CSS ATTENDS SCLG’S ANNUAL INDUSTRY NETWORKING AND DINNER

Every year, SCLG, an acclaimed organizational group, holds a prestigious annual networking event for enterprises to learn from and grow from each other. This year, SCLG hosted their event on May 17th 2023, at the prominent Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. The event commenced at 6.00 p.m and ended at 9:30 p.m.

CSS felt honoured to receive the invitation to take part inthe event and was represented by Ms. Sheethu, Mr. Anees and Mr. Rehan.

The agenda of the event
The event commenced at 7.00 p.m, with an introductory meeting between the CSS team and the organizers of the SCLG team.

The event went forward as follows:
@7:30 p.m Welcome address by SCLG.
@7:40 p.m to 8.30 p.m had the central part of the event:presentations and talks by various speakers.
@8:35 p.m to 9:00 p.m, Mr. Shashi Shekhar, the Group Chairmanof SCLG, stepped onto the podium to address the attendees with some thought-provoking words.
@9.00 p.m to 9.30 p.m, There was an industry networking opportunity, and the event came to an end with a group photo.

Various speakers from different walks of life provided the following presentations and talks at the venue.

Effective leadership during crises
Mr. Waqi Munim, the founder and CEO of Courageous Minds, initiated the first presentation at the event.

Mr. Waqi Munim spoke about the true mark of a leader, which is courage. He went on to explain how leaders have to be willing to expand their frame of thinking. Only then they will be able to adapt and lead their team in the current market situation. Mr. Waqi Munim spoke from his experience leading and building up his enterprise. He was able to share valuable tips on how to lead in stressful situations that are likely to arise within any enterprise.

Finally, he provided insights on how leaders can effectively master change management and bring the results to their company.

Strategies for evaluating risks and mitigation

Ms. Nissrine Elquobai, the co-founder of Eny Consulting, gave the next presentation at the event. She spoke about how leaders can evaluate their risks and develop effective mitigation strategies. Ms. Nissrine Elquobai began her presentation by discussing the element of risk that every enterprise has to encounter. She then gave valuable tips on mitigating risk during new beginnings, outsourcing work for better efficiency, learning about new products, and choosing new processes.

A helpful formula on how to embrace risk was shared, much to the delight of everyone. The formula was simple. Risk = Unknown / Bringing in strategies = Known. Although the risk is unknown, with the help of known strategy, the risks can be mitigated. From seamlessly managing risks within the supply chain to ensuring smooth operational performance from start to finish, Ms. Nissrine Elquobai shared in-depth strategies on how risks within an organization can be evaluated and strategically evaluated.

Demands for future leaders
Mr. Kenneth Nymann-Buus, the Vice President for Supply Chain Domain at Prime Transformation Consulting, was the next to talk about the demands that future leaders face. This was a much-needed topic of discussion, as most of the attendees were from Generation Z, including the representatives from CSS. Generation Z has indeed started a new trend of not working harder but smarter through technology and tools. Leaders from Gen Z would prefer to work from home or only four days a week, as they crave a better work-life balance.

Mr. Kenneth Nymann-Buus started presenting what the current generation needed for an effective working environment. He touched on all the latest trending topics like innovation, coaching, collaborations, and cognitive flexibility. Detailed explanations were provided on how emotional intelligence is needed for leaders and how strategic thinking is a must-have requisite for management. He ended the presentation by discussing how future leaders will need to connect with their employees for a more efficient and safer workplace.

Technology as an enabler in a sustainable supply chain
Mr. Rishikesh Trivedi, Go Green’s founder and market acceleration specialist shared thoughts on how technology can be used to make businesses more sustainable. Mr. Trivedi spoke about how practical steps can be taken to minimize one’s carbon footprint on the planet. He further explained how, with the aid of technology, everyone in the workplace could strive to become more sustainable.

Businesses can reduce their carbon footprint using technology and ensure a cleaner, better, and more sustainable environment in the future. All the attendees at the SCLG event pledged to become more sustainable, reduce their carbon footprint, and strive towards saving the planet.

Unleashing one’s potential
Mr. Ahmed Khaled, the founder and CEO of Unleash and a global supply chain consultant at Unilever, did the final presentation of the evening. Mr. Ahmed Khaled’s talk had everyone cheering for him as he shared his own life story.

Mr. Ahmed spoke about how he quit his 9 to 5 job after a LinkedIn post gave him social visibility. This was his cue to unleash his potential. Today, he is an accomplished author, a public motivational speaker, and a podcast host with celebrity status. He said the key to unlocking each person’s potential could be found in a simple principle: to love what you do.

Finding something that lights up your soul and fills your heart with joy can open an unending reservoir of energy and determination. This can make anyone unstoppable. He ended his enlightening presentation by explaining how passion alone will not get you where you need to be.Along with passion, one also requires perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to accept change. With this in place, everyone will be equipped with the power to change lives.

And The takeaway
The SCLG’s annual industry networking and dinner ended pleasantly with a group photo. All the attendees, including the representatives from CSS, were enlightened on various critical topics, from how to be an effective leader in a crisis to coming up with strategies to evaluate risk, using technology to reduce one’s carbon footprint, facing the demands of a leader in the future, and understanding how to unleash one’s potential and become unstoppable.

PROJECTS AT CSS

Team Projects at CSS started the year 2021 by completing a heat exchanger to DDP Houston. The scope of work awarded was to move the shipment from the manufacturer yard up to the door in Houston, USA. Though the weight and dimensions were smaller compared to the earlier piece, this move also required smooth coordination to ensure safe load out. The cargo was 60 Tons in weight and with 8.80 x 2.36 x 3.23m(lxbxh) as dimensions. 

The first part of the Hamriya Free Zone loadout, including the customs documentation, was handled very smoothly by our branch CSS Kingston at Hamriya free zone. Our in-house lashing & crating department got into action to ensure cargo is well lashed and secured without damaging the cargo. The documentation team at Jebel Ali ensured all formalities were completed for the smooth loading of the cargo out of terminal one at Jebel Ali port. The cargo completed full loading & lashing operations on the 1st January 2021 onboard vessel MSC NAVARINO.

“We were in very close coordination with the carrier MSC & Dubai ports authority, and we thank them for all their support. This, combined with great effort by all at the projects division & team CSS, ensured a smooth and seamless operation.” Commented Mr. Arun P, Manager operations at Projects Division

Skid Movement

CARGO MOVEMENT FROM JEBEL ALI TO HOUSTON

Projects team of CSS, shared details of a recent project movement they handled in Dubai. Two Skids of re-melt tank with structural steel skid & structural steel frame was moved from Jebel Ali to Houston. The cargo specification was 8.20 x 4.50 x 4.80 m with 24 Tons weight.

The cargo was moved as Ocean freight. “The entire movement was done overcoming lot of challenges and as usual our team were enthusiastically delivering their best throughout the process. Each project movement provides ample scope for learning something new.” Commented Sajith Vijayan, Manager – Projects.

The scope included collection on special 40 cms low deck trailer from Mussafah to Jebel Ali, lashing & securing of skids onto the 40 feet flat rack container and exporting to the destination in Houston completing all documentation and clearances needed for the move. As is the practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, destination and the travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo

CARGO BY AIR

CSS MOVES PROJECTS CARGO FROM HOUSTON TO RAS AL KHAIMAH

A highly challenging Air Project Cargo movement was successfully handled and completed by the Projects team at CSS Dubai. The move was concluded before the deadline, receiving appreciation from the client’s side. The real challenge in the project was to transport machinery through different airlines from the US to the destination in the Middle East. The cargo – Marine Crane Parts with 60 tonnes of total volume – was airlifted from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas and transported to Dubai International Airport.

“The real challenge here was to transport the Machinery as parts, on different airlines and to track all of them to make sure that each of them reaches Dubai on time, so that we could fulfil our commitments. The shipment was loaded as part cargo on 5 separate cargo flights to meet the deadline. Such tests give us great insight on how to handle time bound movements with precision.” Mentioned Sajith Vijayan, Manager Projects, CSS Dubai.

The scope of this air project movement included, the collection of cargo as loose parts from the supplier, completion of airworthy packaging, and successfully doing the airfreight to the destination. The cargo arriving in Dubai was cleared at the Dubai International airport and transported to the client in Ras Al Khaimah, the final destination of the cargo. Within 15 days, the entire movement was complete and the last consignment reached the client facility a day prior to the deadline given by the client.
“The project cargo movement has become highly competitive. The freight forwarder handling projects cargo must be knowledgeable in all aspects of the movement of goods. Our team engaged in this particular air cargo movement has done extensive research on all levels of operation before the actual move commenced. We are thankful to our clients for the continuous trust they are showing us” commented Raj George, Senior VP, Projects Oil & Energy division, CSS Group.

ANOTHER FEATHER IN THE CAP

CSS COMPLETES PROJECTS MOVE BEFORE THE TIME COMMITTED

An extraordinary feeling was evident on the faces of the Projects team of CSS, when they received the letter of appreciation from the client, for successfully completing a major project movement for the HSS Consortium Al- Zour refinery project, before the time committed. Of course, that was not the first instance though.

Ahmed Fuad and his team had spent 87 harsh days with utmost perseverance for moving 70,000 tonnes of coated pipes, of both 10 and 30 inches, and 4 cable drums of 85 tonnes each. “It was particularly pleasing for me and my team to see the customer benefitting from joining hands with CSS Group. It was a testing time again for my team yet a great example of the level of service CSS is able to deliver for our clients when it comes to challenging projects” mentioned Ahmed Fuad, Senior Business Development Manager, Projects Oil & Energy division, CSS Group.

The movement of the cargo started from the storage area to a private boat jetty. The scope of the work included, loading, transportation and offloading on to the barges. The cargo was then fastened on to the barges which demanded high level of technical skills. Altogether there were 16 barges on duty for carrying the cargo to the destination in Kuwait. The usual pre-move surveys, and technical testing were done by the survey team of the Projects department. The expected time of projects completion was 100 days which was committed before the move to the client, however, CSS could successfully cross the finishing line in 87 days.

“Our team brought in another accolade by successfully displaying exemplary skills and exceeding the client satisfaction. Each project gives us a chance to add a new lesson to our experience. This project was an example of how dedication and commitment can add value to the jobs undertaken.” Commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy division, CSS Group.

TRANSFORMER MOVEMENT TO RAS AL KHOR


The Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed yet another movement recently.
One Unit of Transformer weighing 308 tonnes was moved to the projects site and the installation was done. The transformer measuring 11.78 M x 4.8 M x 4.45 M was loaded on to a heavy lift vessel for its voyage from Derince to Jebel Ali. The scope of work of CSS included lifting, loading and transport from the origin to the destination and installation onto the foundation.
The experienced CSS projects team conducted the survey of the route and the destination prior to the commencement of the move. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. The cargo movement was executed with a 14 axle trailer from Jebel Ali to the project site in Ras Al Khor. Jacking and skidding method was put to use for the installation process. “The entire process of the project execution was exciting. Thanks to the experience we gained from the previous transformer movements and installations, which really helped us to successfully complete the job on time” Commented Sajith Vijayan, Manager, Operations, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Dubai.
Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire movement. “Our team displayed highest level of professionalism throughout the job. We value the smile on the face of our clients more than anything else, hence zero compromise is tolerated at any level. That could be the only reason for our success as a major project mover in the Middle East”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.

CSS Mumbai Successfully Moves Granite Cutting Machines


CSS Mumbai successfully executed a factory installation project recently wherein large granite cutting machines were exported on Flat Racks and Open tops.

Despite of the torrential rains in Mumbai, the highly capable team did the entire operation handled movement of machines to port and to board the vessel giving utmost care of the cargo and its packing all through the operation. “High professionalism has to be displayed in handling critical jobs in Projects. The proven expertise and commitment could be the major factor why people rely on CSS Mumbai Projects team when it comes to complicated assignments like these” mentioned Rahat Talreja Vice President CSS Central India.

The machines were skilfully loaded onto special equipment needed for such large dimension and heavy cargo and lashed with rubber grips, nylon belts, turn buckles, wire ropes and covered with tarpaulins and loaded on board the vessel.

All operational issues like port congestion, berthing delays by vessel etc were handled professionally by the Mumbai Projects team. The close monitoring ensured the cargo was boarded in timely manner and sailed off Mumbai.

Rail Ballast Cleaning Machine Movement

The Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed a major movement recently.

One Unit of Rail Ballast Cleaning Machine of 29 x 3 x 5 M and weighing 95 tons was moved from Hofuf site in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Dammam Port. The scope of work included lifting, loading and transport from the origin to the destination.

The experienced CSS projects team conducted a survey of the route and the destination prior to the commencement of the move. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. The cargo movement was conducted using Two 250 ton cranes for lifting and 12 axle trailer of 6 meters extended platform for transportation. “Each movement provides an opportunity to learn something new and so was this cargo movement for us. We are excited to have this project successfully completed” commented Sajith Vijayan, Manager, Operations, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Dubai

Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire route. “The whole project was handled extremely professionally from start to finish, and allowed for CSS to showcase its continuous commitment to its clients to provide the highest quality of service. CSS Projects team’s experience and knowledge is the key factor to our high level of success percentage”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.

Transformer Movement

jebel-aliThe Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed a major movement recently.

Six Units of Transformer each of 7 x 2.8 x 3 M and weighing 60 tons each were moved from Jebel Ali to Dubai Hill Substation site and Khor Dubai Substation site. The movement included the installation procedures as well at the site.

As is the practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, destination and the travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. The transformers were moved in heavy duty Low Bed Trailers and offloaded using 500 ton crane with super lift. “The entire movement was done overcoming lot of challenges and as usual our team were enthusiastically delivering their best throughout the process” commented Sreenath V, Vice President, Operations & Projects, CSS Group

Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire route. “Our proven expertise in the field of transformer movement brings in quality clients to us. Installation is another area which requires high level of technical expertise. CSS Projects team’s experience and knowledge is the key factor to our high level of success percentage”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.

CSS at FPS AGM,Yangon

yangon

CSS Group representatives attended the recently concluded FPS AGM and conference at Yangon, Myanmar. The meet was organised from the 18th to 21st October 2016.

CSS Group was represented at FPS by Chandrakala (CK), Director, Operations & Ocean Freight and Seshan Janik, Vice President, NVOCC.

FPS Group – one of the largest and longest-established forwarding groups in the world adopted the theme “Strengthen Network with Synergy” for this year’s meet. The four day event comprised of conference, one on one meeting & networking sessions. The most interesting programme as per the delegates attended was the Shwedagon Pagoda Visit and the Yangon Port visit organised on the last day of the event

css-at-fps-agm“In a very uncertain global economic scenario we face, it’s extremely important to have regular overhauling of your contacts to keep the business lively and aggressive. CSS Group has always utilised the opportunity of interacting at the FPS, from day one onwards and we have found it very useful” mentioned Chandrakala (CK).

CSS Group has always seen FPS meetings as a wonderful opportunity to interact with industry fraternity and had never missed the attendance. FPS networking has always proved to be highly productive over the years of CSS operations.

“Networking at the FPS AGM and conference always provides an opportunity to meet new members from some of the regions where we do think about testing our fortune in the future also brushing up our existing relationships happens in such forums  and hence CSS finds it very fruitful to be at this gathering” commented Seshan Janik.

Maersk Line Resumes Service to Iran

The world’s largest container shipping company Maersk Line has resumed calls to Iran after a five-year hiatus and hopes that access to a new, rapidly growing market will help it through the current downturn. Maersk Line is the global container division and the largest operating unit of the A.P. Moller–Maersk Group, a Danish business conglomerate.

“We are excited to announce that we have reinstated our services in Iran. This means that our customers can once again utilize our global network, large fleet of vessels and equipment, weekly departures, superior transit times and innovative suite of e-business solutions, both to and from Iran, subject to country specific regulations,” reads a note on the Copenhagen-based company’s website. The resumption of service to Iran comes nearly a year after Maersk’s 2M Alliance partner Mediterranean Shipping Company once again began sailing to the second-largest country in the Middle East.

“Global container trade has matured over the past years and is growing at a slower pace. Iran has the potential to be the market that stands out with faster growth,” Christian Juul-Nyholm, managing director, UAE cluster, Maersk Line, was quoted as saying by JOC.com.

CSS Group Becomes an AFBN Member

afbnAfrican Freight Bridge Network officially announces CSS Group as their member in the Middle East Region. AFBN is the first International freight forwarders network based in the North African region. The network membership offers many benefits to the member companies in the North African region.

“Africa has been the next frontier for us at CSS. A credible network of partners has been on our wish list for a while now. With the AFBN we now have a niche and experienced network of partners, allowing us to enter and explore opportunities.” mentioned Ajay Krishnan, VP Freight Forwarding and Pricing, CSS Group.

This member ship introduces a new member to the best and reliable freight forwarders in Africa. Being a member of AFBN networks will allow you to work only with trusted and specialized freight forwarders from all over the world under the financial and monitoring protection programme of AFBN which secures all financial transactions amongst the members. AFBN networks will secure and protect your money by a credible system as they are accredited and supported by FDRS programme (Forwarders debt recovery system). There are many such benefits announced by this network to member companies.

CSS Group with its worldwide network aims at exploring the opportunities of the prospects offered by the African countries, which they haven’t pursued yet. Consolidated Shipping Group, established in the year 1995, is one of the fastest growing NVOCCs in the region where it operates. CSS Group, headquartered in Dubai has become one of the most trusted partners for freight forwarding and logistics among the global fraternity within a short period of time. Professional and dedicated services offered in the field of Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Local & International Land Transportation, Projects Management, Supply Chain Management and Personal Effects Management has brought in accolades and recognition for the entire CSS Group. Being a prominent name in the field of freight forwarding in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, CSS Group has to its credit an enviable list of Global Network Partners. CSS has a dedicated and highly skilled team of over 750 professionals around the globe offering integrated freight forwarding & logistic solutions to varied clientele.

Skid Movement

CSS Sales Jebel Ali team has done a movement from Al Quoz to Dry Dock for a FPSO project. One cooling water circulation Pump Skid was the machinery. The skid weighing 53 tons with a volume of 291.43 CBM was handled by a well-trained team of CSS. As is the practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, destination and the travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. Dimensions of the Skid was 9.2 x 7.2 x 4.4 meters (L x W x H). Loading and transportation was the scope of work for CSS. Superlift cranes weighing 500 tons were engaged for the process.
“All sorts of licenses required for the move were in place and technical teams were involved for a fool-proof movement process. Such project movements give us chances to understand something new always.” commented Hinna Hussain, Team Manager, Sales Jebel Ali team. The entire team did a commendable job on this project movement, as mentioned by the CSS Senior Management.

Ships and Shipbuilding

Phoenician Vessels 

The most able shipbuilders of ancient times were those of Phoenicia, about 2000 BC, who constructed not only merchant vessels capable of carrying large cargoes, but also warships larger and more effective than any built by their contemporaries, the Egyptians and the Aegeans. The Phoenicians’ most significant contribution was the round boat—a broad-beamed ship that depended principally on sails rather than oars and provided a much larger cargo-space than the narrow galleys. Phoenician round ships travelled the Mediterranean and beyond: to Britain (for trade in tin), and probably far south along the African coast.

Phoenician shipbuilders are also credited with developing bireme and trireme galleys, in which the oars were arranged in two or three banks. Multi-banked galleys are a matter of scholarly dispute. Some authorities, who doubt that the quinqueremes of the Greeks and Romans actually had five banks of oars, suggest that the term means merely that five rowers were assigned to an oar.

From Derince to Dubai

Transformer movement and installation by CSS Projects team

The Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed a major movement recently.

Six Transformer units each of 7 x 2.8 x 3 M and weighing 60 tons each were moved from Derince Port, Turkey to Dubai. The movement was from Door to Door including the installation procedures. As is the practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, Destination and the Travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a fool proof and smooth journey of the cargo. At the destination, transformers were installed using the Jacking and Skidding method under the supervision of technical experts.

Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire route. “CSS Projects team has got a proven expertise in transformer movement, as we have done some major movements in the past as well. When it comes to installation, highly experienced technical team comes into the picture. Our past experience and successful results attracts clients to us when such demands pitch in”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.

With New Responsibility

CSS Group Management is pleased to announce that Sreenath V, Siby C Kurian & Ajay Krishnan has been promoted as Vice Presidents. In the new role they will continue to oversee the activities of their respective departments. With their vast experience and commitment towards the company, the management expect to see remarkable progress in all sectors related to the departments and wish them all success.


Sreenath V
Vice President- Operations & Projects


With hands on experience in Operations and Projects management, Sreenath had spearheaded his team in successfully completing CSS commitments in the past. Leading a large workforce in the operational division and keeping them motivated are some of the many achievements of his career.


Siby C Kurian
Vice President- Sales & Marketing


Excellent PR and Marketing skills within the industry has made Siby one of the known faces amongst the shipping and logistics fraternity. Total commitment towards his responsibility and his team has always brought in laurels for the company, throughout his career.


Ajay Krishnan
Vice President- Freight Forwarding & Key Information dept.


A thorough professional in the field of Shipping and Logistics and a vast knowledge about the liner activities from his past career, Ajay looks after the Freight Forwarding and Key Information Department of CSS. With a little under two decades of experience in the industry, Ajay’s new position is sure to bring in changes within the department.

Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi with CSS

The Projects team at CSS Group successfully completed yet another job recently, inviting highest client appreciation. Eight units each of 15 x 5 x 5.10 M weighing 118 tons of Skid Shoe was moved from the Maritime City at Ras Al Khaimah to the NPCC yard in Abu Dhabi. As a usual practice, extensive study and survey was conducted as part of this movement regarding the Origin, destination and the travel route. Each point of the entire project was carefully assessed to ensure a foolproof and smooth journey of the cargo. Multi axle hydraulic trailers were used for the project movement.

Prior permissions were taken and escorts were arranged for the entire route. The entire operation included night movements as well. “We consider each project movement as a chance to learn more and an opportunity to prove our professionalism. The excellent team work displayed by our staff ensures zero percentage stress and pressure for our clients. That could be the reason which made CSS the most sought after name in the field of project movement in the entire Middle East and the Indian sub-continent”, commented Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy, CSS Group, after the successful project completion.