A Visit to Carotrans

T S KALADHARAN, CSS GROUP CHAIRMAN VISITS CAROTRANS

Chairman of CSS Group, T S Kaladharan visited CaroTrans head office in New Jersey and offices in Chicago with Roshmon Manoli, Route Development Manager – North America, in May 2014, with a focus on building further growth plans for the year 2014/2015. During the course of their visit to CaroTrans offices, they conducted meetings with Greg Howard, Global CEO, Michael Forkenbrock, President, CaroTrans International and Riyaz Jordan, Branch Manager, while discussing new opportunities in the market and ways to further develop the business in 2014/2015. The meeting allowed both partners to discuss growth areas within their markets that would serve as a channel for development within the routes that they operate in. “In our business it is vital to meet with partners face to face, as it allows us to better understand the economic scenario that they are working in, while understanding new growth opportunities that together as partners can be mutually beneficial,” said T S Kaladharan.

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

“It is always a pleasure to welcome the team at CSS Group to our offices here in New Jersey and Chicago. With the recent growth the Middle East is experiencing since after the recession, it is important that as partners we regroup and realign our plans for the future in order to fully capitalize on what is clearly a growing market.  Partners like CSS Group are very important in our industry as their acute and in-depth knowledge of the industry within the region they operate in, is comparable to none. We look forward to working with the team very closely in 2014/2015, and look forward to an exciting year ahead,” said Greg Howard.

CSS Abu Dhabi Attends Etihad Customer Appreciation Event

CSS Abu Dhabi recently attended the Etihad Airways Cargo Customer Appreciation dinner which took place at the Sheraton, Abu Dhabi Arzanah Ballroom.  The management team of Etihad Cargo took the opportunity to express their gratitude and cooperation to CSS Abu Dhabi for their continued business and support throughout the year 2013.
It was an excellent platform for CSS Abu Dhabi and its team to network with the Air Cargo fraternity in Abu Dhabi, UAE whilst creating new business opportunities and fostering current ones within the air freight spectrum.
For further information, please log onto www.cssabudhabi.com

Special Achievement Award

CSS RECEIVES AWARD FROM EMIRATES SKYCARGO

Emirates SkyCargo presented its top agents with special achievement awards at a dedicated event held in March 2014 at the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai. These awards recognise the important role of cargo agents and forwarders in contributing to the airline’s success during the year 2013.

“The agents we work with are an integral part of our accomplishments in achieving growth across all of the markets that we operate in. Through the years, we have developed strong relationships with the top agents in the country,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo. “Our discerning customers work with us every step of the way and it is important to commend their hard work, for we rely on their quality service and support around the clock.”

In congratulating the top performing forwarders from across the country, Emirates SkyCargo presented Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. an award in recognition of their continued support. Accepting the award on behalf of CSS Group was Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi and Chandrakala (CK), Manager Operations-Ocean Freight, CSS.

The awards were presented by Nabil Sultan, and Jassim Saif, Emirates’ Vice President Cargo Commercial UAE Sales. The annual agent awards are an important part of the Emirates SkyCargo award calendar and an opportunity to recognize all cargo agents for their tremendous contributions in supporting the on-going success of the award-winning carrier.

ABOUT EMIRATES SKYCARGO:

Since services commenced in 1985, Emirates SkyCargo has built a reputation for leading the industry in innovation, flexibility and service. It has received numerous international awards, including ‘Cargo Airline of the Year 2013’ (Air Cargo Week), ‘Cargo Airline of the Year 2013’, ‘Best Middle East Cargo Airline’ (both Air Cargo News), ‘Best Air Cargo Carrier Middle East’ (AFSCA), ‘Cargo Operator of the Year’ (SCATA) and ‘Air Cargo Excellence Award’ (Air Cargo World). With many more awards from prestigious organizations. Supported by a 213 strong fleet which includes 201 wide-bodied passenger aircraft and 12 freighters, Emirates serves a network of over 140 destinations in 80 countries.

Performance Excellence Award

CSS RECOGNIZED ONCE AGAIN BY SAFMARINE
CSS was recently recognized at the Customer Award Night by Safmarine, at a dinner held at the Murooj Rotana in Dubai, UAE on April 9th 2014. In attendance to receive this award for CSS was Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight and Raufa Shaikh, Pricing Manager.
“Safmarine’s Customer Awards Night not only provides a platform for commemorating the support of our valuable customers but is truly a celebration of our strong partnership built over the years and our relationship with CSS is testimony to this. Together, we have grown tremendously in the past year and our aspiration is to raise the bar further in 2014. One of the elements that have been crucial to this growth is the coordination between the two entities. At Safmarine, we place immense importance on providing superior accessibility and best-in-class experience to our customers. We believe this has played a pivotal role in strengthening our ties with CSS. We look forward to a continued successful partnership,” commented Seema Nair, Managing Director, Safmarine.
The recognition of this award was for the growth and consistent performance for the fiscal year 2013 and it is the second consecutive year that CSS has been awarded by Safmarine. “On behalf of CSS Group I would like to thank Safmarine for the recognition it has extended to us over the years and this would not have been possible if not for the support the Safmarine team has extended to us since we have started this partnership,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.
Safmarine is an interntaional shipping line offering containerised services with presence in more then 120 countries. Formed in 1946 by South African Industrialist, Safmarine is now widely known as north/south trade and African specialist. Middle East and Africa are their core markets with more than 1200 Safmariners serving customers worldwide.
“Safmarine and CSS partnership was established 3 years ago. Since then CSS has been one of our key business partners in the UAE. It has been a wonderful relationship with CSS and we have gone at great lengths to jointly develop business across global markets. T S Kaladharan has been a driving force and we take this opportunity to thank the Management and staff of CSS for their valuable contribution,” added Sanjeev Saraf, Head of Commercial, UAE, Safmarine.
For further information, please logo onto: www.cssgroupsite.com & www.safmarine.com

CSS Chennai Moves to New Office

CSS Chennai has moved on to a new office more convenient and easily accessible to all their clients, associates and well wishers. Their new address is as mentioned here. CSS Chennai wishes to thank the entire shipping fraternity for their continuous support and co-operation in the past and expects the same in the future as well.

C.H. Robinson Visits CSS Group in Dubai

CSS Group, recently hosted Ivo Aris, Director- Europe Global Forwarding and Tom Sweet, Vice President Overseas Development – Global Forwarding of C.H. Robinson at their offices in the United Arab Emirates.  As part of the visit, the guests from C.H. Robinson met the Senior Management of CSS and were given a tour of the CSS offices and facilities in Dubai and Jebel Ali.
“The main objective was to discuss C.H. Robinson’s Middle East strategic focus as well as to explore ways both CHR and CSS Forwarding division can leverage the CHR global network and CSS’s regional platform in the Middle East,” added Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development.
Commenting on the recent visit to the CSS Offices in the UAE, Ivo Aris, Director- Europe Global Forwarding said, “Our meetings in Dubai inspired us in Europe to step up and put extra efforts into further building our trade lanes with the Middle East.  C.H. Robinson Europe is exploring ways to develop a MENA region strategic focus for our customer requirements.”
ABOUT C.H. ROBINSON:
Founded in 1905, C.H. Robinson is a global provider of multimodal logistics services, fresh produce sourcing, and information services to 45,000 customers through a network of 285 offices and over 11,500 employees around the world. The company also provides access to over 63,000 transportation providers worldwide.
For further information please log onto: www.cssgroupsite.com & www.chrobinson.com
Approved Agents in UAE, BAHRAIN, QATAR, OMAN, KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA & IRAQ.

Dubai Expo 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy ANSAmed & The National

Commendable Job from CSS Delhi

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

Insight into the Technical Department @ Jebel Ali Port

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

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

Total stock category items over 27,500

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

Inventory Value AED 50 million

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

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

Average consumption of spare parts per month AED 6 million

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

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

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

Inventory Ratio at our stores – 4.2

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

How is the logistics of procuring managed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How does the department train and equip the team?

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

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

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

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

How does the technical team encourage innovation?

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

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

Callidus Corporate Training

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

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

ABOUT CALLIDUS CORPORATE AND MARITIME CONSULTING (CCMC):

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

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

COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS

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

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

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

Uncompromised Commitment – DP World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CSS Joins 20,000 in Beat Diabetes Walk in Dubai, UAE

More than 20,000 participants took approximately 50 million steps in total in Dubai on Friday in a bid to raise awareness about diabetes and promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

Renuka Jagtiani, Vice-Chairperson of Landmark Group, led the two-kilometre Beat Diabetes Walk along with senior officials from the group as well as representatives of Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai based diabetes support group – I am Number One – comprising of children with Type 1 diabetes and their families.

Following the two-kilometre walk, walkers were herded towards the area that enabled free diabetes checks and blood glucose tests were administered by medical professionals.

“There must have been at least 500 people wearing blue shirts and caps and walking at a snail’s pace at Zabeel Park in the morning. Families, elders and young children alike arrived in big family-sized cars and parked in front of Area A, Gate 1.  Everywhere you could see white and blue, the colour scheme of the event. Balloons in those colours swayed in the air and the presumably helium-filled ones were untied to float upwards,” added Chandrakala, Manager NVOCC-Operations, CSS.

CSS staff that participated in the Walk were, Chandrakala, Manager NVOCC-Operations, CSS, Ebie Babu, Sales Executive, Ruby Varkey, Sales Coordinator and Sasi Kala, Fashion Designer/Owner, Kala Fashion Group.

CSS Group Foray into the Cold Chain Segment

Cold Chains are temperature controlled supply chain intended to optimize product quality and cost for specific commodities while minimizing wastage. CSS Group has now been setup to handle refrigerated cargo as a first step towards building an unbroken cold chain. Recent investment in technically adept personnel in addition to leveraging on new partner strengths overseas, CSS will now actively pursue temperature controlled commodities both for sea and air.

While CSS is already entrenched in managing substantial quantities of frozen foodstuff under its existing airfreight division, the foray into the chilled side of the business is a first of its kind for the Group.  As with all new product developments, key areas within this new segment have been identified in order to focus on the finest product implementation in the marketplace. Fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and high end technology products form 3 key areas that the CSS Group will work on whilst creating a door to door cold chain.

“Our objective to enter into this segment of business is largely to help add value to our existing customers who engage in any of the 3 verticals we have identified, creating this as a full scale commercial product is on track as well for the coming year.  We have with us today, the personnel and the infrastructure (overseas and in our region) required to pursue this segment. Our recent success with select trial customers in the fresh produce and pharmaceutical verticals bodes well for the Group and the initiative,” added Ajay Krishnan, Senior General Manager, Ocean Freight, CSS.

As the UAE imports 90% of its food and its position at the centre of a US$9.4 billion market serving the GCC and Africa, a high level of supply chain safety becomes even more critical. For this reason, CSS has carefully identified and isolated possible problem areas and have designed solutions that will ensure this is seamless, both in terms of a process and delivery. Quality Management Systems are essential for a successful Cold Chain. CSS, already has an effective QMS in place for core products whilst building on the same fundamentals to ensure effective quality checks will not be an issue.

New Address For CSS Abu Dhabi

CSS OPENS ITS NEW OFFICE IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI

Having been in operation for over 11 years, CSS Abu Dhabi has recently acquired new premises within Abu Dhabi to cater to its customers, clients and partners.

The new offices are located centrally in the heart of Abu Dhabi, making it easily accessible for customers and clients alike. The new premise is conveniently located close to the airport and seaport.

Well equipped with advanced capabilities in maintaining an efficient transport system and connections with global markets, gives the CSS Abu Dhabi a strong base to provide its customers with hassle-free and effective logistic solutions. In addition CSS Abu Dhabi offers its clients a vast array of services which include : NVOCC Management, Ocean Freight Management, Air Freight Management / Air Charter Services, Projects Management,  Multimodal Operations (Sea/Air, Sea/Land Management) CFS Management, and Relocation Management to name a few.

“The new premise in Abu Dhabi provides better access for customers and clients alike, as our customer base continues to grow it became necessary to be located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, and strategically located close to the airport and seaport. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our partners, agents and customers that have been a large contributing factor to the success of CSS Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to your continuous support,” said Arjun Bose, Director, CSS Abu Dhabi.

As the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi has seen extensive growth in all sectors over the past few years, with infrastructure on the rise Abu Dhabi has been in the investor limelight for the past few years. CSS Abu Dhabi has been able to capitalize on the success of the emirate because of its presence in the nation’s capital for over 11 years. While being an attractive hub for investors, it is its strategic location at the heart of the Middle East, with South Asia and Africa close by and well developed links to the Far East and Europe that makes it a growing logistics hub, across a variety of industries.

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.  With the development of an extensive road and rail network now started, Abu Dhabi has indeed become the trading hub of the Middle East having sailed strong through the difficult waters of the economic recession that almost left its neighboring emirate, Dubai, crippled. Abu Dhabi is currently ranked one of the world’s most significant hydrocarbon suppliers and ranked among the top five exporters of crude oil, a fact which has largely contributed to the success of this division.



With the backing of CSS Group’s global network base in the Middle East and Sub continent, CSS Abu Dhabi is able to provide its customers and client’s services across a number of industries with the CSS Group’s promise of effective and efficient solutions backed by years of expertise. Moreover, CSS Abu Dhabi’s strength lies in well qualified and experienced professionals, dedicated to customer service and satisfaction. 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. Combining expertise, experience and CSS’ Groups reputation, CSS Abu Dhabi will indisputably cater quality service to its clients in a way that will lead to increasing its competitiveness over other logistic providers.

New Address

Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. Abu Dhabi
ADCP Building C54
6th Floor, Door # : 603 & 604, Behind Trans AD
P.O. Box 32454, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 643 1717, Fax: +971 2 643 1919
Email: info@cssabudhabi.com

For further information please visit: www.cssabudhabi.com

In The Silicon Valley Of India

CSS BANGALORE AIMS A LARGER MARKET SHARE IN THE COMING YEARS

To be in Bangalore, the garden city and the IT capital of India, is a matter of pride for any multi-national company. The city has changed immensely over the last two decades making it adaptable to accommodate companies from a cross-section of industries. As a matter of fact, Bangalore is growing and so is the business.

CSS started their Bangalore operations 8 years ago as one man office and had eventually grown to become a team of professionals. Thanks to the enthusiasm shown by the team and the confidence shown by the management. Today CSS in Bangalore is involved in outward and inward movements of LCL  Shipments to Jebel Ali , Genoa, Hamburg, Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Barcelona, Valencia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Port Klang, Istanbul & from Jebel Ali, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Shanghai, Busan, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Tilbury.

Also CSS Bangalore has a strong presence in FCL, Air, Contract Logistics  reaching out to the nook and corner of the city and suburbs. The business has seen a remarkable growth that now CSS operates weekly bonded truck movements to Nhavasheva & Chennai carrying LCL shipments. Another unique feature of CSS Bangalore is Door to Door handling of personal effects in and out of Bangalore and Mysore where a commendable number of expat families are thriving for various reasons.

The huge industrial and manufacturing segments present in this area provides enough opportunities for any logistics company with a reputation to keep aside appreciable profit, end of every financial year. The industries include IT, automobile, construction equipment manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, garments, granites & marble, gherkin, forgings & precision and castings. Bangalore shelters companies in sectors like electronics, biotechnology, and food processing also which gives leverage to sizable amount of logistics activity.

CSS is proud to have a handful of reputed clients from the major industrial segments. Bangalore has a population of 5.54 million spread over 530 sq.km. There are nearly 1000 IT companies including 150 plus multinationals. These companies are employing over a hundred thousand professionals who float in and out with professional and personal logistics requirements on a daily basis. Bangalore expects a volume hike, if a few strategic issues are met with diligence. One such is the regular rail connectivity to Tuticorin, Cochin & Nhavasheva ports.

The presence of CSS in Chennai, Tuticorin, and Tirupur & Coimbatore gives an edge to CSS Bangalore operations thereby giving them an unparalleled reputation in the whole of South India. The strong CSS presence in Mumbai adds momentum to the whole network of operations in the South & Central India. With an appreciable growth rate of 21%, Bangalore contributes 33% of IT exports from the country. The district is ranked as one of the top five technology clusters in the world as per economic reports. Bangalore has been classified as the Innovation Cluster by Word Economic Forum. Many of the major central offices like the national aerospace laboratories are present in Bangalore which increases its international importance. Renowned educational institutions like IIS, IIM, IIIT, National Law School, NIMHANS & NID has got their campuses in Bangalore.

CSS with its enthusiastic and ambitious team has plans to chalk out innovative advancements to areas and industries which still remain untapped in this mighty industrial city. Under the leadership of Sandeep Anthur, Branch Manager, CSS looks forward to achieve even more in the years to come and establish itself as the most preferred logistics partner for every industry present here.

For enquiries contact: sandeepa@cssindiagroup.com;
                                    mailblr@cssindiagroup.com

Convenient And More Accessible

CSS RELOCATES ITS D/O COUNTER TO A MORE ACCESSIBLE LOCATION

As stated in our mission statement CSS Group will “always strive to achieve the highest level of customer satisfaction,” in testament to that statement we have relocated the Delivery Order Counter from its previous location at the Corporate Head Office to a more accessible location, adjacent to Port Rashid in the Dubai Customs Building from September 2013.

The reason for the move was to be more centrally located to our customers and securing a location next to Port Rashid was very fortunate for CSS Group, as it still remains the symbol of growth within the UAE shipping fraternity. The relocation will help our customers to process their customs documentation at a single point. Once customers collect their delivery orders from the CSS counter they may move directly into customs processing which is located in the same building, saving time and money.

CSS Group would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our dedicated customers and the Customs and Port Authorities who have always supported the Group in all our endeavours.

The new CSS Delivery Order Counter is located at:                            For further information please contact:
Dubai Customs                                                                                              Santhosh Kumar:
Al Fardah Building                                                                                     santhosh@cssdubai.com
-Port Rashid                                                                                                  Suresh Babu:
Office Number: 19                                                                                         suresh@cssdubai.com
Bur Dubai                                                                                                    Tel:  +9714 324 8884 ext: 217 & 218
PO Box 27802                                                                                                Fax: +9714 324 9994
UAE                                                                                                                 Website: www.cssgroupsite.com

CSS Delivery Order Counter Office Timings:
Sunday to Thursday: 8am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Saturday: 8am-12pm

New MD For F.S. Mackenzie

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

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

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

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

Sad Demise

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

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

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

New Office For CSS Maldives

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

The new office address is:

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