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The extreme winter conditions in the Bay of Bothnia are gruelling for ships in traffic.

The new WALLENIUS SOL vessels, however, are designated with the highest possible ice class to keep the regular schedule going all year round. The secret? Powerful engines and reinforced hulls, along with a number of other smart solutions.

To be allowed to traffic the Bay of Bothnia during the harsh winter months, ships have to be designated with an ice class issued by Finnish and Swedish authorities. WALLENIUS SOL’s two sister ships, Botnia Enabler and Baltic Enabler, have been designed to achieve the highest ice class, 1A Super: capable of operating in extremely difficult conditions, including navigating ice a meter thick or more.

The ice is almost alive in this part of the world, with winds pushing it around and building it up into large ridges. But we can operate all through the winter season, even during the worst ice period. This means that we’ll be able to serve our clients all year round. Even during peak ice season in the shift from March to April, when conditions were really tough, we were underway almost constantly,” says Tobias Persson, Captain, Botnia Enabler.

“This is the first winter we are testing the ships in real life. The test models made us hopeful that the ships would have excellent performance in ice conditions, and I’m happy to say that it turned out to be true. Performance has actually been even better than expected. This is a whole new generation of much larger vessels. Our beam is about 10 meters wider than the previous largest vessels in winter traffic in the area, and we are also much wider than most icebreakers. There’s been a lot of pressure on the hull, but we have just kept on going,” says Tobias Persson.

Even though the Enabler ships can handle tough ice conditions, all ships in the Bay of Bothnia get icebreaker assistance during winter.

“The icebreakers are there to keep the lanes open for all ships, and to assist stuck vessels. We are grateful for their support, and they remove some of the resistance. Otherwise we would consume more fuel, which is bad for the environment, and we would go slower, which is bad for our clients. So the icebreakers definitely serve a purpose,” says Tobias Persson.

Icebreaker support are needed even for vessels with the highest ice class to save fuel and time.

The hull shape is designed to perform well in tough ice conditions, and the ship can operate in temperatures down to minus 35 degrees Celsius. Botnia Enabler och Baltic Enabler are using a system to prevent ice from blocking the seawater intake valves, letting ice accumulate without disrupting the flow. The hull, propellers and rudders are reinforced, and the ships are equipped with ice radar to help avoid the thickest ice.

“We have a lot of hull reinforcements, several meters above and below the water line, with extra frames and thick plating,” says Johan Boman, Chief Engineer, Botnia Enabler.

Even though the ice landscape has looked tough, we’ve gone through it like a knife through butter” Johan Boman, Chief Engineer.

“We also We also have two very powerful engines, one for each reinforced propeller. The ice class rules for this vessel would require us to have an engine with a power of approximately 13,500 kilowatts. We have a little bit more than that: two engines with 9,900 kilowatts each, with the option to supply each shaft with another 1,000 kilowatts Power Take In from the auxiliary engines. So we can generate a maximum of 21,800 kilowatts. That extra power is needed when conditions get really tough,” says Johan Boman.

The two propellers make the ship more maneuverable; also, as an extra benefit, by reversing one engine the propellers can help to flush out ice alongside the quay in port.

“The engines have performed very well this ice season, and we haven’t had any problems. Even though the ice landscape has looked tough, we’ve gone through it like a knife through butter,” says Johan Boman.

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Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd. (“K” LINE) announced today that it has donated a scale model of the LNG-fueled car carrier (CENTURY HIGHWAY GREEN) it operates, along with a photo panel of the same ship, to the Japan Agency of Maritime Education and Training for Seafarers (JMETS) Marine Technical College, an educational institution for seafarers in Japan.

On May 16th, a presentation ceremony attended by Rector Koichi Kondo from Marine Technical College and Senior Managing Executive Officer Kiyotaka Aya from “K” LINE, where a letter of appreciation from JMETS was presented to “K” LINE. In an acknowledgment of thanks, Rector Kondo of Marine Technical College commented that “Thank you for your donation of model ships and ship photos. It is an encouragement to our students and the faculty. Appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation to our activities developing high-quality seafarers.”

Most Japanese crew members of “K” LINE work as crew after completing on-board training at JMETS, and even today they undergo classroom courses and practical training that reflect the needs of the shipping industry at the Marine Technical College. “K” LINE has a strong relationship with JMETS and the Marine Technical College in particular in the recruitment and training of Japanese crew, and made this donation to express its gratitude for the contributions these organizations have made to the development of excellent Japanese seafarers.

The scale model ship that was donated was created by Filipino students being trained by “K” LINE based on the latest LNG-fueled car carrier. “K” LINE hopes that the display of the model at the Marine Technical College will provide further growth and encouragement to its students by exposing them to the development of eco-friendly ship technologies and the passion of like- minded Filipino students.

Going forward, “K” LINE will continue to cooperate with JMETS and contribute to the development of the shipping industry and cultivation of Japanese seafarers.

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Sarens is pleased to be providing equipment for several heavy lifts on the Thaioil Clean Fuel Project in the Chonburi province of Thailand.

Thaioil’s expansion and upgrade of its facilities at the Laemchabang refinery will enhance the energy security of the country.

Working on behalf of its client, comprising an unincorporated joint venture (UJV) between Petrofac, Saipem and Samsung (UJV), Sarens is lifting three heavy modules at the site using the following equipment: LR1400 in SDWB 35+35m configuration; CC2500-1 in SSL 66m configuration; CC2800 in SWSL 42m+36m configuration; LR1600; CC6800.

The equipment was selected by the UJV for its engineering feasibility and compatibility with project demands. Following selection, Sarens was quick to mobilise the equipment from the Sarens’ yard in Thailand and set up within a week of reaching the work site. The equipment has now been on site since March 2022 and will remain on site through August 2023.

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Avvashya CCI Logistics Private Limited, a member of the Project Logistics Alliance based in Nepal, was chosen by SkipperSeil Limited to transport two transformers and their accessories from Mundra, India, to Lagos, Nigeria to help generate electricity for a State-Owned Nigerian Company.

Upon arrival at the final destination, the cargo would be utilized for electricity generation purposes.

The total weight of the cargo was 135 tons each, and each transformer measured 8.20 x 4.60 x 4.50 meters. The shipment was transported to the port via road on ten single hydraulic axles. To load the cargo onto a vessel, two Liebherr cranes with a capacity of 400 tons each were used at the Adani port. This marked the first deployment of such massive machines at the Adani Port.

A precise and comprehensive plan was necessary due to the limited space at the loading point. Thanks to Avvashya CCI’s expertise, the entire shipment was executed flawlessly and according to schedule. The cargo arrived at the final destination in perfect condition, meeting the client’s requirements.

We congratulate Avvashya CCI on their successful execution of this project and wish them continued success in the future.

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Bike to Work Week 2023 takes place from 15-21 May 2023, and International Bike to Work Day is on Friday, 19 May 2023! Bertling are happy to participate again and invited all offices to organize cycling initiatives either in the offices or free time.

We at Bertling Logistics care for our employees’ fitness and health and therefore, regularly organize sportive team events and health initiatives.

All employees were requested to send pictures of their cycling initiative. Whether they ride for fun, fitness, or with the family, or take essential trips to work or shop, all these initiatives are allowed and can be sent in to participate.

The office with the most contributions will win a team prize. Offices have until 18 May 2023 COB local time to take part and we will be updating this article regularly with the latest pictures received.

Our Bertling Logistics Team from Lima organized a Cycling Day earlier this month on the weekend and invited colleagues and their families to join. They met at Pentagonito (Happiness Park) in the district of San Borja, Lima, and cycled together for about 2 hours, covering approx. 10km under the leadoff of a formal Bike Hire Company and Tour Guide. Well done! What a great team initiative.

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The Central Oceans team in Europe assisted with the movement of a new yacht this week.

We ensured that the yacht was safely lifted from the water and secured on our custom made cradle. Once ready for transport, the yacht was lifted and lashed in the hold of a container vessel destined for Hong Kong.

The yacht is now safely on the way to its new home, where we will assist to carefully unload her for a maiden voyage in Hong Kong waters. We want to thank our customer and partners involved in making this smooth journey.

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Star Shipping, our members from Pakistan, are pleased to share news of a delivery they completed involving two sets of 40 MVA Transformers & breakbulk accessories.

The cargo was received under hook in Karachi Port and loaded onto multi-axle hydraulic trailers, which were used to safely deliver the transformers to their destination site in Punjab.

Star Shipping delivered the additional breakbulk accessories for this shipment using multiple flatbed trailers, with all shipments made successfully.

Star Shipping Pakistan is specialized in handling turnkey projects, heavy-lift transportation, erection, engineering services, sea freight and offshore services.

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Grupo Daniel Alonso, owner of 68% of Windar, and Siemens Gamesa, which owns the remaining 32%, have reached an agreement to sell the company to Bridgepoint.

Orlando Alonso will continue as President and CEO of Windar, and will retain an indirect minority stake in the company.

The acquisition of Windar, a leading global manufacturer of wind turbine towers and substructures for the offshore wind industry, by Bridgepoint will foster the growth of the company.

“The sale of Siemens Gamesa’s stake in Windar is a natural decision for us, as part of our strategy to focus on our core business: wind turbine design, manufacturing including blades, installation and maintenance,” said Jochen Eickholt, Siemens Gamesa’s CEO.

The closing of the transaction is expected to take place before year end. Final transaction closing is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

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On May 18, 2023, Henk Nooteboom, former director of the Royal Nooteboom Group, passed away.

Henk was 79 years old. Henk Nooteboom served as the general director of Nooteboom Trailers from 1975 to 2002. Together with his two brothers, Dick and Ton, he laid the foundation for the current Nooteboom, which has grown into one of the leading international trailer manufacturers for exceptional road transport.

Henk was known for his “no guts, no glory” mentality. As a visionary and initiator, he led the way and made bold choices. The company underwent significant investment and modernisation. In his belief that “you can’t achieve anything without people,” connecting with employees was crucial to Henk. In celebration of its 100th anniversary, the family business was awarded the royal designation in 1981, symbolising respect, appreciation, and trust.

In the late 1990s, Henk became familiar with Lean Manufacturing in the United States. He immediately saw opportunities for the manufacturing company and, as a pioneer in this field, implemented Lean Manufacturing within Nooteboom Trailers.

In addition to his passion within the company, he was always wholeheartedly committed outside of it. In 2004, Henk was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau for his contributions as a board member and treasurer of the RAI Association, as well as for his socially conscious entrepreneurship. Henk was always immensely proud of his wife and three daughters. Later on, he took joy in his grandsons. We remember his great dedication and involvement in the Royal Nooteboom Group with respect and warmth. He will always remain a great inspiration.

On behalf of the Nooteboom staff, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, children, grandchildren, and all those who will miss him. We wish them strength in coping with this significant loss.

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KGE Logistics were recently nominated to transport three bogies from Kurali, India to Nur Sultan in Kazakhstan.

The out-of-gauge cargo was transported on a 40′ flat rack as well as one wagon. In terms of dimensions, the cargo was measured at 4.7 (L) 2.9 (W) 2.1 (H) meters with a weight of 9,675 kilograms.

Starting at Kurali, the shipment was picked up and moved on a flatbed to Mundra Port, where it travelled by ocean until it reached Georgia.

From Georgia, the three bogies were loaded onto a wagon before being moved to their final destination in Kazakhstan.

“Our highly trained staff conducted a survey in India and also in Georgia after loading, along with complete daily tracking which was provided to our customer with satisfactory feedback.”

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Rhenus Logistics is now a member of the Brazilian Association of Information Technology Distributors (Abradisti).

Rhenus is the only member of the organization that supports and improves the supply chain process of the entire Telecommunication Industry in Brazil as a freight forwarder among many prestigious distributors, manufacturers, integrators, and resellers. To be considered and accepted as a member, companies must prove good practices and transparency for the industry supply chain sector and meet additional evaluation criteria.

Abradisti generates conversations and partnerships with other commercial and governmental entities to enhance and protect the supply chain of the technology and telecommunication industry in the Country. As a member of Abradisti, Rhenus will be able to contribute to the growth of the telecommunication industry supply chain among the other members in the association with the knowledge and experience to improve agreements and maintain competitiveness, advantages, good business conditions and practices that will affect the supply chain sector in Brazil.

“I am very excited that Rhenus has become a member of such an important Association. This is an excellent opportunity to exchange insights and knowledge to support and improve the Telecommunication Industry supply chain with agreements regarding legal, tax, and commercial issues which affect the entire industry itself,” said Christian Luque, Regional Head KA Tech-Trade of Rhenus Air & Ocean Americas. “Our professional team has a vast experience and knowledge of all customs processes, which we can guide and advise our associates. This is an up-selling point for our growth path in Brazil and in the Americas region.”

Rhenus Brazil provides more than 25 years of experience and knowledge in the cargo transportation and supply chain distribution of various well-known high-tech and IT companies supporting the Brazilian market. The freight forwarder specializes in maintaining all documents organized and compliant to expedite its customs clearance, thus enabling cost savings to clients from extra duties penalties, logistics costs, and customs process due to Brazil’s challenging tax and customs system. It is imperative to be compliant with all importers and exporters.

Rhenus Logistics head office in Brazil is in São Paulo, and three additional offices are in Guarulhos, Santos, and Viracopos. Its portfolio of services also includes comprehensive and innovative logistics solutions for imports and exports via air, ocean, and road transportation and oversize loads for all types of goods.

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Platetrade S.A., member to the Worldwide Project Consortium (WWPC) for Argentina, was responsible for coordinating the discharging operation of a turbocharger, an essential part of the Nestor Kirchner Gas Pipeline, the biggest project in Latin America, in Bahia Blanca, positioning special trailers next to the ship, to receive the heavy packages and later coordinate the light equipment to load in a warehouse.

The entire shipment was transferred from Bahia Blanca to Salliqueló by special overland transport.

A spokesperson for Platetrade informed:“The project shipment was composed of 60 packages including over dimensional and heavy lift cargo of 650 metric tons and 45 metric tons respectively. It is the second turbo charger that Platetrade transported for this project, apart from large amounts of over dimension steel pipes for this project.

“The biggest project in Argentina” – Nestor Kirchner Gas Pipeline, has completed now the first phase connecting Vaca Muerta – shell, Neuquen province up to province in La Pampa. The second phase is starting now which will supply gas from Patagonia up to Misiones province in North East Argentina and will replace Argentinian gas import making the country a good saving in terms in USD. The final purpose of this project includes also the export of gas from Argentina to Chile and Bolvia.”

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Expectations were high when Stefanie Lange, the managing director of the crane service provider of the same name from the town of Grimmen in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, picked up her first Tadano HK 4.050-1 at the beginning of 2022.

“As far as we were concerned, the new vehicle design behind the HK 4.050-1 was really promising – in fact, the tridem axle and the cost-effective two-engine technology, in conjunction with the powerful lifting capacities, were particularly compelling,” she remembers. And today, she confirms that her high expectations were more than met: “Its powerful engine characteristics mean that the HK 4.050-1 can travel very quickly and comfortably, so that even remote work sites can be reached in no time. Here in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, that’s an enormous advantage, since we’re a big state and things can sometimes be pretty far away. On top of that, the HK shines at work sites thanks to its tridem axle and compact design, which give it an extraordinary degree of maneuverability.” All this was more than enough reason for the crane experts from Grimmen to once again decide on a Tadano HK 4.050-1, which Tadano Sales Manager Thorsten Dietzel handed over to crane operator Marcel Kröning in Lauf.

And while on the subject, it is worth mentioning that Marcel Kröning is also thrilled with the HK 4.050-1: “Thanks to the incredible engineering behind the vehicle design, you always have what you need, which makes this machine a remarkably convenient taxi crane,” he points out. After all, the HK 4.050-1 can travel without the need for a special permit with a counterweight of up to 4.5 tonnes. On the road, its two drive axles ensure particularly good traction, while the air-sprung rear axle provides plenty of comfort and excellent roadholding. In addition, the crane operator is particularly fond of the outstanding lifting capacities, heavy-duty design, and intuitive controls at work sites – not to mention the crane’s exceptional versatility: “Our current HK 4.050-1 has proven to be the perfect machine for construction projects. We use it for a wide range of jobs, including handling work and erecting prefab homes, and it’s always tremendously efficient – with a second one of these, we’ll be able to offer our customers these services even more cost-effectively,” Stefanie Lange highlights.

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Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has officially handed over its first fully electric reachstacker to long-term partner Cabooter Group following a six-month testing period.

The reachstacker will continue operations at Cabooter Group’s Greenport Venlo intermodal terminal in the south east of the Netherlands.

Since its founding in 1995, Cabooter Group has grown to become a global logistics provider and one of the leading logistics hub operators in Europe. The company is already benefiting from lower fuel costs and reduced emissions thanks to five Kalmar Eco reachstackers deployed at Venlo and at the company’s Kaldenkirchen terminal in Germany. In 2019, Cabooter Group signed an agreement to become the pilot customer for the Kalmar electric reachstacker during the product’s initial development phase.

As part of the handover ceremony, Cabooter Group was presented with the Kalmar Eco Hero Award in recognition of its commitment to adopting sustainable electrically powered equipment. As an Eco Hero, Cabooter is recognised as an ambassador for sustainability, leading and inspiring other customers to follow in their footsteps by sharing their experiences of operating electrically powered machines.

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.

Hans Cabooter, President and CEO, Cabooter Group: “With our focus firmly on improving the sustainability of our operations, reducing the noise and airborne emissions that our equipment generates is a must. The goal we set when we first signed the agreement to collaborate with Kalmar on this eco-efficient solution in 2019 has not changed: We want to become the industry leader in airborne emission and noise reduction in partnership with Kalmar.”

Maurice Butin Bik, Sales Manager, Benelux, Kalmar: “Cabooter Group has remained firmly focused on transforming its terminal operations with the goal of reducing airborne emissions and noise. The company is leading by example with its sustainability transformation, and we are honoured that they have chosen Kalmar as the equipment partner for this transformation.”

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