This week's round up of news from the world of heavy lift and project forwarding.
This week saw thousands of logistics industry professionals flock to Munich to take part in transport logistic 2015.
Over 50,000 attendees networked with 2,050 exhibitors from around the globe for the three-day event. HLPFI - exhibiting at the event once again - thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet friends old and new, build business relationships, and enjoy the city of Munich in all its glory!
Breaking news from the event has already been covered extensively on the HLPFI website and in our Wednesday Wire, which you can see here.
Having spoken to project logistics executives from various companies at the event, HLPFI was pleased to learn that despite a challenging outlook, punctuated by soft oil and gas and petrochemical industries, opportunities will continue to present themselves in the project forwarding arena.
In business
Tough climate impacts Tiong Woon
Tiong Woon declared a turnover of USD25.92 million for the three months ending March 31, 2015 - a 6 percent year-on-year decline. Profitability slipped 41 percent to USD1.73 million.
Ocean 7 chooses Kestrel
Ocean 7 has appointed Kestrel Maritime Asia as its agent in Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, effective May 1, 2015.
TT Club sees strong 2014
The TT Club posted strong financial results for the year ending December 31, 2014, while maintaining it's A- (Excellent) rating from ratings agency AM Best.
Contractual obligations
Bronka allies with Port of Hamburg
The port of Bronka in St Petersburg is becoming a member of the Port of Hamburg Marketing alliance.
Service developments
New Nor Lines service sets sail
The official launch of the new Nor Lines ro-ro service between Cuxhaven and Norway has taken place with the first departure of the newbuild ro-ro vessel Kvitbjørn.
Donau Star has revealed that it will launch a new ro-ro ferry service connecting Romania and Germany along the Danube River under the Star Lines banner.
Pasha Hawaii's new con-ro vessel Marjorie C has arrived at the Port of San Diego, California ready for its maiden voyage to Honolulu in Hawaii.
Cargolux has begun a new twice-weekly transpacific service connecting Zhengzhou, China and Chicago using a B747-8 freighter.
Saudia adds Paris to freighter network
Saudia Cargo is adding a new dedicated freighter service connecting Saudia Arabia to Paris Charles de Gaulle International airport, effective May 22, 2015.
Capacity developments
Aertssen Machinery Services Middle East has taken delivery of a Terex CC 2400-1 lattice boom crawler crane. Terex Port Solutions (TPS) will supply New Zealand's Napier Port with two Gottwald Model 6 mobile harbour cranes.
Zeaborn cuts new multipurpose steel
Zeaborn has continued with its newbuilding programme by celebrating the steel cutting ceremony for its next two multipurpose heavy lift vessels.
Liebherr ups green credentials
In a bid to tackle emission and fuel consumption targets, Liebherr has introduced a new range of diesel engines for its mobile harbour crane fleet.
Sabre selects Shuttlelift
Sabre Industries has taken delivery of a third Shuttlelift DB 30 double-beam mobile gantry crane, which it has added to its factory in Sioux City, Iowa.
Dalian orders Liebherr capacity
Liebherr's offshore division has signed a contract with China's Dalian Shipyard to deliver two RL-K 4200-100 LIT luffing knuckle boom cranes capable of lifting 100 tonnes.
Shipment of the week
Croatia's R&B Global Projects has arranged the shipment of 1,700 cu m of dredging equipment from Hulhumale in the Maldives to Abu Dhabi.
On the move
Van Roozendaal joins MacGregor
Cargotec has appointed Michel van Roozendaal as president of the MacGregor business unit.
Sam Guron has joined Talbert Manufacturing as its new vice president of engineering.
Network and association developments
The XLProjects (XLP) network welcomed two new members to its ranks: M S Logistics representing India, and Santos, Brazil based Asia Shipping Transportes Internacionals.
The Pacific Power Logistics (PPL) network added South Korea's DTD Logistics and Easy Forwarders, representing Mauritius, to its roster.
All about Evie
In a cruel twist - one well beyond the organiser's control - it was ironic that on the week of Germany's largest transport and logistics exhibition GDL - the country's train drivers' union - went on strike.
The result - havoc for those heading to Munich overland, with gridlock on the roads and limited services by rail. Having travelled from London by train, HLPFI's Ian Matheson was one of many forced to make alternative travel arrangements for his return.
Evie and the HLPFI team salutes the courageous rowers who beat an electrical storm to row around Singapore Island for charity, crossing the finishing line in an excellent time, with high emotions and celebrations.
'Mission RASI', which was part of Singapore's 50th Anniversary celebrations, was successfully completed in 23 hours and 15 minutes and raised SND600,000 (USD451,229) for global charity The Mission to Seafarers.
