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Lighthouse

Bi-monthly publication of CSS Group

Lighthouse
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Lighthouse
  • Call +971 4 883 1303
  • Mail info@cssdubai.com
  • Menu
    • Home
    • About
    • Services
      • Global Freight forwarding
      • Ocean Freight Management
      • Supply Chain Management
      • Land Transportation Management
      • Industrial Packing, Crating & Lashing
      • Air Freight Management
      • Projects Oil & Energy
      • Exhibition Event Logistics
      • Automobile Logistics
      • Art Logistics
      • Non Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
      • Hospitality & Hotel Logistics
      • Multi-modal Operations
      • Container Freight Station (CFS)
      • Yacht & Marine Logistics
      • E-commerce Fulfillment
    • Locations
      • Dubai
      • Abu Dhabi
      • Sharjah
      • Ras Al Khaimah
      • Bahrain
      • Oman
      • Qatar
      • Saudi Arabia
      • India
      • Sri Lanka
    • Careers
    • Track & Trace
    • Login
      • Customer / Agent
      • Employee – Portal
      • Employee – Dashboard
      • CSS India Login
    • More+
      • Lighthouse
      • Sailing Schedule
      • News Hub
      • Feedback
    • Contact Us
  • Login
    • Customer / Agent
    • Employee – Portal
    • Employee – Dashboard
    • CSS India Login
  • TRACK & TRACE
  • LIGHTHOUSE

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.

CSS Homeward Bound Sponsors Cultural Event Showcase

As part of its commitment to promoting the arts, CSS Homeward Bound recently sponsored Melalayam 2013. Produced by a group called “Wednesday Events” who are known for promoting ethnic art forms of Kerala, the show received tremendous acclaim from the audience.

“CSS Homeward Bound is proud to promote cultural events such as these, as it brings together the large expatriate community of South India that resides in the region and allows them to see traditional performances from back home” said Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.

A major attraction feature during the course of the show was the “Panchari Melam” which is a percussion ensemble comprising of 40 artists using various classical instruments such as the Chenda Ilathalam, Kombu and Kuzhal.

UAE Open Badminton Tournament

CSS ASSOCIATE AS CO-SUPPORT SPONSOR



The 36th edition of the India Club – India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament commenced on Monday, 20th May 2013 and concluded on Friday June 14th, 2013 at the India Club, Dubai.  The tournament was first inaugurated in the year 1978.

H.E. M. K. Lokesh, The Indian Ambassador to UAE, H. E. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General, Community Development Authority, Dr. Omar Muthanna, CEO, Community Development Authority and Dr. Ram Buxani, Chairman, India Club inaugurated the tournament.

This year, the Tournament comprised of 26 categories as against 14 categories in the previous year. To encourage and promote badminton amongst youngsters, various categories under age groups 8 yrs to 18 yrs have been included.  Due to popular demand, Masters and Super Veteran categories were reintroduced.

The finals of the tournament occurred on Friday, June 14, 2013 whereby cash prizes, trophies and gift hampers amounting to more than AED 50,000/- were the highlight of the prestigious “India Club – India Bulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament 2013”.

“As co-support sponsor, CSS Group is extremely proud to be associated with India Club and the prestigious UAE Open Badminton Tournament.  Our partnership with India Club grows stronger year on year and we are delighted to be a long standing supporter and sponsor for this tournament,” added, Amith Horra, Marketing Manager, CSS Group.

Dubai-based Mohammed Munawer and Indian Olympian Valiyaveetil Diju stole the show at the India Club on Friday as they shared the accolades on the final day of the 36th edition of the Indiabulls UAE Open Badminton Tournament.

On a day that showcased contrasting talents from the 18-year-old Munawer to the 32-year-old veteran Diju, the young teenager, who featured in all three finals in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, won the men’s singles title, while Diju bagged top honours in doubles and mixed doubles.

“I was born and brought up in Dubai. I started performing better since last year. I’m from Kerala and there I’m ranked under-19 No1 and men’s singles No1,” added Munawer.

Diju, on the other hand, a doubles specialist who represented India in mixed doubles at the London 2012 Olympics, enjoyed his second appearance at the tournament here in Dubai and was thrilled to soak up the crowd support.

Highlights of the 2013 Tournament

  • The tournament was inaugurated on Monday, 20th May 2013.
  • On an average 25 matches were played daily for 24 days.
  • A record number of 143 matches were played on two weekends, Fridays, 24th May & 7th June.
  • Daily crowd: Approx 300 including Club Members/Badminton Players/ Guests.
  • In all the 26 categories, 559 entries were received.
  • A total number of 533 matches were played throughout the tournament (the highest ever for India Club on record).
  • Players from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Hungary, Iran, Lithuania & Jordan took part in the tournament besides the local Indian & Pakistani expats residing in the UAE.
  • The Badminton Committee comprised of A. K. Prakashan, Manoj Mathews, Wales Thomas & Anil Mohan.
  • A team of 25 Officials were also set up for the tournament.
  • This tournament started in the early 1978.

 

100 Entrants Take On The Greatest Motoring Adventure In The Fifth Peking to Paris Rally

“The Peking to Paris was the first international event for cars and ran in 1907, and was like men landing on the moon – it was a staggering achievement to get a car half way around the world. They had no maps, there were no roads for much of the route, they had no use for money, they shaved bits off silver lumps to barter, there were no petrol stations, cars then used up tyres at a horrendous rate yet the winner, who won by a week, still drove from Paris to his home in Rome on one of the tyres he had set out on (a Pirelli). They cheated on each other all the way. “

Billed as the greatest motoring adventure, the fifth Peking to Paris Rally which started from China’s capital on 28th May successfully completed on 29th June. Organised by the Endurance Rally Organisation (ERA), more than 100 cars from various eras and manufacturers, representing 26 countries, travelled half way round the world in just 33 days before arriving in Paris.

Since the early pioneers first drove from Peking to Paris in 1907, the ERA has organised the rally along the lines of the original pioneering event. Crews will drive the original route of Prince Borghese, the 1907 winner, over the vast wilderness of northern Mongolia, where there are often no roads or tracks at all, relying on their own wits and navigation ability, camping besides rivers and lakes for 10 nights.

It’s the longest and toughest rally a classic car can compete in, crossing mountains and deserts and fording wide and fast-flowing rivers.

Back in 1907 just five cars took part. Now the Peking to Paris receives entries from around the world. The oldest car taking part is a 1913 Ford Model T, while a 1917 LaFrance has the biggest engine at a whopping 14.5-litres. The smallest-engined car is a 1250cc MG TD, narrowly taking the accolade from the youngest car entered, a 1300cc 1982 Renault 4.

From China the route passes through Mongolia, the world’s most sparsely populated independent country, with the Gobi Desert once again being a rally highlight. From Mongolia the route travels through Russia, avoiding main roads and major towns and cities, and the longest stage sees competitors travelling 668Km (415 miles) in one day, as they journey from Novosibirsk to Omsk.

With such a grueling route, much of which is on unmade surfaces, pre-war cars with their greater ground clearance should perform well. In the pre-1942 classes covering 1920-1931 and 1932-1941 Bentleys remain very popular, with eight entered, and three Rolls-Royces join them. American cars are also a popular choice and in the pre-1942 classes 19 are competing.

Some competitors have opted for rear-engined cars. The field is made up of three Porsche 991, two Porsche 356s, a VW Beetle and a rare 1958 Renault Fregate.

With such a selection of cars and such a long, tough route, there’s all to play for – more than 7,500 miles in a classic car is sure to be a challenge for crew and car…

The international interest in the event is not only with the entrants, who hail from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and all over Europe as well as including a strong British contingent, but with the media too.

The event was filmed by a documentary television team from CBS News while BBC TV from their World Service newsdesk covered the start at the Great Wall in China and the finish in Place Vendome, Paris. BBC World TV is represented in the event aboard the 1938 Ford Coupe of Mike Reeves and travel writer Michelle Jana Chan.

For more information on the Peking to Paris Rally or any future Endurance Rally Association event – call +44 (0) 1235 831221
visit www.endurorally.com

A Magical Mystery Tour

It’s just over 45 years since a 55 minute long film featuring “the Beatles” was broadcast on BBC TV. The magical mystery tour went out on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas day, in 1967.  About a quarter of the British population, some 14 million people, gathered around their televisions to watch.  However when it finished, the howls of disappointment were almost tangible, so much so, that the movie virtually vanished and has remained more or less hidden until recently. Many of the younger 60’s generation were nervous about even admitting that the might have liked the film. The soundtrack songs, when released on vinyl, became hits and included “the fool on the hill”, “hello, goodbye”, “strawberry fields” and “all you need is love”. The magical mystery tour album reached number 1 in America and stayed there for 8 weeks. But what was the film all about?

On Monday 11th September 1967, a 43-seater coach carrying the Beatles, actors, friends and crew set off from London for a jaunt around the English West Country ending up in the quintessential tourist resort of new quay in Cornwall. With the addition of some other filming taken in an airfield in Kent; the finished edit appeared, to the greater majority of viewers, to be a strange unexplained mixture of unrelated scenes and events. It was a confusing visual cacophony which was difficult to follow or understand. The title “the magical mystery tour” was prophetic because it was a real mystery. Only the UK’s guardian newspaper reviewer offered any positive encouragement when it printed that the film was “an inspired freewheeling achievement….a kind of fantasy morality play about the grossness, warmth and stupidity of the (Beatles’) audience”.

So what, if anything, went wrong with this Beatles venture? With the passage of time a re-evaluation of the film has been made. Judging by today’s criteria it may be seen as a challenging viewing experience, which contemptuously rejects the convention of story-telling needing a flowing plot. The result is now regarded as proof of the Beatles creative acumen and their ability to confront cultural stereotypes. The internationally acclaimed film director, Martin Scorsese, supports this view. He says that for him the freedom of the picture was very important.

Significantly the magical mystery tour highlights a saying which probably has meaning to us all.

“A right idea, before it’s time, is a wrong idea”!

Looking back it is easy to see that the Beatles, on this occasion, were well ahead of their time. Nevertheless the viewers wailing did not stop them going on to produce even more memorable music and hit songs.

Psychologists now agree that everyone enjoys having our inner feelings stirred but there has to be a sequence of events which sit comfortably with our emotions. Anything which does not do this, we tend to dislike. Creativity though usually demands the unexpected, looking at things from new angles. Hence the quandary!

We may have great ideas but, like the Beatles, it maybe the wrong time. In contrast, I can already hear the wailing of some who will decry the association of creativity with any type of magical mystery tour. Such a concept, to them, is unacceptable because it implies that creativity must have some sort of magical, incoherent or mystical aspect. Along with this comes the notion that the end result is either impossible, or crazy and therefore difficult to quantify.

Yet we all have access to our own personal mystery tours and how magical we make them is up to us. Where, you may well ask? Well recent studies show that the use of face book, far from being detrimental, may actually help lift your mood. Do you like looking at your old face book pictures? Just like the Beatles film, with the passage of time, things take on a different meaning. Old photos, postings and videos can, for example, comfort users who are stressed. This new assessment contrasts with previous research which said face book may be bad for you. The power is in your hands, as you can put the “magic and mystery” into things by using face book, and other social networking sites, to connect with your past self, when your present self needs reassurance. Who knows, you may end-up with a Beatles’ mind-set and gain a fresh confidence which spurs you on so you will recognise when it’s the right idea at the right time.

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 March- April 2013 was  Rahamathulla-JAS Middle East LLC who walked away with gift vouchers worth AED 200 from Carrefour, presented by Fida Asghar, Team Manager, NVOCC, CSS Dubai.

Chairman’s Message

A recent study reveals that we may solve other people’s problems easily, but at the same time find it somewhat difficult to determine our own.  It is therefore little wonder that sometimes we have a feeling that the human character is very strange. Everybody, to some degree, is interested in each other’s life. Or, to put it more precisely, everyone is eager about fine tuning other’s life and career. Taking advantage of these facts has meant that the last decade has seen an alarming increase in the number of motivational speakers and trainers in our society. Does anybody actually gain from such speaking discourses? It is probably not as much as some imagine, especially as I believe that nobody can realistically motivate another person. These speakers and trainers can only “inspire”, with their words and deeds. Motivation has to come from with-in, “self- motivation”. Those who get motivated from within can only succeed in life. They are driven by an indomitable spirit.
Such determination was obvious when our CSS team recently experienced wonderful opportunities to be inspirational. Various trade shows and CSS India’s invigorating budget meet, proved to be a springboard for stimulating ideas throughout an interesting season of interactions.
As business behaviours drastically change across the globe we need to equip ourselves for the challenges. What better way is there than to expand the results of the recent study, I mentioned at the start of this message, and instead of just focusing on other people’s problems, we put inspiration foremost in our minds, so we may inspire each other to motivate for success?

Intermodal South America

Intermodal South America Transport Exhibition is the leading exhibition and conference event for international trade, logistic, transport and cargo handling.
It displays over 450 exhibitors from all over the world, presenting new products, the latest equipments and technology innovation and a vast conference program, providing a unique opportunity and experience for more than 45,000 professionals.
This year the CSS delegation was headed by Siby Kurian, Senior General Manager Sales & Marketing along with Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager Ocean Freight and, Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.
Siby Kurian, Senior General Manager Sales & Marketing CSS Group said; “We met with several key contacts during the three-day event, which offered great opportunity to increase the potential between The Middle East and Brazil.”
“The profile of Intermodal South America is one of bringing together the key players in the segments of logistics, cargo transport and overseas trade to put the finishing touches to business or to embark on new deals,” said Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.
For the Director of CSS Abu Dhabi, Arjun Bose, Intermodal is the reference point for the main meetings of international companies. “Opportunities at such conferences are enormous as we meet the key movers in the market at these events,” he concluded.
The 19th edition of the event, at the Transamérica Expo Center, in São Paulo, brought together more than 600 companies representing 26 countries, in an area 23% larger compared to last year, and it attracted an audience of 48,500 attendees over three days, with cargo shippers a significant proportion of those attending.

CSS Projects, Oil & Energy

The Projects, Oil & Energy division of CSS Group recently handled a large shipment of steel structures, from Haiphong (Vietnam) to Abu Dhabi. The volume of cargo handled was 5100 cbm as it was from 2 suppliers. CSS Projects, Oil & Energy division chartered a vessel to carry the cargo from Haiphong to Abu Dhabi on behalf of their client. The entire loading operation onto the vessel was done in close coordination with the supplier and vessel owner. To ensure a smooth operation Raj George, Senior VP Projects, Oil & Energy said, “Being present during the loading of the vessel was truly remarkable because of its large volume; I was also able to ensure that all the requirements of the client were adhered to and that the entire operation went according to plan.”

CSS Homeward Bound Attends Inauguaral WCA Relocations Conference

The WCA Relocations is the newest and fastest growing specialty network within the WCA. The group was started in mid-2012 and has already grown to over 75 member offices in 50 countries and 62 cities worldwide. The aim of the group is to provide a platform for household goods and personal effects movers to meet, build business and efficiently find partners globally. With expert partners around the world just a click away, members of the group can deal with peace of mind knowing that each member is qualified.
The WCA relocations hosted its inaugural conference on March 6-7, 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The event began with a networking cocktail reception with over 100 delegates and attendants. Victor Gomez, General Manager for the network said: “I am delighted with the support the membership has given this new concept. We have lots of exciting plans and benefits soon to come and the progress we have made in six months is hugely encouraging.”
CSS Homeward Bound and CSS India participated in the inaugural WCA Relocations meeting and were able to meet other members and network with them.
It is always an advantage to be part of any inaugural networking meeting of an association and especially an association as big as the WCA. “The Conference was very well organized and the highlight was the perfection in which the one to one meetings were scheduled and how the participants made a point to be present on time and get to know each other and exchange information,” added Suku Sudhakaran, General Manager, CSS Homeward Bound.
“The Conference was productive for CSS Homeward Bound firstly because of the relationships that were built with many of the members and secondly we have already been able to exchange very interesting enquiries and business strategies”, he added.
With relocations on the rise and the high demand for a strong network of specialized movers, WCA Relocations is looking to innovate and create more value and benefits for all members. An example would be the new mobile application designed to attract more business from companies relocating employees by targeting their HR managers and offering them a unique way to identify items to be shipped.  It can also be used to directly contact members for quotations and onsite surveys. The application offers multiple features for relocations companies as well giving them a means to calculate dimensions, weight and take photos of items at the click of a button. This gives users a more efficient and professional means to complete a survey.

CSS Mumbai Shifts ITS Export CFS To Punjab Conware

In view of providing better service to their clients, CSS Mumbai has shifted its export CFS to a new location of Punjab Conware in Nhavasheva. This new warehouse will have state-of-the art facilities and modern amenities. All consolidation activities will be carried out in this new place which is a custom bonded warehouse with dedicated personnel to ensure the most professional service and smooth movement of shipments.

As per an official statement, the major reason for the shift was due to pilferage, short landings, delayed movement of containers & high extra costs. Previously CSS Mumbai was using CWC Dronagiri for their consolidation activities. This decision is seen as a welcoming change and will definitely enhance the whole process of their CFS activities.

The new address is:

Consol Shipping Services (I) Pvt Ltd
Punjab Conware CFS
Shed # 1, Plot No. 2, Sector 2
Taluka – Uran, District – Raigad
Navi Mumbai – 400 707

Contact

Datta Salvi
Tel : +91 22 27242841
H/P : +91 9920754201

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