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ABL has successfully assisted India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) with moving 36 offshore drilling rigs to new locations in advance of the monsoon season.

ABL have assisted as tow master and marine warranty service (MWS) provider on the rig moves, which equals the record of 36 pre-monsoon rig moves from 2021. The moves were conducted using ABL’s specialist team of mariners supported by structural and geotechnical engineers, in close cooperation with ONGC’s in-house rig move cell.

Each of the 36 rigs were placed at their respective monsoon locations before the onset of the seasonal adverse weather conditions. The combined total distance travelled for all rigs was 3,680 nautical miles.

ABL acted for ONGC’s underwriters, and their appointed consultants, for the duration of the rig moving campaign. Under the agreement, ABL provided marine warranty services to ONGC’s fleet of jack-ups and mobile offshore production units in Indian waters.

“Moving 36 rigs in such a short time frame to new locations before the onset of the southwest monsoon is quite an achievement. Rig moves in the Indian offshore areas, even during normal weather conditions, pose huge challenges to both the tow master and MWS services that must manage environmental, tidal, bathymetric and soil challenges. However, the joint ABL and ONGC team made this a safe and well executed campaign,” says Captain Stephen Craig – Middle East and India Operations Manager and ABL’s Jack-up Rig Steering Group leader.

In total, ABL has assisted with more than 100 rig moves offshore India during the previous season from September 2022 to June 2023.

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BBL France recently coordinated the transport of a dismantled press with the help of fellow PCN Members: Hecksher & Noatum.

The cargo was packed inside a single breakbulk crate, which was moved using flat racks and an open top container.

BBL handled this shipment door-to-door, starting with the aid of Hecksher in Poland. The press was received and transported to Mexico, where Noatum offered their support in the next part of the logistics chain.

This shipment was completed safely and on-time thanks to the hard work of all teams involved.

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Rhenus is receiving twelve hybrid trucks that can run on B100 biodiesel, made from rapeseed oil.

With these new vehicles, Rhenus can move one step closer to fully decarbonising its road fleet in France by 2030.

Rhenus is fast-tracking decarbonisation of its transport fleet, thanks to B100 biodieselRhenus is fast-tracking decarbonisation of its transport fleet, thanks to B100 biodiesel
Following its purchases, in recent years, of eight trucks that run on NVG and CNG, Rhenus is taking a new step towards decarbonising its road transport of goods. The dual-fuel vehicles currently being delivered to Rhenus will have B100 biodiesel as their priority fuel. To ensure autonomy in filling the new trucks, Rhenus has had a dedicated tank, with 50,000-litre capacity, installed in its premises at the port of Strasbourg.

The use of B100 biodiesel, which is made from rapeseed oil and completely biodegradable, reduces CO2 emissions by 60 percent and particulate emissions by 80 percent, compared to diesel. It means that the vehicles can go into LEZ (low emission zones) and reduce the road transport carbon footprint of Rhenus and its clients, throughout France and for all types of goods carried.

“As part of the Rhenus Group’s CSR strategy, we are committed to full decarbonisation of our lorry fleet by the year 2030. In France, we began reducing our emissions by adding gas-fuelled trucks to our fleet. We are shifting this approach up a gear with hybrid diesel/B100 trucks that offer more flexible usage and greater autonomy on the road. We are experimenting with all forms of alternative engine power. In addition, Rhenus has just acquired 27 electric trucks, which are already out on the roads in Germany,” explains Benoît Haumant, Transport Director at Rhenus Logistics France.

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The capital reduction was approved by 98.21% of the minority shareholders attending in person or by proxy (38.88%).

Approval was contingent on a presence of at least 25% of the minority shareholders with an approval rate of at least two-thirds. As a result of the capital reduction, the shares of the minority shareholders are redeemed. For that, the shareholders will receive compensation of €18.05 per Siemens Gamesa share, the same price that was offered in the original tender offer by Siemens Energy in 2022.

“This is an important step in preparing for full integration. Besides, the turnaround program at Siemens Gamesa, Mistral, needs further rigorous execution, even though we see first moves in the right direction,” said Christian Bruch, CEO and President of Siemens Energy, and Chairman of Siemens Gamesa.

Jochen Eickholt, CEO of Siemens Gamesa, added: “I am pleased that our minority shareholders are supporting our effort to fully integrate Siemens Gamesa into Siemens Energy. We can now further streamline our structures so that we can focus one hundred percent on improving our performance and achieving profitability.”

Siemens Energy announced the tender offer to acquire all remaining shares of Siemens Gamesa in May 2022. The tender offer concluded in December 2022, and following a sustained purchase order, Siemens Energy held around 98% of Siemens Games shares. Siemens Gamesa ceased trading on February 14, 2023. Upon completion of the transaction, Siemens Energy will have spent a total of €4.05 bn to acquire all shares not previously owned. In line with the target to maintain a solid investment grade rating, the transaction has mostly been financed with equity.

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Sealand Shipping, PCN members from Ghana, are pleased to report their successful handling of very sensitive oil & gas upper manifold equipment to Houston.

The upper manifold equipment was received at Tema Port in Ghana, where Sealand arranged for it to be loaded onto a vessel bound for the United States.

This cargo was worth several millions of dollars and weighed over 50 tons, with a volume over 120 CBM.

Safety was a high priority for their client, and Sealand met these expectations through the following measures:A pre-journey route survey to assess the best road to port; Proper risk assessment prior to the movement to address all possible obstacles; Journey management with police escorts to assist in traffic control.

“We applied our unique, three-dimensional approach to this project by ‘Defining, Designing and Delivering’ a solution that met the high safety standards of our client, whilst meeting strict deadlines for the export to Houston.”

Sealand’s cost-effective solution ensured that the client was fully apprised at each step of the journey. Using automated milestone prompts, the client could follow every movement of the cargo until it was finally loaded onboard its designated vessel.

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Front Shipping A/S, based in Oslo, Norway, has been appointed as the exclusive country member for Norway to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC).

During their meeting at the Breakbulk Europe 2023 in Rotterdam, Mr. André Martens Solem, Sales & Marketing Director – CCO for Front Shipping stated: “The company has a strong position in the Norwegian and European markets and deliveres a full scope of services related to: Project shipments and specialized transport; Chartering; Ocean freight – FCL and LCL; Full door-to-door services; Export and Import customs and documentation handling; Road transport; Storage and terminal services in all Norwegian ports; Air transport to and from every commercial airport in the world”.

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Air Menzies International (AMI), a leading global wholesale freight forwarder and part of Menzies Aviation, today announces its investment in a new, purpose-built facility in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Located less than a kilometre from O.R. Tambo International Airport, the new facility will replace AMI’s existing branch on Aviation Park, Pomona. The move which is scheduled for September 2023 will increase capacity, improve efficiency and support long-term growth in the region.

The new facility contains a 47,500 square-foot warehouse, significantly increasing the company’s freight capacity. The introduction of a new, off-airport airfreight de-group warehouse for import customers will add to the wider range of freight services already on offer to the southern African market. From the opening date, the new facility will be fully compliant with the relevant regulations from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, including Part 108, requiring all screening to be done on site.

Built to offer more sustainable operations, solar panels installed on the roof of the building will produce up to 80 per cent of the facility’s electricity demand and energy-efficient equipment, such as electric forklifts, will operate in the warehouse. Increased security has also been considered and the warehouse and office premises will be fully secured with 24/7 security and CCTV.

This new facility will complement planned upgrades to the company’s existing perishable division in Johannesburg, located at O.R. Tambo International Airport’s Foreign Airlines Terminal. This on-airport specialist facility will increase in size by over 4,300 square-feet, greatly enhancing its controlled-temperature storage capacity. Customers will also benefit from new services, including variable temperature control for multiple perishable commodities.

Jonathan Clark, CEO, AMI, said: “We continue to see strong growth in our air freight services in South Africa which has led to increased demand from customers. Our new building gives us increased capacity and modern facilities that will enhance the services we offer to existing and new customers while strengthening our position in the market.

“The strategic location of the new facility will make a substantial difference to our operational efficiency. Together with the planned upgrades to our on-airport specialist facility, it will also help facilitate the movement of exports and imports to our other branches in South Africa, in particular Cape Town, where many perishable and temperature sensitive goods are sourced. It’s an exciting time for the team and we look forward to entering this important next phase of the company’s development.”

Milton French, SVP Africa, AMI said “This investment, combined with our expert know-how of exports, imports and our specialist Perishable Division, will enable us to provide a unique offering to our customers that delivers a full suite of logistics services.”

AMI is a 100 per cent neutral freight forwarder, operating an extensive global network of27 locations with 250 network partners worldwide. It has a globally renowned reputation for providing excellent logistics solutions.

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Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has concluded an agreement to supply French multimodal terminal operator BTM with two Kalmar electric reachstackers.

The machines will be operated at Terminal Ouest Provence (TOP), a new multimodal development due to be completed in Q2 2024. The order was booked in Cargotec’s Q2 2023 order intake and the machines are scheduled to be delivered during Q1 2024.

TOP is a new intermodal terminal being developed to the north of Marseille by the Open Modal Group, of which BTM is a subsidiary. BTM will operate the terminal, which will handle trains operated by T3M and drawn by Combirail, both subsidiaries of Open Modal Group. Open Modal aims to integrate and decarbonise its intermodal transport chain, including road transport, and has selected Kalmar electric reachstackers to support this goal. BTM’s reachstacker fleet already includes six diesel-powered Kalmar reachstackers.

The Kalmar electric reachstacker, which offers lifting capacities of up to 45 tonnes, improves the eco-efficiency of cargo-handling operations while allowing customers to maintain the highest levels of productivity and safety. The reachstacker is available with a range of modular battery options and charging solutions. Kalmar is currently the only supplier manufacturing fully electric reachstackers in Europe.

Christophe Lefel, General Manager, BTM: “Kalmar’s electric reachstacker is a proven, reliable solution that eliminates at-source emissions, supporting our decarbonisation objectives. When selecting new equipment for the fleet at TOP, reliability was high on our agenda alongside zero emissions, and it is for these reasons that we have chosen to partner with Kalmar.”

Sebastien Proenca, Country Director, France, Kalmar: “More and more terminal operators are choosing to go electric in order to minimise airborne emissions and noise. Our proven electric reachstacker solution offers a high degree of flexibility in terms of battery and charging options, making it a popular choice among operators who are seeking to decarbonise their operations. We are delighted that BTM has chosen our solution for TOP.”

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CargoCrew have completed the delivery of several new engines for a shipbuilding project in China.

The cargo involved in this transport included four marine engines, each measured at 11.4 (L) 3.35 (W) x 5.90 (H) meters with weights of 176 tons. CargoCrew also moved several containers of additional cargo and accessories.

The company received the engines by inland river barge. The Heavy Equipment Terminal at Mannheim Inland River Port was nominated for onward transportation to the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In Rotterdam, CargoCrew loaded the engines onto a container ship as breakbulk cargo to Guangzhou in China using a floating crane.

“We would like to thank our good customer MAN Energy Solutions – the world’s leading manufacturer of marine and stationary engines – for their continued trust and nomination of this shipment.”

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In a landmark moment for DEME, offshore works at the Vineyard Wind 1 project in the US have begun.

‘Orion’, DEME’s specialised floating offshore installation vessel, successfully installed the first of 62 foundations.

Vineyard Wind 1 is the first commercial-scale offshore wind farm in the country and the first of several US wind farm projects in DEME’s portfolio.

DEME, the leading offshore wind farm contractor in the world, is pleased to support the energy transition by bringing its smart solutions, based on decades of experience in the renewables industry, and deploying its high-tech fleet. Equipped with DP3 and a tailormade motion compensated gripper system, ‘Orion’is specifically designed for the installation of large monopile foundations.

DEME Offshore US is carrying out the transportation and installation of the monopile foundations, transition pieces, offshore substation and scour protection, as well as the offshore substation foundation and platform. Later, the company will also install the wind turbines.

Jan Klaassen, Director DEME Offshore US, said: “After many years of preparation, the installation work for the first large-scale offshore wind farm in the US has officially kicked off. We are excited to start a new era in the US offshore wind market. This also marks a major milestone for our team based in Boston, the crew onboard ‘Orion’ and the project team, as it is the first offshore wind farm we will build in US waters.”

Sid Florey, President DEME Offshore US, commented: “We look forward to cooperating with all stakeholders and US partners in the construction of this first large-scale offshore wind project in the US, including the local union workers who will participate in the installation work under the project labour agreement. DEME Offshore has contracted local US vessels and crews to be deployed for the mitigation of noise emissions, as well as marine mammal observations. This first installed foundation is a major step for the US as it advances towards locally produced clean electricity and job creation for the generations to come.”

“We can finally say it – as of today, there is ‘steel in the water,’” said Vineyard Wind CEO Klaus S. Moeller. “Over the next few months, we’ll be working hand in glove with the Building Trades and our contractors to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently. I want to thank all of our stakeholders and the entire Vineyard Wind team for this remarkable achievement on this first in the nation project.”

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Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is opening its first Direct Load branch in Switzerland: Since the beginning of June, partial and full truck loads are dispatched from Kloten between all European countries and Switzerland.

The globally active logistics service provider is thus taking another important step in expanding its market presence in Switzerland beyond the air and sea freight product offerings, with which Hellmann became active on the Swiss market at the beginning of the year through the acquisition of its long-standing partner company ATS-Hellmann Worldwide Logistics AG. Additionally, the logistics provider is expanding its Direct Load activities in the European network, which is already represented in nine other European countries with more than 40 locations. In this context, Christian Wanner joined the company as the new Head of Direct Load Switzerland in May.

As part of its global growth strategy, Hellmann has already invested significantly in the Direct Load network in recent years – most recently in February with the opening of the branch in Kufstein, Austria, and previous inaugurations in France, the Netherlands, the Benelux countries and the Czech Republic, among others. Due to its central location between France, Italy, Austria and Germany, the move into Switzerland with the new branch in Kloten is of strategic importance and allows Hellmann to open up another important market in the heart of Europe. The company intends to offer both existing and new customers a one-stop network expanded to include Direct Load, to serve the demand for transport solutions into and out of Switzerland.

“We are delighted that, following the establishment of our Swiss national subsidiary just under six months ago, we have been able to reach another milestone in the further development of the Hellmann network with the opening of our new branch in Kloten. This is of strategic importance for us in two respects: On the one hand, by opening up this inner-European hub, we are strengthening our connections between Northern and Southern Europe. Additionally, by adding Direct Load services to our product portfolio, we are also further strengthening our competitive position in Europe and Switzerland – a market in which we want to continue to grow sustainably in the future,” says Jens Wollesen, Chief Operating Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

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More than 20 years’ experience in logistics and transport, spearheaded by a background in trade and the ports industry.

In mid-June, WALLENIUS SOL welcomes Petri Nikupeteri aboard to the new position of Commercial Manager for the Nordics.

“Really exciting! I love working with people and I’m looking forward to becoming part of the team and starting to work with customers. What’s more, WALLENIUS SOL is an innovative, growing company with a wealth of new ideas, so taking part in its development will be rewarding.”

“As our vessels get bigger, so too do volumes and trade. My job will mean taking responsibility for commercial operations by making sure the vessels have full loads while ensuring smooth collaborations with our customers. While this applies especially to the Nordics, I will also work closely with my colleagues in central Europe to create sustainable, long-term logistics solutions for our customers.”

“I bring my extensive experience in the logistics industry with me. Among other things, I worked with Finnish steel company Outokumpu for more than 20 years in various positions in logistics and shipping. For three of those years, I was based in Brussels, where I focused on streamlining warehouse processes. Since 2016, I’ve combined trade and logistics at the Port of Kalajoki, initially as Commercial Director, and later as CEO. I feel it’s an advantage to have seen the industry from several aspects.”

“I believe everything can be developed and improved, so it’s going to be exciting to see what the future has to offer at WALLENIUS SOL.” Petri Nikupeteri, Commercial Manager Nordics.

“I’ve been following the record breaking vessels Botnia Enabler and her sister ship Baltic Enabler, which entered regular service last year. These big, ultramodern climate-smart vessels have been the big topic among port workers throughout Finland. Thanks to my many contacts in the industry I found out that WALLENIUS SOL would be adding a new position and were looking for someone in the vicinity of Oulu, so there you have it!”

“Getting to know our existing customers and developing together with them while also building new customer relationships to make sure we make full use of the capacity of the vessels. And for me, it’s also a big plus that the position is entirely new, as it means it’s still quite open and shapeable. I believe everything can be developed and improved, so it’s going to be exciting to see what the future has to offer at WALLENIUS SOL.”

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The Rhenus Group started operations at its new branch in Murcia in May.

With this new location, managed by Elvira Segur, the logistics service provider is strengthening its logistics capacity and reaching 30 locations of its Road Freight business unit on the Iberian Peninsula. The facility will be shared with the last-mile specialist Rhenus Home Delivery.

The Rhenus Group opens its first office in MurciaThe Rhenus Group opens its first office in Murcia
The new Murcia branch completes the group’s positioning in the southeast region of the Spanish mainland. It will also play a central role in the operations of Rhenus in this province, which has a strong business fabric that demands high-quality logistics services. The new facility is located in Molina de Segura and covers an area of 3,500 square metres, including a 2,000 square metre warehouse and a 1,500 square metre yard.

“The opening of this new branch is a natural step in the company’s growth strategy in Spain. It allows us to offer our customers better coverage and responsiveness in Murcia, which is a region that is consolidating as one of Spain’s most important logistics hubs, thanks to its unique geostrategic location with an important infrastructure network and an increasingly competitive business and productive fabric,” says Elvira Segur, Manager of Rhenus Logistics Murcia and Alicante.

The Rhenus Group particularly appreciates the region’s solid activity linked to agricultural and food production and the diversification of its economy, as demonstrated by the boom in exports of industrial goods and technology.

Rhenus Home Delivery Spain, for its part, emphasises the great opportunity that this new branch represents to improve operational synergies and the quality of the services offered to its clients. The benefits include shorter delivery times, the introduction of a daily transport frequency to the Levante region and a higher quality of delivery, assembly and installation of bulky products.

With this opening, the group is strengthening its commitment to the Iberian Peninsula and consolidating the Road Freight business unit branch network in Spain and Portugal and Rhenus Home Delivery’s leading position in the home delivery segment on the Iberian Peninsula.

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Vestas has received a firm order from North Kyle Wind Farm Limited, part of Brockwell Energy Limited, for the North Kyle wind park in East Ayrshire, Scotland.

The order consists of 49 V136-4.5 MW wind turbines and includes supply, delivery, and commissioning of the turbines. Upon completion, Vestas will service the turbines under a 30-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement designed to ensure optimised performance of the assets.

“We are excited to partner up for the first time with Brockwell Energy Limited to deliver one of the largest onshore projects in the UK as the market scales to achieve net zero,” says Anna Schlasberg Wachtmeister, Vice President Sales for Northern and Central Europe at Vestas. “North Kyle is yet another order for the V136-4.5 MW turbine and takes Vestas beyond 4 GW under full scope service in the UK and Ireland”.

Paul Newman, Commercial Director at Brockwell Energy Limited commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Vestas on Brockwell’s flagship North Kyle project. We look forward to continuing our positive collaboration with Vestas during the construction and long-term operational phase of the project. Once constructed the project is expected to generate sufficient green energy to power 163,000 homes and will make a significant contribution to the UK’s net zero target”.

Turbine delivery will begin in the second quarter of 2024 with commissioning scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025.

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