Caribbean Maritime – issue 41 - CSA's 50th Anniversary

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ISSUE No 41

OCTOBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

THE VOICE OF CARIBBEAN SHIPPING INDUSTRY SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION

PROFILE: MIL AIK A C APELL A R AS

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FIRST AGM

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PA S T P R E S I D E N T S

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PHOTO ARCHIVE

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Issue No 41 OCT - DEC 2020

CONTENTS

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2 FROM THE CSA PRESIDENT

Reflecting, transforming, and emerging stronger

4 PROFILE: FERNANDO L. RIVERA

A fond farewell from Fernando

10 PROFILE: MILAIKA CAPELLA RAS

16 The official journal of the:

The CSA’s momentous birth year

Serving the CSA with distinction

29 MONICA SILVERA

To promote and foster the highest quality service to the maritime industry through training development; working with all agencies, groups and other associations for the benefit and development of its members and the peoples of the Caribbean region.

Caribbean Shipping Association 4 Fourth Avenue, Newport West PO Box 1050, Kingston CSO, Jamaica Tel: +876 923-3491 Fax: +876 757-1592 Email: csa@cwjamaica.com www.caribbeanshipping.org

MISSION STATEMENT

CSA Secretary: Dionne Mason-Gordon

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caribbean shipping association

GENERAL COUNCIL 2019-2020 President: Juan Carlos Croston Vice President: Marc Sampson Immediate Past President: David Jean-Marie Group A Chairman: Nathan Dundas Group A Representative: Eduardo Pagán Group A Representative: Yuri Jardine Group A Representative: Sandra Casanova Group B Chairman: Anibal Ochoa Group B Representative: Milaika Capella Ras Group C Chairman: Philip Gray Group C Representative: Tim DiPietropolo Group D Chairman: William Brown Group D Representative: Juan Carlos (JC) Barona

Milaika opens a new chapter

Remembering Monica

33 ANCHOR AWARDS

36

Third Annual ACMF Gala & Anchor Awards Celebrate the Spirit of Maritime

36 ELECTRIC TUGS PUBLISHER:

Damen launches new tug type

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Land & Marine Publications Ltd 1 Kings Court, Newcomen Way Severalls Business Park, Colchester Essex, CO4 9RA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Fax: +44 (0)1206 842958 Email: publishing@landmarine.com www.landmarine.com Views and opinions expressed by writers in this publication are their own and published purely for information and discussion and in the context of freedom of speech. They do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Caribbean Shipping Association.

– The Publisher.

Looking back

44 PORT BRIEFING 46 STARBOARD BRIEFING 48 RUSSBROKER CARIBBEAN

MARKET REVIEW

Small ships lag behind in the recovery

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Working from home: hardware, software and human imperatives www.caribbean-maritime.com 1

FROM THE CSA PRESIDENT

caribbean shipping association

Reflecting, transforming, and emerging stronger THE CSA CELEBRATES 50-YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

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es, we must celebrate! Ships traverse our sea lanes; our ports are open; containers with vital supplies are unloaded, and our valuable exports are being shipped to distant markets. Members of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) are proving capable of keeping that lifeline known as the “supply chain” open because we have remained true to the vision of our founders in developing an efficient, viable regional shipping industry.

It was their positive experience of learning from each other in matters of

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industrial relations that prompted our maritime industry leaders, 50 years ago, to establish an organization that would facilitate continuous exchange of information, advice and best practice while creating a voice for our shared interests – regionally and beyond.

Since our first Annual General Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas, on October 19, 1971, the CSA has grown and broadened our representation of stakeholders, while consistently strengthening our reach.

Through the years, we have maintained our

relevance by addressing the burning issues of the particular period and by taking a proactive approach to representing the best interests of the maritime sector.

SUPPORT We have faced trade wars, hurricanes, earthquakes, threats from terrorists and drug smugglers – and we’ve survived, even thrived, because through it all we stand together, plan joint approaches to common challenges, and support each other in practical and meaningful ways.

Juan Carlos Croston President Caribbean Shipping Association

Yes, we must celebrate, because the CSA boasts a history of tremendous achievements. Included among these is our role in: the transformation of port infrastructure; protecting the environment through the Caribbean Marine Environment Protection Agency (CARIBMEPA); strengthening relationships among stevedoring companies, port authorities and shipping lines; deepening regional integration and inclusiveness, and building our organizations by building the skills of individuals, especially the leadership.

Today, we invite all the people of the Caribbean to celebrate with us our halfcentury of achievements even as we face the greatest challenge of our modern history – the Covid-19 pandemic. We share this milestone with everyone because our industry is integral to the life of each individual; and because we want to spread our own epidemic of confidence into the lives of all our Caribbean brothers and sisters.

It is a tribute to our CSA founders, and our leaders over the years, that we embraced innovation from the very start – from containerization in the early years,

to digitalization in the current epoch. It is our willingness to change appropriately with the technology of the times that gives us the ability to adapt to the “new normal” that will be with us for years. Change is not easy, but the CSA will stand together with its members to assist, however it may be, on this critical transformation.

We were preparing for our Caribbean Shipping Executives’ Conference in May when the pandemic hit, but that did not stop us from going ahead with our meetings, discussions and workshops via the digital and virtual platforms of the current age.

We have also been making our voice heard on urgent and critical matters such as the safe repatriation of seafarers, appropriate arrangements for crew changes and the need for greater harmonization of laws and regulations to ensure safe movement of vessels, crew, passengers, and cargo.

Building resilience in the face of adversity has always been high on the agenda of the CSA and we are seeing that our focus on the human element in shipping is proving to be the correct approach in ensuring the sustainability of our industry.

EFFORTS History has taught us that our efforts are more effective when we garner the support of other influential bodies and organizations and so we continue to make representations in national, regional, and international fora. These include ongoing discussions with state governments and their agencies, CARICOM, the Organization of American States (OAS), and United Nations agencies such as the International

Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). We are heartened that these organizations have responded positively to our invitations to discuss with us the critical concerns of our industry in our Webinar Series as well as in bilateral and multilateral talks

COLLABORATION With regard to the CSA Webinar Series, our partnership with Women in Maritime Caribbean (WiMAC) as co-hosts, is showing how close collaboration with key stakeholders can result in great achievements.

Each of the past three Webinars have attracted more than one hundred participants who express their appreciation for the relevant and informative presentations by knowledgeable experts in their fields.

We are also heartened by the frank and open discussions that take place in these webinars and that, most of all, we are staying vibrantly connected.

We maintain that the human element is the most important asset in global shipping and that we will all get stronger by helping our weaker members. We implore all our members to make health and safety the watchwords of our operations as we adhere to the guidelines set out by the health authorities.

You, our CSA members, can stand proud as we continue our journey today with the same gusto that our founders had fifty years ago, drawing on those qualities that make us uniquely Caribbean –proud selfconfidence, joyful camaraderie and intrepid determination.

May God continue to bless and protect us.

Today, we invite all the people of the Caribbean to celebrate with us our half-century of achievements even as we face the greatest challenge of our modern history… www.caribbean-maritime.com 3

PROFILE FERNANDO L. RIVERA

A fond farewell from Fernando Fernando Rivera steps down It’s all change. After many years of loyal and exemplary service to the Caribbean Shipping Association, first as president and then as general manager, Fernando Rivera is stepping down. As he signs off, Caribbean Maritime takes this unique opportunity to interview Fernando.

Q. What was life like growing up in Puerto Rico?

A. I was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, a small town in the center of the island. My grandfather owned a general store and both my parents worked in it. When I was 13 years old, my father decided to become independent and we moved to New Orleans.

It was a big change, after being part of a family business, my father worked in a factory on an hourly salary. On the other hand, for me it was an important move, since I was able to learn English, necessary for my future professional life. We returned to Puerto Rico after three years, I finished my last year of high school and went to the University of Puerto Rico where

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I obtained my bachelor’s degree in business administration.

After high school, I started playing baseball and softball at the local leagues. In a couple of years, I was selected as a member of the Puerto Rico National Softball team, representing my country at international competitions such as Central American/ Caribbean and Pan-American Games, obtaining various gold, silver and bronze medals. I was inducted into my hometown Sports Hall of Fame five years ago.

Q. Did you always want to be involved in shipping or did this happen by chance or by accident?

A. Upon graduation from university,

I worked for six years at United Federal Savings and Loan Association as a Loan Officer and Branch Assistant Manager.

While there, I applied and was hired for a sales position at Chevron Oil Latin America.

I held various positions there. As Sales Manager, Harbor Bunkering Corp (Harbor Fuel Service) was my customer. One day, one of Harbor Bunkering’s owners, invited me to dinner and offered me a job. I accepted the offer – one of the best decisions of my life. Last year, I celebrated my 30th anniversary with the company.

That was when I started getting involved in shipping, as I was Harbor Bunkering’s representative at the Puerto Rico Shipping Association (PRSA).

PROFILE FERNANDO L. RIVERA

Q. When and where did you first attend a CSA meeting and why?

A. My first CSA’s meeting was in 1992 in the Dominican Republic, representing PRSA as its Vice President.

Q. In the early days of your membership who were those in the CSA you most admired or saw as your mentors?

A. During my close to 30 years involvement with CSA, I have met and worked with many important persons that have impacted me in a positive way, but there are three that I have to mention: Ludlow Stewart, Roland Malins Smith and David Harding.

When I started attending CSA meetings and met Ludlow Stewart, I was so impressed with him. Everybody wanted to talk to him. When finally, I had a chance to meet him, I found out that I was meeting a special person, a true gentleman. From there on, we became good friends. During

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my last year as President, we had our annual General Council meeting in Jamaica. Luddy invited all of us to his house. He was having serious health issues. While there he invited Carlos Urriola – who was to become CSA President – and myself to his office. He gave both of us a closed envelope in which he said had his recommendations to take the CSA to another level and he was sure that we were the right persons to do it. I can say that we have implemented over 90% of his recommendations.

Roland Malins Smith is another gentleman. He was the person you looked for when you had a question about our

industry. Always smiling, always available for you, always telling you “good job” when things were going the right way, but also the first to give you advice when not. He had the art to get the best of you.

When I attended my first CSA meeting, I was asked by the President of PRSA to meet and say hello to David Harding on his behalf.

He told me I was meeting a special person and he was right. It took me a while to be able to talk to him, as everybody wanted to do so. I remember people telling me, you are to meet “Mr CSA”. We became friends and I learned a lot from him. A few years later, he asked me to get more involved at the

It took me a while to be able to talk to him, as everybody wanted to do so. I remember people telling me, you are to meet “Mr CSA”.

PROFILE FERNANDO L. RIVERA last few years, we have had over six training events per year. Able to do this thanks to the financial contributions of our members.

2) By improving the quality of our conferences and speakers, we were able to increase attendance and more sponsors, resulting in having a negative financial situation to an excellent position.

3) Significantly increase the participation of other non-speaking English territories.

Presently we have French, Spanish, Dutch and English representation in General Council.

CSA, because he knew that I was going to be president in the near future. He was the one who nominated me to all the positions I had at General Council.

I must also mention three persons that have worked with me for the three years as President and eight as GM: Stephen Bell was my general manager when I became president. We had so many things in common that he became more than an employee. He became and still is my brother. Thanks for all the good advice.

The only thing that I can say about Dionne and Shorna-Kay, our secretariat team, is that they are the best. When we see all the things accomplished with a staff of only two persons it is difficult to believe. Dionne was my right and left hand. Most of the times we agree on things and when not, she always had excellent advice. Some persons might have the wrong impression regarding Shorna-Kay because she is a shy lady, but once you are able to know her, you find a very smart lady, with a lot to offer.

Q. During your time in the CSA you have served as Vice President, President and General Manager and devoted much of working life to the Association. It’s been almost a lifetime of service and one of which you must be proud. But in your view, what were your biggest achievements during your three-year presidency of the CSA? A. 1) Developing a year-round training program to our members. Before we probably had one training event per year. For the

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Q. In your view, how does the cruise shipping industry get back on its feet in the wake of Covid-19 and can things ever be the same again?

A. It will take a few years to get this industry back on its feet. In order to do this, we need to develop and implement new guidelines and knowing the importance of this industry to the destinations, I am sure we will be able to do it. It is very important that once these guidelines are prepared, and share with the destinations to make sure that everyone complies with them. I know that both the FCCA and CLIA are working very hard to have this done as soon as possible.

Q. Does Puerto Rico in general and San Juan in particular need to make changes for the returning cruise industry?

A. Like any other destination, Puerto Rico

will have to adjust to the changes. I am sure we will do whatever is necessary to get this important part of our economy back.

Q. What do you plan to do now that you are retiring from the CSA? A. CSA is a very important part of my life; I plan to continue attending the conferences and will always be available to assist if needed.

Q. Will you continue to work for Harbor Bunkering?

A. Plans are to continue working on a part-time basis.

Q. How disappointing was it for you personally and for the wider CSA, that this year’s Fiftieth anniversary CSA in San Juan had to been postponed and due to the global Covid-19 crisis and especially as it was also the PRSA’s 50th?

A. Everybody was very disappointed with the cancellation of this year AGM in Puerto Rico, as we were preparing to celebrate both CSA and PRSA Fiftieth Anniversaries, but we have to accept what is happening and continue preparations for a better one in 2021.

Q. Are you expecting to entertain everyone in San Juan in 2021 by singing “My Way”? (Let’s hope so) A. I am sure that I will sing 'My Way' next year.

PROFILE MILAIKA CAPELLA RAS

Milaika opens a new chapter Just the right person Incoming CSA General Manager Milaika Capella Ras has big shoes to fill, but the Association has found just the right person to replace long-serving Fernando Rivera.

Milaika forms part of a fresh and younger CSA generation and brings to her new role extensive knowledge of the maritime sector as well as enviable numeracy and linguistic skills.

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Q. Where were you born and where did you grow up?

A. I was born and raised in Curaรงao, a beautiful Island in the Caribbean.

Q. What language did you speak at home as a child?

A. At home I spoke Papiamentu. Papiamentu is my native language.

My maternal grandparents came from Venezuela, so with them I spoke Spanish. The instruction language at school was Dutch, which is the other official language of Curaรงao, besides Papiamentu.

Q. What did your parents do for a living and how big an influence were they on your life?

A. My Dad was born in Aruba, but he left the Island at a young age to travel as a ship engineer. At the age of 27, he settled in Curaรงao, where he met and married my mother within a year of his arrival. In Curaรงao,

PROFILE MILAIKA CAPELLA RAS

he worked at the drydock for many years, and later as a plant maintenance supervisor for a local contractor. My Mom was an Elementary Teacher and at young age I thought that I would also go into Education.

My career choices were not necessarily impacted by my parents. I received a lot of love and support growing up that empowered me to choose my way.

Q. Where did you go to school and which university did you attend? In which subject(s) did you graduate?

A. I attended the University of the Dutch Caribbean, in Curaçao, where I completed the Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Banking and Insurance. In 2018, I returned to school to complete my Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree at the InterContinental University of the Caribbean.

Q. What was your first job upon leaving university?

A. Towards the end of my Bachelor’s degree, I interned at the RBC Royal Bank, and I was offered the opportunity to stay after my internship.

Q. Had you always wanted to work in the maritime sector?

A. No; it is pure coincidence that I ended up in the maritime sector. Directly following my graduation, I was offered employment at the RBC Royal Bank. However, I was not placed in a department that sparked my interest. So, I decided to apply for a few jobs in the banking sector. In the process of updating my résumé, I called the CFO of the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA), whom I worked with on different projects in the Curaçao Lions Club, to ask if I could list him as a reference. He agreed, but also asked if I would be willing to assist him for a few months during the maternity leave of one of his co-workers. Upon her return from maternity leave, I was offered the opportunity to stay and manage the Finance Department of Caribbean Port Developers (CPD), a subsidiary of the CPA. What started as an interim job, while I would be interviewing for a career in the banking sector, resulted in my entrance into the maritime sector.

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What started as an interim job, while I would be interviewing for a career in the banking sector, resulted in my entrance into the maritime sector Q. When did you join the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) and in what position?

A. I officially joined Curaçao Ports Authority on February 1, 1999 in the Finance Department of Caribbean Port Developers.

Q. What roles have you fulfilled during your time with the CPA and what has been your biggest achievement at the Authority?

A. During my 21 years at CPA I fulfilled a variety of roles. Subsequent to the interim period in the Finance Department of CPA, I officially began my employment in the Finance Department of CPD. After five years at CPD, I was transferred to the commercial department of CPA with the primary task to set-up the real estate department. CPA holds a large portfolio of real estate in or adjacent to the ports that at that time had

PROFILE MILAIKA CAPELLA RAS

not received proper attention. I am proud of the fact that the commercial department has since become an indispensable part of CPA to spearhead development in the ports of Curaçao. During my tenure at CPA, I was also very involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification 9001 and 14001 of the CPA and its subsidiaries. I am a Certified Lloyd’s ISO Auditor specialized in ISO 9001 and 14001.

I am also proud of the fact that during my tenure I was asked to take on various additional tasks for a prolonged period of time. For instance, in the absence of terminal manager, I was tasked with the management of the operations of the cruise terminal for close to seven years. I was also asked to take on the responsibilities of PR and Marketing Manager during a prolonged vacancy in this area. Finally, I sat or led the organizing committees of conferences of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and CSA that were hosted by CPA. Q. When did you first attend CSA AGM and what were your impressions?

A. The first CSA Conference that I attended was the CSEC held in Guadeloupe

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in May 2011. The first AGM that I attended was in Trinidad and Tobago in October 2016, where I was tasked by CPA with the presentation of the invitation to the CSEC to be held in Curaçao the following year.

Q. After a period of CSA Deputy General Manager, in September you will become general manager of the Caribbean Shipping Association. Are you looking forward to your new role and for the challenge?

A. I started on March 1, 2020 at the CSA as the counterpart to Fernando Rivera.

Fernando’s long tenure at the CSA with various positions in the General Council culminating in the President of the CSA and lately as the organization’s general manager makes him a perfect mentor as he knows the organization and the maritime sector inside out. I am excited to take on this new role in my career. Nobody could have predicted that I would start this job in such a difficult period with the entire world under the pressure of the pandemic Covid-19. At the CSA we have also had to adapt to the “new normal” by reinventing our processes to maintain the contact with our membership, assist and support them in whatever they need. I am grateful for the support that

I have received from the General Council, Fernando, the secretariat team, Dionne and Shorna-Kay and the Shipping Association of Jamaica Public Relations and Finance team.

During the past months, CSA has shown resilience and I have no doubt that the CSA is prepared to achieve new heights.

Q. Do you believe that your multi-lingual fluency will further enhance communications between the Caribbean’s main language groups?

A. I believe that my fluency in the languages Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish do grant me an advantage in communication. However, I believe that the culture mix that I grew up with provides me a greater advantage. Curaçao is characterized as a melting pot of various cultures and languages and hence I am comfortable connecting with people with different backgrounds as I am easily able to find common ground. I promised my friends of the French islands, that soon I will communicate with them in the French language. Je ne vais pas les décevoir!

Q. What do you hope to achieve as CSA General Manager and what particular skills will you bring to the job?

A. In these turbulent times it is more important than ever for the CSA to be an important voice in the maritime sector and to continuously offer value to its membership.

This will ultimately also lead to an increase of membership. The past few months have underscored the importance of technology.

CSA has been able to maintain its connection with its membership through the introduction of an e-newsletter and a series of webinars. The success so far of these webinars have clearly demonstrated the viability of this medium to reach a wider audience.

CSA will continue to work closely with other organizations in the maritime sector to achieve its objectives and that of its membership. We also started a process to review various memoranda of understanding that were signed in previous years to identify and communicate the benefits and opportunities these offer to our membership.

You can always achieve your goal, as long you put in time, effort, and dedication.

Push yourself outside your comfort zone, where there is opportunity to grow Q. What have you learned from outgoing CSA General Manager and Past President Fernando Rivera who has served the Association with great distinction and for many years?

A. Fernando is a very charming gentleman. What you see is what you get! He will voice his opinion very clearly and without detours if he does not agree with something.

He is then able to continue as if nothing happened. I admire that about him.

Q. Is it obviously disappointing for you that the CSA won’t be able to celebrate its Fiftieth anniversary in style this year in Puerto Rico and especially as you would have been officially installed as GM at the prestigious event?

A. It is disappointing that we have had to cancel the AGM in Puerto Rico for the first time in recent history as this is an important forum for everyone to connect with their peers and share ideas and knowledge in a social setting.

It would have also been the perfect retirement for Fernando with both the CSA and the Puerto Rico Shipping Association celebrating its 50th anniversary with the conference in his home town. However, I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and that we will find a way to honor Fernando for his long and distinct service for the association.

Q. What’s the best advice you have received during your career and what advice would you give to anyone seeking a career in the maritime or ports sector?

A. You can always achieve your goal, as long you put in time, effort, and dedication.

Push yourself outside your comfort zone, where there is opportunity to grow.

Q. Finally, can we ask you something about your personal life? And of your main interests outside of work in terms of hobbies, sports and leisure activities?

A. I am happily married to Stephen and

we have two sons; Connor is 16 years old and Justin is 12 years old. So, I am the queen at home.

I am fascinated by travel. The ability to soak in a foreign culture, its people, food and music. We try as much as possible to explore and experience the country as locals would to get a genuine experience.

I love to cook. I like to try new recipes and I enjoy cooking for my family. Once a month, my friends and I go to a cook studio, where under the guidance of a chef we learn new recipes and cooking techniques. We cook, eat, drink wine and have a good time.

I don’t practice a particular sport, but I go to the gym at least three times a week and I use my treadmill at home. This is not something that I particularly enjoy, but it is a necessary part of my fitness routine.

Living on an island surrounded by beautiful beaches, we try to go the beach at least once a month.

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FIRST AGM

THE CSA’S MOMENTOUS BIRTH YEAR

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t may not have quite matched the drama of the first moon landing in 1969, but it was still a momentous year and certainly one to remember. The Brazilian National Soccer Team – containing Pelé, Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto and Rivellino – beat Italy 4-1 in the greatest World Cup final ever played; soon to cease production, the Boeing 747 entered service for the first time and the aborted Apollo 13 moon mission held the rapt attention of the entire planet. This then was 1970.

But for just a few, something happened in mid-Atlantic Bermuda in 1970 that probably eclipsed all of those historic events. This was the inaugural meeting of the Caribbean

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Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain

Juan Camilo Bernal / Shutterstock.com

Looking back to 1970

Shipping Association (CSA). Many years have passed since the CSA was formed and most of those involved in the Association’s creation are sadly no longer with us and so some of the recollections of that historic gathering are now a bit hazy.

GATHERING Luckily and thanks to former CSA General Manager Stephen Bell, Caribbean Maritime has tracked down someone who did attend that first gathering in 1970 – Stephen’s father Robert. He still vividly recalls much of what took place 50 years ago and its importance for the region’s maritime sector.

Planning to set up an Association is

one thing, actually getting an organization off the ground is quite another. And it’s here that Robert gives full credit to the undoubted energies of Peter Evelyn (see page 20) who later become chairman of the Shipping Association of Jamaica and first president of the CSA. Peter sadly died in 2007.

Robert recalls: “Peter Evelyn was the conceptualizer. Working with him were Noel Hylton (later Chief Executive of the Port Authority of Jamaica 1975-2003), Michael Blackman (elected vice president) from Trinidad and Tobago, Roy Mendes from Antigua and myself. There was also a lady who was present who recorded all the notes

FIRST AGM

Caribbean Shipping Association

Peter Evelyn

and the minutes. Sadly, I can’t remember her name, but she did an excellent job.

“This first (preliminary) meeting to put the AGM all together was done in Bermuda.

After a couple of days, the groundwork a framework had been laid out for the formation of the CSA and for the subsequent first meeting in The Bahamas.

Looking back from 2020, it’s sometimes difficult to comprehend that the overriding rational for the formation of the CSA was to improve and modernize dockside labor relations across the region. It’s a topic that rarely gets seems to get a mention these days within the Association.

A NEW ERA This was a time when cargo was being containerized and the number of dockworkers needed to handle cargo was being dramatically cut. As Robert puts it: “It was the start of the new era moving towards containerization so all persons had a need

to educate themselves, exchange ideas and look at the various ways to upgrade their facilities and stay abreast of the changing environment. This included personnel changes and management practices while working alongside, and with, the various union leaders. This developed relationships between the various leaders on both sides that remain cemented to this day.”

But, as Robert explains: “At that time there wasn’t any regional shipping associations that were focused on the maritime interests of the Caribbean. In those days there was growing unrest between labor and management in the maritime sector.

Jamaica had developed a two-shift system, a pension scheme and other procedures for workers. The aim was to bring the Caribbean together and develop relationships between management and unions along similar lines to those that Jamaica had been able to achieve.”

As to why a non-Caribbean state, Bermuda, was chosen for the preliminary meeting then Robert doesn’t recall. But the event attracted between 40 to 50 attendees so Bermuda did not prove any kind of impediment in terms of attendance. “Most of the Caribbean nations sent representatives, including Guyana,” he says.

One firm decision made at the gathering in 1970 was to henceforth hold a meeting of the CSA each and every year. And, so, 50 years later an AGM should have taken place in San Juan to mark this anniversary – until the coronavirus pandemic put paid to any hopes of such a celebration.

PAST AGMS 1st October 19, 1971

Nassau, Bahamas

2nd October 16–17, 1972 Bridgetown, Barbados 3rd October 22–24, 1973 Kingston, Jamaica 4th October 24–26, 1974 Port of Spain,

Trinidad & Tobago 5th

October 20–22, 1975 Miami, USA

6th

October 18–20, 1976 Bridgetown, Barbados

7th

October 24–26, 1977 San Juan, Puerto Rico

8th

October 23–25, 1978 Kingston, Jamaica

9th

October 22–24, 1979 Santo Domingo, D.R.

10th October 20–22, 1980 Freeport, Bahamas 11th October 15–17, 1981 Port of Spain,

Trinidad & Tobago 12th October 11–13, 1982 New Orleans, USA 13th October 17–19, 1983 San Juan, Puerto Rico 14th October 22–24, 1984 Freeport, Bahamas 15th October 28–30, 1985 Ocho Rios, Jamaica 16th October 20–22, 1986 Guadeloupe 17th October 15–17, 1987 Cartagena, Colombia 18th October 24–26, 1988 New Orleans, USA 19th October 23–25, 1989 Port of Spain, Trinidad 20th November 5–9, 1990 Carnival Cruise

M/S Fantasy 21st October 28–30, 1991 Martinique 22nd October 26–28, 1992 Santo Domingo, D.R. 23rd October 25–27, 1993 Ponce, Puerto Rico 24th October 24–26, 1994 Montego Bay, Jamaica 25th October 23–25, 1995 Barbados 26th October 21–23, 1996 Curaçao, N.A. 27th October 27–29, 1997 Valencia, Venezuela 28th October 19–21, 1998 Port of Spain,

Trinidad & Tobago 29th October 18–20, 1999 St. George's, Grenada 30th October 23–25, 2000 New Orleans, USA 31st October 15–17, 2001 San Juan, Puerto Rico 32nd October 21–23, 2002 Fort-de-France,

Martinique 33rd October 13–15, 2003 Montego Bay, Jamaica 34th October 18–20, 2004 Cartagena, Colombia 35th October 17–19, 2005 Bridgetown, Barbados 36th October 16–18, 2006 Panama City, Panama 37th October 15–17, 2007 Santo Domingo, D.R.

FOUNDING MEMBERS The countries listed in 1971 as the founding members of the CSA were: Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. At the first Annual General Meeting, in Nassau, The Bahamas, on 19 October 1971, the representatives from these countries along with those from Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas and St Vincent

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and the Grenadines were admitted to membership. In its early years, the CSA concentrated on exchanging views on areas of common interest and producing reports on industry practices and port development in the region. Comprehensive technical papers were presented on subjects such as shipping agency operations, documentation within ports, containerization, movement and handling of refrigerated cargo, port management, port development and cargo liability.

38th October 13–15, 2008 Port of Spain,

Trinidad & Tobago 39th October 12–14, 2009 Paramaribo, Suriname 40th October 11–13, 2010 Montego Bay, Jamaica 41st October 10–12, 2011 Bridgetown, Barbados 42nd October 15–17, 2012 San Juan, Puerto Rico 43rd October 7–9, 2013

Panama City, Panama

44th October 13–15, 2014 Punta Cana,

Dominican Republic 45th October 19–21, 2015 Cartagena, Colombia 46th October 17–19, 2016 Port of Spain,

Trinidad & Tobago 47th October 9–11, 2017

Bridgetown, Barbados

48th October 8–10, 2018

Panama City, Panama

49th October 7–9, 2019

Punta Cana, D.R.

PAST PRESIDENTS

SERVING THE CSA WITH DISTINCTION

O

ver the last 50 years and since the formation of the Caribbean Shipping Association, there have been a total of 18 Presidents, including the current office holder.

Each has made a major contribution to the Association’s on-going success and worked tirelessly to broaden its appeal and to expand its influence – both within the region and beyond.

From what was an organization largely established to address changes being

made to modernize Caribbean ports and tackle simmering dock-labor issues, the Association has matured and grown.

Today, the CSA is faced with the twin threats posed by marine pollution and the devastating impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the region's cruise shipping sector and on the economies of those islands heavily reliant on the spending generated by passengers.

So, while the golden jubilee is indeed a time for much celebration it’s also one

tempered by the fact the Caribbean faces some major challengers and has had to postpone its Fiftieth AGM until 2021.

Nevertheless, the CSA – as has been the case in the past and thanks to the stewardship of many eminent former presidents, including the incumbent Juan Carlos Croston – is well placed to steer the Association through these troubled waters.

Here is a look back at all 17 former presidents of the CSA.

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PAST PRESIDENTS

Peter Evelyn

Michael Blackman

Peter Parker

1971-3 and 1976-78 Jamaica

1973-4 Trinidad & Tobago

1974-76 Barbados

The Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) owes its very existence to the work, foresight and leadership of Jamaica’s Peter Evelyn who would become its first president.

Michael Blackman, from Trinidad and Tobago, was one of the Founders of the CSA and an early president of the Association.

Michael, along with first president Peter Evelyn, Stanley Chapman and Peter Parker of Barbados and Roy Mendes of Antigua, brought into reality the idea of a regional body to promote the business of the shipping industry.

Captain Peter Parker, a Barbadian, came back to the Caribbean after a deep-sea shipping career. During the mid-1950s he captained the small inter-island cargo ship ‘Coralita’ operated by his employer, Bridgetown-based Da Costa & Co.

Peter led the steering committee which developed the plans for a Caribbean Shipping Association. And, on October 19, 1971 shipping executives met in Nassau and made the idea of the CSA a reality. It was at this inaugural gathering that the representatives from these 12 countries honored Peter for his pioneering work by electing him the CSA’s Founding President.

Today, the Association is recognized as the authentic voice of the Caribbean shipping industry. This is Peter Evelyn’s legacy.

Born in Kingston in 1930, Peter began his maritime-related career at Lascelles de Mercardo Shipping in 1949. He later became vice-president of Seaboard Marine Jamaica.

Peter was also president (1972-73) of the Shipping Association of Jamaica.

Peter sadly died aged 76 in 2007 shortly after becoming an honorary life member of the CSA.

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This is what fellow CSA President David Harding had to say about the Association’s founding fathers in general and Michael in particular: “And while I recognized the enormous value to Caribbean Shipping that resided within these heavy hitters, it was in 1982 when I truly appreciated the worth of Michael Blackman. At that time, he was given the responsibility of creating a training platform within the CSA and the first such training seminar was held in Barbados.

His continued management of this set the high bar for the development of the CSA members.”

Michael Blackman was one of the recipients of the CSA 25th Anniversary Medal. This ceremony occurred during the AGM held in Barbados in 1995. In 2006 in Panama, Michael was made an honorary life member of the CSA along with Luddy Stewart, Peter Evelyn and Noel Hylton. Alvin Henry had previously become the CSA’s first honorary life member.

Prior to construction of the Deep Water Harbor, ships arriving in Barbados anchored in Carlisle Bay and had their cargo and passengers transported to the wharf by lighters. But in 1961 the Barbados Deep Water Harbour was completed and Peter was offered and accepted the position of general manager of Port Contractors (Barbados).

This was the operation responsible for the receiving, storing and delivery of freight landed from general cargo ships (containers did not come to Barbados until the mid1970s) and he held this post until 1979.

When this company morphed into the Barbados Port Authority, Peter became its first CEO and remained in that position until his retirement in 1981. Peter is today credited with the modernization of Barbados Port.

He was also the recipient of the CSA 25th Anniversary Medal presented in Barbados in 1995. Peter attended Barbados Port Inc’s 50th Anniversary Staff Awards in 2011 and it’s good to know that he is still alive and well.

PAST PRESIDENTS

Michael J. Lohan

Ludlow Stewart

Luis A. Ayala-Parsi

1978-81 Bermuda

1981-84 Jamaica

1984-85 Puerto Rico

It’s perhaps surprising today to learn that a Former President of the CSA hailed from Bermuda. This reflects Bermuda’s early and highly active role in the creation of the Association, but one that has somewhat diminished over recent years.

The late Ludlow “Luddy” Stewart was born in September 1931 and started work with the United Fruit Company in 1957. By 1972 he had made his way up to become the company’s freight manager.

Unlike almost all other CSA Presidents, Puerto Rico’s Luis A. Ayala-Parsi only served for a short period.

Michael spent his working life at Stevedoring Services in Hamilton and first became involved in the CSA via his position as secretary of the Bermuda Shipping Association.

During his time as president, Michael was a strong believer in regional integration and says that presiding over an Association that increased in diversity, membership and influence throughout the region were the achievements of which he is most proud. He named Michael Blackman, Peter Evelyn, Peter Parker, Luis Ayala and Alvin Henry as among those he most admired during his time with the Association. Like many other early presidents, Michael was one of the recipients of the CSA 25th Anniversary Medal in Barbados in 1995.

Michael told Caribbean Maritime: "I offer my congratulations to the Caribbean Shipping Association on its 50th Anniversary. I feel a great sense of pride in the fact that the Association is continuing to provide advice and service to the region. It is a truly indicative of the generous time and efforts put in by so many people in bygone years in laying a solid foundation.

Sad to say, Michael has not attended a CSA meeting since the late 1990s and retired from Stevedoring Services in 2001. He is alive and well and living in Bermuda.

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It’s generally accepted that Luddy was one of the greatest CSA Presidents of all time and much admired by all those who knew him. It was said that the only things that outmatched his dapper and debonair appearance were his integrity, professionalism, discipline, and service.

Luddy was the longest-serving president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, having served seven years in three separate periods.

At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Joint Industrial Council for the Port of Kingston, a body in which unions and management of the shipping industry meet monthly to ensure the continuation of good industrial relations in the sector. He was considered one of the foremost experts on Jamaican shipping affairs, having served the industry for over 40 years.

During his active years in the shipping industry, he received the following accolades: honorary harbour master of the Port of New Orleans, CSA Silver Club member and the Order of Distinction of Jamaica.

Luddy died in December 2010 aged 79 and shortly after bravely attending the CSA’s AGM in Paramaribo and at a time when he was clearly very frail.

Luis has had a distinguished career spanning six decades forged at the highest levels of local and international maritime trade. He began working in the company as Operations Manager in 1960, and following the death of his father in 1965, took over as president. He is President of the Board of Directors and has been CEO of the company since 1988.

“Don Luis”, as he is usually called, has always been a ‘Ponceño’ (a son of Ponce), committed to the social and economic development of this city and of Puerto Rico.His professional career clearly demonstrates it. He has held the positions of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and has been a member of the board of directors of firms such as Empire Company, Ayala Warehouse, Multi Terminal Operators, and Seahorse Marine Corp, as well as director of Banco de Ponce, Director of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Agencias Navemar de Puerto Rico.

He has held similar positions in local and international companies: president of the Board of Sea Barge Line, Container Terminal Corp, and AP Properties, and in organizations such as the Ponce School of Medicine, the Ponce Free Trade Zone, the Puerto Rico Pilot Commission, the Ponce and Southern Puerto Rico Chamber

Caribbean Shipping Association

of Commerce as well as Rotary International.

His direct involvement at the highest levels of prominent local, regional, and international maritime associations for over thirty years have been remarkable.

He was co-founder and President of the Puerto Rico Shipping Association, Vice-President and President of the Caribbean Shipping Association, and President for the Western Hemisphere Section of the General Stevedoring Council. In 1970, he co-founded the Puerto Rico Chapter, Ponce Chapter of the United States Propeller Club, which he presided from 1971 through 1973.

Luis was appointed Honorary ViceConsul of Norway from 1973 through 1975. In 1975, he became Consul of Norway for the South and Southwest Regions of Puerto Rico, a position he held until 2018.

At the beginning of the 1980s, he was appointed member to the President’s District Export Council. He also served as member of the National Maritime Safety Association and the Board of Directors of the National Association of Stevedores during the 1990’s.

Luis A. Ayala-Parsi lives in Ponce, Puerto Rico with his wife María Teresa-Bennazar: They have one son, Luis Arturo Ayala-Bennazar, and three grandchildren.

George Noon

Ernest Girod

Frank Wellnitz

1985-88 Jamaica

1991-94 Germany

Ernest Girod was from Clarendon, Jamaica and he started work as a time-keeper with Grace, Kennedy Stevedoring in 1951. He was the first man to rise from the ranks and become Chairman of the SAJ. After GK Stevedoring was renamed Port Services Ltd, Ernest constantly moved up the corporate ladder by dint of hard work, a quick mind and ability to visualise and organise improvements on the waterfront.

Frank Wellnitz is the only CSA president to have been born outside the region.

He was involved in the disputes over the use of pallets, forklifts and several other labour issues. From 1969 he was a member of the managing committee of the SAJ and he served two terms as chairman 1976-1978 and 1983-1984. He was managing director of Kingston Wharves from 1981-1994, and in that capacity had served as chairman of the CSA and the North American section of the General Stevedoring Council. Ernest supervised the transfer of the SAJ headquarters to the Kingport Building in 1975/1976.

His years of service were rough, as cargo deliveries were reduced, even though a five-week-long strike by US longshoremen eased the crisis in 1976.

In his second term, he guided the celebrations of 1982 when the Jamaican state had its 20th birthday.

As Hapag-Lloyd’s regional representative, Frank attended his first CSA meeting in Miami in 1975.

He recognized the CSA as an important forum to address Caribbean maritime and related issues, focusing on the Caribbean people. He became a member.

Over the years and due to shifting sides from vessel owner to vessel agent, more than once, he has been member of the council representing vessel owners and shipping agents. As vessel owner he was able to recognize agency concerns and vice-versa as an agent.

In 1988 at a meeting in Jamaica he was elected CSA vice president, subsequently in 1991, in Martinique he was elected president. During that same meeting he was the rapporteur of a symposium on The Future of Caribbean Maritime Transportation.

As Immediate Past President he became steering committee chairman and founding member of the Silver Club. His passion was the education of young people and to financially support and grow an ongoing training program. He and like-minded colleagues established a training trust fund and up until 2015 he was its chairman.

It was the CSA, which was instrumental in forming and supporting Frank in his career moves and it was here where he needed to ‘sell’ the idea of his ‘ship driver’ concept – the basis for Caribbean Feeder Services.

In October 2016 during an AGM in Port of Spain the CSA presented him with a Citation.

1988-91 St Lucia The late George Noon is St Lucia’s only President of the CSA. Softley spoken, George was a man of consensus and during his presidency he worked tirelessly to ensure unanimity among CSA members as the shipping sector transitioned during his presidency to new technologies. He made a significant contribution to the Association’s growth and development and gave his time, energy and goodwill to its membership. George was a leading member of the Rotary Club of St Lucia (he was president 1973-4), the Insurance Council of St Lucia and the shipping group of the St Lucia Employers’ Federation. He also led the St Lucia Shipping Association for 20 years. George died in 2010.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 23

PAST PRESIDENTS

G. Ainsley Morris

David Harding

Rawle Baddaloo

1994-1997 Jamaica

1997-2000 Barbados

2000-2003 Trinidad & Tobago

Gladstone Ainsley Morris Ainsley was president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica in 1991.

David L Harding started his career in shipping at the age of 18 in the shipping department of Da Costa & Musson and as a boarding agent. After two years of training, he became a master stevedore with H.V. King Stevedoring in 1972 and began stevedoring ships for Geest Line.

Captain Rawle Baddaloo came ashore in 1978 after a successful career in the British Merchant Navy serving worldwide on Texaco tankers until he became a Master Mariner.

In 1972 and in conjunction with Vance Lannaman (who passed away in 2017), Ainsley set up Lannaman & Morris (Shipping) which today handles around 70 per cent of all cruise ships calling Jamaican ports and represents lines responsible for around 15% of the island’s seafreight. The company also manages the Ocho Rios cruiseship terminal. The company was sold in 1997.

Harry Maragh, who took over Lannaman & Morris said: "From its beginning in 1972, the company was a force to be reckoned with in the shipping industry. The company was unique in that here were two gentlemen – Vance Lannaman and Ainsley Morris – one very versed on the cargo side and the other a true professional in handling cruise vessels, a rare combination that made this company a real success."

Now in his late eighties, Ainsley has lived in Lauderhill, Florida, for many years and still takes an active interest in the Caribbean’s maritime sector.

In 1986 he went on to open his own business, Sea Freight Agencies (Barbados), which represented carriers such as Geest Line, Ivaran Lines and ABC International Freight.

Sea Freight Agencies (Barbados) Ltd was sold in 2010 after 24 years of business.

In 1981 David was a founding member of The Shipping Association of Barbados. David is also founder and chairman of Caribbean International Freight & Logistics Inc. In terms of the Association, he was also at the forefront of bringing the CSA into cyberspace and in December 1998 the CSA had its first email connection. And during his Presidency, the CSA enhanced its training platform by creating a strong relationship with Jamaica Maritime Institute (JMI) which today is the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU). Furthermore, he had a lead role in developing the CSA Exhibition that allowed equipment companies and service providers to exhibit during CSA AGMs. In 2012. David was awarded an MBE for his role in the field of shipping in Barbados.

David was chairman of Barbados Port Inc until 2018. He was appointed Honorary Consul for Chile in Barbados in 1996.

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He was then employed by Texaco Trinidad where he started off as a Shift Supervisor. He left Texaco Trinidad as Marine Superintendent in 1979 to start a career at greenfield project the Point Lisas Industrial Port Development Ltd (PLIPDECO). He began as deputy port manager and left as President (Ag.). During his 28 years at PLIPDECO he was able to create a world-class port winning the Best Multi-Purpose Port in the Region on a number of occasions, and other accolades from the CSA. From 1987 to 1988 he attended the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, and majored in Maritime Safety Administration (Nautical), obtaining a Master of Science (MSc) Degree in Maritime Safety Administration. He was a founder member of the Nautical Institute Branch in Trinidad and Tobago as well as a member of the IAPH Executive and the Maritime Security Council.

Captain Baddaloo became active in the Shipping Association of Trinidad & Tobago (SATT) in 1980. He served on its executive council and was president for two terms, each lasting two years. He is an honorary Member of SATT. He then became involved with the Caribbean Shipping Association.

At CSA he has served as training director; Group B Representative; chairman of the CSA Committee on Regional Transport and President for three terms (2000-2003). He was made an honorary member of the CSA in October 2015.

PAST PRESIDENTS Rawle Baddaloo continued

Corah Ann Sylvester

In 1995 at its 25th AGM, the CSA established the Silver Club (those with meritorious service in the regional shipping industry for over 25 years). Captain Baddaloo is a founder member, an awardee and the current chairman of the Silver Club.

2003-06 Jamaica

In February 2019 at the 18th Intergovernmental Meeting of the Action plan for the Caribbean Environment Program and the 15th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region, a resolution was passed to contribute their talents to the work of the Caribbean Marine Environment Protection Association (CARIBMEPA) to Save our Seas.

CARIBMEPA was launched at the CSA meeting in May 2019 and Captain Baddaloo was asked to co-lead this very important initiative. Captain Baddaloo continues his work with CARIBMEPA and avails himself to the wider maritime fraternity for mentorship.

Fernando Rivera 2006-09 Puerto Rico Fernando Rivera was born in Jayuya, Puerto Rico. He has worked for San Juan-based Harbor Bunkering since 1989 and has attended CSA AGMs since 1992.

Fernando cites a trio of key mentors during his time with the CSA – Ludlow Stewart, David Harding and Roland Malins Smith – and has the highest of regard for all three men, two of which were fellow Association presidents.

Following Fernando’s period of president, he cheerfully took on the demanding role as Association general manager and has worked closely with the Kingston-based Secretariat until his retirement earlier this year. (see separate story).

Arguably, he has been the CSA’s most loyal servant.

Jamaica’s Corah Ann Sylvester is the CSA’s first and, so far, only female president. Corah Ann started her shipping career as line manager at Kirk Line before being made its Sales and Marketing Manager and project manager for Coastal Shipping/ Interseas. This was followed by a time as director of sales and marketing Jamaica Freight & Shipping. Since 2003, Corah Ann has been CEO at Seaboard Freight & Shipping Jamaica – a subsidiary of Miami-based Seaboard Marine.

“Tears still comes to my eyes when I think about that time. I was struggling against thinly disguised misogyny.

Some of the things said to me were: ‘I had just had a baby, why was I pushing to become President’; ‘Why is a little lady like you running for president?

Do you really think you can manage such a big responsibility?’Well, suffice it to say that these remarks did not deter me, they only made me stronger and the records shows the achievements of the CSA under my leadership.

Corah Ann’s many other positions include being a director of both the Shipping Association of Jamaica and Assessment Recoveries (ARL) and more recently chairperson of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) and board member of Kingston’s Advantum. During her chair of MAJ, Corah Ann has led Jamaica in two elections to a seat in Category C of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), 2017 and 2019.

This was to champion the cause of the Caribbean region in keeping pace with developments in the maritime industry and environment. In addition, Corah Ann has previously served as director of the Port Authority of Jamaica and council member of the Caribbean Maritime University.

“Rawle Baddaloo, a past president who supported me, said: “We had to break the glass ceiling,’ but I did not just break the glass ceiling in the Caribbean maritime world, I kicked it through.”

In 2000 she was elected the first female Vice-President of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) in New Orleans, USA. In 2003 she became the first female President of the CSA, serving from 2003-2006 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Corah Ann has thanked fellow CSA presidents Grantley Stephenson, David Harding and Rawle Baddaloo for their strong support. She says:

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During her three-year presidency, Corah Ann’s achievements were many. But among the most notable were the successful regional implementation of ISPS, the creation of a port relief fund for hurricanehit Grenada, encouraging smaller Caribbean states to establish shipping associations, the addition of an NVOCC group with the CSA and generally raising the international profile of the Association as its first female president.

Caribbean Shipping Association

Carlos Urriola

Grantley Stephenson

David Jean Marie

2009-2012 Panama

2012-15 Jamaica

2015-18 Barbados

Carlos Urriola, an Industrial Systems Engineer who graduated from Mexico’s Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, is president of Carrix Inc-owned SSA International. He is responsible for overseeing marketing and customer contracts for all Carrix’s international container operations. He’s also responsible for regulatory affairs at Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT).

Grantley holds a MBA from the University of the West Indies and is a graduate of Jamaica’s University of Technology and the UK’s University of Plymouth – an institution renowned for its maritime courses.

David Jean Marie is managing director of Barbados Port Inc (BPI) and was president of the CSA from 2015 To 2018.

Carlos joined MIT in 1995 as its assistant vice-president of marketing. In 2003 he was promoted to general manager of MIT Panama and in 2011 was named SVP of Carrix Inc and named member of Carrix’s Executive Committee. He also serves as board member in the Carrix‘s joint ventures in Chile and Colombia. He has served as Executive Vice President of MIT since 2012.

In 2017 he was promoted to President of SSA International and president of Manzanillo International Terminal Panama.

Carlos has served on numerous national and international trade and shipping organizations. He was President of the Maritime Chamber of Commerce of Panama 20012002 and was re-elected for a second term.

He was president of the American Chamber of Commerce of Panama in 2006-2007 and also president of Junior Achievement for the period 2006-2007. From 2006-2009 he was Vice-President of the CSA and President in 2009-2012.

He was President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica 1998-2002. Grantley joined Kingston Wharves (KW) in 2003 as was responsible for the stevedore’s subsequent modernization and growth strategy.

Universally admired and highly regarded, he had previously headed a number of shippingrelated enterprises, including Seaboard Freight & Shipping Jamaica, Shipping Jamaica and Jamaica Merchant Marine.

He is twice a former Dean of the Consular Corps of Jamaica and the Honorary Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway. He has been awarded the Jamaican National Award of the Order of Distinction and the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. He is also a Fellow of the Jamaican Institute of Management.

David attained a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of New Haven and when he joined the staff of the then Barbados Port Authority in 1987 it was a public-sector organization with an old-style attitude to commerce and revenue.

Although the port authority was starting to see the benefits of computerization in the mid-1980s, the physical infrastructure and cargo handling equipment of Bridgetown Port were becoming out of date and inefficient.

David took over as head of BPI in 2012 and with a clear strategy to streamline operations, to contain costs, enhance revenue and build staff morale. He has been successful in all four of these ambitions.

Grantley stepped down from his executive role at KW in early 2020, but remains deputy chairman.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 27

PAST PRESIDENTS

Juan Carlos Croston 2018 to present Panama Panama’s Juan Carlos Croston is part of a new maritime generation and current CSA President. A nautical engineering graduate who later gained a Masters in Port Management from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Juan Carlos has been attending CSA meetings since 2005 and has worked for Manzanillo International Terminal (MIT) since 2004. Juan Carlos started as a yard planner at MIT and is now vice-president of marketing and corporate affairs.

Juan Carlos served as CSA Vice- President for three years and before becoming President in 2018. During his time as Vice-President and President, Juan Carlos has been a major supporter of improved training and has greatly encouraged greater participation of women in the maritime sector.

He says: “I respect the CSA way because of what it represents: building bridges and taking care of our people. These are some of the same principles former CSA presidents and other senior members have shown that matters throughout all these years working with them. I have a great deal of respect for them, not only because of their ability to steer the CSA effectively throughout the past 50 years, but also because of their willingness to share their vision and wisdom, selflessly, with the next generation.”

A shipping life

F

rank Wellnitz has had a long and colourful career in shipping and beyond his work with the CSA. Frank started his maritime carrier in 1962 at a shipping agency based in Bremen, Germany. After receiving his certificate in Maritime Transport Management, he and his wife Heidi emigrated to Canada in 1965.

For a short while he worked as a Forwarder and then joined the Toronto office of a German company supervising Bulk Metal Concentrate Exports to world

markets. In 1969 he joint Falconbridge Nickel Mines as maritime transport co-ordinator, this included transport of construction material to build a smelter in Santo Domingo. With the construction winding down he was transferred there in 1971, setting up and managing a transportation department with about 25 local employees, covering all imports to keep the nickel smelter running and based on his distribution plan, exports to world markets of a product called ferronickel.

Learning Spanish became a must.

MANAGEMENT After three years with Falconbridge as one of 120 expatriates training local management, he was not ready to go to back to the cold and snowy Toronto. He joined HapagLloyd owners’ representative, stationed in San Juan. This was the time when the industry was watching the creation of the CAROL service – a joint venture between French, Dutch, English and German

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carriers inaugurated in 1975.

In 1977, Frank was offered a position as line manager for CAROL at the Hamburg head office – an offer very difficult to refuse. After three years in Germany, he convinced the company that he can better serve the company outside of the country.

He was transferred to the Miami office and later became representative for the Caribbean Basin countries, travelling often more than 200 days a year.

In August of 1983, Frank was offered and accepted a management position at Baez & Rannik (B&R), a shipping agency in Santo Domingo. In 1984 together with B&R, he returned to San Juan to create a shipping agency, Agencia Navemar de Puerto Rico, which was sold to Perez y Cia in 1991.

Invited by CGM, Frank wrote a business plan for Caribbean inter-island transport and incorporated Caribbean General Maritime (CAGEMA). The concept was to maintain reliable inter-island connections, which (the West Indies Shipping Corporation (WISCO had given up for lack of volume. This could only work with the support of extra regional volumes coming from Europe, the Far East and South America. A joint venture with Tropical Shipping included volumes from Florida, making it necessary to establish an office in Miami. Frank moved there in 1996.

EMPLOYED His focus continued to be inter-Caribbean services. Vessels employed by global carriers kept getting larger and individual port calls continued to dwindle. He saw a desperate need and an opportunity to establish hub ports and distribution networks.

He found a partner and vessel provider in Bremen’s Harren & Partner and supporters in the Hapag-Lloyd and ZIM. Caribbean Feeder Services (CFS) – Frank’s simple concept of slots sold on vessels providing a service network – is today a recognized entity. After 55 years in the industry Frank left CFS in 2017.

PAST KEY CSA EXECUTIVES

Alvin Henry: a man of integrity

A

lvin Henry joined the staff of The Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ) in 1969. In the 32 years that followed, the Association benefited from his keen sense of duty, loyalty, technical and professional competence as well as his finely honed negotiating skills.

He led the administration of the SAJ during a period of great challenges. It was a time of historical milestones; an epoch, which produced great men and women; an era of political, economic and technological revolution in Jamaica, the Caribbean and the wider world.

The time, the era, the industry demanded of Alvin Henry more than that asked of many in a lifetime. Alvin responded by giving himself completely and unconditionally.

He initiated systems and guided innovations which transformed the SAJ in his time, as Financial Controller, and later, as General Manager, in technical fields, but more so, in the areas of industrial relations and human resources development. In 1989 Alvin was cited for his work and awarded the SAJ’s Special Award for Dedicated Service.

In 1977, Alvin was again summoned by fate, this time to lead the administration of the still fledgling Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA).

Through that Association, first as Corporate Secretary and from 1981 to 2001, as Executive Vice President, Alvin

served the Caribbean shipping industry well. In 1995, he received the Caribbean Shipping Association Meritorious Award.

Alvin is also greatly admired by his contemporaries. Former CSA President Rawle Baddaloo said: “He is a very unassuming, even introverted person. A man of integrity who was always encouraging the younger ones to participate. Meeting him only at conferences did not prevent myself and others from seeing his greatness. He was always supportive of what I did even though I did not choose the well-worn path.

He was a diligent worker behind the scenes.”

INVALUABLE Another former president, David Harding, added: “Much has been written about Alvin Henry in the context of his invaluable service to Caribbean shipping. From my personal interaction with him let me say right away Alvin is the embodiment of the amazing hospitality for which Jamaicans are known.”

“In particular he brought his ground game that gave him his success in the SAJ to CSA, sharing with the wider Caribbean national associations the myriad of challenges and remedies for management of labour at ports.

The art of getting labour and capital working together harmoniously in ports across the Caribbean commenced in Kingston.

“Alvin, from the 1970s, was a part of that effort to raise the bar on the delivery of service to ships. Those of us in the industry in the 1960s and 1970s, especially in stevedoring and port operations, would have experienced a somewhat militant labour that was resisting the changing cargo handling technologies. And we would recall

For all of us outside of Jamaica he was our “Sergeant Major” from the minute we arrived at Kingston Airport. Our comfort was his main concern

that this, to a large extent, is what brought about the birth of the CSA, becoming the platform that allowed the entire region to ‘get up to speed’ on the modernization of maritime and port management Jamaica was already enjoying.

“It was not by accident that the CSA Secretariat is based in Jamaica. The SAJ was strongly positioned to feed this fledgling body, both financially and managerially.

All presidents during the 50 years of CSA would have, in plenary sessions, recognized the SAJ for its strong and unwavering support to CSA. He was the Chief Electoral Officer for our sometimes “lively” elections and in his calm, sure-footed way, kept us all smiling.

“For all of us outside of Jamaica he was our “Sergeant Major” from the minute we arrived at Kingston Airport. Our comfort was his main concern.

“I got to know him well because of who he is: a quiet, knowledgeable and warm gentleman. My wife, Celia, and I enjoyed the social company of Alvin and his beautiful wife, Janet. He never arrived at Barbados without a bottle or two of Jamaica’s “liquid sunshine” which always kept my fond memories of Jamaica refreshed.

“Alvin is a friend worth having and I am honored to say he is my friend. Thank you, Alvin.”

ARCHIVE KEEPER Meanwhile, ninth President Frank Wellnitz was equally fulsome in his praise. “Alvin Henry has been part of the CSA as long as I remember. There were some intermissions, but in reality, he was still always there. He has been the history and the archive keeper of the Association.

In important council meetings, it was often concluded: “We need to ask Alvin first.” He was a mainstay of our organization for many years. I remember well. When we established the Training Trust Fund, before we asked the lawyers to draft the document, it was his advice that we followed.

His calm and non-controversial and factual advice was accepted by all.”

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PAST KEY CSA EXECUTIVES

In praise of Michael Jarrett

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first met Michael Jarrett in October 1983… 37 years ago. It was a CSA AGM held in San Juan. A time when all of us was young and eager.

A youthful Luddy Stewart was President and was ably supported by a General Council of well-known Caribbean shipping executives. (I had the honor to write about that AGM several years after under the heading “Coming Full Circle” for Caribbean Maritime magazine no.16…

October 2012.

Michael Jarrett sat at that General Council table and along with his colleague Tony Gambrill he ensured that the happenings in CSA were reaching all of the region’s print media. CSA was 12 years old at that time and it was still evolving to meet the changing needs of the industry while creating a platform upon which the voice of regional shipping could be heard.

Michael Jarrett (Mike) was the thinker and driver of many of these events that gave CSA its recognition and from these early years onwards he quietly progressed the development of the CSA, taking ideas of the various Presidents he served and turning them into strong pillars upon which CSA grew.

I knew him first as a colleague then as a trusted friend whose calm and quiet persona belied a brain chiseled by his formal training in the print media business and a genuine love for the Caribbean Maritime transport business.

GENERAL COUNCIL In planning sessions on General Council he listened well with a slight tilt of his head in a manner that said he cared for what you had to say....eventually modifying the particular plan like a gem smith bringing a rough stone to life as a diamond.

He and Luddy Stewart were inseparable and I got to know later on that the relationship was built on trust first and then on love of this business.

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Mike developed Caribbean Maritime magazine… it is his baby, born out of passion and bred out of love…

He kept abreast of all regional and international happenings that were of value to CSA and with the birth of the World Wide Web he pushed to ensure that CSA took its rightful place on that highway.

A lot of this was developed in my Presidency and Mike’s enthusiasm and support helped develop our email address.

He conceptualized the notion that the experiences of older members would be of tremendous benefit to CSA going forward and such experiences could be quietly harnessed as a marker for new members to understand the value of CSA. The Silver Club was born in 1995 and the inaugural event was held in Barbados during the Banquet Night of the AGM in October 1995.

SILVER CLUB Mike wrote the Charter for the Silver Club, designed and had the silver pins struck.

Later on, in the life of the Silver Club he developed the Silver Club Roast, a not-to-be missed dinner where SC members, their spouses and guests enjoyed great a dinner and drinks, camaraderie and the “roasting of a hapless member” During the investiture of Mike into the Silver Club, I made some remarks that Mike had the knack of knowing where we were going wrong long before we knew it and he was never afraid to tell us that we were wrong… a characteristic that made him invaluable.

This is borne out in the fact that at no time in his 30 years at General Council did the CSA ever make a “wrong step” in public.

He nurtured the idea of an exhibition held in the halls of AGMs allowing suppliers to the industry to showcase their products...

I was very much a part of that developing idea and can testify to Mike’s herculean effort in creating what over many years was a successful feature to our AGMs generating much needed income for CSA. Mike however continues to give his talents to the maritime community through his magazine, a medium he developed following his retirement from the CSA.

David Harding 11th President, CSA

Mike had the knack of knowing where we were going wrong long before we knew it and he was never afraid to tell us that we were wrong… a characteristic that made him invaluable

MONICA SILVERA

Remembering Monica Silvera Monica Silvera was the Caribbean Shipping Association’s first female chief executive.

Monica sadly died in 2002. Today, the CSA continues to celebrate her life and her contribution to the Association and a scholarship is named in her honor.

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or those who knew her, Monica Silvera had a sunny and permanently cheery disposition and brought warmth and energy to the Secretariat at CSA conferences. She had a welcoming persona and an infectious laugh and she had the uncanny and impressive ability to remember everybody’s name. More than that, she knew where everyone was from. And if they had brought their family to a previous CSA conference, she would remember the name of their spouse and the names of their children. It was a rare and incredible gift.

At CSA conferences, when sometimes weary delegates arrived at the Secretariat, often after long and arduous journeys, Monica would be there to welcome each with a warm smile, address each effortlessly by name and was able to discuss their journey simply because she committed to memory how each delegate would be travelling to the conference. This was just one of the many aspects of her personality and she was widely admired and highly respected. For, not only did she make people feel special, she also helped to make them immediately feel part of the CSA.

As has been mentioned in previous issues of Caribbean Maritime, Monica gave CSA members a sense of belonging. She made those coming to a CSA event for the first time feel that they were one of the family. It certainly made her a very special person.

FIRST FEMALE Monica’s appointment as the CSA’s First Female Executive Vice President was a very easy decision. She knew the CSA and was its binding force. She had served the Association for many years as secretary to the previous executive vice president

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MONICA SILVERA

and then as corporate secretary to the Association. She knew every decision that the General Council had taken as she meticulously went through the minutes of the various committees.

Her background in one of Jamaica’s leading law firms made her a stickler for detail and she let very little slip her attention. She was therefore able to effectively handle the logistical details of planning large international conferences such as the CSA Annual General Meeting.

SORELY MISSED At the time of her passing, CSA President from 1994 to 1997 and fellow Jamaican G. Ainsley Morris said: “She will be sorely missed, not only because of her fantastic personality but more so because of her ability to get things done properly and

expeditiously the first time around.”

And 1981 to 1984 president and another co-compatriot, the late Ludlow Stewart had previously summed up Monica’s attitude: “She undertook her responsibilities with diligence and determination. As such, she became a CSA icon.”

Monica worked hard, completed her assignments accurately and on time and then she partied heartily. She was a classy lady. Impeccably attired, elegantly formal or fashionably casual, she embodied the spirit of the CSA in her work and in her humanity.

Monica died in 2002 shortly after attending in Guyana the first-ever Caribbean Shipping Executives Conference and during the presidency of Capt Rawle Baddaloo. This was six months after being appointed the CSA’s first female chief executive officer.

In recognition of her enormous past contributions, the Caribbean Shipping Association Monica Silvera Scholarship was established in 2005 and is available to students enrolled in all programs at the Caribbean Maritime University.

After Monica died, Pauline Gray took over as executive vice president. She was officially appointed at the Martinique AGM but sadly passed in April of the following year. Pauline was also general manager of the Shipping Association of Jamaica; having taken over in 2001 from Alvin Henry when he retired.

She was able to effectively handle the logistical details of planning large international conferences such as the CSA annual general meeting

A PERSONAL TRIBUTE FROM CM PUBLISHER Monica Silvera was the first person I ever met at a CSA conference. I had arrived in Valencia, Venezuela (now looking back and given what has happened since, it seems such an odd location) to attend my first AGM. How did she already know my name and how did she know how I had travelled to the event? I was baffled and amazed in equal measure.

Monica could not have been more welcoming, treating me almost like a long-lost friend rather than an ignorant stranger from beyond the region and one with little or no knowledge of the Association, its raison d’être nor of its many larger-than-life characters who made up its membership.

As others will no doubt testify, walking into a first CSA cocktail party when you know not a soul is a daunting experience, but Monica, noting my predicament, was kind enough to introduce me to others. Monica remained a friendly face at subsequent AGMs and seemed to have total recall of delegates’ names and their affiliation, including mine.

Her sad and untimely death in 2002 was shock to one and all and Monica remains much missed – especially by that bewildered first AGM attendee from way back in 1997.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 31

ANCHOR AWARDS

Third Annual ACMF Gala & Anchor Awards

CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF MARITIME

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he American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) held its annual Gala and Anchor Awards ceremony on 2 October. This year, though, this was virtual event this year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under the theme “The Spirit of Maritime”, the online Gala and awards brought together patrons and stakeholders in the maritime sector to inspire giving and hope. The Anchor Awards celebrate shipping and maritime industry professionals who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the sector in the Caribbean region. This year’s honorees were H. Winchester Thurber, Chairman, Norton Lilly International one of the largest providers of agency services in North America; and Richard Sasso, executive chairman, MSC Cruises USA and Ambassador of the MSC Foundation in the Americas.

PROUD Ahead of the event, Captain Remy Vyzelman, president of Integra Marine and Freight Services and ACMF 2020 Gala Chair said:

Rick Sasso

“We are very proud to be honoring Win Thurber and Rick Sasso, two individuals who combined have given almost a century of dedicated leadership to the maritime sector.”

Since its inception, and with the generous support of global partners and donors, the ACMF has pursued its mission to provide opportunities for educational empowerment and future employment for Caribbean

ABOUT THE ACMF The American Caribbean Maritime Foundation (ACMF) is committed to alleviating poverty, providing employment opportunities and transforming lives in the Caribbean through maritime education and community development. The ACMF recognizes that the maritime industry has a critical and unique role to play in reducing poverty, addressing gender equality issues, and spurring economic growth in the Caribbean.

The organization’s core activities are focused on raising funds for scholarships, equipment, facilities and infrastructure and supporting the development of the maritime communities within the Caribbean region. The ACMF collaborates with maritime educational institutions including the Caribbean Maritime University (Jamaica), University of Trinidad & Tobago, and the LJM Maritime Academy (The Bahamas).

Win Thurber

nationals within the logistics and shipping sector – a sector critical to the region’s growth and development.

LEARNING “The Covid-19 pandemic has moved learning online and this has placed students in the region at even greater risk of falling behind in their studies due to lack of computers and internet access, particularly in rural and poorer locales. I can’t think of a time when the urgency to support our youth is greater than now especially as we seek to bridge this glaring digital divide which has made online instruction a challenging prospect,” said Dr Geneive Brown Metzger, ACMF’s President and Executive Director.

The funds raised through the Gala will support ACMF’s mission and serve to provide scholarships as well as critically needed educational resources to enable the most vulnerable youth to realize their potential and uplift local communities.

50th Anniversary Edition 33

STRADDLE CARRIER

Towards a more eco-efficient future with hybrid straddles

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ifty years from its introduction, the Kalmar straddle carrier is now a textbook example of what can be achieved with hybrid drivelines. Over 300 hybrid versions have been ordered and delivered to date, including 43 to DP World Antwerp Gateway, and they are hard at work helping customers around the world to cut fuel costs, CO2 emissions and noise.

The Kalmar straddle carrier has benefited from plenty of significant technological advances over its long and distinguished 50-year history. There are now over 5,500 machines working in terminals across the globe, and in the future an increasingly large number of these will be hybrids – powered by the latest in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology.

“While hybrid machinery is commonplace in our everyday lives now, back in 2008 when Kalmar began formulating its vision of a hybrid straddle carrier, this was cutting-edge stuff,” says Jorge Medranda, Sales Manager at Kalmar.

by doing has been the key to enabling us to get to where we are today, by selecting components and designing systems that we can rely on and that deliver what we need,” Medranda points out.

Today Kalmar offers an eco-efficient solution that uses up to 40% less fuel and cuts CO2 emissions by as much as 50 tons per year compared to diesel-powered machines.

“It’s not just about fuel and CO2 either,” Medranda highlights. “Our hybrid machines are easier to maintain and use a lot less hydraulic oil: just 120 litres compared to 1,500 litres in a diesel-powered Kalmar straddle carrier. They also generate a lot less noise thanks to the smaller start-stop type diesel engine. Furthermore, our hybrid shuttles and straddles are automation-ready.”

THE LI-ION'S ROAR

DP WORLD ANTWERP GATEWAY GOES HYBRID

In the modern Kalmar hybrid straddle and shuttle carriers the Li-ion batteries are combined with a compact diesel power unit, which is not only highly fuel-efficient, but also quieter and easier to maintain than the unit in a machine powered by diesel alone.

They also feature a maintenance-free regenerative energy system that converts energy from deceleration and spreader lowering into electrical power, which is then stored in the battery system.

Eleven years ago, the Kalmar team was essentially starting from scratch. “Learning

Kalmar and DP World, one of the world's leading operators of marine and inland terminals, have developed a highly successful partnership over many years of working together, and DP World’s Antwerp Gateway terminal is a shining example of what’s possible with hybrid straddle carrier technology.

The terminal took delivery of 19 Kalmar hybrid straddle carriers in October and November 2019, bringing the total number of hybrid units operating at Antwerp Gateway to 43.

“The environmentally friendly Kalmar machines will replace the old diesels in the long term. The hybrids further reduce CO2 emissions per container movement.

Antwerp Gateway currently uses 7.5 kg CO2 per container unit (TEU). Our objective is to reduce CO2 emissions by 2% each year.

Despite the extra cost, DP World consciously chooses this technology as a sustainable investment in the future. The partnership with Kalmar helps us to reduce our carbon footprint," says Suzanne Kwanten, HSSE Director at DP World Antwerp.

“We have come a long way since those highly educational early years, and our decision to focus on hybrid back in 2008 has been validated. The fact that there are now over 300 hybrid straddle carriers working at all kinds of terminals around the world is something we at Kalmar are really proud of,” Medranda concludes.

Kalmar has an agreement to supply Barbados Port Inc with four fully electric forklifts and two hybrid straddle carriers in Q4 2020.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 35

ELECTRIC TUGS BY GARY GIMSON

ELECTRIC TUGS SPARK INTEREST Damen launches new tug type

It’s a dilemma facing many car buyers and it’s one that is set to exercise procurement departments at many port authorities, terminal operators and tug companies in the coming years; and that’s when or if to switch harbor towage from conventional to electric.

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or would-be car buyers it’s agonizing over higher up-front pricing, range anxiety and worries about residue values as well as the easy availability of charging points; for those in the towage sector, it’s a slightly different calculation and one that has some pros and cons.

As has been covered in previous issues of Caribbean Maritime, the move to electric cargo-handling operations is already underway across the region and gaining pace. But there is now the possibility of operating battery-powered tugs and the first such vessel is currently on order.

New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland is the launch customer for Damen’s revolutionary new RSD-E Tug 2513, which is being built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 will be a zero-emissions derivation of the IMO Tier III-ready RSD Tug 2513, introduced by Damen in 2018. And with the RSD-E Tug 2513 in-build, Damen is already working on offering zero-emission versions of its IMO Tier III-ready “Next Generation” tug series.

What makes this a pivotal event in the

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220-year history of tugboats is that when launched, the RSD-E Tug 2513 will be the first, fully electric tug in existence with 70 tonnes of bollard pull. This potentially heralds a new era of emissions-free operations and marks a big step towards a more sustainable future in harbor and wider maritime operations.

REGIONAL MARKET Caribbean Maritime spoke to Damen’s Caribbean Sales Manager, Bram van der Plas, about the new tug and whether there was a market in the region for such a vessel.

Damen declined to go into much detail about the additional up-front cost of an electric tug only saying that “every case is different”. But in general, the CAPEX of the electric zero emission Damen RSD-E tug 2513 is approximately twice that of a normal diesel driven Damen RSD 2513 tug. The tug builder does believe there are savings to be made; but admits these are more difficult to quantify. Explains van der Plas: “There are many variables. These relate not only to the

price of utilities in a given country, but also to the port’s individual characteristics, vessel requirements, infrastructure etc, which make it very hard to calculate such figures.

What we can say, however, is that in the right circumstances there is scope over the lifecycle of a vessel for an electric operation to represent an equal or lower total cost of ownership than a conventional diesel tug.

Examples of factors that are the basis for this are; Lower cost of energy to fuel the vessel, lower cost of maintenance due to no running hours on diesel engines. Aside from the financials though, there are numerous additional benefits to an electrical operation – increased sustainability associated with lower emissions and the need for fewer crew members on board and thus adding to the safety being two obvious examples.”

Then there’s operations anxiety to think about. Van der Plas dampens any concerns: “Everything ultimately depends on the operation itself. The Damen RSD-E tug is equipped with a battery capacity that is sufficient to perform at least two (un)berthing operations in an average harbor. During operations, the vessel is designed to operate at 70 tons bollard pull for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Free sailing (at seven knots) the tug can operate for several hours. Also, two IMO Tier 3 compliant back-up/fire-fighting generator sets are installed for fire-fighting and other operations that require more autonomy. The Port of Auckland has opted to have a 1,500 kW charging system. This charges a vessel from empty to full in two hours.”

And when it comes to charging, van der Plas adds: “Damen’s approach is to take the role of integrator – or total solutions provider. We unburden our clients by taking responsibility for the entire process, not only shipbuilding – naturally this includes the

70

tonnes (max) bollard pull

PARTNERSHIP Damen Shipyards and Echandia have already announced a global partnership that combines Echandia’s DNV-Certified E-LTO energy systems and battery expertise with Damen’s tugboat experience.

Echandia’s E-LTO energy storage system (ESS) is a smart, highly scalable aircooled modular design system based on Toshiba LTO cells - widely considered the best heavy-duty cell chemistry on the market. The 2.8 MWh ESS is specifically optimized for the RSD-E Tug application and will be type-certified by world-leading testing and certification organization, Bureau Veritas.

The Echandia-Damen partnership brings together sophisticated battery technology and deep skills in the shipyard industry with technology strategy and development to bring the next generation of electric tugboats to the global market.

charging infrastructure, though we manage the process along with a third party (see panel), specialised in this field.”

POSSIBILITIES But there are some limitations. “Current technology enables Damen to build full-electric and hybrid vessels that operate relatively short, predictable sailing routes,” says van der Plas. “It is important to note that the viability of an electrically propelled dedicated harbor tug rests on two things – availability of affordable green/blue electricity and the right sailing profile. Due to the current possibilities in battery technology, the sailing profile of the operation determines whether or not the tug can sail on zero emission batteries alone or if the tug needs to rely on a reduced emissions hybrid propulsion. Power demand during max bollard pull is very high so is timelimited in order not to drain the batteries and leave some capacity for emergencies.

To summarize, the tug can perform the majority of its daily operations with zero

emissions on batteries alone and only requires the help of the installed IMO Tier III certified generator set to perform incidental operations like fire-fighting and long operations when at relatively high speed and bollard pull.”

As to whether all this will work in Caribbean is open to question. Van der Plas is confident that local solutions can be found: “The Caribbean islands present great opportunities for renewably sourced utilities. Aside from Trinidad and Tobago, none of the islands have a domestic fossil fuel supply, which make energy costs relatively expensive. Additionally, the islands have a high amount of sunshine hours per day, which opens up possibilities for solar power – alongside an abundance of geothermal and wind power. But, basically, there is good potential for the Caribbean to take advantage of the natural, renewable energy sources at its disposal. That potential will hopefully see a cost reduction in the supply of electricity and water. When such an infrastructure is

set up, a logical step would then be to add transport and work equipment (including vessels) powered by electricity.”

There’s also concerns about the weather and whether electric-powered tugs will be rendered idle as a result of a major hurricane and the storm’s probably negative impact on local power supplies? Van der Plas allays any such fears: “Two IMO Tier 3 compliant back-up/fire-fighting generator sets are installed to be able to perform towing assistance independent of the availability of shore power. Also, the generator sets can be used to charge the batteries when shore power is not available. Safety is paramount to us and to our customers, so it’s essential that the vessel can continue to sail under any circumstances.”

Clearly, Damen makes a compelling case for electric tugs but will potential customers in the Caribbean be persuaded of their merits? Or, as with many car buyers, will fear of the unknown and a natural tendency to stick to the familiar prevail? Time will tell.

RSD TUG 2513 ELECTRIC

24.73 meters in length

3800 Power total (Bkw)

www.caribbean-maritime.com 37

PHOTO ARCHIVE

Pictures from the past Caribbean Maritime has been sifting through images in its extensive photographic archive. It’s one that dates back to the magazine’s very first issue in 2007 and even beyond. Here’s what we have discovered.

2004 >> CONFERENCE DAYS >>

2006 >>

2007 >>

2008 >>

Photographs supplied by Land & Marine Publications Ltd, Mike Jarrett, Caribbean Shipping Association and affiliated marketing partners.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 39

PHOTO ARCHIVE 2009 >>

2010 >>

2011 >>

2012 >>

2013 >>

Photographs supplied by Land & Marine Publications Ltd, Mike Jarrett, Caribbean Shipping Association and affiliated marketing partners.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 41

NEVER MISS ANOTHER ISSUE

subscribe online: caribbean-maritime.com/subscribe

PHOTO ARCHIVE

2014 >>

2015 >>

2016 >>

2017 >>

2018 >>

2019 >>

Photographs supplied by Land & Marine Publications Ltd, Mike Jarrett, Caribbean Shipping Association and affiliated marketing partners.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 43

PORT BRIEFING 1

FLORIDA

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FLORIDA The Port of Palm Beach has completed a new three-acre refrigerated container yard. The space allows key customer Tropical Shipping to plug its refrigerated containers into electrical outlets.

The finalization of the project allow Palm Beach to meet the growing demand of food consumption in the Caribbean basin.

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Jacksonville’s maritime labor unions have long advocated for a deeper harbor and described the funding as “monumental for the hardworking men and women who work in and around JAXPORT’s terminals.”

FLORIDA

“As Northeast Florida’s economic engine, JAXPORT will continue to play a vital role in the economic recovery of our region and state,” said CEO Eric Green. “We are grateful for the support and leadership of Mayor Curry, the Jacksonville City Council, and our federal, state and private industry partners, as we work together to build a brighter future for our community through the jobs and opportunities a deeper harbor creates."

The county recently approved US$335 million in bonds for capital projects with Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Terminal Link Miami, and Virgin Voyages.

The new cranes are part of the largest expansion project in the port’s history. This includes lengthening the Southport Turning Notch from 900 feet (274 meters) to 2,400 feet (731.5 meters) to allow for up to five new cargo berths. The cranes are 175-feet tall (53.3 meters) and are designed as “low profile” with booms that extend out and back rather than raise up. This is required so that the cranes stay out of the flight path of nearby Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport.

“We are continuing with those investments. All we need are the passengers,” said PortMiami Director Juan Kuryla.

The future of the cruise industry remains uncertain. The current ban on cruising expires September 30 and cruise line companies do not expect to set sail until late October. In all, the county agreed to pay US$700 million toward the construction of several cruise line terminals and two company headquarters.

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FLORIDA This year, Port Tampa Bay is celebrating our 75th Anniversary of being formally established by the Florida Legislature. From humble beginnings as a cattle trading post in the 1880s, our port has grown to the largest port in the State of Florida in land and tonnage!

FLORIDA Jacksonville City Council has unanimously awarded JAXPORT US$75 million for the Jacksonville Harbor Deepening Project comprising a US$35 million grant and a $40 million loan. Set for completion in 2023, the harbor deepening will allow larger container ships to call JAXPORT.

Miami-Dade Commissioners have agreed to move forward with major expansion projects at PortMiami and despite the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Three new Super Post-Panamax gantry cranes are on their way to Port Everglades and from Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC) in Shanghai. Each crane is costing US$13.8 million and are among the largest low-profile container gantry cranes ever designed and built.

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ST EUSTATIUS A three-year extension has been agreed to Svitzer’s marine service contract with GTI Statia – one of the largest independent crude and refined product storage terminals serving the US Gulf coast and Caribbean markets.

The contract involves two tugs supporting GTI Statia’s storage facility including berthing and unberthing of tankers on the island of St Eustatius, an operation comprising 60 commercial tanks and extensive marine infrastructure in addition to the tug and barge contract Svitzer holds to support the terminal’s operational needs.

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CRUISE NEWS

FLORIDA Work is advancing at Port Manatee on a US$8.3 million project to nearly double the size of its dockside container yard.

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The container yard expansion, targeted for June 2021 completion, promises to add 9.3 acres to the existing 10-acre paved facility adjoining Port Manatee’s Berth 12 and 14 docks.

“Expansion of the dockside container yard to encompass 19.3 acres not only will accommodate dynamic demand from such long-time users as Port Manatee-based World Direct Shipping (WDS) and Del Monte Fresh Produce Co, but also will literally and figuratively pave the way for further global commerce opportunities at our flourishing seaport,” said Carlos Buqueras, Port Manatee’s executive director. “The expansion project is a cornerstone of the two-year, US$38 million capital enhancement initiative under way at Port Manatee.”

CAYMAN ISLANDS Cruise tourism will not be returning to the Cayman Islands until next year. Acting Port Authority Director Joseph Woods confirmed that the Cayman Islands government was extending its ban on cruise ships until 31 December.

Woods issued a notice of the government’s decision to the islands’ cruise industry partners, informing them of the new date “so that they could plan according”. Woods said: “After careful consideration, the Cayman Islands Government has taken the decision that in the current global environment with respect to the coronavirus pandemic, it cannot allow the resumption of cruise tourism in the Cayman Islands for the immediate future.”

Also in Grand Cayman, grassroots groups from several countries have joined forces to launch the Global Cruise Activist Network to demand that the cruise ship industry does not return to ‘business as normal’ postCovid-19. This group includes Grand Cayman.

WDS is among the fastest-growing US container lines and has been importing produce and other goods from Mexico since 2014, while Del Monte, in its fourth decade operating at Port Manatee, unloading bananas, pineapples and avocados from Central and South America.

The newly awarded construction contract with Tampa’s Crisdel Group.

The construction undertaking includes paving, drainage infrastructure and high-mast lighting, as well as the installation of 150 new electrical receptacles for plugging in refrigerated cargo containers, to bring Port Manatee’s total contingent of such reefer plugs to 600.

Located “Where Tampa Bay Meets the Gulf of Mexico,” Port Manatee is the closest US deepwater seaport to the expanded Panama Canal, with ten 40-foot-draft berths serving container, bulk, breakbulk, heavylift, project and general cargo customers.

The fledgling group, which formed over Zoom meetings in recent months, brings together activists and anti-cruise campaigners from coastal communities around the world. GCAN held its first virtual press conference to launch the network in early September.

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THE BAHAMAS Work continues apace on the US$ 250 million restructuring of Nassau Cruise Port, now operated by Turkey’s Global Ports Holdings (GPH).

PHG says: The central feature of the project will be a world-class waterfront park, developed through land reclamation between the first pier and Woodes Rogers Walk. This critical element will allow us to create the real estate needed to construct a spectacular new waterfront for all Bahamians and visitors to enjoy.

Phase one has included the removal and demolition of Customs Warehouse, Festival Place, the Port Department Building and construction of a temporary Arrivals Building. Getting underway is phase two: the expansion of Nassau’s berthing capacity, improvements to existing infrastructure the development of a ground transportation area. To commence landside in 2021 is a new Arrivals Terminal and Plaza, the construction of a Junkanoo Museum, an amphitheater, retail marketplace and food and beverage outlets.

www.caribbean-maritime.com 45

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STARBOARD BRIEFING

SEABOARD MARINE Seaboard Marine has upgraded its service between PortMiami and the Dominican Republic. Seaboard now offers a twice-weekly service rotation between PortMiami and both Rio Haina and Puerto Plata.

Regional Vice President José Concepción said: “We have proudly served the Dominican Republic for over 35 years. We continue to provide excellent service to help contribute to the economic recovery as the Dominican Republic gradually emerges from the impacts of the pandemic.

This new service enhancement and upgraded transit give importers and exporters both in South Florida and the Dominican Republic two fast, reliable weekly options for their cargo needs.”

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Seaboard Marine has also announced a new direct service connecting Colombia with Savannah. Launched in August, the weekly service will be initiated for both northbound and southbound cargoes between Savannah and Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.

ST KITTS & NEVIS

Marfret, through its SMIS Division specializing in moving industrial and other large or special loads, has launched a MPV service from northern Europe to the French West Indies and the wide Caribbean.

The St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry (SKANReg) has set a target of five years to propel itself into the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control white list. The Registry firmly believes that its long-term strategy of reducing detentions could see it finally move out of the black list into the grey list by 2023.

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ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES Kestrel St. Vincent handled its first ship for new principal Hoegh Autoliners.

Since opening its Kingstown office three years ago, Kestrel has grown to be a leading liner agency in St Vincent.

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USA

MARFRET

This new shipping line is operated with by Marfret Niolon, a 123-meter long RoRo vessel providing for rolling/breakbulk/project cargo.

TetKabrit / Shutterstock.com

PORTMIAMI

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More inspectors, increased inspections as well as focused targeting of younger tonnage are among the initiatives it is looking at.

The flag missed out on grey list status by a matter of only two detentions in the recently published Paris MOU stats, but the figures it returned are a continuation of the flag’s improvement seen over recent years.

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The ShibataFenderTeam US office, located in the Washington, DC area, has moved to a larger office in July 2020 with about double the size in office space to cater for the increased business over the past years.

Octopi, part of Navis and Cargotec Corporation, has announced that Tropical Shipping has signed a subscription agreement at its St. Croix location. This agreement comes on the heels of the Tropical St. Thomas go-live, making St. Croix the second Tropical Shipping terminal that has signed with Octopi in 2020.

The team is responsible for the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America and successfully delivered more than 1,000 projects in the Americas.

As a hub for transporting goods throughout the Caribbean, Tropical St. Croix handles a mix of cargo and operates at 76,000 TEU annually. Since its inception, Tropical St. Croix was tracking all container movement and operations at the terminal manually and wanted to invest in technology to make its location more modern and efficient for its customers.

ST. CROIX

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RUSSBROKER CARIBBEAN MARKET REVIEW

SMALL SHIPS LAG BEHIND IN THE RECOVERY

CONTAINER MARKET Covid-19 induced economic decline continued to pressure the container charter markets in the second quarter. By the middle of May, globally 524 ships with a combined 2.65 million TEU capacity were idle or undergoing scrubber retrofits. With the relaxation of lockdown measures, the worldwide demand for transportation picked up again and the number of idle ships fell to 264 ships or 1.2 million TEU total capacity.

The US had been an important driver behind this development with a historic annualized GDP decline of 33% in the second quarter and an expected recovery in the third quarter of about 20%. In sync with the economic activity, Far East to US TEU volumes fell to a low of 0.9 million TEU in March and then recovered to a strong 1.5 million TEU in June – a value higher than in January or a year ago. Container spot freight rates for the Asia-USWC route followed a similar path and almost trebled from around US$ 1,300 to a record high US$ 3,400 per FEU in August. The main benefactors of the rebound have however been the larger container vessels. The Contex, for example, reached its low point in the middle of June and since then the larger ships’ earnings improved up to the end of August considerably whereas smaller vessels barely made up any ground: 1,100 TEU, 1,700 TEU, 2,500 TEU, 2,700 TEU, 3,500 TEU, 4,250 TEU –that’s +8%, +15%, +28%, +33%, +43%, +90%.

48 50th Anniversary Edition

The 2,500 TEU geared category showed quiet a lot of activity during the last couple of months. Charter rates followed the general trend and decreased from about US$ 9,000 in April to levels under US$ 7,000 by the middle of June. By the end of August earnings had shot up again to just below US$ 9,000.

That the market was strongly in charterers’ favor until at least July showed the fact that one gearless 2,500 TEU ship had been looking for fresh employment for about four months since February and eventually had to position to Asia as nobody wanted to take on a gearless vessel in the Americas. On the other hand, several ships in this size ballasted from Europe to delivery into a charter in the Caribbean. One operator was particularly active and attracted three ships for a new service. Dry dockings for class renewals also caused a fair amount of ships going to Europe or Asia for cheaper yard options.

High reefer 2,500 TEU ships continue to lose their edge as one major fruit carrier received in August and September its first two fully reeferized container newbuildings, able to carrier over 600 reefer FEU. Those ships displaced an 1,800 TEU and a 2,500 TEU vessel and there are four more newbuildings scheduled which will likely replace further chartered container and conventional reefer tonnage.

Worth noting is also that the modern eco SDARI types had to absorb some idle times and agree to flexible periods, as the

relatively low bunker prices reduced their competitive advantage.

Charter rates for 1,700 TEU ships were relatively stable throughout the last four months. Most ships in this size range fixed in the low to mid US$ 7,000 levels but periods became longer and less flexible and rates are also expected to rise as both 2,500 TEU and 1,300 TEU were rate-wise on an upward trajectory by the end of August. In May and June two operators downsized their services from a 1,700 TEU to an 1,100 TEU scale which resulted in several redeliveries and close to ten ships looking for new business. By the beginning of August though the number of readily available ships in the size range of 1200 TEU to 2000 TEU had fallen to zero on the back of rebounding cargo volumes.

As mentioned above a few 1700 TEU high reefer ships have been already, or will be displaced by the fruit carrier’s newbuildings. Another influence on the supply side of 1,700 TEU vessels for the Americas has been the fact, that this year already 10 x 1,700 TEU ships have left the North European/ Mediterranean trading area towards Asia and thereby reduced the pool of available ships for the Caribbean.

The 1,300 TEU high reefer segment experienced another dire period during the last four months. This size did not benefit from service downsizings as either ships were cut completely or operators jumped down

The 1,100 TEU size benefitted the most from the large fluctuations in cargo volumes. When the carriers scaled down services in May the excess 1,100 TEU tonnage was absorbed quickly several sizes and skipped the 1,300 TEU ships.

As a result, up to five ships were spot in May and June. After two ships already left their preferred trading area another vessel fixed some empty containers to Northern Europe.

Charter rates fell all the way to low USD 6,000 levels by July before the general recovery also helped those ships and charter rates climbed back up to 7000$ by August.

The 1,100 TEU size benefitted the most from the large fluctuations in cargo volumes.

When the carriers scaled down services in May the excess 1,100 TEU tonnage was absorbed quickly. Charter rates however did not reflect the surge in demand and stayed at mid US$ 5,000 levels.

Just before the fixing frenzy another 1,100 TEU had left the Americas to start a new charter in West Africa. Similar to the fuel saving 2,500 TEU ships the eco SDARI 1100 ships also suffered from the high competition and low bunker prices as earnings fell from about US$ 9,000 in January to low US$ 7000 in July.

The movements in the sub 1,000 TEU category are becoming more and more erratic as the available charter fleet continues to shrink. One German tramp owner, in early summer, decided to move two of its unemployed 950 TEU ships from the Caribbean and one from the Mediterranean into cold lay up in Northern Europe. Another geared 700 TEU ship left towards the Mediterranean after being sold, leaving the Americas with only six charter ships in total. One carrier which had originally been looking for a geared 700 TEU ship in July eventually had to settle fixing a geared 850 TEU vessel which positioned from the Mediterranean. Another operator fixed, in August, a sister to the 950 TEU ships going into lay up out of a Mediterranean position and even provided some positioning cargo.

Noteworthy is also the movement of one 950 TEU ship specialized in carrying over-width

and over-length containers from Northern Europe to the Caribbean. This ship is the 11th of this particular design now sailing in the Caribbean trading area. The last time such a vessel changed the side of the Atlantic was five years ago.

In terms of charter rates, the normal 850/950 TEU vessels fixed the same or even slightly better figures than the 1,100 TEU vessels with mid-to-high US$ 5,000 levels.

Some 700 TEU geared ships were at extended at about US$ 5,000, around US$ 1,000 less than at the beginning of the year.

With the improving market conditions, from an owners’ point of view, the extreme period flexibility has been reduced to normal spreads of only about two to three months redelivery range throughout all ship sizes.

The number of port calls in the major Caribbean countries in 2020 did not change uniformly as many services underwent size and/or changes in port rotation. In Cuba, port calls of vessels smaller than 1,000 TEU increased at the cost of 1,300 TEU and 1,700 TEU ships as of April. HaĂŻti registered a similar development with more sub-1,000 TEU ships in April and May before returning to early year levels again in June as then 1,100 TEU and 2,500 TEU figures picked up. Figures for Jamaica and the Dominican Republic proved more stable as the larger hub ports were not affected as much. In the Dominican Republic, though, the number of port calls of 1,700 TEU roughly doubled since June.

MACROECONOMICS The world economy is slowly getting up on its feet again, in some countries faster than in others depending on how they have handled, and are handling, the Covid-19 crisis. The recovery however takes longer than predicted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who adjusted their June numbers drastically downwards compared to the ones published in April. Global growth/decline is now projected at minus 4.9% in 2020 and at positive 5.4% in 2021, 1.9 and 0.6 percentage points below the numbers from April, respectively.

World trade volume has been corrected downwards by 0.9 percentage points to minus 11.9% for 2020 and is expected to be 8% for 2021. Overall, this would leave 2021 GDP some 6.5 percentage points lower than in the preCovid-19 projections of January 2020.

In comparison to low-income developing countries Latin America and the Caribbean are being hit particularly hard. The IMF expects the GDP in this region to decline by 9.4% in 2020, 4.2% more than assumed in April. For comparison only, growth among low-income developing countries globally is projected at minus 1% in 2020.

A key factor for the below-average performance in this region is the dependency on tourism. The tourism share of the region's GDP is about 26%, exports of goods and services constitutes 42% and furthermore tourism accounts for 35% of employment in the Caribbean countries. So, no wonder that as tourist arrivals dropped by more than 50% in March and close to 100% in April simultaneously unemployment and poverty rates went up.

As shipping companies who are mainly operating in the Caribbean depend on the trade in this region they of course suffered from the extreme low level of exports and

CONTEX

CONTEX

12 MONTHS, 1100

12 MONTHS, 1700

12 MONTHS, 2500

May 20

339

5759

6864

7752

Jun 20

312

5500

6449

7080

Jul 20

321

5579

6408

7318

Aug 20

376

5772

6834

8321

www.caribbean-maritime.com 49

RUSSBROKER CARIBBEAN MARKET REVIEW

imports of goods. This was due to no tourists consuming goods and the consequent loss in revenues also effected the capacity to import goods. As a result of this situation some operators did not only redeliver chartered ships but even were unable to put parts of their own fleet to use.

However, some countries exports are more affected than others. Especially those which trade a lot with consumer goods and other dispensable products like for example Haïti. Clothes do not only account for about 85% of the nation’s exports but they also rely on the USA as main trade partner, with 83% of the exported products leaving for the States. In addition to the Covid-19 crisis, the Hurricane season is starting to pose another big threat to the Caribbean countries.

SALE AND PURCHASE OF CONTAINER TONNAGE IN THE CARIBBEAN Prices for the typical Caribbean tonnage fell further in the aftermath of the Covid-19-induced demand crash. A 15-year-old Wenchong 1,700 type trading in the Mediterranean fetched only US$ 4 million and 15-year-old geared CV 1,100s went for around and about USD 2 million. Two German owners refinanced their Caribbean trading ships at historically low prices. A Zhejiang 950 vessel, trading in the Americas was sold to a tramp owner and one Greek owner added another CV 1,100 type ship, sailing in the Caribbean, to his growing fleet; now controlling 18 out of the 70 CV 1,100 charter ships.

One US operator also took advantage of the bank induced sell off and the rock bottom prices and purchased two 900 TEU vessels it has had on charter for many years already.

Another US liner company bought a 1,700 TEU ship from Northern Europe after acquiring two 700 TEU ships in the last couple of years. A sister ship just four years older on the other hand was sold for scrap to India after trading on charter in the Caribbean for only about one year.

The disagreement between lenders, owners and ship managers also caused a series of 2,800 TEU geared ships to be arrested. As a consequence, the two Caribbean trading ships lost their charter and one ship was sold at auction in the US. The remaining five vessels have all moved to Malta and are probably awaiting sale.

The sell off in the 700 TEU geared segment also continued with one ship in relatively poor condition being sold at auction in the Caribbean. After the sale to Turkish interests, the ships left towards the Mediterranean.

50 50th Anniversary Edition

SELECTED CONTAINER FIXTURES SUB 1,000 TEU - CELLED May 20

Regula 683 TEU / 402@14 / 17on28 / 118rp

1-6 months US$ 5000 p/d

Jun 20

RS Mistral 712 TEU / 424@14 / 16on24 / 100rp

1-4 months US$ 5000 p/d

Jul 20

Runa 647 TEU / 390@14 / 18on27 / 116rp

1-6 months

US$ 5200 p/d

1,100 TEU - GEARED, CELLED May 20

Bomar Rebecca 1118 TEU / 712@14 / 20on41 / 220rp

21-70 days US$ 5500 p/d

May 20

Asiatic Wind 1110 TEU / 717@14 / 18on32 / 232rp

1-3 months US$ 6400 p/d eco ship

Jul 20

Taipei Trader 1102 TEU / 705@14 / 18on25 / 220rp

4-7 months US$ 7200 p/d modern eco ship

Jul 20

Asian Moon 1118 TEU / 700@14 / 18on43 / 220rp

21-70 days US$ 5500 p/d

Aug 20

Watermark St. George 1138 TEU / 715@14 / 19on45 / 240rp

1-3 months eco ship

US$ 6000 p/d

1,300 TEU - GEARED, CELLED May 20

AS Filippa 1338 TEU / 918@14 / 19on52 / 449rp

1-6 months US$ 7000 p/d

Jun 20

AS Fiorella 1296 TEU / 958@14 / 20on45 / 390rp

2-6 months US$ 6250 p/d

Jul 20

AS Fabrizia 1296 TEU / 957@14 / 20on47 / 390rp

3 weeks US$ 6200 p/d

Aug 20

AS Felicia 5-7 months 1296 TEU / 957@14 / 20on45 / 390rp

US$ 7000 p/d

1,700 TEU - GEARED, CELLED May 20

RHL Agilitas 1732 TEU / 1275@14 / 20on58 / 379rp

1-8 months US$ 7350 p/d USEC - S.Africa trade

Jun 20

Calypso 1700 TEU / 1186@14 / 20on58 / 192rp

2-3 months US$ 7500 p/d

Jul 20

Melbourne Strait 1795 TEU / 1312@14 / 21on58 / 319rp

3-7 months US$ 7200 p/d

Aug 20

RHL Agilitas 11-12 months US$ 7200 p/d 1732 TEU / 1275@14 / 20on58 / 379rp

2,500 TEU - GEARED, CELLED May 20

Danae C 2524 TEU / 1886@14 / 21on76 / 392rp

3-8 months US$ 8100 p/d

May 20

Max Schulte 2345 TEU / 1780@14 / 19on48 / 500rp

4-12 months US$ 11750 p/d modern eco ship

Jun 20

Virginia Trader 2490 TEU / 1820@14 / 22on86 / 370rp

1-6 months US$ 6750 p/d

Jun 20

Oregon Trader 2490 TEU / 1865@14 / 22 / 370rp

10-12 months US$ 7400 p/d ballasting from Mediterranean

Jul 20

Balao 8-10 months 2546 TEU / 1870@14 / 21on90 / 536rp

US$ 7250 p/d

WFH BY FREIGHT MANAGER

Working from home:

HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND HUMAN IMPERATIVES T

he “new normal” isn’t so new anymore. Lifestyles and work styles are adapting to Covid-19 and the more flexible and digitalized companies are leading the way in surmounting the challenges and grasping the opportunities arising from the pandemic. Working from home (WFH) has become integral to the new way of doing business because it offers a variety of benefits to remote employees and their employers, not least of which are health related.

Businesses need to plan for this new work arrangement, and Advantum, which provides specialized information and communication technology (ICT) services for shipping interests in the Caribbean, has been assisting several companies in preparing to work from home. Robert Sinclair, Advantum’s network team lead, has much experience in this area especially

with regard to web-based applications that make the transition seamless, coupled with the continuity offered by its support desk.

He offers some useful advice related to the hardware, software and human requirements of this new modus operandi.

WFH POLICY GUIDELINES “To begin with,” Robert says, “businesses looking to introduce a work-from-home program should create specific guidelines to ensure all employees understand what is required from them when they work remotely.” He states that the key elements of a work from home policy, which should be shared with the entire staff, include: • S ourcing appropriate technology: Computer, cell phone, Wi-Fi and access to internal networks are all tools that employees need for WFH.

• Using only secure connections: Remote workers should have a secured Wi-Fi network and work with a trusted virtual private network (VPN). The VPN serves as a buffer between the Wi-Fi connection and your mobile device or laptop. Any transmitted data is then encrypted to protect it from tampering and interception.

• Implementing a vibrant communications programs: Stay in touch with employees who work from home via Teams, Skype, Zoom, Slack and other messaging services. At times, remote workers can feel isolated from the rest of the team, so it is important to keep in contact with them via phone, email, messaging, or video conference.

• Setting clear objectives in your work from home policy: Create a WFH

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DIGITALIZATION BY FREIGHT MANAGER

policy with your specific expectations of the program. The policy would include instructions for an employee’s daily work schedule, your company’s overtime policy, description of a dedicated workspace, instructions for reporting personal injury and damage to company equipment, and protection of proprietary company information.

• Evaluating the work-from-home program: If you are implementing a work-from-home policy, take the time to evaluate its effectiveness after at least two months and adjust the program based on your findings.

• T rusting your employees: One of the most crucial elements of a work-from-home policy is that employers need to have trust in their employees to get their jobs done when they are not working onsite.

WFH SAFETY RISKS Sinclair also advises that there are safety risks involved in WFH that should never be overlooked. Among these, he highlights cybersecurity, ergonomics and workspace configuration and offers the following advice: • C ybersecurity risks: If an employee is not using a secured Wi-Fi or VPN, working from home can pose a cybersecurity risk because their computer could be open to a cyber-attack. Employees should also be aware of the physical security of their electronic devices. They should keep their laptops to themselves, utilize passwords, and securely store them when they are not in use.

• E rgonomically unfriendly furniture and work areas: The same chair you sit in to enjoy meals at the dinner table may not be the best for working at the computer and many WFH spaces are not ergonomically friendly. “Muscular, joint and nerve challenges can start with disregard for ergonomics,” Sinclair warns, adding that awkward home workspaces can also lead to injury risks. He says special care must be taken to ensure that cables, power strips and extension cords are so

52 www.caribbean-maritime.com

positioned that they cannot hinder movement of the employee and other family members.

Robert advises that “To maintain efficiency, the WFH employee should find a dedicated workspace where they can focus on their work with minimal distractions.” He recommends that in cases of employees with disabilities, the home workspace should be inspected to make sure it is free from any hazards, including fire and ventilation issues, slipping and falling dangers and other daily risk factors.

WFH EXPERIENCE Before the pandemic, Advantum had already implemented WFH, and Kay Wilson Kelly, the company’s operations manager/project lead shares its experience as follows: “As an Information Technology Company, we too work from home. In January 2019, Advantum ventured into this realm with much success in improved productivity from the developers, devOps and business analysts. In March 2020, when Jamaica announced work from home, Advantum was already there.

“The use of Microsoft Teams has greatly assisted in our collaboration with one another, while being physically distanced.

The chat rooms come alive at start of day (literally before the typical 8:30 a.m. hour) with the “good morning” of the team lead followed by a cascading set of acknowledgements from team members. The chat remains vibrant, sometimes till late at night.

Sessions are in-depth…but with typical developer style is intermittently infused with a buzz of laughter as a break to the stress of the rigors of software development.

“The Microsoft Teams avenue facilitates knowledge sharing, whiteboard demonstrations, and channels that allows for dispatch of notifications for different activities. These may include alerts for code deploys and mergers to the main development environment. The Team lead and the DevOps team are able to manage workloads by reviewing commit alerts and pull requests.

“Business Analysts become intertwined in the process by submitting meeting requests for grooming sessions in which the team

To maintain efficiency, the WFH employee should find a dedicated workspace where they can focus on their work with minimal distractions interrogates one another to understand business processes and finally formulate a framework for development. Also, our consultants are not left out of the process and they too get included in specific chats tailored for their communication.

“A recent implementation of Azure Devops, a tool which can be integrated with Microsoft teams, is used to manage our software development cycle. With the use of Kanban Boards and the writing of epics, features and stories, Team Leads can assign and monitor development tasks. Quality assurance can then be notified to complete testing and approve for deploy to our clients.”

Shipping and logistics companies are on the leading edge of the WFH paradigm, and this way of doing business does not mean loss of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What it does require, however, is systematic planning, thoughtful implementation and constant monitoring. The Advantum team’s suggestions can help us do it right.