Rahat Talreja Promoted To VP

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

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

We wish Rahat continued success in his endeavors.

Social Outlook Of CSS Group

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

Pearl Diving

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

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

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

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

PEARLING HISTORY

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

CSS Homeward Bound Sponsors Cultural Event Showcase

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alpha Palliative

Alpha Palliative Council affiliated to the Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC), Sharjah, UAE works towards enhancing the awareness about palliative care among the people living in the United Arab Emirates and supports the activities of Alpha Pain Clinic in Kerala. The support group recently organized its 3rd annual Gala Dinner for members on March 9th, 2013 at the JW Marriott in Dubai, UAE.

CSS Group, a long term patron and sponsor of Alpha Pain Clinic attended the gala dinner by sponsoring a table for its staff and guests.  The function was inaugurated by His Excellency, Shri Sanjay Verma, the Consul General of India and Malayalam cine star, Shri Vineeth was the guest of honour.

Alpha Pain Clinic has been acknowledged as the largest home care provider in India, since its inception 8 years ago, having made 29,857 home care visits by teams of specially trained doctors and nurses. “Considering an average distance of 14 kms per home care visit, the distance covered works out to 417,998 km which is more than 10 times the circumference of the earth at the equator!” said, KM Noordeen, Alpha Charitable Trust Chairman.  Today, Alpha Pain Clinic has grown to a membership base of 800 people and CSS Group is proud to be associated and continually build upon its Corporate Social Responsibilities amongst the community.

New Leadership

ARJUN BOSE JOINS CSS ABU DHABI

The CSS Group Management is delighted to welcome Arjun Bose to Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C., Abu Dhabi as Director. In his new position Arjun will be responsible for the complete management of the establishment at Abu Dhabi.

On behalf of the entire CSS Group we would like to extend our support to Arjun Bose in all his endeavors and wish him success in his career.

Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. Abu Dhabi
P.O. Box 32454, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 6431717, Fax: +971 2 6431919,
Email: info@cssabudhabi.com, Website : www.cssabudhabi.com

New Partnership CSS Group Partners With Gateway Container Line From Indonesia

CSS Group has recently identified a leading NVOCC from Indonesia to assist in handling their LCL nominations. Since their inception over 7 years ago, Gateway Container Line has showcased the ability to provide superior service and competitive rates. Their experienced staff provides a high level of customer service to ensure the client’s needs are met; and that the cargo is handled by care in the most cost effective manner.

Running For A Reason -Mumbai Marathon 2013

CSS India Director Jairam KR Completes The Half Marathon

It has indeed been rightly said that “A Marathon Is More than Just a Race” and the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon too echoes this statement. The race is not just about crossing the finish line and winning thousands of dollars as prize money. It is in fact an event that is driven by passion and purity of purpose. The Mumbai Marathon is an annual international road running competition over the marathon distance that is held in Mumbai, India, each January.

15th February, 2004 is an important date in India’s distance running calendar. It marks the day when Standard Chartered Mumbai International Marathon made its debut, thereby catapulting India onto the world league of distance running events.

Celebrating a decade of distance running, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013 is among the elite class of full marathons to have been awarded the Gold Label Status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). It is a great celebration of spirit and fitness that underlines and showcases the passion zeal of the citizens of a city, and nowhere is it more visible than in the spirit of giving that accompanies all great city marathons. Today every major city in India has a city marathon but Mumbai stands above other cities in the largeness in its heart and the caring power of its society. Corporate entities and citizens compete amongst themselves by participating in this event for the upliftment of the under privileged.

As a part of the Corporate Social Responsibility and show of solidarity towards a great cause CSS India Director Jairam KR had participated in SCMM and successfully finished the Half Marathon (21.097 KM) in 2 hours and 36 minutes. It was a proud moment for CSS Group as they got real representation in this event.

For the SCMM 2013 the international event ambassador was Haile Gebrselassie, winner of two Olympic Gold Medals, four World Championship Gold medals, four World Indoor Championship Gold medals and has 27 World records to his credit. . The event ambassador was Bollywood actor John Abraham who has been the face of many brands and several causes. But few are as close to his heart as the Mumbai Marathon.

Marathons around the world have been known for their strong bonding with charitable causes. Key to the success of this partnership that seeks to raise funds for deserving causes is strong participation from the corporate sector. The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon has earned the distinction of being one of the most elite platforms in India for such causes. The SCMM is India’s single largest fundraiser and the runners rose more than Rs 17 Crore for charity, taking the total amount to Rs 80 crore since the marathon started way back in 2004.The SCMM has earned the distinction of being the most successful fund raising platform for charities in India and Celebrated a decade in distance running events. The Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2013 got a record with 222 NGOs participation and around 40,000 people – from businessmen to actors, doctors to dabbawallas, VIPs to the plain enthusiast – turned out for the 10th Mumbai marathon, proving once again that it is one of the most glamorous and widely participated sporting events in the country.

CMA CGM Marco Polo World’s Largest Containership

The CMA CGM Marco Polo, now the world’s largest containership, arrived in Southampton on Sunday December 9th, 2012 loaded with containers from China, officially marking the completion of the first half of her maiden voyage from the Far East to Europe and back.,

With a 16,020 TEU capacity, the M/V CMA CGM Marco Polo took over the title of world’s largest containership upon her delivery to the French shipping company CMA CGM Group on November 5th, 2012. The UK-flagged behemoth was built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) in South Korea and measures an astounding 396 meters long by 54 meters wide and has a draft of 16 meters.

Marco Polo is the first of three sister ships to be owned by the CMA CGM Group, which will share the title of world’s largest until Maersk’s 18,000 TEU Triple-E’s are put into service sometime in 2013.

THE SCHEDULE OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS OF MARCO POLO:

The CMA CGM MARCO POLO will call at Ningbo (7 Nov), Shanghai, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Yantian, Port Kelang, Tanger, Southampton (10 Dec), Hamburg (14 Dec), Bremerhaven (14 Dec), Rotterdam (16 Dec), Zeebrugge (17 Dec), Le Havre (19 Dec), Malta (26 Dec), Khor Al Fakkan (5 Jan), Jebel Ali (7 Jan) and Ningbo (23 Jan).

CSS Group is pleased that its cargo will be carried on board of this record breaking voyage which is scheduled to arrive in Jebel Ali, UAE  on January 7th,  2013!

More details to follow in the forthcoming issue of Lighthouse, March-April 2013 edition!

INTERESTING FACTS:

• Marco Polo, the new giant of the waves, is five times bigger than an Airbus A380 or the size of four football pitches.
• Can carry more than 16,000 containers on board.
• Vessel is 51 times longer than superliner Queen Mary 2

DP World Launches Alumni Network to Reconnect with Former Employees

DP World Launches Alumni Network to Reconnect with Former Employees as well as thank them for their services regarding developing Dubai Ports.

HE Sultan Bin Sulayem highlights the role of former team members as goodwill ambassadors and mentors

Representing CSS Group, Ken Dinnadge, VP Business Development was invited as a VIP Guest, being the first Sales Manager for DP World, to attend this get together with the founding members of DP World.  “ I am honoured to be part of the auspicious DP World alumni. I would like to thank everyone involved for organizing this event, it was an excellent platform to reconnect with founding members,” commented Ken Dinnadge.

Driven by the belief that its people are the greatest asset, DP World has rolled out a comprehensive Alumni Network programme that aims to maintain ties with former employees across the globe as well as connect them together under the umbrella of the DP World family.

The DP World Alumni Network was launched by His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, with the hosting of a luncheon for 50 former employees at the Head Office in Jebel Ali, attended by His Excellency Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, Mohammed Sharaf, Group Chief Executive Officer, DP World, and other senior officials.

A dedicated website, www.DPWorldAlumni.com , invites people who have worked with the company to reconnect and continue to be part of the extended DP World family and its collective success story. Alumni members are issued special membership cards that open the doors to privileges and benefits at select participating retail partners.

The online networking community enables former employees to consider career opportunities, refer associates, and keep abreast of corporate activities at DP World.

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

“We are a service company and our employees are our most important asset. We consider them lifelong members of the DP World family, even after they have left the company or retired. The Alumni Network is a great space for exchanging a continuous stream of innovative ideas. We value the contributions of all team members and believe that our former colleagues will always be DP World ambassadors as well as mentors for our people.”

H.E Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, said:

“At DP World we nurture a culture that values both our current and former employees, who have our respect and appreciation. We would like them to feel welcome at DP World at all times. They have helped us succeed and become the industry leader that we are today. While many have moved on to new challenges, we want to stay in touch and be able to exchange ideas with them.”

Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said:

“The DP World Alumni Network is our way of recognizing and rewarding the close personal and professional relationships we have built over the years with our people. Many among our alumni have excelled in their work at DP World and elsewhere. We keep our doors open for all our alumni to reconnect with us, access the knowledge base available within the network, and also benefit from the various schemes we have put in place for them.”

Robin Windley, Senior Vice-President, Human Capital, DP World, said:

“In DP World we want every employee to feel that the time they have invested in our company has been well spent. We also feel a responsibility for our people that goes beyond the time that they spend with us. Human Capital has and continues to develop initiatives to ensure each employee transitions smoothly from being a respected employee to a respected and active alumni member.”

Khalifa Port Getting Ready for September Opening

In preparation for the September 1st operational opening of the Khalifa Port Container Terminal, Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) held a half-day seminar that shared the latest updates and procedures directly impacting trucking companies and clearing agents which will use the Port.

Presided over by Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, executive vice president, Ports’ Unit, ADPC and Martijn Van de Linde, CEO, ADT, the seminar brought together representatives from ADPC, the master developer and regulator of Abu Dhabi’s ports; ADT, who manage and operate the Khalifa Port Container Terminal; Abu Dhabi Customs, the Abu Dhabi Ministry of Environment and Water; Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA); as well as many executives representing the transportation industry.

Khalifa Port Container Terminal will be the first semi-automated one in the MENA region, and the automated procedures and seamless interaction between all stakeholders provide the trucking companies and clearing agents with optimal opportunities to help Abu Dhabi businesses gain access to the world markets.

Capt. Mohamed Al Shamisi, EVP, Ports’ Unit, ADPC said: “Khalifa Port, including the Container Terminal, will not only handle the existing Abu Dhabi container business, but also serve Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), and offer the industrial zone’s tenants unprecedented access to global markets,” and continued “This requires carefully planned procedures that are discussed with the stakeholders before implementation. This is what ours seminar was all about, and I am very pleased to see so many companies accepted our invitation to be part of the process.”

Martijn Van de Linde, CEO, Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) added:“We really redefine the regional ports industry with the opening of the semi-automated Khalifa Port Container Terminal. Today we had the opportunity to once again engage with the trucking companies and clearing agents that are an essential part of the logistics chain, and we look forward to also working with other sectors of the market in the months to come. Together we will make a real difference for Abu Dhabi’s businesses.”

The Khalifa Port Container Terminal has been designed to handle the largest container vessels currently afloat, while also delivering improved services to the trucking companies that handle the carriage to and from the port.

The Khalifa Port Container Terminal will have the capacity to handle 2.5 million TEU containers, with the potential to expand to 5 million TEUs. The port’s master plan calls for an annual capacity of 15 million TEUs by 2030.

Khalifa Port will also be developed to cater for general cargo and Ro/Ro. The initial capacity will be 12 million tonnes of cargo, including 4 million tonnes at the already operational EMAL berth. By 2030 the Port is planned to handle 35 million tonnes of general cargo every year.

Consolidated Shipping Services L.L.C. Abu Dhabi

P.O. Box 32454, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 6431717, Fax: +971 2 6431919
Email: info@cssabudhabi.com, website: www.cssabudhabi.com

New Responsibility

The CSS Group management is pleased to announce that Rajesh Arora has been promoted to Vice President- North India. In his new position, Rajesh will be overlooking the business growth of CSS India in the Northern region and will be responsible for all its operations in this region. With a rich industry experience of 18 years, Rajesh is looking at taking the North Indian operations of CSS to new heights both in imports and exports. His proven expertise includes, handling special equipments and break bulk cargo and excellent knowledge of customs policies and tariffs along with LCL exports and imports. A great motivator and team leader, Rajesh is a G card holder as well. With a strong professional team based out of his region for CSS, Rajesh is confident that the expectations of the Management can be fulfilled with hard work. The management and staff of CSS Group wish all success to this young man.

Growing Leaps And Bounds Cochin With CSS

Kochi, with its world renowned port and the new Vallarpadam transshipment terminal gives an edge to the booming commercial aspect of this city. CSS takes the full advantage of being present in this historic and the fastest growing city of Cochin, which is regarded as the commercial hub of Kerala. This city could is considered as the second most important port city after Mumbai in the western coast.

Console Shipping Services, with a very strong presence in Kochi, is on its move to make it even stronger. Situated right next to the Port, CSS India is fully equipped with state of the art technology and an efficient manpower to cater its best of service to the clients. Console Shipping, being present in most of the major ports and cities in India, finds Kochi presence, a strategic one, foreseeing the mammoth growth, Kochi has seen in the recent past.

The recent advancement in the projects sector and the relocation business, has paved a new path for the shipping and logistics fraternity for development. Due to various favorable factors, Kochi is becoming the hub of IT industry, which catapulted the real estate boom. The entry points of this city like the Shipping Port and Airport has fastened its pace to meet up with the sparkling requirements, the industry demands.

Cochin Port trust has taken measures to increase and modernize its facilities, with the support of a pro-active management team and the support from the State and the Central Governments. The port has handled around 17 million tonnes of Cargo in the year 2010-11 period and is expected a steady growth in the years to come. New initiatives such as the International Container terminal, the International Marina and International ship repair complex could change the face of this port city of Kochi.

Cochin international airport, with a fame of being the first privately owned one, has announced 25,000 Sq. Mts of temperature controlled warehousing facilities for perishable items with in its cargo village. Most of the International airlines are flying in and out of Cochin airport, which makes it now one of the busiest airports in South India.

Kochi, the business capital of Kerala, has long been an attraction for the international traveler. Kochi was popularly known as Cochin from the colonial days till recently. Its strategic importance over the centuries gave shelter to Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese sailors, all of whom have left indelible marks on the region’s development.

New Office For CSS Mumbai

CSS Mumbai has shifted its office to a more convenient and easily accessible area. The new office address is as below:

Console Shipping Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Suite # 102, First Floor, Sai Samarth Building,
Deonar, Mumbai – 400088
Tel: +91 22 42212800, Fax: +91 22 42212899

The management believes that this will be advantageous to all the local agents, vendors and well wishers of the company for having their office in a more centrally located region. CSS Mumbai thanks everyone for the continuous and unconditional support rendered to them in the past.

Inco Term Definitions/Changes

The 11 Incoterms consist of two groups and are listed below in order of increasing risk/liability to the exporter. Under the revised terms, buyers and sellers are being urged to contract precisely where delivery is made and what charges are covered. This should avoid double-billing of terminal handling charges at the port of discharge. References to “ship’s rail” were taken out to clarify that delivery means “on-board” the vessel. Insurance, electronic documentation, and supply chain security are addressed in more detail, and gender-neutral language is now used.

RULES FOR SEA AND INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORT:

FAS – Free Alongside Ship: Risk passes to buyer, including payment of all transportation and  insurance costs, once delivered alongside the ship (realistically at named port terminal) by the seller. The export clearance obligation rests with the seller.

FOB – Free On Board: Risk passes to buyer, including payment of all transportation and insurance costs, once delivered on board the ship by the seller. A step further than FAS.

CFR – Cost and Freight: Seller delivers goods and risk passes to buyer when on board the vessel. Seller arranges and pays cost and freight to the named destination port. A step further than FOB.

CIF – Cost, Insurance and Freight: Risk passes to buyer when delivered on board the ship. Seller arranges and pays cost, freight and insurance to destination port. Adds insurance costs to CFR.

RULES FOR ANY MODE OR MODES OF TRANSPORTATION:

EXW – Ex Works: Seller delivers (without loading) the goods at disposal of buyer at seller’s premises. Long held as the most preferable term for those new-to-export because it represents the minimum liability to the seller. On these routed transactions, the buyer has limited obligation to provide export information to the seller.

FCA – Free Carrier: Seller delivers the goods to the carrier and may be responsible for clearing the goods for export (filing the EEI). More realistic than EXW because it includes loading at pick-up, which is commonly expected, and sellers are more concerned about export violations.

CPT – Carriage Paid To: Seller delivers goods to the carrier at an agreed place, shifting risk to the buyer, but seller must pay cost of carriage to the named place of destination.

CIP – Carriage and Insurance Paid To: Seller delivers goods to the carrier at an agreed place, shifting risk to the buyer, but seller pays carriage and insurance to the named place of destination.

DAT – Delivered at Terminal: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility until goods are unloaded (delivered) at named quay, warehouse, yard, or terminal at destination. Demurrage or detention charges may apply to seller. Seller clears goods for export, not import. DAT replaces DEQ, DES.

DAP – Delivered at Place: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility for goods until made available to buyer at named place of destination. Seller clears goods for export, not import. DAP replaces DAF, DDU.

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid: Seller bears cost, risk and responsibility for cleared goods at named place of destination at buyers disposal. Buyer is responsible for unloading. Seller is responsible for import clearance, duties and taxes so buyer is not “importer of record”.

Facts And Figures

•    2010    28 country pavilions and 4.5 million visitors

•    2009    28 country pavilions and 4.4 million visitors

•    2008    28 country pavilions and 4.5 million visitors

•    2007    59 days, 39 country pavilions and 4.2 million visitors.

•    2006    129 days, 40 country pavilions and 2.1 million visitors.

•    2005    Global Village reaches its 10-year mark with a new location and      longer operation period. 79 days and 5 million visitors.

•    2004    Global Village shattered records with 5.2 million visitors and 38     participating countries.

•    2003    3.1 million visitors with 31 participating countries.

•    2002    2.33 million visitors with 28 pavilions.

•    2001    1.68 million visitors with an increase of pavilions to 25.

•    2000    The number of visitors and pavilions saw increases to 1.59 million and 22, respectively.

•    1999    1.45 million visitors with a stable pavilion number of 20.

•    1998    1.2 million visitors and 20 pavilions from countries around the world.

•    1997    In it’s second year, Global village had 900,000 visitors. The number of participating countries reached 18.

•    1996    Global village was initially a small site along the Dubai Creek with small kiosks representing different countries. In it’s first year, Global village had more than 500,000 visitors.

New Challenges, More Responsibilities

Don Raveendran
Asst. Manager – Ocean Freight & CFS Operations

Don started his career with CSS as an Operations Executive – Airfreight and has proven his ability in handling operations in CFS and leading a team that has been appreciated by management several times. After 3 years of his tenure with CSS in several modes of operations and in consolidation, Don was delegated as the Assistant Manager of CFS. Don has proved his ability to handle critical CFS operations and excellent time management in handling imports and exports at the custom bonded warehouse. His experiences in the operations have given confidence to the management to give him additional responsibilities of handling the Ocean Freight operations. “It has been wonderful 8 years with CSS which has profited me with enormous domain knowledge and I take this responsibility as a challenge and looking forward to give best of the efforts” Don says.

Chandrakala (CK)
Asst. Manager – NVOCC Operations

Chandrakala, equipped with Bachelors in Business administration is pursuing a Masters in Logistics. On April 2010 she has decided to impart her knowledge in the logistics business. She joined as a Management Trainee and has vested her time in various departments in Sales and Operations. Her interest towards the Shipping and Logistics has brought her into the business and now she has taken the responsibility of Asst. Manager NVOCC operations. “In fact the NVOCC business is quite challenging and looking forward to finding new techniques to optimize the operation time and cost to bring in more efficiency in the operations,” added CK.

Jayandan P I
Team Leader – CFS Operations

An Outstanding performer- Jayandan is known for his commitment, dedication and professionalism at work. From humble beginnings as a Tally Clerk in CFS he had strived to secure the position as Team Leader- CFS. He was awarded the top scorer in the Dangerous Goods certification training, which proved his expertise in the domain. His flexibility, adaptability and leadership skills will help him to turn out into an effective leader.

Vishnu Nazir
Team Leader – NVOCC Operations

Vishnu joined as the Jr. Operations Executive 4 years back. He was a quick learner and patient listener from his early days of the career. The interest towards knowing the export and import operations profited him with the business knowledge. He was Team Leader export before he was re assigned as the Team Leader for the entire NVOCC operations. “Vishnu has been a promising employee since his beginning of the career and he has taken responsibilities and took decisions at the right time and also lead the team from the front and we believe he will excel in his new responsibility” added U B Prince, VP NVOCC Operations.

FEKCA Onam

FEKCA (Federations of Kerala Colleges Alumni) celebrated Onam 2011 at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium in Dubai on 16th September 2011 and was started with the traditional floral decoration (Athapookkalam) at the venue, followed by a grand Onasadya on plantain leaves. The cultural procession started soon after that and it presented various art forms of Kerala. Traditional Panchavadyam led by Sri Gopalakrishna Marar enthralled the audience by their thrilling Vadyamelam.

CSS has always been proactive in promoting the public interest by actively participating in various community growth and development for the Kerala Society in UAE and we are proud to be part of this event as co-sponsor. The public meeting was inaugurated By the Chief Guest Sri. Perumbadavam Sreedharan, renowned novelist and President of Kerala Sahithia Academy, where Sri. Sebastian Antony, Chairman of Basel Group of Companies in Dubai was bestowed with “The Businessman of the Year Award” instituted by FEKCA in 2010.  The scintillating and much awaited performance of the evening was “Krishna” a dance drama performed by renowned classical dancer and film star Padmashree Shobana and her 16-member troupe.