The proud guardian of Sudan’s substantial gold resources, Ariab Mining Company Ltd is targeting portfolio diversification in conjunction with international investors.
As the mineral-rich republic’s leading operator in gold exploration and exploitation, the ambitious company is seeking to dig deeper and unlock additional value in several existing mines and highly prospective exploration tenements.
With the goal of achieving long-term value that is strategic, significant, and sustainable, the state-owned firm is on a quest to increase technology acquisition to develop a world-class project pipeline. The forward-thinking enterprise is adopting winning strategies, transforming operational performance and delivering step-change improvements throughout the value chain – from strategy to capital productivity and to developing skills in local communities. With Sudan introducing investment laws that match international standards, now is the ideal time for intelligent investors to bring knowledge and technology to achieve lucrative rewards.
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It’s April and that marks the start of a new season, and with it comes this bumper issue of Endeavour Magazine.
In this edition, we had the pleasure of talking with Greg Borossay from the Port of San Diego to see the vast role the port plays in developing the economy of California whilst championing the maritime industry. Borossay spoke of the shift towards electrification with the implementation of electric cranes across the port, which has increased the capacity of its cargo handling capabilities and reduced emissions.
We also got to catch up with Todd Knight from Oil Finders to gain a great insight into the complex world of data analysis. We looked into how Oil Finders provides essential seismic and geophysical data to companies and banks across the world, spearheaded by Knight’s background in geophysics. Through this valuable data, we saw the crucial role Oil Finders play in helping banks and corporations make vital investment decisions backed by science.
We then turn to stories from industry giants such as Maersk India, John Deere and Barrick Gold Corporation who continue to bring major development to the shipping, manufacturing, and mining industries. In addition to these, we also got to see some great stories from a range of businesses from the renewable energy, real estate, and tourism sectors that are working to bring vital success to their respective regions.
We hope you enjoy this edition of Endeavour Magazine, and we look forward to seeing how each company continues to develop their operations towards a profitable and sustainable future.
by Carley Fallows
PORT OF SAN DIEGO
Asia/Oceania
Creator of Famed Dragon Ball Series has Died
Fans of the highly popular and influential Dragon Ball series were sad to learn of the death of Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama. Toriyama’s death was announced by the production studio stating he died of a brain condition at the age of 68.
Toriyama created the series which focuses on Son Goku, a boy from outer space with superhuman strength and a monkey tail who goes on a quest for the 7 dragon balls. It is one of the most popular series across the world, and the death of the creator was met with an outpouring of messages on social media from fans.
The martial arts fantasy franchise focuses on courage, friendship, and kinship. It is this message that connected with so many fans and creators alike. Therefore, his death saw creators of other manga series such as ‘One Piece’ sharing their sadness online.
New Beetle Discovered in Australia
A researcher in Queensland noticed a fluffy specimen whilst out camping in the Gold Coast hinterland in 2021. The beetle was almost missed by the researcher after originally mistaking it for bird poo. However, they soon realised it was actually a small creature covered in long, fluffy white hair – not something they had ever seen before.
Following research with colleagues from the National Insect Collection, the group noted its similarity to a previously discovered insect species with spiky hairs. However, these species are known for their orange hairs instead of white hairs. This led the national agency CSIRO to confirm that the specimen is in fact an entirely new kind of longhorn beetle.
Whilst the researchers are not sure why the beetle is covered in white hairs, they suggested it could be to mimic white fungus in an attempt to deter predators. No matter the reason, the beetle has been dubbed by some as the ‘punk beetle’ thanks to its white spikes.
Sudden Snow Fall Leads to Deaths in Pakistan
An unexpected snowfall in remote areas of Pakistan left 35 people dead and many injured. The sudden snow and freezing rain had left roads blocked and houses damaged. The extreme weather was suggested to have been caused by a westerly disturbance that was moving across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northwest India in the days before. The weather disturbance brought with it extremely cold temperatures, heavy snow, and torrential rain. However, weather like this is not expected at this time of year in Pakistan, so it took many locals by surprise. Snow is only typically seen in very short spurts, however, this event lasted over 30 minutes. It is reported that roughly 150 houses were completely destroyed and 500 damaged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the south-western Balochistan province. The weather also left electricity completely cut off in some districts for many days following.
Africa
Orca Kills Great White Shark in South Africa
Scientists in South Africa have been recording data since 2017 of a pair of Orcas working together to kill great white sharks along the coastline. This has led to shark populations dropping along some parts of the coast around Cape Town. However, a scientist recently discovered that one of the pair, known to the researchers as Starboard, was seen singlehandedly killing a 2.5-meter juvenile white shark in only 2 minutes.
Orcas target these sharks to eat their nutrientrich livers, whilst discarding the rest to the ocean. Starboard’s hunting represents something new for the researchers who are used to seeing these animals working in pairs taking a few hours to hunt and attack their prey. However, the hunting skills of Starboard killing the shark in under 2 minutes whilst the orca’s male companion, Port, observed from 100 metres away, shows a change in hunting strategies.
This shift in hunting dynamics has left marine biologists concerned about what this could mean for the wider marine ecosystem if great white shark populations are being pushed further away from the South African coast.
Tree-Planting Mayor of West Africa
Yvonne Aki-Sawywerr is the first directly elected female mayor of Freetown in Sierra Leone and has made a name for herself in recent years for her climate change prevention work. The 56-year-old mayor made the environment her focus for the election in 2018. This focus comes as Freetown is vulnerable to flooding and has seen an increase in coastal erosion and temperatures along with global warming.
Aki-Sawyerr began an initiative funded by tokens sold on private and carbon markets, to pay city residents to plant and monitor trees and mangroves across the region. The goal of the initiative was to plant one million trees. Whilst this initial goal wasn’t met, more than 600,000 seedlings were planted, and the project was a finalist in last year’s Earthshot Prize. Aki-Sawyer is now on several boards and commissioning groups to bring about real policies to tackle change.
Cocoa Prices at all-time High
Easter is known for many as a time when chocolate eggs are given as gifts. However, this year many are realising that prices for these confectionary goods in places such as the UK have seen a big hike in price from previous years. This price spike is largely due to the price of cocoa hitting a new record as climate change and weather conditions have severely affected cocoa trees.
Most chocolate is made from cocoa grown in West Africa, however, the humid heatwaves and increasingly high temperatures over the last few months have blasted crops and cut yields significantly. These high temperatures have been seen in places such as the Ivory Coast and Ghana, which are the main importers of cocoa beans to the UK. Therefore, as climate change and global temperatures continue to rise, cocoa trees are threatened with even less yield in the future.
Could TikTok be banned in the US?
New legislation is being debated by politicians in the US regarding a ban on TikTok in the country unless the company’s Chinese owners agree to sell the company. The bill was passed on 13th March and requires TikTok owner ByteDance to sell the app to a non-Chinese company. The bill was introduced as government officials feared that the app was providing the Chinese government with foreign user data.
To ban the app in the US TikTok would be removed from app stores including the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For those already with the app, the bill would stop the app from receiving future updates which are designed to improve security and fix bugs.
However, TikTok owners have hit back at the US stating that removing the app would give greater power to other social media companies, whilst putting thousands of American jobs at risk. Many of the 170 million TikTok users in the US have also shared their upset at the bill stating it would put many creators out of work, as well as have massive impacts on the music industry where smaller artists rely on TikTok to gain an audience for their hits.
Bridge in Baltimore Hit by Container Ship
A vessel travelling from the port of Baltimore to Sri Lanka crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore after losing power. The ship hit a concrete column of the bridge in the early hours of Tuesday 26th March after veering off course without power, which upon collision led the entire bridge to collapse into the Patapsco River below. The power outage across the ship left no electronics and no engine power across the ship, and whilst the crew attempted to regain power the ship continued hurtling towards the bridge.
The Maryland Transportation Authority noticed the ship and quickly moved to stop the flow of vehicle traffic onto the bridge in the two minutes between the first alert and the collision. Currently 6 people, all thought to be members of the road crew working on the bridge, are thought to be dead.
The spike in the disease came before Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, one of the biggest carnivals in the world, which could see cases spike as millions of people descend onto the streets of Brazil.
New Snake Species Discovered in Amazon
At this year’s Grammy Awards eyes were on Taylor Swift, as she claimed her fourth win in the category ‘Album of the Year’. Having already won the acclaimed award three times previously for her albums Fearless, 1989 and Folklore. Swift collected the award from Celine Dion, for her album Midnights. The Grammy win marks the 13th one awarded to the megastar.
However, upon receiving the award she made history again by announcing her new album set to land in April titled The Tortured Poets Department. This is the second time the star has announced an album whilst winning the award and comes as a surprise to many fans who were expecting the announcement of her re-recording series for Reputation (Taylor’s Version).
www.solaresflorida.com
Middle East
New Gas Output Boost in Qatar
Qatar has outlined plans which will expand the output from one of the world’s largest gas fields. The new development of the North field expansion, named North Field West, hopes to boost the gas capacity of the project to 142 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) by 2030. The current expansion will add 16 million tonnes of LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) to the existing project and will enable QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company, to begin developing new LNG and continue to position Qatar as one of the world’s top LNG producers alongside the United State, Australia, and Russia.
The development adds to an announcement in January which saw QatarEnergy sign a deal with USbased Excelerate Energy, to provide Bangladesh with 1.5mtpa of LNG for 15 years. Therefore, the North Field development will ensure that the world’s largest gas field, which Qatar shares with Iran, will continue to develop the gas field for future development.
Dragon Ball Theme Park to be Built in Saudi Arabia
Saudia Arabia has announced a new theme park which will be based around the popular Dragon Ball Japanese animated series. Covering more than half a million square meters, the plans have been developed in partnerships between Saudia Arabia’s government investment fund, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC), and Toei Animation, the Japanese producer of Dragon Ball.
According to the official website, the park will feature a 70m dragon at the centre, 30 rides and a roller coaster modelled after the character of Shenron – a wish-giving dragon. The park hopes to bring key tourism into the country. However, the plans have been met with some criticism discussing the country’s treatment of women and LGBTQ+ people.
The UN and government officials across the world continue to call for an immediate ceasefire to allow essential aid into Gaza.
Mega Festival comes to Dubai
Following the success of Europe’s most lively dance music festival in Romania, the event organisers have launched a similar festival in the United Arab Emirates. The usual festival in Romania features big names from the music industry across the globe, with artists such as David Guetta, Martin Garrix and Imagine Dragons making appearances. The event hopes to see a similar range of artists attending across the four stages at the festival.
The Mega Festival event hopes to take advantage of the large tourism market already coming to Dubai and create yet another reason for people to travel to the country from all over the world.
Europe
The Princess of Wales announces Cancer Diagnosis
The world was shocked to learn that Catherine, Princess of Wales had been diagnosed with cancer and is in the early stages of treatment. The Princess released a video outlining that, following abdominal surgery early this year, tests found that cancer had been present and so a course of preventative chemotherapy had begun. This announcement comes following weeks of speculation surrounding her surgery and time away from public royal duties. The type of cancer and further details about her diagnosis were not discussed in the video. The news comes just weeks after King Charles also announced his own cancer diagnosis, which has seen him also step away from some public duties whilst he undergoes treatment.
Germany to Legalise Personal Cannabis Use
A partial legalisation of cannabis for personal use has been approved by the German parliament. The bill which will be in effect from April 1st will allow people to obtain up to 25 grams of cannabis per day for personal use through specific regulated cannabis cultivation associations. The bill will also allow people to have up to three plants at home. However, the use of the drug will remain illegal for anyone under the age of 18.
The bill means Germany now has one of the most liberal Cannabis laws in Europe. However, health experts opposing the law have warned that cannabis use among young people can cause serious damage to the nervous system and lead to an increased risk of developing a range of disorders such as psychosis and schizophrenia.
Earliest Know Fossilised Forest Found
Scientists have discovered fossils in the high sandstone cliffs in Somerset which are thought to show the world’s earliest known fossilised forest. Researchers from Cambridge and Cardiff Universities who studied the fossils believe that they show the oldest fossilised trees found in Britain and the oldest known forest on Earth. The fossil patterns resemble palm trees but are only about 2-4 metres in height.
The discovery is thought to show the role these trees played in shaping the landscapes and the development of the coastlines hundreds of millions of years ago. The trees date back to the Devonian Period, roughly 419 and 358 million years ago, and today most closely resemble that of the Dicksonia Antarctica tree - a type of fen native to Australasia.
Credit: Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego has long played a vital role within the region for its maritime operations which has already added more than $20 billion to the state’s economy. With a healthy mix of multiple business lines from cargo to tourism, and its continued commitment towards sustainability, the Port has cemented its place as a key port operator on both a national and international scale. We got the chance to chat with Greg Borossay, Principal of Maritime Business Development at the Port of San Diego, who told us of the expansive work of the Port and highlighted key developments towards electrification aimed at enhancing port operations whilst building a sustainable future for its operations worldwide.
The Port of San Diego champions the maritime industry, waterfront development, public safety, experiences, and the environment as part of their diverse mission. This commitment to both people, the environment and the industry is what has continued to bring prosperity to both the Port and the surrounding region. When we spoke to Greg Borossay, he noted that the port industry is currently an exciting one, which has brought USD 9.2 billion into San Diego County alone, and is responsible for creating 64,000 employment opportunities through direct, indirect, and induced jobs.
The Port is not funded with tax dollars, but rather from its diverse portfolio of operations which generate revenue to support the vital public services and amenities available across the Port’s operations. This portfolio ranges from cargo and cruise terminals to hotels, restaurants, marinas, museums and 22 public parks. Therefore, as a public benefit corporation, the Port continues to promote and balance the commerce, navigation, recreation, environmental stewardship, and fisheries on behalf of the citizens of the State of California.
On a national scale, the competitive cargo capabilities across the Port have established it as a key player serving the nationwide importing and exporting industry largely thanks to the roll-on/rolloff cargo operation in place. The Port’s reputation for excellence on a national scale has extended to its international network, which sees vessels from both cargo and tourism industries stopping with the Port of San Diego every single day. Borossay highlighted the valuable international role the Port plays by looking at the vehicle industry, where currently one in 10 cars which are seen on the roads in the U.S. have been imported directly through the Port of San Diego.
Credit: Port of San Diego
Credit: Port of San Diego
The Future of Sustainable Waterfronts
However, with such an expansive role from shipping to leisure in both national and international sectors, the Port of San Diego also remains aware of the need to meet the demand of these growing industries whilst also mitigating the impacts of its operations on local communities and the environment. Therefore, Borossay highlights that
“One of our biggest endeavours right now is taking on projects and initiatives laid out in our Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS)”.
MCAS is a set of initiatives laid out by the Port to improve environmental and public health through cleaner air for all those who live, work, and play in and around San Diego Bay. These initiatives are to help the Port maintain efficiency in operations, whilst making ambitious strides towards ensuring that every operation maintains the safe and clean nature of the local area.
A crucial current step of the MCAS is the shift towards electrification, which last year saw the Port receive two all-electric heavy-lift mobile harbour cranes. These cranes provide the Port with double the existing lift capacity, whilst helping to reduce emissions. The existing diesel-driven cranes play a big role in the port’s current overall emissions output, and so the introduction of new cranes will significantly reduce the Port’s emissions whilst also providing much greater lifting capacity. Therefore,
the electric cranes perfectly meet the goals of the Port of San Diego: to protect the planet whilst also moving the Port towards a future of continued economic development.
For the Port of San Diego, everything it does is project-driven, and this is something Greg Borossay highlighted; to inspire staff “all projects must align with the overall mission and vision of the organisation”. This focus ensures that every operation, project, and development undertaken by the Port of San Diego continually works to put San Diego Bay and the people of California at the forefront to build sustained economic prosperity whilst mitigating environmental impacts. Therefore, with a current push towards electrification across its operations thanks to the development of MCAS, the Port of San Diego is establishing itself as a key sustainable waterfront for the future.
Credit: Port of San Diego
Credit: Port of San Diego
John Deere: Forestry, Construction & Mining
The John Deere brand is one that many of us will be very familiar with, especially in the world of construction, forestry, and mining. The company’s equipment can be seen at project sites across the world facilitating key operations designed to help us develop towards the future. As the global population continues to rise, the demand for food, fuel and infrastructure is steadily increasing. To meet these growing demands, projects and operations across the world need the best equipment to make vital development possible, and this is where John Deere comes in. John Deere has over 180 combined years of experience in the world of heavy machinery and equipment, and it is with this knowledge that the company has created an array of intelligent, innovative, and connected machinery to enable us to achieve this vital leap towards the future for both people and the planet.
With a growing population, the need for construction equipment is vital to building essential infrastructure throughout every sector from housing to manufacturing facilities. John Deere has crafted its machinery and equipment to work towards this growing future with its precision construction technology which is designed to help its customers to work smarter, not harder. This can best be seen looking at John Deere’s construction equipment which uses the latest connectivity and alert-management tools. The equipment uses JDLink™ which provides real-time data which can be filtered and analysed by its machinery to provide diagnostics and operational efficiency. This realtime data allows machinery to quickly identify critical issues and allow the equipment to act, often before the operator knows there is a problem. This function is designed to maintain the health of the machine whilst also improving operational safety across the construction site.
This data can then be fed back into John Deere Machine Health Monitoring Centres which collect data from thousands of operational machines to identify trends in this data to determine common causes and help John Deere fix any issues. Therefore, customers who use John Deere machinery can be sure that the operational efficiency and health of every machinery remains a priority to the company. By identifying potential issues, John Deere can implement preventative maintenance and repair protocols to keep machinery working and projects moving. The Expert Alerts System, therefore, allows John Deere to remain ahead of its competition by continually working to improve the speed and accuracy of its equipment.
Machinery under the construction sector of John Deere includes motor graders, excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders and crawler dozers. These work to help its customers efficiently deliver construction results with ease. However, to make its machinery options even greater for its customers, John Deere has partnered with Leica Geosystems to help bring greater digital development to its heavy construction equipment. The partnership was announced in February and outlines that the partnership between John Deere and Leica Geosystem will see the latest technology, software, and services from Leica Geosystems available to purchase on selected John Deere construction equipment models.
John Deere: Forestry, Construction & Mining
It is hoped that the partnership will bring even greater performance to the construction equipment lineup through Leica Geosystem’s sensor technology by reducing overall materials costs and the number of passes required for each job. Mark Colvin, Senior Product Manager and Grade Management at John Deere commented on the vital partnership, “Working with Leica Geosystems is a tremendous opportunity, as their advanced technology solutions, paired with the power and performance of John Deere construction equipment line-up, makes for a highly productive, efficient and seamless job site for
our customers”. Colvin’s comments highlight John Deere’s commitment to delivering top-quality and efficient equipment to its customers by partnering with key players in the world of equipment technology productivity to achieve machinery systems that deliver every single time.
These kinds of solutions are also seen across John Deeres aggregate or mining equipment offerings, which, much like the construction division, include articulated dump trucks, dozers, excavators, wheel loaders, and skid steers. However, to continue to deliver high-performance aggregate machinery, John Deere also has the Wirtgen Group which is a member of the John Deere family. The group offer 5 premium brands that serve the road construction, quarry, and aggregate sectors to meet the growing need for infrastructure development. The two companies bring together decades of expertise and innovation, with the Wirtgen Group offering mobile jaw crunchers, crane crushers, impact crushers, screening plants and stackers to the John Deere product line.
All of the machines are supported by John Deere’s Operations Centre which helps customers to monitor equipment across the job site. Furthermore, the two company’s combined experience in the world of aggregates means that every machine is
made with the reliability and durability required for the heavy-duty work at mining or quarry sites. In addition to this, working with these two giants in the world of heavy machinery, you have access to their networks which support every single customer beyond their purchase. Therefore, in purchasing from the John Deere-Wirtgen Group, every customer knows the success of their projects is always the group’s top priority.
Finally, a key division for John Deere is its forestry division, which when we last caught up with the company had just introduced a new Intelligent Harvester Head Controls (IHC) which was designed to facilitate harvesting and improve the efficiency of delimbing trees. The role of the IHC was to protect the machine’s health by adjusting its harvester head to meet each tree’s specific characteristics and conditions. The development of the IHC was focused on using innovation to make operations more efficient. This innovation put the customer at the forefront of their operations, and this is something that John Deere has maintained through its recent implementation of a training program for all of its machines on logging sites.
Whether you’re using a wheeled harvester, harvester head, forwarder, or skidder to achieve your forestry needs, John Deere is committed to providing an in-depth walkthrough to every new customer, and specific changes to each machine for regular users. This training program helps to get machinery into action faster, whilst also ensuring greater operational safety. For those that are familiar with John Deere’s existing forestry equipment, the move between models is much easier as the company keep as many features and operational procedures similar, however with any changes, John Deere provides a specific walkthrough to highlight these features.
Going the Extra Mile
These training programs are facilitated through its regional offices and are designed to ensure that its product lines, which are already designed to be ready to go when they reach the customer, can be put into operation much quicker and safer. By ensuring both the machinery and the user is ready to go, John Deere is maintaining a strong relationship with its customers at every step, for a continued partnership for success.
Overall, John Deere is a vast machinery and equipment company which has pioneered the market with intelligently connected machines which work to make vital projects and operations towards the future just that little bit easier. Supported by real-time data, an international network and a commitment to the future, customers can feel safe choosing John Deere products knowing that at every stage they are designed to deliver results.
A.P. Møller – Mærsk (Maersk) is a global integrated logistics company that needs no introduction. With offices spanning 130 countries and 100,000 employees across the globe, its logistical footprint can be seen worldwide as it continues to provide customers with efficient, reliable, and secure logistical solutions supported by its international network. A key area of development for Maersk is India, where the company has over 20 years of experience working with local and international customers to connect India’s businesses to the world.
Maersk has established a significant presence in India over the last 2 decades and remains committed to providing its customers across the country with innovative logistical solutions to continue to promote socioeconomic growth through its international logistics network. The Indian economy is the fourth largest in the world, with a large portion of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stemming from both domestic and international trade. Therefore, by working with vital suppliers on the ground to establish crucial logistics solutions, as well as taking advantage of Maersk’s international network, the company continues to play a vital role in India with shipping, terminal operations, logistics, crewing, and training provided across the country’s logistics sector.
What separates Maersk from its rivals is its commitment to ensure that no matter the cargo type, the company will provide an efficient and reliable solution to meet its customers’ needs consistently. In India, this can either be in the form of utilising the company’s existing regular service to 15 of the country’s main ports, or to its 45 acceptance depots inland. These operations are facilitated through the company’s 25 offices across key locations in the country. However, Maersk knows that every logistical need must be catered to the customer and the cargo requirements, therefore Maersk works closely with every customer to facilitate unique logistical solutions to meet every customer’s logistical and shipment needs.
An example of this is the development of the Cold Store Facility in Gujarat. In January this year, Maersk announced it had broken ground on a new Cold Store Facility at Mehsana, which would provide 260,000 square feet of temperature-controlled storage for frozen processed food items. The development of the Cold Store Facility extends the global companies’ Cold Chain Logistics footprint. The facility is being built exclusively for HyFun Foods and represents Maersk’s commitment to providing solutions to meet its customers’ needs. The customer will be able to store all its frozen cargo in one single shed cold store, rather than multiple smaller facilities. This works to help the customer reduce distribution waiting times and delays from multiple stores, and instead, Maersk is implementing an all-in-one facility which will make
PASSION ON MOVE
Leading Pan-India Integrated Rail Terminal Operator
Pristine Logistics is one of the leading Indian multi-modal integrated logistics players. We provide logistics infrastructure and services, pivoted around rail transportation networks. Pristine provides synergetic logistics infrastructure and services across the spectrum, including non-container, container, rail transportation and road transportation services.
storage and distribution so much easier with an allin-one unbroken cold chain logistics solution.
Within the Cold Store Facility, Maersk will provide a remote container management system that provides full visibility for its customers to see the temperature and other critical elements from within the facility to ensure the stability of the cold chain logistics. The facility, which is being built on the Fanidhar Mega Food Park, will, once completed, be one of India’s largest single-shed cold stores. The facility will become a vital part of HyFun Foods’ operations, which will support the existing infrastructure to ensure that cargo moves from the manufacturing facility through the transport network, to ports, customs clearance, and then ocean transportation to take cargo to its destination. The investment into the Cold Store Facility further extends the customer’s network of distribution and highlights the vital role Maersk continues to play across the country to establish greater logistics solutions across India.
Essential to Maersk’s operation across the globe are the local logistical players which Maersk works with to help facilitate its operations across its international network. In India, this is ever present with the use of leading multi-model logical infrastructure and service providers which work with Maersk to help deliver services such as warehousing, storage, and cargo handling. In India specifically, the railway network plays a large part in the logistics network, and so Maersk works with local logistics providers to create innovative and efficient logistics solutions to make the most of these existing infrastructure links.
A key example of Maersk’s collaboration with local logistics providers is with Pristine Logistics & Infraprojects Ltd., to develop the Mandi Gobindgarth Steel Hub solution (steeldoor product (SD)). Mandi Gobindgarth is a hub for the steel industries in India, dealing with over 150 small to large-scale steel units. These units rely on high-melting scrap as their main raw material, and so Maersk and Pristine Logistics have worked together to develop an innovative import solution (SD product) which was rolled out in 2018. The CYSD (Container Yard Store Door) system was designed to handle 50 TEUs (twentyfoot equivalent units) per week and following expansive growth, the system delivered more than 700 TEUs per week in 2023-2024.
This increased capacity has allowed the system to deliver results for nearly 150 satisfied customers. The main advantage of the Steel Hub Solution’s development is to provide an all-in-one solution to handle, transport, and import steel products in a more efficient and hassle-free way. This customertailored solution highlights both Maersk and Pristine
A Global Logistics Connector
Logistics’ commitment to meeting the unique needs of its customers to bring greater stability to supply chains, and subsequently provide greater financial security to trade in India.
In addition to working with essential logistical solutions and transport providers across India, Maersk also works with key governmental figures to bring greater investment opportunities to support inland development for logistics hubs, warehousing, and transportation services. In January, Maersk signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu. The MoU was signed at the Tamil Nadu Global Investors Meet 2024 and will enable both parties to explore strategic opportunities together to promote the growing trade industry in the region. Tamil Nadu is the third largest contributor to India’s GDP, and so the agreement outlines a clear roadmap to produce a conducive business ecosystem supported by both the government’s and Maersk’s policies and networks to make the region even more competitive. By developing the logistics and transport sector in Tamil Nadu, the two hope to encourage greater investment into the sector to future-proof the industry for the next generations.
As Maersk moves towards the future, it is looking to explore new investment opportunities to develop
inland logistics hubs, continue to study customer needs for storage facilities, and continue to develop state-of-the-art solutions to make efficient supply chains in India and beyond. In terms of sustainability, Maersk is looking to implement electrification to its fleet in India as part of its MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu. Maersk will invest in establishing a fleet of electric trucks which will ensure inland transportation becomes more sustainable and environmentally friendly for distribution.
With strategic partnerships, collaboration with vital local logistics and shipping companies and the development of unique and personalised logistic services, the company hopes to continue to enhance the supply chains of India on both a national and international scale in the future. As such a global heavyweight in the world of integrated logistics solutions, Maersk ensures that no matter the cargo, it will find solutions which meet its customers’ needs to take products from the manufacturing line to its end market. With an expansive global history, and a strong two decades of experience in India, Maersk continues to provide a successful and supportive network of logistical solutions to continue to grow trade in India, and the Maersk network even further across the globe.
Curaçao Ports Authority
Curaçao is a hotspot for both international trade and tourism business operations, with both vessels and cruise lines alike porting in the Southern Caribbean Island to make the most of the stunning landscapes and access to the Southern American market. The autonomous country is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, whilst geographically sitting just 35 miles northwest of Venezuela’s coast. As such a major contributor to Curaçao’s economy, the ports across the Island are overseen by the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) which has spent over 40 years developing the harbours and ports of Curaçao into a modern and thriving centre for maritime and logistical excellence.
CPA is responsible for developing and managing all ports across Curaçao, by ensuring that every port is operated with the highest quality of maritime and logistics services, whilst focusing on safety, security, and the environmentally conscious handling of everyday port operations. As a landlord to the ports of Curaçao, CPA is working to be the port of choice across the Caribbean region through vital developments towards modern infrastructure. CPA was established in 1981 to oversee the ports of Curaçao, which today are among the region’s most developed and best-organized ports. This is largely due to the Authority’s operations which have spearheaded the economic development of the ports through networking to bring greater investment and partner opportunities for the port.
With such a vast array of ports dealing with cargo, oil distribution, tourism and even mining across the island, CPA works to oversee and continually develop these ports for the benefit of Curaçao’s maritime industry. By establishing Curaçao as a key hub for maritime needs, CPA can then continue to bring economic activity to the ports which then feed directly back into the economy of Curaçao. To achieve this level of excellence, CPA is focused on maintaining strict coordination and regulation of all port operations in Curaçao, whilst providing competitive port services including tugboat services, pilotage, vessel traffic controls, bridges and ferry operations, training and knowledge management to clients and the port community. These services ensure that all vessels arriving in Curaçao receive the same high-quality service to help establish Curaçao’s port’s reputation as a hub for maritime operations.
For Curaçao, the tourism industry is key as tourists travel from all across the world to see the clear blue waters that surround the island. Therefore, the tourism industry is a vital aspect of CPA’s operations. To ensure that Curaçao remains a firm stopping point for tourism to benefit the local economy, CPA announced in December last year a collaboration with the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) which will see CPA continue to commit itself to strengthening its relationship with key cruise liners. This collaboration will work alongside other key players in the tourism industry such as the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) and SEL Maduro. The collaboration is hoped to further develop and promote the cruise sector for the benefit of the economy of Curaçao, and in turn, develop RCG’s operations in the Latin American cruise market.
Curaçao Ports Authority
Dijk Transport
We are very pleased to introduce our company Dijk Transport N.V. to you with our waste collection services in the beautiful port of Willemstad, Curacao!
Dijk Transport N.V., Established in 2000, started renting out open containers to the local construction companies and local people, but very quickly afterwards we started doing business with the maritime industry: renting to vessels also, which visit Curacao.
We have been doing this for 24 years and are determined to go for many more!
We do collection and transportation of wastes streams and take these safely to designated recycling companies and or local landfill. Do you wish to contact us for collection of your: general, operational garbage, oily sludge, grey or black water?
You can do this via your local shipping agent or directly with us:
A large portion of CPA’s operations centre around the Port of Willemstad which is the main and largest port in the capital of Curaçao. The port offers a wide range of facilities serving all types of vessels across the maritime industry with cargo facilities available at its container terminal. The container terminal operates three gantry cranes with a 50-ton capacity. In addition to this, cargo is often moved through the Port’s Ro/Ro and Lo/Lo facilities. At the Port of Willemstad, cruise ships and other vessels dock at the Megapier Cruise Terminal which unlike the main cargo terminal is located outside of the bay and is not subject to the same size restrictions as bays such as St. Anna which only has a 15-metre draft.
The main facilities at the Port of Willemstad are located in the Schottegat area. These facilities include the region’s largest oil refiners and dry dock facilities, as well as the container terminal and cargo wharves. The vital location of these facilities directly in the harbour ensures that porting vessels can access the wide array of facilities with ease. In addition, the Port provides both covered and open storage facilities which allows for the loading and unloading of ships directly onto the wharves. The existing infrastructure of the port in the capital of Curaçao has established it as a vital stopping point for vessels along both shipping lines and cruise itineraries.
Other ports under CPA include Bullen Bay which facilitates logistics operations to some of the largest vessels travelling to Curaçao. The bay was built by the Royal Dutch Shell and is now partly leased and operated by the Venezuelan oil company PDVSA. The port operates as a storage and supply facility for the Emmastad Refiner Transhipment of crude and products which are carried out from the bay. The Oil Refining Terminal plays a key role in the economic transhipment of 1,200,00 bpd (barrels per day) of crude oil which is distributed across the Eastern Hemisphere. The port’s operations and natural location mean that large vessels carrying the oil can port in Curaçao and offload oil. This can then be taken by smaller ships from Curaçao to smaller draft-restricted ports across the US. Therefore, CPA’s operations at Bullen Bay allow Curaçao to continue to play a vital role in international oil supply chains, again bringing further economic development to the region.
As the crude oil network began to expand for Curaçao, the oil terminal was moved to Bullen Bay from Caracas Bay in 1996. Now Caracas Bay, along with St. Michiel’s Bay are utilised more often for carrying out repairs and deep-water cleaning
thanks to the clear waters at each port. Therefore, these two ports are vital for allowing large ships which may not be able to port at other small ports due to draft restrictions, to make essential repairs to keep shipping lines and therefore supply chains running smoothly. The final key port under CPA is Fuik Bay which is privately owned by the Mining Company of Curaçao and focuses on the shipment of phosphate rock.
Overall, CPA has spent over 40 years developing Curaçao’s port and maritime industry into a vital hub for a wide variety of operations from cargo to tourism, that is continually working to bring economic development to the region.
With vital partnerships and collaborations with key players across the maritime sector on both local and international scales, CPA is setting up Curaçao’s ports as a vital area for continued development towards the future.
Modern Port Development
Maduro Shipping
Maduro Shipping (est 1837) and the Curacao Port Authority (CPA) have forged a robust partnership to enhance activity in the port of Curacao. Collaborative efforts between Maduro Shipping and the CPA focus on cruise operations, ensuring seamless logistics and passenger experiences. This partnership likely involves coordinated scheduling, efficient handling of cruise vessels, and streamlined port services. By leveraging each other’s expertise and resources, Maduro Shipping and the Curacao Port Authority strive to optimize the cruise industry’s potential in Curacao, fostering growth and economic benefits for both entities and the local community. Together, they contribute to making Curacao a premier destination for cruise tourism.
Tanzania Ports Authority
As both landlord and operator across Tanzania’s ports, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), has spent the last 20 years promoting, managing and developing the region’s ports and facilities towards the future. The ports of Tanzania provide vital cargo shipment potential for the country and its surrounding hinterlands, and so the ports under the Authority’s management play a vital role in serving Tanzania and the landlocked countries it borders. In recent years, there have been key projects in place to develop the region’s port facilities and meet the growing demand for cargo materials across Tanzania and into Eastern Africa.
TPA was established in 2004 by the Ports Act No.17 to act as a landlord which would operate the system of ports serving Tanzania, and its neighbouring countries. Over the last two decades, TPA has overseen the diverse system of sea and inland waterways across the region, made up of 3 major seaports, and a range of smaller seaports and lake ports. The purpose of TPA is to develop and manage these ports by providing world-class maritime services to every single vessel entering the authority’s network. These services keep cargo moving in and out of the region’s ports and onto both international and local end markets every single day.
Therefore, as landlord and operator across the ports of Tanzania, TPA works to establish and coordinate the harbours systems, provide services to vessels, develop the ports and navigational aids, and provide warehousing for goods. In addition, TPA continues to provide amenities for facilities across the ports to make the use of services even more seamless and desirable for those entering the country’s ports. However, what ensures that every operation under TPA promotes the ports and their role in keeping the cargo shipment industry running is the Authority’s code of conduct which fosters integrity, professionalism, teamwork, stakeholder focus, accountability, and transparency.
East Africa 4PL solutions
A key aspect of TPA’s operations is in cargo services which work to help bring essential materials, machinery, and products both into the country as imports and out as exports. Cargo therefore plays a vital role not just in developing the economy in Tanzania, but also for its landlocked neighbours who rely on Tanzania and TPA to help bring vital cargo into the countries. To ensure cargo is moved with efficiency and reliability, TPA is well equipped with an array of machinery and equipment to handle a range of cargo types including containerized, dry bulk, break bulk and liquid bulk. For Tanzania, vital cargo materials include rice, wheat, maise, iron, steel, vehicles, and motor parts, as well as a whole range of petroleum products. Whilst this is not an extensive list of the key cargo materials entering and exiting Tanzania’s ports, it highlights the vast role the TPA plays in many different sectors and supply chains to keep these products moving.
Tanzania Ports Authority
As the majority of this cargo arrives via shipping lines, TPA oversees a range of ship-to-shore operations and safety systems to help these vessels dock in the ports for essential offloading and re-loading of cargo. These operations include pilotage, tugging and mooring/unmooring services to help make porting just that bit easier. These are all available through TPA’s Vessel Traffic System (VTS) which is available to vessels 24 hours a day. Further to this, TPA has a range of vital and emergency support services on hand at the port in the form of emergency responses available to ensure the safety and well-being of all customers and employees across TPA’s span.
TPA’s operations cover 3 major seaports, as well as various smaller seaports and lake ports in the Tanzanian inland waterways. A key port under TPA is the Dar es Salaam port which is the principal port for the country as has a capacity for 14.1 million metric tons of cargo and 6.0 million MT bulk liquid cargo across its site of operation. With 11 deepwater berths, the port is responsible for handling 95% of Tanzania’s international trade making the
20 Years of Port Excellence
investment and development of this port a major priority for TPA.
When we last looked at TPA we saw that major developments were underway to develop the berths at the Dar es Salaam port to help it continue to serve countries such as Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Burundi, Rwanda, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. As of December last year, the contract to widen the entrance channel and port turning basin at Dar es Salaam was completed. The entrance, berths and turning basin now ensure that the port can handle larger vessels with an overall length of 294 metres (m), a beam of 32m and a draft of 13.5m. This means that vessels can now enter the port without tidal restrictions, and those over 305m in length with a beam of 40m and a draft of 14.5 m will now also be able to dock at berths 1 through 7 with some tidal restrictions.
Other vital ports under TPA include Tanga which is the longest-serving seaport in the East of Africa and has vital highway links to its sister port, Dar es Salaam. The port’s strategic location in the northern region allows it to play a vital role in the movement of cargo from neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and southern parts of Uganda. One of the main perks of the port is that it has no tidal restriction for vessels entering or leaving the port, as its location provides a natural and well-sheltered bay for shipping services.
The final major seaport under TPA is the Mtwara seaport in the south of Tanzania, close to the border of Mozambique. The port dates back to its construction between 1948 and 1953 alongside the vital railway line running from Mtwara to Nachingwea. The port currently can accommodate four ships and a coastal vessel at one time along its 685m quay wall. TPA has been developing the port over recent years and is planning to introduce a new and more reliable solar-powered navigational aid to help more vessels into the port.
As we can clearly see, Tanzania is a vital location for essential cargo shipment and trade and therefore through its extensive network of ports across the country. The country boasts a wide array of seaports, as well as several inland lake ports such as Nyasa, Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. Therefore, the role that TPA continues to play in keeping all of these ports running smoothly cannot be understated. Instead, with 20 years of experience behind them, TPA continues to promote the port industry in Tanzania by providing essential regulation, handling, ship-to-shore and safety measures to ensure that this industry continues to give back to the people of Tanzania and its surrounding regions. We look forward to seeing how developments across the ports continue to evolve and expand over the coming years as TPA continues to cement Tanzania as a vital porting location in East Africa.
Carnival Corporation and PLC
Providing travellers from around the world with life-changing vacations, Carnival Corporation and PLC is one of the largest cruise line groups in the world. With huge brands such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P+O Cruises (Australia and UK), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard under the corporation’s umbrella, the company offers a wide variety of cruise options to suit any customer. Therefore, it is no surprise that every year nearly 13 million customers cruise with Carnival Corporation.
The corporation began operation in 1972 with just one second-hand ship, called the Mardi Gras, set on making a single trip from Miami to San Juan. The ship featured many innovative elements along with a thematic ambience that established the level of high-quality travel experience that many of the corporations’ brands focus on today. The success of this first initial voyage highlights the pioneering spirit and passion for travel which forms the basis of the corporation’s daily operations today.
Since the company was first founded, it has spent the last 50 years acquiring key cruise liners from across the world and now has representation in almost every market segment in the cruise industry. In 2004, Carnival Corporation combined with P+O Princess Cruises which created one of the first global cruise operators encompassing 12 highly recognisable brands. At the time this was one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world, which began to establish the corporation’s reputation as a leading cruise line provider.
With the continued acquisition of brands, the company now has 9 reputable and giant cruise line providers from across the globe under its umbrella. However, with all of these key cruise line brands, Carnival Corporation remains firm that each one keeps its own defined brand identity. This brand autonomy is what the company attributes a large amount of its success to because each one can focus its individual sales, marketing and reservation offers to specifically cater to its audience and geographical reach. This focus on brand autonomy is why the corporation is now a global leader in the cruise industry. Looking towards the future, Carnival Corporation aims to continue to innovate its fleets and deliver memorable vacations and borderless connections across the globe.
Throughout every single cruise operation under Carnival Corporation, the ports in which the vessels stop at are essential to keeping the industry running. Cruise ships under Carnival Corporation stop at over 700 ports around the world, where they receive vital reserves and maintenance via a range of ship-to-shore services. These include refuelling, handling, essential supplies replenishment, and facilitating excursions/security checks- to name just a few.
Los Cristianos
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
La Estaca
Santa Cruz de la Palma
San Sebastian de la Gomera
Carnival Corporation and PLC
Ports of Tenerife:
Top cruise destination during wintertime.
The volcanic Canary Islands are one of the most well-known holiday destinations for Europeans, with a temperature fluctuating between 16 and 21oC all year round. But that is just one of the many reasons that make the Canary Islands one of the most popular destinations for cruise traffic during the colder months of the year.
Tenerife island has two cruise ports: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the ideal port for homeport operations and Los Cristianos, located in the most touristic area of the island. On the other hand, the rest of the islands offer a wide variety of exotic destinations: La Palma island or “la Isla Bonita” -the Beautiful Island-; La Gomera island, last Columbus call before the America’s Discovery and El Hierro island, known as the end of the world by the ancient conquerors.
The islands are highly connected to Europe and the Spanish mainland through daily and direct flights to Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, Finland, Belgium and more recently even to the vibrant city of New York in the US. And the list goes on.
Due to these connections, Santa Cruz de Tenerife provides an experienced homeport where guests can also enjoy among other excursions, the visit to El Teide – UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak in Spain-, in the top of this volcano, they will find the most spectacular views of the Canary Islands.
But Tenerife is not the only island that offers unique excursions, in the rest of the islands you will be amazed, for example, under the clear sky of La Palma, chosen by the International Scientific Community as the headquarters of one of the most important Astrophysics Observatories from the Northern Hemisphere. La Gomera, the history of the New World and its quaternary Laurisilva forest should not be missed, but also the “gomero whistle”, the hissing language to communicate through ravines. Finally El Hierro, an example of sustainability where the trade winds are the main source of energy and where you will be thrilled with an undiscovered newborn volcano rising under the ocean and next to the island and ancient lizards.
www.puertosdetenerife.org
The vital role ports play in keeping all cruise lines under Carnival Corporation running smoothly cannot be understated. Therefore, the company has partnered and established agreements with a range of ports and port authorities across the globe. A significant existing agreement is with The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Canary Islands, which is visited by AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Lines, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P+O Cruises UK under the Carnival Corporation umbrella alone. Therefore, Carnival Corporation maintains strong ties to the port authority and its port services as it continues to be a vital stop for many of its cruise ships and so allows the company to continue to offer great holiday excursions in the Canary Islands.
Under Carnival Corporation is its own Carnival Cruise Line which is the leading provider of yearround cruises to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico from America, with seasonal cruises to Canada, New England, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Europe. Carnival Cruise Line is a leader in
Cruising With The Best
contemporary cruising focusing its 23-ship fleet on providing fun and memorable vacation experiences designed for all the family at a great price. With over 180 rooms with 11 different categories of suite options, you are sure to find a restful night’s sleep to suit your vacation needs and price point. Its vessel line includes the Mardi Gras, which was introduced in 2021 and is the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG). This ship represents the gradual move by Carnival Corporation towards a more sustainable future for the leisure and tourism industry.
A key cruise line under Carnival Corporation is Princess Cruises which began operations in 1965. The company is now a world-leading international cruise liner and tour company with a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships. Travelling to 330 destinations around the globe including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada, New England, Antarctica, and world cruises. This expansive offering includes over 170 different itineraries with options ranging
from 3 to 11-day trips. Each ship is designed with the culture, colours, and flavours in mind of the countries the voyage will be visiting to provide its customers with an immersive quality experience.
The Holland America Line has been in operation for over 145 years and today under Carnival Corporation has 10 spacious, mid-sized ships visiting more than 425 ports of call across over 100 countries around the world on all 7 continents. The ships are known for their immersive culinary experiences and extensive wine selections along with highly acclaimed brand partnerships across the ship’s entertainment. In recent news, Holland America Line’s cruise offers will be extended to 11 countries between September 2025 and April 2026, with a strong focus on Japan where it will visit 24 different ports. The development will offer visits to Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, and will further expand Carnival Corporation’s offerings across the globe.
The luxury brand behind Carnival Corporation is Seabourn which is known as a luxury resort
Carnival Corporation and PLC
at sea. Seabourn has only 3 vessels in its fleet, however, the reduced passenger size ensures an intuitive personalised service for every guest. It is the youngest company in the luxury segment of the cruise industry but prides itself on having an industry-leading crew which are known for its experience and excellence in expedition travel. Customers on board the Seabourn vessel can make the most of spacious all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views, and experience awardwinning gourmet dining and premium food and drink every night. The ships travel to every continent on the globe, making more than 400 port visits to top cities as well as off-the-beaten-track gems which are handpicked by its expert travel itinerary teams, across Europe, Asia, the South Pacific Island, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and Antarctica.
Costa Cruise Lines represents Europe’s leading cruise liner under the Carnival Corporation which visits more than 260 ports worldwide. The 12
contemporary ships across its fleet are deployed throughout the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, the Arabian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean. Trips with Costa Cruise lines cover anywhere between 7 to 20-day trips, with exotic sailing trips from 20-30 days. The company is also the leading cruise line in China and also has a world voyage itinerary option. Throughout Costa Cruise Line’s voyages pampering on board and top voyage destinations has made them a leading cruise liner for many across Europe to experience the finest of what the continent has to offer. In 2019, Cost Cruise Lines added the Costa Smeralda to its fleet which is the first vessel to use LNG both at port and at sea. This again highlights the innovative approach that is fostered across Carnival Corporation’s sphere to make the cruising industry more sustainable.
A final vital cruise line operator under Carnival Cruises is P+O Cruises. Under the Carnival Corporation is P+O Cruises UK and Australia. P+O Cruises UK is Britain’s cruise liner of choice. The brand is known
for discovery, choice and relaxation offering every visitor a restful stay catered to British tastes. The ships are great for all the family with activities for kids, as well as adults-only lounges. P+O Cruises UK offers voyages to 200 destinations worldwide with 2-to-3-month options. In recent years, P+O Cruise UK added the Arvia vessel which is focused on the future of ship travel. The ship is the latest innovation for P+O and is designed to focus on the newest trends in travel, dining, and entertainment. Offering contemporary holidays, the Arvia has a SkyDome, 16 guest decks, the first altitude skywalk at sea experience, as well as a plethora of food and dining experiences.
Overall, Carnival Corporation and Plc is such a vast cruise line company which continues to expand its offerings to bring once-in-a-lifetime holiday offerings to customers all over the globe.
Cruising With The Best
The company remains focused on the vital role that the individual brands under its umbrella play in diversifying the tourism industry and innovating holiday options to suit every customer’s needs. However, Carnival Corporation is also highly focused on respecting and maintaining the relationships the company has with ports across the world as they help to keep cruise lines running smoothly. Furthermore, we have seen that many of the companies under Carnival Corporation are starting to shift towards using LNG to fuel their vessels, which is hoping to move the tourism and leisure industry towards a more sustainable future. However, one thing is for sure, no matter which brand you travel with under Carnival Corporation, you are sure to have the adventure of a lifetime supported by teams of people passionate about travel.
THE FUTURE OF BRAINCOMPUTER INTERFACES
Written by Carley Fallows
For many of us, the ability to control a computer seems like a futuristic idea that is straight out of a film rather than a reality. However, Neuralink in recent days has successfully seen its first patient play a game of chess using only his mind. The company, run by Elon Musk, shared a 9-minute livestream video on the social media site X, showing patient Noland Arbaugh using the Neuralink technology to play chess online.
Neuralink’s central mission is to create a generalized brain interface, designed to restore autonomy to those with unmet medical needs. By harnessing technology to provide brain-computer technology, Neuralink has the power to unlock human potential for tomorrow and change the lives of those living with quadriplegia. The company’s focus on those with quadriplegia hopes to allow them to control computers and mobile devices with their thoughts alone.
To achieve this brain-computer relationship, patients receive an implantable, yet cosmetically invisible, chip. The implant, called the N1 Implant, is hermetically sealed in a biocompatible enclosure designed specifically to withstand the physiological conditions of the human body. The implant is powered by a small battery which is charged wirelessly from the outside via a compact, inductive charger. Inside the implant are the chip and electronics designed to process neural signals, and transmit them wirelessly to the Neuralink Application, which then decodes the data and transfers it into actions and intents. A record of neural activity is recorded through 1024 electrodes which are distributed across 64 highly flexible, ultrathin threads.
In May last year, Neuralink was permitted to test the chip on humans by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following trials on both pigs
and monkeys. The trials claimed that monkeys could play a basic version of the video game Pong. However, the human brain is home to roughly 86 billion neurons so the implementation of this technology into humans is a very complex thing. Just the surgery alone to input the implant can only be facilitated by a robotic machine, as the precision needed is not possible with the human hand.
In January, Nolan Arbaugh was the first official patient of Neuralink and was implanted with the chip. The clip posted by Neuralink shows Arbaugh controlling a game of chess using the implant and highlights a great step towards brain-computerbased development. Whilst the implant technology is reported by Arbaught to not be perfect, the ability to give those who are quadriplegic the ability to create virtual movements via the implant creates a hopeful future for the technology’s development in the future.
As the company looks towards this hopeful future, a large portion of its current development is going into its brain-computer interface to create developed devices which can detect these signals. This technology hopes to restore independence and improve lives, by creating a user experience that enables fast and reliable computer control with ease of use as a central priority.
Overall, the Neuralink is a super interesting bit of technology which has the power to change
the world and especially provide those with quadriplegia a restored sense of independence. Whilst the technology is only in the early stages, the current success of the implant will add even more development into this technology and how it can be harnessed to unlock human potential in the future.
The United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Minerals
Tanzania’s landscapes are rich with vital mineral deposits which today, thanks to the country’s key mining industry, is the 4th largest gold producer in Africa. With an abundance of minerals and natural resources such as gold, diamonds, gemstones, coal and natural gas at its disposal, the country’s economy has grown rapidly in line with mining operations to retrieve these resources. Therefore, mining operations in 2020 accounted for roughly 7% of Tanzania’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, highlighting the prominent role the mineral sector plays in sustaining the country’s economy alongside the energy sector.
As such a prominent industry bringing vital investment to the country, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania established the Ministry of Minerals as its own entity to promote, regulate and support the mineral sector to maintain its prominent role within the country in 2017. The United Republic of Tanzania’s Ministry of Mineral’s role will now be to formulate and monitor the implementation of mining policies, mine, geophysical and geological surveys, and mining commission affairs. In addition, the Ministry will work to bring value to the mining industry through local content, small-scale mining development, performance improvement, and cooperation with other ministerial departments, agencies, stakeholders, programmes, and projects. This vast role as a governmental body continues to provide the ministry with a stellar reputation for its management of these resources which provide substantial contributions to the national economy and the well-being of Tanzanians thanks to employment opportunities.
Therefore, it is the Ministry of Minerals’ mission to effectively manage Tanzania’s mineral resources through sound policy and legal frameworks to play a vital role in bringing investment to the country and its mining industry. A crucial way that these investments are achieved is through networking to show the geological and infrastructural potential of a region to make investing in mining operations more attractive. Just last month Tanzania attended South
The United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Minerals
Africa’s Mining Indaba Conference in collaboration with the Tanzania Chamber of Mines, which is one of the largest conferences in the sector. The Conference annually brings together about 900 key investors, 40 sectorial institutions and roughly 1000 executives from large companies. The conference serves as a platform for participating countries and organisations to build and strengthen their relationships and business networks across the international mining sector. The conferences provide an essential opportunity for organisations, such as the Ministry of Minerals to seek investment capital, learn about technological advancements in the sector, form partnerships for trade, and continue to share experiences to learn more about the sustainable management and development of the mining industry across Africa.
The Ministry of Minerals’ main focus at the conference was on advancing investment in mining to help accelerate prosperity for the country. This focus remains consistent with the government of Tanzania’s commitments set out in its ‘Vision 2030’ project which aims to facilitate more geoscientific
surveys to uncover the country’s mineral potential. Therefore, a large part of the Ministry’s time at the conference was spent promoting investment opportunities in the country’s mining sector in things such as exploration, extraction, and value-added activities. The government-owned Ministry hopes the conference will lead to further investment over the coming year. The conference was also the first time it has collaborated with the private sector to facilitate its participation at the conference. For this, the Ministry thanked its sponsors, which include some of the world’s leading mining companies such as Barrick Gold, Anglo Gold Ashanti, Tembo Nickel, Shanta Gold, TRX Gold, Mantra Tanzania, Petra Diamonds, Orica, City Engineering and AUMS.
However, a key part of the Ministry of Mineral’s operations outside of the private sector is through strong relationships and partnerships with other vital mining industries within Africa. An example of this keen commitment to partnering with other governmental operations was seen in July last year when the United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of
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Minerals signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. This agreement continues the two ministries’ cooperation towards making key developments and investments in the relevant mining sectors to bring continuous benefits for both parties. Therefore, the Ministry’s role across the region’s mining sector is to ensure that it continues to bring vital investment that will help shape the future of the country and its citizens for the future through economic development and plentiful job creation.
As we have seen, the United Republic of Tanzania Ministry of Minerals highlights the crucial value that the mining industry provides to the country, and so throughout its operations, it works to ensure that this value continues to expand and with it comes significant investment for Tanzania. With this investment, Tanzanian mining can continue to support and uplift the country by ensuring that the regulation, promotion and investment into the country’s natural mineral resources remains steady for future generations.
Harnessing Minerals for the Future
Barrick Gold Corporation
Spanning 13 countries, with 16 sites of operation producing gold and copper worldwide, Barrick Gold Corporation is a global heavyweight in the gold mine sector. Its expansive portfolio can be seen across the world finding and operating some of the most prolific, high-margin, and long-life assets in the gold mining sector. Barrick Gold’s operations have key stakes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it operates the largest gold mine in Africa. With the vital development of the gold mining sector in the DRC, Barrick Gold has cemented its place as a key gold producer on both local and international scales. However, even with such a worldwide reputation for gold mining, Barrick Gold’s operations are always focused on stimulating thriving and sustainable economies for local communities.
In the DRC, Barrick Gold has the Kibali Mine Project located 220km from the Haute-Uele province. The mine is owned by Kibali Goldmines SA (Kibali), a joint venture company with 45% ownership with Barrick Gold, 45% with AngloGold Ashanti, and the final 10% by Société Miniére de Kilo-Moto (SOKIMO). The mine is operated by Barrick Gold, and in 2023 produced 343,000 ounces of gold in 2023. The mine has been in operation for the last 10 years, and over that decade has grown to now be the largest and most automated gold mine in Africa. With this vast expansion, the DRC has greatly benefitted from the mine seeing it boost a previously non-existent economy.
The mine itself combines both open pit and underground mining to retrieve the 4.7 million ounces of proven and probable gold reserves. The first gold was poured from the Kibali Mine Project in 2013 from its open pit operations. Shortly after, underground mining began, with the ore being truck hauled by a twin decline to the surface. However, in 2017, this system was replaced by a hauling shaft and materials handling system, which greatly increased the ore production operations.
Today the Kibali Mine Project is made up of 10 mining concessions and a metallurgic plant. The plant comprises twin-circuit sulphide and oxide plants with conventional carbonin-leach, including gravity recovery as well as a floating and ultra-fine grin circuit.
In addition to this, the Kibali mine is also home to 3 hydropower stations which in the first quarter of 2024 contributed a power blend average of 90.89%, with a generating average power output of 4MW at 0.09$/kWh. This shift towards hydroelectric power highlights Barrick Gold’s commitment to implementing green initiatives across its sites of operations to produce great economic benefits for the region, whilst limiting its impact on the environment.
To further facilitate the green electricity supply of the project, a new 16MW solar plant and a battery energy storage infrastructure are being commissioned to help offset the cyclical load on the energy grid and reduce the mine’s overall reliance on diesel-powered generators. It is expected that once in full operation, the miner’s overall renewable energy supply will increase from the current 81% to 85%, with the project running entirely on renewable energy for 6 months of the year.
President and Chief Executive of Barrick Gold, Mark Bristow outlines this key development towards sustainability in a press release, noting that, “Bearing in mind that Kibali is also a leader in automation, the mine is a real role model for mining in Africa. As a long-standing partner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we built Kibali in the remote northeast of the country, opening a new mining frontier and, in the process, also promoted the development of a flourishing local economy”. Bristow’s comments highlight the main goal of the project to deliver vital gold production, whilst always working to reduce environmental impacts where it can and create economic benefits for the DRC simultaneously.
As the Kibali mine looks towards the future, it is looking to enter into new gold and copper opportunities in partnership with the government of the DRC. The project’s commitment to boosting the local economy and reducing environmental impacts has already been vastly seen across its last 10 years of operation. Therefore, the project is looking to work more directly with the government to make vital steps towards making the mine project provide even greater economic benefits to the country. In addition to this, Kibali recently announced a key collaboration with the ARSP, a public regulator which oversees the country’s subcontracting sector, which has already seen a vital range of initiatives implemented to bolster Kibali’s leading local content strategy.
Overall, the Kibali Mine Project in the DRC highlights the joint venture’s commitment to developing the gold mining industry in Africa, whilst also implementing real change to local communities and the environment. Through a range of key investments, collaboration with local suppliers, and implementation of renewable energy initiatives, Barrick Gold and the Kibali Mine are setting up the project and country for continued economic, environmental, and social development for the future.
Investing IN DATA
Written by Carley Fallows
The demand for global energy has skyrocketed over the last century, which has left organisations and firms from across the world in search of new and lucrative oil deposits for investment. The acquisition of these multi-billion-dollar oil deposits requires a strict geophysical understanding to ensure that there is substantial data to support investment in each asset. Therefore, international data room providers, such as Oil Finders, consult with oil and gas divestitures from across the world to provide essential seismic data to help investing bodies determine the security of every single deal.
When investing billions of dollars, companies and banks want to know they are doing so based on science-backed data to ensure assets are worth the investment - this is exactly what Oil Finders is all about. Oil Finders produce data which focuses on providing an essential seismic and geophysical understanding of deposits to help clients best determine their potential. However, what sets Oil Finders apart from its rivals is the personal role the founder and president of the company, Todd Knight, plays in every single data review. Todd leads the company as a self-proclaimed ‘solpreneur’, single-handedly providing personalised seismic data to oil and gas divestitures across the world. Todd’s background in geophysics makes him the perfect person to communicate with leading acquisition specialists at banks and oil firms of all sizes and provide them with the essential knowledge to make investment decisions. This background in geophysics and vast knowledge of the industry has made Oil Finders a leading data specialist which is primed to assist multi-billion dollar deals across the sector every single day.
One of the central perks of Oil Finders’ operations is its ability to deliver data remotely to companies across the world. As a one-man-band, it would be impossible for Knight to attend every single data review, therefore, Oil Finders can remotely set up a data review which provides acquisition specialists with all the seismic data they need to determine the
lucrative nature of an oil deposit. To ensure that every reviewer can best report on the data, Oil Finders utilises a familiar software format for the client to make data reviewing just that much easier for these companies and organisations. This ensures that no matter where reviewing takes place, every bank or firm can make vital investment decisions backed by Oil Finders’ detailed data reports.
This reputation for vital data information delivered by someone who cares about the science behind every deal is what has marked Oil Finders as a data specialist of choice across the international energy sector. Today, Oil Finders is a trusted third party that works with banks and oil firms of all sizes and in all corners of the globe. From speaking with Todd you can really feel his passion for what he does, and it is this passion which translates to his customers as they know that every data report has been expertly crafted to deliver all the vital information they will need before committing to putting their funds into a project. Todd believes that the application of knowledge and skills is the best way to raise the level of humanity and help make vital investments towards the future of the energy sector.
However, Todd does highlight how the oil industry is currently being painted as the cause of global warming. We have seen over recent years a real push towards green and renewable energy as the world continues to implement measures to meet carbon reduction goals and slow the rates of global
warming. However, for Todd, this image of the energy sector causing global warming threatens to create a challenge to future global energy supplies, and it is likely to discourage new talent from harnessing the energy sector to meet the growing energy demands of the future. Todd talks of hydrocarbons which the world currently relies heavily on to operate and outlines how “hydrogen circularity dovetails with the hydrocarbon economy”, therefore “getting to such a technologically challenging point of hydrogen usage is today worth the endeavour”. Todd notes that every source of energy mankind has used from wood, coal, oil, gas, nuclear, solar and wind has all required leaps in knowledge. It is this leap towards the future of hydrocarbons to find ways of better harnessing their potential for the development of the energy sector which Todd believes is today’s challenge.
Overall, Oil Finders continues to lead the industry with expertly crafted data room services to help oil firms and banks across the world make vital investments in the future of the energy sector. However, what sets Oil Finders apart from its competitors is founder Todd Knight who personally works with every single client with his passion for helping people and his wealth of knowledge across the industry. This reputation for expertise which is personalised to each investment decision is what has marked Oil Finders as a leading third-party data room provider which is already working with a range of banks and oil firms of all sizes across the world.
Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA)
The solar industry has seen a vast uptake of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems across the globe in recent years to help reduce environmental impacts and increase the number of houses and businesses to facilitate their daily functions via renewable energy. In Malaysia specifically, the last 20 years have seen the development of the solar PV industry spearheaded by the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA). MPIA’s role engages with the energy ministry, regulators, and authorities to champion the development of the solar PV industry and expand its operations for a more sustainable future.
In 2006, the Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) Project, made up of the United National Development Program (UNDP) and the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication (KTAK), funded a seed grant which established MPIA. The project was crucial to driving both energy efficient and renewable energy initiatives, with the mission to reform and democratize the electricity supply industry in every aspect from generation to transmission and distribution. MPIA’s operations work with key governmental figures to make solar PV prices competitive, reliable, and sustainable to ensure their efficiency as an energy source for the country. It is MPIA’s main vision to create a climate of renewable energy availability, where everyone can reliably generate their electricity via solar PV systems to remove reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the daily running cost of electricity for people across Malaysia.
To achieve this mission, MPIA brings together key players across Malaysia’s photovoltaic industry to promote the distribution, education, and regulation of the industry. When the Association began in 2006 there were only 45 members under MPIA, however, today there are close to 200 active members which highlights the current push towards the application of solar PV systems already evident across the country. This is confirmed by the approval of more than 350MW of solar PV projects implemented by SEDA under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme in 2020. This covers more than 400 completed new installations by the end of 2020. This positive growth of the industry is
also reflected in the large-scale solar (LLS) program which since 2016 has accumulated more than 850MW in operational capacity.
One of the central focuses of MPIA is education, as the Association hopes that through education it can help successfully achieve Malaysia’s national target of 40% renewable energy capacity by 2040, with the goal of increasing this to 70% by 2050. To achieve this, MPIA has developed its Solar Roadshow 2024, which is hoping to make these governmentally established targets a reality through education and networking. The roadshow focuses on sharing knowledge to help better spread awareness and necessary development into grid readiness, how to enable the energy transition, and discussing the future of electric vehicles in the motoring landscape.
The roadshow will stop at cities all over Malaysia to share the work of MPIA and bring into conversation the role of solar PV moving forward. It is hoped that through the workshops, which will feature speakers from governmental organisations to big organisations, such as the Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), the Association will bring greater awareness to the solar PV market and its member companies. The goal is to bring economic development for the country and MPIA members, whilst pushing the country towards a necessary energy transition.
A Voice for the Malaysian Solar Industry
In January this year, the work of MPIA was highlighted with the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration with Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), to establish awareness of the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) market all whilst educating project developers on how to monetise it through BCX. This will mark the first collaboration between the two organisations, and through the MPIA Solar Roadshow 2024, MPIA and BCX hope to create a more transparent market for RECs in Malaysia.
Overall, MPIA has spent the last 20 years developing the solar PV market in Malaysia by promoting its members and education surrounding the renewable energy industry to encourage greater uptake of solar PV systems. For MPIA, development throughout its members continues to bring vital investment into Malaysia and in turn, continues to push the country towards a greater application of renewable energy supported by reliable energy infrastructure for future-proof energy generation. Therefore, through the Association’s focus on education and collaboration, MPIA looks set on easily achieving its renewable energy targets whilst establishing Malaysia as a hub for solar PV development.
Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company Ltd.
For many of us, the PepsiCo brand is one we all know and love offering a range of beverages from across its international portfolio. These brands include Gatorade, Tropicana, Lipton and of course Pepsi-Cola. The PepsiCo brand is owned by the beverage giant Continental Beverage Corporation (CBC) and utilises localised bottling facilities to ensure that the overarching group can distribute products to meet the production and output needs of the region. This is where Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company Ltd. comes in, which has spent more than 20 years facilitating the distribution of its diverse beverage portfolio.
When we last caught up with Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company, the group made a US$2 million investment towards the local production of its Tropicana range. Now, returning to the company almost a year later, more investments have been made with the development of a US$30 million state-of-the-art production line at its existing Kingston bottling plant.
The Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company provides all bottling services for the Pepsi Cola brand in Jamaica. Through its bottling facility, the plant works to meet the growing demands of the overarching company whilst ensuring that the facility promotes the employment of locals as a priority. The facility has spent 2 decades at the forefront of the beverage distribution industry, with Jamaicans favouring its diverse range of soft drinks and beverages. The final product soft drinks coming off its manufacturing lines are exported to 9 countries across the Caribbean, as well as the UK, US, Belize, and Canada. The company’s manufacturing highlights the ever-growing role manufacturing plays in the goods-producing sector of the region.
This growing role of the Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company was highlighted in November last year with the opening of a new US$ 30 million state-of-the-art production line to be added to the company’s existing plant on Spanish Town Road in Kingston. The expansion project took 8 months to complete and is projected to increase the production of the bottling facility by over 20% this year. The line will allow the bottling company to continue to expand its product line offerings and bring an even greater spread of beverage options to the people of Jamaica and beyond.
The official opening of the new production line saw Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlight how the new facility line has created numerous job opportunities for the people of Jamaica, which will, once in full operation, contribute towards approximately 20% of the facility’s workforce. He commented, “These jobs are not just statistics; they represent lives and livelihoods. They represent dreams and aspirations fulfilled. They represent economic independence. They represent social mobility. They represent human capital and skills”. The Prime Minister’s comments highlight one of the
Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Company Ltd.
PEREZ Y CIA is the answer!
Perez y Cia is pleased to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Pepsi Jamaica for its exceptional accomplishments and impressive performance throughout 2023. As we embark on the journey into 2024, Pepsi Jamaica reveals its ambitious strategies and expansion objectives, poised to propel the company to new heights in business development. With a steadfast commitment to providing top-notch services in shipping logistics and supply chain management, Perez y Cia eagerly anticipates the continuation of our fruitful partnership with Pepsi Jamaica as we collectively strive for excellence. Our collaboration aims to enhance service delivery and cater to evolving needs effectively.
In line with Pepsi Jamaica’s vision for growth, Perez y Cia remains dedicated to offering a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing booking acceptance, shipping, clearance, delivery, project management, and tailored solutions designed to address diverse shipping requirements. Together, we are poised to navigate the dynamic landscape of the industry, ensuring seamless operations and sustained success throughout 2024 and beyond.
vital purposes of the Pepsi Cola Jamaica bottling facility; to provide employment opportunities to those across Jamaica for continued personal and local economic development.
The expansion of its product line capacity and subsequent portfolio means that the Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling company can take over a larger market share of the Jamaica manufacturing and export markets. The new line will double the existing facilities capacity and mark the bottling company as a regional hub for manufacturing for the PepsiCo corporation. By establishing itself as such a pivotal hub for manufacturing, the bottling facility is hoped to bring continued economic development and with those, investments to Jamaica. These investments will continue to bring economic benefits to the country and allow it to access even wider regional and international markets.
To ensure employment across Jamaica, the company has partnered with the Heart NSTA Trust and the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) which will provide recent graduates with employment opportunities across the facility. This ensures that employment opportunities stay with locals and sets the bottling up with its next generation of leaders which will take the facility into the future. It is hoped through this investment and partnership, the Pepsi Cols Jamaica Bottling Facility will continue on its path as the leading manufacturing company for PepsiCo in Jamaica and expand its operations to serve even more international markets.
For the Pepsi Cola Jamaica Bottling Facility, there is a real passion for investing in the country and its people. Through key investments over the last few years, the bottling facility is now a leading hub for distribution for the international PepsiCo company. The introduction of a new manufacturing line just highlights the hub that the facility has already established itself as, and as the company continue to grow its operations and expand its beverage portfolio for the future, we look forward to seeing how the bottling facility continues to bring economic benefits to the people and industries of Jamaica first and foremost.
A NEW WORLD WONDER
Written by Carley Fallows
Over the last decade, we have seen the effects of climate change greatly impact our planet on a global scale from droughts to flooding, all of which pose a major threat to all those who inhabit the earth. In Africa, the effects of climate change have resulted in droughts, conflicts, and famines, and so The Great Green Wall initiative was established to provide essential change and development towards a sustainable future.
The Great Green Wall is an initiative to grow an 800km natural wonder of the world which will go across the entire width of Africa. The wall will be made up of planted trees and florae to provide a compelling solution to the current degradation of land across the continent. The African-led initiative aims to be a compelling globally recognised initiative to mitigate the urgent threats facing the African continent whilst highlighting the need to move towards sustainable and cooperative practices on an international scale to care for the planet and its people.
The Project began in Africa’s Sahel region on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. This is one of the poorest places in the world and has seen the devastating impacts of climate change first-hand with persistent droughts, and subsequent conflicts over the dwindling natural resources. Since the initiative began roughly 15% of the Great Green Wall has been completed, which has already brought life back into previously degraded landscapes such as the Sahel region. These landscapes now have greater food and job security to create a better environment for all those living along the project’s path.
However, the project, due to its size, is aimed to attract the attention of the world, spanning from one side of the continent to the other as a global symbol for humanity that is working to overcome one of its biggest threats – the rapidly degrading environment. Once completed the Great Green Wall will be the largest living structure on the planet, which will be three times the size of the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, it will be able to be regarded as a natural wonder of the world, with a key message for sustainability and community development. The initiative hopes that by working with nature, even in some of the most challenging places such as the Sahel, it can highlight that real change is possible no matter the location to create a better environment for generations to come.
Overall, The Great Green Wall looks set to bring about vital change to the African continent, whilst highlighting on a global scale the role climate change plays in causing such extreme weather and temperature conditions whilst leaving landscapes such as these degraded. The bold and vast initiative shows the power of nature, which has already seen crucial changes for those living along its existing path to create a safe, protected and developed environment for future generations.
PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association
Both road builders and construction companies play a vital but often overlooked role across international industries, as they provide essential infrastructure to keep almost every industry moving thanks to the road network and the construction of operations facilities. Therefore, to unite these companies on Prince Edward Island in Canada, PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association was established to provide a united voice across the industry. This united voice works to bring continued economic and structural benefits to the people and businesses across the province, whilst promoting the role of road building and construction contractors and suppliers with governmental bodies.
The highway system is the lifeblood of Prince Edward Island’s economy, as the road network serves almost every industry including farming, agriculture, fishing, fish-related products, and tourism. We must also not forget the essential role transport plays in the general everyday functioning of the island through the road network system. Therefore, whilst the roadways may often go overlooked, they play such a vital role in keeping economies moving to get people to their destinations and to get products to end markets. In a similar vein, the heavy construction industry works closely with roadbuilders, to implement vital infrastructure and facilities for a vast array of industries which keep employment opportunities within the region. These two industries collectively provide significant employment opportunities to the suppliers and contractors of these sectors which bring continued economic security to the people of the province. Therefore, with personal economic development comes sustained economic benefits for the region on a wider scale as infrastructure continues to meet the growing market demands and keep money within the region for future island development.
The Association was incorporated in 1962 by contractors and suppliers with the goal of forming one cohesive and united voice to uphold and promote these companies and the role they play on both local and international scales. The Association is governed by a board of directors made up of 8 representatives from its regular members, and 2 representatives from its associate members. These members meet monthly and focus on developing the industries to support the contractors and suppliers working in these sectors. The board is split into various committees including the Industry, Education and Workforce Recruitment Committee, the Specification and Safety Committee, Membership, events and Public Relations Committee, Negotiated Prices and Rental Rates Committee, Plans, Surveys, Drawing and Standards Committee, Snow Committee, and the Bridge and Structures Committee. These committees work to ensure a well-rounded development across the industry whilst bringing continued economic development and notoriety to the region’s roadbuilders and heavy construction sector.
One of the association’s primary focuses is networking, to ensure that its member suppliers and contractors can access some of the largest upcoming developments for the province in both public governmental planning and private sector development. The annual conference, which was last held in February of this year, provided an essential setting for investors, other contractors, suppliers, governmental bodies, and industry leaders to come together to develop the industries for Prince Edward Island and beyond.
These meetings are vital, as the roadbuilding and heavy construction industries are expected to play an essential role in the development of the region going forward. In November last year, the region announced a new capital budget of $1.5 billion which it will invest into the island over the next 5 years. This development by the government is in response to the concerns of those living in the region and will focus on transportation, housing, and healthcare facilities. The government has planned $85 million for developing transportation and infrastructure making vital maintenance and development of roads and bridges and $70 million to the PEI Housing Corporation to create 560 social housing units over the next 5 years. In addition, the government has
Paving the way forward
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allocated $123 million to Health PEI to develop new healthcare facilities and construct a mental health campus, hospital and primary care facilities, and teaching spaces along with the development of a new medical school.
We can see with these announcements the vital role the members of PEI Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association will continue to play in helping the government make the region better for its citizens. With vital infrastructure, roadway and healthcare construction required as part of the government’s investment into the island, the Association’s members will partner with the project and further their role in the industry. These partnerships are the reason the association was established to get its member organisations into conversations with big investment decision-makers to allow them to play a crucial role in developing the island towards the future.
Overall, PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association has provided a unified voice for its members for the last 60 years. The association continues to support, uplift, and promote the industry and consequently its members by ensuring that vital networking and partnerships are in place to help its members continue to play a significant role in the development of Prince Edward Island
for the future. We have seen that the government will be implementing vast investments into these industries as it works to make the island better for its citizens, and therefore we look forward to seeing the vast role the Association will continue to play across the region’s road-building and heavy construction industry going forward.
Edan K. Properties Ltd.
shape with the mall. The development would require the conversion of single-lane roads to dual lanes, which would reduce traffic and bring more visitors into the town to further bring more business potential into the area. It is this focus on creating an environment of vital business development, that highlights Edan’s mission to provide facilities in which businesses and enterprises can thrive, thereby developing the communities and industries in which they operate.
In addition to the Gasparillo Mall and Business Community, Edan has commercial real estate in the Edan’s Centre which is a 6-story mall located in San Fernando, a 3-story commercial building on Southern Main Road, and a 2,00 sq ft space in La Romaine. These commercial properties, add to Edan’s current industrial properties including the Point Lisas Business Park which covers 80 acres, with 17 plots approved for industrial use, and the Belle Vue Industrial Estate which comprises 76 acres, with 38 pots approved for light industrial use. What we can see from Edan’s portfolio is a range of strategic properties which are
focused on supporting the needs of the people and communities in which it operates.
Unlike typical developers who work in the residential field, Edan focuses on specifically commercial and industrial spaces. Entering into such a vast field as the commercial and industrial property sector may be daunting for most, but Edan has taken it all in its stride, even as a small company, and has worked tirelessly over the last 2 decades to improve the economic landscape of Trinidad and
is now one of the largest real estate development companies in the country.
Just last year a project concept was announced with Edan K. Properties to develop a Gulf View Hotel site. The project concept would include 60100 rooms, a conference space, meeting rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre sitting on roughly 1.8 acres of prime real estate in Southern Trinidad. The hotel would bring greater tourism opportunities to the region, with the location ideally suited as a 3-star business hotel and conference centre. Currently, Trinidad and Tobago is a favourable venue for conferences and events as it is often recognised as a commercial and entertainment centre for the Caribbean. The hotel would join other local attractions including fine dining restaurants, cinemas, and cultural shows at the South Academy of Performing Arts. The project is currently only in the conceptual stage, but Edan is seeking investors who would be interested in leasing.
Overall, Edan is leading Trinidad’s commercial and industrial real estate business sector with
vital investment into the region to support the development of a lucrative and connected business environment. As we have seen from just a few projects under Edan’s existing portfolio, the company has already been a key driver for sustainable development and the enhancement of the social and environmental landscape. We look forward to seeing how Edan continues to take over the commercial and industrial landscape as it continues to make a thriving and profitable business sector to bring continued economic growth to the people of the region.
Port Authority of Guam
Port Authority of Guam (PAG) has spent the last 49 years dedicated to providing maritime, commercial, transportation and recreational services across the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port. PAG’s dedication to providing full services to the maritime and shipping industry has now established Guam as a vital stopping point for vessels and an import/export hub which plays a significant role in developing the island’s economic development. With goals to continue to expand the port facilities over the coming years, the Port of Guam looks to take the port into the future through key modernisation projects.
The Port of Guam plays a vital role as a hub of trade which is now recognised as one of the most economic assets to the region. However, the history of Guam as a vital trade hub extends back to the 16th century when the island catered to ships from Spain and then to America following the Spanish-American war. In 1951, the operations of the port were transferred back to Guam’s own Department of Commerce and the Commercial Port of Guam was established. However, in 1974, to further enhance the efficient and reliable cargo services of the port, a public law was passed to establish the Port Authority of Guam as a public and autonomous corporation. To make things a little easier, the official name of the port in Guam was changed to the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port in 2002; named after the first commercial manager who helped transfer the operation of the port back to the Government of Guam.
Today, the Port of Guam plays a vital role in international shipping and cargo routes across the Pacific. In addition to this, the Port of Guam also oversees a network of air routes working to facilitate the shipment of cargo across the world.
These routes include those to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana, the Micronesia Islands, and markets in the Far East which reach both the US and the rest of the world. However, due to its location, Guam also relies heavily on shipping lines and foreign contacts to continue to meet the demand for goods for the people of Guam via imports – 90% of which are imported from the US.
PAG is overseen by a board of directors made up of 5 non-salaried members who are appointed by the Governor of Guam with the consent and advice of Guam’s legislature. The board of directors’ role is to provide and establish policies and directives about the planning, promotion, development, construction, operation, and maintenance of port facilities. As the port has no taxing power, a significant part of PAG’s work is to maintain a steady flow of revenue-generating operations to cover expansion costs and thus the ongoing economic development of the island.
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• Customs Approved CFS Station
• Courier & Messaging Service
• Expeditor / Trade Services
J.L. Baker & Sons
For the last 52 years, J.L. Baker & Sons has pioneered Guam’s freight forwarding industry as the country’s foremost freight handling company and complete transportation service provider. To achieve this, J.L. Baker & Sons operates as an international air and ocean freight forwarder, customer broker, and trucking and logistics freight company.
Through J.L. Baker & Sons’ extensive network of agents, the company has achieved global notoriety for its ability to efficiently move cargo worldwide with the same care and experience that founded the company back in 1972. The company takes great pride in what it does, and no matter the cargo, forwarding needs or transportation network required, J.L. Baker & Sons always delivers.
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Port Authority of Guam
One of the central focuses of the port is its cargo operations, which handles all types of cargo including containerized, breakbulk, unitized, as well as fishery cargo. However, due to Guam’s location, it is also a key stopping point in the Western Pacific region for the tourism industry. On average, 5 cruise shops bring a wealth of cargo and tourismrelated development to the island. Current porting services for cruise ships see PAG coordinating and reconfiguring its shipyard for each vessel to accommodate the influx of services needed. However, PAG has been establishing its operations to strategize a small cruise ship industry which is hoped to reconfigure and develop the port with the aim of increasing the porting potential and opportunities for Guam.
As part of the Port’s development for the future, it is looking to continue to develop its facilities and equipment to expand its cruise porting facilities and continue to meet the demand for increasing cargo shipments. These developments come as part of PAG’s desire to transport the port’s facilities into a world-class terminal serving Guam and the Western Pacific region. As part of this development, PAG has outlined a modernisation programme which looks set on investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the transformation of its commercial seaport for the demands of the future.
PAG plays a significant role in Guam’s development of its economy through the seamless and necessary movement of cargo through its seaport. Due to its location, it is an island that relies heavily on its international links to bring mutual prosperity to the country and those overseas. Under American territory authority, it upholds all the same regulations that you would expect from any US port which continues to highlight the port’s reputation on an international scale. With critical developments as the Port Authority of Guam moves toward the future, we look forward to seeing how it expands its operations to facilitate further cruise lines and continues to bring economic development to the region via its increased cargo port potential.
Port Authority of Guam
Inchcape Shipping Services in Guam and the Micronesia Islands: Connecting the Region with Excellence
Guam holds a pivotal role as the coordination office, or the heart, of the Micronesia islands. Situated as the base of the US Navy, Guam’s strategic location aims to support navy calls in the Micronesia region. Recognising the significance of Guam, Inchcape Shipping Services is strengthening its presence and expanding its operations in Saipan by establishing a new office and venturing into the logistics and warehousing business in both Guam and Saipan.
Inchcape currently handles a diverse range of responsibilities in Guam, including cruise, navy, and tanker calls, extending its services to other ports in Micronesia. To offer comprehensive support to navy vessels throughout the region, Inchcape is investing in essential assets. The recent acquisition of two fenders and gangways emphasises Inchcape’s commitment to bolstering its operations.
Guam and Saipan serve as crucial transhipment centres, facilitating seamless shipment into other Micronesia islands. Committed to ensuring efficient operations, Inchcape has assembled a team of experienced professionals to support their continuous growth and provide the highest level of service to their esteemed clientele.
Speaking of clientele, Inchcape boasts an impressive customer base encompassing Oil and Gas Majors, esteemed cruise lines, and international navies. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction, Inchcape operates a Regional Operations Centre (ROC) in Malaysia that works closely with local teams in Guam and Saipan to ensure seamless operational delivery. This comprehensive approach ensures a single point of contact for customers, allowing for efficient communication and support. Furthermore, Inchcape’s expertise extends beyond traditional shipping services. Currently, they are handling clients for an offshore survey and fibre cable laying projects in Guam. Their comprehensive range of services includes port agency, husbandry, crew logistics, survey and inspection, warehousing, last-mile delivery, cruise consultancy and itinerary planning, as well as project cargo and logistics.
To explore the expansive range of services offered by Inchcape Shipping Services in Guam and the Micronesia Islands, reach out to Inchcape’s ROC team members Sugunesh Rames at suguneshwaran. rames@iss-shipping.com and Haikal Azeem at haikal. azeem@iss-shipping.com or contact Ariel Dumapit, Guam Operations Manager at ariel. dumapit@iss-shipping.com
