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Jumbo Offshore has been contracted by Van Oord for the transportation and installation of transition pieces for the Baltic Eagle offshore wind project in the German Baltic Sea.

Operations on the project are to commence in October 2023. Due to the close cooperation and extensive experience between the Jumbo Offshore and Van Oord project teams, the preparation time has been very efficient.

Under the contract, Jumbo Offshore will be responsible for transportation and installation (T&I) of transition pieces from the marshalling yard to the offshore wind farm site. “To date, Jumbo Offshore has transported and installed over 400 transition pieces with our DP2 heavy lift vessels,” says Brian Boutkan, Manager Commerce at Jumbo Offshore. “After working together on the Arkona offshore wind farm, we are looking forward to working for Van Oord again. This project award shows the continuation of our focus in the offshore wind industry with our efficient T&I solutions as well as the trust of our clients on our capabilities and equipment.”

The post Jumbo Offshore contracted by Van Oord for Baltic Sea project appeared first on Project Cargo.

Responding to the news that the European Commission has decided not to extend the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation (CBER), Steve Parker Director General of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has issued the below comment.

“The sensible conclusion to the ongoing container market public consultation being conducted by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) would be to introduce an ombudsman to arbitrate on complaints as a minimum. Ideally, it would follow the EC’s lead and not retain the equivalent of a block exemption regime for the liner shipping industry in the UK, when the current one expires in April 2024.”

When the CMA announced the review in January this year, BIFA expressed its surprise that the CMA appeared to issue a provisional position which suggested the extension of a potentially modified CBER into UK legislation.

In the recent past, the UK’s main trade association for freight forwarding and logistics companies has said that its members are extremely concerned that practices undertaken by container shipping lines, as well as easements and exemptions provided to them, have been distorting the operations of the free market to the detriment of international trade.

Parker adds: “BIFA, and its members, are not anti-shipping line. The association wants to ensure that there is a suitable balance between them as carriers, and our members as customers, points made during various meetings with the CMA.

“The EC has taken a sensible decision, and the UK government should follow suit to ensure that shipping lines in future will be subject to competition law.”

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Work has been completed to expand the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and intelligent racking system that was installed two years ago in one of the five freight hubs operated by U-Freight Logistics in Hong Kong.

12,000 sq ft of the company’s 20,000 sq ft e-commerce fulfilment centre (EFC) in Kwai Chung has been equipped with an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and intelligent racking system, and associated operating software, provided by leading supplier Geek+.

U-Freight is using a shelf-to-person solution powered by Geek+ and had taken several months to complete the upgrade, whilst maintaining the normal operational functionality of the EFC.

30 of Geek+’s P-series AMR picking robots have been added in the EFC automated warehouse to meet the ever-growing needs for e-commerce order fulfilment. They will be used to move inventory shelves and pallets to the workstations that have also been upgraded. This eliminates the need for operators to leave their stations, improving putaway and picking accuracy, and reducing labour intensity.

In addition, by expanding the robotics area in the warehouse, the system is expected to maximize the throughput capacity, enhancing operational efficiency, while reducing the operational costs.

Empowered by Geek+ proprietary smart algorithms, the robotic retrieval system uses the fewest AMR picking robots possible to achieve maximum efficiency while improving warehouse storage capabilities.

The system’s main functions deliver combined order optimization and picking; with dynamic wave selection processes, as well as inventory management and smart tallying of goods.

They also permit efficient adjustment of inventory layout; enable workstation and robot tasks to be outlined; and deliver heat analysis and recommendations on where inventory should be stored.

Combining smart algorithms in each robot with the facility’s warehouse management system, enables product to be stored and located based on the frequency of purchase.

Fast-selling goods can be stored where the robot can most easily pick them, with less commonly ordered items stored elsewhere.

The U-Freight Group was an early entrant into the world of e-commerce logistics, and over the last few years several of the company’s warehouse facilities across Asia, North America, and Europe have been equipped to enable them to act as EFCs.

“The deployment of autonomous mobile robots in warehouses around the globe has been transforming the future of the e-commerce sector and its ability to meet rising business and consumer demand,” says Simon Wong, the chief executive officer of the Hong Kong-based international freight forwarding and logistics group.

“The latest development is part of U-Freight’s ongoing investment to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.

“In our EFCs, picking operations account for an increasing proportion of costs, accounting for more than 50% of warehouse operation costs.

“Traditional warehouses mostly adopt the “person-to-goods” selection mode, which can mean high labour cost and low selection efficiency.

“By upgrading our existing autonomous mobile robot (AMR) and intelligent racking system, we will be adopting the latest technology in ‘shelf-to-person’ picking, and believe this will improve production efficiency.”

In addition to hardware investment, the U-Freight Group is now a logistics partner of choice for the growing number of online channels and platforms, which entrepreneurs are using to sell their own designs and products.

Wong concludes: “The upgrade and expansion of our Hong Kong EFC is just the latest initiative helping us boost efficiency and capture more value, in order to capitalise on the opportunities that are being presented by the ongoing surge in e-commerce volumes.”

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United Development FZE, a proud member of the Project Logistics Alliance for Afghanistan, Cameroon, and Bulgaria, is recognized as a trusted contractor for peacekeeping and defence missions worldwide under the UN PEACEKEEPING & DEFENSE umbrella.

Their mission is to enhance the effectiveness of peace operations and multinational military forces engaged in various international missions.

In their most recent endeavour, United Development FZE was tasked with the multimodal transportation of thirty-four (34) units of Nissan NV350 Urvan Minibuses (Diesel, LHD 4×2), each seating 12 passengers, from FCA Yokohama, Japan (Incoterms 2000), to the MINUSCA headquarters in Bangui, Central African Republic, in support of the MINUSCA mission. This operation commenced in May 2023 and was successfully completed in September 2023. The cargo consisted of brand-new units of the Nissan NV350 Urvan Minibus (Diesel, LHD 4×2), each equipped with a standard roof.

United Development FZE assumed various responsibilities during this operation:In the initial phase, they took delivery of the 34 brand-new Nissan vehicles at the Port of Yokohama, Japan. Subsequently, they meticulously secured these vehicles within containers, ensuring their safety during transit. Their responsibilities also encompassed arranging for the ocean transportation of these containers from Port Yokohama, Japan, to Port Douala, Cameroon.

The second shipment phase involved carefully de-stuffing containers at Port Douala and efficiently loading the vehicles onto trucks. United Development FZE expertly managed all customs formalities associated with this process. They then coordinated the overland transport of the vehicles from Port Douala, Cameroon, to the MINUSCA camp in Bangui, Central African Republic. Finally, they facilitated the unloading and ground-level delivery of the vehicles to the MINUSCA mission site.

United Development FZE goes beyond physical logistics; they deliver trust and reliability to their industries. Their commitment to excellence in transportation, logistics, supply chain management, and support services is unwavering. No project is deemed too complex or challenging for them, and they consistently strive to provide exceptional logistics support to a diverse range of clients, including governmental and humanitarian organizations, peacekeeping missions, and commercial enterprises across the globe.

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Smart Freight Centre, the international organization which designed the methodology for accounting transport emissions (GLEC framework) has introduced a revolutionary concept for matching the demand for sustainable solutions with supply.

A gap which is still very high.

After many years of deployment of alternative fuels, last year Gruber Logistics started working on “Book&Claim” an entirely new concept in the road transport industry to make more effective the impact of sustainable solution.
Through this perspective, it is not relevant where the physical usage of alternative fuels takes place since the deriving emissions reduction can be “booked” and “claimed” by different actors of the supply chain.

On the 17th of October they have organized a digital event to show how the system works to make your logistics more sustainable.

The event will be online and it is free of charge. The title is “Book&Claim, the Gruber Logistics Experience”. It will see directly the participation of Smart Freight Centre.

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Through long-term partnerships, WALLENIUS SOL can ensure that the customer’s specific needs and ambitions are met.

Two highly-valued customers explain how tailor-made shipping solutions contribute to their efficiency and sustainability.

NIKLAS FAHLÉN is responsible for logistics at Stora Enso, a leading producer of solutions based on wood and biomass and one of the world’s oldest companies.

As governments and businesses seek to limit consumption of non-renewable resources, demand for Stora Enso’s products is rapidly increasing.

“Many countries are introducing bans on single-use plastics and significant changes are being made in the packaging and food industries. We aim to replace the use of non-sustainable materials with products that are recyclable, renewable and bio-degradable.”

“The origin of our business goes back to the 13th century. We’ve been in forestry for a long time and operate, primarily, in Finland and Sweden, with facilities in Poland, Belgium, the Baltics, Austria and the Czech Republic”

Stora Enso is investing around one billion euros in increasing its production of sustainable packaging.

“A decade ago, most of our revenue came from supplying paper to the printing industry but we’ve been systematically restructuring to manufacture packaging products. At Oulu Mill in Uleåborg, the conversion investment began three years ago and we’re now converting a second machine. This will increase our annual production capacity of packaging board to 750,000 tonnes, more than doubling volumes.”

As well as supplying sustainable products, the company aims to reduce its overall environmental impact.
“We’ve signed up to the Science Based Targets initiative and are committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 50 percent, between 2019 and 2030, both within the company and throughout our supply chain.”

Stora Enso has a long-term agreement with WALLENIUS SOL that helps achieve this goal.

“We manufacture around the clock and need a highly-efficient system that ensures a constant flow of products to the major ports and logistics hubs in Europe. If our supply chain is disrupted, our operations will quickly grind to a halt.”

WALLENIUS SOL have made a commitment that is backed up by major investment.

As part of the agreement, WALLENIUS SOL have taken over Stora Enso’s fleet and are systematically replacing it with vessels that run on LNG, instead of heavy fuel oil, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

“Our sustainability targets are very important to us and they include reducing emissions in our supply chain. Our products may be sustainable but we can’t afford to compromise on logistics. WALLENIUS SOL deliver on sustainability, capacity and reliability. In collaboration, we’re more competitive.”

In 2022, WALLENIUS SOL won a Stora Enso sustainability award, in recognition of their concrete contributions to reducing the company’s emissions.

“We’re both in this for the long run and WALLENIUS SOL are making genuinely sustainable investments, Niklas concludes.”

Marko Korhonen is VP of maritime logistics at Metsä Group, another major customer in the Nordic forestry industry. Metsä sees promoting the bioeconomy and circular economy as a vital part of its business.

“Sustainability and industrial efficiency lie at the core of our operations. Wood products offer long-term carbon storage for the construction industry, while our pulp and other bioproducts provide sustainable raw materials for the manufacturing sector. Supplying lightweight and strong packaging boards offers our customers renewable alternatives to plastics.” Marko Korhonen, VP of maritime logistics, Metsä Group.

Since 2015, Metsä has invested nearly seven billion euros in manufacturing products from renewable, biological resources, the largest single investment in the history of the Finnish forestry industry. The company also aims to produce two terawatt hours of electricity per year from renewable sources, approximately 2.5 percent of Finland’s total production.

“Being a frontrunner requires investment. We’re currently building a state-of-the-art sawmill in Rauma and a next-generation bioproduction facility in Kemi. In Sweden, we’re renewing the Husum pulp mill and increasing our folding boxboard capacity.”

Metsä’s goals include the use of fossil-free energy sources, a totally sustainable supply chain and reducing carbon dioxide emissions caused by logistics. It sees its investments in sustainability as win-win opportunities.
“All our investments seek to maximise efficiency and sustainability. The bioproduction facility in Kemi will lead the way in energy and production efficiency, as well as environmental benefits. It will consume no fossil fuels and generate 2.5 times as much energy as it consumes. In addition, it will increase Finland’s annual exports by half a billion euros and employ 2,500 people.”

Having WALLENIUS SOL as a partner offers us a shipping solution that reduces our overall environmental impact.” Marko Korhonen, Metsä Group.

Their long-term agreement with WALLENIUS SOL has increased the frequency, reliability and sustainability of Metsä’s logistics solution. It also allows shipping direct from their home port in Kemi.

“As we’re located in the north of Sweden and Finland, we require efficient and sustainable long-distance transportation to our wide-spread customer base. Having WALLENIUS SOL as a partner offers us a shipping solution that reduces our overall environmental impact. They have invested in new vessels that are cleaner, more fuel efficient and enable the transportation of significantly more cargo. This is a major contribution to achieving our sustainability targets, says Marko.”

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Asked why he opted for the Tadano AC 5.120-1, Mark Plas, the managing director of the Netherlands-based crane services company P & K, is not at a loss for an answer.

“What really clinched it for us was the crane’s impressive lifting capacities, both when carrying its full counterweight and when operated within its 12-tonne axle load limit. And with the Tadano Smart Chart system in the mix, the lifting capacities are simply phenomenal. All that makes the AC 5.120-1 an absolute powerhouse in its class.” Plas gave this verdict on taking delivery of the crane from Tadano Sales Manager Netherlands Richard Beenen at Tadano’s Netherlands branch in Purmerend.

The AC 5.120-1 ordered by P & K features the 10x8x10 drive, 16.00R25 tires, a handy storage box, and remote-control functionality, meaning that it is perfectly equipped for its intended primary use in the construction industry. “We’ve had quite a few Tadano cranes in use here over many years, so we trust Tadano for quality machines and excellent service,” Plas said, praising a strong partnership that just got even stronger with the arrival of the new AC 5.120-1.

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After years of planning and pandemic delays, Sarens has successfully installed a 925-tonne steel roof for the new GLOBALIA (Air Europa) maintenance hangar at Madrid-Barajas Airport in Spain.

As part of this visionary operation, Sarens’ crew used 12 strandjacks to lift the 3D steel roof structure to a height of 25 metres.

This project had been a long time in the making, but the operation, like many others, had been delayed over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic. Seeing everything finally come together was a triumph for everyone involved, including key account manager José Mª Martínez Gutiérrez.

“Watching how the roof was smoothly lifted in just a few hours reminded me of how all this began more than ten years ago, when I was first involved in this project,” he said. “Some things take time to be completed, but when you see such an outstanding performance, everything is well worth it.”

Sarens used four 185T and eight 100T strand jacks to lift the structure into place, working from twelve lifting points around the hangar’s external perimeter. This equipment proved ideal for lifting such huge, flexible, and three-dimensional loads–in this case, a roof measuring 140x86x10 metres.

The crew had to be careful to keep all the strand jacks synchronised and moving as one, even as they lifted several different loads per strand jack. The day before the big lift, they conducted a lifting test, bringing the roof just a few centimetres off its temporary supports. This allowed the team to cross-check the theoretical loads and roof deformations with real conditions so they could adapt lifting parameters appropriately.

Although weather conditions delayed the lift a couple of times, the team finally had a good, two-day wind window for the operation. With the right conditions, they successfully guided the roof into place.

All equipment for this operation was delivered from Sarens headquarters via truck, and was at the site within one week. Setting everything up was a careful process that lasted several weeks, as the crew had to install the strand jacks on top of auxiliary lifting structures and towers that had been prepared, and because the equipment was only accessible during certain time windows.

Sarens also had to account for a maximum allowed hook height for the auxiliary cranes, due to flight regulations. The crew used a special assembly method that respected these regulations.

In total, the crew and equipment were on-site from November 2022 through April 2023. Sarens would like to congratulate everyone on seeing this project through to its successful completion.

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Vestas has received a firm order from Eviva Drzeżewo Sp. z o.o., part of PAK-POLSKA CZYSTA ENERGIA Sp. z o.o. and ZE PAK S. A., for the Drzeżewo I-IV wind park in Poland.

The order consists of 23 V110-2.0 MW wind turbines and 40 V100-2.0 MW wind turbines all in 2.2 MW operating mode. The order includes supply, delivery, and commissioning of the turbines, and upon completion, Vestas will service the turbines under a long-term Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement designed to ensure optimised performance of the assets.

“Drzeżewo I-IV will be one of the biggest onshore projects in Poland and we are pleased to be a key part of it,” says Michał Laskowski, Senior Sales Director for Poland and Baltics at Vestas. “We are happy to work once again with PAK-POLSKA CZYSTA ENERGIA and thank our customer for their continued trust in us.”

“We are thrilled to announce another partnership with Vestas, a pioneering force in the industry. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable energy solutions, reaffirming our commitment to a greener future,” said Andrzej Janiszowski, Chief Strategy Officer for ZE PAK S.A.

The project is located in Pomorskie Voivodship, around 30km from Słupsk. Turbine delivery is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 with commissioning scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

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Jumbo-SAL-Alliance is pleased to announce another pioneering addition to its fleet: The Dutch/German heavy lift and engineering expert is chartering the two top modern semi- submersible deck carriers “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” on a long-term basis together with its partner Shanghai Salvage (China).

Both ships will be delivered in Shanghai between December 2023 and February 2024 and marketed through the Jumbo-SAL-Alliance.

“We don’t use the term ‘milestone’ lightly – but, in this case, it’s more than appropriate. This project is extremely important to us as a group, both commercially and strategically,” says Dr Martin Harren, CEO of SAL Heavy Lift and the Harren Group. “Our combined MPP and heavy lift fleet, which currently comprises 54 units, is one of the world’s leading fleets. We offer our customers the most powerful heavy lift vessels in the world. However, the truth remains that the demands and requirements of our clients – especially in the offshore wind sector – are becoming increasingly extensive and complex. These two new additions give us the opportunity to meet and possibly even exceed these requirements. Customers will benefit from more choices and better solutions.”

Jumbo-SAL-Alliance has been working intensively on the topic of semi-submersible deck carriers for years. In 2021, a special department was founded for this purpose. Jumbo-SAL-Alliance has been acting as commercial agent for two Pan Ocean deck carriers since 2017, gaining valuable experience in the project-based chartering of external tonnage.

“‘Zhong Ren 121’ and ‘Zhong Ren 122’ will empower us to undertake cargo transportation and projects previously inconceivable with our existing fleet,” explains Matthieu Moerman,Director Chartering & Project at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance. “They will expand our capabilities, opening doors to new markets. By adding the two vessels, we can offer more marine transport solutions as a group.”

The key highlights of “Zhong Ren 121” and “Zhong Ren 122” include: 169 m long, 39.8 m wide; Ability to carry floating cargo due to semi-submersible mode; Ultra-modern DP2 technology; DWT: 26,000 t; Cargo deck capacity of 5,300 m2; Outstanding deck strength of 25 mt/m2; Average sailing speed of 12 knots; Accommodation facilities for up to 59 people.

Following delivery, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance will have the opportunity to utilise the two vessels for cargo transports from Asia to Europe. Afterwards, they will be deployed for an offshore wind farm project in the USA.

Once the wind farm project has been completed, Jumbo-SAL-Alliance intends to extend the charter contracts with Shanghai Salvage for an additional two to three years. Alberto Aguilaniedo, Manager Chartering & Projects at Jumbo-SAL-Alliance, states: “With our exceptional project and chartering team, I envision a vast potential for these vessels which further solidifies our strategic focus on the renewable energy sector.”

The post Jumbo-SAL strengthens its fleet appeared first on Project Cargo.

Rhenus launched the “FernBin” research project in conjunction with several other project partners, including Argonics, the DST (the Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems), the University of Duisburg-Essen and RWTH Aachen University, in 2020.

The goal was to create extensive inland waterway shipping operations using remote controls. The project group selected the ‘Ernst Kramer’ inland waterway vessel, which was almost 50 years old, as their test object. Rhenus has now presented the remote-controlled vessel to a wide circle of people at the German National Maritime Conference for the first time.

Full speed ahead! Rhenus presents a remote-controlled inland waterway vessel at the National Maritime Conference Full speed ahead! Rhenus presents a remote-controlled inland waterway vessel at the National Maritime Conference
At the FernBin stand in the conference centre, the public could see for themselves the possibilities of remote-controlled inland navigation. (From left to right) Herbert Berger (Managing Director Rhenus Schiffsmanagement GmbH), Dr Alexander Lutz (Managing Director Argonics GmbH), Dr Jan Oberhagemann (Head of Department Autonomous Driving at the DST) with Minister of Economics Robert Habeck.

The ‘Ernst Kramer’ inland waterway vessel is 104.97 metres long, 9.50 metres wide, has a maximum draught of 3.15 metres and is designed to carry cargo weighing 2,273,645 tonnes. Those responsible for the project converted some of the analogue processes on board in order to be able to control the main engine, the rudder, the bow thruster, the radio and radar equipment using radio waves from a distance. Following some initial test operations in July this year, Rhenus has now presented the unusual project at the 13th National Maritime Conference, the leading event organised by the German government to strengthen the maritime economy.

The public were able to gain some idea of the many opportunities opened up by remote-controlled inland waterway shipping on the FernBin stand in the conference centre: skippers, Bernhard Buche und Herbert Berger, navigated the ‘Ernst Kramer’ inland waterway vessel remotely from the operator’s stand at the Bremen Trade Fair Centre. The visitors were able to monitor how the vessel made its way in the Port of Duisburg and the Ruhr estuary via a live link – and everything was controlled remotely. To ensure that the skipper has a precise picture of the situation where the vessel is located, he or she can gain access to all the movement data of the sensor systems and cameras via radio waves from the operator’s stand. “It must be possible to control all the necessary functions for the journey from a distance. So far, this has included the rpm of the main engine, the transmission system, including the clutch, the rudder position as well as the transmission and configuration of the radar image and the radar pilot,” says Lars Reckers, the Technical Inspector at Rhenus Shipping Management, explaining the process. The test journeys enable those involved in the project to recognise which transmitted functions need to be refined or broadened, depending on the scenario. “To achieve this, we also have to see which regions where remote control is possible during the journey and where the reception for mobile communications creates problems” says Lars Reckers. “Authorisation for extensive test operations from the public authorities has therefore been an important step within the project.”

The prototype of the remote-controlled inland waterway vessel is not only a technical achievement, but also offers significant benefits for the entire profession in future. “A shortage of specialist workers is affecting the inland waterway shipping sector too. Thanks to remote controls, it’s conceivable that some skippers could work from home and therefore make the profession even more family-friendly,” says Lars Reckers. Using remote controls could also create longer operating times for the vessels: while the crew are taking their rest periods, the vessel could continue to be steered from the remote-control centre. The “FernBin” research project will continue until the end of this year – and those involved are seeking an extension for a further three months.

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Family-run transport business with a fleet of 122 vehicles, Essex Bulk Services Ltd (EBS), has achieved Advanced Sustainability Accreditation with Mission Zero, the Quality Standard for the road fleet sector.

EBS recognises that sustainability in the transport sector has an impact on more than simply emission levels. As part of the company’s overall sustainability strategy, and in addition to already completing the Mission Zero Work-Related Road Risk Silver and Gold advanced modules (both recognised by Transport for London as equivalent to FORS Silver and FORS Gold), Essex Bulk Services can now boast Advanced Sustainability under their Mission Zero Accreditation.

As part of the accreditation, Mission Zero provided EBS with a realistic framework for achieving a long-term sustainable transport operation. Joining Mission Zero has influenced the company’s overall sustainability strategy and goals and has heavily contributed to shaping its sustainability initiatives.

In addition to key sustainability elements around vehicles, fuels, and emissions, the Mission Zero Standard and the Mission Zero+ Advanced Sustainability Modules incorporate additional sustainability requirements covering areas such as the reduction of single use plastics, energy efficient devices, health & wellbeing, equality & diversity, the gender pay gap, and much more to ensure a more comprehensive accreditation that also helps the fleet industry to align to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commenting on why EBS chose to bolster its Mission Zero accreditations by completing Advanced Sustainability, Craig Childs, Director at Essex Bulk Services comments:

“Sustainability is no longer just a corporate social responsibility initiative but a fundamental aspect of long-term success. Embracing sustainability can lead to cost savings, improved brand reputation, enhanced innovation, and long-term resilience. Employees are increasingly looking for employers who prioritise sustainable practices, fostering a sense of purpose and job satisfaction. Engaging employees in sustainable initiatives has helped boost morale, teamwork, and attract and retain talent. In addition, customers are increasingly conscious of their ecological and social impact and prefer to work with businesses that are environmentally and socially responsible.”

Specifically discussing the Mission Zero+ Advanced Sustainability Modules and how they have benefited and supported Essex Bulk Services’ overall sustainability strategy and goals, Childs comments:

“We are committed to the reduction of single use plastics, for example, we have eliminated the use of plastic water bottles and provide reusable water bottles to all our staff members. By making this change, we’re not only reducing our environmental footprint but also showing our commitment to protecting the planet for future generations, as well as ensuring our drivers are always kept well hydrated. We have also donated 20 trees to the National Trust as part of our ongoing sustainability strategy, helping towards making a positive impact on the environment. Operationally we have benefited by reducing our co2 emissions and exploring alternative fuel, HVO.”

Mission Zero is the UK’s fastest growing fleet accreditation scheme. Through its alignment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mission Zero has redefined the meaning of sustainability in fleet accreditation standards and provides companies with a realistic pathway to achieving long-term sustainability.

Nick Caesari, CEO, Mission Zero comments: “Mission Zero is helping companies of all sizes to achieve a sustainable future. Congratulations to the entire EBS team on their Sustainability Accreditation, we are incredibly proud to have Essex Bulk Services as part of the Mission Zero family.”

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The world’s highest volcano, a team trying to reach the summit using a solar-powered e-truck, an attempt at a world record: these are the essential components of a high-profile project that is about to get started in the Chilean Andes.

The three men from Switzerland forming the Peak Evolution Team want to conquer the summit of Ojos del Salado using their solar-powered truck specifically developed for this purpose. At a height of 6,893 m, it is the highest active volcano on earth. As the team’s main sponsor and logistics partner, Gebrüder Weiss will make a considerable contribution to the success of the project. The logistics company has just dispatched the sophisticated vehicle and all the expedition equipment to Chile by sea freight. The next destination after its arrival will be Ojos del Salado. If the team reaches the summit, this would be a new world record. Never before has a vehicle climbed that high.

“Due to its limited payload capacity, this solar-powered vehicle cannot yet replace a conventional truck, but it shows a completely new direction in which we will be able to move with alternative drives in the future,” says Frank Haas, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Communications at Gebrüder Weiss. The solar-powered multi-purpose vehicle has more traction capacity than an average 40-ton semi-truck and could be used especially in rough terrain. Gebrüder Weiss has already sponsored a number of projects of this kind. “Being the oldest logistics company in the world, we feel committed to helping shape the future of mobility,” explains Frank Haas the motives behind this cooperation.

For nearly four years, the three Swiss developers, David Pröschel, Patrik and David Koller, have been working on putting the multi-purpose truck into practice. By embarking on an expedition to a place that no vehicle has ever reached, they want to prove the efficiency of alternative drive technologies. “Our vehicle makes it possible to perform even the most demanding transport tasks, whether in mining or when erecting high-altitude solar power plants, in an environmentally compatible and economically efficient manner. The expedition is going to show the commercial viability of the product we developed,” says Patrik Koller, Head of Finance and co-developer of the Peak Evolution Team. “In Gebrüder Weiss, we have gained a partner who shares our vision of sustainable mobility and, as an international transport company, will also be able to benefit from it in practical terms in the future.”

The transport requires comprehensive expertise and flexibility: since electrically powered vehicles are considered hazardous goods, the specialists of the international transport company developed a double container floor that secures the expedition equipment and allows to disconnect the battery. In addition, extensive documentation must meet the strict safety and customs requirements while at sea and in the country of destination.

The daring mission will be accompanied by a documentary film team headed by award-winning Swiss filmmaker Claudio von Planta.

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Rhenus Logistics has launched a secure and reusable car transportation solution for businesses seeking an airfreight alternative to single-use wooden crating.

The Rhenus cartainer enables secure and discreet use at all stages of vehicle transit, for all models. The introduction of the Rhenus cartainer is specifically designed to offer a substitute for wooden crates in the global finished vehicle logistics (FVL) industry.

Based in the Rhenus major global FVL hub in London, Heathrow, the cartainer’s recommended use is for round trips or multiple-stop transportation. It can be utilised to deliver security sensitive prototypes to testing programmes or media events, trade shows, or global product launches.

Measuring 605 cm (length) by 238 cm (width) by 240 cm (height), the Rhenus cartainer can accommodate any passenger vehicle or two-axle, four-tyre single-unit vehicle, regardless of make or model.

“The Rhenus cartainer has been developed in response to increased demand for discreet transportation of security sensitive vehicles on a global basis,” said Spencer Davern, Managing Director, Rhenus Air & Ocean UK. “With the cartainer, our valued customers will be able to protect the identity of the vehicle during transportation at every stage of its journey on a door-door basis.”

The cartainer can be used multiple times, offering a sustainable solution for full vehicle transport. “As an alternative to the single-use wooden crates often deployed to airfreight a car securely, the Rhenus cartainer can help businesses achieve their goals of using fewer resources and producing less waste through their business operations,” concluded Davern.

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