March 8 - Global project and breakbulk operator Ahlers had a positive start to 2010, despite the global economic hardships.

One highlight, according to managers, was the company's attendance at the second Asian Breakbulk conference and exhibition held at Singapore in late January. Despite a reduced attendance compared with last year, Ahlers enjoyed much networking activity and took the opportunity to host an internal project management meeting for staff.

Ahlers Belgium reports that it has been undertaking shipments for the Belgian, EU and UAE pavilions at the Shanghai Expo this year. One recent contract was for project shipments of material needed for the Shanghai Expo opening ceremony. The cargo will be sent from Belgium to Shanghai by air later this month. It will involve 35 tonnes, 150 cu m of material and it will require three flights. After the opening ceremony, Ahlers will handle the reverse logistics of the material back to Europe.

Ahlers chartering desk has been involved in sending some 2,400 cu m of project cargoes from Tianjin to Visakhapatnam for Ahlers Belgium.

Ahlers Shanghai, Ahlers Belgium and the company's Singapore-based chartering desk joined forces for the shipment of 20 main filter units (105 tonnes, 1,125 cu m) for an American industrial group.

The chartering desk secured a ship from BBC for loading in Shanghai for direct sailing to Port Radicatel, France for Ahlers Belgium. The company's local partner handled the hinterland transport.