nvadmin, Author at Lighthouse

A Grand Success

Following a highly successful third Breakbulk Asia event in Singapore Jan. 24-26, UBM Global Trade will inaugurate Breakbulk China in Shanghai in early 2012, bringing the largest event in the heavy-lift, project cargo and Breakbulk maritime sector to the world’s largest port city. CSS Group has secured its place at the inaugural Breakbulk China exhibition for 2012 to be held in Shanghai. Please look out on www.cssgroupsite.com for more details.

The recent Breakbulk Asia Conference and Exhibition in Singapore experienced record increases of 40 percent in attendance and 30 percent in exhibitors over the 2010 event. Breakbulk Asia 2011 addressed strategies for sustained growth as well as emerging market opportunities for the Breakbulk and project cargo shipping sectors. The exhibition was attended by CSS Group delegates and associates which consisted of T.S. Kaladharan -Chairman CSS Group, Raj George-Senior Vice President Ocean Freight, Ken Dinnadge– Vice President Business Development, Narayan Tagore-General Manager CSS Bahrain, Suku Sudhakaran-Asst. General Manager CSS Abu Dhabi, Dean Landers-General Manager CSS Kuwait, Oliver Hahn-Regional Manager IFS Doha/Muscat, Amith Horra-Marketing Manager CSS Group, and Chandrakala-Management Trainee Projects, Oil & Energy Division CSS Group.

“We are delighted with the success of Breakbulk Asia this year in terms of both exhibition and attendance,” said Gregory March-Asia event director, Breakbulk. “The extensive attendee list – including representatives from 53 countries including many attendees from key Asian Breakbulk markets Korea, Japan, China, Australia and Indonesia, reflects the marketing investment we continue to put into these key regions and our events globally.”

“This growth and our continued research in China now aligns us perfectly for our inaugural Breakbulk China event at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Feb. 28th to March 1st, 2012. Seventy percent of Breakbulk Asia exhibitors have already booked their participation and we look forward to welcoming many more to Breakbulk China 2012,” March said.

“Being part of the JOC/Breakbulk Exhibitions over the years has proven to be a success for the entire CSS Group. We are able to showcase our first class products and services to different regions globally while maintaining, nurturing and strengthening our business relationships with our clients, customers and business associates. We look forward to participate in the upcoming JOC/Break Bulk exhibition to be held in New Orleans, USA later this year” said T.S. Kaladharan.

In addition to an economic overview of Asian Breakbulk markets, Breakbulk Asia 2011 examined industry challenges of piracy, vessel choice, operating in locations having minimal infrastructure and common complications between the bidding process and contract implementation. International Breakbulk industry issues ranged from Australia’s quarantine regulations to the growth plans of India and the Port of Shanghai.

Roundtable discussions and keynote speakers included industry leaders such as:

Christopher Palsson-Director, Site Manager, Maritime Research and Consultancy, IHS Fairplay.

Yuan Jinghua-Deputy General Operations Manager, Shanghai International Port Group.

Karsten Von Hoesslin-Senior Analyst, MSS, Risk Intelligence.

Breakbulk Asia provides a forum for shippers to develop relationships with the leading carriers, forwarders, ports, terminals and packers that have the expertise and resources to handle oversized cargoes with unique handling requirements. This year, the conference held its first Education Day, a daylong course for industry newcomers addressing the unique aspects of the breakbulk and heavy-lift industry.

Breakbulk Asia is one of three annual Breakbulk and project cargo transportation conferences organized by the Breakbulk (www.breakbulk.com) division of UBM Global Trade. The company also produces the annual Breakbulk Europe Transportation Conference and Exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium, and the Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition, held alternately each year in Houston or New Orleans. For more information on these events, please visit www.breakbulk.com/events

About Breakbulk

The Breakbulk (www.breakbulk.com) division of UBM Global Trade has been the most trusted source of intelligence for the Breakbulk and project cargo industry since its first Breakbulk conference in 1989. The Breakbulk division includes the bimonthly Breakbulk Magazine, three annual conferences, access to all business news articles, indices, archives and more on Breakbulk.com and the weekly e-newsletter, Breakbulk Newswire. Authoritative editorial content in the forms of daily news and in-depth analysis ensure Breakbulk members have the data and information necessary to understand the issues facing the Breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo shipping sectors. For membership information visit www.breakbulk.com/membership

About UBM Global Trade

UBM Global Trade is the leading provider of proprietary data, news, business intelligence and analytical content supporting commercial maritime, rail, trucking, warehousing and logistics industries worldwide. The company’s portfolio of more than 100 online, print and interactive workflow business solutions includes The Journal of Commerce, Breakbulk, RailResource, PIERS and an array of international trade and transportation databases and directories. UBM Global Trade, a subsidiary of United Business Media Limited, is headquartered in Newark, NJ, with offices throughout the United States. For more information, explore www.ubmglobaltrade.com or call 800-223-0243 (+1-973-848-7250 outside the U.S. or Canada).

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers

Cargo On The Move From India To Dubai VIA CSS

CSS Group was recently appointed to secure a suitable vessel to load and ship a large shipment of 777 Caterpillar machines ex Mumbai to Jebel Ali (BREAKBULK) on behalf of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. Due to the cargo being time sensitive, the cargo was required in Jebel Ali for a major auction. It had to be completely dismantled, trucked from Hyderabad to Mumbai in order to meet a specialized CSS Chartered vessel at Mumbai port. This encompassed a considerable amount of preparation work to secure the right vessel tonnage, on behalf of our client, capable of being able to accommodate 777 Machines, which are some of Caterpillar’s largest dump trucks. Also CSS executed the complete coordination with the suppliers for the transportation across India as well as export documentation, the port, the police, the border crossings and then the actual vessel loading. This was done with the help of CSS India offices and coordinated the entire project out of head office in Dubai.

The vessel was sourced and secured through reputable brokers and all relevant subcontractors were pre approved by the CSS Group in order to ensure that physical transportation was handled and the actual vessel loading. The CSS Group Team right from the Chairman to the Senior Management oversaw all infinite details in each and every step in order for Ritchie Bros to focus on the auction aspects as opposed to the actual shipping aspect. This was done through the specialist CSS Project Division which is now rapidly becoming one among a few project forwarders who is specializing in the international movement of heavy machinery using their own regional offices combined with our international partners. In fact moving heavy machinery across the world is what CSS Group do well i.e. shipping new and used mining machinery, construction earth moving equipment, cranes, plant equipment/machines exploration and drilling equipment as well as agricultural machinery, every day of every week. Whether you are shipping a Caterpillar dozer, a Hitachi excavator, a Komatsu dump truck or a Tadano crane, the very experienced crew of projects department knows exactly what is required to transport your heavy equipment in the safest and most economical shipping configuration.

CSS Group maintains an extensive technical database with machinery specifications of nearly all major earthmoving, construction and mining plant and equipment. This means our customers don’t have the hassle of having to provide technical drawings or machinery spec’s whenever they are shipping machinery internationally. The operations crew of CSS boasts average industry experience exceeding 20 years per person. A third of the crew has more than 25 years experience, much of that time directly involved with shipping heavy equipment using scheduled RORO Services specialized break bulk and container vessels and dedicated charters for larger parcels.

Whether it’s CSS Group or one of the competitors, we strongly recommend using heavy lift specialists when moving your valuable heavy machinery and other challenging cargoes, internationally.

For any enquiries about shipping various types of equipment, construction machinery and all types o f earth moving machines, transporting drill rigs, relocating a drag line, decommissioning a mine, relocating a manufacturing plant, repositioning military equipment, importing farm machinery, exporting generators or simply moving very big things the crew at CSS Group will always consider it as pleasure and great opportunity to handle this with utmost care. CSS Group is your service provider in this sector Door to Door worldwide.

Please send in enquiries to infoprojects@cssdubai.com.

WELCOME ONBOARD – Kenneth A Dinnadge

Kenneth A. Dinnadge has been recruited and is now responsible for the CSS Groups’ Business Development aspirations in the MENA and Sub-continent region and the furthering of contacts with potential key CSS Clients. He is extremely familiar with the culture, people, and business practices of the United Arab Emirates and the surrounding areas, having lived and worked in the region for over 35 years.

Before joining the CSS Group, Dinnadge held a key Regional Manager Consultancy –Region Americas for Barwil Unitor Ship Service (now known as Wilhelmsen Ship Service), a leading maritime services provider, where he was responsible for the integration of the company’s portfolio, as well as strategic planning and sales management. Prior to this, Dinnadge was the Business Manager for Gulf Agency Company L.L.C. Dubai Ltd., a provider of global shipping, logistics and marine services, where he used his extensive network of local and global contacts to enhance his company’s business. He has also served as a Sales Executive and then Senior Sales Manager for the Dubai Ports Authority, now known as Dubai World, where he developed global sales network and assisted in taking DPA to a top ten-ranked port in the word.

In 2006, he also helped to establish Global Strategic Alliance Inc Canada while assisting Canada Export Centre. (GSA) which was designed to build an international network of entrepreneurs and individuals to promote trade between Canada, Brazil and the Middle East region. The GSA Inc. network has been instrumental in introducing a number of products and technologies to new regions as well as promoting and procuring investment for high-end development projects.

Dinnadge is an Alumni Member of the INSEAD Business School, Fontainbleu, France and holds an Honors Degree in Business Administration from Ashford University. He is married and has four children and speaks Urdu, Arabic, and French.

Ken was recruited by CSS, as he is an astute Business Manager with a wealth of experience in international shipping, freight, and logistics as well as Business management. Ken Dinnadge has a proven track record and demonstrated a first class record of change management, business development, and sales achievement. His strategic focus, commercial ability and people management skills make him a key force in driving the business forward.

Selected Recent Achievements

Secured difficult ships agency and logistics contracts by bidding for, winning and managing many principals and clients interests. An example of this was Ken’s involvement and management of a major contract for the US Government, shipping large quantities (GM) police vehicles for the US Iraqi reconstruction program. Client satisfaction was achieved despite a difficult working environment.

He managed a top performing division throughout GAC Group in 2005, achieving excellent results – above and beyond the industry norm. Productivity was high: an average of 60-in/out going vessels per month were handled with a staff of 55. He also developed Dry Cargo’s annual net profits more than tenfold over a ten-year period making him a leading well known figure in the UAE and global shipping and logistics community, winning a number of awards as well as being recognized by various international organizations as well as trade publications.

Client retention 100%; staff numbers reduced. Brought about many changes and developments, e.g.: Widened services offered and reduced dependency on market trends by opening up new trade routes. Provided planning benchmark for the Group by initiating Unit strategic business plan. Reduced staff turnover by setting up and administering comprehensive HR policies and training policies.

Secured increased business in all targeted areas – e.g. with companies such as Chevron, Petronas, NITC, IRSIL, Rickmers, Sal, Thorensen, Western Bulk and Alltrans, Ritchie Brothers, WWA CAT Finnings and NYK – by initiating strategic planning implementing and managing his ‘Vision X Global Reach program me’.

CSS Group recruited Ken due to his Key Strengths and reputation; He is professional, driven by results, self-motivated and able to work independently. Proactive, creative problem solver, quick and decisive, he is also known as an articulate and persuasive delegator who coaches and will no doubt inspire the entire CSS Group team.

CSS Group is attracting top professionals with a proven track record within the global freight forward and logistics fraternity, which is adding additional value to the already well, established and recognized CSS Group.

CSS Group wishes Ken Dinnadge-VP Business Development long-term success in his current endeavors.

Sailing Starts

Perfect Start Info the New Year For CSS And Peters & May

With the alliance with Peters & May, CSS had created a new business opportunity in the Yacht and Marine Logistics sector which has been highly beneficial. In the beginning of this year the CSS Group was assigned the responsibility of full door to door service of a Luxury Tecnomar Nadara 24 Yacht from Genoa, Italy to Jebel Ali. The yacht weighing almost 70 Tonnes and 25 meters in length was imported by the local Tecnomar dealer. CSS was appointed to coordinate the delivery from the factory up to Genoa, export clearance, supervision of the loading and providing a cradle for the yacht and ship it to Jebel Ali. A team of three loadmasters was appointed by Peters & May/ CSS and worked hard under the supervision of Rouben Brosen, General Manger of Yacht & Marine Logistics who made sure that the boat was delivered to the customer’s hands in a perfect condition. Apart from that Peters & May and CSS were involved in the export of several tender boats and containers for BMW Oracle and Emirates Team New Zealand on their appearance in 2010 AC Louis Vuitton Cup held in Dubai. During the month of January, Peters & May and CSS have handled the shipment and clearance of more than 12 yachts and boats are looking forward to an exponential increase in the volume of business due to the upcoming boat shows in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The new Moody 45 Sailing Yacht that arrived straight out of the Hanse Factory in Germany, was shipped, cleared and delivered as an all in one package for the local customer, thanks to the combined effort of Peters & May Germany and Peters & May Middle East/CSS Group.

For further information in reference to shipping your boat or spare parts please contact:
petersandmay@cssdubai.com.

WELCOME ONBOARD

U.B Prince joined the organization in 1996 and was with Consolidated Logistics Centre, Jebel Ali as the V.P Operations till 2007. When CSS Group started its new venture, Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd, India as a BPO, which provides services for Freight Forwarding and Logistic Solutions it was U.B Prince’s name which stood as a true leader for this division. His domain expertise and versatility in handling critical provinces had given confidence to the Senior Management to designate him as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Twin Info Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Now he is back to take up the role of V.P NVOCC Operations in addition to COO and is relocated to Consolidated Shipping Logistics Centre, Jebel Ali. On behalf of the Chairman, Senior Management and the employees we wish him all the best.

International Boat Show

The Dubai International Boat Show is the largest, most important and most established event of its kind in the region and one of the fastest growing leisure marine industry exhibitions in the world. The 19th edition of the event will be a classic showcase of yachts, supercars, equipment and supplies from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine industry.

The Dubai International Boat Show is the undisputed leader, uniting high-end buyers and world-class suppliers from the most lucrative regions in the world. With a rich history and a proven track record spanning 19 years it is the most anticipated event in the yachting calendar. With Its ‘Established, Trusted, Chosen,’ brand recognition the event epitomizes the ultimate style in boating luxury whilst providing unparalleled access to the Middle East’s investors and marine enthusiasts. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, the multi-award winning event is among the top five leading international boat shows in the world.

Dubai International Boat Show maintains its exclusive position providing a platform for the exhibitors to showcase their products, supplies and services to trade buyers as well as private high net worth consumers in the Middle East region.

CSS Group and Peters & May have taken this opportunity to showcase its worldwide strengths in Yacht & Marine Logistics whereby as an exhibitor the Dubai International Boat Show will serve as a platform for them to meet their customers as well as generate new business for local and international markets.

QUICK FACTS

Reasons to exhibit at the Dubai International Boat Show 2011

Recognized as one of the TOP 5 International Boat Shows in the world

Tap into the regions expanding leisure marine market with access to over 30,000 marine enthusiasts

One of few International boat shows than can boast onsite orders and sales

Be part of the largest and most influential leisure marine and lifestyle event in the Middle East and subcontinent

Get direct access to the regions most lucrative VIP buyers and high net worth individuals

VENUE

Established in 1988, the Dubai International Marine Club is one of the most elegant yacht clubs in the region. Over the years it has become the driving force behind the growth of national and international watersport events in the Middle East. Ideally located on Dubai’s enchanting waterfront, next to the Le Meridien Mina Seyahi and The Palm Jumeirah, DIMC is the perfect venue for the Dubai International Boat Show.

TIMINGS

The Dubai International Boat Show
1 – 5 March 2011
4.00 pm – 9.30 pm Daily
Dubai International Marine Club – Mina Seyahi
Please visit CSS Group and Peters and May at Stand Number: LSS-D6-1 in the Luxury Tent area.
For more information about CSS Group please log on to: www.cssgroupsite.com
For more information about Peters and May please log on to: www.petersandmay.com

Reels On A Roll

CSS Abu Dhabi was contracted by VMGL to arrange the land transport & load out onto cargo barge GAC 82 / WB255 a total of 15 units Flexible Cable Reels with 9.2 m OD & weighing a total of 2240 tons for end user ARAMCO. The operation started on 28th January 2011 Saturday by moving 7 reels from lay down area to ESNAAD Jetty on parallel to the setup of the 500 tons crawler crane. The loading onto barge started parallely to the shifting of 5 more reels the next day and by January 30th 2011 and the remaining 3 reels has been shifted on the parallel of loading the delivered reels onto barge. The Project Division of Consolidated Shipping Services, Abu Dhabi had planned well in advance to move 10 out of the 15 reels from the lay down area in Mussafah to the loading yard in ESNAAD the prior evening so that the loading will start early morning. The reels were moved from the lay down area using the SPMT – Self Propelled Modular Transporter to the ESNAAD jetty. The loading took place in a special fashion by loading the reels on each corner of the barge to meet the stowage plan. In order to ensure faster operation the entire crew was split into several teams like Loading, Lashing and Transporting who were performing the tasks in parallel to ensure the continuous flow of operation. This entire project was headed by Asst. General Manager, Suku Sudhakaran and Branch Manager – Ahmad Fuad with the help of Transport Coordinator, Prajeesh Sivaprasad and Sales Executive Kaveen Amarsinghe who has been closely coordinating with the customer transporter and the ESNAAD officials to ensure the smooth operation. On behalf of CSS we also thank ESNAAD employees and management for their whole hearted support and cooperation during the operation which made it easier to meet maximum customer satisfaction and maintain the level of service CSS offers.

Emerging “QUEEN” Prospective Days Ahead for CSS Cochin

Cochin, regarded as one of the fastest growing cities in India, had witnessed a steadfast growth during the last 7 to 8 years. Patronized evenly by the spread out Kerala business community around the globe, Cochin has made a remarkable growth enviable to the other major cities in India. The recently commissioned International Marina and the Vallarpadam container terminal add flavour to the booming economy of this region. Console shipping services India Pvt. Ltd at Cochin with a well established and experienced team has been able to benefit all these positive vibes for their growth.

CSS Cochin has sizable amount of exports to Russia, Europe, US and the Middle East, while the import has shown its strength from regions like China, Malaysia & Dubai. Cochin port traffic touched 17.43 million tones during the year 2009-10 registering an increase of 12.5 % compared to previous year. The container throughput for the year stood at 2.89 lakhs TEUs. Latha Asokan, Branch Manager of CSS Cochin states that the growth rate will increase in the coming years, despite of the ongoing recession.

The recently signed agreement between the Tecom Investments, a subsidiary of the Dubai Holdings and the Government of Kerala for developing the Smart city project has already catapulted the real estate business. The business entry points like the airport and the sea port are increasing their development pace to meet up with the growing demands of the market. As per Latha, all these factors could eventually give a facelift to the entire economy.

Now the major products handled here are food stuff, spices, coir, rubber and plastic household items which will be soon be replaced by construction materials, heavy equipments, machineries and other allied products. Kochi has emerged as the commercial and industrial

CSS UK Partner – The Spatial Group Wins BIFA 2010 Special Services Award

The Spatial Group, an associate partner of CSS Group in UK wins BIFA 2010 special services award. Based in Castle Donington, Derby, the Spatial Group was delighted to receive the Winner’s trophy at the British International Freight Association lunch held in London on the 20th January 2011. In a message the CSS Group Chairman T. S. Kaladharan congratulated the Spatial Group for this prestigious achievement.

Now in its 22nd year, this well-established event is recognised as one of the most prestigious in the industry. The competition encourages and rewards high standards of professionalism, representing the ultimate recognition of special achievements in different sectors of the industry.

For over 30 years, Spatial has demonstrated quality and commitment to the industry and are proud to be members of BIFA and are thrilled to receive the industry recognition for their business and the hard work put in by their team.

“We are hugely proud to win this award” says Wendy Hain – Managing Director of The Spatial Group. “We know from client feedback that our service is a winner and it is extremely gratifying to have this recognised publicly”.

Spatial Group is associated with the CSS Group for developing the trade lane between the Gulf and the UK. The strong presence of CSS Group in the Middle Eastern region was the key factor which brought the two groups together.

Over their 30 year history, The Spatial Group have developed logistics solutions across many business sectors and geographical areas and now offer clients solutions which encompass freight, export documentation, warehousing, international mail & fulfilment, pick & pack, and courier.

In an extremely competitive marketplace, Spatial pride themselves on their customer relationships and product development. “In understanding the individual needs of our clients we are able to offer efficient and cost effective supply chain solutions encompassing all of their personal and specific needs; creating a partnership which has structured plans for growth and business development” says Wendy Hain.

Lucky winner

With our continuous view to uphold the freight-forwarding/logistics fraternity, CSS’ Thank-you incentive scheme towards our fellow-forwarders and customers, conceived two years back, wherein one lucky name out of the scores of business cards that were dropped into the bowls that are placed at the D/O counter at the Corporate Office and CSLC-1, was to be picked up and rewarded with a gift, has been nothing short of successful.

The winner picked out and rewarded for the months of January-February 2011 was Radhakrishnan Nair from E-movers, Dubai, UAE who walked away with Gift Cards worth 200 AED from Carrefour, presented by Deepu S Dev, Marketing Coordinator, CSS Dubai.

Green IT Burden or Opportunity ?

IT has fundamentally altered our work and life and improved our productivity, economy, and social well-being. An increased awareness of the harmful effects of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, new stringent environmental legislation, concerns about electronic waste disposal practices, and corporate image concerns are pushing businesses and individuals to Go Green. Going forward, IT now has a new role to play—helping to create a greener, more sustainable environment while offering economic benefits. Green IT is the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, and using computers, servers, monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems efficiently and effectively with minimal impact on the environment. Green IT is also about the application of IT to create energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable business processes and practices. IT can support, assist, and leverage other environmental initiatives and help in creating green awareness. IT contributes to only about 2 to 3 percent of GHG emissions. The vast majority of emissions come from non-IT sources. So, broader applications of IT in other areas of the economy could bring significant energy savings and improve overall environmental sustainability.

Green IT will be a top priority for several years to come, as it is both an economic and environmental imperative. Several case studies on greening efforts reveal that businesses that reduce their environmental (carbon) footprint can also reduce costs and improve their public image. IT professionals, CIOs, and IT support staff are thus being called upon to deliver environmentally sustainable IT solutions. Even simple steps that one individual or organization take can make a huge difference when leveraged across the vast number of individuals and organizations across the world.

Green IT and Impacts on Value Chain: Green initiatives provide opportunities for return on investment, according to experts the business intelligence can help achieve sustainability and protect the environment by various methods:

To achieve the common goal of right product, right location, right time, manufacturers and retailers need to understand consumer demand and preferences in a given region. Business Intelligence through IT provides manufacturers with the capability to analyse vast amounts of information gathered from shipment data, retailers’ point of sale data and syndicated sources, to optimise operations. Using the right quantity of raw materials, labour, equipment and energy will reduce waste and eliminate the need to store items for long periods. Reducing energy consumption means lower costs and smaller carbon footprint, and in turn, a portion of these cost savings will pass down the value chain, increasing value to retailers and consumers.

Distribution centres receive goods in breakbulk from hundreds of manufacturers around the world. Warehouses break bulk and ship the right consolidated quantities to stores. Certain best practices within the hub and spoke distribution system can significantly cut lead times and transportation costs while reducing carbon footprint through lower fuel consumption. For example, cross-docking enables retailers to optimise redistribution of goods received from manufacturers to stores by packing, labelling and shipping products in a manner that shipments can be easily sorted and consolidated at the distribution centre for forwarding to stores. Inventory management is perhaps the most important step where Business Intelligence can improve efficiency. Excess inventory leads to waste (especially in the case of perishable products), affecting both the environment and margins. Most progressive retailers have implemented IT inventory systems similar to the installation of RFID to keep track of what is on the shelf, and advanced replenishment systems to forecast demand and generate orders based on past trends and current factors. Accurate inventory visibility in store is a key input for upstream operations such as manufacturing and distribution, to reduce waste, cost and carbon footprint.

However, there’s a disparity in the level of green IT understanding across companies, professionals, students, and users. Many don’t know how or where to begin or are unwilling to implement Green IT. Although green initiatives are catching the attention of the corporate world, some professionals, executives, and departments feel excessively burdened with the Green Philosophy. However, upon closer examination, they’ll find that going green is a sound strategy.

Break Bulk Americas

Transportation Conference & Exhibition

October 25-27, 2011
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA, USA

The Breakbulk Exhibitions and Conference has been strategically positioned worldwide and is recognized as a premier Heavy Lift Exhibition. After its inaugural appearance at the 2010 Breakbulk Americas Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Texas USA, CSS Group has secured its place for the 2011 Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference and Exhibition to be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA, USA from October 25-27. Please visit us at Booth No. 845 and lookout for more details on www.cssgroupsite.com

World Ports & Trade Submmit

A brand new event in association with the ADPC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company), the World Ports & Trade Summit is being launched in Abu Dhabi from 28th – 30th of March to deliver an unprecedented exchange of information on the future of ports and shipping and will present some of the most ambitious projects ever attempted. This event is organized by Turret Seatrade Events and is accomplished under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi & Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. This international exhibition will provide leading companies the opportunity to showcase services and solutions to key purchasers in the region. Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development will be participating in this summit to ensure that Consolidated Shipping Services and its products and services will be presented so as to generate new business opportunities globally.

http://www.worldportsandtrade.com/

Projects Skidding

During the first week of January 2011 the Projects, Oil and Energy Division of Consolidated Shipping Services successfully handled the import – clearance and delivery of 5 transformers each one weighing 100 Tons to Fujairah – RIFFA / MASAFI / GURFA substation sites. The shipment from Hamburg arrived at Jebel Ali port as two separate shipments and CSS was responsible for directly arranging the clearance and delivery including installation of these units onto the plinths. Since this was a delicate process a survey was conducted by CSS prior to the shipment arrival to assess the site conditions. The access roads were not favoring transport of such heavy pieces due to the mountainous nature at the site locations. The access roads to the sites were transformed to ensure safe transport of the over dimensional heavy transformers. The shipments were transported on Multi Axle Hydraulic trailers to the respective site and to install onto the final foundation by means of jacking & skidding method. In order to ensure this was carried out smoothly a detailed method statement was submitted for the client’s approval including suggestions to make the site conditions favorable for such a transport. CSS staff were coordinating closely with the client at every point of the projects cycle in order to ensure site access roads and facilities were done properly while closely coordinating with the vessel agents, heavylift operator and customer to ensure smooth operation. All the transformers were delivered & installed on site as per schedule while ensuring maximum client satisfaction.

KESEFolsavam 2011

On January 21st 2011 at the Indian association hall, Kasaragod Expatriates’ Socio-Economic Forum celebrated their annual family function. KESEF is a secular organization of expatriates of Kasaragod district residing in the UAE. Established in the year 2002 they have been continuously endeavoring in the various Social, Educational and Humanitarians activities. They have been continuously striving to serve for noble causes such as educational scholarships, financial support for medical treatment, facilitating opportunities in social, cultural and sports avenues especially for children.

The cultural event had drawn a great attention where there were Music and Dance performances from the members of the associations as well as a few guests from the South Indian Television industry. N.A Haris, MLA, Karnataka, Sudhir Kumar Shetty, CEO – UAE Exchange were the renowned guests for the evening. Since its inception CSS Group has been encouraging various Corporate Social Responsibility activities and is proud to be a sponsor for the Kasaragod Expatriates’ Socio-Economic Forum.

Chairman’s Message

There is a saying that when times are hard true friends recognise each other. During turbulent times of recession our friends have supported CSS making 2010 a wonderful year for our group. I would like to express my thanks to everyone in the knowledge that we have equally endeavoured to recognise and service your needs and hopefully exceeded your expectations. The relentless effort and enthusiasm shown by all our employees for achieving the goals, which help both you and CSS prosper, is to be applauded. I extend my thanks and congratulations to all the CSS team.

I believe that 2011 will bring a new optimism and a more amenable climate for the industry as a whole. Within CSS we need to ensure that our clients and associates are welcomed into a cordial and responsive atmosphere. By being more effective and enhancing our key internal strengths, I am confident my vision of opportunity and optimism will be achieved.

Over the past years we have been successful in honouring our commitments and gaining respect for the CSS family, amongst the shipping and logistics community. We have also not been complacent in our desires to support our corporate social responsibilities. May good fortune be with us so we may expand our efforts on behalf of the needy and deserving in society.

As we enter 2011, at CSS we recognise that by continually seeking to discover and refresh our ideas, we are proactive in focusing our efforts to achieve success. Enriched by this and similar experiences we will continue to demonstrate that, not only by words but also by our actions and services, we will enter 2011 with a spirit of great optimism.

I convey my sincere thanks and best wishes to you for New Year 2011.

Lighthouse FOCUS

It is probably always true that when you see an idea grow into success you feel a happy sense of achievement. It is this feeling which should encourage us all to keep trying and developing. “Lighthouse” began as a normal newsletter which became well patronised by our readers. The result is that it has become a prominent bi-monthly magazine in the “Shipping and Logistics” industry. To build on this success, I would like to introduce, as a New Year gift, another novel initiative “Lighthouse FOCUS”. The main aim of “Focus” will be to give in-depth coverage to every C.S.S. department and division. “Focus” will zoom into all departments and divisions highlighting their activities and events. I am confident that this new opportunity to know us better will be well accepted by all our readers and well wishers making this a grand success.

Dubai Global Village

The Air Freight Division of CSS Group has been appointed the exclusive agents to handle all the fresh fruits from Thailand that will be retailed at the highly successful Thai Pavilion at the Global Village.

Global Village is Dubai’s most popular outdoor cultural entertainment and shopping venue, welcoming millions of guests over the last 13 years. With over 39 countries participating in the various cultural shows and pavilions on display, its a shopaholics delight with over 4.2 million visitors passing through its gates over a period of 3 months.

Jacob Isaac, General Manager, Air Freight Division, CSS Group commented “The CSS Air Freight team based at CSS Dubai Cargo Village, have a mix of expertise and are geared to handle any specific or special need at any time to ensure our clients needs and time frame are met. The cargo for the Thai Pavilion was an interesting challenge, which was completed successfully during the given time frames.”

CSS Group will handle over 125 tons of fresh fruits during the months of November to February 2011. Due to the perishable nature of the fruits, the cargo handler must be able to immediately process the documents required through various authorities during a short period of time, and offer clearance and refrigerated transport to the site at Global Village.

Saijai Waiyakruttha, Manager, Thailand Pavilions stated “We are extremely pleased with the service so far received from the CSS Group staff. They are always available to help us when necessary even on weekends, which are a peak time for us here at the Global Village. We would like to thank each and every member of the CSS Group Air Freight team for their assistance and we look forward to working with them for more projects.”