New MD For F.S. Mackenzie

UK member F.S. Mackenzie has promoted Lloyd Smith to the post of Managing Director. Lloyd was previously a director of F.S. Mackenzie, and has been with the company since 2005.

He replaces company Founder and Chairman Alfred Stienen, who is now taking responsibility for the entire group, with a particular emphasis on further international network growth.

F.S. Mackenzie is CSS Group’s exclusive partner in the UK, for NVOCC activities.

CSS Group would like to take this opportunity to wish Lloyd Smith and Alfred Stienen all of the success in their future endeavours.

‘PIN’ The Hacker Down

What do the following conventions all have in common?

16thBlack Hat-Las Vegas, Hacker Halted-Reykayvik/Kuala Lumpur,2ndTHC 2013-Delhi and Def Con-Boston USA? You have probably guessed that they are all concerned with Internet hacking, on-line surveillance and the security of personal information. However there are others who hold an opposing view saying that some attending are actually trying to keep up to date on how to steal data. Governments watch what happens at these conferences whilst those attending, no doubt, watch the governments.

But where do such activities leave you and me?

Well the bottom line is that we should all take responsibility for keeping our information safe. Sir Francis Bacon, an English statesman and philosopher, is attributed in 1597 with the expression “ipsa scientia potestas est” (“knowledge itself is power”). In modern day parlance this has been expanded to mean, “information is knowledge and knowledge is power”. New technology and the Internet mean that information, your information, is everywhere. It was back in the sixties that the use of computers and your personal identification number, “PIN”, were first mooted with banks wanting to facilitate the automated teller machine – “ATM”.

Interestingly the inventor of the PIN didn’t make any significant money from his idea. It was only earlier this year that James Goodfellow, the Scot who invented the PIN in 1965, was internationally honoured at an awards ceremony at Harvard University, Massachusetts, USA.Now 75 years old, he only received £10 ($15.50) for his invention because he had signed over patent rights to a company which shortly afterwards laid him off due to “redundancy”. Your PIN still remains a prime target for unscrupulous hackers. In the battle to keep your PIN secure, gadgets which clone your number are one thing but another consideration is the predictability of people!

A recent survey shows that many of us still choose obvious numbers for our PIN. An analysis of over 3 million four digit PIN numbers showed that nearly 28% can be guessed using just 20 combinations.  The least used combination was also identified, along with the cautionary note that hackers could read it as well. Consequently this least used number is now unlikely to remain so – 8068. Popular are single number combinations which include 5555, 7777 and 9999 and the James Bond number 0007. The most common numbers are: 1234, 1111, 0000 and 1212.

What about the future? Well just as these “hackers” conventions are worldwide international events, for exchanging ideas, equally so are the reports of new ways of obtaining information. Have you ever looked at “Google Maps – Street View” for your own area? I was surprised to see a picture of my home with a red car parked in my drive. As I have never, in the past ten years, owned at red carit took me ages to work out to whom it belonged. Anyone worldwide may view yours and mine home. So much for my telling others I live in a mansion with landscaped gardens!

The latest news is that it is now possible to access the microphones in Android phones and record conversations. Furthermore it is also conceivable to access your laptop and PCs in a similar way. Expert “hackers” are being courted by governments trying to turn “poachers into gamekeepers”. Spyware is also being developed to monitor your Internet usage. Governments are not the only ones wanting to keep tabs on you. The truth is that businesses, advertisers, scammers and hackers are all hoping to get information from you which will help make them money. Tablets, Smartphones, Smart TVs, Smart Meters, Cable Boxes and Gaming Consoles all provide potential for stealing information about you.

Were you aware that if you inadvertently install a “TouchLogger” app onto your tablet it could provide scammers with enough information to create chaos for you?

When it comes to “Smart” technology last year German researchers, by hacking into a “so-called” secure electricity company’s Wi-Fi network, were able to access customers’ private information. As for Smart TVs, you expect to watch TV but some smart TVs are vulnerable to hackers who can spy on you whilst you are watching your TV.

With all this in mind it is perhaps not that surprising to read that one intelligence service is reverting to using old fashioned type-writers to record highly confidential reports. Firstly type-writers cannot be hacked and secondly each has an individual type face which easily identifies them.  Which brings us back to my earlier question: “Where do such activities leave you and me?” Well if you recognise any of the numbers in this article,as one of yours, you had better change it! Because in order to keep our information safe we must remember never to do the obvious and always keep our wits about us so we may “PIN” the hacker down.

Lucky Winner

As part of our continuous commitment to the freight forwarding fraternity, CSS initiated a thank you scheme over 5 years ago, whereby one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that are dropped into the raffle bowls placed at the D/O counter at the CSS Corporate Office and CSLC-1 in Jebel Ali will be rewarded with a gift.
The winner picked selected and rewarded for the months of June-July 2013 was Sahadevan from UTi who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Carrefour, presented by Fida Asghar, Team Manager, NVOCC, CSS Dubai.

Sad Demise

Aravindan P, aged 62, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2013.

A well wisher and a long time associate of CSS Group, Aravindan P, passed away in a fatal road accident in Haripad, Kerala.  A photographer by profession, Aravindan used his skills for covering many CSS events in and out of India.

CSS Group coveys their deepest condolences to his sorrowing family and loved ones, and prays for his soul.

Chairman’s Message

Budget meetings invariably provide a welcome opportunity to stimulate invigorating discussions and ideas. The recent budget meeting in Kerala was no exception. Everyone was happy to recognise that the Indian team were doing a commendable job which reflected positively in the budget figures. I join with others in wishing them more success in the future. However; I was a little bemused by the latest news about the Indian economic and trade scenario. On one hand, all the major Indian newspapers were frequently mentioning the infrastructure shortcomings, especially in relation to the shipping and logistic sectors. Whereas on the other hand, Indian exports are showing optimistic trends. But this apparent disparity highlights the need for immediate attention being given to sustaining and developing infrastructure within India’s dynamic democracy. Whilst the fall in the value of the rupee has brought challenges, there have still been creditable export volumes in items such as foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals. However; far reaching measures are called for in order to improve the country’s infrastructure including ports, roads and supply chain facilities. This will enable continuing growth within our industry. I am confident that India will, “cruise the adverse currents,” and very soon shine brighter than before. I also have great confidence in CSS India, safe in the knowledge that they will achieve even more flourishing accomplishments in the years ahead. My best wishes to them.

A Visit To CaroTrans New Jersey

The Chairman of CSS Group T S Kaladharan along with Rosh Manoli, Route Development Manager-North America recently visited CaroTrans, the CSS Group’s NVOCC partner at their head office in New Jersey, USA. During the course of their visit to CaroTrans offices, they conducted meetings with Greg Howard, Global CEO, Matt Spartz, VP Operations and Riyaz Jordan, Branch Manager and discussed new opportunities in the market and ways to further develop their relationship.


“In our industry it is important to meet our partners face-to-face to not only strengthen our relationship but also develop new and innovative ideas to better service our clients. The CaroTrans relationship allows CSS to tap into a global market while providing CaroTrans the insight it needs for this region, which is one of the fastest growing in the world. I would like to extend my thanks to the CaroTrans team who made us feel welcome during our time there,” said TS Kaladharan.

With an increase in demand for value-added global import transportation services, CaroTrans, a leading global NVOCC, ocean freight consolidator and longstanding alliance partner to the CSS Group, is strategically expanding its import service operations and coverage in key trade lanes.  In the last twelve months, CaroTrans has expanded its global import service network in key global trade regions including: Asia, North and South America, Middle East and Europe.

“It was our pleasure to host the CSS Group in our U.S. headquarters in Clark, New Jersey and further develop our customer-focused business initiatives and personal relationships.  Since joining forces with CSS Group, we have seen our partnership grow from strength to strength.  The Middle East region has grown into one of our top 10 markets and continues its strong growth trend as we expand the cooperation throughout the area.  Our partnership with CSS has exceeded all expectations and we look forward to building on the solid foundation we’ve established with them,” said Greg Howard.

New Office For CSS Maldives

CSS Maldives has been shifted to a new and more convenient office easily accessible for the clients.

The new office address is:

Consolidated Shipping Services
C/o GO Maldives, 66/17, 7th floor
Cyprea building, Bouthakurufaanu Magu
Male, Republic of Maldives
Tel : +960 330 7242,  Fax : +960 332 3523
Email : info@cssmale.com

Budget Meet 2013

CSS TO OPEN UP NEWER AVENUES TO ENHANCE THE INDIAN TRADE

Seeking to strike a right balance between challenges and opportunities, the annual budget meeting of CSS India was held at Estuary Island, a pristine resort, not far away from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. Managers and key decision makers from all over the Indian offices attended the meeting which was chaired by TS Kaladharan, Chairman, CSS Group. In his inaugural address, he applauded the employees for the tremendous growth that the company has achieved during last financial year. Further, he also emphasized on the immediate necessity for inventing path-breaking approaches to tackle the seamlessly changing turbulent market conditions.

Anil Balakrishnan, Vice President, Business development, CSS Group illustrated various structural processes that can be implemented to enhance the entire system and yield more results in the future. His suggestions were well received by the group and the various technical aspects in relation to the processes were discussed. Budget figures and analysis of each of the CSS Group offices were presented by the respective managers with a key focus on their projections and strategies. The management, while assuring support to the various suggestions put forward by the delegates, also stressed upon investing for a better tomorrow through clever delegation and planning.

CSS Group Chairman highlighted certain new business developments for CSS India which will fructify in the next two quarters. These operations, when executed will open up new trade lanes for the Indian offices. Pointing to the remarkable growth achieved by the southern offices of the company, CSS India Director Jairam KR said that more thrust would be given to developing operations in the region. Presently, CSS Group operates from all gateway ports and cities of India. CSS India plans to have remote satellite presence to boost the rural trade and bring in a major growth of business to the main locations.

Services offered by CSS India include:

  • LCL Consolidation & FCL
  • Multi-modal Operations
  • Ocean freight
  • Air freight
  • Buyers consolidation
  • Customs clearance
  • Projects Management
  • Warehousing
  • Supply chain & Logistics

Rahat Talreja Promoted To VP

Experience is never measured in time but in how much one learns from experiences. And who better to exemplify this than the young, straight forward and dynamic Rahat Talreja , who has recently been promoted to the role of Vice President at CSS India and shall be responsible for adding value to Western and Southern India Imports. A keen learner who also is a trainer and visiting faculty at various reputed MBA schools on International Business and Finance, he has risen from a management trainee who ranked 1st in his post graduation to this senior role in less than a decade in the logistics industry.

Rahat has created a team of highly motivated and trained people in his role at CSS India. He is the oldest member of the CSS India management team, now in the seventh year of operation, and has been a key team member in the success story of CSS India. With his focus on best industry practices and his focus on business financials, he has managed to be highly profit oriented for the company and has upped the bar at every level of professionalism.

We wish Rahat continued success in his endeavors.

Breakbulk Antwerp & CSS

Antwerp hosted the Breakbulk Europe conference from 14 to 16 May, for the eighth year in a row. As the largest breakbulk port in Europe, Antwerp is the largest and most important gathering in Europe for companies involved in the shipping of heavy-lift, project cargo and traditional breakbulk cargoes. It is where shippers have the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the leading specialized carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements.

For the 2013 edition of Breakbulk Europe, the delegation from CSS Group consisted of Sreenath.V, Sr. General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy/Operations and Narayan Tagore, General Manager, CSS Bahrain.

Breakbulk presents the shipping and logistics fraternity a great platform to meet and develop relationships with the leading specialized carriers, freight forwarders, ports, terminals, packers and equipment companies who have the expertise and resources to handle oversized and overweight cargoes. “In our industry it is important to keep up with market trends and innovations in order to remain ahead of the curve and to provide the best service to our clients”, said Sreenath.V.

In the space of eight years the conference has expanded from 800 to more than 5000 participants from the international breakbulk and logistics world, so that all the 250 available stands are taken up. Shipping companies, shippers, freight handlers, forwarders, port authorities and service providers can follow presentations by various top speakers, as well as networking with local and global breakbulk players.

Breakbulk Europe 2013 was organised by Breakbulk magazine & events. Breakbulk magazine additionally organises similar conferences in North America and China at which Antwerp will host Breakbulk Europe once more in 2014.

Social Outlook Of CSS Group

After the launch of their newly designed website CSS Group has also recently joined various social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter in order to directly interact with their partners and customers.  Social media has become a vital tool in the area of marketing for any company, regardless of industry. The rise of social media has had a definitive impact on print media as companies use it as a interactive tool between its partners and clients. “Here at CSS we hope that through social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter we will not only provide new business opportunities, but also allow us to showcase CSS as a key influencer in the global shipping and logistics fraternity,” said Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group .

CSS Yacht & Marine Logistics Adds Specialized Captain Service

CSS Yacht & Marine Logistics now offers clients a specialized captain service that can be used for various services including, taking your boat to the shipyard for maintenance, delivered north or south for the season, or even a cruise out for guests. The CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics division guarantees a hassle free experience as they have recently partnered with Captain Philip, a highly experienced Captain well versed with Middle Eastern waters.

“CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics are always on the lookout to find new and exciting ways to service our clients better. The captain service is a niche service providing our customers with specialized needs, a solution to their maintenance/service and travel issues. The captaincy service has been designed keeping in mind everyday problems that yacht owners face, and we look forward to its success in this market,” said Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development, CSS Group.

In addition, the captaincy offering from CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics will also create specialized preventive maintenance programs for all vessel systems ensuring the safe health and longevity of your vessels maintenance. The training will include engine oil & fuel filters, generator maintenance, fresh water & black water systems, steering, throttle and shifting systems, air conditioning systems, electrical and electronic systems.

“While owning a yacht allows for many nights on the sea, it also involves a lot of knowledge, care and consistent maintenance of the yacht. Having been in the industry for many years I have seen a large number of yachts in disrepair due to lack of constant maintenance and knowledge about the vessel. By partnering with CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics division, we are able to provide their customers not only with a logistics solution but also a service that enables their customers to maintain and enjoy their yacht with a variety of additional services that we are able to offer,” added Captain Philip.

SERVICES OFFERED:

Vessel Operations Training:
A hands on total systems learning experience for the new owner. Increasing your level of expertise, we’ll suggest spare parts and supplies to have aboard and offer practical knowledge to make basic underway repairs.

Captain On Demand Services:
Customers may select their preferred boating day and CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics will take care of the rest including furling and provisional, providing a hassle free day for all the guests aboard.

Professional Maintenance and Repair:
Mechanical Services – Oil Changes, Impeller Replacement, Engine Flushes to clean all engine coolers with Rydlyme. Battery testing and Replacement, Bilge Pump Replacement, Vacuum Flush Toilet System repairs, A/C Repairs, Light Duty Mechanical.

Route Analysis / Planning / Trip Coordination:
CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics Captain services will also assist customers in delivery of the yacht to its destination safely, or for assistance in route planning and trip coordination.

Captain’s Inspections:
Intermittent inspection and operation of all marine and mechanical systems. Run motors, run generators, test batteries, check oil, check transmission fluids, clean air conditioning strainers. Captain Philip will be available to inspect your boat on a schedule tailored to fit both you and your vessel’s needs.

Innovative CSS Divetech Underwater Services

As part of its continued commitment to address the needs of the industry, CSS Group is proud to announce the introduction of CSS Divetech Underwater Services under its portfolio of service offerings by the CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics division.

“CSS Divetech Underwater Services provides customers and clients a one stop solution to all their maintenance needs. As part of the CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics offering, CSS Divetech enables us to become a one-stop-solution for all your Yacht and Marine needs. From captaincy services, logistic services and now underwater services, CSS Yacht and Marine Logistics division have become a name to be reckoned with,” added Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development, CSS Group.

The CSS Divetech ship maintenance division have developed their expertise to carry out UWILD, general photos, video surveys, anode retrofit, marine growth removal and propeller polishing, epoxy repairs, patch up and blanking and UT gauging.

In addition it also has extensive experience in block placing, break water maintenance, port repair and maintenance, jetty maintenance, quay wall inspection and maintenance, sea bed survey, pile removal, debris clearance, underwater welding and cutting etc.

THLG-Antwerp, Belgium

CSS GROUP ATTENDS THE HEAVY GROUP 52ND CONFERENCE

The 52nd edition of the THLG Conference took place from May 12th-16th in Antwerp in conjunction with the Breakbulk Antwerp exhibition. The representation from CSS Group that attended the annual conference was Sreenath.V, Sr. General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy/Operations.

“The conference is a great meeting place to network and meet other industry partners like CSS who strive to deliver the best service using their combined know how and expertise regarding this sector. Project logistics is an exciting and growing sector and the conference enabled us to meet new members and learn more about the exciting opportunities they offer that translate into a better service offering for our clients,” commented Sreenath.V, Sr. General Manager, Projects, Oil & Energy/Operations about the conference.

With the united know how, skills, experience and equipment of its membership THLG can cover any movement or transport requirement from a single domestic job to the largest international multi-modal project.  The aim of THLG is to offer clients the united power of its members ensuring a world-wide service of excellent quality at realistic prices

About THLG:

The Heavy Lift Group is an international group of specialized heavy transport companies which combine their forces to offer the best expertise and service according to customer needs.

Members specialize in heavy lift transport by sea, air and overland, outsize cargo movements, crane operations, rigging, machinery installation, and large-scale project forwarding.

The Heavy Lift Group was founded in 1987 by a number of West European heavy lift operators in anticipation of the single European market and has since then expanded into a worldwide group having members in the United States, South America, the CIS, the Middle East and Asia.

Projects @ Glance

CSS Group, Projects, Oil & Energy division successfully handled the transport and delivery of cable drums from Hamburg, Germany to Abu Dhabi. The volume of cargo that was handled was 245 cbm. The cargo was loaded onto 20 ft flat rack containers and lashed and secured with extra care for onward transit. “CSS Projects, Oil & Energy takes extra care to ensure the safe delivery of any cargo up to its final point of delivery. This particular project is evidence of the professionalism that the CSS Projects team brings to every job it undertakes,” added, Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects, Oil & Energy, CSS Group.

CSS Group Named Exclusive Agent For C.H. Robinson

CSS Group is proud to announce that it has been named an exclusive agent for C.H. Robinson and all of its freight forwarding activities in the Middle East.
On behalf of the CSS Group, the management is proud to announce the affiliation with C.H. Robinson for freight forwarding activities. The agreement will allow CSS to share expertise and further develop trade routes within their respective regions globally, thus providing a stronger service offering to their loyal customers.
Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 42,000 customers through a network of more than 275 offices and over 11,000 employees around the world. The company also provides access to over 56,000 transportation providers worldwide.
For further information please log onto:
www.cssgroupsite.com &
www.chrobinson.com
Exclusive Agents in  UAE, BAHRAIN, QATAR, OMAN, KUWAIT & SAUDI ARABIA

Pearl Diving

For hundreds of years, the finest pearls in the world were found in the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Pearl diving once represented the rich heritage of UAE, where pearl diving was one of the largest contributors to the economy.

The Pearl divers are known as Ghais (in Arabic). Gulf Pearlers developed their own diving technique and worked in tandem with ‘pullers with strong powerful shoulders’’ known as Saibs. These men were responsible for heaving up baskets of oysters, as well as the divers themselves.

Once over the oyster banks, the oars were lashed on one side of the boat, projecting overboard. Two ropes were hung over each oar. One rope had a basket (Dayeen) attached, the other a weight or heavy stone. The weighted rope (hijara) was looped around the ankle of the diver (ghais) to help him sink to the sea bed.

Once in the water, the diver would place a nose peg made of turtle shell, (Ftaam) to keep his nostrils closed, whilst diving. During the jelly fish season in June, a lightweight cotton suit (Libis) was worn by the divers to protect and prevent serious injury from stings.

PEARLING HISTORY

  • The Arabian Gulf was one of the largest natural diving economies in the world.
  • By the 20th century, there were more than 1,000 pearling boats along the Trucial Coast employing an estimated 20,000 pearl divers.
  • Pearl diving was still in play in the UAE until the 1950s but faded away as less expensive cultured pearls became more accessible.
  • The world’s largest pearl, 24 cm in diameter and 6.4 kg in weight is worth $93 million (Dh341.53 million) and was liberated from a giant clam and is currently owned by the Pearl for Peace Foundation, a charitable organization.

An Array Of Services From CSS Homeward Bound

CSS Homeward Bound was set up by Consolidated Shipping Group to meet the ever-growing demand for relocations among the expatriate community. Over the years it has evolved into an experienced and professional team capable to deliver substantial services in dismantling, packing, loading, moving, custom clearing and unloading. Shipments can commence from anywhere within the UAE or globally, and be delivered to any doorstep locally or internationally.
“Providing relocation services to individuals and organizations in the UAE is quite exciting and rewarding as the CSS Homeward Bound team is able to interact with the diverse nationalities and expatriate community here in the UAE.  We learn new customs and cultures by working closely with our clients ensuring their precious sensitive belongings are handled in an error free manner. Our dedicated team of professionals offers different packing methods based on the job requirements,” says Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.

When it comes to moving one’s home or office, the enormity of the task is sure to set in. The hassle attached with packing precious belongings safely and moving them without damage to the new location is best to be left to the professionals. CSS Homeward Bound has made it their motto to ensure that your precious cargo is treated just as their own. CSS Homeward Bound also provides a professional logistics solution for all your exhibition and events business requirements. The comprehensive and optimal logistics package of CSS Homeward Bound is well handled with its in-house resources and trained personnel.
CSS Homeward Bound takes pride in having a fully fledged logistics handling team for events. Their expertise and skill has brought in demand for their service from industries like automotive, aeronautic, power, Oil & Gas, medical, tourism, fashion & lifestyle, architecture & interiors and many more as their trusted clients.
The Services Offered

    • Worldwide packing and moving of personal effects
    • Local and International removals (Homes and Offices)
    • Customs clearance and door to door service
    • Warehousing
    • Transportation
    • Industrial packing, crating & lashing
    • Comprehensive insurance
    • Exhibitions & Events

 

The Facilities / Strengths

  • Own warehouse facility of over 10,000 sq. ft.
  • Operating a fleet of own trucks
  • Multilingual experienced professionals

CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

  • A member of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM)
  • A member of International Association of Movers (IAM)
  • A member of Asian Relocation Association (ARA)
  • A Member of World Cargo Alliance Relocations (WCA)

 

Arabian Travel Market

A TRADE VISIT BY CSS

ATM 2013 is the Middle East’s biggest travel and tourism event celebrates 20 years of industry milestones.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013, the region’s leading travel industry showcase, celebrated its 20th edition which took place at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from May 6th-9th, 2013, welcomed over 3,000 exhibitors from 87 countries with exhibition floor space covering more than 22,000 square metres.

HRH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013, in the presence of senior government officials, leaders of the regional and international travel industry as well as high-profile participants.Cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the 20th anniversary edition of the show, His Royal Highness then toured the exhibition with Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market, and various dignitaries as the four-day industry showcase got underway.

Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar programme at Arabian Travel Market 2013, which opened on Monday 6 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Chairman and President of Dubai Civil Aviation, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said “Arabian Travel Market has played a significant role in the development of Dubai, underscoring its position as a highly attractive centre for exhibitions and events,” he said.  “Dubai has achieved so much at a pace that many other cities can only dream of … Dubai’s Strategic Plan builds on those achievements and highlights a number of areas, such as the economy, infrastructure and the environment.”

“Tourism has always been a vital growth factor for the UAE and events such as ATM help strengthen Dubai position as the no.1 destination for not only tourism but also for trade in the region. It is this strategic location that helps CSS Group develop new opportunities and trading partners while providing a high level of service to its clients. The location of CSS Group in the UAE has been the key driving force to the growth of the organization since its inception in 1995. We thank the vision of the nation’s leaders that has led the country to achieve such great heights in all its endeavours,’ said Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group. This year CSS participated as a trade visitor at ATM.

With all indicators flashing green for growth, panelists listed some of Dubai’s recent achievements, including a number one position for international passenger traffic achieved by Dubai International Airport in the first quarter 2013; a growth of 54 per cent in Russian visitors and 28 per cent from China in 2012; an additional 30 aircraft and 15 new destinations for Emirates in the past year with a target of 180 by 2020, and, double digit growth in visitor numbers to Dubai to reach 10 million for the first time last year.

Digging Deep With Largest Dredging Programme At Jebel Ali In 10 Years

DEEPER DRAUGHT ALLOWS THE PORT TO HANDLE LARGER NUMBER OF BIG VESSELS AT THE SAME TIME

DP World recently announced that it has successfully completed the largest dredging programme at its flagship Jebel Ali Port in 10 years, allowing the port to handle more big vessels at the same time by deepening the draught.

The dredging added to the expansion work currently underway, adding 1 million TEU of new capacity to Container Terminal 2 later this year and another 4 million TEU capacity Container Terminal 3 by 2014, once completed, will enable Jebel Ali Port to handle up to 10 of the next generation 18,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) mega vessels at the same time – the only port in the region able to do so.

In total, 477,000 cubic metres of soil have been dredged from 2900 metres of quay wall at the roll-on roll-off (roro) vehicle carrier terminal, the tanker terminal and three container berths. The dredging deepened the draught of the roro and tanker berths from -10.5 to -11.5 metres while container berths 14, 16 and 17 were extended from -14 to -16 metres.

H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said:

“As the trade gateway for the United Arab Emirates, Middle East and the wider region, the capabilities of Jebel Ali are always reviewed to make sure they are in line with customers’ needs.  As more of our customers add larger vessels to their fleets, we have responded by deepening the berths to increase our efficiency as a key link in one of the busiest supply chains in the world.”

Yasser Zaghloul, Chief Executive Officer, National Marine Dredging Company, Abu Dhabi, said:

“We are delighted to work in partnership with DP World on this significant project which boosts the port infrastructure and facilities and enhances trade flow into Dubai, the Middle East and the wider region.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said:

“In response to customer demand, this project will enable Jebel Ali to meet their needs to handle more of the larger ships, providing the efficient and cost effective services they have come to rely on. Today, Jebel Ali Port is handling each week an average of three ultra-large container ships (ULCS) with a capacity of 14,000 TEU and above and we believe that number will increase steadily in the coming years.”

DP World worked with regulators in Dubai to comply with the relevant environmental legislation for the dredging project. Compliance measures included a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out before the dredging works began.

The EIA assessed existing water quality, harbour sediments, air quality, terrestrial and marine ecology, noise levels, and hydrodynamic modeling. From these investigations, it was determined that the impact on the environment was short term and minor in nature including localised reduction of water quality within the harbour.  Among the positive benefits noted by the authorities were that sediments from the harbour floor identified for removal could be re-used in the ongoing reclamation of Jebel Ali Island to the North of Container Terminal 2 providing that the engineering quality of the soil was up to standard.

Jebel Ali Port’s Container Terminals are equipped with 22 berths and 78 cranes to cater to the world’s largest container vessels. With its 17 metre draught it can accommodate ships of any size. In January, DP World celebrated the maiden visit of the world’s largest containership, the 16,020 TEU CMA CGM Marco Polo, owned by the CMA CGM Group.

Earlier this year, DP World achieved a milestone in its history when its Dubai ports handled the 100 millionth container in ten years. Both Mina Rashid and Jebel Ali Port have handled 135 million TEU since the opening of Jebel Ali Port in 1979, around 75% of it (100 million TEU) was achieved between January 2003 and January 2013.