Phil. Seafaring makes IMO’s “white list”

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has affirmed the Philippines’ compliance with global seafaring standards for the third time this decade through its “white list.” According to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, this shows the country’s consistent and sustained standing in giving full and complete effect to the IMO’s revised Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-leeping Convention. The IMO “white list” affirms the capacities and diligence of the Philippines in ensuring the competence of Filipino seafarers. Inclusion in the “white list” increases the chances of Filipino mariners of being hired in foreign vessels because the list serves as “reference bible” in seafaring excellence.

(source: Shiela Crisostomo, Philippine Star, July 31, 2011)

140 people rescued from troubled Philippine ship

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine coast guard and fishermen have rescued more than 140 people who were on board a passenger ship that dangerously tilted in choppy waters in the central Philippines.

Coast guard chief Admiral Ramon Liwag says the M/V Asia Malaysia left central Cebu region for Iloilo province on an overnight trip when it began to tilt to its right, or starboard side, at dawn Sunday. The cause of the problem was not immediately clear.

Liwag says the captain ordered all passengers and his crewmen to abandon the ship, which was listing about four miles (six kilometers) from its destination.

He says a private ship, fishermen and coast guard personnel later arrived to help in the rescue. A helicopter was checking to see whether there is an oil slick from the ship.

source: yahoo news

South Korea to Expand Port Infrastructure

The South Korean government announced a plan to invest $38.9 billion through until 2020 to expand port infrastructure.

According to reports, the investment will be used to build more piers at seaports to increase the country’s annual cargo-processing capacity from 1.21 billion tonnes to 1.81 billion tonnes per year.

The Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said it expects the plan will raise the ports value from $18.9 billion to $37.8 billion by 2020.

The Minister added that the plan would add seaport jobs from the current 480,000 to 1 million during the same period.

source: http://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/25294

Global logistics: UPS rolls out flights to Chengdu, China

July 29, 2011

UPS said this week that it has begun operating flights into Chengdu, China as part of an effort to expand its connections between Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Company officials said this MD-11 “around-the-world” flight will originate in UPS’s European hub in Cologne, Germany, and stop in Warsaw before transiting Chengdu’s Shuangliu International Airport, China’s sixth largest cargo and passenger facility. From Chengdu, it then will head to UPS’s Asia hub in Shanghai.

“This new flight provides express services to Europe and the Americas from this rapidly emerging center of technology and manufacturing,” said UPS CEO Scott Davis on the company’s second quarter earnings call yesterday.

Davis added that last year UPS last year strengthened its presence in Asia by opening its Shenzhen facility. He said that since this hub opened, UPS has significantly improved time in transit for more than 100 intra-Asia lanes, enhancing service levels for UPS customers in key business centers like Beijing, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Seoul.

UPS International President Dan Brutto said in a statement that China’s “Go West” program is making it attractive for companies to move production facilities to inland cities like Chengdu, which he said is “poised for accelerated growth in express shipping.

UPS said that the GDP in Chengdu, the capital of China’s western Sichuan province, has grown rapidly, up approximately 15 percent each of the past two years with retail sales up abut 19 percent in 2010. Foreign trade in Chengdu rose 36 percent in 2010 to $32.78 billion. The Chinese government declared the area an export processing zone in December 2010, added UPS.

The UPS Chengdu will connect Europe and Asia with a total of 24 weekly flights. UPS serves 330 cities in China and operates 200 weekly flights connecting China to markets around the world.

Warehouse industry moves forward on sustainability

July 29, 2011

Green initiatives are finally taking hold in the final frontier of today’s supply chain: the warehouse.

The International Warehouse Logistics Association recently announced the first metric-driven, facility-output-based sustainable logistics program for warehouse operations in North America, called the Sustainable Logistics Initiative (SLI).

SLI participants – 3PL facilities – report and engage in a rigorous and objective measurement process. Continuous improvement of each facility is the benchmark. The entire process is verified by an outside independent organization, The Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation

Participating organizations will self report and have data verified in many areas:
· Environmental Responsibilities – the green aspects of sustainability such as electrical use, fuel and water consumption, and recycling;
· Social Responsibilities – including safety and community activity measurements; and
· Profit Responsibilities – sustainability will generate a cost savings through increased efficiencies and
improved operational excellence. (This enables participants to provide clients with proof of sustainable
practices.)

Participating facilities will receive a Sustainable Logistics Initiative certificate to display as proof of their participation in creating an ecological supply chain. As their metrics improve, facilities can achieve silver, gold or platinum status in the program.

“The process is inexpensive, user friendly and data input is easy to complete,” said IWLA President & Chief Executive Officer Joel Anderson.

Richard K. Bank, director of the Sustainable Supply Chain Foundation, said, “SLI does not require substantial allocation of resources by IWLA member companies in order to achieve significant progress in making the industry more sustainable and more profitable.”

In addition, Anderson and Bank said members who participate in the new program can be assured that their data will be handled with strictly maintained confidentiality at all times by IWLA and SSFC.

The SLI program is available only to member companies of the International Warehouse Logistics Association.

Philippine-made batteries propel solar-powered vessel

The world’s largest and most advanced solar-powered boat, the M/S Tûranor Planet Solar, is proof that energy harnessed from the heat of the sun can power practically everything—from pocket-sized calculators to cruise ships.

M/S Tûranor Planet Solar has finally arrived in Manila, not only showcasing the potential of environmentally responsible mobility concepts, but also largely demonstrating the immense potential of solar energy, among other renewable energy sources, as a sustainable resource that can power the future.

“The sun has always been our planet’s most important source of power—wind, rainfall and waves—are all indirectly generated by the sun. Harnessing even a tiny portion of its immense power can provide us with limitless amounts of clean energy,” said World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) chair Vincent Pérez in a statement.

“The message of M/S Tûranor Planet Solar is clear: clean and dependable renewable energy technology is here,” added Pérez, who served as Philippine energy secretary from 2001 to 2005 and has since been active in promoting renewable energy.

The German-built vessel measures 31 by 15 meters and tips the scales at 85 tons. Over 537 square meters of photovoltaic solar panels provide up to 127 horsepower – enough to keep the craft moving at a constant speed of 14 kilometers per hour.

The ship is exclusively powered by 38,000 high-efficiency solar cells all produced in the Philippines at the manufacturing facilities of SunPower Corp. Already, it has won two accolades – the fastest crossing of the Atlantic by a solar-powered vessel and the longest distance covered by a solar-powered electric vehicle, according to WWF.

The catamaran now targets to be the first solar-powered boat to circumnavigate the world. Traveling over 55,000 kilometers westward across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, the M/S Tûranor set sail from Monaco in southern France on September 27, 2010 and has just arrived in Manila from Australia.

WWF claimed that the Philippine stop was recognition of the country’s strong support for renewable energy.

Over the next 20 years, the Philippine government, through the Department of Energy, targets to increase the use of renewable energy by threefold as clean energy is now being seen as a another way to secure the country’s energy supply.

Specifically, the Philippines will target to increase renewable energy-based power capacity to over 15,200 megawatts in installed capacity. This target will allow the country to have a power mix in which RE resources will account for over 50 percent. As of end 2010, total RE generation stood at 26.3 percent.

These goals set under the National Renewable Energy Program can be achieved given that the country has abundant renewable energy sources, with various estimates ranging from 200,000 MW to as high as 276,000 MW in potential capacity. These resources included biomass, geothermal, solar, hydro, ocean and wind.

source: http://technology.inquirer.net/2735/philippine-made-batteries-propel-solar-powered-vessel/

Piracy threat growing in Southern Africa

Southern African nations need to be on high alert as the region's coastline and shipping lanes were vulnerable to piracy which was moving southwards, South Africa's Defence Minister warned Monday.

"There is little doubt that the issue of piracy is beginning to be a serious problem to us," said Lindiwe Sisulu.


"Our assessment is that Southern African waters are increasingly becoming an attractive alternative to Somali pirates as they try to avoid the clamp-down of various maritime task forces around the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden - purely by moving into largely unprotected parts of the Indian Ocean," said Lindiwe Sisulu.
.

She said a military strategy, which would address operational and funding requirements to deal with piracy was currently under consideration.

She said the recent discovery of oil and gas off the coast of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member Tanzania was "one main reason why speculation points toward pirates moving southward."
"Six million tons of oil are transported around South Africa's western coastline every month, which makes this a prime target for pirates."

While the region has been relatively unaffected by piracy, Mozambican and Liberian-registered vessels were attacked in the SADC region in December and January.
Source: AFP

Leadership – Ability to be effective

The style of leadership developed by the leader himself needs time to be achieved and depends on its experience and training.
There are  four internal forces to influence the style of leadership:  
 
- The  values:  The leader understands how  is the way required for  participating  in the official decisions and his understanding about what is important for a  employee to take responsibility for the decision itself;  
 
- Confidence in officials: To put the decision in the hands of its officials and have their confidence about the results of the outcomes
 
 - Aptitude for leadership:   the leader,  may have a predominant style  who likes to work in groups  and letting the employee to take decisions which he considers as the most suitable; 
 
 - Sense of security in uncertain situations: it has great impact on the willingness of the manager to assign to others the control of decision making.    


Determination: directly used for those with low maturity. This profile is characteristic of people who have neither ability nor desire to take responsibility for completion of tasks. This can be caused by insecurity to the task. The person presenting this type of maturity must be supervised.
 
Persuading: set to maturity among people with low and moderate, who is unable to perform the task, but are available to take responsibility, is a person who trusts you.
 
Sharing: Here the leader is capable, but its decision is diminished by its lack of security in itself when necessary take responsibility. The consequence is that the leader should focus on the behavior of relationships, maintaining open communication to create a motivating environment.
 
Delegate:  The leader gives the direction in small doses, and is also a small doses of support.
 
Synthesizing the styles of leadership:  
 
Style 1: The leader directs its staff. The leader provides specific instructions and closely supervises the performance of tasks.  
 
Style 2: The leader trains before. The leader continues to direct and supervise closely the performance of tasks, but also explains decisions and encourages the development.  
 
Style 3: The leader supports the decisions. The leader facilitates and supports the efforts of officials to perform tasks and share with them the decision making.  
 
Style 4: The leader delegates tasks to the employees. The leader moves the responsibility of decision making and the solution of problems to officials.    

Role of a Port Authority

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Handbook for Port Planners in Developing Countries lists the statutory powers of a national port authority as follows (on the assumption that operational decisions will be taken locally):

• Investment: Power to approve proposals for port investments in amounts above a certain figure. The criterion for approval would be that the proposal was broadly in accordance with a national plan, which the authority would maintain.
• Financial policy: Power to set common financial objectives for ports (for example, required return on investment defined on a common basis), with a common policy on what infrastructure will be funded centrally versus locally, and advising the government on loan applications.
• Tariff policy: Power to regulate rates and charges as required to protect the public interest.
• Labor policy: Power to set common recruitment standards, a common wage structure, and common qualifications for promotion; and the power to approve common labor union procedures.
• Licensing: When appropriate, power to establish principles for licensing of port employees or agents.
• Information and research: Power to collect, collate, analyze, and disseminate statistical information on port activity for general use, and to sponsor research into port matters as required.
• Legal: Power to act as legal advisor to local port authorities.

source: http://www.ppiaf.org

Retrain Your Brain

Every leader faces a share of irritating screw-ups and minor setbacks. In response to those annoyances, some leaders get irritable and stressed out. Others keep on moving. To be in that enviable latter category, you need resilience. Train your brain to bounce back from hassles rather than get snagged by them. Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted. Sit comfortably and focus on your breath. Notice yourself inhale and exhale. Don't try to change your breathing, just be attentive to it. As thoughts, sounds, or other distractions come up, let them go and return your attention to your breath. By doing this 30 minutes a day you will teach your brain to go to a quiet calm place when it is stressed, rather than triggering your fight or flight response.

Harvard Business Review Blog

Source: adapted from "Resilience for the Rest of Us" by Daniel Goleman

Be a Realistic Optimist

If you believe you will succeed, you will. Right? Not quite. Research has shown that optimism and the confidence it brings will help you reach your goals, but there is no guarantee. In fact, if you believe that success will come easily to you, you are more likely to disappoint. This is because you'll fail to put in the necessary work. You need to think positively but also be realistic about what achievement entails. Knowing that success is hard won forces you to put in the necessary effort. Don't spend too much time visualizing the end result. Instead, envision the steps you will take to get there.

Source: adapted from "Be an Optimist Without Being a Fool" by Heidi Grant Halvorson

3 Steps to Make a Business Case for Sustainability

Most companies know sustainability is important for future success, but few manage to make it an integral part of their business. To do so, it has to be worth it. Here are three steps to analyze the impact of going green:
• Take a close look at your supply chain. Collect baseline measurements on energy, material, and natural resource usage.
• Get a quick win. Select a pilot project based on your initial measurements that will produce concrete data quickly. For example, look at heating oil usage in one store and explore how to reduce it.
• Expand the initiative. Once you reach the small-scale goal, expand the project to other areas. Communicate the initial results and the company's goals for sustainability to the entire organization.

Source: "Making the Business Case for Sustainability" by Dhiraj Rajaram.

Canadian Coast Guard Introduces Three New Vessels

Three new Coast Guard Ships Were Officially Introduced recently — one in Peninsula waters.
“Today’s dedication of Canadian Coast Guard Ship Cape Naden is a clear demonstration of our government’s commitment to the Canadian Coast Guard and making sure that our Coast Guard officers have the tools they need to do their job,” said Keith Ashfield — Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “These new vessels are a great addition to the Coast Guard fleet and are being used extensively for search and rescue operations throughout Canada. The enhanced capabilities of the vessels is now considered the service standard for coastal inshore operations in the Pacific region.”
The three new vessels are among five 47-foot motor lifeboats constructed by Victoria Shipyards as part of a $19.6 million contract under Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The other two vessels were delivered to Quebec and Ontario.
In BC, the CCGS Cape Palmerston was officially named and dedicated at a ceremony at Campbell River at the end of June, while CCGS Cape Dauphin will be officially named and dedicated at a ceremony at Prince Rupert at the end of July. The new vessels replace two older vessels which are being retired from service.
“The Cape Class lifeboat design has consistently proven to be highly capable and effective, making it the service standard for coastal inshore operations across Canada,” said Dan Bate, communications officer for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard. “Since its introduction, vessels of this design have been used extensively for search and rescue operations at eight of Coast Guard’s 11 stations on the Pacific coast.”
The new vessels are designed to operate safely in maximum storm conditions with a continuous wind speed of up to 80 knots and associated seas of up to 12 metres. The vessels are self-bailing and self-righting, allowing for safer operation in rough conditions.

Sun Tzu and Supply Chain Management

Sun Tzu says, "If people are treated with benevolence, faithfulness and justice, then they will be of one mind and will be glad to serve." In the realm of supply chain management, this means leaders should always be conscious that workers simply want to be treated fairly by their co-workers and managers. Workers become more productive if they feel that they are duly respected.
(By: Joseph Walden/ www.sdcexec.com/web/online/In-Depth/The-Art-of-War-and-Supply-Chain-Management--Applying-Sun-Tzu-to-Supply-Chain-Management/4$3965)

The Chocolate

Chocolate lovers rejoice: study after study lately has touted the magical benefits of the indulgent treat, which is packed with the antioxidant flavonols that prevent certain cancers and keep your arteries from clogging. The most recent news? These powerful chemicals may even increase blood flow to the brain, warding off dementia. Just stick to the highest cocoa content possible.

Time Travel’s Not Possible, Say Scientists

A team of physicists have determined that we'll never, ever be able to visit bygone eras, because nothing can travel faster than the speed of light—just like Albert Einstein said; guess you'll never get to thwart World War I or make out with Clark Gable after all.

Based at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the scientists focused on measuring how quickly a photon—"the fundamental quanta of light"—can travel; not as fast as light can, they concluded:

"By showing that single photons cannot travel faster than the speed of light, our results bring a closure to the debate on the true speed of information carried by a single photon," said [research team leader] Du [Shengwang], assistant professor of physics.

"Our findings will also likely have potential applications by giving scientists a better picture on the transmission of quantum information."

The scientists' research paper appears in Physical Review Letters.

Discovery News

Vehicle Shipping Regulations

Please follow the important procedures for exporting automobiles to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs. It will also assist in minimizing delays, and avoiding costs due to non-compliance

DESTINATION COUNTRY REQUIREMENTS:
If your shipment is destined to the following countries:

Libya (Tripoli, Benghazi, and El Khoms, but not to Misurata. Only new cars (with zero miles) may be accepted at Misurata.)
Used automobiles/vehicles are not to exceed 5 years of age, must be in good condition. Salvaged cars will not be accepted. Any shipments rejected by the Libyan Customs will have to be returned to origin or redirected at shipper’s expense.
Lebanon (Beirut): Autos are not to exceed 8 years of age
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah & Damman): Autos are not to exceed 5 years. Also any damaged, salvaged, dented or previously used vehicles for police or taxi services are prohibited.
Yemen (Hodeidah): Autos are not to exceed 7 years
Tunisia (Tunis & Sfax) :New vehicles only
Egypt (Port Said, Damietta, and Alexandria): New Vehicles Only (Not exceeding 1 year old)
Port Said will allow used vehicles not exceeding 10 years of age)
Russia (Taganrog): No Autos Allowed
Syria (Latakkia): No Autos Allowed
Pakistan: 3 years or less

Procedures for loading

Only 1 vehicle can be loaded per 20’ Standard Dry Container and 2 vehicles per 40’ Standard Dry Container
Vehicles cannot be stacked on top of each other – They are only loaded one high.
Vehicles cannot be suspended with wire / chains / nylon bandings or blocking above the floor loaded vehicle.
All four tires of each vehicle must remain on the container floor.

HYBRID CAR CARRIER

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) is scheduled to launch its Hybrid Car Carrier in June 2012. The vessel will be equipped with a hybrid electric power supply system that combines solar power panels for generation with lithium-ion batteries for power storage. The system is the result of a cooperative study group of experts from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Sanyo Electric Group, and MOL. With solar panels on every bit of flat, exposed upper deck space, this system generates some 160kW, more than ten times as much as current systems on other ships, making it the most powerful system of its type in the world.

The lithium-ion batteries can store some 2.2MWh of electricity, and the power generated by the panels while

the ship is under way is stored in the batteries and used to power the ship’s systems while it is berthed. The system eliminates the need for diesel-powered generators, enabling the ship to achieve zero emissions atthe pier. In addition, the lithium-ion batteries are placed in the bottom of the vessel, taking the place of fixed ballast, so they have no effect on the number of vehicles the vessel can carry.

The development of this vessel was subsidized by the MLIT as a “project that develops systems to reduce CO2 emissions from ocean-going vessels”, and it is supported as a “cooperative development project to reduce greenhouse gases produced by ocean shipping” from the Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. The power supply system represents a significant step forward in realizing ISHIN-I, the concept for the next generation car carrier.

source: http://www.maritimetoday.com/ShowStory.aspx?StoryID=224116

Pinoy entrepreneur designs 'wearable' disaster survival kit

After Typhoon Ondoy, Danvic Briones set out to make the ultimate accessory in disaster preparedness.

Danvic now calls it the Rescue 72 Vest Bag, a “grab-and-go” kit he says can store three days worth of basic supplies one needs in time of disaster.

It took him two years and ten prototypes before he finally settled on a commercial product. The Rescue Vest Bag looks like your ordinary life vest but with modular or detachable parts that can be customized according to the user’s preference.

The idea behind his product came up after he saw a family stranded on top of their house and then washed away by the rushing flood. That was around two years ago when Typhoon Ondoy -one of the worst natural disasters in the last few years – struck Metro Manila.

The Rescue 72 Vest Bag has three major components: the multi-tool kit, first aid kit and the personal hygiene kit. All three provide basic necessities like whistles, distress light, basic medicine and items for hygiene, which should be provided in evacuation centers but are often taken for granted.

Despite its numerous components, the bag is lightweight but can carry up to 30 pounds. It also features a floatation function and a cord which can be latched either on a sturdy ramp or to the vest of another to keep everyone connected or avoid from being swept by rushing flood waters.

source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/pinoy-entrepreneur-designs-wearable-disaster-survival-kit-081410536.html

Human Factors

Great technological developments have transformed the societal topography onboard, just as in other
industries. Many tasks previously performed by hand can now be executed faster, cheaper and more accurately using machines, enabling crew reductions as a way to minimize operation costs. Yet, the human element is an indispensable part in any work system.

We are matchless when it comes to adaptability and flexibility, but we are also vulnerable to factors in our work environment that can impair our work performance if not managed properly. In a recent study, Swedish shipowners were asked to identify the human element issues they considered most important to address in order to increase safety, productivity and well-being at sea. The answers could be categorized into six dimensions: leadership, culture, knowledge, communication, participation and human resources; all of which influence and guide company activities and direct how decisions are made.

Somali Pirates Threaten Oceanographic Research and SeaGlider AUVs

The Somali pirates, who now prowl most of the Indian Ocean have not only interfered with merchant shipping, but with oceanographic research as well. For example, an international effort to distribute and maintain 3,000 instruments into the world’s oceans is now under attack off Somalia.

The scientists use these 3,000 buoys and robotic mini-submarines to assist in predicting the weather and gaining a better understanding of the oceans in general. But the scientists can no longer travel into the western Indian Ocean, because of a the risk. The small research ships have already had a few close calls with pirates. So the task of dropping off (and sometimes picking up) these robotic research devices will be carried out by some of the warships operating off Somalia, and points east.

This global use of robotic sensors has been growing more extensive and important, over the last decade. Much of the progress was made possible by the development of highly efficient AUVs. The U.S. Navy developed one of these nearly a decade ago for monitoring the underwater “weather”. This SeaGlider is a two meter long, 52 kg device that looks like a torpedo with wings. It can stay at sea for up to six months (before needing a battery recharge) and glides through the water at up to 20-25 kilometers a day. The AUV is propelled by a system of shifting weights (the battery pack) an air tank that is emptied and filled to adjust depth, and a pair of wings that provide life, as wings do for an aircraft in the air. The SeaGlider moves forward by diving, and comes back up in a forward glide as well, collecting data all the way.

SeaGliders main mission is to measure of the water, and use its built in satellite phone, every four hours or so, to send the information to anyone in the navy that needs it. SeaGlider also uses the satellite phone to get new orders, and has a built in GPS and other navigation sensors to enable it to find its way to areas it has been ordered to monitor. SeaGlider also collects information on currents, and uses that to help it glide from place to place.

SeaGlider was not built to help with weather prediction, but to improve American anti-submarine capability. The composition (temperature, salinity, oxygen content, quantities of biomatter, and so on) of the water in oceans changes slowly. Those characteristics influence the effectiveness of sonars (both active and passive.) If you can monitor the water composition more accurately, your sonars will be more accurate. SeaGlider can be dropped by aircraft or helicopter and spend days, weeks, or months collecting water information (at depths of up to 3,000 feet) before friendly subs show up for action.

At $100,000 each, SeaGlider was a cheap way to keep an eye on large chunks of the ocean. SeaGlider works because its onboard electronics draw very little power, as does its movement mechanism. SeaGlider isnt fast, but it has that most prized UAV/AUV characteristic; persistence. SeaGlider can hang around for a long time, waiting for the enemy to show up. This was a mission submarines were originally designed for. But manned subs were too expensive to put enough of them out there to cover large areas of the ocean. SeaGlider is cheap, efficient, patient and never has to worry about crew morale. What the navy is not discussing is a future version of SeaGlider that wanders around an area looking for hostile submarines as well.

Meanwhile, devices similar to SeaGlider are being used on an even larger scale to monitor a larger number of ocean characteristics. Apparently the Somali pirates have not captured and held for ransom one of these robotic subs, but they may have simply shot some to pieces as it surfaced near them (to transmit data). The scientists will continue to drop off and pick up their stationary and self-propelled sensors near pirate-infested waters. But in pirate territory, only warships will perform what is now a dangerous duty.

IMO in supply-chain security talks

IMO Secretary-General Mitropoulos and Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, have met to discuss issues surrounding security in the global supply chain. The two discussed partnership arrangements involving IMO, the World customs Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization to improve security in the transport system when they met at IMO Headquarters in January.

IMO has long been active in developing an international approach to shipping security. its work in this sphere gained extra impetus following the September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, which prompted the development of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), setting out the requirements for ships and port facilities with respect to the security and facilitation of the movement of goods by sea, including the transportation of goods by closed cargo transport units and freight containers - an issue which IMO pursues in co-operation with the World Customs Organization. In 2005, IMO revised and up-dated the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and it's associated Protocol, and the Protocols came into force in July 2010.

In the context of securing the global supply chain, Secretary-General Mitropoulos outlined IMO's action plan to address the threat of piracy to vital shipping lanes, such as the Gulf of Aden. Secretary-General Mitropuolos of the United State's ongoing support for the initiative of IMO in this regard.

Source: IMO News issue 1 2011

Philippines eyes more sea links

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – The Philippines wants to open additional sea links between its neighbors under the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

At present, only the Zamboanga-Sandakan, Sabah link is being regularly serviced by passenger vessels.

Additional sea links are being considered between Brookespoint in Palawan to Muara, Brunei Darussalam; Brookespoint to Kudat, Malaysia; Zamboanga to Muara; and Glan, Saranggani to Tahuna-Bitong, North Sulawesi Indonesia.

These links are expected to improve connectivity among the BIMP-EAGA countries mainly for trade, tourism, and investments.

Exploratory trade through the Glan-Tahuna-Bitong link between Glan and Tahuna, North Sulawesi, Indonesia has resulted in robust imports and exports.

Unfortunately, this was not sustained due to high costs.

Efforts to revive this connection are underway with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the municipalities of Glan and Parang, Maguindanao to share fuel costs, which are being subsidized by Glan and Sangihe government of Tahuna.

The Philippine government has poured in P26 million to improve port facilities in Glan, Saranggani with its roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) facility expected to be completed by September this year.

Like the port in Glan, both ports in Brookespoint and Zamboanga are capable of roll-on, roll-off operations.

The Philippines is pushing for the expansion of roll-on, roll-off port operations not only in the BIMP-EAGA sub-region but in the entire ASEAN organization, to help determine the economic viability of using Ro-Ro operations to improve travel and trade in ASEAN member states.

source:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/15/11/philippines-eyes-more-sea-links

10 Time-Management Tips That Work

Practice the following techniques to become the master of your own time:

Tip 1: Carry a schedule and record all your thoughts, conversations and activities for a week.

Tip 2: Any activity or conversation that's important to your success should have a time assigned to it.

Tip 3: Plan to spend at least 50 percent of your time engaged in the thoughts, activities and conversations that produce most of your results.

Tip 4: Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you're doing. Take, for instance, the concept of having "office hours." Isn't "office hours" another way of saying "planned interruptions?"

Tip 5: Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time.

Tip 6: Take five minutes before every call and task to decide what result you want to attain.

Tip 7: Put up a "Do not disturb" sign when you absolutely have to get work done.

Tip 8: Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up. Disconnect instant messaging.

Tip 9: Don't instantly give people your attention unless it's absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

Tip 10: Block out other distractions like Facebook and other forms of social media unless you use these tools to generate business.

Remember that it's impossible to get everything done. Also remember that odds are good that 20 percent of your thoughts, conversations and activities produce 80 percent of your results.

CSX Profit Beats Analysts Estimates as Shipping Climbs Amid Recovery

CSX Corp. (CSX), the biggest eastern U.S. railroad higher second quarter profit than analysts estimates as the economic recovery boosted shipping volumes.

Profit rose 22 percent to $506 million, or 46 cents a share, beating the avarage estimates of 44 cents from 27 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. that compares with net income of $414 million, or 36 cents, in the same period last year, the Jacksonville, Florida-based company said today in a statement.

Carloads at North American Class 1 railroads, the largest based on revenue, advanced about 4 percent in the quarter, Bloomberg analysis shows. Last week, CSX raised its planned spending for the year by $200 million to buy railcars and take advantage of growing overseas demand for U.S. coal.

CSX "is well positioned to benifit from Eastern intermodal strength, expert coal growth, the ongoing economic recovery, and well-capitalized balance sheet," Jason Seidi, a New York based analyst with Dahlman Rose & Co., said in a note to clients last week. He recommends buying the stock gains.

Total shipment volume advanced 3 percent, led by gains in intermodal deliveries, which can be moved by rail, highway and sea. Revenue per unit surged 10 percent, led by coal an intermodal gains.

Quarterly sales rose 13 percent to $3.02 billion, topping an average estimate of $2.97 billion from analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

CSX gained 47 cents, or 1.8 percent, to $25.95 at 4:18p.m. after the close of regular trading in New York.

CSX is the first rail carrier to report second quarter earnings. Union Pacific Corp. is scheduled to release its results July 21, and Norfolk Southern Corp. (NSC) plans to report July 26.

source: internet Bloomberg/Natalie Doss

TIPS ON HOW TO WORK EFFICIENTLY!

1. Keep your desk and your files organized to avoid wasting time shuffling through piles of paper.
2. Go through your inbox at the beginning of each work day. Either throw away, file or follow up on each item.
3. Prioritize a list of the tasks you need to accomplish that day.
4. Delegate tasks to co-workers and assistants if possible.
5. Finish one task before you go on to the next.
6. Reduce paperwork by storing important information on your computer or electronic organizer.
7. Communicate effectively and plan carefully to make sure a job is done properly the first time around.
8. Schedule time when you'll be available, and let colleagues know, to avoid constant interruptions. Close the door if you need to.
9. Take breaks. A short walk or quick lunch away from the office will increase your overall productivity.
10. Before leaving for the day, tidy up your desk and make a short list of projects you will need to do the next day.
11. Try not to take work home. You need the break.

Grant the Right to Competent Management

If an employee's success is intricately linked to how good his boss is, shouldn't everyone have the right to competent management? Give your direct reports what they deserve by being a boss who is the following three things:

* Trustworthy. Trust is grounded in competence and character. You should know what to do and how to do it. And, you should always do what you say you will.
* Influential. Your people rely on others to get their jobs done. Therefore, you need to cultivate relationships with those beyond your immediate group who make your people productive.
* Team-focused. A good boss knows that a team is better than the sum of its parts. To bring your group together, give them a compelling purpose, clear goals and plans, and a culture of "we" not "I."

Source: adapted from "The Right to Management Competence" by Linda Hill & Kent Lineback

Hazardous Materials Reporting

Tuesday July 19, 2011

Manufacturers often use toxic chemicals in their production process and it is often difficult and expensive to store or dispose of those chemicals. Companies are required to report when certain hazardous materials are stored on site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that companies properly store hazardous materials so that they will not pollute the environment. The regulations require that in a facility there is sufficient aisle space to provide access for inspections and to improve the ease of material transport, in addition the material should be stored in containers in accordance with the manufacturers' directions, and stored in a suitably covered area.

The EPA recently fined a manufacturer and supplier of steel pipe, Tenaris Global Services, for violations of environmental regulations at seven facilities related to the public reporting of toxic chemicals in three states. The company has agreed to pay $717,324 in penalties for failing to report quantities of chemicals including lead, manganese, nickel, nitrate compounds, xylene, chromium, nitric acid, glycol ethers and zinc compounds.

Value of volume of world trade by sea

It is difficult to quantify the value of volume of world seaborne trade in monetary terms, as figures for trade estimates are traditionally in terms of tonnes or tonne-miles, and are therefore not comparable with monetary-based statistics for the value of the world economy.

However, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that the operation of merchant ships contributes about US$380 billion in freight rates within the global economy, equivalent to about 5% of total world trade. Shipping trade estimates are often calculated in tonne-miles, as a way of measuring the volume of trade (or "transportation work ", as it is sometimes referred).

Throughout the last century the shipping industry has seen a general trend of increases in total trade volume. Increasing industrialisation and the liberalisation of national economies have fuelled free trade and a growing demand for consumer products and the advances in technology have also made shipping an increasingly efficient and swift method of transportation. Over the last four decades total seaborne trade estimates have quadrupled, from just over 8 thousand billion tonne-miles in 1968 to over 32 thousand billion tonne-miles in 2008.

Notwithstanding the current gloom and doom, the longer term outlook for the industry remains very good. The world’s population continues to expand, and emerging economies will continue to increase their requirements for the goods and raw materials that shipping transports so safely and efficiently. In the longer term, the fact that shipping is the most fuel efficient and carbon friendly form of commercial transport should work in favour of an even greater proportion of world trade being carried by sea.

Exercise Good Meeting Hygiene

Meetings, meetings, and more meetings! Don't contribute to the dread. Next time you need to gather people together to advance your project, make sure you do the following to make your meeting worthwhile:

* Make sure it's necessary. Before sending out the invite, ask yourself whether there's another way to move the project forward. Can you get input via e-mail? Can you gather a sub-group to solve the current issue?

* Be clear about the objective. State the purpose of the meeting in the invite and again at the beginning of the meeting. Be sure to explain how the meeting will advance the overall project goals.

* Focus. Just because you have an hour scheduled, don't take it. Keep the discussion centered and avoid unnecessary side conversations.

Source: adapted from "Guide to Project Management."

Essence of "Speed" in Supply Chain Management

Sun Tzu said "Speed is the essence of warfare." It is unarguable that speed is also the essence of supply chain management. Speed in supply chains can take the form of faster cycle times, faster customer order times, faster customer response times, faster time to market or even a faster escape out of a non-profitable market. The key is that "speed" must not be confused with "hastily done." Supply chain managers must also remember that sometimes "faster" is not necessarily faster. An efficient supply chain is dependent on accurate information and, in the end, should allow your company to reduce piles of supplies.
(source:Joseph Walde; www.sdcexec.com/web/online/In-Depth/The-Art-of-War-and-Supply-Chain-Management--Applying-Sun-Tzu-to-Supply-Chain-Management/4$3965

3 Ways to Think like a Designer

Good designers see the world differently. Their unique views enable them to come up with new products and innovations that leave the rest of us envious. Here are three ways you can approach innovation like a designer:
• Think about people, not customers. No one asked for the iPod or texting in a customer survey. Move beyond asking what customers want to thinking about what they need, or don't know they need.
• Observe. Get out in the world and watch what people do. Don't rely on what they say about their behavior — see it first hand.
• Look at what might change. You can't be too focused on today. Think instead about what the future might bring.

Source: "How Good Designers Think" by Simon Rucker.

SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective. The technique is credited to Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at Stanford University in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies.

A SWOT analysis must first start with defining a desired end state or objective. A SWOT analysis may be incorporated into the strategic planning model. Strategic Planning has been the subject of much research.

Strengths: characteristics of the business or team that give it an advantage over others in the industry.
Weaknesses: are characteristics that place the firm at a disadvantage relative to others.
Opportunities: external chances to make greater sales or profits in the environment.
Threats: external elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the business.

"Gentlemen, the officer who doesn't know his communications and supply as well as his tactics is totally useless."

- Gen. George S. Patton, USA

Private Jet Charter Company Fosters a Corporate Culture of Ethics, Integrity, and Morals

15 July 2011

Consumer choice is fast becoming a daunting task for private jet fliers with an almost unparalleled number of private jet charter options available in the market. While all aircraft will fly you from point A to point B, one company, Paramount Business Jets, is hoping to further make an example of their customer service philosophy.

In response to the overarching principles of ethical business practices maintained throughout the company’s existence, Paramount Business Jets has nurtured an official of values and morals, aimed to ensure corporate accountability, relentless leadership and unsurpassed customer service; a system which the company will continue to operate under. The corporate culture, able to be reviewed on the company website, acknowledges the fundamental qualities of an ethical, industry leading organization, and displays the foundation for which Paramount adapts to each principle. The specific values and morals chosen by Paramount executives to officially represent the corporate culture include issues of: reliability, motivation, ethics, respect, communication, education, functioning as a team, and passion.