Hamburg-Sud joins GA/Zim Atlantic service

Hamburg-Sud is to join the Grand Alliance Lines and Zim Integrated Shipping Services on the Atlantic Express (ATX) service from mid to late June 2009. Hamburg-Sud will initially purchase slots on the service, but at some later stage, could become a vessel operator.

The ATX service operates with four x 4,100/4,500 TEUs vessels with Hapag Lloyd deploying two vessels, and OOCL and Zim one each.

Port coverage for this service is : Rotterdam, Hamburg, Le Havre, Southampton, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Rotterdam.

The move comes less than a month after Hamburg-Sud announced it would launch its own transatlantic service as part of the restructured Trident service covering theEurope/ US/ Australasia trade.


Source: PR News/ Copy 6028/ 30 April 2009

PhD in Transportation/ Logistics/ Suppy Chain Management in Malaysia

Malaysia, reaching the age of 52 soon, should now be equipped with the necessary resources in all areas, including the pool of professionals or experts in logistics and transportation. But, despite the fact that logistics and transportation play an important role in the economic growth and international trading, the prominence is reasonably not there. They elevate the level of success and are well regarded as indispensible in the country.

Malaysia is very much in deficiency of such "authorities in logistics and transportation", especially those with a PhD in Transportation/ Logistics/ Suppy Chain Management. Of course, those are considered as professional logisticians, too.

There may be less than 20 PhDs in the related field(s) in Malaysia now?! Yes, to my best of knowledge and belief, there are very much less than 20 PhD holders of such in Malaysia. Some of those are as follows:-

01. Deputy Minister of MOE - Datuk Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong PhD

02. MOHE - Prof Dato’ Ir Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi PhD (formerly UPM)

03. MIROS - Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah PhD (formerly USM)

04. USM - Prof Dr Meor Othman Hamzah PhD

05. USM - Assoc Prof Dr Hassim Mat PhD

06. USM - Dr Leong Lee Vien PhD

07. UNIMAS - Prof Dr Wan Hashim Wan Ibrahim PhD

08. UKM - Prof Ir Dr Riza Atiq O K Rahmat PhD

09. UKM - Prof Dr Ghani Md Nor PhD

10. UTM - Prof Dr Ho Chin Siong PhD, CMILT

11. UTM - Prof Dr Abdullah Ab Rahman PhD

12. UTM - Assoc Prof Dr Othman Che Puan PhD

13. UTM - Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Aziz Chik Ph.D

14. UTM - Dr Muhammad Zaly Shah PhD, CMILT

15. UM - Prof Dr Jamaliah Muhamad PhD, CMILT

16. UiTM - Dr Harlina Suzana Jaafar PhD, CMILT

17. UiTM - Dr Muhammad Akram Adnan PhD

Yes, it's very much in insufficiency. Anyway, almost all of them are having majored in road transportation or traffic engineering. Hopefully, Malaysian universities regardless of public or private universities, with the support from the Government, can encourage more enrolments and produce more PhDs in Transportation/ Logistics/ Suppy Chain Management or its related programme in Malaysia, of course it should not be only emphasized on road transportation related studies, but also maritime/ sea transportation and aviation/ air transportation.

Good Lucks to Logisticians.

CKYH makes China/Mediterranean service changes

The CKYH Alliance is planning to make a series of port changes to its China/Mediterranean Express (CMX) service from May 2009. In the Far East, an existing call at Tianjin will be dropped, and an additional call at Yantian will then be introduced, as well as a new eastbound call at Port Klang.

In the Mediterranean, Naples will be dropped, and replaced by Genoa, while Malta will become a double call, on its east and westbound, a move that underlines the importance of Malta as Hanjin's recently-established Med transhipment centre. The lines will offer an eastbound transit time of 19 days from Genoa to Port Klang, and the double call at Malta will provide a transit time of 13 days westbound from Singapore, and 13 days eastbound back to Port Klang.

Eight Hanjin vessels providing a weekly capacity of 5,400 TEUs will continue operating in the service. New CMX service will cover Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Hong Kong, Singapore, Port Said, Malta, La Spezia, Genoa, Barcelona, Valencia, Malta, Port Klang, Singapore and Pusan.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6023/ 27 April 2009

Evergreen combines Asia/ISC/Gulf services

Evergreen is on the way merging two of its Far East/ Middle East/ Gulf services from May 2009, that will take around 2,800 TEUs of weekly capacity out of the trade.

From mid-May, the Far East/Arabian Persian Gulf (APG) and the China Araban Persian Gulf 2 (CPG2) services will be merged under one APG-style service that will also include calls in China. Presently, the APG service operates with 2,800 TEUs of weekly capacity and covers Taiwan, southern China, South East Asia, Indian sub-continent and Middle East, whereas the CPG2 service operates with 3,400 TEUs of weekly capacity and covers China, South East Asia, Indian sub-continent, Middle East.

Under the new APG service, port calls in China and Taiwan will be incorporated and the capacity presently operated on the CPG2 service will be deployed. New port rotation of the APG will be Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, Jebel Ali, Damman, Bandar Abbas, Singapore, Laem Chabang, Hong Kong and Qingdao.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6022/ 26 April 2009

New Piraeus calls

CSAV Norasia and Zim Integrated Shipping Services (Zim), are to make new calls at Piraeus from next month on two separate services.

CSAV Norasia will introduce a new Piraeus call on the Asia Black Sea (ABS) service starting with the first call expected to be made by the 6,500 TEUs Palena on 15 May 2009. The ABS has recently been upgraded from 3,400 to 5,500/6,500 TEUs vessels.

Zim will re-introduce a direct call at Piraeus on the Zim Container Service (ZCS), which operates on the Asia/ Mediterrenan/USEC/ USWC trade with 15 x 5,000 TEUs vessels. The first new Piraeus call on the ZCS is scheduled for 17 May 2009 by the 4,992 TEUs Zim Panama. Anyway, Piraeus was dropped as a direct port of call in April 2008 mostly because of port congestion and strike disruptions.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6014/ 22 April 2009

CMA-CGM and Maersk run another Asia/Med service

According to PR News, CMA-CGM and Maersk are on the way starting up another new joint vessel sharing agreement on the Asia/Mediterraean trade, this time covering the central/eastern Mediterranean market.

Maersk has slots on CMA-CGM's Phoex-Levex (BEXII) service which it markets as the Asia/Europe 22 (AE22) service. But, as from mid-May, Maersk will begin phasing in four 6,500 TEUs vessels to become a vessel provier, and CMA-CGM will upgrade its own existing vessel capacity from 4,300 TEUs vessels to 6,500 TEUs vessels.

There will be port call changes, with existing calls in northern China and Korea dropped. Effectively, the new joint service will run with 8 x 6,500 TEUs capacity vessels and offer direct port calls at Shanghai, Pusan, Hong Kong, Chiwan, Chiwan, Tanjung Pelepas, Port Kelang, Port Said, Damietta, Trieste, Koper, Rijekea (feeder connection), Damietta, Port Saidm Jeddah, Port Kelang, Singapore and Shanghai.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6012/ 20 April 2009

Hamburg-Sud/Hapag-Lloyd going to terminate Europe/South America service

Hamburg-Sud and Hapag-Lloyd are going to terminate their joint North Europe/Eastcoast South America String 2 service taking out around 2,500 TEUs of weekly capacity from the trade.

The termination follows earlier confirmation that Hamburg-Sud, together with CSAV, CMA-CGM, Zim, Maruba and Niver Lines were streamlining their Mediterranean/East coast South America services (Sirius service network) to just one service from two.

The String 2 service operates with four vessels of 2,500 TEUs with Hapag-Lloyd deploying three, and Hamburg-Sud, one. The Port coverage is: Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antrwep, Le Havre, Paranagua, Santos, Salvador and Rotterdam. The service runs in conjunction with the Hamburg-Sud String 1 service whichdeploys 6 x 5,560 TEUs vessels.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6010/ 20 April 2009

Agilent to lay off workers in Penang...

NEC Computers Asia Pacific (NECCAP) is alarming...

NEC Computers Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd (NECCAP) (in Malaysia) will no longer market and distribute personal computers and notebooks bearing the trade mark of "NEC" with effect from June 2009. NECCAP shall continue to provide after sales services and support under its warranty and spare part commitments.

For service and spare parts purchase, end-users and customers of NEC PC products can continue to contact its Call Center or its Authorized Service Providers until further notice. However, you may still purchase its current products inventory from its Authorised Resellers.

NEC Computers Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd or NECCAP is a subsidiary of NEC Personal Products in Japan. NECCAP designs, manufactures and markets desktop and notebook personal computers in Asia Pacific with its regional headquarter office in Malaysia.

By leveraging on NEC's No.1* PC Brand position in Japan and NEC's leadership in Computers & Communications Technologies, NECCAP has been providing a full range of innovative desktop and notebook, home media network and enterprise PC solution ideal for consumers and commercial customers.

NECCAP is active in both business and marketing operations in the Asia Pacific regions.

Source: NECCAP

New Bahrain Gateway terminal officially opens for business

The new Bahrain Gateway terminal, operated by APM Terminals, officially opened for business today with the arrival of the 2,468 TEUs APL Dalian deployed on APL's Sub-continent Red Sea Service known as the SRX.

The arrival is expected to be shortly followed by a Maersk regional feeder service call.

Bahrain Gateway, situated at Khalifa Bin Salman Port will take much of the traffic now handled at the old port of Mina Salman which will cease commercial operations in May 2009.

The new terminal will have at least eight regular weekly calls from start up, is confident this year to achieve a 3-4% volume growth on the 270,000 TEUs handled at Mina Salmon in 2008, and expects capacity to rise to some 2.5m TEUs in the short term.

Among the services expected to call at the new terminal, will be a whole network of regional/ feeder loops operated by lines that apart from APL, also include, Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Co, UASC and Evergreen.

It's also expected to come through this year from other mainhaul lines' calls, particularly those involved in the Asia/Middle East trade. APM Terminals has a 25 year concession to run the 1,800m quay front terminal and has already invested in four new post-panamax gantry cranes with twin lift facilities, and a dozen RTGs.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6003/ 15 April 2009

Evergreen extends Asia/Med/Europe services

Evergreen Marine Corporation is to extend the USWC/Asia/Med pendulum service, known as the UAM service, to include a new direct call at Ashdod from mid-May 2009.

Ashdod was previously covered by Evergreen's Adriatic Express (ADR), which was suspended in February/March, and the Israel market was further served by the Asia/East Med (AEM), which was terminated back in mid-2008.

Through the addition of the Ashdod call on the UAM service, Evergreen will offer a direct 20 day westbound Taipei/Ashdod transit, and Tokyo/Ashdod in 28 days. UAM westbound port rotation shall be Tokyo, Osaka, Qingdao, Shanghai, Ningbo, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Yantian, Tanjung Pelepas, Colombo, Ashdod, Dekheila, Taranto, Genoa, Barcelona and Valencia.

First Ashdod call scheduled for 21 May 2009.

Separately, Evergreen will introduce new call at Qingdao on the China/Europe/Mediterranean Asia/Europe (CEM) service from late April increasing coverage of China to include the northern region. The first scheduled Qingdao call is on April 22nd

CEM westbound port rotation : Kaohsiung, Qingdao, Ningbo, Shanghai, Yantian, Hong Kong, Tanjung Pelepas, Taranto, Le Havre, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Thamesport.

Source: PR News/ Copy 6000/ 15 April 2009

Norasia brand to disappear "within a month"???

The name of Norasia is set to disappear as a marketing brand of parent company, Compania Sud-Americana de Vapores (CSAV) "within a month" according to close sources.

It's understood that the brand, which was formed in 2000 following the acquisition of Norasia Lines by CSAV, will be dropped, and parent CSAV will take on overall responsibilities for the operations of both the CSAV Norasia East/West services, and the mainstay of the CSAV operations, that of the North/South trades.

Such market belief has been rife for many months, but this is the first instance that a time frame has been put on the speculation.

As first reported by PR News Service under Copy 5959, 16 March 09 CSAV has turned to the German bank, HSH Corporate Finance for professional advice and assistance in how to proceed in the way ahead through the present market downturn.

Also, on the agenda of the CSAV visit are believed to be top level talks with German shipowner, Peter Dohle, owner of a series of 12,500 teu vessels for delivery in 2010/2011 on long term charter to CSAV.

It will be recalled that CSAV Norasia suspended its Asia/North Europe (ANE) service at the beginning of this year, and after a short lay up period, redeployed the ex-ANE vessels - between 5,500/6,500 teu capacity - on the Asia/Black Sea (ABS) service, increasing capacity by over 20%. Effectively, the only CSAV Norasia East/West service now covering North Europe, is the India/Middle East/Europe (IMEX) service.

The India/Europe trade has seen the reduction of the size of the ISES consortium that previously involved, Shipping Corporation of India, K Line, YML, MISC, and Zim, to just include SCI, K Line and Yangming, and there is strong belief the consortium maybe reduced in size even further.

Separately, credit agency, Standard & Poor has reduced its long term credit rating of CSAV from B- to BB-, a move that reflects a strong degree of negativity within the market.

CSAV is also considering selling its 13.01% stake in fellow Chilean shipping line, Compania Chilena de Navegacion Interoceanica SA (CCNI), as well as its stake in port logistics company, Agencias Universal (AGUNSA).

Source: PR News/ Copy 5992/ 7 April 2009

Happy Thaipusam

The Malaysians, including the Hindu are passionate about the religion and usually take extraordinary measures to display the devotion. A good instance is the Thaipusam festival.

"Thaipusam" is the feast for the son of Shiva, Lord Subramanya.

The celebrations of this festival are carried out at almost all the temples of Lord Subramanya.

This year, 8 February (Sun) shall be the day of Thaipusam in Malaysia.

However, the celebrations take place from 7 to 9 February (3 days).

Happy Thaipusam!

Senator Lines goes BUST

The global economic recession claimed its first major victim in the container shipping sector.

German carrier Senator Lines announced on 4 February 2009 that it would cease operations, effective the end of this month.

The Bremen-headquartered line, which since 1997 has been 80% owned by the Korean shipping operator Hanjin Shipping, said its shareholders and board had decided on the shutdown "as a result of the financial and economic crisis and − as a consequence thereof − reduced volumes together with overcapacity and extreme unhealthy competition, especially on the east-west routes".

According to the board of Senator Lines, there are no positive signals to be foreseen for 2009 and there are not even any freight rate improvements visible in the long term. All these facts have resulted in this painful decision."

The remaining shares in Senator, which was founded in 1987, are held by Bremer Investitionsgesellschaft in Bremen and shipping company F. Laeisz in Hamburg, with 10% each.

The line specialised in serving Far East-Middle East-Northern Europe trade lanes.

They used to offer a total of 14 liner services involving approximately 1,570 voyages per year.

They are a shipping company that specializes in slot chartering, mainly having chartered the space from the members of CYKHS (Cosco, Yang Ming, K-Line, Hanjin, Senator) Alliance. However, they do have space arrangement with Hamburg Sud, Hapag Lloyd, CSAV, MSC and MOL, too.

Source: Supply Chain Leaders Intelligence

A criminologist in USM

A criminologist, holding the position of senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Dr P. Sundramoorthy PhD (South Dakota), MS (Minnesota), BA (Minnesota) has just been appointed Principal Investigator by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Malaysia YDH Tan Sri Dato' Seri Musa Bin Dato' Hj Hassan, to head the following nationwide research projects:-

1. "Crime Victimization"

2. "Public Perception on Policing"

The research works have already begun.

Dr Sundra, good luck! Cheers!

P/S: He taught me the subject on "Advanced Research Methodologies" at postgraduate level at USM.

Gong Xi Fa Cai 牛年行好运!

物流好，經濟好，大家一定好!

Logistics performs Well, Economy looks Well;

The people are sure Well!

May the year of Ox bring you and your family good health, peace, love and prosperity! Gong Xi Gong Xi... Cheers!

Intel in troubles?

The economic slowdown and slumping demand for personal computers, affecting the profit sharply!

Having received a news about Intel Corp...

The world's biggest computer chip maker, announced plans on Wednesday to close facilities in Malaysia, the Philippines and the United States?

This would affect more than 5,000 employees worldwide.

But, according to the news, not all employees would have to leave Intel, as some may be offered positions at other facilities.

In a manner corresponding, two assembly test facilities in Penang, Malaysia and one in Cavite, Philippines, additionally the wafer production facilities in Santa Clara and Hillsboro, Oregon would be closed down.

The closures, will take place between now and the end of 2009.

A spokesman mentioned the moves are to "align its manufacturing capacity to current market conditions"...!?

A particular degree to which, the logistics and transportation sectors especially the airfreight and warehousing acted as distribution hub, may be affected in terms of cargo inducement.

Hopefully, Intel Corp could revise the decision or preferably the news are not truth...


Source: Washington (AFP)

Sharing of Thoughts in Logistics & Transportation in Penang

The blogger, being part of the international professional body of Logisticians - CILT, having bred in Penang of Malaysia, has humbly shared a few lines of thoughts for the following Logistics and Transportation related editions of the journal "Penang Economic Monthly" of Socio-Economic & Environmental Research Institute (SERI), which is a think tank of Penang, to formulate strategic planning and policy recommendations.

1. Enhancing The Penang Logistics Industry To Promote Overall Competitiveness

2. Penang As An Integrated Logistics and Transportation Hub Under NCER
3. Penang Economic Report 2008 - Year End Review and Outlook For 2009 (Part II)

Be a responsible Professional Logistician in Malaysia, one must tries the best in sharing or discharging the learned knowledge and experience for a better tomorrow of all Malaysians, from the overall perspectives of international trade and economic development.

The Blogger, does hope the present state government of Penang could realize the importance of logistics and transportation sectors and the professionalism of trained logisticians, that could bring prosperity and vigorousness to the state, like Singapore.

Insufficient Number of Certified Logisticians globally!

The "Logisticians", particularly the certified or chartered ones have been in great demand and have been admired by the general public, in other developed or developing countries, such as US, Australia, Singapore, China/ Hong Kong, Canada and those European countries.

In US...

The practice of logistics is a professional discipline. The SOLE's professional certification and recognition programmes recognize the professional stature and accomplishments of logisticians within commerce, industry, defense, international, federal and local government agencies, as well as in academic and private institutions. The adoption of a certification programme in October 1972 was a major step by SOLE to further the accreditation of professionals in the logistics field. This certification recognizes the functional interrelationships within the professional responsibilities of logisticians regardless of their occupational roles.

The title "Certified Professional Logistician" (CPL) is awarded to individuals of proven competence in logistics who pass an examination designed to test their broad knowledge of the entire logistics spectrum.

Effective 15 April 2004, Army officers/warrant officers in any branch/specialty that have been awarded the designation CPL by SOLE - The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) are authorized to add their CPL certification to their Officer Record Brief (ORB) and Official Military Personnel Folder (OMPF). This change to AR 600-8-104 (Military Personnel Information Management/Records) authorizes the inclusion of the CPL certificate in the OMPF.

The CPL joins, among others, the Certified Professional Engineer (CPE), the Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) and the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) as civilian-granted professional certifications authorized for documentation and recognition as specialized education and training. The CPL certification will be reflected in "Section X - Remarks" on the lower left portion of the ORB. Army National Guard (ARNG) CPLs can submit their documentation now to their State Military Personnel Officers.

The CPL programme and course syllabus was established in the United States many years ago. To qualify as a CPL candidate, individuals should have 9 years of professional experience in practicing logistics or, have a Bachelor's Degree plus 5 years experience, a Master's Degree plus 4 years experience or a Doctoral Degree plus 3 years of experience. In the United States the certification examination is ranked as the equivalent of a Masters' Degree for logistics managers and practitioners.

In Europe...

The European Logistics Association (ELA) introduced the standards, which form the foundation for the European Certification Board for Logistics (ECBL) to certify individuals who meet these Standards.

ECBL is an independent body consisting of member countries who voluntarily agree to share the Standards of Competence for Logistics and adhere to common levels of quality assurance procedures.

The European Certification Board for Logistics (ECBL) is the custodian of the Standards, and is responsible for updating the Standards as and when required.

The Board (ECBL) will be the sole authority for approving the award of a qualification, and no awards under this programme will be allowed without such approval. The Board will set up a system to monitor the performance of National Certification Centres to be established in each country, and will ensure that the Standards operating in each country are in line with the European directive. In this way, candidates for the qualifications from every country in the programme can be sure of the commonality of the Standards.

The Competence system - The ELA Standards of Logistics Competence reflect the expectations of workplace performance and the have been developed with and agreed by industry. The Standards are outcome-based and form the basis of assessment.

Assessment is independent of any learning programmes. The Swedish National Certification System in Logistics does not prescribe in any way the methods or courses by which candidates may attain or develop the knowledge and skills, however acknowledged programmes can contribute to the development of knowledge, skills and competencies required for ELA-Certification. The ability of candidates to meet the required Standards will be assessed by The Swedish National Certification Board.

ELA Certification – The European Certification for Logistics Professionals on three levels:-

EJLog – European Junior Logistician on the Supervisory/Operational Level

ESLog - European Senior Logistician on the Senior management level

EMLog - European Master Logistician on the Strategic management level

In Australia...

There are thousands of practicing and experienced logistics professionals in Australia. They range from executives, managers, senior managers of logistics or supply chain operations to probably, specialised IT experts for logistics and transportation sectors.

Professionals, like accountants have the CPA accreditation, real estate practitioners have the CPV and many other professional certifications. The Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) certification programme is now available in Australia, for all logisticians who are excellence in logistics and supply chain management, by both theorical and practicial assessments. Accreditation means something in a professional setting - it implies a focus on excellence and a commitment to personal development within the profession. Today, professionalism of a high standard is required to manage these complex, disparate functions in a seamless and integrated supply chain mode with a clear understanding of the need to track the physical goods flow, financial flow, and, of course, information flow.

The said Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) was launched by the Transport and Logistics Centre of Australia (TALC), that TALC grew out as a Commonwealth and NSW Government initiative aimed at building capability in the Transport and Logistics (T&L) industry, including road, rail, maritime, aviation and logistics. TALC, together with five industry or professional organizations ie. The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Australia (CILT-A), Supply Chain Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA), Logistics Association of Australia (LAA), Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM) and Australasian Production & Inventory Control Society (APICS), form the panel of CPL certification council, which is known as Transport & Logistics Certification Council of Australia (TLCC, Australia).

The CPL is able to demonstrate that they have the capability to effectively master the technology and leadership skills required across the broad range of activities that today constitute logistics. The CPL is a professional certification in logistics that enables practitioners in this industry to develop themselves more effectively, and assists in defining the logistics profession. This CPL also signifies your commitment to a code of professional conduct and your respected professional integrity - ensuring the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

A profession that is dealing with a freight task that is expected to double over the next decade. The demand for professionals, technical experts and executives will continue to rise. Australia's logisticians, along with an efficient and effective land, sea and air infrastructure, will contribute to the future export success of the nation.

The CPL becomes the benchmark of excellence for measuring capability and proficiency within the profession of logistics and supply-chain management. The CPL programme represents the hallmark of logistics professionalism in Australia.

In Singapore...

The Singapore Trade Development Board (TDB), in collaboration with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Chartered Institute of Transport in Singapore (CILT-S) launched Asia’s first professional accreditation programme for logistics professionals. The Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) programme is part of the overall plan to develop a critical mass of logistics professionals to propel the industry towards the e-logistics frontier.

A benchmark of excellence for measuring competency and proficiency within the profession of logistics and supply-chain management, the CPL programme represents the hallmark of logistics professionalism.

Those who are certified would receive recognition like their counterparts in the finance, medical and engineering professions.

To ensure that the CPL programme remains a defined benchmark of excellence that will be earned only by a selected group of logistics professionals, 16 leading practitioners from the academic, public and private sectors in the logistics field have been enlisted to form a CPL Qualification Review Board (QRB). These members will assess the competency of each candidate seeking qualification. To ensure consistently high academic standards, senior professors from NUS and NTU will undertake the role of setting and marking the CPL examination.

In China...

The logisticians' certification or examination in China, is handled and conducted by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFPL), which follows the relevant national occupational standards, like the requirements for other professionals in the country.

There are three different levels:-

Junior Logistician: focus on basic concept and knowledge.

Logistician: focus on basic concept and knowledge as well as analysis.

Senior Logistician: focus on the entire train of though, analysis and strategic decision on logistics plan.

The candidate must possess at least a recognized bachelor's degree (Hon), in addition to some years of practical experience, before they are considered and accepted for the above professional cerification(s) or qualifying examination(s), from a Junior to a Senior.

In Canada...

Canadian confers "PLog", which stands for Professional Logistician, if you're qualified theoretically and practically. The PLog is conducted by the Logistics Institute, that was founded in 1990 by 12 leading logistics industry organizations or associations to foster and promote the profession of logistics and create a recognized certification programme.

The Logistics Institute was a sector council that received most of its funding from Human Resources Services Development of Canada (HRSDC). The role of a sector council is to work with industry stakeholders to develop human resources that are specific to their sector or industry.

In 1993, the Logistics Institute launched a recognized certification programme called the Professional Logistician (PLog). The designation is to strengthen the business skills of individuals in the logistics and transport. In 1995, 52 people were conferred the PLog designation. The number of logisticians and supply chain managers who have earned their PLog designation has increased to nearly 2000, of late. But still, the number of PLog holders in Canada is very far less than other professionals such as architects, lawyers, engineers and medical doctors.

a CPL conferred by TLCC, Australia

The blogger is greatly pleased to have been admitted to the qualification of Certified Professional Logistician, by the Transport & Logistics Certification Council of Australia (TLCC, Australia), that enables the blogger the post-nominal letters of "CPL".

Logistics or its related branches of the supply chain system, have been classified as indispensable in the international trade and economic growth and/or in making the globalization possible for a developed or developing country, such as Malaysia.

Henceforth, the blogger is very much in great desire to witness the increasing number of professional logisticians or FCILT or CMILT or CPL in Malaysia, regardless of conferment or certification by Australia, Singapore, China, Canada, United States, Europe or others. Of course it can be further enhanced with the effort, co-operation and support from the governments (local, state and federal) and professional bodies (local, regional and international) . The Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) is one of them internationally.

The CILT (UK) actively promotes "Humanitarian Logistics", too.

Serving the country through the professionalism of logisticians!

SIS is the Port Agent of TS Lines in Penang/ Malaysia

TS Lines starts calling the port of Penang.

The Welcoming Party, organized by Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), for the new service, namely China-Middle East-Express Service (CME) of TS Lines at Penang, was held on 2 January 2009 (Friday), at 1500 hours.

Picture (1) – Plaque Giving Ceremony by PPSB to MV TS Qingdao, represented by Capt Wojciech Witold Nowicki and accompanied by the Port Agent - Sea Intergrated Services (SIS) and the Marketing Agent – Ben Line Agencies (BLA) of TS Lines in Penang:-

Pictured (from left): Mr Ghazali B. Jaafar (General Manager - Marketing, PPSB), Mr Steven Ooi (Branch Manager, BLA Penang), Mr Chang Kah Loon (Regional Manager, SIS Penang), Mr Obaid B. Hj Mansor (General Manager – Container, PPSB), Capt Wojciech Witold Nowicki (Master, MV TS Qingdao), Mr Roman Palyvoda (Chief Officer, MV TS Qingdao), Mr Sergiy Svitanko (Chief Engineer, MV TS Qingdao) and Mr Nazri B. Ismail (Head of Marketing, PPSB).

Picture (2) – The terminal operator PPSB, represented by Mr Obaid B. Hj Mansor (General Manager - Container) and the Port Agent of TS Lines, represented by Mr Chang Kah Loon (Regional Manager, SIS Penang) were duly invited to deliver the speeches at the ceremony:-

Pictured (from left): Mr Chang Kah Loon (Regional Manager, SIS Penang) and Mr Obaid B. Hj Mansor (General Manager – Container, PPSB).

TS Lines was established by Mr T. S. Chen in early 2000, primarily as an Inter-Asia Container Carrier with a full service range within North, South Asia, the Far East, India and East Africa. Mr Chen's energy and long-term knowledge of the regional trade has ensured both optimum reliability as well as rapid expansion of the range of service routes offered.

Peacefulness

2009 appears to be a very challenging year.

Malaysians, are to stay united working ahead of competitions and opportunities will surface

A new year!

A new start!

A new chapter!

A new surface of good opportunities...!

"How do we get the BEST out of life?"

Face our past, without regret!

Handle our present, with confidence!

Prepare for our future, without fear!

Keep the faith and drop the fear!

Don't believe your doubts and never doubt your beliefs!

Life is wonderful, if we know to live!

But, the keyword shall be "Peacefulness"!

Cheers!

Thank you for your kind GREETINGS!

Dear All friends & associates,

Thank you very much for your kind GREETINGS via sms, email, mail etc.

Heartily Appreciated & Reciprocated!

Happy New Year

"新年快樂"

Does the shipping industry need conferences?

As shippers and shipping lines debated the terms and conditions of a post-shipping conference Europe, The Container Shipping Manager advised both sides to seriously consider how the new system would look. We also questioned the importance of these mechanisms and whether Europe and the rest of the world really needed them.

The revealing information below is the result of a study we conducted back in September 2006...

The European Shippers Council (ESC) has long wished to see the end of the conference system. But their efforts may very well be an example of the old maxim: be careful what you wish for.

Shipping lines could stand to benefit from a non-conference system, according to our study of the peaks and troughs in freight rates for the eastbound Transpacific and westbound Asia to Europe trade lanes.

Assuming carriers on the European trade lane adopt a service contract dominated system similar to their transpacific cousins, they could find themselves in a better position. Shippers may cop the short end of the stick. These US contracts include conditions like Minimum Quantity Commitments (MQCs) and liquidated damages if the shipper fails to honour the terms of their contract. In fact, the non-conference system could limit the degree of flexibility shippers enjoy under the conference system.

Carriers may be the beneficiaries of the non-conference system.

Source: Container Shipping Manager, the publisher HKSG Group Media is one of the world's largest providers of shipping information.

Soaring costs to fuel hub and spokes model shipping world

Soaring operating costs and the trend towards bigger and bigger ships on the Asia-Europe trade as well as the lack of profitable backhaul cargo could see ports like Felixstowe completely removed from the port rotations of the major carriers in the near future, an industry insider told the Container Shipping Manager.

“It will just not be economical to call these ports anymore. At Felixstowe, the only backhaul cargo you see being loaded onto these ships is waste paper and scrap metal,” the industry insider said.

Instead, he believes that these ports would be served by feeder connections from larger ports in the area in the future.

“The main line operators will likely call at Rotterdam or Hamburg, and then feeder services will deliver the UK bound import cargo from Asia from one of the larger European ports.”

In this era of cost consciousness, carriers may be unwilling to burn extra fuel, which translates into extra dollars, for a non-profitable port call.

Source: Container Shipping Manager, the publisher HKSG Group Media is one of the world's largest providers of shipping information.

Can India and the Middle East fill the void in consumption left by US and European consumers?

China’s exports fell into negative growth in November 2008, marking the first negative month of growth since its accession into the World Trade Organisation, as news of further job losses and factory shutdowns persist.

The loss of its healthy and robust consumer markets in Europe and the US sent China’s exports into a nosedive for the month of November 2008, leaving many wondering, if China is the seller in the global marketplace, is there anyone else left to buy its goods and who is it?

Source: Container Shipping Manager, the publisher HKSG Group Media is one of the world's largest providers of shipping information.

Does it pay to be environmentally friendly during an economic slowdown?

Shippers are looking to adopt more environmentally friendly policies to “clean-up” their supply chains may soon find that consumers are unwilling to cover the costs that such actions may incur, especially in such economically-tight times.

The real challenge for the Walmart's of the world is to find ways to be environmentally-friendly, while cutting the end-cost of the product, or at least increasing the end cost for the consumer by as little as possible.

Global trade growth, as forecasted by the World Bank, is expected to fall to 4.5 per cent in 2008, down from the 7.5 per cent growth witnessed in 2007. This fall off in trade growth is due to the serious reduction in consumer spending in the consumer powerhouses of Europe and the US, as a result of the economic downturns there.

Source: Container Shipping Manager, the publisher HKSG Group Media is one of the world's largest providers of shipping information.

Oil Price forecasts cut sharply on slowing Demand

Analysts have further cut their 2009 price forecasts by more than $14 a barrel to an average of $58.48 for U.S. crude as recession dampens demand for fuel worldwide, a Reuters poll found on Tuesday. Forecast oil prices have fallen by nearly $60 in the past five months, but analysts still see prices rising early next year from this year's lows of less than $40 a barrel. The consensus forecast was for U.S. crude to average $49 in the first quarter of 2009, down from $64.57 in last month's poll, as analysts moderated their expectations of a price recovery.

The poll also forecast an average for European benchmark Brent LCOc1 in 2009 of $57.21. When oil hit a record above $147 in July, analysts expected U.S. oil to average nearly $116 in 2009, a Reuters poll showed.

Goldman Sachs was then the most bullish bank on prices, expecting an average $148 for U.S. crude next year. It has subsequently cut that same forecast by $103 to $45 a barrel.

"We believe that should the sharp deterioration in demand continue, spot prices will likely remain under significant pressure and may have to decline further to induce a reduction in supply," analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a research note.

Of the 30 analysts surveyed, 23 have lowered their predictions since Reuters last poll on 25 Nov. A crucial consideration in analysts' forecasts was the impact that output cuts made by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would have on prices.

"The OPEC cartel continues to 'bull the market with positive vibes' regarding their future production whilst the bears in the complex will eye the ailing demand outlook for oil across the Asiatic basin," said Robert Laughlin at MF Global.

Source: Reuters

Oil-Refining Margins Are Worst in Three Quarters, BP Data Show

Profits from turning a barrel of crude into oil products are the worst since the first quarter amid waning demand for gasoline and other fuels, according to BP Plc data. BP’s Global Indicator Margin, a broad measure of refining profitability, has averaged $4.84 a barrel so far this quarter through to 18 Dec, compared with $5.69 in the year-ago quarter, and $4.57 in the first quarter, Europe’s second-biggest oil company said on its Web site. Global margins have dropped 40 percent since the third quarter, and almost 80 percent in the U.S. Midwest.

The U.S. economy shrank in the third quarter at a 0.5 percent annual pace as the now year-old recession began to intensify, the Commerce Department said today. Consumers are cutting spending on travel and goods derived from oil, sometimes pushing wholesale gasoline below the price of the crude from which it is made. Northwest European refiners earned $7.76 a barrel so far this quarter, the most of the six regions surveyed, followed by the Mediterranean at $5.15, according to London-based BP.

The lowest margins were in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Midwest, at $2.30 and $2.20, respectively. Those two regions had the highest profit margins in the third quarter. European gasoline’s discount to Brent crude, the region’s benchmark oil, widened to $5.40 a barrel today, from $4.51 a barrel yesterday, according to broker PVM Oil Associates Ltd. Fuels usually cost more than their feedstock, to reflect the expense of processing. BP’s Global Indicator Margin is a generic number derived from third party data, using typical regional crudes and product yields, according to the company’s Web site.

Source: Bloomberg

Tighter Trade Finance Hits Shipping Lines

Demand for shipping is weakening because banks don't want to finance trade during a recession??? Seaborne transportation of goods such as washing machines and other household appliances fell the most in at least 51/2 years in November 2008...?!

In general, takes Nov 2008 for example, the movements have dropped approximately 12%, as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Some, having issues with letters of credit.

The issue is exacerbating a lack of demand in individual countries' as the global recession takes hold.

World trade in commodities, from oil and coal to timber and grains, has already been hurt by a reduction in the sums banks are willing to advance to customers to ensure payments.

The key driver behind lower demand for container shipping is the sharp reduction in consumer confidence and consumer spending globally.

The cost of shipping containers has declined 'very dramatically' and at 'unprecedented' speed, Mr Deleuran said.

Source: Hellenic Shipping News

Let common sense guide you in negotiations

By Hal Becker

We seem to need rules for everything in life. Rules seem to go on and on. The rules for negotiating are simple.

There are no rules! Forget the rules, and concentrate on common sense. Think back to the stuff Mom and Dad taught you. This stuff is pretty basic, and sometimes we complicate life with a lot of nonsense. Keep it simple!

Why should we complicate a simple process of listening? Ask questions, hear the answer, and then respond. Simple stuff works, and the job gets done more quickly and with less mess. I know you want some rules, so I will give you guidance. But instead of rules, I want to give you the qualities of a good negotiator:

Discipline
Discipline is what Navy Seals and Tiger Woods are made of, the internal focus that gives us the drive, desire and dedication we need to be at the top of our game. Discipline is what will give us the winning attitude. Without it, there is no motivation and no way to be at the top of your game.

Think of it as a diet: You need discipline to lose weight and even more discipline to keep it off. One problem for most people is that they only go a little way and lose some of the weight. Truly disciplined people lose all the weight and keep it off permanently.

Endurance
Also called "stamina," endurance is the ability to keep going when others have quit. People have always called Henry Kissinger and even Donald Trump incredible negotiators. They are the Energizer bunnies of negotiating. They are in the fight for all 10 rounds and never, never get knocked out. They keep going and going and going.

Respect
Know two things about respect. First, for the other party to respect you, you must earn it. Second, for you to respect the other party, you must do your homework and find out as much as possible so that they in turn have your respect. If you go through life being genuine, nice, and - most important - honest, you will earn a good reputation, which promotes respect.

Tell people upfront what your intentions are. Trust me, they already know, but by being forthright and upfront, you earn more respect at the negotiating table. Honesty and your reputation are key, and you cannot fake them! Also remember that you both have the goal of winning something valuable. Unlike football or baseball, negotiation can produce two winners.

Patience
You have heard that good things happen to those who wait. We are a pretty impatient bunch today, and a lot of us haven't developed the ability to tolerate adversity and to overcome frustration. That's what patience is, and to succeed at negotiating, there's no substitute for patience. You may need to overcome many obstacles to reach your goals.

If you persevere and add a sprinkle of patience, in most cases your outcome will be what you desired. Lots of publishers rejected my first book, "Can I Have 5 Minutes Of Your Time?" (After the 34th rejection, I lost count). But I was patient and never gave up, and that book is in its 14th printing.

Empathy
Do I still sound like Mom? Well, Mom is probably the greatest negotiator on the planet.

Think about it: She is constantly negotiating with her kid in the supermarket or in the toy store or even the playground. The kid wants everything, and Mom wants almost nothing the kid wants.

Empathy is the ability to view the other person's feelings and to put yourself in his position.

This is one of the most important traits to carry every day, throughout your life, no matter whom you meet.

You will be a great observer of human nature, and people will appreciate the fact that you truly put their feelings or concerns before yours.

Having empathy for others and observing their behavior require practice. They take years to learn and probably will never be perfected. Strive to be genuine. People can easily spot a truly genuine person - and just as easily spot a phony.

Humor
I am so tired of being politically correct. We can't make fun of anybody anymore. I miss the comedian Don Rickles. He made fun of everybody. His secret was that he always made fun of himself first. If you can first laugh at yourself, then it's OK to take liberties with others because they know you're having fun and aren't being mean-spirited.

And by the way, we need more fun in the workplace. If I'm going to spend two-thirds of my life somewhere, then I am going to have fun. In the boring business world, let's take a few liberties. I'm not suggesting you tell jokes, put a whoopee cushion on chairs or conceal a buzzer in your palm. Just smile and see the comical in things.

The more fun you have, the more fun the people around you will have. When we lighten up a little, so do the people around us. You don't have to wait for the next person to do it first. A smile can light up a room!

Source: Hal Becker, who's a known expert on Sales, Customer Service, and Negotiating. He conducts seminars or consults to more than 140 organizations a year. His client list includes IBM, Disney, New York Life, Continental Airlines, Verizon, Terminix, AT&T, Pearle Vision, Cintas, and hundreds of other companies and associations.