattil, Partner of Callidus

ABOUT CALLIDUS CORPORATE AND MARITIME CONSULTING (CCMC):

Callidus Corporate and Maritime Consulting (CCMC) beckons recognition from the Corporate and Maritime Community in India, UAE and Europe as an outcome of the acumen and sharp intelligence of its technical talent pool in various areas of practice. The experience and expertise gained by its professionals in resolving highly complicated and entangled Maritime and Corporate issues make CCMC a unique Corporate and Maritime Consulting firm.

CCMC is functioning primarily as a consulting hub into the whole spectrum of Maritime issues, like Shipping, Causality, Salvage, Cargo Claims, Arrest and release of vessels, Freight and Logistics, personal injury and other related issues. Pragmatic solutions to various issues in these areas are evolved by the professional team of CCMC applying sound Maritime principles and prudent commercial practices, without any compromise on the praxis of shipping.

COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS

Since the cargo handled in shipping industry are susceptible to various risks and perils, fraudulent practices, improper handling, delay in delivery, etc. appropriate documentation of commercial contracts such as Bill of Lading, Letters of Credit, Bank Guarantees and Personal Indemnities, Insurance Cover, Freight & Commercial Invoices etc. is indispensable. The drafting team of CCMC is able to demonstrate accomplishment of aptly documented commercial contracts including international sales contract.

Claims Handling CCMC would advise on cargo claims and supervision on insurance cover, 3rd Party claims and claims regarding damage to operations equipments, subrogation claims, claim owing to delay in delivery and all other related claims.

Logistics Legal Issues and 3rd Party liability CCMC is capable of evaluating the risk potential involved in the business association with logistics service providers and their outsourcing partners and evolving a comprehensive risk management policy to be pursued for consolidating and containing adverse situations.

Shipbroker Pays High Price, for Failure to Produce Written Evidence

Emphasising on the costly consequences of failure on the part of shipping intermediaries to confirm in writing any initiative performed on behalf of their principals, the International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) in the latest issue of its Claims Review, said that it has seen an increasing number of claims on its ship broking members relating to the receipt and forwarding of messages.

It is quintessential for shipbrokers to maintain accurate records and to reconfirm telephone conversations in writing, the article elaborates on how the mere failure of a shipbroker to provide written confirmation of the appointment of an arbitrator in a dispute between its principal, a charterer, and a ship owner, exposed the broker to a claim and costs in excess of $200,000 at a court-ordered mediation in the United States.

In the case at hand the shipbroker found itself in the middle of a dispute between the owners and charterers involving a demurrage claim in excess of $400,000. The charterers failed to settle and the owners initiated arbitration in London. Since the charters failed to either nominate an Arbitrator or file appearance in the proceedings initiated by the owners, the sole Arbitrator appointed by the owners passed an award against the charters for the full amount of the demurrage claim plus interest and costs – totalling to $575,000. The owners tried to collect the award against the charterers through the US courts. The charterer’s defence was that they had never been advised of the arbitration proceedings and therefore had no opportunity to appoint an arbitrator. The charterers also alleged that the shipbroker had failed to inform them about the arbitration, and brought the broker into the US action. The broker confirmed that it had advised the charterer by telephone about the appointment of an arbitrator, and again when arbitration proceedings had started but they had failed to confirm this by email and the charterer, well aware of the lack of written confirmation, simply denied that such telephone conversations had taken place. The case was concluded via mediation wherein the owners received an award of $450,000 of which the broker contributed $75,000 to the settlement; the legal costs of defending the broker were in excess of $140,000 – a total of $215,000. “This was a high price to pay for a simple failure to follow up a telephone conversation with an emailed confirmation” said ITIC.

Cricketing Veterans

Kerala Overseas Cricketers (KOC) recent Kerala trip concluded in grand manner by winning all 3 matches held at Cochin. The cricket tournament was named, FRIENDSHIP CUP and as the name affirms, it was truly a friendship tournament in which majority of the yesteryears players participated whole heartedly. Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) rightly acknowledged the tournament by sending their officials to witness the great felicitation program held on the 11th of January 2014 at NM Royal County, Tripunithura, Cochin.

KOC felicitated Kerala Cricket Association President T.C. Mathew for his recent induction into the BCCI, Sanju V. Samson for his elite performance in IPL and Under 19 Indian Team and V.A. Jadish, who got selected for Indian A team recently.

Great deal of cohesion and warmth were visible amongst the players during the matches. The players from both KOC and KYV (Kerala Young Veterans) were really enthusiastic in meeting up their friends after a long gap which was evident during the felicitation program. However, the fighting spirit was not drained by friendship, which was evident in all matches.

The real highlight of the Friendship cup was that KOC were able to put up a great show with some brilliant individual performances which has paved the way for victories in all 3 matches.

KOC Captain CTK Usman Kutty led from the front by showing real all-round skill in all departments. In the second match, he pulled off a stunning diving catch, combined with brilliant bowling performance, eventually proved to be very crucial for KOC’s victory. All matches were ended up as close finish in which the last match went up to the wire. KOC batsman, Shaji Balan took the challenge with a stunning last ball six. Nevertheless, KYV team gave KOC a tough fight till the end in which the fortunes were ever changing.

Both KOC & KYV players exchanged mementos as a mark of their true love & friendship. It was really an emotional moment for all the participants. In the end, KOC promptly acknowledged and thanked for the great Coordination work done by Kerala Young Veterans Team management, especially Sunil Kumar (SBT) and Mohammed Afsal (UAE Exchange) for making this tournament happen without much hassle. CSS Group were the sponsors for the KOC Team

KOC Team members: Usmankutty CTK, Haneesh babu, Fida Asghar, Mashood CTK, Prajith, Ali CCO, Manoj Menon, Reji Mohan, Naufal Pilackandy, Shajil Balan, Hareesh M Haridas, Anantharaman, Balajee, Biju, Noushad, Jaleel.

Sweating Out for A Noble Cause

CSS Mumbai team sweated out for a good cause on 16th February 2014.

That was the day when the Hiranandani Thane half marathon was held. The 2014 HTHM which was held under the aegis of Athletics Federation of India, had two categories – Half Marathon – 21.097 km and the Green Run – 7 km.

CSS Mumbai led by Jairam KR, Director CSS India had a team of 20 runners for this event. Many of them were experienced with other marathons as well. The race has twin objectives. Firstly the registration fee collected from participants was donated to a charitable institution doing social work. The amount collected through registrations during the last race was donated to Ruhi – an NGO associated with Tata Memorial Hospital who helps in treating cancer in children.

This year they are supporting Mumbai Mobile Creches – an NGO providing shelters to construction workers children at the construction sites and Jaipur foot (BMVSS), the world’s largest organization serving the disabled. This NGO provides all its assistance including artificial limbs, calipers and other aids and appliances totally free of charges. The race also takes up a cause in the social sphere every year. This year the organisors have chosen the cause of the national sport of India, Hockey.

Hockey as a sport has a glorious history in India. The national game was once the national pride. Hockey announced India’s presence on the world stage with victories at six successive Olympics. But today, very few play hockey and the same is being neglected in the country. Supporting this cause is to create how so ever small mind share and heart share for the national sport among people at large.

The route for the run had been carved out amid picturesque Hiranandani Estate-Brahmand-Upvan Lake-Vartaknagar and back. According to the organizers, 100 top winners will be given hockey sticks and balls to promote the game. Besides, schools with a good number of participants will also be presented hockey kits. The event is recognized by Athletics Federation of India.

By being a part of this event, CSS Mumbai has shown its commitment to social causes and shows how important is fitness in an organization for supporting a healthy work culture.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

It’s forty-eight years ago that the film “High Society” introduced Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm, as Mike and Liz, singing “Who wants to be a millionaire”. The attractions of having a livery chauffeur, a gigantic yacht, a country estate and wallowing in champagne were lost on them. All they wanted was each other. This highlights an important consideration if you hanker at being a millionaire. If you are not going to be happy – forget it!

If you don’t believe this “Happiness Rule” a look at the some worldwide lottery winners will change your mind. Visit a certain McDonald’s restaurant in Cardiff, Wales, UK and you may be served by a guy who became a lottery millionaire some18 months ago. Luke Pittard celebrated, like many others, buying a new home, having a big expensive wedding and luxury honeymoon. However he realised that he missed his mates and enjoyed flipping burgers, at the place where he also met his future wife, so he’s back there working.

Janite Lee is an immigrant into the USA, from South Korea. Janite won $18 million in 1993 but only eight years later she was filing for bankruptcy. Her generosity was misplaced and the money soon vanished leaving her back where she started. Apparently she felt more relieved to be rid of the pressure of having money.

If we accept that your happiness in being a millionaire is a key requisite what comes next? Well here are some myths to dispel by confirming three facts.

1)    Most millionaires are self-made.
2)    Most millionaires have stopped short of obtaining the highest university qualifications.
3)    Most millionaires do not know a lot about investing in stocks and shares.

Right so YOU want to be a millionaire? Get ready to step outside your comfort zone and start believing in yourself. “Possibilities” and “If only” must vanish from your thought process. It is time to “Get real”. You need to be tenacious, focused and determined. Most millionaires live cost effectively and this means avoiding unnecessary expenditure. Nice things are to be enjoyed but not at the expense of spending overtaking your rate of saving. Living beneath your means is an important part of accumulating wealth. The majority of millionaires, in comparison to what their companies became, had frugal start-ups. There isn’t much point looking the part, if it costs an arm and a leg and you haven’t the customers to pay for it! A helpful idea is to find a mentor who has been there, done that and seek their advice. Consequently, “If you want to be a millionaire surround yourself with millionaires”.

When fourteen year old Suhas Gopinath started Global Inc ten years ago from a cyber café in Bangalore, the capital city of the Indian state of Karnatake, he was not aware that he had become the youngest CEO in the world. He also didn’t realise that he was demonstrating all the attributes of becoming a millionaire. Focused, stepping outside the usual comfort zone for anyone of a similar age, he was frugal with his start-up and still lives in the family home well within his means. Today, Global is a multi-million dollar company with offices throughout the world.

When he needed a computer, but his family couldn’t afford one, he spotted that his local Internet Café was closed in the afternoon. He offered to open and run the shop in return for being allowed to browse the net for free. It turned out to be his first great business deal. If you want some inspiration about becoming a millionaire I recommend reading about Susha’s road to success.

However never believe that being a millionaire will not change your thinking. I love the story of the self-made millionaire who told his church how, many years before; he left the same church penniless having given his last dollar in the collection. He said that having done it released him from all his worries. Soon afterwards good fortune blessed him and he became a millionaire. Everyone applauded as he sat down in the congregation, when an old lady sitting nearby turned to him and said, “I dare you to do it again!”

So go on…I dare you….to become a millionaire!

Lucky Winner

As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 6 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the Delivery Order Counter will be rewarded with a gift.
The winner picked selected and rewarded for the months of January-February 2014 was Abdul Kalam, Operational Manager, NAK Clearing and Forwarding L.L.C. who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Carrefour, presented by Fida Asghar, Team Manager, NVOCC, CSS Dubai.

Chairman’s Message

New Year is always an opportune time to assess what we have contributed and gained in the past year. Equally it provides a delightful occasion for me to wish you all a ‘Happy New Year’. Throughout 2013 we have received tremendous support from the cargo fraternity. Accordingly it is with great enthusiasm and optimism that I look forward to 2014. Dubai being awarded ‘Expo 2020’ will obviously add more colour to our seasonal celebrations. Undoubtedly it will open up a wide range of opportunities in the field of infrastructure and economic development for the entire United Arab Emirates.
Our recently concluded ‘Sales Strategy Meet’ adopted the theme ‘Limitless’. This title has proved to be literally true because ‘Expo 2020’ presents us with an ocean of favorable possibilities. Some will question, “Who will gain?” Well I am convinced it will be those who develop a well-defined and specific road map so as to be able to utilize and direct their best attributes. You may be sure that remarkable projects will be initiated in every business sector, but the benefit will go to those who have a resolute purpose and a determined spirit prepared to go that extra mile. We, as committed professionals, need to keep this vision forefront in our minds. However; we must acknowledge that ‘Limitless’ has a two way meaning. When we see opportunities as ‘Limitless’, our effort to achieve it also, needless to say, has to be ‘Limitless’. Keeping in line with the ‘Limitless’ opportunities forecasted through Expo 2020, this edition of Lighthouse provides you with lot of informative inputs from experts from the Logistics & Shipping Company.
I hope you will enjoy reading your favourite Lighthouse and I wish you a wonderful year ahead.

CSS Sales Strategy Meet 2013-14

CSS Group recently concluded its annual Sales Strategy Meet 2013/14 at Devas Farmhouse in the picturesque setting of the state of Kerala, India also known as God’s own country. The two day meeting was attended by CSS Senior Management, head of departments from the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent along with overseas guests from November 15-16th, 2013. The meet discussed the annual budget and accomplishments of each team followed by a sales forecast, strategies and goals for 2014.
The Sales Strategy meet was attended by Oliver Hahn from IFS Doha, Ben Jones of WMS-CSS Saudi, Riyaz Jordan from CaroTrans, Pankaj Khatua of Safmarine and Jan Bak Christiansen, by special invitation.
The theme adopted for this strategy meet was “LIMITLESS” which was chosen as it represented the unprecedented growth so far achieved by CSS Group and stands for the vision of the CSS Group management for the organization going forward. Strategy Meet plays a vital role in evaluating team performances and highlighting strengths and weaknesses of the team. This provides a focus on the latest developments in areas ranging from sales strategy fundamentals to emerging IT technologies to prevailing competition.
Strategy Meet for CSS Group is more than just presentations made by managers, analyzing previous year’s figures and forecasting budgets. It also includes dissecting operational processes to review the excellence level attained and team building activities. Although strategy takes account of the future, it takes place in the present. It is about choices in the present that have results in the future.
The CSS Strategy Meet was organized by the Marketing & Corporate Communications department of CSS Group along with Rainmaker in the field of events & entertainments, an Event management company based in Cochin, Kerala. Rainmaker is a wholesome, complete events solution factory with a team of young, creative, enthusiastic and dynamic professionals with a vast experience in the field of events & entertainments.
CSS Strategy Meet is a well designed meeting structure that fosters opportunities for participation so people can be heard, questions can be asked and answered, discussions can take place, decisions are arrived at, and the most important items are attended to. It helps to collectively put together information from various sources to measure the impact and direction of strategies laid down and shape new tactics based on imminent factors as per the current scenario and future analysis.
A special thanks to the entire team at Devas Farmhouse and Rainmakers for all of their assistance and hospitality and to Niji and his vibrant team of 12 to 12 Barbeque for the mouthwatering food prepared during the 2 day period.

Another Success for CSS Projects, Oil & Energy

The CSS Projects, Oil & Energy division recently completed a delivery of loose cables, which was over 16 km’s in length. The task at hand was to find a solution that would enable the client to transport and install the cable under the sea, in a smooth and effective manner.

The 22KV subsea composite cable, had a volume of 450 freight tonnes, and was picked up from Tonsberg, Norway and delivered in Abu Dhabi for a government project in the Umm Al Dalkh field. “The success of this movement was in a solution oriented approach, from the inception of the idea to final execution the team involved played an extremely crucial role to ensure the needs of the client were met,” added Ahmad Fuad, Sr. Business Development Manager, CSS Projects, Oil & Energy and Mr. Fred Konings, M.D. from Europe Cargo.

CSS Projects, Oil & Energy also sourced the steel drum and the required equipment’s that allowed for the cable to be delivered as a cable drum, to assist in final installation.

CSS Attends FPS AGM – Colombo

FAMOUS PACIFIC SHIPPING (FPS) GROUP – HAS CELEBRATED ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY WITH ONE OF ITS BEST-ATTENDED ANNUAL CONFERENCES

Over 101 delegates, including 2 new members and 5 candidates, attended the 4 day event held at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The programme included the Annual General Meeting, workshops on IT, network development and marketing, and two days of intensive one to one meetings between members.

At the gala dinner, 28 founder members who had attended every past Annual Conference were publicly recognized with awards. Commenting on the event, Chairman Gihan Nanayakkara said: “This was one of the best annual conferences in our history, demonstrating the strong commitment of our members to support FPS and take it forward. We discussed new products, shared ideas and went away with many new initiatives to work on. I am delighted to be continuing in my role, and look forward to helping steer FPS Group through an exciting period over the next two years. We have achieved a great deal in the past 15 years, but much greater potential still lies ahead of us.”

During the AGM, conference host and outgoing Chairman of the FPS Group Advisory Board, Gihan Nanayakkara, was re-elected for a further two year term. Sam Aparo of Famous Pacific Shipping in Melbourne was appointed to the Board, replacing Michele Dougal (Brisbane, Australia), and Iskandar Zulkarnain of FPS Indonesia replaced his colleague Hendratmoko Walujo. Kettivit Sittisoontornwong (Thailand) was also re-elected.

“The FPS AGM is a platform for its members around the world to participate in networking sessions with other freight forwarders from across the globe whilst discussing new trends and opportunities amongst the freight forwarding fraternity,” added Siby C. Kurian, Senior General Manager, Sales & Marketing – CSS Dubai.

CSS Group was well represented during the FPS AGM 2013 with active participation from its network offices; in attendance was Dean Landers, General Manager CSS Kuwait, Narayan R T, General Manager – CSS Bahrain, Jairam KR, Director – CSS India, Rahat Talreja, Vice President – CSS India, Rajesh Arora, Vice President, North India – CSS India, Eugene A. Raj, Branch Manager – CSS Chennai, Tariq M. Chaudhry and Siby C. Kurian, Senior General Manager, Sales & Marketing – CSS Dubai.

CSS Homeward Bound on the Move in Canada

CSS Homeward Bound recently attended the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) Annual Conference, International Association of Movers (IAM) 51st Annual meeting and the Asian Relocation Association (ARA) Gala Dinner in Vancouver, Canada.
CSS Homeward Bound is a member of each association whereby its accreditation is shown in the personal effects/relocations industry.
Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) Annual Conference was held on October 4th-6th, 2013 at the River Rock Casino Hotel and Convention Centre in Richmond, British Columbia. It was the first time in almost 20 years that the conference was held outside of the Toronto area. It was the first interactive conference ever held and the first time the conference was held in partnership with another Association, the International Association of Movers. The conference consisted of the Annual General Meeting, Trade Shows, Award Dinners and Annual Committee Conference. The conference was highlighted by four panel discussions with participants from Canada’s van lines, insurance companies, CAM’s marketing committee and international moving associations.
“As there is strong expatriate community residing in the United Arab Emirates catering to the ever demanding needs of the customers is vital within our industry. As the bi-lateral relations between Canada and the UAE have steadily strengthened over the years having a presence at CAM was truly beneficial for CSS Homeward Bound as this was an opportunity for the members of the Canadian Association of Movers based in Canada to see their international colleagues and for networking and growing business relationships mutually. The hospitality and guidance extended to us by Mr. John Levi, President CAM and his entire team was exceptional. It was a well organized and executed annual conference,” added Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.
International Association of Movers (IAM) 51st Annual Meeting was held from October 7-10, 2013 in the beautiful city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. As this was the first time the (International Association of Movers) IAM held an Annual Meeting outside of the United States in over 20 years, the theme “IAM- A Network Expanding” underscores the Association’s efforts to expand its offerings to members and its outreach to and inclusion of other organizations and associations in the global moving and relocation arena. The chosen theme also recognized those member companies who continually meet the changes and challenges in the industry by expanding their businesses both geographically and in the services lines they offer through the reciprocal relationships they initiate with IAM colleagues at the Annual Meeting.
“CSS Homeward Bound would like to extend our special thanks to Mr. Terry Head, the President of IAM for taking the time to guide us and introducing us to key personnel at the conference and making us feeling welcome. The IAM Networking event was a chance to meet new members, greet old friends, and schedule meetings while continuing to build upon the brand awareness for CSS Homeward Bound and the services it offers on a global platform, said, Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.
The Asian Relocation Association, held in Vancouver, as part of its annual meeting extended an invitation to all ARA members attending the IAM to join them at their exhibition booth during the trade show. CSS Homeward Bound has been an ARA member since the association’s inauguration in 2008/2009 and was able to utilize the booth during the IAM exhibition to conduct meetings and networking gatherings. “Mr. Sudeep Shah and his team were extremely welcoming and helpful in introducing CSS Homeward Bound to other members especially during the ARA Gala Dinner; which was a networking session where we were able to put a face to the names that we had been communicating and doing business with for some time now. A special thanks to Mr. Sudeep and the entire ARA members for their valuable time and cooperation extended to CSS Homeward Bound. On the whole it was a good decision on part of the CSS Homeward Bound to participate in the conference and not only did it help establish new partnerships but also rekindle old partnerships,” added Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.

Uncompromised Commitment – DP World

The Group CEO of DP World, Mohammed Sharaf speaks to Lighthouse about the activities and the ambitious growth plans of the company in this exclusive interview

Being present in 6 locations in India, please give us an insight on the future expansion plans of DP World operations in India?

India is an important and vital part of our global portfolio and we are committed to supporting India’s growth into the future. DP World operates five marine terminals at Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi (Vallarpadam), Vishakapatnam and Mundra, with the greenfield Kulpi port in West Bengal in the pipeline that will be developed in line with market demand.

In June 2013 we signed a new 17-year concession to build and operate a brownfield container terminal adjacent to the Nava Sheva International Container Terminal (NSICT) that DP World currently operates in Mumbai. The new 330 metre berth with 27 hectares of yard will add 800,000 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent container units) of container capacity and help ease congestion at Jawaharlal Nehru Port. DP World will invest around US$200 million to build the terminal. We are investing for the long term and we look forward to continuing to work with our partners and stakeholders in India into the future.

What plans you have in mind for the future of the flagship terminal, Jebel Ali?

As you rightly put it, Jebel Ali is our flagship facility and what happens here often sets the standard for container ports not just across DP World’s global portfolio but also for the industry. In 2013 we added 1 million TEU in new capacity by extending Container Terminal 2 by 400 metres. An additional 4 million TEU will be added in 2014 when the ultra-modern mega Container Terminal 3 opens for business, taking the port’s total capacity to 19 million TEU. When completed Jebel Ali will be the only port in the region capable of simultaneously receiving and handling 10 of the next generation Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) with a capacity of 18000 TEU each. Jebel Ali serves as a successful model that we replicate across our global portfolio, including DP World London Gateway, Embraport in Brazil and Callao in Peru.

Could you please tell us about your prospects in Africa as you are already present in this region?

Africa has great potential for growth and efficient infrastructure is essential for stimulating that growth, with ports the gateways to world trade. We have over 5,000 employees in Africa and each country in which we operate has its own unique set of circumstances that enable us to connect with infrastructure and the hinterland as well as neighbouring countries inland. Africa as an emerging market is one of our key focus areas and we are actively looking at different opportunities in various parts of the continent. We don’t comment on specific opportunities we may be exploring.

What are the plans in place for Vallarpadam (Kochi, Kerala) to help boost the business within the port and the region?

Vallarpadam represents our vision of an India that competes with other global economies by directly linking the vast domestic market to the busiest international trade lane connecting Asia to Europe. The relaxation of the cabotage regulation in 2012 by the Government of India was a forward-looking move and will help DP World to contribute strongly to the local economy. The terminal at Vallarpadam was conceptualised by the Government of India for this very purpose.

Will Ecuador be the 6th location for DP world in Latin America and how do you look at it as a strategic move for DP World?

We constantly explore opportunities around the world and invest in markets where we see potential to contribute to growth and where our customers want us to be. We don’t comment on any particular opportunities unless there is something to announce. We believe Latin America has enormous potential and our goal is to support the main regional hubs that are so critical for the continent’s rapidly growing economies.

DP World’s investments across Latin America are in container terminals in Muelle Sur in Callao, Peru, Embraport near Porto de Santos in Brazil and Terminales Rio de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina – where we also operate a state of the art cruise terminal – as well as in Suriname’s primary multi-purpose port in Paramaribo.

Could you please tell us about the upcoming future projects of DP World?

DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. With our committed pipeline of developments and expansions, we expect capacity to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.

You have won so many awards and recognitions over the past years. How inspiring are those?

DP World operates its business with the aim of consistently delivering world class service to our customers and return on investment to shareholders. The awards are a bonus for the hard work and commitment of our employees, and would not be possible without the support we receive from our loyal customers like you, Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS). In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at our Jebel Ali facility, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 19 consecutive years. There can be no greater inspiration.

What initiatives are there from the HR point of view to keep your 28,000 plus staff strength spirited?

Our people are at the heart of our business and that is why we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse and safe working environment. We work hard to ensure that responsibility is embedded in our everyday lives and to leave a lasting legacy in the communities in which we operate. DP World has a dedicated, experienced and professional team of 28,000 people serving its customers around the world, and the company constantly invests in people to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them.

As the Group CEO, how do you see the continuing success of DP World in its maritime terminal management business?

I believe the focus ought to be on world class customer service and being where our customers want us to be. Alongside that is continuous development as a marine terminal operator and growth as an innovative business, providing returns for our shareholders and developing our people. Success will follow. Our core strength is the spread of our network, our focus on emerging markets, container handling, re-engineering terminal operations whenever it is needed and tailoring our investments to apply the three Cs – cargo, capabilities and capital wherever we operate. We deliver world-class terminal capacity and a world-class approach to container operations.

It will be interesting for us to know about the TURN8 programme.

TURN8 is a seed accelerator programme that encourages innovative and commercially-viable ideas. It is an initiative launched by DP World in partnership with Innovation 360. Our search for ideas through roadshows across the world involved an online campaign (see www.turn8.co) and visits to selected countries with active start-up cultures, including the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Ukraine, Belarus, Singapore, Malaysia and the USA. A second wave of roadshows has also just begun.

TURN8 has uncovered some exciting new proposals, 10 of which are now short-listed for our support. The final projects range from consumer sentiment trackers and counterfeit goods detectors to a digital math tutor for children and an app to record dreams. The programme selects start-up teams with marketable ideas and supports them with funding, mentoring and training in exchange for a stake in any resulting business. It is the only one in the region that drives innovative and commercially-viable ideas from across the world from cradle to maturity. Our aim is to promote a start-up and innovation culture in the wider community by encouraging and supporting a mix of international and local ideas.

Since Dubai, UAE has been selected to host the Expo 2020, is Jebel Ali port ready to cater the expected additional volume or do you have any particular plans in place for the Expo alone?

Our entire team was behind the bid and we are excited and thrilled to have been successful. Our attention turns now to making sure we have the infrastructure in place to support the building and running of the event, and we will be working very closely with our customers to do that. We already have tried and tested capabilities, and we will now take this to a new level. We look forward to working with Dubai and the UAE to host the world. This event will not only create opportunities for the UAE, it will also create new opportunities for the countries of the region and the people of the world.

What are the KPI’S that DP World stresses on in your worldwide operations as a maritime terminal management organisation?

There are four principle areas of focus that are consistent right across our organisation: customer service – going the extra mile for our customers; safety, with each and every person in the organisation taking responsibility to ensure they and their colleagues go home safely every day; developing our people to make the most of their talent and giving them opportunities to use their potential to the fullest; and encouraging an innovation culture where we are always open to new ideas and new ways of operating. These add up to sustainability and providing value to our stakeholders over the long term.

The Road Ahead – Expo 2020 – By Jan Bak

After enjoying 23 years as a resident in Dubai the vision and determination of this city and country keeps, impressing me. Celebrating the victory at the impressive Atlantis Hotel at Palm Jumeirah with hundreds of other singing and dancing residents made me wonder, how one could take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

It also made me remember my 10 years at Dubai Ports Authority, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Tejari.com, which showed me the ability; a strong team has, in making dreams a reality. We had strong leadership and worked strategically and tactically across the divisions in winning new businesses, and always to the betterment of Dubai. There was a pride and self-belief that I have never come across since, and I feel proud having been part of these incredible growth years.

Now it is time to embark on another journey, capitalizing on EXPO 2020 and like Norman Vincent Peale once stated – “If you want to get somewhere, you have to know where you want to go and how to get there” – Then never, never, never & never give up and as with anything else it is about planning your work, and work your plan.

EXPO 2020 is starting in October 2020 running for 6 months, so is it a bit early to plan your attack? No it isn’t and certainly not when you are in the logistics, transportation, removal and industrial packaging game.

First it is getting involved with the construction industry at all levels and segments building relationships, and later it turns over into the fun of warehousing and distribution, ambient, cool and cold storage you name it. You want to win your share of the imports from all over the world, from raw materials to know how and expertise, moving people and arts for the exhibition, as countries show cases their pride and joy. Denmark moved the “Little Virgin” statue from Copenhagen to Shanghai for the 6 months of EXPO 2010, which is like the UK moving the “Crown Jewels” across to Dubai for EXPO 2020, this is an example how seriously countries value this opportunity. You want to position yourself as a company and individual to take advantage of this movement of people and goods that may turn into export opportunities later. It kind of also makes you think about the EXPO 2020 city and community, where a need for a fleet of small flexible cool and cold stores trucks would be evident, moving the tonnes of foodstuffs and waste materials in and out of the EXPO city from logistics centers, again it is not something you plan or finance over night.

Point is, nothing comes to you, you need to go and win it, create relationships locally and internationally within the segment and niches you see yourself playing a role. It is about showing one’s competences, willingness and ability to invest in resources whether hardware, software, people, structures etc., sell, sell, sell and creating the strategic relationships that maximize the opportunity to win the big tenders that no doubt will come to light, or focus on the specific niche elements and do them better than any competition. There are tonnes of opportunities and who will win them is about determination, persistency, consistency and a winning formula, planned well in advance. Everyone speaks about it but only few are really able to execute it over the long-term.

Happy Hunting from an old loyal resident.

(The author is a professional change management specialist, motivational trainer and an environmentalist based in Dubai. Feedback can be sent at communications@cssgroupsite.com or janbak21@gmail.com )