Endeavour Magazine November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Managing Editor Alice Instone-Brewer editor@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Alex Hilling-Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com

I

t’s an emulous world out there, and as we

We take a look at Lin’s family connections

all know, the pursuit of success usually

with the island, his hit fundraising song in

involves, by necessity, competition with

response to the tragedy, the incredible

others. Yet, as companies, sectors and even

work of the Hispanic Federation and all

country economies, we are also working

those who have been moved to help the

Editorial Research James Lapping james@littlegatepublishing.com

together. Without teamwork, partnership

island. Of course, it’s hard to speak about

and mutual support, projects could not

Lin-Manuel without looking at his career,

Project Manager Steven Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com

be developed and completed, and sectors

which has become much about inspiration

would not thrive. Each month, we bring you

and spreading joy as it has about making

Editorial Researcher Will Girling willgirling@littlegatepublishing.com

stories of competitive success, but every

award-winning music.

time, those stories are filled with examples

Finally, we spoke with Logbar, a genius start-

Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com

of these

Head of Editorial Research Paul Bradley paulbradley@littlegatepublishing.com

Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published

by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road Suite 10, Thorpe House London 79 Thorpe Road EC1 V1LR Norwich, NR1 1UA Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for omissions or errors. The points

essential

collaborations

and

support networks. This month, Endeavour have had conversation after conversation with groups emphasising this point; quality bred from cooperation, and not only from competition.

world!

Zambian National Council for Construction

Don’t throw away Your Shot – you can’t Say

and

South

Engineering

Africa’s Association

Constructional –

all

groups

dedicated to providing the best information, training and network links to companies in their respective sectors, with the sole aim

No To This issue of Endeavour magazine!

We know you’ll be Satisfied. (Alright, no more Hamilton references…)

ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

of industrial and national improvement.

We also spoke with OSM Aviation and Tsakos Shipmanagement Columbia, both

for the aviation and shipping industries,

living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst

respectively.

every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of

It’s fitting that, whilst we’re on the theme

no legal responsibility will be accepted by the

of better the lives of others, that our

publishers for loss arising from use of information

Personality Focus this month takes a look at

publication may be reproduced or stored in a

locals in China, Japan and Spanish-speaking

the Nigerian Export Promotion Council,

to develop higher-grade, immersive training

published. All rights reserved. No part of this

and form connections between tourists and

could change not only lives, but perhaps the

captain-founded projects who are working

the information contained within this magazine,

language barriers, helping to build bridges

countries. Give the technology time, and it

writers and/or in advertisements included in this the publisher. Any resemblance to real persons,

already allowing people to break through

Amongst the groups we spoke were

of view expressed in articles by attributing magazine do not necessarily represent those of

up company whose ili wearable translator is

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and

retrievable system or transmitted in any form or

his moving efforts for Puerto Rico, which is

by any means without the prior written consent of

still lacking power on most of the island over

the publisher.

a month since it was hit by Hurricane Maria.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2017

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

FEATURES

OSM AVIATION 4 | Endeavour Magazine

16 OSM Aviation

Charting A New Course 24 Ventrin Petroleum

Dare To Win 30 Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement Company

Beacon And Compass 38 Nigerian Export Promotion Council

More, Further, Better 44 Swisslion Takovo

Growing Together 50 Pola Maris

From Ship To Shore 56 National Council for Construction - NCC

Integrity, Accountability, Transparency 64 Ambatovy Mines

More Than A Nickel 74 Shanghai Tunnel Engineering

Beneath The Dream 80 Red Pine Exploration

A New Era Of Exploration 86 South African National Blood Service

One Life At A Time 92 Qatar Development Bank

20 Years At The Top 100 CEA

Building To Last 108 Nomad Africa Adventure Tours

The Call Of The Wild 114 ALCON

Going Further 120 MovieTowne

Movie Magic 126 Island Site Development (ISD)

The Complete Package 132 Qatalum

Supporting A Vision 138 Eqstra Fleet Management

Giving That Little Bit Eqstra 146 Fond Doux Plantation & Resort

An Authentic Taste Of St. Lucia

RED PINE EXPLORATION ARTICLES

6 7 8 10 11

Business Headlines Americas Europe Middle East Asia Africa

12

Focus Lin-Manuel Miranda Non-Stop For Puerto Rico

Amazing World 36 The Crop Trust 106 ili Wearable Translator

70

Automotives Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D 2.2 Tourer

ALCON Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES AMERICAS TRUMP DECLARES OPIOID ADDICTION A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Addiction to opioids, a form of painkiller, kills more than 140 Americans a day. US President Trump has called the situation a “national shame” and declared it a public health emergency.

The declaration redirects grant money to be used in tackling the issue. The order will also ease some regulations to allow states more freedom in how they use federal funds to tackle the problem.

The president has previously promised to declare the situation national emergency, which would have instead triggered new federal funding to help combat the addiction.

Mr Trump said of the crisis: “More people are dying from drug overdoses today than from gun homicides and motor vehicles

Rosselló asked for “a detailed and thorough investigation” into the recruitment

aimed at improving its own grocery selection online.

process for emergency services, which

Amazon recently told businesses that sell

led to the Whitefish contract, and for

non-perishable grocery items on Amazon.

the installation of a trustee in the area of

com that it was lowering the fee it charges

procurement and contracts.

them on items priced at $15 or less. Amazon

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, who is

previously charged 15 percent on all grocery

from the same town as Whitefish Energy,

items, but will now charge only 8 percent on

said he had “absolutely nothing” to do

the lower-priced goods for at least the next

with the company receiving the contract.

year.

However, accusations have been made

The move could be looked at as a

that Whitefish did not go through a proper

competition-focused one: While Walmart

bidding process to secure the contract, and

also charges 15 percent across the board

are too small and inexperienced a company

for grocery items sold through its online

to be granted such a major undertaking.

marketplace, its subsidiary Jet.com charges

Puerto Ricans have expressed the feeling that this is an example of profiteering from

only 10 percent for most non-gourmet packaged foods, according to its website.

their crisis, rather than providing the most efficient aid.

combined. These overdoses are driven by a massive increase in addiction to prescription

OWNER OF CORONA SET TO BUY INTO WORLD’S LARGEST CANNABIS GROWER U.S.

painkillers, heroin and other opioids.”

drinks

company

Constellation

Brands has agreed to buy a near 10 percent

He added, “The United States is by far

stake in Canopy Growth Corporation, the

the largest consumer of these drugs using

world’s largest publicly traded cannabis

more opioid pills per person than any other

company.

country by far in the world.”

Constellation, a beer distributor that

The White House plans to fund the effort

owns Corona, is reportedly planning to work

through the Public Health Emergency Fund,

with the grower to develop, market and sell

which reportedly only contains $57,000.

cannabis-infused beverages.

The agreement, confirmed in a press release Monday, is $245 million Canadian

PUERTO RICO SCRAPS WHITEFISH ENERGY’S $300M POWER GRID CONTRACT

dollars ($191 million) in exchange for a 9.9 percent stake in the Canopy Growth Corporation.

The head of Puerto Rico’s government

It is seen by Constellation Brands

power company says the agency will scrap a

President and CEO, Rob Sands, as an

$300 million contract with Whitefish Energy

anticipation of a nationwide legalization of

Holdings once it finishes current work on

marijuana in the United States.

“We think that it’s highly likely, given

Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.

Power company director Ricardo Ramos

what’s happened at the state level,” said

said Sunday that he’s bowing to a demand

Sands in an interview with the Wall Street

by the U.S. territory’s governor, Ricardo Rossello. Ramos says the cancellation will delay work by 10 to 12 weeks.

AMAZON CUTS SELLER FEES TO IMPROVE ONLINE GROCERY SELECTION

Journal.

In 2018, California is set to legalize the cultivation and selling of recreational

The contract for the small two-man

Amazon cemented its long-term interest

marijuana, but Sands said his company didn’t

Montana company has come under intense

in the grocery industry when it spent nearly

plan to sell the product in the U.S. until

scrutiny, and audits of the Whitefish contract

$14 billion to acquire Whole Foods earlier

marijuana was legal nationwide.

at a local and federal level are under way.

this year. Now it’s making a subtler move

6 | Endeavour Magazine

EUROPE SPAIN TO TAKE DIRECT CONTROL OF CATALONIA AFTER DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

his family had sheltered money offshore.

EU members that have not yet adopted

Benediktsson also appeared in the Panama

the euro are expected to participate for

Papers. The prime minister has denied

at least two years in ERM II, a mechanism

accusations, but newly leaked documents

aimed to ensure currency stability before

In response to their declaration of

suggest his relationship with Glitnir bank

joining the euro zone. Plenkovic said Croatia

independence from Spain, Madrid has

was close enough to raise serious questions

wanted to enter the European exchange

temporarily

about a conflict of interest.

rate mechanism II (ERM-2) within the next

stripped

Catalonia

of

its

autonomy and removed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont from office.

Despite the scandals, results show that the Independence Party received the most

three years, before the country takes the presidency of the European Union in 2020.

150 of the region’s ministers will

votes, with 25.2 % or 16 MPs. A governing

Croatia’s major challenge before adopting

replaced, and over 200,000 civil servants

coalition needs 32 seats to form a majority

the euro is expected to be the reduction of

are set to arrive from Spain. Madrid has

government: final numbers show at least

public debt which is slightly above 80% of

called for the Spanish constitutional court

three parties will be needed to do so. It is

gross domestic product.

to revoke Catalonia’s unilateral vote for

likely a coalition could consist of four parties.

independence.

The most important benefits of euro adoption would be the removal of currency

Mr Puigdemont and his vice-president

risk and lower interest rates, Plenkovic said.

Oriol Junqueras have been removed from office. However, they say they do not

PARTY LEADERS MEET SPEED REV UP GERMAN COALITION TALKS

recognise Madrin’s actions, and that they can only be removed from office by the citizens of Catalonia.

Key allies of Chancellor Angela Merkel

Ministers will face police force is they do

on Sunday downplayed reports about a

not pack up their offices. If Mr Puigdemont

crisis among parties in a potential coalition

and others refuse to step aside, they may

government, saying it was important to

face criminal charges, with a possible

work out differences and reach a sustainable

maximum sentence of 30 years. Further

agreement.

protests are predicted to arise if this occurs.

Merkel was due to meet with leaders of the other parties on Sunday to smooth the waters after last week’s exploratory talks ran

ICELAND HOLDS SECOND SNAP ELECTION IN A YEAR FOLLOWING SCANDALS

into trouble over immigration and climate policy.

The chancellor, whose conservative

Iceland has held its second snap

alliance came first but lost seats in the Sept.

parliamentary election in less than a year,

24 national election, is trying to forge a

following some of its top politicians being

three-way coalition with the pro-business

hit by a succession of financial and ethical

Free Democrats (FDP) and environmental

scandals.

Greens that is untested at a national level.

The prime minister, Bjarni Benediktsson,

CROATIA HOPING TO ADOPT EURO

Bild

am

Sonntag

newspaper

said

called the election in September after his

According to Croatian Prime Minister

Merkel would try to “rescue” the talks by

three-party government collapsed over an

Andrej Plenkovic, the country hopes to

meeting with Horst Seehofer, who heads

alleged attempt to cover up efforts by his

become a euro zone member within the

the conservative Bavarian CSU party, two

father to help “restore the honour” of a

next seven to eight years. His centre-right

officials from the Greens and FDP leader

convicted child sex offender.

government came to power a year ago.

Christian Lindner at an undisclosed location.

Benediktsson formed his centre-right

“We don’t want to specify the exact

Volker Kauder, parliamentary leader of

coalition only 10 months ago, following

dates, but we want Croatia to become a

the conservatives, told broadcaster ZDF that

early elections triggered by his predecessor’s

euro zone member within two government

such meetings were not unusual, even once

resignation. Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson

terms in office,” Plenkovic told an economic

a coalition had been formed.

stepped down following public fury at

conference devoted to the introduction of

revelations in the Panama Papers that

the Euro in Croatia.

Endeavour Magazine | 7

MIDDLE EAST IRAN FULFILLING NUCLEAR DEAL COMMITMENTS - IAEA CHIEF Iran is fulfilling its commitments under the nuclear deal with world powers and U.N. inspectors are facing no problems in their verification efforts, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general.

The U.S. President said earlier this month that he would not continue to certify the multinational 2015 agreement, reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, and warned that he might terminate it.

Iran would abandon the agreement if

The four countries have cut diplomatic, transport and trade ties with Qatar, the world’s top seller of liquefied natural gas,

Following this, an armed group sabotaged the system, prolonging the conditions.

Despite being one of the wealthiest

accusing it of financing terrorism. Doha

countries

denies the charges.

conditions have been desperate and volatile

Sheikh Tamim said Trump had offered to host talks in the United States to resolve the crisis.

in

the

Middle

East,

living

for many since the 2011 uprising unseated Muammar Gaddafi.

Power cuts and crash shortages have

“I told him straightaway, ‘Mr President,

also befallen Libyan residents, worsened by

we are very ready. I’ve been asking for

conflict between armed groups seeking to

dialogue from day one,” Sheikh Tamim said,

control the state.

adding that the meeting was supposed to

Libya is rich in oil and gas resources, yet

happen very soon and that he had not heard

has poorly under-maintained infrastructure

a response from the other countries.

with which to access this wealth.

it were deemed not be serving its national interests, President Hassan Rouhani said in

ISRAEL APPROVES 176 NEW SETTLER HOMES IN EAST JERUSALEM – CONDEMNED BY PALESTINE

reaction to Trump’s decision. He also said, “No president can revoke an international deal...Iran will continue to honour its commitments under the deal.”

Israeli

The other parties to the accord - Britain,

authorities

approved

on

Wednesday a major expansion of a Jewish

Germany, France, Russia, China and the

settler enclave in the heart of a Palestinian

European Union have all reaffirmed their

neighbourhood of East Jerusalem, issuing

commitment to the deal and urged the

building permits for 176 new housing units.

United States not to back out.

The construction, which a Jerusalem municipal spokeswoman said was approved by the city’s planning committee, was swiftly

QATAR EMIR OPEN TO TALKS OVER GULF CRISIS

condemned by the Palestinians as a violation of international law.

Qatar’s ruler said he is ready for U.S.-

Construction of the new units will

hosted direct talks aimed at solving the

nearly triple the number of settler homes

worst diplomatic crisis in the Gulf in years

in the Nof Zion settlement, which currently

but has yet to hear a response to U.S.

has 91 dwellings and is surrounded by

President Donald Trump’s invitation to the

Palestinian houses in the Jabel al-Mukaber

four Arab states boycotting Doha.

neighbourhood.

The area is located in territory that Israel

Speaking to U.S. broadcaster CBS News, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad alThani said he wanted an end to the dispute, which erupted on June 5 and pits Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt against Qatar.

captured and annexed in a 1967 Middle East

LIBYANS DIGGING FOR WATER IN DESPERATE LIVING CONDITIONS

war and which Palestinians seek as part of a state they want to establish in the occupied

A cross Libya’s capital, residents are started drilling through pavements to access

West Bank and the Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

wells in a desperate search for water after

Israel’s claim to all of Jerusalem as

our sovereignty. But we want it to end. I

the taps ran dry, in a new low for living

its capital has not been internationally

always say that,” he told the “60 Minutes”

conditions.

recognised, and many countries view the

“Nothing is going to be above our dignity,

the

settlements it has built on occupied land as

“If they (are) going to walk one metre towards

waterworks were turned off by its workers

illegal and obstacles to any future land-for

me, I‘m willing to walk 10,000 miles towards

due to its need for urgent maintenance.

peace deal.

them,” he said.

This cut supply to many Tripoli households.

programme in an interview aired on Sunday.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

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ASIA JAPAN PLEDGES TO HELP PHILIPPINES REBUILD MARAWI Japan said on Monday it will help the Philippines rebuild conflict-torn southern Marawi city as well as other infrastructure in a deepening of ties to counter China’s regional influence.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made the pledges in a joint statement with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte following talks in Tokyo.

Duterte on Oct 23 announced the end of five months of military operations in Marawi held by Islamic State rebels in a conflict that destroyed much of the city’s

initiative, has been mired in controversy

banks over the next two years, in a bid by

since a Chinese firm agreed to take an 80

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tackle

percent stake in it.

a major drag on the economy that has

The pact signed last year sparked

frustrated his attempts to boost growth.

widespread public anger, as Chinese control

Once the world’s fastest-growing major

of the port, which included a plan for a 99-

economy, India has seen its growth rate

year lease of 15,000 acres (23 sq miles)

plummet to the lowest in three years, far

to develop an adjacent industrial zone,

below levels needed to create enough jobs

provoked fears it could be used by Chinese

to absorb the million Indians joining the

naval vessels.

work force every month.

Meeting in Beijing, Wang told Tilak

Modi’s government has tried to respond

Marapana that the two countries should take

by stepping up public spending, but the

this year’s 60th anniversary of establishing

slowdown has stressed its finances, making

diplomatic ties as an opportunity, China’s

it imperative that private investment picks

foreign ministry said in a statement.

up the slack.

The huge capital injection into the

centre and displaced some 300,000 people.

banks is meant to clear that bottleneck,

“The Government of Japan recognises

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said at a press

that rehabilitation and reconstruction of the

conference in New Delhi.

City of Marawi and is extremely important,” the statement said.

Japan also offered to help with other

PROPERTY COMPANIES SEEK TO REDUCE RISKS IN CHINESE HOME MARKET

projects ranging from rail infrastructure to river defences including a possible 600 billion yen loan to help fund development of

As China’s home prices cool, there

a subway in Manila.

The meeting was an opportunity for

are increasing signs that some property

Abe to discuss security in Asia ahead of

developers, particularly those with a heavy

key regional meetings beginning with the

debt load, are becoming less aggressive.

They

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

are

reducing

balance

sheet

leverage, buying land through joint ventures

gathering in Vietnam in November.

with other property companies to reduce risk, or diversifying into other businesses.

CHINA URGES CLOSER COOPERATION WITH SRI LANKA ON KEY PROJECTS

Their concern is that they can no longer bank on paying ever richer prices for land if

China and Sri Lanka should focus

the value of the apartments they build on

on strengthening cooperation over key

that land isn’t also still surging. The risk is

investment projects, Foreign Minister Wang

that if apartment prices drop the developers

Yi on Monday told his visiting counterpart from Sri Lanka, amid strong local opposition to some major Chinese-invested schemes.

In July, Sri Lanka signed a long-delayed

BAD LOANS AND STRESSED ASSETS IN INDIAN BANKS ESTIMATED AT £117 BILLION

will be left with expensive unsold properties and suffer losses at a time when their debt levels are already dangerously high.

A minority, such as Tianjin-based Sunac

$1.1 billion deal to lease its southern

Bad loans and stressed assets in Indian

Holdings, are planning to reduce their land

Hambantota port to China, ignoring an

Banks are estimated at 10 trillion rupees

purchases and focus instead on selling more

appeal by opposition parties to debate the

(117.01 billion pounds/$153.49 billion),

of the apartments they have already built

pact in parliament.

India’s Chief Economic Adviser Arvind

The $1.5-billion port, close to the main

Subramanian said in a statement

shipping route from Asia to Europe and likely

India announced on a 2.11 trillion

to play a key role in China’s “Belt and Road”

recapitalization plan for its state-owned

10 | Endeavour Magazine

The nation’s sixth-largest real estate developer, based on sales, won’t grow as fast as before but it may be in a position to cut its debt ratio.

AFRICA KENYAN PRESIDENT SAYS HE IS WILLING TO NEGOTIATE AFTER ELECTION BOYCOTT

Islamist group al Shabaab, responsible for scores of such attacks in the country’s

it made while working with South African state utility Eskom last year.

long civil war, said it carried out Saturday’s bombings.

McKinsey said it regretted working on a 1.6 billion rand contract at Eskom alongside

Uhuru Kenyatta has offered to hold talks

Bombs in Mogadishu two weeks before

a company controlled by the Gupta family,

with rival Raila Odinga following deaths in

this attack killed at least 358 people, the

wealthy friends of President Zuma who are

protests over the rerun election.

worst such attacks in the country’s history,

accused of unduly influencing government

igniting nationwide outrage.

contracts.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has raised the prospect of negotiations as millions of

The Gupta brothers, who work with

Kenyans voted in a contentious election

Zuma’s son, Duduzane, were accused by

rerun, following evidence suggesting that the

South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog last

previous election results were rigged. The

year of using control over state agencies to

election rerun has been met with boycotts

siphon public funds.

and violence, as did the announcement of

South Africa’s parliamentary committee

the first election results.

Four

people

died

on as

public

enterprises

is

investigating

opposition

whether McKinsey knowingly let funds from

supporters and police clashed outside

Eskom be diverted to Gupta-controlled firm,

polling stations, forcing election officials to

Trillian, as a way of securing the deal.

postpone voting in parts of the country.

Before voting began, Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, called on supporters to

GHANA’S CHIEF JUSTICE SETS UP SPECIALIZED COURTS TO DEAL WITH ILLEGAL MINING

stay at home, leaving polling stations in his strongholds almost empty, in stark contrast to the first election, which the supreme

Georgina Theodora Wood, Ghana’s Chief

court annulled last month.

One man was shot dead and three others

Justice has constituted fourteen special

injured during protests in Odinga’s western

courts to deal with mining related offences

stronghold of Kisumu. Another was killed

– in the wake of public outrage over illegal

in the Mathare slum in the capital, Nairobi,

mining.

According to a statement issued by

where scattered clashes continued into the

the secretary to the Judicial Service, the

early evening.

courts were in furtherance of “the recent groundswell of public revulsion and media

BOMBS KILL AT LEAST 17 PEOPLE IN SOMALI CAPITAL MOGADISHU

and civil society advocacy against the menace of illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey”.

Two car bombs killed at least 17 people in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu on October 28th, police said, two weeks after a huge truck bomb killed hundreds of civilians in the

Cases are to be tried under the Minerals

TWO BANKS IN SOUTH AFRICA DROP MCKINSEY FOLLOWING SCANDAL

and Mining Acts, Act 703 and the Minerals and Mining (Amendment) Act, 2015 (Act

Barclays Africa and Standard Bank said

900). Seven out of the fourteen courts are

A suicide car bomb was rammed into a

they would stop working with McKinsey, a

High Courts located in the capital and other

hotel, Nasahablod Two, about 600 metres

further blow to the global consultancy as it

regional capitals. The remaining are circuit

from the presidential palace, and then armed

faces allegations of bribery for work done

courts across the gold-producing nation.

militants stormed the building, police said.

with friends of South African President

city.

A few minutes later, a car bomb exploded near the former parliament house nearby.

The Chief Justice said judges expected to sit on such cases will be given regular

Jacob Zuma.

Privately-held McKinsey, the world’s

training to better equip them to discharge

has

their duties. She added that the Service will

blasts. Another 56 people are still missing,

denied doing anything illegal but said this

consider increasing the number of courts if

believed to have been burnt up entirely.

month that it was embarrassed by mistakes

need be.

17 people, mostly policemen, died in the

largest

management

consultancy,

Endeavour Magazine | 11

FOCUS LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA – NON-STOP FOR PUERTO RICO

L

in-Manuel Miranda will never stop saying Maria – not whilst the people of Puerto Rico still need aid.

It has been over a month since

devastation hit Puerto Rico in the form of Hurricane Maria, and the progress and aid still needed on the island has shocked the globe. On September 20, Hurricane Maria a powerful Category 4 hurricane with 150 mph winds - hit the Caribbean island and US territory. The majority of the island’s buildings were damaged or destroyed, with over 90% of the island left without power.

As of early November, the numbers aren’t much better. More than a third of Puerto Rican households still lack running water – in other words, over 1 million people. On top of this, 70% still lack power, and attempts to restore it have been complicated through suspect tenders and industrial controversy.

Meanwhile,

hospitals

are

running

on

generators, residents are queuing for hours in the hopes of getting petrol, and the death toll on the island has recently been revealed to have exceeded 900 – although the ‘official’ figure dubiously still sits at around 50.

It seems bleak, yet as with many tragedies in our world, Puerto Rico’s crisis has been met with an outpouring of love from those witnessing it. This love has been from the American people, those watching from abroad, and even school children moved to send their pocket money to the relief efforts. Amongst those moved to help have been countless celebrities, including Jenifer Lopez, Jimmy Fallon and Leonardo DiCaprio 12 | Endeavour Magazine

– yet for many, it is hard to say ‘Puerto Rico’

directors begin to free up traditionally white

without thinking of work being inspired by

roles to a diverse range of actors. This was

Lin-Manuel Miranda.

achieved by Miranda’s own ethnicity-blind

In case you didn’t know, the American

casting in Hamilton, the self-proclaimed

composer has become an accolade magnet

‘American Musical’ that tells the story of

in recent years; he has won a Pulitzer Prize,

the USA’s fight for independence via the

several Emmys, Grammys and Tonys, an

life of founding father Alexander Hamilton,

honorary doctorate and even an Oscar

through unexpected but extremely fitting

nomination. Most of these awards were for

hip-hop. The musical was seven years in the

his two Broadway musicals, In the Heights

making and is so popular that it is still nearly

and Hamilton, with the Oscar nomination

impossible to get tickets. However, Hamilton

going to the original song “How Far I’ll Go”,

is but one of many similarly inspiring projects

one of his uplifting ear-worms for Disney

from Miranda, telling under-told stories of

film Moana.

immigrants and the US’s ethnic diversity

Miranda’s award shelf is as remarkable as

through musicals such as In the Heights and

it is well deserved; his work has succeeded

21 Chump Street, right through to Disney’s

in re-addressing the way we approach racial

beloved Hawaiian animated feature.

casting in theatre, with the phrase “doing

Miranda has said that when he creates,

a Hamilton” organically being coined as

he writes from a place of love, and perhaps

takes its title from Sondheim’s “Maria” in West Side Story. As Miranda told Sway Calloway on The Wake Up Show, hip-hop often takes an idea and flips it – this is what he wanted to do with the name Maria and the song it usually evokes. Sondheim gave his blessing for lyrics from the song to be used, and the rest of the track – a celebratory, heartfelt mantra running through every town name – does, oddly enough, serve as a that is why his work continues to move its

sort of prayer. Penned in the need to create

audiences with contagious optimism time

change, sung by an amazing 22 collaborating

and again. Himself the child of Puerto Rican

artists, it is hard to ignore that this song

immigrants, Lin grew up in the Washington

feels like its own style of prayer every time

Heights, and the many voices of America

it plays, as the 78 names are repeated with

and Puerto Rico have stayed close to his

love once more.

heart. It is unsurprising, then, that when

The collaborators on the project are

tragedy hit the island of his family, he was amongst those to act.

a roll call of music legends. Hispanic to contact residents on the island, and these

artists, rappers and pop influencers from

On September 20th, Miranda was in

pleas of town names became the only word.

Puerto Rico and beyond sing in powerful

Austria, and his experiences of attempting

Frantic for something to do to channel his

solidarity: the full roster features Ruben

to contact friends and family were shared

anxiety, Miranda turned to what he knows

Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Fat Joe, Joell

with many Puerto Ricans living abroad:

best. He penned each of the 78 town names

Ortiz, Marc Anthony, Camila Cabello, Luis

with power and telecommunications on the

into a song: they were lyrics that would

Fonsi, Rita Moreno, John Leguizamo, Gina

island down, people were unable to get any

snowball into a two-week collaboration

Rodriguez, Juan Luis Guerra, Ana Villafañe,

word from their loved ones. Instead, they

between salsa and rap legends, and would

Tommy Torres, PJ Sin Suela, Anthony Ramos,

were contacting each other, asking if anyone

result in an iTunes best-seller that would

Ednita Nazario, Gloria Estefan, Dessa, Pedro

had news from the various towns.

raise millions of dollars for his home.

Capó, Alex Lacamoire and Jennifer Lopez.

For 48 hours, it was next to impossible

The

song,

“Almost

Like

Praying”,

For those well versed in these genres, it’s Endeavour Magazine | 13

an incredible line-up, and for those less in the known, JLo’s vocals are still sure to leap out at you! Whatever your tastes, this dance track is sure to get your feet moving: the tragedy it is responding to, the tune is a vibrant celebration of Puerto Rico, utilizing iconic sounds such as the steel drum, cowbell and even the haunting chirrup of the coqui – Puerto Rico’s iconic local tree frog.

A labour of love from all involved, collaborators joined the project in a chain reaction, passing it on to their contacts and drawing together the incredible group the track boasts. In Miranda’s words, “the artists made miracles happen,” with all 22 vocals recorded in under a week, and the finished track available for download only a fortnight after conception. An iTunes #1 seller in 17 countries, and top 10 in 25, the song helped raise the Hispanic Federation over $14 million in only 24 days. This is just some of the money rushing to the country, with Americans and those further afield moved to give both by Miranda’s team’s efforts and through other charities and initiatives, as well as simply seeing the heart-breaking news playing out day by day. However, it’s undeniable that “Almost Like Praying” and the running updates and appeals from both Lin-Manuel and his father, Luis Miranda, have kept Puerto Rico in people’s ears and on their lips.

The American government has been criticized by many over its own slow response to the crisis, especially given that the island is a US territory. Despite not being a part of the USA’s mainland, Puerto Rico is never the less home to 3.4 million US citizens – the Puerto Rican people – who have been left feeling unvalued by the US President due to his slow responses, as well as his derogatory comments about the island being “lazy” in the wake of the crisis. Miranda has not always been able to keep his frustration at the American president out of his tweets, but more than anything, he has been signalboosting the amazing charity efforts coming in from around the globe. The composer has repeatedly expressed his amazement at people’s generosity and the strength of their responses – as well as calling the American 14 | Endeavour Magazine

government to match the passion of this response with their own.

However, the real applause should perhaps go to Lin-Manuel’s father. Moving

These encouraging tweets and calls

to New York from Puerto Rico, Luis Miranda

to action are far from rare on Miranda’s

became the founding President of the

twitter, which bookends most days with a

Hispanic Federation in 1990. The charity

word of motivation to his fans to pursue

is a leading Latino non-profit organization

their dreams, embrace their potential and

dedicated

do good deeds. In his own words regarding

communities. As its President, Luis became

his Twitter feed, “I try to be the silver lining

one of New York’s key voices representing

in the world, given what the world is today”.

the need for increased support to Latino

Leading by example, Lin has created a

charities.

to

supporting

Hispanic

culture of kindness in his fanbase – one that

Now, the Hispanic Federation have

has seen fans choose to stay in school, take

been an essential responder to this crisis.

risks on their dreams, reach out to others

In the first 24 days, the Federation was able

and, unsurprisingly, rally together for an

to deliver more than 1,000,000 pounds of

island in need.

emergency supplies across the island, as

well as chartering nine relief flights; they

Many other charities and groups have also

most of which was given before Miranda

helped to open donation sites at 17 New

been jumping to get involved – but, given

had even landed on the island.

York firehouses and worked with them

the scale of the destruction and slow

So how can you get involved? Every

on distribution; they spoke directly with

response from the US government, there is

‘follow’ of Miranda’s “Almost Like Playing”

the mayors of all 78 Puerto Rican towns,

still a long way to go. Thankfully, people are

Spotify playlist, “For Puerto Rico Por Puerto

identifying their needs in order to streamline

still giving. At the time of publication, Lin-

Rico”, achieves a donation to the cause

aid delivery; they made an initial investment

Manuel is currently in Puerto Rico to catch

from Spotify, as does every save, stream

of $1M to purchase food water & provisions

up with the Hispanic Federation and report

and purchase of the “Almost Like Praying”

from supplier/distribution companies on the

the ongoing situation to his followers and

track. You can buy it on iTunes, watch it on

island to maximize fast and reliable routes to

the wider world.

YouTube – there are a dozen ways to enjoy

harder-to-reach areas, and dedicated $2.5

These updates are posting alongside

the song, and each one will get much needed

million to identifying and vetting reliable

a Facebook fundraiser aiming to gather

funds to the island. However, the simplest

community organisations to deliver the long-

a further $100,000 towards the island’s

and quickest way is to give to the Hispanic

term support and social services necessary.

ongoing needs. In a moving collective

Federation directly. 100% of your donation

gesture,

will go to the relief effort, and there is still

Phew! That was all in the first 24 days, with much more taking place since then.

donations

already

broke

the

$50,000 mark on the campaign’s first day,

much work to be done.

Endeavour Magazine | 15

OSM AVIATION WWW.OSMAVIATION.COM // 0047 67 59 14 00

CHARTING A NEW COURSE Air travel’s personnel have become iconic faces of something that was marketed not only as a mode of transport, but as an experience.

Whilst glossy ideas of 1950s air hostesses and dashing pilots may be outdated, the reality is that aviation relies on extremely talented and dedicated individuals.

Without them, our experience would not be as comfortable, as catered to or as safe – in fact, it wouldn’t happen at all.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

OSM AVIATION

We rest easier knowing that these people are looking

after us, but who is looking after them? We spoke with Espen Høiby, founder and CEO of OSM Aviation, about how his crew management company is going against the trends of their industry to the benefit of airlines and crew members alike.

H

øiby’s life has been a love-affair with flying. Starting his flight

approach is a bold one, opening themselves up to potential risk,

training in America, 1979, he worked as a pilot in Texas for

but in doing so, proving their confidence in their services and

four years before transferring home to a small commuter

offering crew members financial security and peace of mind. “If for

company in Norway. His career has ranged from commercial flights

some reason, crew members were not engaged in an airline, they

to piloting air ambulances, and he even served as a Chief Flight

would get a full salary from us. We needed to differ ourselves – we

Instructor for the SAS. In 2013, as captain of a long-haul, he felt the

needed to take care of that crew. If we weren’t willing to take that

call to look for new horizons - this time on the ground.

risk, we wouldn’t have a different model to the competition.”

“I’ve had a fantastic career in aviation. I achieved my goal, and

In aviation, the need for the sort of stability that OSM Aviation

then I came up with a new idea for the sector. It took me a year to

offer answers an increasingly real need. “What’s been going on in

quit this job that many other people would give their right hand

this industry for the past 20 years, is there’s been lots of industries

away for, but once I had made the decision, I knew it was right. I said

putting people out on short-term contracts, from six months

‘Yes, I’ve had a fantastic career, and now I’m ready to move on to

to three years. We’re giving a predictable future to these crew

new endeavours.’” Despite the call of the air, these new endeavours

members, and more security.”

spoke to Høiby, because they would help a group of people very

If this wasn’t enough, OSM Aviation are able to provide their

close to his heart – pilots, and other crew members within the

employees with the other element that professionals crave:

aviation industry. “Inspired by the achievements of OSM Maritime

opportunity. Not only can an OSM Aviation employ relax in the

Group - a leading international staffing and crew management firm

knowledge of where their next paycheque will come from, they

in the maritime and offshore industry - I teamed up with Bjørn Tore

can pursue their career with more flexibility and ambition than was

Larsen, OSM Maritime Group’s founder, and set up OSM Aviation.”

previously open on the aviation ladder. Espen, who has travelled

The new company would seek to change how the industry looked

this career path himself the old-fashioned way, elaborated; “If you

after its employees, and save airlines money into the bargain.

look into the industry, especially on the pilot’s side, it has been

“We entered this market by introducing a new business model of

very seniority driven. You start with a legacy carrier such as British

how to employ, attract and actually manage crews,” Espen explains.

Airways, and you go from the youngest co-pilot on short-haul

“When we take someone on, we take the risk of employing that

through to captain of long haul, and then you retire. That was your

person full time with an open-ended contract, and then we make

career, and there was no room for side-movement without starting

sure that they get a job with various airlines.” OSM Aviation’s

from scratch at the new airline. With our system, we’re breaking

18 | Endeavour Magazine

OSM AVIATION up that seniority list a little bit.” OSM Aviation are introducing freer

so taken by OSM Aviation’s efficiency and approach that they have

movement of staff, allowing pilots and other crew members to

assigned the company total crew management for their long-haul

transfer between companies at their same position. As with all jobs,

operations in Singapore and Hong Kong; “We do everything – we

there are many reasons why employees choose to transfer, and one

do the recruitment, we do the training, we do the management, we

would like the freedom to do so without falling backwards; this

even draw up their crews’ schedules. This is our top project. We are

new flexibility, Espen feels, could even let ambitious employees rise

able to get higher scores on customer satisfaction than Finnair had

the ranks quicker than was traditionally possible.

three years ago, and we’re very proud of that.”

This may be good news for crew members, but what do the

Other large legacy carriers, however, are slower to adopt the

airlines make of it? Independent airlines have responded with

new model. Høiby doesn’t seem surprised by this, and neither does

enthusiasm, seeing that the proposal will benefit them as well;

he seem phased by the additional work this front will require. He

the model offers airlines greater flexibility in their hiring, and will

knows the aviation world well, and he’s right at home navigating its

also save them money; “We’re currently in talks with many airlines,

culture. “It takes longer with the legacy airlines,” he explains simply.

but what I can say in general is that they’re very interested in this

“They’ll say things like, yes this looks interesting, we’d like to do it in

new model. Having crew employed in a geographically diversified

the future, but we’re looking at it in a five to eight year perspective.

structure is more cost effective. If you employ a crew member

But, we know that this will come, and I predict it will come sooner

in Spain vs employing a crew member in Norway, there is a cost

rather than later.”

difference there, so airlines are looking to hire crew in the areas

Confident in his model, and all too aware of the difficulties

where they operate.” Co-ordinating this via OSM Aviation, airlines

crew members and airlines face without it, Espen is content to wait

don’t need to juggle the tax and other issues of taking on overseas

for the inevitable. In the meantime, OSM Aviation are working to

employees themselves.

change company perspectives; “People are sensitive about the idea

Their influence doesn’t stop there. One airline – Finnair – was

20 | Endeavour Magazine

of ‘transferring to another team’. There is so much loyalty attached

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OSM AVIATION to these logos, and I think for me to try to change these emotional

found an essay in my garage that I wrote in fifth grade. It started,

attachments for the senior guys today will be a challenge. The real

‘Welcome aboard the SAS flight bound for Tokyo. This is your

paradigm shift will be with the younger generation. As a generation,

captain speaking… ‘, and then I had an essay for four or five pages

they are more prone to switch jobs - they are not as attached to the

about my trip. I realise that I’ve achieved my dreams from when I

companies they started with as people used to be. I think we will

was a kid, and I’ve done everything I can within this career.”

see this trend occurring in the aviation industry as well.”

It’s the statement we all hope to be able to make. Espen has

Speaking of trends, OSM Aviation’s innovative model isn’t

done it, and now he’s looking to help others begin their journey with

only beginning to turn heads in the airlines themselves – their

the training to take them all the way. “In October, we announced a

competition are beginning to recognise a shift in the tide, and

flight school, and we are already beginning initial training. We will

have started mimicking the approach themselves. Once again,

take people from the streets and provide airline-ready pilots to the

the unshakable ex-pilot doesn’t seem concerned; “I think this

market, because there’s currently a great demand for pilots in the

is good – the market will get more acceptance for this solution,

market, and sourcing them is a challenge.” One of the key hooks

which I believe is the future employment model in the industry.

for OSM’s new flight school is the promise of a job at the end. “We

Competition is welcome – we’d like the challenge.

want to provide a total career, because the training is a very heavy

“One of the pillars of our strategy is being locally present in our

investment for a young person around 20 years old, if they don’t

markets. We have people in Spain, the UK, the US - 18 countries

know what’s going to be out the other end. We can recruit the best

in total. We know about the local labour markets. It would take a

people into the schools, make them airline ready, and then offer

lot of persistence from other players to establish themselves in all

them a job with OSM Aviation.”

these countries.”

It was a risk to leave well-chartered routes and venture into

For Espen, being a pilot was always the dream, although he

new skies, but for Høiby, it was an educated one: “My time with

didn’t realise how far back this went until much later. “I actually

SAS was a great learning experience. I was associated with the SAS

22 | Endeavour Magazine

Flight Academy for 15 years, and I was head of operations over 700 pilots at the Oslo base. All this knowledge acquired in that time, both in flying and as a flight instructor, has really helped me gain the background I needed.” A strong background or not, starting a new venture and convincing others to follow you in it takes a clear vision. With a genuine passion for his industry, Høiby had the energy and courage to create something truly original, and to fight its corner whilst it became a success. “To win, you have to dare to lose. If you’re going to create something, you have to dare to leap into something new. It’s a bold move, and you have to start by leading yourself. If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others.” Now leading others in earnest, between their flight school and crew management approach, OSM Aviation should continue to change aviation in the years to come, giving freedom to airlines and essential, life-changing security to employees.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

VENTRIN PETROLEUM WWW.VENTRINPETROLEUM.COM // 001 868 679 2962

DARE TO WIN The tranquil islands of Trinidad & Tobago are an appealing place to rest one’s hat. Blessed with a topquality refinery and a booming industrial hub, it is easy to assume business for the island is a laid back, easily profitable experience, especially for those in the shipping, oil and gas sectors. Yet even in this peaceful part of the Caribbean, life is never that simple - we spoke with Anne Ghent, CEO of Ventrin Petroleum, to see how the bunker company stays successful despite the strange tides keep blowing their way.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

VENTRIN PETROLEUM

Ventrin Petroleum Company Limited is a company based

in Trinidad able to provide bunkers to any vessels calling into the Gulf of Paria area, along the west coast of their industrious island. The company was started ten years ago by local Trinidadians who saw an opportunity to harness a niche market and capitalise on the industrial developments taking place in Trinidad & Tobago at the time.

nne Ghent, CEO, explained; “At the time, methanol was at

A

“One of the reasons Trinidad hasn’t gotten the predicted

the top of its game. There were, at that time, two methanol

success as a bunker hub has a lot to do with pricing. The pricing of

companies that owned about seven plants between them in

bunkers is critical in whether or not you can attract ships. We have

Point Lisas - plants that still exist today. The Point Lisas Industrial

a refinery in Trinidad, and of course the best freight options for

Estate drew in large numbers of vessels coming to access the

Ventrin will always be Trinidad – but the refinery prices in Trinidad

manufactured goods, including chemicals, that were being

are not the most competitive.” Surely customers value quality over

generated. So, local entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to provide

cost? In most markets, a happy medium between the two tends to

bunkers to vessels calling at the port.” With a high amount of traffic

win out. According to Anne, in shipping, this is far from the case:

coming to the Gulf of Paria, and in particular, to Point Lisas, the

“To a large extent, most are just interested in price. Our customers

opportunity to supply demand seemed ripe. As well as establishing

tell us frequently that they love our service, that they love how we

themselves to provide bunkers via Road Tank Wagon, Ventrin’s

operate, but most ship owners will ask for more than one price, and

founders planned to maximise their profits by setting up a pipeline.

invariably, will go with the cheapest, regardless of other things. If

“With the pipelines, the hope was these vessels could do their

you go into a port and you’re consistently getting a bad product,

loading if it was methanol or ammonia, and they could be bunkered

you might rethink that, but as long as ships aren’t hating their

simultaneously while doing their cargo operations.”

experience, they will go with the cheapest price. It’s the biggest

It was a perfect plan for seizing the opportunity before them, and Ventrin has continued to develop and perfect its bunkering

cost of operating a ship, and owners/charterers are trying to cope with it.”

ever since. However, in Ghent’s opinion, the predicted boom in the

This sort of market, then, puts Trinidadian companies under

company’s early years never fully came. “It was a really nice niche

pressure; they are well positioned geographically, located at a key

market, but it was never seen to catch the traffic that it expected”.

industrial hub, and have a superior service to offer – and yet for

Was the cause a lack of facilities? Far from it – Ventrin was well set

many vessels, the cheaper deal is more attractive. It is a situation

up to provide a superior bunkering service, and continues to do so

that has only become more complex as the oil industry has changed.

to this day. Originally an independent start-up, the company was

The apparent gold mine, as seen by Ventrin’s founders and others

gradually acquired by Staatsolie Suriname, and they are now 100%

in these industries, of course did not remain all that it was expected

owned. Both within their company, and island-wide, the quality of

to be. “A lot has changed over time. The oil price has been doing

service is undeniable. Yet, Trinidad has not held the monopoly on

what it has been doing, and methanol, which fetched top dollar

bunkering that one might expect; some would find this frustrating

some years ago, no longer does.”

or disheartening, but between Ventrin’s experience and Anne’s

As with all companies in shipping, oil and gas, the industry’s

own, she knows enough to understand what has held the region

global decline raised a question for Ventrin – scale down, or invest

back. As we all know, with understanding come the ability to adapt

outwards? Fortunately for the company, it is headed by a CEO with

and overcome:

over 20 years of experience in the field. “I’ve been with Ventrin

26 | Endeavour Magazine

VENTRIN PETROLEUM for about five years. Of that time, I’ve been CEO for three. Before

with recent, more stringent regulations. However, the project

Ventrin, I worked with Petrotrin for about 20 years: I’m a chemist

is largely an ambitious response to the current market. Having

by training, so I came into the sector through the laboratory, and

relied heavily on their bunkering services, Ventrin want to get

then I moved across to marketing. When I left Petrotrin, I was

their pipelines up and running again to give them a competitive

actually the manager of crude purchasing department.”

edge – especially as they have recently acquired some surprise

Her career has reached many corners of the oil and gas sector,

competition.

giving Ghent a broad understanding of her industry and her

“In recent months, Petrotrin has come out with a barge. They

company’s needs. “They wanted someone with oil experience.

have also been selling to us at the same price we are selling to our

Ventrin was an easy step for me – Petrotrin is a large-scale oil

customers, which has really put us under some pressure, and makes

company, and Ventrin is just one aspect of that, which is bunkers.

it hard to compete now that they are offering this barge service as

It’s a very competitive fraction, but a fraction none the less.”

well. This is one of the reasons we’ve gone with our port upgrade.

So, how has this experience given Anne the insight to keep

The one thing we do have to our advantage is our pipeline system

Ventrin operating competitively? Unlike some, she refused to

- there’s big value to ships coming in and being given pipeline

become complacent or be lulled into a false sense of security; “I

delivery, which is definitely cheaper than barge delivery. So, to

don’t think the price of crude oil is ever going to be as exciting

keep competing, we have decided to focus on our port supply via

as it used to be. There’s a thinking that when crude oil prices are

pipeline.”

down, ships use more fuel rather than less, because they’re less

This is a timely and sly response to Petrotrin’s recent effects on

worried about the price. To be honest, I haven’t seen that. I think

the market, and one that will continue to benefit Ventrin’s profits

the ship owners have been having such a rough time themselves

whether or not Petrotrin remains in the barge delivery game. Anne

they haven’t yet been able to release their tight hold on the costs.”

has her doubts that they will; “We are playing the waiting game.

It is also likely that, as we have seen many times in Endeavour,

We are in this for the long haul, and this is not their core business

fleets have expert management services charged with meticulous planning and finding cost-cutting solutions for their clients.

“Exactly,” Anne agrees. “It’s a big part of business to be sure.”

“In Trinidad, when it comes to vehicles, most fuel at the pump is subsidised, meaning the price at our pumps remains constant across the country at any one time. However, if you live in Europe or North America, the price changes from one pump to the next, depending on who owns it. I imagine people plan where they will fill their cars depending on which pump gives them the best price: ships do exactly the same thing.”

This form of operation makes sense for fleet owners, but for companies such as Ventrin, it poses questions: reduce quality in order to better compete on price, or invest in diversifying your services? At Endeavour, we are always a firm supporter of the latter, and that is exactly what Ventrin is taking on.

“This is a very busy time for us. We have two tanks - one for gas oil and one fuel oil - and a number of pipelines, and we are upgrading the entire system. We have emptied the tanks, cleaned and inspected them, and it has been a similar story with the lines. We are replacing some of the lines, repairing and updating the system, and we are using the opportunity to upgrade our procedures, policies and training of our staff as well. We are expecting the project will be finished within the first quarter 2018. For now, we have suspended the use of our barges, and we are taking this time to regroup and assess how best to go back at the market. We are still doing some bunkering, however, largely via Staatsolie.”

Partly, the upgrades are required in order to remain compliant

28 | Endeavour Magazine

– they are a refiner. We have the experience, and I think they’re finding out that there’s a lot they don’t know about the market.

They may well exit again, in which case we can pick up where we left off with barge deliveries. But in the interim, we are focusing on our pipelines.”

Curveballs such as the ones Ventrin has been thrown since it was founded are make or break moments for a company – some expand and adapt, whilst others avoid the risks. More often than not, they who dare seem to win. “When your company’s going through a tough time it really makes you sit down and look at the possibilities, and really look outside the box about how you position yourself to sustain yourself.” As well as their changes to their staff processes and physical facilities, Ventrin is revisiting several contracts and licences to re-evaluate arrangements and how these impact on their manoeuvrability. This implies that they have several more exciting innovations bubbling under the surface; “We’re taking a multi-pronged look at where we are and where we see ourselves moving for the next ten years.” Come the second quarter 2018, it sounds as though Ventrin may emerge from their chrysalis as a new force to be reckoned with – we look forward to finding out, and filling you in when they do.

Retail stores, banks, a variety of restaurants and more

Spaces available for rent

Point Lisas Industrial Estate, Atlantic Drive, 00000 Couva +1 868-636-0755

Contact 1-838-727-3964

Endeavour Magazine | 29

TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIPMANAGEMENT COMPANY WWW.TSAKOSHELLAS.GR // 0030 210 94 74 000

BEACON AND COMPASS “In a fast changing and complex world full of challenges and rough seas, our core values of trust, teamwork and tradition are our beacons and our compass as we embark on destinations and wider horizons that the vastness of the sea opens up for all on board.”

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIPMANAGEMENT COMPANY

These stirring words belong to Captain Tsakos, founder of

Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. He created the company in 1970, establishing its headquarters in Athens, Greece. Born to seafaring parents, the call of the ocean was always in Tsakos’ blood. His inspiring attitude towards sea travel was clearly contagious, as since its founding, Tsakos Shipping and Trading has expanded into a world-wide operation.

I

t grew steadily by focusing on providing high quality and safety-oriented ship management, as well as building long-term relationships with oil majors, state-owned oil companies and

PREMIUM ANTIFOULING PERFORMANCE FROM PREMIUM ANTIFOULING TECHNOLOGY

first-class charterers. Just as Cpt Tsakos emphasised the ideas of “trust, teamwork and tradition”, Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A

SEAFLO NEO CF PREMIUM is the latest antifouling from CMP, providing spectacular outturns on vessels from static to high activity. The product is focused upon delivering long term antifouling performance, reducing underwater hull resistance and providing fuel savings.

have developed a well-earned reputation for reliability, quality and efficiency. For any business looking to export their products, shipping and logistics are their last point of contact between their customers or stockists – they are not only handling items of material value, but are also in a position to affect these invaluable relationships. With all of this at stake, you need a company you can trust, which is why the Tsakos Group have become the partner of RESULT

choice for a wide range of entrepreneurs.

As an essential element in the Group’s smooth sailing, Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement (TCM) provides technical management, along with operational and crewing services to fleet of about 90 vessels. This diversified fleet contains tankers, including shuttles and LNG gas carriers, as well as dry cargo ships. The company was established in 2010 as a joint venture between Tsakos Group and Schoeller Holdings Ltd. Schoeller Holdings Ltd was established by Cpt Heinrich Schoeller; he founded the company in Cyprus, 1978,

8 Kanari Street, Piraeus, 185 38, Greece +30 - (210) 45 22 489 cmp-hellas@cmpeurope.eu www.cmp.co.jp/global

but amongst its resulting branches was Columbia Shipmanagement.

The company’s incredible success put Columbia on the shipmanagement map, and the company itself became one of the most respected in the sector.

32 | Endeavour Magazine

TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIPMANAGEMENT COMPANY The Tsakos Group now encompasses a range of shipping-related

to safe operations, and preservation of the environment through

services, as well as Tsakos Shipping & Trading and the supporting

clean and safe practices. Both onboard and onshore personnel can

Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement, they also encompass Tsakos

train at the academy; as well as training new members of staff, this

Energy Navigation Ltd, Tsakos Shipping (London) Ltd, TCM Tsakos

also allows existing TCM officers and employees to refresh and

Maritime Philippines Inc, Argosy Insurance Company Ltd, Tsakos

develop their own training, again enabling them to better adhere to

Industrias Navales and Green Projects – Uruguay.

Cpt Tsakos’ vision for the group and to better achieve the group’s

TCM’s operations made the most of the expertise brought to

ambitions to be best-in-class. It also offers the opportunity to test

the table by both its founders, not only in terms of their significant

employees on their ability to deal with higher-rank responsibilities

management expertise, but also in the practical skills of their

when promotions are being considered.

employees. Once founded, the company set out to build upon these

All of this allows TCM to get the very best out of their employees,

foundations, to not only live up to the names and reputations of its

training them to their full potential and making sure that they are

founding companies, but to move forwards from this vantage point

in the right roles for their skills and mentality. Everyone in a crew

with the aim of providing the greatest qualities service on offer to

relies on each other, and this is the same for both an onshore and

trading vessels the world over. To compete in a global game such as

offshore shipping team. TCM allow these teams to operate secure

long-distance shipping management, you are instantly a fish in a big

in the knowledge that every member has had immersive training

pool, so you have to be a biggest, or in this case, best fish out there.

and preparation, and brings the armoury of skills with them needed

To this end, TCM builds upon its founders’ reputations and

for a safe and smooth operation. This same assurance can be held

strives to establish long term client relationships. TCM is committed

by TCM’s customers, and those who rely on all Tsakos Group fleets

to safe, clean and efficient shipping operations, frequently reviews

and services.

the performance of its fleet and is not afraid to take risks in creating new initiatives for its improvement. In this ongoing quest, they have even gone as far as establishing the Maria Tsakos TCM Academy – an interactive training centre for shipping personnel. The school was created by Cpt Tsakos himself, and lovingly named after his daughter. Tsakos has always put a high value on his people, seeing employees as the key to success in all of his Group’s companies. As a man who worked his way up the seafaring ranks to the position of captain, he understands well the importance of teamwork, and that every person brings an essential element to a well-oiled crew. This belief in people inspired him to create the school, to attract new talent to the sector, as well as to maximize on the talent already present. In conjunction with the school, he created the Maria Tsakos Foundation International Centre of Maritime Research and Tradition, which both supports the academy and works to promote social recognition for the history and future of maritime professions.

The Maria Tsakos TCM Academy uses state-of-the-art Kongsberg Bridge training simulators, as well as an engine room simulator and cargo handling simulators to create a life-like learning experience. This style of learning allows trainees to react in real time to realistic-seeming situations, meaning that mistakes make greater impact and become faster-learned lessons, and yet operations are not hindered or put at risk.

Fittingly, the facility is housed at the company’s Athens headquarters. Like all of the Group’s operations, the academy attempts to embody and adhere to the principles and values of Cpt Tsakos – in particular, it upholds the importance of his commitment

34 | Endeavour Magazine

AMAZING WORLD

THE CROP TRUST

T

he Svalbard Global Seed Vault was created as a safe-guard for humanity.

Often dubbed the ‘doomsday’ vault,

the facility was constructed deep in the ice of the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, as a last chance for our survival in the event of apocalypse – an indestructible vault that would protect the seeds of plants around the globe, so that one day, we could re-grow and start again. The building looks like a climactic discovery in an end-of-days film; one can easily imagine our group of heroes trekking across the ice, finally to find the futuristiclooking metal structure rising out of the snow. The tower-like entrance to the vault is emblazoned with highly reflected shards of stainless steel, mirrors and prisms, creating a reflective, multi-directional surface as an art-piece and a beacon to those seeking out the point of hope. The installation, by Norwegian artist Dyveke Sanne and titled Perpetual Repercussion, reflects polar light in the summer months and is illuminated by 200 fibre-optic cables in the winter, making sure that the vault is always visible to those seeking it.

As reassuring an idea as it is a dramatic design, the Svalbard Seed Vault has stood guard of humanity’s future since 2008.

However, the supposedly stalwart building suffered something in 2017 that was never supposed to happen – a breech. In May this year, unexpectedly high temperatures in the Arctic following an extremely hot

surprise. The event highlighted a weakness

damage and served as a crucial warning

year led to melting as well as heavy rains.

in the vault’s design if faced with extreme

for the vault’s designers – especially as the

The uncharacteristic onslaught flooded the

weather again in the future – an event that

number of natural disasters and extreme

entrance of Svalbard’s tunnel – water that

seems increasingly likely. The vault, which is

weather events happening globally has

then froze in place, creating a glacier-like

meant to be able to maintain itself without

quadrupled since 1970. It seems that

obstacle. Fortunately, water did not reach

human input, was watched around the clock

their work in response to this has already

the vault itself, and all seeds stored were

until conditions returned to safe levels, and

restored people’s faith in the structure,

kept at their desired safe temperature of

the team have been working tirelessly on

and has turned minds to thinking about the

-18C.

fresh solutions to truly protect the structure

weather’s effects not only on the building

against any environmental outcome.

itself, but the crops that it may one day

The breach took the Nordic government, who commissioned and own the vault, by 36 | Endeavour Magazine

Fortunately, the incident left no lasting

yield. On World Food Day, October 16th,

the Crop Trust delivered a precious cargo

a come-back – the bean itself is back from

the Crop Trust has worked with over 100

of 4,690 samples to Svalbard, including an

the dead! Whilst almost extinct in Bermuda,

institutions in more than 80 countries

endangered yet extremely wind-resistant

CIAT have successfully multiplied the seed

to gather and protect crop samples. This

plant known as the Bermuda bean. Currently

(going from just 15 seeds to over 6,000), so

includes a system of international gene

on the International Union for Conservation

that the species is conserved and available

banks, with which they aim to build a global

of Nature (IUCN) watch list, the Bermuda

for future breeding and research. The

network of availability and conservation of

bean has evolved a vigorous root system

samples were deposited at Svalbard by the

all major food crops. They are one of the

that makes it more resistant to intense

International Centre for Tropical Agriculture

three operators of Svalbard itself, working

winds, such as those experienced in recent

(CIAT) in Colombia, one of 11 such gene

as a three-way cooperative with the

hurricanes around the globe. It is thought

banks supported by the Crop Trust. The

Norwegian Government and the Nordic

that plant breeders could use the traits of

Bermuda bean was originally collected by

Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen). Other

this bean to develop more wind-resistant

the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Botanical

organisations depositing samples at Svalbard

crops, thus protecting them against a future

Gardens and its partners.

include ICRISAT (India), CIAT (Colombia) and

of extreme weather events such as the ones

The Crop Trust describes itself as the

CIP (Peru). With their latest deposit, the

we are seeing associated with increasing

only international organisation devoted

Svalbard Vault now holds 891,151 crop

climate change.

solely to ensuring the conservation and

samples from nearly every country around

Amazingly, this bean is not only being

availability of crop diversity worldwide.

the world.

protected in case humanity needs to fight for

As well as supporting the Svalbard Vault, Endeavour Magazine | 37

NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL WWW.NEPC.GOV.NG // 00234 9 291 0966

MORE, FURTHER, BETTER Nigeria is known for its oil and gas, but this is only the tip of what the country has to offer.

From agriculture to art, the Nigerian people are talented and hardworking; to make sure this work is duly rewarded, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council was founded to grow, promote and improve the country’s export trade, 40 years later, they are still working to put Nigeria ever more firmly in the global market, building their country a name and reputation that goes beyond the oil and gas sector.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) was

founded and formally inaugurated in 1977. Whilst the orders that put the council in place have been through several changes and amendments in the 40 years since, their mission has remained the same: “To make the world a market place for Nigerian non-oil products.”

T

he oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of Nigerian industry,

manufacturers to develop the products themselves, to guide how

but it is a far from straight-forward sector; as well as modern

to make them most valued when exported, and even working with

questions over the sustainability of the industry, the sector

the wider market to secure and promote Nigeria’s place within it.

has been through dramatic challenges ranging from vandalism,

Of course, you can’t develop a system without working with

terrorism and political unrest. For these reasons, and to make sure

the people, which is why NEPC provide HR training to personnel

that their economy’s eggs were not all in one troubled basket, the

working with the sector, and well as training for those working

NEPC was formed to encourage the other products and markets

within export industries themselves. In part, these programmes are

that Nigerian exports could explore. “for sustainable and inclusive

organized by the NEPC and the Nigeria government themselves,

economic growth”

but they also frequently work with foreign missions from overseas

To build a strong contender for, or supplement to, the oil and

charities to co-ordinate sponsorship and training programmes that

gas sector, the NEPC is not only promoting the growth of existing

are provided this way. Working in cooperation with these charities

export trades, but also the trade’s continuing diversification, to

means the NEPC can direct their efforts to what is most needed

ensure that all of the country’s trades are represented and able to

in Nigerian export. They also provide a trade information service

benefit. This is for the good of Nigeria as a country, as well as its

to the Nigerian people, make access to essential information far

individual residents – with diversified export, more farmers and

easier, allowing operations to move more smoothly and for the

workers are able to create a promising life for themselves, and as a

most beneficial choices to be made by all parties.

nation, the economy can grow stronger and more stable.

This collecting and sharing of data may seem the least dramatic

Developing export goes beyond legislation and organization,

of NEPC’s operations, but it is a complex and never-resting task

although developing better policies and programs is an essential

that forms the backbone of the services and support they are

part of the NECP’s operations as a go-between for Nigerian

able to offer. From market research to publishing marketing

industry and the government. However, the process also calls for

opportunities that exist abroad, they are able to inform the sector

the practical development of export-related industries themselves.

on the opportunities waiting to be seized, and how best to seize

This includes packaging and logistics, including transport on

them. Having their thumb on the data pulse also allows them to

road, air and sea. It also involves searching for new and creative

organize essential events, such as international trade fairs and

ways to inject life into export trade, such as created appropriate

exhibitions to show off Nigerian products, as well as planning and

export incentives. Finally, it means working with farmers and

running trade missions.

40 | Endeavour Magazine

NIGERIAN EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL Looking more closely at their work with products, the NEPC’s

development, through to education and even the music, film and

Product Development Department focuses on identifying suitable

entertainment sectors. As well as launching a pilot project into

products for export to the foreign markets, and once these

international outsourcing of IT services, Nigeria, through the NEPC,

have been chosen, developing them to the right standard, and

has begun working to promote and develop its arts sectors, and in

supporting their producers in their manufacture and preparation.

particular its film industry. Whilst up against stiff competition, the

This includes advise on product design, packaging, quality

country is rightly looking to utilize every people-group and skill set,

standards and even pricing. They perform these services in a range

to the benefit of not only the economy, but artists’ lives.

of industries, including agriculture, consumer goods and solid

Differences such as these allow the Nigerian people to reach

minerals. Their work in agriculture is particularly important; whilst

beyond national borders and to bring new business into the country.

it is also supported by Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture itself, NEPC

The more diversified these avenues are, the less the economy will

work closely with farmers through awareness campaigns on good

need to rely on the complex oil and gas market. Whilst other bodies

agricultural practices, as well as providing workshops, seminars and

exist to protect Nigeria’s oil and gas interests, strengthening their

training sessions.

other industries by enabling them to secure and navigate better

However, the NEPC were serious when they claimed they would

trade will make for a stronger, more widely flourishing country, with

diversify Nigeria’s exports: on top of this work in the traditional

success available to all sectors and types of talent. That’s the dream

industry sectors, the council has also worked hard in creating

for any country, and the NEPC aren’t losing sight of that vision for

awareness campaigns for the export of services - a lesser thought

their own.

of but extremely profitable form of export: that of Nigerian talent itself. The push let to the creation of the Nigeria National Strategy for the Export Professional Services, which officially focuses on a range of sectors, from financial series, ICT and software

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In the event of an accident or a stone or other object striking the glass, the likelihood of penetration into the vehicle cabin is lower.

Insulating glass also called double glazed glass keeps temperatures constant whether in cold seasons or hot. It is comprised of two panes of glass separated by an air or other gas filled space to reduce heat.

In vehicles such as school buses, insulating glass helps keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.

The specialized glass merchant with the most sophisticated technology and equipment under one roof in Nigeria.

No 2 Dar Es Salaam Close, off Amino Kano Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria +234 (80) 54575376 +234 (80) 61550001 info@aaglassng.com aaglassng.com 42 | Endeavour Magazine

R

R R RR

Endeavour Magazine | 43

SWISSLION TAKOVO WWW.SWISSLION-TAKOVO.COM // 00381 11 20 69 300

GROWING TOGETHER Made up of companies with decades of experience, SwisslionTakovo’s products are tastier and more popular than ever. The Serbian company produce delicious foods and snacks for children and adults, from luxurious chocolate treats to healthy drinks. We took a closer look at this scrummy company to see how they’ve been putting a smile on South-East Europe’s faces since they opened, almost a dozen factories ago.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SWISSLION TAKOVO

In the valleys of Trebinje, Bosnia, golden light seems to

flow slowly over the slopes, like a light treacle or a fine misting of sugar over a sleepy-looking town. Rolling hills of green, dotted with picturesque, toy-town trees and buildings, make the area look destined for a biscuit tin picture. The white stone and warm terracotta-coloured rooftops of the town are bright, warm and welcoming in the sunlight; this calm, quiet city is one of the many idyllic homes of SwisslionTakovo’s chocolate and confectionary factories.

F

ounded in 1997, the company was originally known for. Over

The company describe themselves as “an empire in the field of

the years, they have gradually expanded their product range,

quality and healthy food production”, claiming that “the application

branching out from biscuits to include sweets, ice cream and

of modern technology and advanced knowledge, as well as

even baby foods. Starting out in Serbia, the company now also

continuous training processes, set high standards of business,

has facilities in Macedonia, Croatia and, of course, Bosnia and

living and working in Swisslion-Takovo.” Their fully automated

Herzegovina. Their single factory has become eleven, with ten built

line creates biscuits in a manner that will have the Willy Wonka

in Serbia and one in Macedonia, and their employee now total the

and the Chocolate Factory opening credits playing in your mind,

thousands.

or perhaps Edward Scissorhands’ cookie machine. The facilities

Swisslion-Takovo’s Trebinje factory, whilst an industrial facility

each house numerous machines, with every one as fun to watch in

by nature, mimics the colours of the town with its white walls and

action as the rest. White and red labels whizz past like ribbons on

warm reds. The facility, which cost the company over €20 million

spools, vast sheets of biscuit squares run under pouring chocolate,

in total, has an appearance that evokes the excitable, childish joys

and confectionaries of all kinds zoom around the room in various

stirred by what’s inside: chocolate, biscuits, even ice cream. It is a

stages of their separate dances. It’s enough to make your mouth

clean, welcoming factory fit for a whimsical industry.

water for the goodies being produced, and your inner child to clap

This look and feel is shared by all of the company’s locations.

is excitement at the mechanical circus in motion.

The sheer number of locations explains not only the confectioner’s

Whilst production is automated by top-end machines,

vast output, but also their broad range of products. Their two main

personnel oversee the entire process. Dressed in sanitary white,

factories are located in Vršac, North-Eastern Serbia, and Gornji

they monitor, package and transport the treats, as well as making

Milanovac, Central Serbia. The North-Eastern factory is dedicated

sure that quality standards never slip. Don’t let the production line

to confectionary production, including biscuits, chocolate bars,

fool you – every product in these factories is made with love!

wafers, sweets and Turkish Delight, whilst the central facility

Of course, Swisslion don’t just produce confectionaries – they

manufactures food products such as pasta, soups and fruit juices.

own many facilities, creating everything from healthy drinks to

Overall, the company’s best-known products are their Eurocrem

baby foods. Perhaps the most glee-inducing of these is their ice-

(chocolate spread), Eurodessert (chocolates) and Viljamovka (pear

cream factory. Swisslion-Takovo’s ice cream factory was added

brandy) and even Juvitana (baby food).

to their arsenal in 2011 and quickly became a major part of their

Each factory is fully automated, producing the company’s

operations. It’s hard to say, ‘ice cream factory’ without a swell of

beloved products on the most high-end and up-to-date machines.

childish excitement, and this factory has plenty on the production

46 | Endeavour Magazine

SWISSLION TAKOVO slate to be excited about: promising “perfection of flavour, high

in part to expand the company’s hold on their Croatian market.

quality and natural ingredients”, Swisslion claim that their ice cream

As one unit with many parts, Swisslion-Takovo was the brain-

will “delight you once more with its richness”, with high-levels of

child of Rodoljub Drašković, whose clear vision and contagious

cocoa butter in their chocolate flavourings and carefully selected

energy fuelled the merger and inspired the resulting company with

natural fruits for many of their other 54 total flavours. Combining

this message – “Business can be done here, done well, and new

these natural ingredients with modern methods, the factory’s totally

values can be created.” The mission included the desire to become

automated production line is able to produce 30 million litres of ice

the most powerful player in South-East Europe’s food industry,

cream a year – try to imagine that much ice cream without grinning.

as well as playing a significant role in Serbia’s overall economic

Like any sizable and successful company, Swisslion-Takovo’s

development. As well as these lofty aims, they aim to price

origin story isn’t simple. The Swisslion Group traces its origins from

competitively, distribute promptly, and offer a wider and mouth-

the Takovo company, founded in 1962 in Gornji Milanovac, whilst

watering assortment of treats to choose from.

Swisslion itself was founded in 1991. Takovo was state-owned

Swisslion and Takovo’s now symbiotic relationship is perhaps

during the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and was one of

best illustrated with their most iconic product; Eurocrem, the

the country’s biggest industrial companies. Swisslion and Takovo

brand’s popular hazelnut and vanilla flavoured sweet milk chocolate

merged in 2004 under name Swisslion-Takovo, following Swisslion’s

spread. Half white, half brown, the two products are sold together

acquisition of Takovo through a public tender. Whilst Swisslion’s

in one tub as a yin-yang of flavours. Often marketed with the

focus has always been on the sweet side of things, Takovo brought

image of a slice of toast, half covered in one spread and half in the

their savoury foods and healthy drinks into the mix. Is this double-

other, the product’s most recent slogan is “We grow together”. It is

threat wasn’t enough, the company also incorporated Juvitana,

a perfect metaphor for Swisslion-Takovo’s journey together – two

producers of children’s food, and Sisak, a Croatian biscuit factory

elements, one sweet, one savoury, but together, something that is

involved in the production of the Euro Jaffa biscuit brand, secured

inarguably delicious. We couldn’t imagine one without the other.

and Swisslion-Takovo – Partners in Success We are taking pride in creating success for business partners. In the confectionary industry the development and the right choice of the applied fat is a most important factor for the final quality, a smooth production process and a short and reliable supply chain.

© Fotolia.com

Our partners receive full technological support with all our expertise.

Wels, Austria

48 | Endeavour Magazine

www.vfi.co.at

POLA MARIS WWW.POLA.COM.CY // 0032 3727 1510

FROM SHIP TO SHORE It takes a strong hand on the tiller to guide a company through the choppy waters of the everchanging dry bulk shipping industry, but the Pola Group is fortunate enough to have an outstanding team of professionals always on hand, which piqued Endeavour Magazine’s interest.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

POLA MARIS

The Pola Group is no small fish, with the group having

been founded back in 2006 with the aim of offering significant shareholder interests within the competitive dry bulk shipping industry.

W

hile financial markets have been hit with prolonged periods of fiscal turbulence, the Pola Group has consistently kept it’s head above water, through expertly managed projects

and a bolder approach to cargo transportation, “The Pola Group operates in high end, niche markets. We are specialised in difficult trades, shipping under the harshest, coldest, restricted, time pressured and extreme conditions in the world, from the coldest winters in Russia to the shallowest river ports in South America.”

While lesser operations may seek the easier, safer bets, it’s the challenge of always rising to the occasion for demanding clients that puts fire in the bellies of the Pola Group staff and makes it so much easier for them to secure new contracts. Yet there is more to be considered, such as expanding the fleet of ships, which has been a goal of the company for some time.

With shipyard costs already at an all-time high, the Pola Group has been patiently waiting for a lull in fleet-building costs, so that the already impressive haul of ships can be increased to a gargantuan 20, wholly owned. Speaking in 2015, the Pola Group gave an insight into future developments that are central to the continued success of the operation, “Once the Chinese shipyards return to reasonable prices, our plan will be to order other new builds in order to reach a fleet of 20 owned handysize bulk carriers. After that, we will focus on the second step of the business strategy, which includes handymax and panamax ships.”

52 | Endeavour Magazine

POLA MARIS One can only imagine the types of contracts that could be feasibly tendered for, with a number of panama ships in the fleet

with an overall economic recovery and at the same time offering a reliable service with competitive prices to our clients.”

as well, but given that close to three million tons of cargo was

And there it is; the secret to the Pola Group’s longstanding

transported successfully in 2014, generating a turnover of $90

success! While other operations might not see long-term potential

million, it’s safe to say that the future is definitely looking like plain

in the dry bulk shipping industry or envisage financial recovery

sailing. But isn’t that the result of a leadership team that manages to

and growth, the team here, do. Far from being out for every dollar

simplify even the most complex, responsible and high-risk projects,

possible from clients that are faced with limited options, the Pola

in a bid to offer clients consistent peace of mind?

Group strive to always offer competitive rates, reliable service and

The Pola Group prefers not to offer predictions as to the future,

an approach to dangerous cargo transportation that sets it apart

focusing only on the here and now and hoping for an upturn in

from every other competitor. What could be a tricky delivery for

shipping rates and profitability. Having purchased the existing fleet

one freight company, which would seek to make it financially

of ships for what they describes as “low cyclical prices”, the Pola

worth it’s while, is nothing more than an everyday load for the Pola

Group enjoys an enviable position,

Group, being priced as such with a view to securing a long-term

“Our fleet has been acquired under low cyclical prices, giving us

relationship with a new client.

an excellent risk management position and in addition, we focus on

This show of patience is no surprise, given that the Pola Group

developing nations where semi-processed and raw material play an

has new ship builds lined up, but on pause, until Chinese shipyards

important role in their trades.”

can offer to complete the work for more competitive prices,

They went on to clarify,

“When freight rates soar, Chinese shipyards will return to

“We usually load carry iron ore, coal, aluminium, steels,

quoting handysize new builds at reasonable prices, which is below

agricultural products, fertilisers, dangerous goods under voyages,

$20 million. We are interested and ready to sign new contracts for

time charters or COAs. We’re consistently extracting significant

building handysize bulk carriers, but we are patient.”

value from our operations, as freight rates and asset values improve

54 | Endeavour Magazine

While clients are keen to see their needs met within a timely

fashion and to strict budgets, the Pola Group team recognises that behind every on-time delivery is a finely orchestrated project. It’s like a ballet, with every individual being vital for a cohesive and seemingly effortless display of strength and professionalism. It might not be de rigueur for high-level managers to sing the praises of their less executive colleagues, but things are different at the Pola Group, with executives citing their energetic, enthusiastic and experienced staff as the reason why the Pola Group looks to have such a positive future ahead of it, “Our clients count on us to offer them flexibility, fast response times and reliability, whatever their needs. With a young fleet and a highly motivated multicultural staff, Pola firmly believes in their bright and successful future.�

Whilst the Pola Group is consistently supplying the Maritime arm with enough projects to keep it busy, the entire team has all the patience in the world, when it comes to waiting for financial markets to offer a little window of profitability. One thing is for certain though; as soon as shipyard costs reduce and the fleet can be expanded, there will be no stopping the Pola Group; so watch this space for updates.

Endeavour Magazine | 55

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION - NCC WWW.NCC.ORG.ZM // 00260 1 247185

INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY When the economy sends you grey skies, the temptation can be to hunker down and protect your resources until they pass. However, in business, opportunities need to be seized upon fast, and this can’t be on done on a national scale unless the resources and personnel are already in place. We took at a look at Zambia’s National Council for Construction to see how they prepared the country for its industrial upswing, and how they continue to encourage and empower Zambia’s national development today.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION - NCC In October 1964, Zambia achieved independence from the

United Kingdom. Four years later, the Joint Liaison Council for the Construction Industry (JLC) was formed, with the goal of overseeing and streamlining the country’s construction efforts. This would be the chrysalis within which National Council for Construction (NCC) would form, but it would not emerge and formally begin operations until 1998. This lengthy incubation period was due, in part, to turbulent political changes for Zambia over these three decades, as we see time and again when a country embraces and finds it feet in a new era of independence.

S

hortly after Zambia’s separation from the UK, it faced a serious blow to its economy. Copper had long been the country’s main export; in the mid-1970s, the price of copper took a

drastic global plunge in the mid-1970s, threatening desperate ramifications for the Zambian people. Given these declined prices, the cost of transporting copper to its markets at all was a great strain on Zambia, further crippling the industry. The country turned to foreign lenders to get it through this dry patch, expecting the price to rise again in mining’s usual pattern of ups and downs.

However, twenty years later, the situation had not improved, and Zambia could no longer handle its mounting debts. In fact, their per

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capita foreign debt became amongst the highest in the world.

Upon becoming independent in 1964, Zambian prime minister

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party state since he removed his rivals in 1972, Kaunda faced riots

However, the extent of the country’s debt put growing strain on the Kaunda administration’s popularity. Ruling the country as a onefrom Zambians demanding that he reinstate multi-party elections.

Anti-Kaunda feeling was so strong that 1990 saw an attempted coup. Shortly after, Kaunda responded to and re-instated multiparty elections, which promptly resulted in his removal from power.

58 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION - NCC Under the new government, let by Frederick Chiluba, responses to Zambia’s economic difficulties needed to be found. The party,

and facilitate national development in Zambia, despite the national difficulties that existed on its inception.

Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), prioritised private

By overseeing the industry and serving as a go-between, the

sector led policies; they knew that with its reliance on copper

council is not only in a position to encourage communication and

still in jeopardy, Zambia needed to make sure that it would keep

collaboration between companies, but it is also able to ensure

growing and developing its business and infrastructure, instead

that industrial practices remain open and fair. Following Zambia’s

of falling stagnant, if recovering were ever to be possible. It was

issues with the previous government, integrity was a central tenet

further decided that for meaningful development to occur in the

of the NCC when it formed. Its core values are accountability,

circumstances, the country needed an official body representing

transparency and zero tolerance to corruption – values they are not

all issues related to the construction industry to give this growth

only committed to upholding in their own practices, but protecting

direction. Without this organization, the sector had no easy channel

and enforcing in the wider construction sector as well. Especially

through which to co-ordinate its efforts, nor personal reasons to do

in times of financial difficulty, corruption and backroom-dealing in

so – through an organizational body, business practices could be

the industrial sector could further choke development by creating

steered towards sustainability and cooperation, with the country’s

closed doors and unofficial monopolies.

needs in mind rather than simply individual profit.

For almost four years, the NCC was following its charge to

Thus, the NCC was formed; the council’s mission was to promote

regulate business practices, but had not been granted any actual

and build the capacity of the Zambian construction industry

legal and regulatory authority to do so! Finally, in 2003, the

by serving as a middle-man between all trade organisations and

National Council for Construction Act No. 13 was passed, bringing

professional bodies in the sector. Through encouraging the active

the NCC’s authority in line with the task it had been given. From

participation of its constituents in the planning and construction of

then, the NCC were able to register all contractors, affiliations of

infrastructure, it sought, and continues to seek to enhance, support

professional bodies or organizations involves in the construction

!

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NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSTRUCTION - NCC industry, and so make sure that these registered parties adhere

Zambia to respond to this new business and foreign investment,

to proper business standards. Through this authority, the NCC’s

but meant its workers were in a better position to compete with

presence could now serve to make sure that smaller businesses

workers coming from overseas. The council is even beginning work

are able to participate and compete, and work practices remain

in position Zambia to participate in the sustainability race by going

accountable and above-board.

greener – an aim that not only benefits the planet, but will also save

The NCC do not just exist to police company practices, however.

them substantial amounts of money when it comes to energy. This

As well as encouraging high working standards, they make this

push is being promoted by the Zambia Green Jobs Program, who

more possible by providing and facilitating training for employees

NCC recently committed to supporting in their efforts to future-

across the sector. They are also able to guide construction work

proof their country ready for the next industrial game-changes, just

to make sure that it does not only occur in the most profitable,

as NCC managed before them.

but the most needed areas. The NCC notices that infrastructure development had previously largely been restricted to urban areas such as Lusaka and the Copperbelt, which left rural areas without access to vital services, and also made it difficult to access the natural resources in these areas.

In the 2000s, Zambia’s economy stabilized, largely due to a rise in investment within the mining sector and a recovery in copper prices.

This led to a rise in investor confidence in Zambia, and thankfully, it now had the evenly-spread infrastructure and construction capabilities in place to seize this sudden opportunity. It also had the capabilities in its construction personnel, which not only allowed

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MORE THAN A NICKEL When great minds come together, lifechanging things can be achieved. When these minds are at the helms of three independently successful companies, it is hard to place limits on the joint venture they could produce. Ambatovy was born out of such a collaboration; the ambitious mining operation was founded as an international effort by three companies who saw an opportunity overseas and seized it. This opportunity was an untapped nickel deposit of incredible size, and the place was Madagascar.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

AMBATOVY MINES

Ambatovy has many claims to fame – the mining venture

is one of the most ambitious industrial operations not only in Madagascar, but all of Africa and the Indian Ocean Region. It is also the largest foreign investment ever made in the country, totaling a whopping US$8 billion. Ambatovy’s founders weren’t holding back, and with good reason; the operation is in a strong position to become the world’s biggest lateritic nickel mine, with tonnes of refined cobalt and agricultural fertilizer thrown in as a profitable bonus.

T

he companies positioned to benefit, and the three that

and health-related programmes to assist and aid Ambatovy’s

made this all possible, are Sherritt International Corporation,

employees.

Sumitomo Corporation, and Korea Resources Corporation

As well as a hefty output, Ambatovy is a notable undertaking for

(KRC), from Canada, Japan and Korea, respectively. As well as

Madagascar in terms of physical size. As well as the mine site itself,

turning an extremely healthy profit, the founding companies

an ore preparation plant needed to be constructed and staffed, as

hope Ambatovy will contribute to sustainable development in

well as a new pipeline, the wider Plant Site, a Tailings facility and

Madagascar, which they hope to achieve largely through the huge

additions to the Port of Toamasina. Not stopping here, Ambatovy

boost the project has and will continue to be to the country’s

also invested in better tying its new commodities together,

economy. Explorations and the construction of infrastructure came

including the laying and upgrading of numerous roadworks across

to a head in 2012, with production testing being completed in

Madagascar. Some of these roads had been closed since 1969, but

2014 and financial completion achieved in 2015. The mine is now

thanks to Ambatovy, now allowed eleven remote rural communities

fully operational, and is predicted to soon yield 60,000 tonnes of

to have finally have easy access to markets and essential services.

refined nickel. 5,600 tonnes of refined cobalt and 210,000 tonnes

The company even invested in even the creation of an entirely

of ammonium sulphate fertiliser every year – a bounty which is

new 12 km railway line, now operated and maintained by Madarail.

predicted to last for the next three decades.

Even though the new line ran completely parallel to an existing one

With figures like this, it’s no wonder that Sherritt, Sumitomo

between the Port and the Plant Site, the new one was needed in

and KRC invested so heavily in the venture, and it is also no surprise

order to create the capacity that would be needed for the mine’s

that Ambatovy predict prosperity for Madagascar off the back of it.

tremendous forecasted output.

The output will make nickel Madagascar’s new top export, which

So what lies behind this predicted profit? The mine site itself

will have a dramatic ripple effect on its economy. As well as taxes

is located 80 km east of Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital. Two

on these profitable exports, the construction and now operation

large lateritic nickel, about 3km apart from each other, combine

of this mine has naturally led to vast amounts of job creation, as

to represent one of the world’s largest lateritic nickel reserves,

well as investment in the country’s wider infrastructure, education

covering an area of about 1,600 ha with depths ranging from 20-

66 | Endeavour Magazine

AMBATOVY MINES 100 m. Operations are made simpler by the soft nature of the

ingeniously, as a part of the company’s dedication to sustainable

ore, meaning that blasting does not need to be used. Instead, the

business and returns, this ore is not the only product used from the

resource is surface-mined by hydraulic excavators and delivered

mine. Ambatovy doesn’t even let the waste go to waste - instead,

to the Ore Preparation Plant (OPP) for processing. Here, the soft

the soil’s waste materials are the source of the mine’s bonus third

lateritic soil is separated from rock and waste material, and then

resource – the ammonium sulphate fertiliser.

mixed with water so that it can be transported via Ambatovy’s

Even the materials Ambatovy can’t use aren’t left behind;

pipelines in the form of a slurry. The pipes are able to shoot 826

anything left over that holds no sale or industrial value is known

tonnes of this slurried ore to the plant site per hour. ‘Shoot’ may be

as ‘tailings’. These materials are mixed with limestone to neutralise

the wrong word, as this sluggish material travels 220 km downhill

them, and shipped to the company’s purpose-built tailings facility.

to the site at just over walking pace, making the total journey time

This is a secure area where treated residue is discharged for

approximately 30 hours!

permanent safe-keeping according to the highest international

This precious pipeline is, like pipelines the world over, at risk

standards and requirements. In essence, the materials are buried

from vandals if not protected – this is why it was constructed

and covered by shallow lakes which, over time, inevitably fill as

using a standard ‘cut and cover’ method to an average depth of

more rocks and similar materials are added. As this happens, the

1.5 m. In certain areas, Ambatovy drilled horizontally beneath the

excess water is sent to the ocean. Due to the materials below its

surface, leaving stretches of Madagascar’s scenic rivers and forests

surface, this water has a high mineral content, but it is both similar

untouched. Where this wasn’t possible, extensive work has already

to that of seawater, and any difference is quickly absorbed by the

been done to restore the landscape to its original state.

vastness of the ocean. When a Tailing site is completely filled by

Once at the Plant Site, the ore undergoes the hydrometallurgical process, a series of steps involving water and chemical compounds on the soil to eventually yield refined nickel and cobalt. However,

68 | Endeavour Magazine

rocks in this manner, it is reclaimed, and work will begin to restore it as a seamless part of the natural landscape once more.

Before Ambatovy, Madagascar had limited infrastructure,

not only in terms of systems that could support the mine’s operations, but in terms of the residents’ lives as a whole. From three foreign investors, the country has been boosted industrially and economically, as well as gaining other life-changing benefits such as a new water treatment plant, plants to produce oxygen, hydrogen, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen sulfide, a power plant and a fully equipped, professionally staffed medical clinic. The jobs, roads and tax money the company brought with them would be boost enough, but across the board, Ambatovy have gone out of their way to help their community at the same time as themselves. The mines they operate have a phenomenal output that will continue to do good for Madagascar for the three decades they yield, and the domino-effects of this will carry on for far longer. Who knows what other operations and developments will become possible in the country off the back of the opportunities and resources Ambatovy can create?

Endeavour Magazine | 69

AUTOMOTIVES MAZDA 6 SKYACTIV-D 2.2 TOURER

T

his month, I had the pleasure of test driving the fully-loaded Mazda 6 SkyActiv-D 2.2 Tourer, in ‘Soul Red’.

My first impressions were good; with its stylish body shape, finished with 19-inch bright alloys, this car certainly stands out from the crowd, especially comparing to the Skoda and Fords estates. With a long journey to the North ahead, and a family to keep entertained, I have to say I was looking forward to finding my way around Mazda’s latest stylish Tourer.

The smart keyless entrance system allows you to start/stop at the press of a button (clutch to be depressed), and like the rest of the Mazda 6’s gadgets and gizmos, was user friendly and easy to use -

an

important thing if, like me, you can find a car full of gadgets a little overwhelming.

Upon getting behind the wheel, I found that I took to the car quickly: it’s easy to see how the Mazda 6 has become a fan favourite. I was immediately impressed with the active driving display, which allows essential driving information to be projected within your eye line, displaying speed, directions and emergency warnings to the driver without the need of moving your head.

The Mazda 6’s separate heated seating system allowed for the activation of three heat settings at leisure, and it was also nice to have a heated steering wheel for those colder mornings. The interior felt luxurious and extremely comfortable - perfect for the long journey ahead - and was kitted out in a stone leather trim finish. I perhaps wouldn’t

It isn’t long until you get a real sense of

6 definitely came into its own once you get it

recommend this light colour for a family with

enjoyment from this car. Throughout both

into third. It was fun putting its acceleration

kids, as over time the leather will mark far

legs of the journey, from start to finish, I felt

to the test, especially off roundabouts exits!

quicker than your standard black interior!

safe and comfortable, in seating that almost

The Tourer was equipped with an

That said, the cabin really had a spacious,

seems to hug you (8-way adjustable power

amazing BOSE surround sound system.

roomy feel, even with the entire family

seats will get you there). The car has power -

Even the most discerning speaker snobs

inside. There is absolutely masses of space in

real power - to ensure danger can be averted

would be impressed with the sound quality

the rear for passengers, all with USB ports,

at any given time. Admittedly, I found going

provided by the 11 precisely-positioned

compartments and holders within reaching

from first to second gear a little lumpy in

speakers, which offer maximum listening

distance. This car also has a large 522-litre

comparison to the smoothness you get as

pleasure with no expense spared. I also

boot, providing plenty of room for luggage.

you go into the higher gears, but the Mazda

liked the media system, which offers a DAB

70 | Endeavour Magazine

it is easy to manoeuvre this hefty city saloon

radio and a plugin for phones and tablets

and safety performance. It’s brilliant.

into and out of the tightest of spots; the

There was so much more to explore

beeps will soon tell you if you’re getting

in this car, and I felt the Mazda 6 offered

too close to the car in front, and a series of

a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining

colour coded lines and beeps indicate how

driving experience. To me, everything within

close you’re getting. I had one gripe about

and outside the car is fantastic, to the point

the screen, however – it would have been

where I will seriously consider the Mazda 6

a nice touch if it could fold away into the

as my next car purchase

dashboard when the engine is cut.

Thank you, Mazda! I look forward in

for passengers in the back. The hands-free

I was hugely impressed with the car’s

Bluetooth system is easy to work, and with

fuel economy; it’s a heavy motor, fully laden

all its controls located on the steering wheel,

with my family and suitcases and yet it’s

Engine 4 cylinders, 2191cc, diesel;

there is minimal distraction.

reviewing your next model!

performance was entirely unaffected. The

Power 148bhp at 5500rpm;

Everything about the car is designed to

car’s SKYACTIV technology is as much about

Torque 280lb ft at 1800-2600rpm;

make driving it that little bit easier, and this

fuel economy low emissions as it is about

Gearbox 6-spd manual;

was demonstrated perfectly by the Mazda

performance. By maximising the Mazda

Kerb weight 1420kg;

6’s numerous parking assistance functions.

6’s dynamics, this technology enables the

0-62mph 9.2sec; Top speed 130mph;

Thank to the 7-inch touch screen, which is

Mazda 6 to deliver a unique mix of driving

Economy 67.3mpg (combined);

connected to both front and back cameras,

pleasure and outstanding environmental

CO2/tax band 110g/km Endeavour Magazine | 71

Making life easier for fleet managers everywhere

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING CO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD WWW.STEC.NET // 65 6391 9150

BENEATH THE DREAM Shanghai boasts one of the most iconic cityscapes in the world.

Its skyline is recognisable at a glance, the Yangtze River reflecting its towers of glass and steel for double the impact. Yet, for a city to have impressive heights, it must also have impressive depths; we took a look at the Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company, masterful subterranean co-ordinators of infrastructure, to see what hidden magic works beneath the veil of the stunning city views we see.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING CO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD Amongst China’s many staggering industrial

achievements is its position amongst the world’s construction crème-de-la-crème. Kept company by areas of Europe and the Middle East, when it comes to technologically advanced towers and megaprojects, China is one of the first countries that spring to mind. From the introduction of super-skyscrapers, challenging what was previously thought possible in high-reaching architecture, to sci-fi-esque mountain villages blending futuristic living into the limestone cliffs and green hills around them, China has impressed the world with its designs time and again, much as it has throughout the country’s history.

he city-state of Shanghai is the glittering jewel on China’s

T

In their own words, STEC describe their mission as “striving

crown. Widely considered the birthplace of modern Chinese

to build a new city model for modern living, providing intelligent

architecture, Shanghai has ambitiously stayed ahead of

infrastructure and operation services that can meet the demand of

Chinese infrastructure for the past 150 years, a trend-setting

modern urban management, establishing a more advanced, secure

hub of developing technology, thanks to the Shanghai Municipal

and intelligent city.” Based in Shanghai, the effects of their work lie

Engineering Administration and the Public Utilities Board. The

under and within most essential parts of the city’s infrastructure.

city’s sky-scraping art pieces would have any visitor’s necks craning

The niche nature of their operations has given STEC an enviable

upwards, yet ‘up’ is not the only direction Shanghai moves in.

foothold in the market; they perform an essential, highly specific

What goes up must come down; the towering beauty of the city is

service, and they do it extremely well.

supported by a labyrinth of subterranean engineering. As a city ever

From this secure position, the company is now looking to move

growing and evolving, these works are complex and must always be

beyond its staple transit projects and other public infrastructure

of the highest possible quality – it is demanding work that requires

works, and to expand into new areas of operations – namely by

expertise. This is where the Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Company

expanding into news international ventures. This is not the first

(STEC) Singapore steps up to the plate.

time they have expanded: the company already covers 15 overseas

So who are STEC Singapore? They describe themselves as service

markets, including Singapore, India, Hong Kong, Macau, Poland, and

providers for urban management upgrading and infrastructure

Angola. They are focusing their latest push on the Southeast Asian

operation. To break it down, they engage in metro and cross-

market, specifically Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Indonesia.

river tunnel construction, sewerage, drainage, water-intake and

The company hopes that this expansion will raise the stature of

discharge for power plants, pipe-laying for public works, foundation

the company, as well as lead to job creation for Shanghai locals

pit bracing and support, and ground engineering activities. They

in the wider Southeast Asian area. Already a team 10,000 strong,

are also involved in the construction of carriageways, airports,

the ambitious STEC hope to take on a larger team to support their

superhighways, viaducts, interchange, and high-rise buildings, as

wide-reaching goals.

well as E&M installation activities. That’s quite a list! What links

Around the world, STEC have been involved in over 500

these operations together is that they are subterranean – they take

infrastructure contracts, yet some of their most involving projects

place under the city, and all told, it’s impossible to construct and

are the ones happening right under their feet. Their current projects

maintain a city without these services.

in Shanghai and Singapore include the construction of Shenton

76 | Endeavour Magazine

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•

Malaysia Branch: No. 20-1, Jalan 6/18A Taman Mastiara off Jalan Ipoh 51200 Kuala Lumpur Tel: (60) 03-62423931 Fax: (60) 03-62423931 Mobile: (60) 19-7723111 E-mail: terence@zhaoyang.com.sg

SHANGHAI TUNNEL ENGINEERING CO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD Way station (T225) and its associated tunnels – an undertaking

Marine Parade and Bedok Sout before ending at Sungei Bedok.

that began in 2014, costed at approximately S$368 million. When

The system will make a life-changing difference to the residents

complete, Shenton Way will be an underground Mass Rapid Transit

of areas such as Sembawang, Yishun and Ang Mo Kio, who will

station located on the Thomson-East Coast Line in Singapore,

gain far faster and more direct connections to the city - once the

making the station and associated tunnels just one of many

first three stages are active, the line is predicated to carry around

segments that put together the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT).

500,000 daily commuters.

The MRT was first opened in 1987, at the time running between

The laying of these lines would not be possible without STEC’s

Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh, making it the second-oldest metro

underground expertise, and the company’s Project Director for

system in Southeast Asia after the Light Rail Transit System in

these wider tunnels has been granted a practically free reign over

Manila. Now, Shanghai’s network spans the entire city-state, with

the management of this ambitious undertaking, including cost

over 100 stations in operation and carrying over 3 million riders a

control, manpower recruitment, procurement and administrative

day!

matters. After all, it feels directly under their realm of knowledge –

Adding to this sprawling network, the Thomson-East Coast

in working underground, the contracts are working on STEC’s soil.

Line will be the fourth fully automated and driverless system line

With over 50 years of experience and technical expertise, they are

in Singapore. The work was announced in 2014, and the line is set

constantly researching and evolving how to operate to make sure

to open in five stages from 2019 onwards. total, the line will be

that they are delivering the very best. As they claim:

43 km (27 mi) long and will include 31 stations. Running through

“We approach and execute our operations in an organized

the north-south corridor, starting in the northern Woodlands area,

and safe manner, from investment to design, construction and

it will pass through the estate of Sin Ming Avenue, down to the

finalization. We are an all-in-one provider of consulting, planning,

residential Thomson area and the shopping districts of Orchard and

investment, construction, operations, maintenance, and upgrade

Marina Bay, then head eastwards along the coast through Siglap,

services, providing a fully comprehensive industrial service to

78 | Endeavour Magazine

clients. Our success is attributed to careful planning and the understanding of the needs of the modern urban centres. We consider the urban space for living and function, and design, develop, upgrade and recreate the city space with creativity and understanding of the urban environment.”

Bold claims indeed! Whilst tunnelling systems and subterranean project management don’t spring to mind when we think about beautiful city design, a bustling hub such as Shanghai couldn’t function without the careful structures put in place to support and facilitate its beauty. Behind the glittering towers and smooth, stressfree experience of its transport lies a carefully executed plan – the scaffolding and chasses on which to build dream. Moving forwards, STEC plan to keep achieving and impressing as they have so far.

With increasing R&D looking into greener ways to do what they do best, they are ready to create the cities of future generations. As they assure us, “STEC will keep alive the concept of ‘Upholding a City Dream, Creating an Ideal Life’ and strive for building scientific and sustainable urban life for the world of tomorrow.”

Endeavour Magazine | 79

RED PINE EXPLORATION WWW.REDPINEEXP.COM // 001 416 364 7024

A NEW ERA OF EXPLORATION Mining operations don’t come much more focused, detailorientated or expertly led than Red Pine Exploration Inc. Endeavour Magazine took a closer look at the projects that are securing the company’s covetable position within the Canadian mining sector.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

RED PINE EXPLORATION

The mining industry is consistently changing, addressing

new standards of best practice and looking for ways to incorporate environmental initiatives into everyday activities. With this in mind, it can be surprising to come across an operation that looks determined to be the last word in clear-cut corporate excellence, but that is Red Pine Exploration Inc. (Red Pine) in a nutshell.

T

he company makes no secret of the fact that strong

development experience. He was previously the Business

management is the backbone of the entire operation,

Development Officer at Geotech Ltd, a geo-physical airborne

supported by a contingent of phenomenally talented and

survey company, and a Senior Representative of Sales and

expert technical staff. The driving force behind their day-to-day

Business Development for Aeroquest Limited. From 1992 to

endeavours is laid out explicitly;

2001, Mr. Yarie was a partner of a specialised environmental and

“Red Pine is a Canadian company primarily involved in the

engineering consulting group where he managed a number of large

identification, acquisition and development of properties in

projects, including the ESA of the Sydney Tar Ponds, the closure

Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Led by an experienced management

of the Canadian Forces Bases in Germany and the Maritime and

and technical team, the company’s strategy is to aggressively

Northeast Pipeline Project. Mr. Yarie currently serves as President

advance these projects to maximize shareholder value through data

and CEO for Honey Badger Exploration Inc. and President and

compilation, acquisition and interpretation of highly prospective

CEO for MacDonald Mines Exploration, both resource exploration

properties for precious and base metals.”

companies headquartered in Toronto, Canada.”

We find it refreshingly honest when a professional organisation

There’s no doubting Quentin’s suitability for the position that

makes no secret of striving to be at the top of its industry in a bid to

he holds, and with a collective of likeminded and similarly qualified

realise commercial success and shareholder profits. Naturally, every

management professionals supporting him, Red Pine is clearly in

company on the planet is aiming for these things, yet so many seek

very safe hands. This is critical given how many exciting projects

to downplay their goals, but not Red Pine. This is a company after

the company currently have underway.

our own hearts.

The mining industry is far-reaching, with numerous operations

When you learn a little about Quentin Yarie, President and

exploring untapped regions for less than luxurious materials, but

Chief Executive Officer of the company, everything comes into

Red Pine maintains a focus on the glitz and glamour: gold and base

sharp focus. This is a man that boasts not only relevant geophysicist

metals. The most recent project, which has garnered a great deal

credentials, but also business acumen that would put most CEOs

of attention and generated serious excitement, is the Wawa Gold

to shame, so it’s no wonder that Red Pine is both so successful and

Project,

vocal about highlighting his individual talents: “Mr. Yarie is an experienced geophysicist and a successful entrepreneur with extensive project management and business 82 | Endeavour Magazine

“The Wawa Gold Project property has hosted numerous gold mines with historic production of over 120,000 ounces. To date, the largest gold deposit on the property is the Surluga Deposit.”

RED PINE EXPLORATION Red Pine went on to highlight what will set it apart from previous exploration operations: “While the property has hosted numerous historical gold

the newest undertaking, the Wawa project is enjoying significant press coverage, not least because the area is subject to certain cultural sensitivities;

mines, these were owned by different operators and they were

“Red Pine is pleased to announce that it has entered into a

never geologically connected. With a comprehensive examination

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Michipicoten

of the geology, geophysics, geochemistry, alteration mineralogy

First Nation. The MOU outlines a clear and mutually agreed

and structural geology, Red Pine is uncovering new targets. The

upon process for consultation between the parties during the

company has continued its historic core sampling programme and

exploration phase of Red Pine’s programme. Red Pine is carrying

drilling programme in 2017 to further improve the economics of

out exploration work on its Wawa Gold Project located near the

the resource (increase size, decrease strip ratio), and will work

Town of Wawa, approximately 220 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, in

towards expanding the resource both to the north and south.”

north-eastern Ontario.”

Enjoying only a 60% interest in the project, Red Pine is in no

Summarising a company like Red Pine is difficult, as there is

way diluting the potential for impressive commercial success, as

a lot of ground to cover, but essentially, what we have here is a

it enjoys 100% ownership of three other high-level exploration

perfect example of an ambitious operation, led by industry experts

projects. The Cayenne project seeks to unearth copper, zinc, lead

that are determined to exceed shareholder expectations whilst

and silver deposits, although operations are currently paused. A Mt

simultaneously respecting relevant cultures. The commercial drive,

Logano interest is in the preliminary stages of discovering gold and

cultural sensitivity and expert management that Red Pine has been

nickel and finally, a Moffatt location is proving to have potential for

built on all combine to make it a serious player that is worthy of

impressive gold yields.

future examination, and we will be ready to report back on any

Given that Red Pine describes itself as a junior exploration company, these projects are impressive, to say the very least. Being

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exciting developments.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE (SANBS) WWW.SANBS.ORG.ZA // 0027 11 761 9000

ONE LIFE AT A TIME Blood – we take its presence for granted. For many of us, our blood rarely crosses our minds; unless we have a medical condition that means otherwise, it pretty much takes care of itself. Yet, the flip of a coin can change our fate, and tomorrow we may find ourselves in a situation where our own blood suddenly isn’t enough. Blood banks work to make sure that if this happens, we are already covered; we caught up with SANBS, the South Africa National Blood Service, to see how they were fairing on their continuous quest to protect their country’s health.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE (SANBS)

Plentiful blood reserves mean that patients can

undergo surgery, mothers-to-be can receive blood transfusions when going into labour, and accident and crime victims can get the emergency treatments they desperately need. It is the key resource needed for medical and emergency care the world over, but how many of us remember to give regularly? SANBS are entrusted with the responsibility to keep South Africa’s hospitals well stocked with life-saving blood donations, charged with the duty to safely collect, screen and distribute this national treasure.

P

lentiful blood reserves mean that patients can undergo

regular blood donors. This is a tiny proportion, given the crucial

surgery, mothers-to-be can receive blood transfusions when

nature of the resource. The company needs to make sure that it

going into labour, and accident and crime victims can get the

not only has enough blood in store, but that it has enough of the

emergency treatments they desperately need. It is the key resource

six different blood types. On top of this, SANBS need to ensure

needed for medical and emergency care the world over, but how

that blood continues to come in regularly, otherwise a sudden rush

many of us remember to give regularly? SANBS are entrusted with

on demand, without a steady stream coming back in, could risk

the responsibility to keep South Africa’s hospitals well stocked with

running the coffers dry.

life-saving blood donations, charged with the duty to safely collect, screen and distribute this national treasure.

Slim though South Africa’s proportion of donors is, it is worth noting that they aren’t far off the global average. The World Health

Since its formation in 2002, following the merger of several

Organisation estimates that only around 1% of the population give

separate blood transfusion services, the South African National

blood in most countries, and South Africa’s statistic is not far off

Blood Service has seen its operations grow. SANBS are renowned

from this. However, said countries also live in a constant state of

the world over for their efficiency and the expertise of their medical

appeal for more donations – for groups like SANBS, the work really

professionals, as well as their high-tech facilities and stringent

is never done.

safety procedures. These points of excellence have all been

One of SANBS’ solutions to their donor shortage was to begin

achieved as part of a long and difficulty journey, both in terms of

visiting secondary schools. Old enough to make decisions about

technical challenges and challenges of communication and trust

their bodies and present in large numbers, secondary schools

between the group and the South African public. However, every

make a perfect spot to organise blood drives; thanks to this

hurdle has been embraced as a step for growth; being a not-for-

innovation, students from these drives now account for 20% of

profit organisation, free from shareholders and private sector

the organization’s donors. However, this blessing comes with its

involvement, SANBS are able to re-invest all profits back into the

own curse – when the school term is out, donation figures drop

organisation, with the desire to improve service and safety as their

this 20%. The school holidays are also slump periods from other

only drive.

donor demographics, as people tend to travel over the summer

The organization faces its share of day to day challenges. The key issue is, of course, blood supply itself. South Africa has a total population of 53 million inhabitants, only 480,000 of whom are 88 | Endeavour Magazine

and especially over Christmas. This can put hospitals under strain during this often busy period.

SANBS also have to contend with distrust from the South

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BLOOD SERVICE (SANBS) African population. The people are wary of the blood donor

Despite the road bumps, the new facilities have ultimately done

industry, a feeling that was greatly aggravated by the 2004 donor

more good than harm in SANBS’ efforts to rebuild public trust.

race scandal. It came to light that blood banks had not only been

They allow the group to assess donations using scientific fact, not

using sexual practises and healthiness of lifestyle to assess the

assumptions or pre-conceptions, meaning that no donations are

safety of blood after it was donated, but also the colour of the

ever wasted and behaviour such as that in 2004 has no room to

donor’s skin. As a result, groups were discarding bags upon bags of

slip through the cracks. SANBS have also worked hard to repair the

blood from black donors. Given South Africa’s history of grappling

damage with outreach campaigns, and through their efforts have

with racism, this shocking revelation led to outrage that threatened

so far managed to increase their black donors to 38% of their total

all blood collection groups in the country.

donor pool. This is an impressive achievement, but SANBS would

Since 2005, SANBS responded to this scandal by making it

like to see the figure continue to rise to an equal share.

known that they instead screen each of the hundreds of thousands

It goes without saying that in such a health and safety conscious

of bags individually for HIV and other diseases. They do this in two

industry, the South Africa National Blood Service is highly regulated,

screening facilities – one on Durban and one in Johannesburg.

and its 2,400 staff receive meticulous ongoing training. All nurses

However, trust is hard to win back. For one thing, these facilities

and technicians employed by the organisation are also registered

are not free – the constant use of this high-end technology costs

with a statutory council who ensure that necessary high standards

SANBS R500,000 per day. This has unfortunately driven up the

are maintained. Due to the risk of staff coming into contact

price of blood, which has been another point of contention with

with individuals infected with hepatitis B or HIV, employees are

the public, as they fear that SANBS are secretly searching to turn

immunised for hepatitis B and only the highest quality protective

a profit. The not-for-profit organization faced a difficult decision in

equipment is used. Employee safety is paramount, and any concerns

raising the price, but the government agreed with them that these

that a member of staff may have contracted HIV from a donor will

screening services were essential, especially given the high rates of

see them receive prophylactic treatment immediately.

HIV and hepatitis in some areas SANBS take blood.

90 | Endeavour Magazine

It is a heroic and often thankless task for the people at SANBS,

not only working tirelessly but also putting their safety on the line for this life-saving mission. Despite the challenges, SANBS continue to fight the good fight of reaching out in the search of new donors and making sure the blood they receive gets safely delivered to the staggering numbers of people who need it. Fortunately for South Africa, they’re one of the best blood bank organizations in the world. However, they are running on a treadmill - the need for blood supplies will never stop, and with each new generation of donors, SANBS’ outreach begins again.

With the annual trying Christmas slump around the corner, SANBS are appealing to those in South Africa who don’t donate to consider giving, and to help them protect the vulnerable over this holiday season. Don’t stop there – help to spread the word, so people remember that blood doesn’t just appear in hospitals, but must be constantly sourced. To those of us outside South Africa, SANBS’ message is the same, in the hopes that we support the blood banks in our own countries. We may all depend on someone’s generous donation tomorrow, so if we can, SANBS are asking us to give today.

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Endeavour Magazine | 91

QATAR DEVELOPMENT BANK WWW.QDB.QA // 00974 4430 00 00

20 YEARS AT THE TOP Established 20 years ago, Endeavour Magazine looks at how the Qatar Development Bank continues to empower Qatari innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute to the diversification of their economy, through innovative investment partnerships and intelligent fiscal planning.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

QATAR DEVELOPMENT BANK It would be easy to overlook banks when thinking about

organisations that are worthy of anniversary celebrations, but perhaps that’s because we don’t have any financial institutions of the same caliber as the Qatar Development Bank (QDB) here in the UK. Discussing the motivation for founding the bank back in 2007, the team revealed that it was designed to; “Aid the economic development process by providing all services, including advisory services and financing for entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises, under one roof.”

P

erhaps we are too used to banks being faceless enterprises,

from manufacturing to a wide range of other key sectors, Qatar has

but the QDB is exceptionally different. Far from only being

raised Qatar Development Bank’s capital from QR 200 million to

interested in supporting the lucrative private sector, they hold a

QR 12 billion. We are now in a privileged position to play a key role

wider awareness of the potential impact the institution can have on

in the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.”

surrounding communities: “Qatar Development Bank’s successes

Clearly, their methods are working, and knowing that the QDB

are not just about building the private sector, but also becoming an

seeks to use profits for culturally significant events, we need to

effective catalyst for social and economic development. We have

take a look at the main activities that have contributed to such

helped empower the Qatari workforce, increased living standards

staggering levels of growth.

and provided a wide range of promising investment opportunities for Qatari companies.”

Offering financial and consultation services for projects that traverse the engineering, business and housing sectors, it looks as

It’s important to take a moment to understand the gravitas of

though there is very little that the QDB doesn’t do. Offering the

this. Yes, the private sector is a key interest area for the QDB, but

engineering sector finance packages for private new buildings and

without showing support for and awareness of more grassroots

infrastructure is just the beginning, as business developments are

endeavours, the region as a whole would suffer. The aim is not to

able to tap into a wealth of knowledge and feasibility assessment

widen the gap between high rollers and low wage earners, but to

experience - and then there’s the housing market. If anyone in the

offer support for everybody on an equal playing field, for the good

region is looking for a housing loan, the QDB should be the first

of everyone. That’s more humanity than we are used to observing

port of call:

in a bank.

“Everyone has the right to decent housing. We recognise this

Discussing the role of the private sector in the QDB’s day-to-

and are working to make it easier for you to get your housing. All

day interests, the team revealed; “Our strategy is to motivate the

you have to do is submit your application to the Department of

private sector to become active, strong and diversified in order to

Housing at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour

build an integrated knowledge economy that does not rely entirely

and Social Affairs. Once you have received an SMS message stating

on the oil and gas industry. By developing and strengthening Qatari

that your application has been transferred to Qatar Development

entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises to overcome the

Bank, you will receive another letter from Qatar Development

obstacles they face, based on the economic situation, only positive

Bank. You can start the loan application process and submit your

results can come about. Currently, the non-oil private sector

required documents. Procedures take just a quarter of an hour, to

continues to grow, both in scale and in terms of its share of the

get your loan on the same day.”

Qatari economy.”

Did we read that correctly? Where is all of the red tape that

This forward-thinking insight, to avoid over-reliance on Qatar’s

should make applying for a loan a tiresome experience? It simply

successful oil and gas industry, is as progressive as it is surprising.

doesn’t exist when dealing with the QDB, and that’s what makes

The shocks keep on coming as well: “Qatar Development Bank

it such a unique, professional and celebrated financial institution.

has been pushing trends even further. Having expanded our focus

There is such an overarching sense of no-nonsense, fairness and

94 | Endeavour Magazine

Qatar uPVC Windows & Doors Innovated, excelled & still leads…

Since 1996, Qatar uPVC Windows and Doors have

had recurring customers from the past 20 years.

supplied Qatar with revolutionary uPVC technology.

They are satisfied by the products, services, and

A JA&P Group subsidiary, they were the first Qatari

quality that we provide; it is enough for them to

company licensed to sell uPVC windows and doors

come back and not only that, refer the company to

and still leading from forefront when it comes to

other friends and family too.”

providing quality uPVC solutions in Qatar.

Qatar uPVC Windows & Doors has never let their

Designing, manufacturing and installing uPVC

standards drop and have made sure that they

Windows & Doors, they have executed more than

remain ahead of their competition. The company

500,000 installations for over 5000 customers

has received numerous industry awards &

in Qatar, UAE, Oman and throughout the GCC.

certifications, such as a Performance Award from

Government bodies, hospitals, banks and other

the Ministry of Interior, Qatar in 2012. They got premium clients all swear by their inarguable quality the Best Fabricator Award in the Middle East from and service. their supplier VEKA, and in 2016 they got the SME Today, Qatar uPVC’s state-of-the-art facility

Excellence Award in Qatar, amongst others.

employs a highly skilled labour force and takes

The relationship between Qatar uPVC Windows

a zero-tolerance approach to quality control. As the country’s exclusive fabricator of VEKA’s worldleading products, they have pitted German-made technology against the challenging Middle Eastern climate. Qatar uPVC Windows & Doors are ISO certified and their products are energy efficient, dust-proof, water resistant, thermal & radiation resistant and eco-friendly, offering comfortable living at the highest available standard.

and Doors and Qatar Development Bank goes back to the founding of the company. Also, Qatar uPVC Windows & Doors was among the first customers of QDB, and the support provided by QDB played an important role behind the success of the company.

The company is always in ready to avail the development projects initiated by QDB to support Qatari Companies. Qatar uPVC regularly participates in the exhibitions conducted by QDB, and recently

Qatar uPVC’s business culture is customer-centric,

they participated in the exhibition in Jeddah &

as they believe customers deserve maximum value

Algeria as part of Qatari Pavilion, to boost exports.

for their investment. In the words of their Managing

Qatar uPVC is one among the first beneficiary of

Director; “We don’t just supply a product – we are

QDB’s SME Rating and Accreditation Scheme and

working to improve quality of life of Qatar. We have

they were awarded with the best rating in both.

YEARS

YEARS

 Corporate Address: Street No 41, New Industrial Area, DOHA – QATAR  Showroom Address: Salwa Road, Haya commercial Complex, Doha, Qatar  qatupvc@qatar.net.qa

 +974 44114302  +974 44696899  www.qatarupvc.com.qa

Qatar uPVC Windows and Doors, a subsidiary of JA&P Group was established in 1996 bringing to the Qatar market, the revolutionary technology of uPVC windows and doors. We specialize in design, manufacture, installation of uPVC products and in the past 20 years have executed many prestigious projects across the Middle East region. Our diverse capabilities, extensive knowledge of the Middle East market, quality products backed by global technologies, and on-time supply performance has made us the leading company in the uPVC windows and doors segment in Middle East earning the trust of many happy customers.

Why Qatar uPVC Windows and Doors?

• Innovative As we foresee the needs of Middle East market, we acquire latest technologies to address those needs so as to deliver leading technologies to our customers.

• Tested by local conditions The climate in the Middle East requires durable solutions for construction industry. Qatar uPVC products are proved for time tested durability, withstanding the tropical local conditions for over 20 years.

• Energy efficient Designed to achieve the pinnacle of thermal performance and retain constant temperature in your property.

• Safe and secure Fire retardant self-extinguished uPVC products, engineered with built-in security features provide additional safety.

• Comfort living

• Enhanced product features More rigid, stronger, thicker, longer life paves way for better choices for frames and glass.

• Authentic German made Our association with VEKA, a world leader in uPVC profiles enable us to provide innovative World No.1 German technology to our customers.

• Assured quality Being an ISO 9001 certified company we maintain quality standards at every level of the project execution. All our profiles are RAL”A” certified systems (DIN EN 12608) and are also accredited by IFT Rosenhein, an independent institute.

• A wise investment Competitive pricing and maintenance free products assure better savings on investment.

• Guarantee All Qatar uPVC products are guaranteed against warp and split.

Dust proof, water resistant, thermal & radiation resistant and eco - friendly products offer comfort living.

Best of the World from Qatar; Assuring “Quality for Life”

QATAR DEVELOPMENT BANK investment for the continued improvement and growth of the region - something that is reinforced by Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Al

Qatar

Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of the QDB: “Qatar Development Bank has always been committed to creating a competitive and diversified economy, so it has expanded its interest in serving small and medium-sized businesses and Qatari entrepreneurs who are proving their success every day.

Today, we are more willing than ever to play a central role in this mission, to set an example for other institutions in the region and the world as a whole.�

Given how simple it is for private sector operations to approach QDB for financial support, not to mention small to medium enterprises and potential homeowners, it would be no exaggeration to say that the rest of the banking world really should be sitting up and taking notice. By deliberately shunning the easy option of sitting back and expecting the oil industry to offer continued profitability and economic sustainability, the QDB is showing an intrinsic understanding of the need for continued diversification and exploration. With this forward planning and these empowering policies, we wouldn’t be surprised if future generations were reporting on the 200th anniversary of this innovative bank, never

For over 12 years Sarplast has been manufacturing industrial fiber reinforced plastic GRP pipes, serving both national and international markets. Our products have earned a well-deserved reputation for quality, reliability and performance in the toughest environments.

Sarplast Qatar W.L.L. wishes QDB the

warmest Congratulations and wishes on your 20th anniversary, with many more years of success and innovation in developing the economic cycle and supporting local manufacturing.

mind the 20th, as we are today.

World leading company in the design, manufacturing and Installation of Fiberglass Composite (GRP) pipes, fittings and tanks for all sectors and industries.

Offering: Pipes, Fittings, Tanks, Spooling, Engineering, Installation

Qatar

98 | Endeavour Magazine

P.O Box: 40519, New Industrial Area, Street 2, Building 48, Zone 81, Doha, State of Qatar Phone: +974 4490 2624 Fax: +974 4490 2261 info@sarplastqatar.com www.sarplastqatar.com

CEA WWW.CEA.ORG.ZA // 0027 11 298 9400

BUILDING TO LAST Good construction should not only answer an immediate need, but should survive the test of time, standing strong so it can serve future generations even as their needs vary. If this is the aim of construction, then it should also be the aim of the groups and associations that support it; to create an industry that is not only successful today, but one that will continue to prosper on solid foundations.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

CEA

South Africa knows the importance of such groups;

following the National Development Plan, a government initiative to boost commercial progress in the country through new policies and the commitment of hundreds of billions of rand, many such organizations arose to support and co-ordinate the growing swell of activity.

A

s companies ambitiously surged towards the future, having

industry, together forming the Steel and Engineering Industries

solid teams to turn to for assistance and advice became

Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA). It would have been easy

increasingly necessary. Out of the associations that formed,

for these associations to compete with each other, but CEA, along

the Constructional Engineering Association (South Africa) stands

with their partners under SEIFSA, are committed to acting in the

out as an example of excellence.

best interest of their members, and recognise that cooperation and

The Constructional Engineering Association (South Africa) (CEA) provides specialist employer support for companies

the free movement of information between groups is the only way to make sure their members get exactly what they need.

operating in the construction engineering sector, including work in

CEA was founded in 1936, known then as the Transvaal

the structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, piping and

Structural Engineering Association. It was changed its name to

project management fields. They represent the needs and interests

the Constructional Engineering Association, and finally, to the

of employers and employees alike within these sectors, supported

Constructional Engineering Association (South Africa) in 1986.

by over 80 impressive years of experience and service. This

Later, the CEA formed two separate divisions that would operate

long history has allowed CEA to form priceless connections and

under its umbrella - the Labour Broking Division (LBD) and the

relationships with companies and figures at all levels of the industry,

Temporary Employment Services Division (TESD).

including close ties with the SA Institute of Steel Construction and

The LBD was established in 1994 by members who felt workers

the SA Institute of Welding. These bonds mean that every member

in CEA’s branch of the construction sector needed a platform upon

who joins CEA isn’t just joining an association – they are joining a

which they could have a voice. This body of people would prioritise

priceless network and closely-knit industrial family.

efforts to work on behalf of the workers they represented, speaking

CEA are far from alone in South Africa – in fact, they are one of

on the behalf of workers to clients, contractors, bargaining councils,

27 independent employer associations that have formed together

trade unions and the like. They also aimed to improve public image

to work in cooperation, rather than competition, with each other.

of the construction industry through this legitimacy, to counter

Each association covers a different sector within the construction

contemporary suspicions that the whole sector was operating

102 | Endeavour Magazine

CEA just outside of the law. This branch of CEA has achieved no end

they need to make better, safer and more responsible choices, and

of good for the construction sector since it was formed, including

to keep up with the industry’s ever-changing rules and regulations.

easy access to tax legislation information, and the creation of a life-

The effect is an industry that communicates, cooperates, and

changing code of ethics to protect clients and workers alike.

can flourish in prosperity and integrity, with all involved parties

Working beside the LBD, the TESD, founded in 2003, serves

confident that if they need it, their voice will be heard.

as an agency to provide white-collar workers with employment,

No association can be considered a success if companies aren’t

and companies in need with the personnel they require, including

pursuing membership, and by this measure, CEA’s reputation within

draughtsmen, engineers, project managers and technicians.

its field is clear. Their member listing is not only extensive, but

This role became essential when the country moved to working

serves as a veritable who’s who of the South African construction

exclusively with temporary construction employment contracts.

sector. The CEA letters, in association with your company, serve as

No longer able to hire permanent team members, companies now

certification of lawful, top-quality operations. Not just anyone can

rely on services such as TESD to keep them always supplied with

join – your company must meet CEA’s standards to be included,

the appropriate staff.

making membership not only a valuable source of support, but also

Between CEA and the other 26 such agencies working within SEIFSA, South Africa’s growing and shifting construction industry has a solid support system that not only helps companies to operate at maximum efficiency, but protects clients and employees from unsafe or illegal practices, as well as protecting employers from stepping outside of the law by mistake! Providing training and information that is easily accessible, CEA gives employers the tools

104 | Endeavour Magazine

a badge of honour.

AMAZING WORLD ILI WEARABLE TRANSLATOR

i

li is the new wearable translator from

they gave to travellers to test out. To their

they were speaking with. Using a phone

start-up company Logbar. This remarkable

surprise, no one was using it! There were

app also detracts from eye contact, which

little device translates your words in less

several reasons given; firstly, the device’s

has a vast negative effect on the process of

than a second, allowing you to speak with

reliance on wi-fi made it slow and unreliable

communication and broke down the feeling

ease on your travels without delay or even

to use in areas with poor connection.

of connection between users and the people

needing a wi-fi connection! The ili, created

This, plus the need to boot up the app,

they were trying to speak with.

under company CEO Takuro Yoshida, can

created frustration for users and limited

currently translate English into Mandarin,

the spontaneity of their use for the device.

frustration

Japanese and Spanish, and Mandarin into

Another cause of frustration was having

conversation

Japanese and English – with many more

to pass the phone back and forth to make

conversation quick and easy, the two-way

language choices soon to come.

sure that every translated sentence was

function required users to explain how

Logbar started out by creating a two-

heard, due to smartphone speakers directing

the app worked every time they wanted

way translation app for smartphones, which

sound at the user instead of out to those

to communicate with someone, such as

106 | Endeavour Magazine

A surprise to Logbar was its testers’ with

the

ability.

app’s Short

two-way of

making

world. In the re-design, speed and ease were

and warmth as the novelty of the translator

the company’s priorities. The ili can translate

working and the possibilities this creates are

your sentences in as fast as 0.2 seconds

realised.

without any internet connection, thanks

Currently, these devices only come with

to its OS loaded with the language of your

one of the available language options loaded

choice, complete with every travel term you

onto the OS. However, as technology

could possibly need. It can be worn around

advances, storing more data on them will

the neck, heard clearly, used anywhere, and

become possible and we may see future ilis

needs no time to boot up.

with several language capabilities. It may

To improve customer experience and

also allow the device to hold wider, more

remove complications, the device is now

specific lexicons. Currently, the ili is fluent

one-way. This may sound limiting, but

in straight-forward sentences and travel

explaining that long sentences, local slang

testers had a much better time and used

language. It does not have specific business

or proper nouns may not translate clearly.

the device far more on their travels. Videos

language or advanced medical terms, but it

This added a whole new conversation that

of the device in use all have one thing in

is just as possible to program ilis this way

users must attempt to translate before they

common - laughter. At first, there is the

if they are ever adopted for use in these

could even have the exchange they wanted.

surprise and joy of the listener at hearing

arenas!

This was not only stressful for the user, it ran

the device work at all, followed by the

The fact that ili works as quickly and

the risk of frustrating the people they were

mutual joy of all participants that they are

reliably as it does, free from wi-fi, is already

speaking with and, again, slowed the process

able to communicate. Although this device

a conversation-changing innovation, and its

down.

only works one way, the collapsing of walls

application and the effects can only become more exciting from here!

Logbar took what they had learned

can be clearly seen: listeners look pensive,

and created something revolutionary: a

apprehensive or distant when a tourist

translation tool that left the smartphone

begins speaking in a foreign language, and

To find out more, you can visit the ili’s

behind and brought its users back into the

this response quickly changes to excitement

website at https://iamili.com Endeavour Magazine | 107

NOMAD AFRICA ADVENTURE TOURS WWW.NOMADTOURS.CO.ZA // 0027 21 426 5445

THE CALL OF THE WILD Overwhelmingly vast and breathtakingly beautiful, Africa has long enchanted visitors and tourists.

The region is a sublime melting pot of culture and history, but the biggest draw for tourists remains the safari tours that show off the country’s world-famous wildlife in all its glory.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

NOMAD AFRICA ADVENTURE TOURS

Nomad Adventure Tours, one of the oldest and best-

regarded safari tour operators in the Southern and East African region, is a name that may be familiar to Endeavour readers. Through its knack for innovation and ability to bend with the winds of change, Nomad has shown thousands of satisfied customers all that is best about this remarkable continent for 20 years. We turned out attention to the company once again to investigate their exciting new partnership with Toyota, which is set to see the company become the envy of the sector.

I

n a world where the hand of humanity can be seen and felt at every turn, magnificent African landscapes like that of Serengeti National Park and the Okavango Delta stand as bastions of the

natural world. Certainly, they are valuable and accessible reminders that life doesn’t begin and end in the sprawling cities and urban centres where so many of us spend our lives.

Awake to the birdcalls of the Kalahari and prepare yourself for a day in the bushveld.

For a tourist who has never seen the early-morning sun rise over the horizon of the Maasai Mara or the sight of giant herds of wildebeest, thousands-strong, stretching almost as far as the eye can see, the experience of leaving the hustle and bustle of urban life behind to follow the call of safari can see them return home a different person.

This ability to inspire such change is, in Alex Rutherford’s view, part of what makes the rigours of running one of Africa’s leading safari tour operators worth it: “If you’re running safari tours for 15,000-20,000 vs. 500 people that are paying ten times more, I’ve found that the wealthy guys tend to be a little jaded with the majesty of the world. We’re talking about people who can afford to travel anywhere, and who’ve seen and done most of it.

I’m more into the guys who’ve never been into the wilderness, for example, who come from South Korea and who’ve never been out of the city and end up in the middle of the Namib Desert. They

(267) 721 207 91 / 75121955 ghanzitrailblazers@gmail.com www.ghanzitrailblazers.co.bw 110 | Endeavour Magazine

start crying because they’ve never been alone or exposed to that level of openness and silence – they go home changed completely.”

Since he first established Nomad Adventure Tours in 1997, Alex has utilised his passion for adventure and love of Africa to show

NOMAD AFRICA ADVENTURE TOURS travellers what makes this land unique, and to take them on a long

maintaining a healthy group dynamic. It is a delicate mix, and the

and winding journey across up to 14 countries to see some of the

tour guide must take control of everything with professionalism,

most spectacular sights they will ever gaze upon. Each year, the

decorum, and a friendly and engaging manner.

Nomad team travels an average of two million kilometres over more

For this reason, Alex has been careful to choose tour guides

than 1000 tours a year, offering packages that take their customers

based on their temperament and capacity for lateral thought, as

across the length and breadth of sub-Saharan Africa.

opposed to qualifications – people can be taught to drive and

From serene journeys across the landscape of the ‘Garden

cook, but good character is something that people come with. This

Route’ in South Africa to epic treks into the mountains of Rwanda

approach to recruitment extends to the wider Nomad Tours team,

or Uganda, homes of the critically endangered Mountain Gorilla,

as Alex was keen to highlight, and judging by the company’s track-

Nomad’s varied and expansive itinerary options mean that there

record of success, it is an approach that has been vindicated:

is something for everybody, whatever their tastes and whatever

“Pound-for-pound, my team, the office team, the people who

their budget. As of this year, this expansive array now includes the

train and run the ops team are top-drawer people – exceptionally

option to fly down to the South African coastline and take to the

good staff. The hours can be long and workloads can be huge, but

waters.

that’s the nature of tourism. It can be a high-stress environment.

“Most people don’t know this, but South Africa is one of the diving hotspots of the world, specifically for apex predators – the sharks, the whales, the dolphins and the seals that are abundant in South African waters.

If you have the right people, you get staff retention, and then you have the meat and bones of your company in place.”

Innovation has played an integral part in Nomad Tour’s continued presence at the front of the industry. Whether the

“This year we’ve launched the ‘Big 5 & Dive’, on a scheduled tour

company is mapping out the most exciting, visually striking safari

basis. Customers taking this combined package see it all: starting

tour routes or designing overland-diving hybrid tour packages,

at the Krueger National Park, they go game driving and all of that

Nomad Tours has achieved longevity and a formidable reputation

before flying down to the coast and diving into South Africa’s pristine waters. This tour package is unique – there’s nobody else doing it like we’re doing it. It’s a new package, so it’ll take a bit of time to bed in, like all new products, but it’s a valuable addition to our portfolio of tours.”

It is this ability to meet the needs of an incredibly broad clientele and deliver customised tour options that has acted as one of the key drivers of Nomad Tours’ success over the past two decades.

Travellers who choose to see the sights of Africa with Nomad Tours come in all shapes and sizes, so to speak; in any one tour, a group can be made of people aged from 18 to 80, be any of a dozen different nationalities, and hail from all walks of life.

“We really accommodate a huge and varied cross-section of the market. The campers are often younger, they’re on a budget and they’re not afraid to rough it a little. The mid-range guys tend to be a little older and prefer a little more in the way of creature comforts, such as a roof to sleep under, but are looking for something that isn’t overly expensive. Then there’s the older, wealthier clientele who don’t want to camp anymore and expect a degree of comfort.”

Catering to clients’ needs in this regard is essential, and so too is ensuring that Nomad’s team delivers a superior experience that will see customers fall in love with Africa and catch the safari bug to the extent that they come back again. Much of this responsibility falls onto the shoulders of the company’s tour guides – individuals who, in Alex’s words, are “the priest, the doctor, the lawyer, the friend, and the commander” of each and every safari tour. On a multi-country tour, there are a thousand different variables to consider and a thousand different dilemmas and challenges that could be faced, relating to the climate, the food, the vehicles, and 112 | Endeavour Magazine

amongst its peers because of its ability to stay ahead of the curve.

we’ve been busy designing the vehicles and they will look a million

Indeed, the most exciting development to emerge from Nomad

dollars –something that everybody will look at and think “Wow, I

Tours since we caught up with the company last year surrounds an

want one!”

ambitious partnership with Toyota that is on the cusp of coming to

This new concept of 4x4 luxury overland travel will allow

fruition – one which will further cement the company’s status as an

Nomad Tours to reach out into a more luxury market, centred

industry trendsetter.

around fewer people and more comfort. The technical innovations

“As of January next year, we’ll be launching five Toyota

of the new Toyota Highnote, including seats that will be able to

Highnote 4x4 custom-built trucks that will be the first of their

swing from forward-facing to side-facing (perfect for game driving,

kind in the tourism industry worldwide. The vehicles we’re building

where customers will want to have their own private window that

are exceptional – they will provide true 5-star travelling for our

faces outwards), are as-of-yet unheard of in the industry, and will

customers. They have individual aircon, onboard toilets, individual

help to make the customer experience of seeing Africa that little bit

electronic safes, reclining leather seats – endless luxury for a safari

more special.

tour. They are top, top of the range.

Even for a company so accustomed to change and excitement,

“They will be a more expensive option for our customers, but

these are heady times for the company. As Alex himself admitted,

not exorbitantly so – we’ve capped the number of vehicles we’ll

Nomad Tours has reached the zenith of what can be achieved

be acquiring at 12 because they cost a small fortune. They will be

through what it was doing before. However, through his ability

for people who want a bit more space and a bit more privacy –

to adapt to a changing marketplace, not to mention an ever more

generally people who are a little bit older, and perhaps not that

demanding clientele, new horizons have opened up for man

keen on the camping thing anymore. It’s a new product, and it

and company – a testament, certainly, to what can be achieved

stands alone against what’s currently in the market. I think from a

when you go about business with great passion and love for

Toyota perspective it’s going to be absolutely phenomenal, because

what you do.

Chobe Park Game Drives

Chobe River Cruises

Chobe Day Trips

Lodge Accomodation

Reservations +267 625 1272

Email

reservations@theberiversafaris.com

Website

theberiversafaris.com

Address

Presidents Avenue Plot 706, Kasane, Botswana

Endeavour Magazine | 113

ALCON WWW.ALCON-NIG.COM // 234 802 054 4960

GOING FURTHER Alcon Nigeria Limited prides itself on being one of the most reliable service contractor in Nigeria, as well as one of the most adventurous, and is taking steps towards conquering Sub-Saharan Africa. Alcon will take on jobs in adverse project conditions that other contractors won’t touch – they even expanded their services to include security provision. This can-do attitude has built Alcon a reputation as the team that delivers results, whatever the challenges.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ALCON Alcon Nigeria is an E.P.I.C (Engineering, Procurement,

Installation and Commissioning) contracting company of aptly epic proportions. With a team that is 2,500 strong, Alcon is capable of carrying out over 250,000 man-hours of operations in the Procurement & Technical Services a year, as well as staggering 7,000,000 man-hours a year on construction services in the Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation fields. If this isn’t enough to assure you of their quality and experience, Alcon have been in business since 1982, having started out as MED Construction before changing its name to Alcon Nigeria in 1984, thus boasting of 35 solid years of operation.

E

volution has long been the watchword for this stalwart

larger percentage of local personnel have been able to develop

company. Despite economic difficulties, they have continued

and build technical capabilities in all engineering disciplines (civil,

to expand the sectors they operate in and improve their

structural, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, HVAC

clients’ experiences. We spoke with Gerardo Della Santa, the new

and telecommunications) whilst working with international oil

Managing Director for Alcon Nigeria, about this ongoing journey.

companies. Thus, a strong industrial culture of safety and quality

“It is a never-ending story, due to the state of business in

has developed.”

Nigeria.” Della Santa is referring, in part, to the country’s ongoing

This competitive and exacting atmosphere has raised standards

recession. Alcon’s firmest roots have long been found in the Oil

across the industry; fortunately, Alcon has a long history of such

& Gas sectors; and like all Oil & Gas companies, they were hit by

exceeding these standards, and has had no challenge staying at the

the drastic fall in oil prices between May 2014 and January 2016.

top of the pyramid. “Alcon has recently been recognized by Shell for

Besides rocking the oil and gas sectors themselves, this plummet

our exceptional quality and reliability. We also own and operate a

had a wider effect on the economies that relied on these industries

large fabrication yard and marine jetty in Woji, Port Harcourt, and

and the nation which had primarily depended on Oil thus resulting

have a large asset base of equipment and tools to ensure flawless

in high inflation and a struggling banking sector, which in turn

project execution.”

affected companies across the board.

Furthermore, the forward-thinking company have their eyes

“Due to a shortage of potential projects, as a contractor, the

set on the future, and in recent years have started delving into the

competition has become much fiercer. We are seeing very aggressive

Power sector. In particular, they have been applying their heavy

pricing strategies; everyone wants to remain in business while

construction skills towards the building of power generation plants,

sacrificing their margins in the short-term. One of the challenges

a venture that quickly yielded positive results, with Alcon receiving

that every sector is facing is availability of the necessary funds

the Mechanical Erection and Piping Works from Siemens for the

for projects; i.e. foreign direct investment, available government

459MW Azura Power Plant and the Civil, Mechanical and Electrical

funding and funds from local banks are all lacking, which ultimately

Works from METKA for the Federal Government / GE AFAM III

impacts the positive economic growth in Nigeria.”

200MW Power Plant.

In addition to aggressive competition, Nigeria’s dependence

Whilst he is keen to expand into the power sector and see where

on Oil has developed a strong competency culture and high

this pathway can take Alcon, Della Santa remembers the clients that

quality that the country’s EPC contractors must meet. “Over the

have gotten his company this far, and is in no hurry to turn his back

years, a small percentage of expatriate personnel and a much

on the sector that has long been the greatest revenue source for

116 | Endeavour Magazine

ALCON the company. “Alcon remains committed to helping international

takes pride as an organization that encourages a work-friendly

oil companies, Nigerian oil companies and multinationals to

environment. We believe that one trained staff member is worth

further develop Nigeria’s gas and power infrastructure. We are

five untrained personnel, and as such, Alcon treats the provision of

focusing on our clients, finding ways to work more efficiently

training, conferences and/or exhibitions as a very important part of

and productively with them, and improve communications and

its HR curriculum.”

feedback mechanisms. There are many exciting opportunities in

Alcon also makes sure that these employees have the free time

this area and we look forward to using this medium to announce

available to focus on working towards qualifications, degrees or

Alcon’s next big win!”

undertaking independent study. The company strives to challenge

Like the Roman god Janus, the company is forever looking forwards as well as back, and Della Santa can see light on both

their staff, giving them agency within the company to better inspire them and to bring the very best out of each employee.

horizons; “The environment seems to be improving in the oil & gas

“As a leader, it is my job to motivate members of my team to

sector and we are seeing more appetite to improve the power sector

work to the very best of their abilities, and this requires that I see

in Nigeria also.” Despite their continued loyalty to a recovering

the professional capabilities of each individual beyond what is

Oil and Gas sector, Alcon is determined to plough onwards with

obvious. For instance, I believe in empowering my team members

its newer areas of operations. Della Santa expresses his firmness

with accountability and responsibility so that the individual is

on this in no uncertain terms: “Without expansion, our company

motivated to do more and his/her best is brought to the surface.

cannot survive”

Thus, if you can activate the natural talents of your employees in

Apart from delving into power plant construction, Della Santa

ways that make them feel more responsible about their jobs, you

hopes to build upon this new avenue by getting involved in providing

will be inspiring something that is more significant, that has longer

Operation and Maintenance services to industry players. They are

lasting impact and is more sustainable to the company.”

also working to forge and develop new partnerships in this sector; the company knows that in order to strengthen their position, they need the links and relationships with existing key players. “Alcon has a strong partnership with ABB, with which Alcon is a certified Low Voltage Panel Builder. We are expanding this partnership with the construction of an 8,000-square meter state-of-theart workshop and showroom. We’re also expanding into other technical areas such as Process Automation, Power Transmission and Power Distribution. Ultimately, our strategy is to develop key relationships with multinational companies and combining each other’s complementary skills in delivering positive outcomes to Nigeria’s many infrastructure challenges.” The contractors are even looking into new power avenues such as the new opportunities opening in thermal, hydro and solar power alternatives.

Like their areas of operations, Alcon’s geographical reach is varying. They have a history of local, regional and national projects, and have recently even turned their eye to international horizons.

In 2016, the company began looking to branch out to neighbouring African countries, with Ghana chosen as its case study; “Alcon has been cautiously exploring the potential of expanding into Ghana if the right opportunity presents itself as an anchor project. Multiple teams have visited to gather market research, explore potential partnerships and meet with government officials. Alcon remains hopeful that this expansion may happen sooner than later.”

Currently, Alcon employs about 2,500 personnel, including expatriates. The company does a lot of outreach work in universities to attract more graduates to their numbers, and are keen to reach out to a range of nationalities and cultures in their recruitment.

“The greatest asset in any business is its staff and Alcon 118 | Endeavour Magazine

Despite this personal approach for his staff, Della Santa’s

own work attitudes are wholly company-focused: “I believe that the company should be in front whilst I strive to achieve the goal that I have been paid to achieve by implementing what I know and believe in to attain overall success for my organization. In my opinion, personal success means nothing but the success of my company means everything.” He has only recently taken on the role as Managing Director for Alcon two months ago. However, he has been with the company since 2004, so he is well-versed in the Alcon ways of doing business.

So, how does Della Santa feel moving forwards, as Alcon takes on a varying slate of new ventures? “We’re cautiously optimistic about the future environment in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara. We feel Alcon is well positioned with its experience, capabilities and assets, whilst fine-tuning itself to function more efficiently and effectively.”

Alcon are the contractors who venture forth where other companies don’t dare, and this remains as true of their expansion strategy as it has always been of their projects. However, through all of their changes, this efficiency and effectiveness remains key; whilst Alcon are willing to take on risks, they ensure that their clients are investing in a sure thing. They not only venture forth, but bring back the prize – that’s definitely E.P.I.C.

Welding & NDT Inspection • Tubular Goods Inspection (OCTG) • Ultrasonic Flaw Detection • Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement • Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) • Dye Penetrant Inspection (DPI) • Eddy Current Inspection • Pipe Wrapping • Equipment Leasing • NDT Equipment Supplies • Industrial Rope Access • Industrial Bolting & Torquing Services • Painting & Coating Inspection • Lifting Equipments Inspection • Rig Surveys • Heat Treatment • Crawler Radiography • Pressure Testing • Provision Of QA/QC Personnel • Drill & Bottom Hole Assembly Inspection • Digital Radiography Inspection

Plot 48 KM 1 Igbo-etche Road, Off Eleme junction Roundabout.

Port Harcourt Rivers State.

Tel: 084-556313, 08037768111, 08037110912, 08038172385, 08052797600 • www.blueveldng.com Endeavour Magazine | 119

MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWNE.COM // 001 868 627 2002

MOVIE MAGIC MovieTowne – in Trinidad and Tobago, it is a name synonymous with cinema magic and a worldclass entertainment experience.

MovieTowne is the epitome of a picture-perfect company that is always looking for ways to build both its business and its local communities. This remarkable chain would not have been possible without the remarkable man who built it - Derek Chin.

WRITTEN BY AMY BUXTON

MOVIETOWNE

With its wealth of incredible natural gifts, Trinidad &

Tobago has long been a magnet for holidaymakers from all over the world, and is one of the region’s premier tourism hubs. Thankfully for the island, country’s government has been conscious of the effects of tourism, and has worked tirelessly to implement the diversification schemes and policies needed to re-orientate the country away from its traditional reliance on the industry. Instead, they set in place the foundations upon which a more complex and prosperous national economy could be built.

O

f the many industries that have been rebuilt and reborn over

Trinidad and Tobago was on its knees before MovieTowne came

recent years, the entertainment sector is perhaps the country’s

into being. People preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home

biggest success story. This is largely down to the efforts of one

to going to the cinema, and considering the conditions of the old

man - a man who stepped up to the plate and transformed a failing

auditoriums, it was no surprise. There was little or no variety in

cinema industry into one that is the envy of much of the world.

choice, the bathroom facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy

That man was Derek Chin.

and intimidating experience. Customer service was also far from

Derek is something of an eccentric, but he is certainly not a man

polished.”

to be underestimated; it is only as a result of his vision and bloody-

Highly regarded as the premier Cineplex, shopping and

minded determination to make Trinidad & Tobago a world-leader in

entertainment complex in the region, MovieTowne was a breath of

entertainment that the region has come so far, and been propelled

fresh air for Trinidad and Tobago when it opened in 2002. It offered

forward so quickly.

high-end, family-friendly entertainment at an affordable price,

Having completed a business administration degree at the

and in a desirable setting. It also appears to have singlehandedly

University of Western Ontario in Canada and a stint as an auditor

reinvigorated the country’s passion for seeing the biggest, most

with KPMG, Chin returned to Trinidad in 1981 with one goal - to

exciting new releases on the silver screen. By offering state-of-the-

revolutionise the entertainment industry. Boy, did he accomplish

art facilities, up-to-the-minute sound quality and superior customer

that!

service, MovieTowne quickly became the go-to destination rather

The experience Derek gained after his return as a key figure in both the Trinidad Commercial Development Company Ltd. and

than an idea that was, initially, heralded as something of an unnecessary flourish of modernisation.

Dachin Enterprises, coupled with his desire to push local business

“I wanted to bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to

development, gave him unique insight into what consumers want,

movie fans here on the islands and give people a real experience.

and what it takes to do business successfully on the islands. This is

Also, I wanted to introduce people to a far higher level of customer

how, when he saw a cinema industry that was a national disaster,

service than they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead

he was able to spot the opportunity this presented and take the

of its time and I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and

steps to lead the sector into the 21st century.

changed their expectations.”

Speaking about the cinema industry in the region, Derek is

Given its success, Derek didn’t want to stop at just one

candid about its humble beginnings; “The cinematic industry in

complex: in the years that followed the opening of Movietowne’s

122 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE initial location, expansion was rapid and impressive. A further

“We promote and fund youth education through film and we

two complexes were opened that, like their predecessor, were

founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition, which

not limited to simple cinema chains. Instead, these incredible

enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring

complexes offered a multitude of shopping centres, restaurants

but win scholarships into higher education courses. We also engage

and entertainment suites as well. However, it’s the small details

in much charitable work while investing in communities.”

that make the difference: “Our Cineplexes are themed along the lines of Hollywood, with notable examples being a back-drop of Jurassic Park with all the

What an incredible way to ensure that emerging talent is noticed and nurtured as soon as possible, which Derek sees as the key to continued success for the region.

dinosaurs as an attraction. We also have various life-sized models

Whilst you might think this has all been something of a fairy-

of Batman, Chewbacca, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek…and these are

tale for Derek, the success he enjoys has come as the result of years

just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”

of training and dedication to bringing premier entertainment back

What’s really interesting to note is that people aren’t simply

to Trinidad and Tobago. Watching films could, on the surface, seem

attending these cathedrals of modern entertainment; they are

like a frivolous pastime, but Derek understands that they have a

sitting up and taking notice of the man behind the brand, with

much deeper purpose; to bring people together.

Derek becoming something of a local hero and a figurehead

He may not have realised it at the start, but he has brought a

who represents what young people growing up in Trinidad and

whole nation together now and we can’t wait to see how he mixes

Tobago can accomplish with hard work. That’s because this isn’t

things up again in the future with his contagious enthusiasm for

just a business enterprise for Derek - it’s a way of life, and offers a

progress and community.

tangible way to give back to the local community. “MovieTowne is more than a business – it is a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.

124 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 125

ISLAND SITE DEVELOPMENT (ISD) WWW.ISDBAHAMAS.COM // 001 242 328 2025

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE We know that a lot of engineering companies claim to be able to deliver projects from inception through to completion, but in the case of ISD, that is no mere pretension. A premier civil engineering and roadwork development operation, ISD is significantly improving the Bahamian landscape, so Endeavour Magazine took a closer look to find out how.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

ISLAND SITE DEVELOPMENT (ISD)

We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve

encountered engineering companies that claim to be able to take all projects, small and vast, from inception through to design and completion. The trouble is, most end up outsourcing certain aspects, but that’s not how ISD works, and it’s the company’s inherent sense of pride that drives this one-stop professional shop.

I

n the company’s own words: “ISD is extremely proud to be Bahamian owned and operated.

We believe in a sense of community patriotism and are dedicated

to providing employment to local nationals.”

Such a prevailing sense of locality has led to ISD creating a team of incredibly talented and committed in-house professionals. This

Partnered with developers on some of the largest projects in the region to provide integrated, tailored support. Including the supply of new and used machines, parts, service and repairs for heavy trucks, equipment, power generation, and small construction equipment. Flexibility, understanding and the ability to communicate with the client to ensure projects are completed within a time frame and on budget.

OUR BUSINESS IS YOUR STRENGTH

is essential, given that they need to be able to proficiently tackle both public and private sector projects, alongside community development initiatives. When you start to boil it down, ISD is clearly an organisation that is operating far beyond anticipated mandates.

While the talents and ethics of ISD are notable, and for good reason, the sheer diversity of the projects that the team undertakes is guaranteed to stagger even the most hard-to-please clients.

The professional services offered include civil and infrastructure works, water and sewer improvements, electrical works, design and construction, ports and airports, hardscaping, decorative water features and even industrial metal building frameworks. If you can think it, ISD are more than likely to be able to design and create it for you, which is why their clients keep coming back for more.

That, and the impressive legacy of growth that the company can demonstrate; “In 2009, Bahamas Marine Construction (BMC) ventured into site development work, including services on the Albany project,

21st Century Road, Off Six Way Roundabout, (Bahamas Mack Building) P.O. Box SP-63796, Nassau, Bahamas, P: 242.328.2463, F: 242.322.7049 stucaufield@tessbs.com desireemckenzie@tessbs.com

and a joint venture was formed to determine their possible future

www.tessbahamas.com

were pursued by the group and the decision was made to proceed

128 | Endeavour Magazine

business plan - BMC Underground Services Co. Additional projects

with a new company, which became Island Site Development (ISD). The assets of the shareholders for the venture were very substantial – more than enough to support the business plan of ISD. ISD independently supports its own working capital, plant requirements, bonding and insurance. It is also an approved contractor for the Water and Sewerage Corporation.”

It’s hard to know where to begin, but let’s take a moment to fully appreciate the rarity of a large operation being formed thanks to self-funding. Whilst that’s impressive as a standalone fact, it becomes even more critical when you realise that it ensures client peace of mind. At no point can ISD fail, as it will mean ruin for known shareholders, and not just a faceless bank. This is something of a unique reassurance for everybody involved, as they known that ISD will prioritize its sustainability, and purports to the ‘if you build it, they will come’ school of thought as well. Essentially, what has happened here is an ‘invest your money and it will be successful’ approach and we applaud the tenacity and assuredness that was needed behind it. Such confidence is certainly inspiring, especially in a time period that has been witness to serious financial instability throughout every industry, the world over.

The vision for ISD is somewhat simple, but maybe that’s the secret to success, as there are no false promises to live up to or unattainable standards set in stone. ISD state that they want;

Endeavour Magazine | 129

ISLAND SITE DEVELOPMENT (ISD) “To provide to our clients quality services and products within a

family, an approach that contributes to low staff turnover, higher

safe work environment, as well as developing local talent and skills

reliability and in turn, improved project competency. It’s true what

with our clients to achieve their stated goals while improving the

enterprise and ISD is one of a handful of operations that seems to

work environment and working morally and ethically to earn the

really understand that.

www.avemwater.com 561.354.0114 to contribute to the economic stability of the Bahamas. To work they say, the staffing body really is the backbone of any successful privilege of being contractor of choice.”

With a number of multi-million dollar projects already

They plan to manage this by managing beneficial and

completed, ISD looks set to welcome many more into the portfolio

genuine relationships whilst acting as steadfast stewards for the

in the coming years and with former clients pledging to return, the

environment. That’s a tricky balance to maintain, but ISD know that

order book must be filling up nicely. After all, anyone can have a

the secret is to portion out separate concerns. To this end, client

PR team spin a good yarn as to how professional and respected a

expectations are managed outside of employee support, while

company is, but you can’t fake rave reviews like this;

environmental issues are subject to their own policies as well and

“We have found ISD to be willing to work as a team to ensure

yet, everybody remains happy. Speaking of employee support, ISD

that the work is completed satisfactorily in a timely and professional

takes a different approach to team harmony;

manner. Based on our experience with ISD, they are unquestionably an COMPLETE “We encourage our employees to seek training to improve the exceptional company and we do not hesitate to recommend them for DEVELOPMENT level of quality of work and efficiency of delivery, while creating a any size project.”

PRODUCT SOLUTIONS family atmosphere that encourages longevity.”

Baker’s Bay.

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130 | Endeavour Magazine

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QATALUM WWW.QATALUM.COM // 00974 4403 1111

SUPPORTING A VISION Qatalum are a young company on the aluminum scene, but that hasn’t stopped them quickly making an impressive name for themselves. Celebrated both in Qatar and internationally, the joint venture is well known for its contributions to its industry – a reputation that they plan to maintain as they push forwards with their vision and that of Qatar’s leadership.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

QATALUM

Qatalum are a young company on the aluminum scene, but

that hasn’t stopped them quickly making an impressive name for themselves. Celebrated both in Qatar and internationally, the joint venture is well known for its contributions to its industry – a reputation that they plan to maintain as they push forwards with their vision and that of Qatar’s leadership.

W

hen it comes to reuse, it can’t be faulted; the material

material is also used for vehicles such as hovercrafts and other

loses none of its properties when it is recycled, meaning it

chassis and bodies that require as light a weight as possible.

could theoretically keep being recycled to infinity without

Unsurprisingly, the automotive industry is the main market

ever decreasing in quality. If this amazing fact wasn’t enough, the

for Qatar Aluminium Limited, closely followed by the world of

creation of recycled aluminium only takes 5% of the energy it takes

construction. Qatar Aluminium Limited (Qatalum) is a joint venture

to make the metal anew. That’s 95% less energy, with 0% depletion

between two industry giants - Hydro Aluminium and Qatar

of the material. Those figures are ridiculous, and neatly dispel any

Petroleum (QP). Formed in 2007, they officially began operations

concerns that the energy spent in recycling outweighs the final

in 2009, and its smelter hit full-capacity production rates two years

result.

later, in 2011. The company are dedicated to sustainability and

Thankfully, 75% of the aluminium currently in use was recycled

clean production; in their own words, “We are keenly aware of the

– but why do we have the other 25%? Whilst some of this statistic

importance and value of our planet and its environment, and we

is the result of aluminium being wasted and sent to land-fills, it also

refuse to compromise on its health and long-term sustainability.

represents the ever-growing demand for the material continually

To this end the Qatalum Production System has core principles

outstripping what is currently in circulation. Not only does our

that help us to better protect our environment. Our operations

expanding consumer appetite constantly call for an increase in

emphasize efficiency, which allows us to reduce our energy

products, but this wonder-metal is also, it’s encouraging to see,

consumption and GHG emissions per unit of production.”

slipping in to the manufacturing process and replacing less cost-

Qatalum were fast in claiming their strong position on the

effective materials. For example, in a vehicle, one kilogram of

aluminium scene - when two giants come together to create

aluminium can supplement two kilograms of heavier materials like

something new, it’s no surprise that baby’s first steps are ground-

steel or iron. This allows for the creation of lighter cars that use less

shaking. The company leads has a strong lead in its industry both

fuel and produce an average of 20 kg less emissions. The lighter

in Qatar and the GCC, able to produce over 630,000 tons of high-

134 | Endeavour Magazine

QATALUM quality aluminium a year. Despite its output and size, the company

keep the plant as efficient as possible, it was designed with low NOx

also claims theirs is one of the most environmentally friendly

burner technology and selective catalytic reduction. The reliability

aluminium smelters in the world.

of this power plant is essential for Qatalum to operate; a power

Qatalum maintain their ambitiously attained status by

cut of more than a few hours could severely damage all aluminium

encouraging what they call “a culture of continuous improvement”

currently in production, meaning such incidents aren’t an option.

within the company. This is on a corporate and personal level, ranging

For this reason, the plant includes spare capacity, with the option

from R&D, staff training and even personal goals. For example, the

to feed to or take from the national grid if ever necessary.

company launched a five-year improvement program designed

The famous casthouse’s reputation for quality precedes it. It has

specifically to make them one of the 10 most efficient smelters in

been designed around the principle of high efficiently at a low cost,

the world. This all-encompassing goal meant improvements both

so much so that it regularly outdoes its own calculated capacity,

in savings and competence; the result is a strong lead within Gulf

producing mostly extrusion ingots and foundry alloys, although it

aluminium, both in terms of operational excellence and the high

is also able to produce standard primary ingots. Meanwhile, the

quality of the aluminium they produce.

company’s integrated carbon plant produces over 1,200 anodes

So what sort of operation are we talking about? Qatalum’s

per day – that’s around one anode per minute. Anodes are made

physical footprint is approximately 2.7 km² - that’s around 260

from petroleum coke, recycled butts and pitch. All in all, the plant

football fields. Included in this vas complex are a carbon plant,

will produce approximately 320,000 tons of anodes per year.

port and storage facilities, and ever a dedicated power plant.

The site also holds Qatalum’s Zero Energy and Emission Building

These dedicated, on-site facilities reduce the need for unnecessary

(ZEEB) lab, which is dedicated to researching and testing aluminium

transport of the aluminium and avoid putting strain on exterior sites

used in curtain-wall solutions in a study to create energy, emission

to keep up with Qatalum’s capacity. The powerplant can generate

and carbon neutral buildings in the Middle East. This lab was built

some 1,350 MW, exceeding the smelter’s usage of 1,050 MW. To

by Norwegian company Hydro, one of Qatalum’s key partners

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136 | Endeavour Magazine

alongside Qatar Petroleum. As Qatalum describes the partnerships, “Qatar Petroleum provides a unique combination of long-term competitive energy resources and industrial infrastructure, whilst Hydro is a global integrated aluminium industry leader with close to a century of experience of aluminium production.”

This lab, along with Qatalum’s continued efforts to maximise their efficiency, are all parts of their mission to support sustainable

In 2007, QATALUM selected Fives’ state of the art technologies for:

in order to guide economic, social, human and environmental

• Gas Treatment Centers supplemented by sea water scrubbers

development of the country. The vision is intended as a beacon to

• A 60 tph Green Anode Plant

industry, as a part of their involvement in Qatar’s National Vision 2030 – a vision launched by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani

light the way forwards for all the peoples of Qatar, and Qatalum value its importance in guiding a way to the future; “The National Vision 2030 continues to be a major part of our long-term strategic plans. We recognise that industrial diversification will be a key element of Qatar’s continued economic development, alongside environmental protection measures and social policies that will provide the platform for a sustainable tomorrow.”

8mm_Endeavour Magazine_Qatalum focus_vecto_Oct17.indd 1

• The Liquid Pitch Marine Terminal • The Fume Treatment Center and the Firing equipment and Process Control System on ABF • Melting & Holding Furnaces and Water DrivingCooling progress Systems for the casthouse

16/10/2017 10:11:53

Driving progress

A5_188x138mm_Endeavour Magazine_Qatalum focus_vecto_Oct17.indd 1

Endeavour Magazine | 137 16/10/2017 10:11:53

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT WWW.EFM.CO.ZA // 27 11 458 7555

GIVING THAT LITTLE BIT EQSTRA Business is about staying ahead not only working to be the best at what you do, but when it’s called for, having the courage to start over and create something new.

Murray Price took this gamble, and it’s been a call that has taken eight years of work to back up.

Now, with a new product behind them and their future ahead, we spoke with Price about what kept his vision going throughout this long process, and what we should all expect from the new face of Eqstra Fleet.

WRITTEN BY ALICE INSTONE-BREWER

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT The 2008 financial crisis hit the whole world hard. In

fact, as most of us know all too well, it was the greatest economic sucker-punch since the Great Depression of 1929. Strong and fragile economies alike were shaken, and South Africa was no exception.

2008 was also the year that Eqstra Fleet unbundled from their original owners, the Imperial Group, one of the largest list groups in SA The collision of these two events put Eqstra in a precarious position, and one where they faced a choice: scale down, keep operating as they always have and try to live out the storm, or change.

“I

f you were to take a view on our company originally,” explains

has been a daunting undertaking to produce, but the result is like

Murray Price, Managing Director of Eqstra Fleet, “we were

no other fleet management service out there: “The view for us was,

pretty much a leasing business, focused predominantly on

if you want to play in this market, you’ve got to be the lowest cost

vehicle leasing with a bit of maintenance and accident management

competitor, or you’ll never be able to compete effectively, and in

on the side, at best. With the events of 2008, we realised very

order to do that, we needed to automate.

quickly that we weren’t going to be able to compete on price going forward, and made the decision to diversify.”

This software was new territory, and whilst Eqstra planned the endeavour, they didn’t fully know what they were letting

Adaptation, it’s often said, is the key to survival: Eqstra

themselves in for – an eight-year process that is still ongoing, even

Fleet decided that in order to compete and keep their business

as they seem to be clearing the woods. “There were many times

sustainable, they needed to transform into a full fleet management

we questioned it. We’d get feedback from some fleet managers

company. Not only this – they needed to be a management

we know in the UK and they’d say ‘Oh, you’re insane.’ We were

company with a difference, bringing something new to the table

agreeing with them at one point! What kept me going was that the

that would out-do their competitors. The road to creating this new,

requirement had not disappeared and that achieving our objective

cutting-edge element was an organic part of their service growth,

would deliver measurable value to our wide base of customers.

but ‘organic’ by no means implies easy.

“We have always believed that what we’re selling to our

In diversifying, Eqstra introduced numerous new services: fuel

customers is the system. We don’t really make the car, we’ve never

cards, integrated tracking services, in-house roadside assistance,

towed, maintained or repaired one – we arrange for it to happen,

service and maintenance plans, and the administrative selling of

and that all comes down to the system.”

not only their packages, but those of other groups as well. In total,

So what exactly does Quest offer that has makes it unique to

they now offer over 60 services. Arranging and providing such

fleet management (and has made it so difficult to produce)? Price

a range of products created new problems for Eqstra to solve,

breaks the services down for us:

the main one being organization. To manage their operations

“The system was built on Microsoft AX 2012, but we did a lot

effectively, they needed to streamline their data – this need

of dev on top of it. I think for me, the main differentiator is that you

prompted the birth of what would eventually become Quest, a new

have a single point of access to the full range of fleet solutions.”

software system that monitors, organizes and reports on every

Quest offers fully comprehensive fleet management data, analysed

layer of fleet management and activity through one interface. It

and easily accessible from one reference point. As well as recording

140 | Endeavour Magazine

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT the entire fleet lifecycle, from procurement to licencing to fines,

state their case to new personnel, and protects both parties from

short term rentals and complete maintenance information, the

false claims about what has been said or taken place. All in all, the

system also allows access to data on vehicle insurance, vehicle

system allows transparency, efficiency and certainty.

tracking and fuel consumption. However, the true difference comes in its stream-lined organization:

This all-inclusive system also allows Eqstra Fleet to manage personalised services for their clients without unnecessary

“For everything we do, we can create a case, and a case can

administration. Eqstra alter their 60+ products depending on their

have multiple services linked to it. For example, on an accident

clients’ individual needs, and this creates a headache of data – or

case, I might have 15 services: I may tow it, I may assess it,

it would, without Quest’s Product Masters keeping track. Finally,

whatever I need to do. This allows me to run a mini project, with

Quest reduces both human error and carbon footprints by operating

all the services against one case, so that when we’ve finished it, we

on a paperless system. The system has 350 in-built outbound

can produce the customer one invoice for all of the repairs for one

documents that are generated automatically by the system, whilst

incident, not in pieces.”

optical character recognition allows it to automatically process

More than invoicing, this system allows both Eqstra Fleet and

incoming documents. “We’ve processed about 300,000 or 400,000

their client to keep track of exactly what is happening during a

documents since we’ve gone live, coming and going through without

case. “What this system’s also doing is giving a detailed history, so

human hands.” Automation indeed – every element of Quest sets

we can see exactly who’s done what. It keeps careful notes, and

Eqstra Fleet up to operate in the future fast-lane of industry, where

we track all conversations, outbound and inbound, so we and the

data is king and hands-on-paper is kept to a slick minimum.

customer have a common clear view of what’s really going on.”

Like any new venture, there have been many hurdles along

This level of record keeping avoids many of the bumps that occur

the way; Eqstra’s main challenge was converting reams of data

between customers and support services: it removes issues caused

over from a less organized system into another, highly organized

by departments not talking to each other, customers having to re-

one in an entirely different format. Price confesses that they

142 | Endeavour Magazine

underestimate the sheer effort and time this would take: “The system took us eight years to build. It’s been live in Africa for three, and nearly a year in South Africa. Of the three years it has been live in Africa, it took us two to convert all the 175, 000 vehicles on our system from one platform to the other.”

With doubts being cast by customers and other fleet companies, and the work ever more challenging and time consuming than they expected, some companies would have backed out of the project, but Price kept looking at the long-term. Adaptation needed to happen, and once it did, he was convinced, it would put Eqstra ahead of the crowd: “The thing that kept us going in was ‘We don’t have to convert again’. We needed to do this because it was about sustainability for our business. Whoever did it, it was going to be a challenge. If you expect to do something great and not take a lot of pain, you’re missing the truth of it.”

Whilst changes are constantly being made, and Price feels it will be a couple of months before they can truly sit back and let the profit of their efforts roll in, Quest is already receiving keen feedback: “Global fleet directors have said they haven’t seen anything like it – not in the States, not in Europe.” Even competitors have started

PROUD VEHICLE SUPPLIER TO WWW.HINO.CO.ZA Endeavour Magazine | 143

EQSTRA FLEET MANAGEMENT admitting that Quest represents the way forward, and some are

close time zones. “It’ll be interesting. We’ve got the right person to

looking to start adding similar services to their own models.

take the lead in the UK. Obviously, it’s about who you put in and

“I would say 90% of fleet management companies are facing a legacy problem in terms of system. Everyone’s going to have to do

whether they know the market. We can’t pre-suppose the market from here.”

it at a point, and in fact the more mature markets have got more

From there, Price is looking to enable local parties across Africa

legacy problems than the emerging markets, whose technologies

to use and distribute the software – a more cost-effective solution

have jumped over the older stuff.

than boots on ground, and one which will allow Quest to take off

“2008 felt like the worst thing that could happen to us, but it

at its own speed. After a slow birth, this could be the beginning of

forced us to get moving, and thank goodness we moved, because

a rapid global adventure for Eqstra, and a game-changer for those

the world around us is changing so quickly now.”

looking to keep up. Either way, Eqstra’s story is a testament to

With data and automated software more important and

innovation in crisis: instead of battening down in the storm, Price

advanced than ever before, Eqstra Fleet are well positioned to play

let it force the company forwards, to what is now the edge of a

with the big boys, whilst their competitors are going to have to start

potential booming future for the company and fleet management

the arduous journey they’ve just emerged from. Now that the battle

services as a whole.

is over, like any ambitious business, they are already looking at new horizons by considering Quest’s potential on a global market: “If you look at fleet anywhere in the world, the intricacies change, but the principles don’t. The core flow of what happens is pretty standard, so we think there might also be a global opportunity for the system.” To start, they are looking at testing Quest in the UK, because of the countries’ shared language and

144 | Endeavour Magazine

FOND DOUX PLANTATION & RESORT WWW.FONDDOUXESTATE.COM // 00 1 758 459 7545

AN AUTHENTIC TASTE OF ST. LUCIA The Caribbean island of St. Lucia is a place that needs little introduction, such is its reputation for being one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations.

Famous images of sun-kissed ivory beaches at the foot of the Piton mountains or the lush rainforest that blankets the island simply don’t do it justice – St. Lucia is a place that needs to be seen, smelt and touched at least once.

WRITTEN BY DJAMIL BENMEHIDI

FOND DOUX PLANTATION & RESORT

To complement its bounty of natural gifts, St. Lucia is

also home to a vacation resort that is truly out of the ordinary. In an age where generic cookie-cutter hotels have become an unwelcome norm, the Fond Doux Plantation & Resort offers its visitors an authentic St. Lucian experience – one that is unspoiled and in harmony with its beautiful surroundings.

S

etting foot onto the grounds of the old French colonial estate

one-bedroom cottages with pools and a beautiful, relaxing setting,

in Soufriere can feel like stepping through a portal back

perfect as honeymoon suites! They have a plunge pool and outdoor

into the 19th century. Secluded amidst the hills and tropical

showers, set on the hillside with sweeping views out over the town.”

rainforest that surrounds it, the Fond Doux estate is in fact built on

The resort also has larger cottages that appeal to families, as

a working plantation. With its lovingly tended organic gardens and

each of the cottages are sequestered. The resort is large yet also

rich swathes of fruit and cocoa trees, the subtle scents of which

small enough for a stay to be whatever guests want it to be – if

hang on the air, the sheer beauty of the resort is breath-taking.

you want to mix, you can mix. If you don’t, you can relax and stay

Straight away, it is clear to see that Fond Doux Plantation &

in a world of your own and while away a day with a good book. It

Resort has been built with great love, from the finish and paintwork

is a sanctuary of sorts that offers complete privacy for those who

of the old-world wooden plantation house to its immaculate,

seek it.

rustic décor, both inside the guest cottages and out. Take the old

“We provide complimentary shuttles to the beach and

estate house, for example: a structure of exquisite beauty with

complimentary breakfasts, made up of a healthy balance of fruits,

architecture like that of a 250-year old colonial building, because it

vegetables and our very own St. Lucian cocoa tea. So while there

is one that has been painstakingly restored.

are no TVs or the like in our cottages, there is plenty to do see and

“The Fond Doux plantation was and still is a working is one

do. There is a lot here at Fond Doux.

of the oldest estates in St. Lucia, possible the entire Caribbean.

When you walk our hiking trails up to the plantation point,

When we purchased the estate, the previous owners had left it

you can actually see the Pitons, and then just a further 5 minutes

abandoned and derelict. The family have had to do a lot of work

away you’ve got the sulphur springs. There are mineral baths and

from replanting in the grounds to bringing in ancillary facilities,

forest trails, and then of course there are the Pitons trails, which

electricity, running water and telephone lines. The building itself

are popular with many of our visitors. These peaks are over 2,800ft

was in a terrible state of disrepair, and we were even advised to

tall, and you can actually climb to the top of them.”

knock it down. We went in the opposite direction – there was so

With its many strong attributes, the past decade has been a

much history there that we couldn’t just let it disappear.” explained

period of ongoing success for the resort. However, the roots of the

Eroline Lamontagne, the charismatic co-founder of Fond Doux.

Fond Doux story stretch even further back to 1999, a troubling

Naturally, the impact of this for those who stay in the resort

time which still lingers in the island’s memory. Like their fellow St.

is like no other. Each of the small number of guest cottages are

Lucians, Eroline and her husband Lyton suddenly became collateral

nestled in the hills of its 134-acre lands overlooking the rainforest,

damage in a vicious dispute between the US and Europe over the

appealing to honeymooners and couples seeking romantic get-

EU’s preferential treatment for banana growers in former colonies.

aways.

When the EU finally conceded to US wishes, banana growers

“Right now, we’re in the process of putting up an additional

who had farmed ‘green gold’ for generations suddenly lost their

ten cottages – in all we now have a total of 15. Some of them are

protections against American multinationals at the stroke of a pen.

148 | Endeavour Magazine

FOND DOUX PLANTATION & RESORT However, fears that the island’s economy would fold proved to be unfounded. Eroline explained:

holds a strong appeal for the modern holidaymaker or traveller.

This place is as close to paradise as you’re likely to find, and

“A lot of farmers were forced completely out of the green gold

Eroline plans to keep it this way through her dedication to doing

market, and we diversified instead to cater to holiday makers and

business sustainably. Her success in achieving this has won no little

cruise ship passengers.

degree of international acclaim:

Our journey started for us in 2006 – that’s when we learned

“We’re all St. Lucians – all of our staff come from St Lucia, and

that the main building was slated for demolition. We bought it, took

Fond Doux is a true sample of St. Lucia. So far, we’ve started to

it down piece by piece, and assembled it here again at Fond Doux.

attain international recognition for the agriculture and extensive

This was our first building. We wanted to combine its historical

plant life here,� Eroline told us. She continued: “Operating

authenticity with the plantation’s agriculture, and how we’ve

sustainably is incredibly important to us; our vision has always

moulded it with tourism.�

been to be as environmentally conscious as we can. If we have to

Suffice to say, Fond Doux has come a long way over the years

cut down a tree, we’ll plant another one – we value nature and

since, during which it has evolved and grown to become one of

the environment around us. We are the only true organic resort

the world’s top five highest rated plantation resorts. Fond Doux

on the island, and the only resort engaged in eco-friendly building

Plantation & Resort was the first of its kind to open its doors

practices and cultural preservation.

for business in St. Lucia, and like all new and different concepts

We have won a number of international environmental awards,

it naturally raised eyebrows. However, where once the sceptics

and have recently been named the Best Sustainable Boutique

questioned whether Fond Doux would last six months, today, it is

Hotel in the Americas - an award we had the pleasure of travelling

recognised universally as one of the world’s leading eco-friendly

to London to receive.�

resorts. In a world where many are becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of environmental good practice, Fond Doux

Living the good life inside and out! info@insideoutslu.com www.insideoutslu.com insideoutslu 758 4500122

150 | Endeavour Magazine