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Month: April 2021

Enhanced deep-water berth at Felixstowe

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has further enhanced its deep-water berth capacity following the successful completion of strengthening and dredging works to Berth 7 on Trinity Terminal.

Berth 7 – one of the Port of Felixstowe’s nine container berths – has been dredged from 15.0m to 16.5m below Chart Datum and the berth box widened from 55m to 70m.

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe, said: “The Port of Felixstowe is ever-progressive and continuously invests in its infrastructure, equipment and people, with the view to enhancing its customer offering. As the number of ultra-large container ships continues to grow we will continue to improve and upgrade our facilities to meet the needs of our customers.

“Berths 8 and 9 are designed for a maximum depth of 18m, and the next phase of development will see further increases to the depths at Berths 6, 8 and 9. The deeper berths are being complemented by dredging planned by Harwich Haven Authority to increase the depth of the approach channel to up to 16m, further reinforcing Felixstowe’s position as the country’s number one deep-sea container port.”

The berth upgrade, together with a programme to extend the outreach of 10 ZPMC quay cranes to 23 boxes wide on Berths 6 and 7, are in direct response to the increasing size and depth of the world’s largest container vessels, keeping Felixstowe at the forefront of the UK logistics and supply chain.

The 19,630 TEU Manila Maersk, operated on the 2M AE6/NEU3 service to Asia, was the first vessel to use the deeper berth. With a departure draft of 15.6m, the vessel was the deepest-ever to be berthed on Trinity Terminal.

Boskalis Westminster Limited was the appointed dredging contractor for the project and used a combination of backhoe dredger, the ‘Nordic Giant’ with a bucket size of 13 cu m, and trailing suction hopper dredgers to undertake the works.

The 19,630 TEU Manila Maersk was the first vessel to use the Port of Felixstowe’s deeper Berth 7.

Enhanced deep-water berth at Felixstowe

Posted on by David Priestman

Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe has further enhanced its deep-water berth capacity following the successful completion of strengthening and dredging works to Berth 7 on Trinity Terminal.

Berth 7 – one of the Port of Felixstowe’s nine container berths – has been dredged from 15.0m to 16.5m below Chart Datum and the berth box widened from 55m to 70m.

Chris Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Hutchison Ports Port of Felixstowe, said: “The Port of Felixstowe is ever-progressive and continuously invests in its infrastructure, equipment and people, with the view to enhancing its customer offering. As the number of ultra-large container ships continues to grow we will continue to improve and upgrade our facilities to meet the needs of our customers.

“Berths 8 and 9 are designed for a maximum depth of 18m, and the next phase of development will see further increases to the depths at Berths 6, 8 and 9. The deeper berths are being complemented by dredging planned by Harwich Haven Authority to increase the depth of the approach channel to up to 16m, further reinforcing Felixstowe’s position as the country’s number one deep-sea container port.”

The berth upgrade, together with a programme to extend the outreach of 10 ZPMC quay cranes to 23 boxes wide on Berths 6 and 7, are in direct response to the increasing size and depth of the world’s largest container vessels, keeping Felixstowe at the forefront of the UK logistics and supply chain.

The 19,630 TEU Manila Maersk, operated on the 2M AE6/NEU3 service to Asia, was the first vessel to use the deeper berth. With a departure draft of 15.6m, the vessel was the deepest-ever to be berthed on Trinity Terminal.

Boskalis Westminster Limited was the appointed dredging contractor for the project and used a combination of backhoe dredger, the ‘Nordic Giant’ with a bucket size of 13 cu m, and trailing suction hopper dredgers to undertake the works.

The 19,630 TEU Manila Maersk was the first vessel to use the Port of Felixstowe’s deeper Berth 7.

Young Forwarder Network reaches half century

Posted on by David Priestman

Just two years after it was launched in March 2019, the British International Freight Association’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) has passed the milestone of 50 events, which is made all the more impressive considering the massive disruption caused to the sector from COVID-19 and the UK’s exit from the EU.

In its first year, 741 individuals had attended 28 events organised by the YFN, which included regional launch events, airport and port tours, as well as talks by industry professionals.

In March 2020, COVID-19 led to the first national lockdown, which caused a temporary hiatus in planning, but events recommenced online in May 2020 with a virtual bake-off.

In the past 12 months, 1,222 participants have attended 23 online events with the 50th event, a virtual port tour of DP World London Gateway attracting a record 108 participants.

The Young Forwarder Network was launched in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.

Carl Hobbis, BIFA Executive Director, who has management responsibility for BIFA’s training and development services, says: “When the YFN was launched, we said we thought it would prove to be a major step forward for the industry in developing its future freight forwarding ambassadors and leaders.

“The young people who are participating in the events are improving their knowledge of the sector, trends within it, as well as building their skill sets and learning from others.”

BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) is committed to providing opportunities for those new to the industry to develop their knowledge and professional skills. Membership is free and open to any employee of a BIFA Member company.

Robert Keen, Director General of BIFA adds: “50 events in two years is a remarkable achievement and a clear sign of the attraction of the YFN to the younger generation within the freight sector.

“The YFN is really helping improve the promotion of the sector, making it more attractive to younger people and providing forums from which to learn.

“We now need more BIFA members to take heed of this opportunity by encouraging attendance at YFN events; and making greater efforts to promote the freight forwarding and logistics sector in their locality.”

Hobbis concludes: “As we aim for a century of events, hopefully, we will be able to hold some in a face-to-face, more social environment, just like in the first 12 months of the YFN.”

Young Forwarder Network reaches half century

Posted on by David Priestman

Just two years after it was launched in March 2019, the British International Freight Association’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) has passed the milestone of 50 events, which is made all the more impressive considering the massive disruption caused to the sector from COVID-19 and the UK’s exit from the EU.

In its first year, 741 individuals had attended 28 events organised by the YFN, which included regional launch events, airport and port tours, as well as talks by industry professionals.

In March 2020, COVID-19 led to the first national lockdown, which caused a temporary hiatus in planning, but events recommenced online in May 2020 with a virtual bake-off.

In the past 12 months, 1,222 participants have attended 23 online events with the 50th event, a virtual port tour of DP World London Gateway attracting a record 108 participants.

The Young Forwarder Network was launched in March 2019 to create several regional networking groups, run by young forwarders and designed to help early talent and young BIFA members develop their knowledge and professional skills, but in a more social environment.

Carl Hobbis, BIFA Executive Director, who has management responsibility for BIFA’s training and development services, says: “When the YFN was launched, we said we thought it would prove to be a major step forward for the industry in developing its future freight forwarding ambassadors and leaders.

“The young people who are participating in the events are improving their knowledge of the sector, trends within it, as well as building their skill sets and learning from others.”

BIFA’s Young Forwarder Network (YFN) is committed to providing opportunities for those new to the industry to develop their knowledge and professional skills. Membership is free and open to any employee of a BIFA Member company.

Robert Keen, Director General of BIFA adds: “50 events in two years is a remarkable achievement and a clear sign of the attraction of the YFN to the younger generation within the freight sector.

“The YFN is really helping improve the promotion of the sector, making it more attractive to younger people and providing forums from which to learn.

“We now need more BIFA members to take heed of this opportunity by encouraging attendance at YFN events; and making greater efforts to promote the freight forwarding and logistics sector in their locality.”

Hobbis concludes: “As we aim for a century of events, hopefully, we will be able to hold some in a face-to-face, more social environment, just like in the first 12 months of the YFN.”

Many couriers and delivery drivers feel unsafe

Posted on by David Priestman

One in five (20%) home delivery professionals have been attacked or threatened by members of the public, while over a third (35%) feel at risk while they are out working alone, especially at night or when in isolated locations. These are the key findings of a survey conducted by lone worker protection specialist Peoplesafe that was completed by over 500 UK couriers and delivery drivers.

“These are hugely alarming statistics that highlight the dangers faced by home delivery operatives every day,” explains Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe. “These essential workers, who play such an important role within the UK’s supply chain – particularly throughout the pandemic and national lockdowns – deserve peace of mind that they are safe from any threat when they are working, but should the worst happen, someone is on hand to come to their aid.”

More than 20% of respondents are taking conscious steps to protect themselves while they are out on their delivery routes. Although most are relying on common sense to stay safe – locking doors, being aware of surroundings, varying routines and keeping in touch with people – others are using some form of safety equipment, such as mobile, alarm or camera devices.

“There is significant anecdotal evidence that suggests that couriers and delivery drivers have faced growing threats during the COVID pandemic, with well documented examples of hijackings, attempted thefts and road rage incidents. With this added risk they are feeling increasingly vulnerable when they are out making deliveries, so it is important that they have access to appropriate personal safety and smart PPE solutions,” concludes Dossa.

Peoplesafe is the market-leading lone worker service, trusted by over 2,500 organisations in the UK to protect their at-risk employees. The company’s solution provides drivers with peace of mind that support is on-hand if they are attacked, threatened or injured, whether they are inside or outside of the vehicle. On average, raised alerts are answered by a controller at Its 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre in under six seconds.

Many couriers and delivery drivers feel unsafe

Posted on by David Priestman

One in five (20%) home delivery professionals have been attacked or threatened by members of the public, while over a third (35%) feel at risk while they are out working alone, especially at night or when in isolated locations. These are the key findings of a survey conducted by lone worker protection specialist Peoplesafe that was completed by over 500 UK couriers and delivery drivers.

“These are hugely alarming statistics that highlight the dangers faced by home delivery operatives every day,” explains Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe. “These essential workers, who play such an important role within the UK’s supply chain – particularly throughout the pandemic and national lockdowns – deserve peace of mind that they are safe from any threat when they are working, but should the worst happen, someone is on hand to come to their aid.”

More than 20% of respondents are taking conscious steps to protect themselves while they are out on their delivery routes. Although most are relying on common sense to stay safe – locking doors, being aware of surroundings, varying routines and keeping in touch with people – others are using some form of safety equipment, such as mobile, alarm or camera devices.

“There is significant anecdotal evidence that suggests that couriers and delivery drivers have faced growing threats during the COVID pandemic, with well documented examples of hijackings, attempted thefts and road rage incidents. With this added risk they are feeling increasingly vulnerable when they are out making deliveries, so it is important that they have access to appropriate personal safety and smart PPE solutions,” concludes Dossa.

Peoplesafe is the market-leading lone worker service, trusted by over 2,500 organisations in the UK to protect their at-risk employees. The company’s solution provides drivers with peace of mind that support is on-hand if they are attacked, threatened or injured, whether they are inside or outside of the vehicle. On average, raised alerts are answered by a controller at Its 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre in under six seconds.

DPD and ASOS launch clothing donations initiative

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DPD, which says it is the UK’s most sustainable delivery company, and ASOS, one of the world’s leading online fashion retailers, has announced a new circular economy initiative that will see DPD collect pre-loved clothing donations from ASOS customers’ doorsteps and deliver them to one of five leading UK charities, free of charge.

DPD’s ReLove service launched on 15th April 2021 to coincide with charity shops reopening in England and Wales. From that date, ASOS customers expecting a DPD delivery are able to use the YourDPD app to select the option to donate pre-loved clothing to one of five charities: Scope, Marie Curie, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross or The Children’s Society.

DPD will then collect the pre-loved consignment at the same time as making the ASOS delivery.  Customers will be encouraged to re-use DPD or ASOS packaging and can either hand the package to their DPD driver or leave it for collection in their ‘safe place’.

The driver will check the packaging and take it back to the depot, where DPD will label it and deliver it to the selected charity, who can then sell it to raise money for their cause.

Donating garments to charity is currently one of the more responsible ways that consumers can dispose of pre-loved clothing in the UK, as charities sort through products to resell those that are ready for a second home and recycle any that aren’t fit for resale.

With no infrastructure or systems in place in the UK for households to recycle textiles themselves, an estimated 350,000 tonnes of clothing is sent to landfill each year in the UK, potentially worth around £140m. The ReLove initiative will support both customers and charities in diverting clothing from landfill in a simple and convenient way.

Olly Craughan, DPD’s Head of CSR, commented: “DPD leads the way on sustainability in the delivery space and I’m incredibly proud of the team for getting behind initiatives like this. We are continuing to invest in the decarbonisation of our fleet, but the challenge is about much more than just buying electric vehicles. We want to go a lot further. It is about pushing ourselves to look at every aspect of our operation to find the green alternative and the smarter way of doing things.

“ReLove is another way for us to help cut carbon emissions, reduce waste and raise money for charities at the same time.  It is also great to team up with ASOS on another really smart solution for their customers. We’re already delivering to these addresses, so it means one less trip and less miles travelled overall. The DPD app now has over 9 million users, and it has become a really powerful tool for us. It plays a key role in helping us deliver a fantastic service for customers and it is driving innovation like this.”

Patrik Silén, Chief Strategy Officer at ASOS, said: “Our focus has always been on providing our customers with an outstanding retail experience, and a key element of that is giving them opportunities to shop with us more responsibly. We know that our customers are very active in donating their pre-loved clothing and that they see it as a great way of keeping products in use and out of landfill, so partnering with DPD on the ReLove initiative is a natural fit for us. We’re proud to be joining forces with the team to drive sustainable solutions and look forward to seeing our customers’ response over the coming weeks.”

NORD launches toughest industrial gear units

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The overall portfolio of MAXXDRIVE parallel and right-angle gear units from NORD Drivesystems offers high-output torques from 15 to 282 kNm across 11 sizes. In addition to this proven standard series, NORD Drivesystems offers the new MAXXDRIVE XT series with right-angle gear units having a thermally optimised design in seven sizes from 15 to 75 kNm.

In combination with its comprehensive accessories and options programme, the modular system allows for the planning of perfectly matched drive systems for heavy-duty applications like conveyors or agitators.

MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units are used when high output torques and powers are required. In combination with the suitable accessories, MAXXDRIVE provides a technically and economically perfect drive solution for each customer project. MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units are used when high output torques and powers are required. In combination with the suitable accessories, MAXXDRIVE provides a technically and economically perfect drive solution for each customer project.

The comprehensive configuration and mounting options of the MAXXDRIVE industrial gear unit allow for standardised as well as tailor-made drive solutions. The combination of motor, gear unit, coupling and braking system, for example, results in precisely planned complete units that are supplied ready-to-install, mounted on a motor swing base or a base frame. As an alternative, the motor attachment can be realised via an IEC/NEMA adapter.

A large variety of available flange and output shaft versions ensures that the customer’s application is ideally matched. The mechanical and thermal design of all NORD industrial gear units is always based on the existing operating data of the application and on the ambient conditions at the installation site. Thus, the MAXXDRIVE portfolio ensures maximum individualisation, creating drive systems that fulfil the highest demands in terms of reliability and long service life.

Variety of options

Typical MAXXDRIVE applications are drives for conveyor belts, consisting of an electric motor, a coupling solution and an industrial gear unit with axial fan. The primary focus here is on a sufficient heat dissipation to allow for ultimate thermal limit powers. The new MAXXDRIVE XT industrial gear units with their heavily ribbed housings are ideally suited for this purpose. The power and speed ranges of the application-optimised two-stage right-angle gear units have been specially designed for applications in which low speed ranges are required in combination with high powers.

MAXXDRIVE XT series output torques range between 15 and 75 kNm with speed ratios of 6.3 to 22.4. MAXXDRIVE XT industrial gear units are available in seven sizes for powers from 50 to 1,500 kW. Another typical application for this strong range of industrial gear units from NORD includes drives for mixing and agitation processes. By equipping the compact and robust MAXXDRIVE industrial gear unit with reinforced bearing and flange versions (VL2/KL2 – VL6/KL6), the drive can be optimally adjusted to application loads.

Seal-less IEC/NEMA adapters (SAFOMI) and a TRUE DRYWELL sealing at the output shaft allow for highest possible operational reliability. The entire drive system – from NORD electric motors to flange connections – is delivered as a ready-to-install unit, which can easily be mounted vertically on the application.

Networked maintenance concepts

NORD also offers innovative predictive maintenance concepts specially designed for MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units. The NORD frequency inverter is an essential component here. The status data available in the inverter can be communicated to a higher-level control or directly to a safe cloud.

The inverter can also directly record external sensor data for vibration monitoring or for measuring the gear unit’s oil sump temperature. Changes to the system condition can be detected at an early stage (condition monitoring) and predictive maintenance can be scheduled in good time.

NORD launches toughest industrial gear units

Posted on by David Priestman

The overall portfolio of MAXXDRIVE parallel and right-angle gear units from NORD Drivesystems offers high-output torques from 15 to 282 kNm across 11 sizes. In addition to this proven standard series, NORD Drivesystems offers the new MAXXDRIVE XT series with right-angle gear units having a thermally optimised design in seven sizes from 15 to 75 kNm.

In combination with its comprehensive accessories and options programme, the modular system allows for the planning of perfectly matched drive systems for heavy-duty applications like conveyors or agitators.

MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units are used when high output torques and powers are required. In combination with the suitable accessories, MAXXDRIVE provides a technically and economically perfect drive solution for each customer project. MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units are used when high output torques and powers are required. In combination with the suitable accessories, MAXXDRIVE provides a technically and economically perfect drive solution for each customer project.

The comprehensive configuration and mounting options of the MAXXDRIVE industrial gear unit allow for standardised as well as tailor-made drive solutions. The combination of motor, gear unit, coupling and braking system, for example, results in precisely planned complete units that are supplied ready-to-install, mounted on a motor swing base or a base frame. As an alternative, the motor attachment can be realised via an IEC/NEMA adapter.

A large variety of available flange and output shaft versions ensures that the customer’s application is ideally matched. The mechanical and thermal design of all NORD industrial gear units is always based on the existing operating data of the application and on the ambient conditions at the installation site. Thus, the MAXXDRIVE portfolio ensures maximum individualisation, creating drive systems that fulfil the highest demands in terms of reliability and long service life.

Variety of options

Typical MAXXDRIVE applications are drives for conveyor belts, consisting of an electric motor, a coupling solution and an industrial gear unit with axial fan. The primary focus here is on a sufficient heat dissipation to allow for ultimate thermal limit powers. The new MAXXDRIVE XT industrial gear units with their heavily ribbed housings are ideally suited for this purpose. The power and speed ranges of the application-optimised two-stage right-angle gear units have been specially designed for applications in which low speed ranges are required in combination with high powers.

MAXXDRIVE XT series output torques range between 15 and 75 kNm with speed ratios of 6.3 to 22.4. MAXXDRIVE XT industrial gear units are available in seven sizes for powers from 50 to 1,500 kW. Another typical application for this strong range of industrial gear units from NORD includes drives for mixing and agitation processes. By equipping the compact and robust MAXXDRIVE industrial gear unit with reinforced bearing and flange versions (VL2/KL2 – VL6/KL6), the drive can be optimally adjusted to application loads.

Seal-less IEC/NEMA adapters (SAFOMI) and a TRUE DRYWELL sealing at the output shaft allow for highest possible operational reliability. The entire drive system – from NORD electric motors to flange connections – is delivered as a ready-to-install unit, which can easily be mounted vertically on the application.

Networked maintenance concepts

NORD also offers innovative predictive maintenance concepts specially designed for MAXXDRIVE industrial gear units. The NORD frequency inverter is an essential component here. The status data available in the inverter can be communicated to a higher-level control or directly to a safe cloud.

The inverter can also directly record external sensor data for vibration monitoring or for measuring the gear unit’s oil sump temperature. Changes to the system condition can be detected at an early stage (condition monitoring) and predictive maintenance can be scheduled in good time.

Cleveron unveils driverless last mile delivery vehicle

Posted on by David Priestman

Cleveron, one of the world’s leading parcel delivery robotics companies, has unveiled its new unmanned semi-autonomous last mile delivery vehicle, the Cleveron 701.

Designed for retailers and logistics companies looking to boost last mile delivery solutions and efficiencies, Cleveron 701 enables businesses to meet the growing demand for same-day delivery driven by the recent acceleration of e-commerce and rapidly changing retail landscape.

As the first company in Europe granted a pilot license to operate unmanned semi-autonomous vehicles in public streets across the country, Cleveron has piloted Cleveron 701 for the last six months in Estonia. The Company is scheduled to begin mass production in 2023.

The Cleveron 701 can drive in low traffic areas, like suburbs to deliver within 15–30 min driving range of a retailer, fulfilment centre or a dark store. Supervised remotely, it can deliver goods from a warehouse or store to nearby customers within an hour, enabling fast and convenient receipt of packages in a competitive timeframe compared to a trip to the store for kerbside pickup. The driverless delivery solution also decreases labour cost since one teleoperator is able to supervise 10 vehicles at the same time.

Cleveron 701 is also designed as an adaptable, semi-autonomous platform to which the operator can add suitable modifications for serving different delivery needs. For example, Cleveron 701 can be modified to operate as grocery delivery robot with temperature-controlled sections, a parcel delivery vehicle or even a high-tech coffee robot or an ice cream truck.

“We are very proud to announce Cleveron’s latest innovation in autonomous delivery vehicle market. With our new driverless semi-autonomous vehicle, we are enabling retailers and logistics companies to solve complex and costly last mile delivery challenges while satisfying consumer demand for same day, and in some cases, same hour deliveries,” said Cleveron’s CEO Arno Kütt.

“Since Cleveron received the first license in Europe to test drive an unmanned vehicle on the streets of Estonia last year without restrictions, we have been amazed at how easily Cleveron 701 has become an organic part of the city life. What’s more, consumers can get groceries, parcels, restaurant deliveries or even ice cream from an environmentally friendly delivery robot.”

The Estonian-based technology company is known for its parcel lockers, robots and grocery kiosk, used by top retailers all over the world. According to Kütt, Cleveron 701 is a new type of venture for the company, but the end-goal is the same as for all its products – to offer efficiency and convenience.

“We are used to building robots, where you can go and pick up your parcel within seconds. It is still the future for click and collect, but for us, we wanted to expand even further. The online shopping growth has turned e-commerce into just commerce. It is a natural part of shopping. But the delivery times and costs still present a problem, especially with groceries. Consumers want speed and convenience, but it comes with a cost. With driverless delivery, you can cut the last mile labour cost. There will also be less failed deliveries, since the 701 can be deployed from the local dark store quickly,” explained Kütt.

Cleveron 701 is being developed in company’s hometown of Viljandi, Estonia. It is a lightweight, electric vehicle with an option to use different rechargeable batteries. Max speed is up to 50 km/h. Load capacity will be up to 200 kg.

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