CSS GROUP SOUTH INDIA FOCUS

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd Tirupur and Tuticorin have successfully completed its 5th year of operations in October 2009. Hearty congratulations to the dedicated team who drive these offices forward. It is always encouraging to see success coming not by fortune, but by effort, and CSS’ South India operations are an obvious example for that.

CSS, today with its array of offices in the peninsular India has shown its prowess and might to become one of the fastest growing NVOs in the region. South India has always been contributing generously to the cause and growth of Logistics industry with its major ports of Chennai & Tuticorin. Confusions regarding the administrative domains are also quite often due to the overlapping geographical boundaries of states and due to the lack of hinder land in this region. Console Shipping, who entered the Indian market of shipping and logistics through Tirupur, popularly known as the cotton city of India, soon accelerated it’s momentum of growth by establishing its strong presence in Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Chennai, the gate way port to the South.

The facilities and the infrastructural advantages in the two major ports have attributed the Containerised cargo movement growth of Console Shipping to multi fold. Chennai port works 24X7 with many user friendly characteristics attached to its activities. Situated at the Coromandel Coast, this port connects South India to all the major ports of the world. The Port serves the geographical regions of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, South Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and has now emerged as hub on the east coast of India. Major commodities being handled at the Port are Containers, Automobiles Exports, Iron Ore, Coal, Fertilizers and general cargo items. CSS Tirupur and Tuticorin offices, with its most efficient and enthusiastic team is exploring the advantages of the infrastructural facilities offered by their port and the market. They enjoy round the clock operations of the port and moreover the last minute loading for time sensitive commodities like garments are possible here.

From handling a meagre volume of cargo in the early years, consisting chiefly of imports of oil and motors and the export of groundnuts, granite and ores, the port is moved towards handling 57.15 million tonnes surpassing the Ministry’s target of 55.86 million tonnes of cargo this year. Undoubtedly, the port of Chennai has contributed a lot in the developmental process of Tamil Nadu particularly and South India as a whole.

Recession blockades are a major hindrance to the industry as a whole, but the CSS Team in South India headed by Eugene in Chennai & Sunil in Tirupur are optimistic about the resurgence of the scenario, of which traces are being noticed. The sales team is being strengthened to tap the hinterland markets of Coimbatore, Karur, Bangalore and other parts of the South, where ever attention is needed. Console Shipping is already present in Coimbatore and Bangalore to service its clients. The presence of the group in North India and the Middle East is a supportive factor to its South India operations.

Services Offered:

  • LCL Consolidation & FCL
  • Ocean Freight
  • Sea-Air/ Sea- Land Transportation
  • Buyer’s Consolidation
  • Air Freight
  • Customs Clearance
  • Projects Handling
  • Warehousing
  • Supply Chain Management & Logistics

CSS Sales Strategy Meet 2010

CSS Group will be conducting its Annual Sales Strategy Meet 2010 in Colombo, Sri Lanka from the 19th until 21st November, 2009.

During this meet the annual budget and accomplishments will be reviewed by Senior Management followed by a sales forecast along with outlining strategies and goals for 2010.

Like every year there is a theme associated to this event and the theme picked for this year is ‘Focus On The Future’. The ability to foresee, anticipate and organize for future potential represents one of the most outstanding traits of individuals. CSS is all geared up to take this event as an opportunity to highlight achievements and formulate vital strategies to attain significant growth in the coming year.

Project Management

The constant research and development from the IT department of CSS has brought in constant updates in its in-house software FINS. The latest of which is the new project management module under its freight forwarding application with countless capabilities such as contact management, packing list, quotation management, resource allocation and management, bookings managements, projects job management and project related finance details.

The purpose of this module is to provide sufficient information related to a project to the customers which in-turn could help amalgamate many individual operational modules under one roof. Project managers and Financial managers will get sufficient insight about the project operations and the distributed jobs done under each project. Further more, this module has the capability to manage project initiation till closing of a project.

Main Features

  1. Integrated project management module
  2. Project initiation and planning management activities can be recorded
  3. Project contact management or stakeholder management
  4. Project packing list management and item management
  5. Quotation management
  6. Project scope management
  7. Project resource management
  8. Project cost management

Main reports

  1. Total number of project jobs
  2. Total number of completed project jobs
  3. Total number of incomplete project jobs
  4. Total number of yet to start project jobs
  5. Total number of jobs in each project jobs and its type wise classification.
  6. Industry specific project details on the above 1,2,3,4 options
  7. Project cost details (Expense)
  8. Project sale details (Income)
  9. Each phase cost details and operation details
  10. Each resource cost details and operation details
  11. Personnel involved in the project execution
  12. Various project quality assurance reports
  13. Total Weight, Volume, Packings of each project jobs
  14. Total containers involved in the project job
  15. Various shipping lines involved in the project jobs
  16. Project/Phase budget and actual comparison report

BreakBulk Announcement

CSS Group will be participating in the 2nd Annual Breakbulk Asia Transportation Conference & Exhibition to be held in Singapore on 26th & 27th, January 2010. The event aims to serve as a vital forum where the BreakBulk industry’s issues will be expressed and potential solutions will be determined. It is forecasted to attract over 150 exhibitors from around the world and over 3000 trade visitors.

Stars in Dubai

Pakistan Hockey
Recently, UAE witnessed top Pakistani Hockey players like Rehan Butt and Salman Akbar battle it out in an exhibition match that was held in Dubai at the IAT Hockey ground in Al Ghusais. Consolidated Shipping Services was the official sponsor of the event that brought together veteran hockey player Jaffer Hussain and Qadeer Hussain (also an organizer) for an exciting evening that delighted all the hockey lovers in the UAE.

The exhibition match was officiated by top notch Umpires: Abid Naqvi and Lukas. As the game set in motion Salman Akbar (the International Pakistan goalie) made many excellent saves to deny Rehan Butt of any lead in the 1st half. But tables turned during the second half when veteran world cup star player of Pakistan Jaffar Hussain along with Rehan Butt planned some really exceptional moves to score on Salman Akbar. All the leading Pakistani National players, ex players, organizers and hockey spectators were present to view this extravaganza and were grateful to the visiting players and organizers for giving them the opportunity to meet their favorite stars.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

One attribute which assures success is the ability to identify and respond to opportunities. What some people see as difficulties, others view as chances for progress. As this difference is more pronounced when one is tackling the tides of recession, it is uplifting to be able to applaud the advantageous circumstances which India provides. The diversities within India are so vast that to pinpoint just two cities- Delhi, which has the biggest commercial center and Mumbai, which is now regarded as India’s commercial capital is just an understatement in terms of emphasising our potential. A current economic report forecasts that Indian companies are set to invest Rs 10.5 trillion in the next three years. CSS needs to be at the forefront of any countries economic growth so it was no coincidence that our Budget Meet 2009 -10 was held a few months ago in Kerala, southern India.
CSS India now has a presence in 12 major Indian cities. It is our forward strategising which ensures that we are well placed to participate in the opportunities ahead. It gives me a sense of pride to acknowledge that the development of CSS India is sailing forward and promises to deliver remarkable growth because of our dedicated, progressive and dynamic team. CSS India is set to become the number one player in the areas where it operates, bucking any adverse economic trends. I feel extremely proud to focus attention on their achievements as they highlight the exciting times ahead for all of us.

T S Kaladharan

Focusing North India

Strategy adopted for the business augmentation

Extensive market analysis was done and the most prospective clientele was filtered out. All efforts were given in grabbing the business out of the fierce competition. Thrust was given in the line of imports, since the profit margin is higher in this segment. That doesn’t mean that we were not giving importance to exports. Yet another strategy was to target the direct consignee which in turn helped us a lot to increase our revenue part. Our agents’ world wide supported us a lot with providing the most competitive import buying rates, which enabled us to penetrate the market in an effective manner. Another important factor was the volume of nomination support from the overseas agents. The confidence in our team was wonderful, which in no case can be ignored despite of all down turns happened around generally.

About the new office in Ludhiana

Ludhiana is one of the most sought after markets for the African Sub continent. The decision to start an office in Ludhiana can only been seen as a wise judgment from CSS Group’s Senior Management. The major trade from this part of the country includes machinery, hand tools, cycle parts, tyre & tubes. Considerable amount of sports goods and hosiery are also traded here. Ludhiana lies close to the excise free zones of Kaleamb & Baddi which are going to be the export hubs in the near future. This region is also a potential market for LCL export as well.

The freight movement prospects in North India

The prospects in this region are bright. Delhi takes the 2nd position after Nhava Sheva in terms of total volume of both imports and exports. North India is a multi-product market and it has got a lot to offer to the freight forwarding fraternity. The ICD and the CFS- Delhi now act as the focal point for the entire North India operations. All major MNC’s and Corporates do have their presence in Delhi or in the suburban areas. The major exports and prospects are towards the US, Europe, Gulf region, China and the South East Asian countries whilst imports are from US, Europe, Mediterranean and China. Moreover Delhi is the capital city and lot of decision making happens here in the administration level.

Network strengths

CSS Group takes pride to have an effective agency network globally. This gives momentum to our operations from both North and South. We have confidence in our agents and vice versa. Constant networking sessions do happen inside and outside the country through agency visits and trade fairs. This keeps the relationships lively and meaningful.
Agenda to tackle recession

Recession as such has not affected much in the Indian scenario. The scientific studies are also showing positive signs in the Indian shipping and logistics industry. We have adopted certain procedures to constantly monitor the growth graph. The reporting structure is defined in such a way that we are able to point out the flaws happening, if any the moment it happens during the entire process flow and to effectively rectify it. We update ourselves with constant market research and surveys. On the other hand, we have a brilliant team of professionals to penetrate the existing market and to find new markets to pursue in this region.

CSS Started functioning from Ludhiana

Console Shipping Services India Pvt Ltd. has started operations from its new office in Ludhiana from 15th July  09. This is CSS India’s 12th Office. Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd. established in 2004 with its operations from Tirupur, Tuticorin, and Coimbatore, further expanded its horizons in 2007.  In an industry with ever increasing demands Console Shipping Services India has proved itself to deliver the best to its clients around the globe.  Today, regarded as one of the leading players in the  industry Console Shipping Services operates from all major gateway ports and commercial hubs of India.
Ludhiana Office Address is as below:
Console Shipping Services India Pvt Ltd
155, Venus Street No – 9
Opp. Urban Estate Nursery
Jeevan Nagar, Focal Point
Ludhiana – 141010
Tele Fax : +91 161 5016004 / 5 / 6

Aman Parhawk – Branch Manager
Mobile: +91 9317803031
Email: aman@cssindiagroup.com

CSS Kolkata moves to a new office

Console Shipping Services Kolkata has started functioning form its new office from the 01st of August 2009. All trade partners are requested to take note of the change in Address.

The new office address is as below:

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd,
36A , 1st Floor, Bharatiya Bhasha Parisad Building
Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700 017
Phone No : +91 33 40648300 – 29, Fax No : +91 33 22900104
Email: mailkolkata@cssindiagroup.com

Breakbulk Announcement

CSS Group will be participating in the 2nd Annual Breakbulk Asia Transportation Conference & Exhibition to be held in Singapore on the 26th & 27th of January 2010. The event is forecasted to attract over 150 exhibitors from around the world and over 3000 trade visitors.

CSS India becomes FMC Registered

CSS India becomes FMC Registered which gives an added impetus to activities in shipping and logistics for the company. The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of ocean borne transportation in the foreign commerce of the U.S. CSS India operates from 12 cities in India which includes 5 gateway ports of the country.

CSS Middle East Budget Review Meet

CSS Middle East delegates met at Devas Farm House, Thrikkunnappuzha, Alleppy on the 09th and 10th of August for the half yearly review meeting. Sales figures achieved were analysed and new possibilities were discussed during the two day session. The meeting was attended by T S Kaladharan (Chairman), Anil Kumar (Director- Finance), Raj George (Senior VP- Ocean freight), Ahmed Al Rais (Senior VP- Air freight), Rakesh Menon (Senior General Manager- Sales & Marketing), Siby Kurian (Dy. General Manager- Sales & Marketing), Sreenath V (General Manager- Projects, Oil & Energy), Narayan R.T (General Manager- CSS Bahrain), Suku Sudhakaran (Asst General Manager- CSS Abu Dhabi), Radhakrishnan ‘Babu’ (Senior Manager- Air freight) Qais Abdulla (Branch Manager- CSS Logistics), Amith Horra (Marketing Manager) & Unnikrishnan G (Head- Corporate Communications)

Fostering Strong Relationships

CSS works closely with a host of affiliates and agents who are leaders and experts in the region they operate. Some of CSS Group’s top agents include Shipco, FPS Group, SAGA, Leschaco, IFS, Trans glory etc.
CSS has always believed in maintaining healthy relationships with its agent’s world wide, while creating a healthy professional environment to nurture business relations that promise mutual growth.
In the direction to strengthen relations with its esteemed agents Paul D’ Souza (Sr. VP Sales & Marketing) along with Siby Kurian (Dy. GM Sales & Marketing) recently organized a business trip to Hong Kong and China. The main highlight of the meet was to examine growth and collaboration opportunities in the region as there are strong prospects that China’s rapid economic growth and trade expansion could be sustained well into the future that could bring prosperity to the Middle East market.
According to Siby Kurian this business meet was a perfect platform for CSS Group to network and analyze business prospects that can be taken advantage of in the coming years.

CSS Abu Dhabi – Rising on a new Horizon

CSS Group’s Abu Dhabi office has started functioning from its new premises following a soft launch. The soft launch was a close knit affair where prominent CSS staff attended the ceremony. The function commenced by a formal inauguration and candle lighting by Suku Sudhakaran (Asst. General Manager – CSS Abu Dhabi), Anil Kumar (Director – Finance), Paul D’Souza (Sr. VP – Sales & Marketing), Rakesh Menon (Sr. GM – Sales & Marketing) and Siby Kurian (Dy. GM – Sales & Marketing). The CSS staff was hereafter introduced to the new office, which was appreciated by all as this is the first time that CSS has acquired a traditional villa to handle its operations. The villa is built on an extensive area covering more than 5000 sq. feet and is easily accessible from anywhere in Abu Dhabi. CSS takes pride in its strategically located office in the plush capital of U.A.E with close proximity to the Airport as well as the Seaport; not to mention it is within walking distance from the main Abu Dhabi Transport Terminal & Al Wahda Mall.
After the subtle launch CSS Abu Dhabi welcomed members of the Shipping fraternity for a tour and presentation of the new premises. Here the clients and agents were given the opportunity to interact with the staff and learn more about CSS and its services offered. Some of the associates to have attended the session include key contacts from Salem Freight Int, Expeditors, Khalidia International Shipping L.L.C., Capital Star, Al Ghaith Oil Field Supplies & Services Co., Arabital Shipping, RHS, China Airlines, and Emirates.  CSS Presentation promoted healthy discussions where growth opportunities were analyzed and synergy prospects were discussed. Key networking sessions had clients and staffs indulge in one on one discussions and exchange of ideas for potential business needs. The tour certainly proved to be a significant start to establishing strong connections that will encourage mutual growth.
With the level of expertise available CSS Abu Dhabi is quite confident of extending value added services in the field of Logistics. CSS intends to cater to a vast and varied clientele in Abu Dhabi with its highly competitive man power and state- of the art facilities.
Moreover, CSS Group would like to takes this opportunity to thank its clientele for continuous support and well wishes extended. CSS Abu Dhabi looks forward to serving its patrons within the areas of their expertise.

Devas brings glory to CSS Group

Glory
Aaarpooo……irroo irroo !!!

Devas, finished first in a dazzling competition at the recently concluded Nehru trophy boat race at Punnamada Lake in Alleppey, Kerala. Devas, the race boat owned by T S Kaladharan, Chairman of CSS Group was paddle guided to victory by Julie Lewis the founder of the adventure tourism agency, Mountain high and her 10 member women team which features 6 nationalities. The local women also joined the force to make it a full team of 40 rowers. This boat is the fourth of its kind which was built after a long span of 90 years and comes under the category of “Thekkan Odi”. Devas is 62 ½ feet long and can carry upto 40 paddlers. Devas was inaugurated on the 15th of July in a grand function held at the Devas farm house at Thrikkunnapuzha. The event at Nehru trophy was attended by a 70 member team of CSS Group from different locations around the globe.

Places of interest in Dubai

Dubai has always been UAE’s main tourism hub; it offers a vibrant leisure sight to entice majority of the global population visiting the UAE. There are several themed venues providing total entertainment to the most selective of audiences. Listed below are a few ‘most happening’ places and events to ‘indulge in’ when in Dubai.

Dubai Desert Safari

This is one of the traditional activities in Dubai which many tourists and residents would like to experience every now and then. This is jam packed event to entertain your whole evening, consisting of dune bashing, camel rides, henna designing and much more. Lots of good tour operators around Dubai organize this activity where a driver will be arranged to pick you to the camp site. Barbequed dinner and drinks are also included. Alcohol is also available but for a separate cost altogether.  No desert safari is complete without a ravishing belly dancer getting the audience to dance to her tune.
Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Road

As the name ‘Jumeirah Beach Road’ mentions, this stretch of road is a combination of a variety of restaurants, malls and a various number of beaches.
Jumeirah beach is off the Jumeirah beach road, the beach is beautiful with clean water. Here you can have a sea bath and relax. In line with Jumeirah beach is world renowned 7 star hotel Burj Al Arab. This symbolic hotel has attracted international attention and awe, ensuring its place as one of the most photographed structures in the world. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, it soars to a height of 321 meters dominating the Dubai skyline.

Wild Wadi Water Park

Situated amongst the busy roads of Dubai and conveniently located between the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this is a water park beyond all water parks. One that never fails to impress all, with its 30 fun filled rides and attractions that it boasts.  Wild Wadi is themed around the tale of Juha, a popular character from the Arabian folklore. Get there and go wild!

Shopping Centers and Malls

Dubai is a paradise for shopping lovers with a wide range of shopping malls.
Most of the hotels in Dubai arrange shopping tours for their guests. You can visit shopping malls like Deira City Centre, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall (longest mall in the world), Dubai Festival City and many more. Here you’ll find prominent bands under one roof. Also you can visit Bur Dubai the street of electronics and textile where you can bargain good deals and the traditional Gold Souk (Market) in Deira.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is situated between the tranquil settings of the soothing Creek and is just a ‘drive’ away from the bustling City Centre. The magnificent Clubhouse resembles a traditional Arab dhow and has been one of the most photographed landmarks since it opened in 1993, capturing the essence of Dubai’s seafaring traditions and presenting the perfect fusion of heritage with modernity and style. The Club also includes Park Hyatt Dubai, 92 residential villas, award-winning restaurants and a 121-berth marina, making the Club a true landmark of luxury. Apart from golfing, if you love fishing, you can hire a 10m boat here for you and your friends to angle in style.
Dubai Dolphinarium
First fully air-conditioned indoor dolphinarium in the Middle East; offers dolphin & seal show, swimming with dolphins, educational programmes for children and much more. Dubai Dolphinarium is a great way to educate, entertain and learn for the young and the old. An unforgettable experience with the worlds most loved animals.

Dubai Museum & Dubai Creek Park

Dubai Museum is housed in one of Dubai’s oldest standing building, a former fort in Bastakia. It depicts a souk occupied by waxworks, a collection of skeletons and some examples of desert wildlife.
Dubai Creek Park is another fantastic place for both kids and adults.
Evening is a suitable time to visit the park to enjoy games with kids and have a barbeque. Furthermore, you can go for a Cable Car ride across the park and which showcases a spectacular view of Dubai.

Atlantis

Atlantis is the flagship resort on Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s record breaking man made islands. The ambitious Palm project is typical of the bold spirit of Dubai. With an exquisite diversity of cuisines from all over the world, it displays a true international touch to the ambience of the hotel. Along with this, Atlantis offers exotic spa treatments, stylish bars, lounges and night clubs. It also accommodates Aquaventure, Atlantis’ very own water theme park which displays breathtaking water thrills which add up to a unique water adventure, and Dolphin Bay where guests are invited into the lagoon to begin their journey with the charismatic mammals from a warm kiss and hug to the unforgettable thrill of the signature belly ride – where guests are propelled forward through the water for the ultimate joy ride. Lost Chambers at the Atlantis is another great attraction; offering a spectacular view of over 65,000 marine animals swimming in serene waters around you, it gives you a chance to explore the mysterious ruins of Atlantis, lost for thousands of years deep beneath the sea.

Helicopter Ride & Hot Air Balloon Ride

This by far, is the best way to get a breathtaking view of Dubai and its tall buildings and skyscrapers. Watch the entire Dubai from bird’s eye view. The easiest way to arrange a trip for you is through an agency. Lama Desert tour is one agency that offers a variety of family packages to tour Dubai.

Global Village

Global Village is located in DUBAILAND – the world’s biggest tourism, leisure and entertainment project. Global Village is a 10 minutes drive from the Dubai International Airport and 60 minutes from Abu Dhabi. It houses pavilions from different parts of the world, bringing together diverse customs and cultures covering a broad spectrum of activities including music, dances, games, rides, arts and handicrafts, theatre, costumes and cuisines of different countries.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE – JUNE 2009

“Today is going to be a great day” is a typical rousing sentiment encouraged by many motivational experts. It is easy to say but, in difficult times, hard to attain the desired result. However everyone needs a comfort zone on which to ground ones thoughts. Never is this truer than when navigating difficult situations. This is one of the main reasons companies have “mission and vision” statements. Any mission and vision must not just be something which looks good as window dressing. They should represent a summary of a company’s principles and objectives. Globally we hear about companies struggling to protect their resources and in these efforts staff plays a pivotal role. We all know that very few of us keep up a habit of reading our company’s “mission and vision” statements but as the saying goes “by all singing from the same hymn sheet” – we help to collectively motivate and boost our morale. The highest level of customer satisfaction, a healthy professional environment, a positive approach and an undertaking to nurture relationships, form part of our mission and vision statements. When I read ours they lift my spirit and make me smile, as I know it is these sentiments and beliefs that motivate us. There are favourable opportunities ahead. Monumental growth in Abu Dhabi should stimulate the power in our bellies, light in our eyes and an impetus to thrust forward. C.S.S. recognises that our infrastructure, resources and the ability will ensure we will become a front runner in this growth, not only in Abu Dhabi, but in the entire Middle East and the Sub Continent. We are all re-enforced and unified by using our mission and vision statements as comfort zones that focus potential to achieve growth through collective enthusiasm and innovation. Wish you all success.

—T S Kaladharan

CSS Abu Dhabi Recharged- Embarking a journey to success

With the whole world bearing the brunt of recession, Abu Dhabi has been able to shun the crunch and emerge as a winner. Needless to say despite economic downturn, it is witnessing economic boom and attracting huge investments in every possible sector.

CSS AUH has been in operations for the last 7 years to capitalize on Abu Dhabi’s growth CSS Group has now acquired a new, better and bigger office to serve its customers, clients and partners.

The new office will act as the focal point for all Abu Dhabi related operations. It is strategically located in the plush capital of U.A.E on an extensive area covering more than 5000 sq. feet; easily accessible from anywhere in Abu Dhabi and conveniently located behind the prestigious Zayed University, close to the Airport as well as the Seaport. Housed in the traditional Arabic villa with the state of the art facilities, it is within walking distance from main Abu Dhabi Transport Terminal & Al Wahda Mall.

As a trading economy Abu Dhabi has a long and proud tradition. Given its primary location, this is a tradition that Abu Dhabi will expand, becoming a logistics hub for businesses and industries in the region. The Emirate lies at the heart of the Middle East, with South Asia and Africa close by and well-developed links to the Far East and Europe.

Over the past 40 years, Abu Dhabi has developed its port infrastructure, its road network, and more recently its airports to ensure it is well-connected to trading partners in the region and beyond. Abu Dhabi will continue to capitalize on its strategic geographical position and excellent transport infrastructure. Abu Dhabi’s economy is thriving with an advanced new port under construction, expansion of the airport under way, and development of the extensive road and rail network moving ahead.

With Abu Dhabi’s massive expansion plans and transportation being a niche sector for CSS, growth of already well established CSS Projects Management division is inevitable as it is entirely sustainable and does not rely on any finite resource. Considering the fact that Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon suppliers and ranked among the top five exporters of crude oil will only contribute to the success of this division. CSS is well equipped with advanced capabilities in maintaining an efficient transport system and connections with global markets, which gives the company a strong base to provide its customers with hassle-free and absolute logistics solution.

Along with world class transport and Project Management system, CSS Group’s interest in Abu Dhabi also covers NVOCC Management, Ocean Freight Management, Air Freight Management / Air Charter Services, Multimodal Operations (Sea/Air, Sea/Land Management) and CFS Management to name a few.

Supported by CSS Group’s firm Global network base and renowned reputation in the Middle East Market and Indian sub continent together with the goodwill of the existing branch in Abu Dhabi, the new office will indisputably cater quality service to its clients in a way that will lead to increasing its competitiveness over other logistic providers.

Moreover, CSS Abu Dhabi’s strength lies in well qualified and experienced professionals, dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. Helmed by Suku Sudhakaran, Asst. General Manager, CSS Abu Dhabi has a team of experienced bilingual workforce speaking more than 5 different languages.

With a value added chain of strong relationships with local authorities, be it ports or customs, documentations and on-line accessibility, CSS Abu Dhabi promises its patrons commitment and satisfaction that will foster strong and long term relationships benefiting mutual growth.

Focusing on Abu Dhabi

Suku Sudhakaran, The AGM for CSS Abu Dhabi, is optimistic about the recent trends in the industry. He mentioned his views and ideas about the prospective market and the larger opportunities waiting beyond what we actually see in the current scenario in his article to Light House. Suku has been with the group company for more than a decade now.

About the New office of CSS Abu Dhabi

The decision for a second office in the capital was taken not looking into the economic meltdown and the present downward trend of business in Dubai and the exodus of people moving to grab opportunities in the still stable Abu Dhabi market. Plans of expanding CSS’s presence in Abu Dhabi was put into motion during the latter half of 2008 when the branch was showing record growth. CSS’s Abu Dhabi branch established in 2002 which was accommodating 7 staff has been witnessing a steady growth until 2008 when the graphs shot up.

While the expansion plans were midway the economic crisis hit out, while most of the market became pessimistic CSS went ahead with the plans of expansion and now have a new bigger and better office at the heart of Abu Dhabi City. In order to fully capitalize on the positive trend in the Abu Dhabi economy a decision was taken to intensify the sales efforts in this market and that meant expanding staff strength in all departments including the Sales & Marketing team which invariably meant a larger office to accommodate the expected future staff strength of 25.

Being close to the Zayed University and Central Taxi Depot the location is quite strategic as it being in the central area makes access easy for all (both our clients and suppliers from the city and the industrial areas) and also there is ample parking space which is a very rare commodity in the city.

The booming Abu Dhabi economy

Abu Dhabi hold more than 90 percent of the oil reserves in the UAE and a strong backing from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority which injects funds to balance budgets especially during times of crisis ensure that the economy stays stable. But this is where the capital is changing its policies. Abu Dhabi has plans to develop the non oil sectors and is projecting a growth of 6 to 7 percentage until 2015. They are already in the process of developing the metal industry with projects like Emal, and other industries that are going to be promoted are aviation (Etihad Airlines), tourism and entertainment, pharmaceuticals, education, telecommunication and many more. Abu Dhabi has got long term planning like the 2030 plan which is projecting a strong economy. They also are having plans to improvise their monetary policies. With all these aspects and the well planned policies we are sure that Abu Dhabi is going to grow as per forecasts and projections and we at CSS are all geared up and ready to be part of this growth.

The competitive edge of CSS
With over 6 years of freight forwarding service to the oil & trading industries CSS has built a name for itself in the Freight Forwarding industry offering un paralleled service to its clients by boasting a team of highly skilled multi-lingual and motivated professionals who all share in the company’s vision to be leaders in the industry. With the establishment of our new office we reiterate our commitment to our clients to continue our high standards of service and open up new avenues to service our clients better and move forward with them hand in hand into what we believe will be a brighter future. Also the new state of the art logistics facility in Mussafah will also help us by being able to cater to the logistics requirement of the market.

Growth Plans

At present CSS Abu Dhabi has a strong team engaged with jobs in the oil industry but there are plans to appoint more professionals to look into other sectors as well, like developing the consolidation sector. Focus will be directed on formulating and implementing expansion strategies to provide complete storage and logistics solutions to the Abu Dhabi market (The logistics facility taken up in Mussaffah is the first move in that direction). More attention will also be given in improving the company’s presence in the Local and International Land Transportation sector.

Opportunities in the Freight forwarding industry

The feeling at the moment is that the freight forwarding industry, in this part of the world should be looking at capitalizing in the alternative energy sector. This will definitely be rated as the number one opportunity with more and more corporate companies and governments setting regulations to counter the silent environmental crisis. This is not just an opportunity but also a requirement that is quite delayed as it is true that the effects of global warming and pollution are taking it’s toll on the environment and unlike portrayed earlier are effecting our generation rather that the generations to come. It is an obligation towards our own conscience.

CSS attracts significant attention at Breakbulk Conference

CSS recently participated in the 4th Annual Breakbulk Europe Conference & Exhibition 2009, which was held by the Journal of Commerce Conferences in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Breakbulk Europe conference featured a line up of key breakbulk industry executives and leaders who examined the challenges faced by the industry and how the industry is working towards recovery.
A total of 109 companies participated as exhibitors, including the likes of Scan Trans, Big Lift Shipping B.V., Nordex Energy GmbH, Beluga Shipping, Rickmers Lines, SDV, Cord Strap, and DP World Antwerp. In addition, it attracted more than 3000 attendees, giving CSS the perfect platform to interact with key market players, shippers, forwarders, carriers, and other transportation provider’s world wide.
CSS Group delegation was led by The Group Chairman, T.S. Kaladharan and the team included Anil Kumar (Director, Finance & Admin), Raj George (Senior VP – Ocean Freight), Jairam K. R. (Director – CSS India), Rakesh Menon (Senior General Manager – Sales & Marketing), Sreenath V. (General Manager – Projects, Oil & Energy), Narayan R.T. (General Manager – CSS Bahrain), , Suku Sudhakaran (Asst. General Manager – CSS Abu Dhabi) Amith Surya Horra (Marketing Manager), and Cheryl D’cunha (Asst. Manager – Oil & Energy Division). CSS Booth # 228 was strategically located to showcase its strength and competencies in the areas of expertise for Projects, Oil & Energy. With a wider audience visiting the exhibition, it was the perfect platform for CSS to highlight the presence it has as an Integrated Forwarder in the Middle East and Indian Sub Continent. Furthermore, key networking sessions took place at CSS booth for interaction among its clients, associates & visitors.
CSS had made arrangements to raffle a traditional Dhow ship out of the business cards that were dropped into the bowl at the CSS booth. The Dhow ship also called traditional Arab ship rightly reflects the UAE culture and ethnicity; it played an integral part in showing the values we carry.
The response received in Antwerp was so overwhelming that CSS Group has already registered for the next Breakbulk conference to be held in Singapore and this time the booth will be double the size of the one in Antwerp.