Delivering Quality Logistics Information Since 1947
September 1st, 2008 — Interview, Issue 10 September 2008
Casey McFann sits down with Dirk Montgomery, Director – Offshore Sales, MENA, National Oilwell Varco, to find out how drilling rigs come together
In the world of oil, drilling rigs are the essential tool of extraction. But what do we actually know about them? Dirk “The Driller” Montgomery explains the workings of today’s drilling rigs.
Dirk Montgomery, Director – Offshore Sales, MENA, National Oilwell Varco
Casey McFann: How does a drilling rig work?
September 1st, 2008 — Analysis, Issue 10 September 2008
Streamlining the crude supply chain is one way to help bring down fuel costs.
History will judge the impact of crude oil as unparalleled. Wars are fought over it. Petrodollars are derived from it. Countries lucky enough to possess it are maintained by its existence. In fact, since 1971, oil has sustained the buoyancy of the US dollar. With OPEC pricing oil in dollars, after all, countries are obligated to maintain dollar reserves to purchase petroleum, thus reinforcing the greenback’s strength and demand. In a sense, the gold standard has stepped aside for the oil standard.
September 1st, 2008 — Issue 10 September 2008, Trends
Perhaps it is only fitting that the largest shipper in the world lays claim to the largest ship in the world – the Emma Maersk. With twice the overall fleet capacity of its nearest rival, Demark-based Maersk Line is in a league of its own
On her initial journey from China to Europe, hauling 45,000 tonnes of Christmas goods, the Emma Maersk was worthy of much attention. Often hailed by other ships that passed, the vessel’s master, Henrik Solmer remembers it vividly. “They said, ‘Hey, we heard about you and it is nice to see you coming. You are beautiful and it is a good speed that you are doing.”
July 1st, 2008 — Issue 9 July/Aug 2008, Special
It’s the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel – liquefied natural gas (LNG). Used in homes as well as in industries, LNG is the future
Global economic growth has become dependant on the clean-burning LNG
Setting sail in January 1959, a converted World War II freighter traversed the Atlantic Ocean, fully laden with liquefied natural gas (LNG). Billed as the world’s first LNG tanker, the Methane Pioneer would carry seven additional loads from Louisiana, United States to Canvey Island, United Kingdom, chartering a course for all future natural gas transports.
July 1st, 2008 — Issue 9 July/Aug 2008, Management
What security measures are in place to ensure your cargo moving on the sea is safe?
At any given time, billions of dollars worth of cargo and merchandise are in transit on the open seas. From suppliers to buyers, each is dependant on their respective goods reaching their destinations. Though often overlooked, the fundamental factor remains securing against vulnerabilities.
“As the maritime transportation system underpins the world economy, it remains the dominant support for global commerce,” said Michael Chen, CEO of ST Education and Training (STET), at the 2008 Maritime Security Forum in Dubai last month.
July 1st, 2008 — Issue 9 July/Aug 2008, Management
When it comes to maritime shipping, few claim to be experts. Yet almost everyone involved in the logistics or supply chain industry (or in any industry for that matter) is in some way dependant on maritime transport
Operating out of some 3,000 deep sea ports around the globe, over 50,000 cargo ships are on the seas at any given time. Recognised as the safest and most environmentally friendly form of commercial transport, maritime shipping is responsible for 90 per cent of all world trade. Without it, transport of bulk raw materials and manufactured goods over such long distances would prove far too costly, if not impossible.
July 1st, 2008 — Analysis, Issue 9 July/Aug 2008
The 21st century will witness the emergence of a superpower that most agree is awakening to its potential. Chinese partnerships with like-minded Middle Eastern countries are proving mutually beneficial
Six centuries ago, a mighty armada of Chinese ships crossed the China Sea and ventured west to Arabia and East Africa. The fleet consisted of giant nine masted junks and was escorted by dozens of supply ships, water tankers, transports for cavalry horses and patrol boats. The armada’s crew would total more than 27,000 sailors and soldiers. The largest of the junks was said to be over 400 feet long and 150 feet wide.
Loaded with silk, porcelain and lacquerware, these vessels visited ports around the Indian Ocean, where Arab and African merchants would exchange spices, ivory, medicines, rare woods and pearls so eagerly sought by the Chinese imperial court.
July 1st, 2008 — Issue 9 July/Aug 2008, Trends
Inmarsat is repositioning its satellite, but also itself to cater to wider niche industries such as maritime, aviation, oil and gas
Samer Halawi, Vice President, Strategic Corporate Development, Inmarsat
Founded in 1979, the world’s oldest satellite phone operator Inmarsat is planning to shut down its satellites. Albeit temporarily. Having recently announced withdrawal of broadband voice and data services for a three to five week period in November and December, Inmarsat will temporarily shut down two satellites for repositioning.
June 1st, 2008 — Innovation, Issue 8 June 2008
Dubai Trade has announced the launch of its Centralised E-Payment Gateway
(CePG), enabling online payment transactions with Dubai World companies
From left: Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World’s UAE Region, Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director, Dubai Trade, and Ibrahim Al Janahi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Sales, JAFZA
Rapidly becoming a recognised player within Dubai’s trading sector, Dubai Trade remains adamant about their goal: “To ensure smooth trade flow covering the entire supply- chain system without any time-consuming interruptions,” says Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade.
June 1st, 2008 — Issue 8 June 2008, Management
LOG.Middle East sits down with Alexander Borg, Training Consultant for Dubai Industrial City, to talk warehousing health and safety
Having been in the logistics industry for more than 20 years, Alexander Borg has experienced warehousing safety from the ground up.
