Tank storage company Vopak and German hydrogen company Hydrogenious are starting a joint venture in the storage, transport and supply of hydrogen via hydrogen carrier benzyltoluene.
Through LOHC Logistix, the companies are committing to building a plant in Rotterdam that can initially decouple 1.5 tonnes of hydrogen per day from this carrier.
No final decision on the investment has been made yet. This will first require, among other things, the licensing process to be completed successfully. Both parent companies have, however, committed financially to the project. In June 2022, Vopak announced that it would invest €1 billion in new energy and sustainable commodities until 2030.
LOHC Logistix’s ambition is to ‘take hydrogen logistics to the next level’. It does so based on the LOHC technology developed by Hydrogenious.
LOHCs (liquid organic hydrogen carriers) facilitate the transport and storage of hydrogen by binding it to a chemical compound, a hydrogen carrier such as a paste or an oil. Without such a carrier, the transport of hydrogen would require a temperature of -253°C. By comparison, for LNG (liquefied natural gas) this is -160°C. In addition, storing hydrogen without a carrier requires tanks that can withstand extremely high pressures. When using an LOHC, this is not necessary.
Due to the recent multi-crises, the importance of the logistics sector has become more apparent to the public, and with it its responsibility for the supply.
Innovations are needed to ensure this in all areas in the future. Based on a short study, the BVL together with transport logistic, which will take place in Munich from 9 to 12 May 2023, have found out the state of innovation management in Germany—both among logistics service providers and their customers from industry and trade. The study sheds light on how companies in the logistics sector are fundamentally positioned regarding the development of innovations—on the one hand from the perspective of service providers, but also from the perspective of their customers from industry and trade. The study comes to the following five key results.
Logistic Service Providers still allocate a rather low amount of financial and human resources to the development of new service concepts and the development is not associated with a methodical and structured process. On the other hand, about one third of the shippers find it positive to have an innovative service provider but are not willing to pay more for it.
After all, 41 per cent of shippers assume that working with an innovative partner will increase their efficiency and save costs. This is also the main motivation for logistics service providers to develop new services. The true value of innovation in tapping into new markets and actively differentiating from competition has not yet been widely recognized.
Asked about their opinion on the general innovative strength of logistics service providers, 42 per cent of the participants from industry and trade say that they consider them to be little or not at all innovative. About a quarter consider them innovative or very innovative. About a third see themselves on a par with their service providers.
When analysing by sector, it is noticeable that logistics service providers in the retail sector see themselves as significantly more innovative than they are in the eyes of their customers; the situation is similar in the automotive sector. The opposite is true in the electronics, mechanical engineering and chemical sectors. The logistics service providers could therefore be more self-confident there.
Developing new logistics services—most shippers consider this task to be exclusively on the side of the logistics service providers. This could explain why only one tenth of the companies in industry and trade are involved in the innovation processes of their service providers, which means that relevant practical know-how in the innovation process is missing. The shippers are thus missing the opportunity to jointly develop innovations that would also enhance their own competitive position.
The short study is part of the dissertation by BVL employee Frederik Pfretzschner. The research objective was to determine how logistical service innovations can be classified according to their degree of newness. Within the scope of the survey, 117 logistics and supply chain management experts and decision-makers from industry and trade as well as 213 experts from logistics service providers were surveyed.
BVL will explicitly address the topic of innovations in logistics in two sessions at transport logistic. In addition to the session about the digital bill of lading on May 10 at 11:30 a.m., which will discuss how “Cloud4Log” can be rolled out to other sectors besides the consumer goods industry. The session on May 11 at 11:30 a.m. will focus on the results of the short study. Decision makers from logistics service providers, industry and trade will discuss what conclusions can be drawn from the results and how partnerships and cooperation between logistics service providers and shippers can work in the future.
Insurtech MGA Loadsure today announced that it has received capacity backing from leading specialist international insurer Tokio Marine Kiln (“TMK”) to further enhance its data driven freight protection offering.
This collaboration is part of a broader approach undertaken by TMK as they look to drive digital innovation and modernisation within the market. Core to TMK’s principles, this partnership aims to develop a framework that will enable Loadsure to further expand its platform capabilities, supported commodities and geographic outreach, as well as promote the development of its overall growth strategy.
Loadsure was founded in 2018 and is the industry’s first digital-native insurtech MGA and Lloyd’s coverholder. It directly addresses the freight underinsurance crisis with data powered, AI-priced, on demand cargo cover. This new backing comes at a time of significant growth for Loadsure after having closed a $11 million Series A funding round in early 2022.
Johnny McCord, CEO, Loadsure commented: “We are excited that such a renowned carrier as TMK is partnering with us as a lead capacity provider; a clear endorsement of our strategy and innovative offering. TMK’s progressive underwriting approach and outlook on the future of our market dovetail neatly with our own. We look forward to working together on the opportunities TMK’s support makes increasingly possible.”
Richard Hooks, Departmental Head of Marine & Energy at TMK added: “TMK is at the forefront of providing practical insurance products that address existing and emerging risks. We partner with a wide range of organisations, including insurtechs, academic institutions and businesses, to harness expertise and help clients transfer risks, fulfil ambitions and navigate change.
“Loadsure’s dynamic and integrated platform is an example of an agile programme that supplies cost-effective, flexible insurance. As the market evolves and modernises, we are committed to supporting ventures like this.”
As of today, January 1, 2023, the NATO pipeline supplying Brussels Airport with kerosene will be opened for the transport of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Brussels Airlines will transport the very first batch of sustainable aviation fuel transported via this route today at Brussels Airport. The airline will operate a symbolic first SAF flight today, from Brussels to Malaga. Brussels Airport is the only Belgian airport fully supplied with kerosene via the NATO pipeline. From now on, sustainable aviation fuels can also be supplied in a fast and environmentally friendly way via this system. An important milestone to increase the use of sustainable fuels in the coming years and reduce CO2 emissions.
Sustainable aviation fuels can now be delivered to Brussels Airport in a smooth, safe and CO2-free manner via the NATO pipeline (CEPS or Central Europe Pipeline System). Brussels Airport is the only Belgian airport that is fully connected to this pipeline network and had been asking for some time to be able to receive not only kerosene but also SAF via this pipeline. Thanks to the cooperation of NATO, this has been possible since today. Brussels Airlines is the very first airline to fly with SAF transported through this system.
SAF or Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the collective name for various sustainable aviation fuels. SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions up to 80%* over the lifetime of the fuel compared to using fossil aviation fuel. The Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel used by Brussels Airlines is produced from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residual raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Brussels Airlines purchased 2,000 barrels of 1,000 liters each with a blend of 38% SAF for this pilot project The sustainable aviation fuel was transported by Brussels Airlines from Neste's blending facilities in Ghent via the CEPS pipeline to the fuel storage facility at Brussels Airport on January 1 just after midnight, allowing Brussels Airlines to operate its first flights with SAF on January 1.
"To achieve our climate goals, we will have to drastically increase the use of alternatives to fossil fuels in the coming years. Next to fleet renewal, sustainable aviation fuel is the most effective tool currently available to reduce emissions from air travel. Together with the Lufthansa Group, we have already invested in the production and use of SAF for several years. The fact that we can now transport the sustainable aviation fuel from the blending facility all the way to our aircraft at Brussels Airport in a fast and environmentally friendly way is an important step to increase the use of this type of fuel in the near future," said Peter Gerber, CEO of Brussels Airlines.
"This is an important milestone in making aviation more sustainable at Brussels Airport. Having sustainable aviation fuels available at the airport has been a priority for us and we are delighted that, thanks to NATO's support, we can already achieve this at such short notice. As an airport, within the framework of our European Stargate program, we have expressed the ambition to aim for 5% SAF on total kerosene imports by 2026. That is faster than the European target, but we want to fully commit to this together with our airline partners. The fact that our home carrier Brussels Airlines is already taking the lead with a first order of SAF is a great start to realizing this ambition," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is the most effective tool currently available to reduce the emissions of air travel. Neste is working with partners like Brussels Airlines and the Lufthansa Group, airports and logistics providers to make SAF available across Europe and globally. Following permission by NATO to transport SAF on the CEPS pipeline system, we are proud to be the first to deliver SAF into the pipeline to Brussels airport. We look forward to using the largest pipeline system in Europe to supply other airports in the near future. Pipelines are the most efficient way to supply as Neste is scaling up SAF production capacity to 1.5 million tons annually in 2023,” said Jonathan Wood, Vice President Europe, Renewable Aviation at Neste.
SAF ambitions within Stargate
SAF are an important instrument in decreasing the ecological footprint of aviation. While the European Commission (ReFuelEU) is working towards an obligation of 2% SAF from 2025 and 5% from 2030, Brussels Airport and its partners within the Stargate project are aiming for 5% SAF by 2026. Having SAF readily available through the already available infrastructure at the airport and the NATO pipeline is a serious optimization if it comes to the supply.
In order to promote the collection of raw materials for SAF, a population survey and sensitization campaign will be used within the Stargate project to inform and sensitize the general public to collect more used frying oil for SAF production. Within Stargate, the use of SAF at Brussels Airport will continue to be promoted. A large-scale blending plant as was first going to be explored is now no longer necessary, but smaller-scale blending of biofuel with kerosene with high blend ratios at the request of partners will be further explored and developed.
*When used in neat form (i.e. not blended) and calculated using recognized life cycle analysis methods, such as the CORSIA methodology.
Logistics UK has participated in a joint letter – together with UKWA, BIFA, Chemical Business Association, Cold Chain Federation and RTITB – sent to Minister for Immigration, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, highlighting the industry’s critical labour shortage ahead of the upcoming Shortage Occupation List (SOL) review.
The letter highlights the issues faced by the logistics industry as a result of Covid-19 and the UK’s exit from the EU – during which thousands of logistics workers returned to their home nations on a permanent basis – and calls for government support in seeking both short to medium term, and longer-term solutions.
Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, comments: “Logistics UK is urging government to add forklift drivers, HGV drivers – of which there is an estimated shortage of 60,000 drivers – and warehouse operatives to the Shortage Occupation List in relation to the Skilled Worker Visa, as well as ensuring mechanics remain on the list.
“Industry is working hard to seek longer-terms solutions to the sector-wide shortages and recruit home-grown talent with successful initiatives such as Generation Logistics. However, the correct training takes time, and as one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK’s economy, a short to medium-term labour boost is essential.”
American Airlines Cargo announces the appointment of Indy Bolina as Head of Global Sales.
Bolina, who will report to Roger Samways, Vice President Commercial, will lead American’s global sales team supporting the carrier’s extensive customer base.
Bolina has a strong history of leading and developing global teams. Having started his career with American Airlines in London in 2017, Bolina has led people development and resource teams that work in partnership with multiple organizations across the airline – including Cargo. This experience has allowed him to see firsthand what it takes to operate as a cargo carrier, and his people-oriented skillset will further support American Airlines Cargo in its customer-centric focus. Bolina will assume his Head of Sales role in January 2023.
This announcement follows the promotion of Brian Hodges to Managing Director, Strategy & Planning in October of this year. Hodges, who has held multiple roles within Cargo for more than 10 years, now leads a newly formed team focused intentionally on the cargo carrier’s short-term and long-term business development initiatives with a large focus on digital strategy. Hodges now reports directly to Cargo President Greg Schwendinger.
“These appointments are not only well deserved for both leaders, but strategically enable our business to deliver on our promise to our customers and modernize our business in a way that makes a real difference. I look forward to seeing Indy and Brian pave a strong path forward toward our business goals next year,” says Greg Schwendinger, Cargo President.
American Airlines Cargo currently has more than 6,000 team members comprised of management, support staff and vendor partners dedicated to supporting cargo customers and operations needs around the globe.
By the end of 2023, part of the DFDS ships that dock in Vlaardingen will receive electricity via a shore power installation.
Rotterdam Shore Power B.V, a joint venture of Eneco and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, will supply this shore power.
For now, Jinling roll-on-roll-off vessels for scheduled service to and from Immingham will use the shore power installation. The installation will be constructed by Actemium and has been partially made financially possible by subsidies from the central government and the province of South Holland.
The use of shore power for the berth for the Jinling roll-on-roll-off vessels is in line with the sustainable ambitions of DFDS aimed at reducing NOx and SOx emissions. The other two berths will be considered for shore power at a later stage.
The shore power facility consists of a converted 40-foot container containing electrical equipment that makes electricity from the public power grid suitable for use aboard the vessels. A cable management system will physically bring the electricity from the wharf aboard the ship with a cable and a plug. A remote control will enable the operation of the crane on the quay from the ship, so that the cable can be taken on board and then connected.
The shore power installation has a capacity of 1.8 MW (the energy equivalent of nearly 1,500 households) and is expected to provide 3.5 GWh per year of electricity. The estimated CO2 reduction resulting from the investment is approximately 2,100 tons on an annual basis. In addition, shore power also contributes to air quality by reducing particulate matter and nitrogen emissions and reduces noise pollution.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Eneco want to stimulate the use of shore-based power in the port of Rotterdam and have set up their subsidiary Rotterdam Shore Power to this end. In early 2022, the commissioning of Europe's largest shore power installation was announced: the installation for Heerema Marine Contractors' offshore vessels on Landtong Rozenburg. Rotterdam Shore Power is currently working on the construction of a second installation at Boskalis in the Waalhaven.
Shore power is a crucial pillar of the sustainability strategy for the Rotterdam port cluster. At least 90 percent of the offshore, ferries, cruise and roll-on-roll-off vessels and container ships in Rotterdam must use shore power by 2030. This will save emissions of about 200,000 tons of CO2 and 2,500 tons of nitrogen. This means a big step towards an increasingly clean and future-proof port.
Realization of the shore power installation also fits in with Eneco's One Planet Plan to be climate neutral by 2035. Not only in its own activities, but also in the energy Eneco supplies to its customers. The shore power project contributes to DFDS' commitment to achieve net-zero CO2-emissions by 2050. One way to achieve this green transition is to invest significantly in sustainable solutions, including the target of 45% CO2 reduction within DFDS' Ferry business.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Aviation Group, will further reinforce its commitment to the US market with the introduction of an additional three weekly flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) from 24 April 2023.
The additional flights will bring Etihad Cargo’s total cargo capacity to over 600 tons out of the US per week.
The flights will be operated with both Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, two of the most efficient in the world, with significantly less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin aisle aircraft.
“The introduction of double-daily direct flights from our Abu Dhabi hub to New York comes in response to increased demand from customers, and Etihad Cargo will continue to explore opportunities to expand its global network and introduce the required capacity,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.
“The addition of more flights per day to New York combined with Etihad Cargo’s services to other key US destinations and comprehensive road feeder service network will enable Etihad Cargo to fully support its customers in the transportation of their cargo to online and offline locations throughout this key market.”
Etihad Cargo currently operates 11 flights per week to John F. Kennedy International Airport, which will increase to 14 weekly flights on 24 April 2023, and daily flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Dulles International Airport, Washington. Etihad Cargo also operates two dedicated Boeing 777 freighter flights per week to Chicago via Amsterdam, supported by an offline network.
Cranksets, derailleurs and rim brakes are some items you will find in the European Distribution Centre (DC) for Shimano, managed by Kuehne+Nagel.
The 20,000 sqm Distribution Centre will be part of Kuehne+Nagel’s existing e-fulfilment hub in Tessenderlo, Belgium. The Japanese multinational, which—next to cycling components and gear—also sells fishing equipment, has a growing B2B e-commerce business in Europe. Kuehne+Nagel’s modern warehousing solution will support Shimano in handling the increasing volumes.
The operations go live in the course of 2023 and will create 50 new jobs. Supported by an automated picking technology, the highly flexible solution aims at serving different sales channels. On top, it includes advanced value-added services for end-customers, such as battery transportation management (classified as dangerous goods) for e-bikes.
„In Europe, bicycles and e-bikes are an increasingly popular means of accessible and sustainable transportation. We are proud to help Shimano meet the growing demand for bicycle parts through an automated, highly flexible warehousing solution,” says Gianfranco Sgro, member of the Management Board of Kuehne Nagel International AG, responsible for Contract Logistics.
Marc van Rooij, President of the Shimano Europe Group, comments: “After a careful and intense process we are more than confident and happy that Kuehne+Nagel will be our partner to further develop Shimano Europe’s logistics structure and to ensure Shimano’s customer centricity and flexibility for the future, employing state of the art warehousing processes and systems. Team Shimano is looking forward to a great cooperation and a bright future”
AD Ports Group delivered on its commitment to produce remarkable results and extend its international reach in its first year as a publicly traded company, with 2022 becoming one of the most important years in the company’s storied history so far.
The year started with the listing of AD Ports Group’s shares for the first time on Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADX) and continued with remarkable achievements through to December 2022, when it was honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to inaugurate the expansion of Khalifa Port. The expansion works position Khalifa Port among the global elite of deep-water ports, with an estimated value of AED 20.4 billion.
Throughout 2022, AD Ports Group has continued to demonstrate its drive to position Abu Dhabi at the frontier of world trade, adding value to stakeholders through the expansion and improvement of services.
The Group has built new strategic relationships within the region and beyond, which has enabled the group to open new trade corridors. Through new partnerships and shipping routes, AD Ports Group is developing the highest levels of connectivity between the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, East Africa, and Central Asia – vital trading partners that will help drive economic growth in the region and internationally.
Major acquisitions have played a key role in AD Ports Group’s growth story in 2022. The company completed its first international acquisition in September, acquiring a 70% stake in Egypt’s Transmar and TCI, and followed that with agreements to acquire an 80% stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), which will see the group significantly expand its fleet and container capacity, and a 100% stake in Spain’s Noatum, a global logistics giant.
Upon completion, these transformational investments will consolidate AD Ports Group’s position as a market leader across multiple industries, operating ports and terminals around the world, with a fleet of 175 vessels, a feeder container capacity of around 100,000 TEUs, and a global logistics brand providing specialist services across multiple territories.
H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman, AD Ports Group, said: “Throughout 2022, AD Ports Group has demonstrated its consistent efforts to evolve the services we offer to customers, while supporting Abu Dhabi’s aims to be a leading global hub for trade and logistics. AD Ports Group is proud to have delivered a remarkable growth story in 2022, expanding our global connectivity through new trade corridors, and becoming a truly global company through organic growth and international acquisitions.
“As we work to further develop infrastructure across assets in the UAE and beyond, our objective is to position the company as a global enabler that supports industrial growth and contributes to our leaders’ strategic aims to diversify the UAE economy.”
Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “2022 has been a strong and historic year for AD Ports Group and we are proud to have shown a consistent drive to advance our business model and operations. AD Ports Group has evolved from a key contributor to Abu Dhabi’s economy into a publicly listed entity with an expanding global reach that is actively transforming key industries worldwide.
We believe that there are major opportunities ahead for AD Ports Group in international markets, and we have used our time in 2022 to restructure our company into empowered business clusters that work together to achieve our strategic goals. As always, we thank the leadership of the UAE for their guidance and support, which has enabled us to move so far and so fast as a business.”
To further support its growth aspirations, the company announced several key acquisitions, such as Divetech and ASCL and joint ventures within the UAE including the launch of SAFEEN Invictus and SAFEEN Surveys and Subsea Services. These strategic initiatives opened new business segments and service offerings for its Maritime Cluster, which has emerged as one of the most dynamic in the sector.
Throughout 2022, AD Ports Group continued to build its global presence, signing agreements with port authorities and partners around the world, including contracts with the Red Sea Ports Authority for major port projects along Egypt’s coastline and with SEG, one of the largest oil and gas companies in Uzbekistan, to open new logistics and freight businesses in the Central Asian nation.
Work continued on the development of the Marsa Zayed mega-project in Aqaba, in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and the company closed the year with a number of key agreements in Africa, including one with the Africa Finance Corporation to address infrastructure gaps across the continent, and a Heads of Terms agreement with the Government of the Republic of Sudan providing a consortium led by AD Ports Group and Invictus Investment with rights to develop, manage, and operate port and economic zone assets in Sudan.
Most recently, AD Ports Group began strategic expansion of its services in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea regions, as it entered a shareholder agreement with KMTF (Kazmortransflot), a fully- owned offshore logistics and services subsidiary of the Kazakh National Oil Company (KazMunayGas). The agreement will lead to the development of a new joint venture, under which the two companies will provide broad range of services including offshore support vessels, integrated offshore logistics and subsea solutions and container feedering, ro-ro and crude oil transportation in the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea regions.
AD Ports Group also transformed its offering in the Economic Cities and Free Zones (EC&FZ) space, launching ‘KEZAD Group’ to integrate its existing trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping into one consolidated entity comprising 12 economic zones with a total area of 550 square kilometres.
The Group’s digital subsidiary, Maqta Gateway, played a key role in supporting AD Ports Group’s international expansion in multiple areas. The Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform “ATLP”, the official single window for trade in Abu Dhabi, surpassed the milestone of facilitating more than 100 million digital transactions, and Maqta Gateway also collaborated with Emirates Post Group and SkyGo to launch aerial drone trials for a flying postal delivery service.
Demonstrating the fruitfulness of AD Ports Group’s bold growth strategy, the group surpassed several key financial records in 2022. By 9M 2022, the Group’s revenue had grown 53% year-on-year to AED 1,466 million; EBITDA increased 52% to AED 594 million; and Net Profit soared 77% to reach AED 334 million.
At Luka Koper, we have been committed to a responsible attitude towards the environment for many years.
Among other things, we have introduced measures that not only meet legislative requirements, but also best practices for different areas of the port’s environmental impact. One of these is the management of air-quality impacts in the port. Research has shown that 50% of emissions in the port area are caused by ships. Therefore, at Luka Koper we intend and are working to involve shipowners in activities to reduce environmental pollution.
As part of this, we have been working on the introduction of the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) system as one of the projects of the International Association of Ports and Harbours. It is a voluntary scheme used by ports to incentivise and reward cleaner and more environmentally friendly ships. The system involves 56 ports and 6,840 ships, which receive varying levels of relief from charges based on a certain score.
By introducing the ESI system, we want to attract as many ships as possible with state-of-the-art engines and cleaner propulsion systems to the port, thus reducing emissions into our atmosphere. Therefore, we will allow ships with lower emissions of air pollutants that are part of the ESI scheme to pay lower port dues. The amount of the allowance is determined based on the scoring carried out under the ESI scheme in line with International Maritime Organisation standards. The maximum point value is 100 points, awarded to ships that produce no or negligible exhaust emissions when berthed in port.
Based on this, we have updated the existing Port Dues Tariff by considering the models of other ports and the number or type of ships visiting the Port of Koper. The concessions apply only to ships that are included in the ESI scheme and meet one of the conditions set out in the Port Dues Tariff. Ships included in the ESI scheme and scoring between 30 and 49.9 points inclusive shall be charged the dues set out in point 1 of the Port Dues Tariff, reduced by 5%. Ships scoring 50 points or more in the scheme shall be charged the dues set out in point 1 of the Port Dues Tariff, reduced by 10%. The maximum one-off discount is €1,000.
