Barloworld Logistics announces significant international acquisitions

Barloworld Logistics, supply chain management subsidiary of industrial multinational Barloworld, announced a major growth initiative by acquiring Dubai-based Swift Group and its affiliates in the Far East, India, UAE, Africa and Germany.

The acquisitions will catapult Barloworld Logistics into the global logistics arena, especially with regard to multimodal transport solutions, with several niche services and logistics activities between South East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Europe and Africa. The Swift group is privately held and has grown an international network specializing in distinctive logistics solutions and services. In its 19^th year of operation, Swift is a leader in global transportation and logistics, with well established services between South-East Asia and Western Europe and a number of innovative freight logistics solutions specific to African Markets. Swift employs 700 employees in its 46 offices in 21 countries, spanning the Middle East, Far East, the Indian subcontinent and Africa. The acquisition will include the marketing operations of one Swift’s business partners in Germany, which has been responsible for the commercialization of sea-air combined transport, operating from the Far East and the Indian Subcontinent via the UAE to various destinations in Europe.

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Hamburg fights for Hapag

The impending breakup of Hapag-Lloyd's parent group TUI is causing serious concerns among German businessmen, politicians and trade unionists who are keen to preserve the German container line as an independent entity.

TUI’s supervisory board gave the go-ahead for a separation of the shipping business by way of a sale, merger or listing on the stock exchange. The company will investigate all options in the coming months and hopes to implement a solution by year-end, said chief executive Michael Frenzel at the annual general meeting in Hanover. Trade union representatives on the supervisory board have grudgingly agreed with the plan. However, they made it clear that they expect a “local solution” for Hapag instead of a takeover or merger. Founded over 160 years ago in the Hansestadt, Hapag today ranks fifth among the global container lines with market share in terms of capacity of about 4%. The line more than doubled its operating profit to €197M last year. TUI’s split from shipping has been instigated by a powerful group of shareholders including Norway’s John Fredriksen and US investor Guy Wyser-Pratte.

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'HMAS Sydney II' finally found

The 'HMAS Sydney II' has been found, 66 years after the entire ship's company perished following a furious engagement with the German raider 'HSK Kormoran' in November 1941.

The discovery lays to rest one of Australia's most enduring maritime mysteries and provides a final resting place for the families of the 645 members of 'HMAS Sydney II'. 'HMAS Sydney II' was found following the discovery of 'HSK Kormoran', approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water. The search first focused on finding the German raider 'Kormoran', which was located on March 12, approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water. The discovery of the main battle site, less than four nautical miles south of 'Kormoran's' position, was then used to direct the team's effort in searching for 'Sydney'. The wreck of the 'Sydney' has been confirmed, at approximately 12 nautical miles off 'Kormoran', under 2,470 metres of water. 'A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with video filming capabilities able to operate in depths of up to 3,000 metres will be deployed in order to further examine both wrecks of the 'Sydney' and 'Kormoran'.' The Minister for the Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts is being consulted to ensure the wreck site is being protected.

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World’s fastest diesel engine super boat unveiled in Dubai

For those with a penchant for speed and craving for marine adventure, the ultimate in excitement is here.

XSR48, the world’s fastest diesel engine super boat is in town. The UK-based XSMG Marine company unveiled the powerful and sleek boat which they claim has broken all speed records while providing utmost safety. According to the officials, the $2.5-million super boat can reach speed limits of 70-100 knots, making it a ‘super car’ of the water. ‘The Middle East is one of the fastest emerging yachting and boating markets in the world and has the potential to be one of the globe’s most-sought-after maritime destinations,’ said Prince Michael of Kent, who was present during the ceremony. The prince is also the brand ambassador of the company. With new companies like XSMG Marine entering the market, combined with the vast number of region wide marina project developments, the Middle East boast and yachting scene will be transformed in the coming years,’ added Prince Michael. Labelled as ‘Bugatti Veyron of the Sea’, the boat also featured in the Dubai International Boat Show last week. ‘The super boat is a union between the world’s top designers, engineers and craftsmen to create the perfect platform for harnessing state-of-the-art design, technology and ultimate power.
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Hamburg Süd Christens Largest-ever Containership

At the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. (DSME) yard in Okpo, Korea, Hamburg Süd christened the largest-ever container ship in the company's history.

The "Rio de la Plata" is the first newbuilding in a series of six identical vessels each possessing a slot capacity of 5,900 TEU. At a length of 286 m, the "Rio" class is precisely one bay longer than the 5,552 TEU "Monte" class vessels. Sponsor of the "Rio de la Plata" is Marén Schröder, daughter of Dr. Ernst F. Schröder, personally liable partner of Dr. August Oetker KG, Bielefeld. Following her delivery on 2 April 2008, the "Rio de la Plata" will initially be phased into Hamburg Süd's Asia - South America East Coast service for a short time before being deployed in the shipping group's Europe - South America East Coast trade. She and her five sister ships will gradually replace the "Monte" vessels deployed there, which will then connect Asia with South America East Coast. The name chosen for the ship, "Rio de la Plata", comes from the estuary formed by the major South American rivers Paraná and Uruguay, on which the two key ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo are situated. The ships of the "Rio" class, like all of Hamburg Süd's newbuildings since 2004, are certified with Germanischer Lloyd's Environmental Passport, which is only granted to environment-friendly newbuildings fitted out to the highest technical standard.

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Competitors Share Strategy for Rolex China Sea Race

With the start of the 24th edition of the Rolex China Sea Race just a week away, a competitive group of yachts is ready for the tactical challenges that this 565-nautical mile Asian offshore classic offers up every other year.

Twenty-four boats are entered in the race, with 21 racing in the IRC Racing Division, and five in the Cruising Division. The race starts on Thursday 20 March at 12:00 off the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in Victoria Harbour. The 2008 list of competitors combines returning race veterans with new faces. The Race has attracted several overseas entries including two Australian crews, Jon WARDILL's Australian Maid and Geoff HILL's Strewth; Chris MEADS' Full Metal Jacket from New Zealand, and Fidel/Echauz's Subic Centennial and Martin TANCO's Challenge both from the Philippines. Defending her 2006 winner's title, the Kinmonth/Burns owned Fortis Mandrake will face stiff competition from the overseas entries whilst continuing the local rivalry with Hong Kong boats such as Sam CHAN's FfreeFire 52, Neil PRYDE's Hi Fi and the Leon CHAN/James LAU owned Tipsy Frenz. All will be chasing the 2000 race record set by Karl KWOK on the Volvo 60 Beau Geste of 47 hours, 43 minutes and 7 seconds. The Rolex China Sea Race joins other prestigious Rolex-sponsored 2008 events including the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Rolex Swan Cup, Rolex Middle Sea Race, and the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

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Kalmar to supply Pusan New Port with terminal tractors

Hanjin Shipping has awarded Kalmar Industries a contract to supply 96 terminal tractors for operation at its new container terminal as part of the Pusan New Port Project.

The 4x2 terminal tractors, which will be delivered starting in June 2008, will be deployed by Hanjin Shipping across its four berths as a part of the second phase in the development of its terminal operations opening in 2009. Kalmar has a long association with Hanjin Shipping, which currently operates 11 dedicated marine container terminal facilities around the world with a collective handling volume of more than 6m teu.

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