Asean countries are still relevant as a trade hub
Asean countries are still relevant as a trade hub
Read MoreTag: Sea Transport
20% of DP world goes up for grabs
20% of DP world goes up for grabs
Read MoreSchenker – First test phase between Hamburg and Hong Kong successfully concluded. Now also fitted with GPS sensors
Schenker’s oceanfreight containers that are used all over the world can now for the first time be continuously monitored, thanks to a special new security technique. For test purposes the company has fitted out ten of its containers, also known as SCHENKERsmartbox, with special sensors in addition to RFID technology. These ‘GPS Security Devices’ communicate the current GPS coordinates, temperature levels and security parameters (like door activities). The transport units are in regular use between Hamburg and Hong Kong.
The first test phase for the RFID technology has been successfully completed. RFID status notifications communicate the most important points where liability changes hands, when the containers are loaded and unloaded at the packing stations in Hamburg and Hong Kong, as well as the time of arrival at the terminal. This gives a clear view of when and where the load is being transshipped.
“It is becoming clear that this technology will be ripe for serial production in the near future. At least the RFID technology promises to be suitable for use on a wide scale, from the economic point of view as well,” comments Dr. Wolfgang Dräger, Senior Vice President, PM Ocean Freight, Schenker AG.
The new GPS sensors give information at regular intervals about conditions in the container: is it cold or hot, are there any sudden temperature changes? Does the container get shaken up in the course of the journey? Does it deviate from the planned route? These and other data are compiled in a report, which Schenker can then consult. “As soon as this technology is ready for serial production, it will open up new possibilities of service to our particularly demanding industrial customers,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Dräger. For example, the temperature of pharmaceutical products and other sensitive goods can be continuously monitored, which could come out cheaper in the long term than transporting them in refrigerated containers, provided that the appropriate temperature tolerances can be guaranteed.
It is a similar situation with goods that are vulnerable to shock, like laptops and other valuable articles. Even if it is not possible to prevent the goods from being shaken about at all, at least you can determine in retrospect when and where they have been exposed to shock and what has occurred. Finally it is possible to determine when and where the door of the container has been opened. If this happens unexpectedly or the door is forced, an alarm is triggered and at the same time appropriate security measures will be initiated.
Read MoreDP World lines up UAE's biggest IPO
Dubai ports operator DP World plans to raise up to USD 3.5 billion by selling shares in the company though what would be the UAE’s biggest initial public offering (IPO), sources have said.
DP World, part of state-owned conglomerate Dubai World, could sell as much as 30% of its stock as early as next month, listing on the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), newswire Bloomberg reported on Thursday, quoting people with knowledge of the proposal.
The proposal values the company at around USD 10.5 billion.
The listing would be the Middle East’s second-biggest IPO after Saudi Telecom’s USD 4.1 billion IPO in 2003.
Funds raised from the sale would be used to fund expansion and honour USD 3.5 billion of convertible Islamic bonds sold last year through DP World’s parent Ports, Customs and Free Zone (PCFC), the newswire said.
If the plan goes ahead, it will finally end speculation over what has been one of the most talked about listings in Middle East history.
DP World, the world’s third-largest container port operator, has been looking into selling shares through an IPO for some time now, and the company has always said a public listing is something it is considering, but that no decision has yet been made.
Since last year when the ports operator hired Deutsche Bank and Merrill Lynch to advise on a possible IPO, numerous stories have appeared in local and international media speculating about a possible listing.
Read MoreGeodis buys Germany's Rohde & Liesenfeld for 77 mln euro
French transport group Geodis said it has acquired its main freight forwarding partner Rohde & Leisenfeld of Germany for 77 mln eur, giving it an enterprise value of 90 mln.
R&L, which is expected to achieve 2007 net revenue of 270 mln eur, operates mainly in Germany (34 pct of revenue), Latin America (17 pct), South Africa (16 pct) and Australia/New Zealand (14 pct). It has 710 employees.
The acquisition of R&L will broaden the geographic reach of the Geodis Wilson network, which will gain a significant position in Germany, thereby making Geodis Wilson a major player in German freight forwarding, Geodis said.
Read MorePost & Parcel Magazine
Post & Parcel Magazine is our print publication, released 3 times a year. Packed with original content and thought-provoking features, Post & Parcel Magazine is a must-read for those who want the inside track on the industry.