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Month: September 2021

PortXchange joins The Climate Pledge

Posted on by David Priestman

PortXchange Products B.V., the Netherlands-based digital solutions provider for predictable and sustainable shipping, is joining The Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, which calls on companies and organisations to be net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

The maritime transport industry is responsible for around 3% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted globally, releasing around 1,076 million tons of CO2 into our atmosphere every year. Therefore, the entire shipping logistics chain has a significant impact on the planet, which is only increasing as our consumption patterns continue to grow.

Sjoerd de Jager, Managing Director at PortXchange, said: “Joining the Climate Pledge was a logical extension to what we do, as we really believe we can turn the climate crisis into climate action. As the first shipping technology company to join the pledge, we aim to take a leadership role by promoting digitalisation and decarbonisation amongst our shipping partners, such as port authorities and the cities they serve. We want to inspire a movement of shipping businesses looking to do the same.”

As part of the Climate Pledge, PortXchange commits itself to:

  • Measure and report GHG emissions on a regular basis
  • Implement decarbonisation strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions and other carbon emission elimination strategies
  • Neutralise any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially-beneficial offsets to achieve net zero annual carbon emissions by 2040

PortXchange has already acted on all three commitments:

  • Preparing an annual footprint analysis
  • Implementing a travel policy where employees attend online international meetings and conferences as much as possible
  • Implementing Travelperk, a business travel platform, which features Greenperk that advises on the most environmentally friendly travel mode and lets your company offset 100% of the carbon emissions generated during business travel automatically through its platform on a per-trip basis. For office commuting, PXP subsidises the use of public transport for those who cannot commute by bicycle

PortXchange’s main aim is to support its customers to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency by developing digital tools that can be scaled across ports globally.

Last year, the Company made a public commitment to the environment by building digital solutions that support a reduction in the shipping industry’s carbon footprint.

Through the company’s application, there is an emissions tab which shows users the amount of GHG emissions saved by using PortXchange’s platform as well as guidance on how to reduce CO2 and NOx levels by having vessels arrive at the port just-in-time. The Company, together with Netherlands-based research organisation TNO, is also developing an algorithm to measure and monitor CO2 emissions for ships on passage towards the port and at anchorage, which adds value to port authorities in their pursuit to reduce emissions in the ports and the cities they are part of.

PortXchange joins The Climate Pledge

Posted on by Keith McKinley

PortXchange Products B.V., the Netherlands-based digital solutions provider for predictable and sustainable shipping, is joining The Climate Pledge, an initiative co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism, which calls on companies and organisations to be net zero carbon across their businesses by 2040, 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

The maritime transport industry is responsible for around 3% of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted globally, releasing around 1,076 million tons of CO2 into our atmosphere every year. Therefore, the entire shipping logistics chain has a significant impact on the planet, which is only increasing as our consumption patterns continue to grow.

Sjoerd de Jager, Managing Director at PortXchange, said: “Joining the Climate Pledge was a logical extension to what we do, as we really believe we can turn the climate crisis into climate action. As the first shipping technology company to join the pledge, we aim to take a leadership role by promoting digitalisation and decarbonisation amongst our shipping partners, such as port authorities and the cities they serve. We want to inspire a movement of shipping businesses looking to do the same.”

As part of the Climate Pledge, PortXchange commits itself to:

  • Measure and report GHG emissions on a regular basis
  • Implement decarbonisation strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions and other carbon emission elimination strategies
  • Neutralise any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially-beneficial offsets to achieve net zero annual carbon emissions by 2040

PortXchange has already acted on all three commitments:

  • Preparing an annual footprint analysis
  • Implementing a travel policy where employees attend online international meetings and conferences as much as possible
  • Implementing Travelperk, a business travel platform, which features Greenperk that advises on the most environmentally friendly travel mode and lets your company offset 100% of the carbon emissions generated during business travel automatically through its platform on a per-trip basis. For office commuting, PXP subsidises the use of public transport for those who cannot commute by bicycle

PortXchange’s main aim is to support its customers to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency by developing digital tools that can be scaled across ports globally.

Last year, the Company made a public commitment to the environment by building digital solutions that support a reduction in the shipping industry’s carbon footprint.

Through the company’s application, there is an emissions tab which shows users the amount of GHG emissions saved by using PortXchange’s platform as well as guidance on how to reduce CO2 and NOx levels by having vessels arrive at the port just-in-time. The Company, together with Netherlands-based research organisation TNO, is also developing an algorithm to measure and monitor CO2 emissions for ships on passage towards the port and at anchorage, which adds value to port authorities in their pursuit to reduce emissions in the ports and the cities they are part of.

Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has announced it has acquired Waypoint Robotics, an industry leader in industrial strength, autonomous, omnidirectional mobile robots.

“Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimisation,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “As order fulfilment and labour shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability to meet these global needs in just months rather than years, helping us drive the digital transformation of the warehouse.”

The acquisition broadens the Locus product line of proven and powerful AMR solutions that address use cases from ecommerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads and fulfilment modalities.

“Waypoint shares Locus’s commitment to technology excellence in pursuit of customer success,” said Jason Walker, CEO of Waypoint Robotics. “We’re excited to contribute to the expansion of the Locus product family in order to deliver a broader range of solutions, as well as access to new market segments.”

Waypoint’s innovative Vector and MAV3K are industrial-strength, flexible mobile robot platforms that feature omnidirectional mobility, and can be fitted with a wide variety of modules and attachments, making them versatile and scalable for a host of applications. They are interoperable with other robots and can easily communicate with machines and IoT devices throughout a facility.

DHL, the world’s largest logistics company with over 1,400 warehouses and offices in more than 55 countries and territories, had recently signed a 2,000-bot deal with Locus as part of its efforts to digitalise its supply chain processes.

“DHL Supply Chain and Locus Robotics have established a productive partnership based on a highly successful integration of the Locus autonomous mobile robot solution into our customers’ operations, and we value the emphasis they have placed on listening to our needs,” said Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America.

“This acquisition, which adds a larger, heavier-weight autonomous robot capability to their portfolio, is a good reflection of how they continue to address the customer requirements at the heart of their strategy. I believe it will open up promising new opportunities in our partnership, support DHL’s ongoing efforts to deploy technologies that improve our customers’ supply chains and contribute to the continued advancement of a competitive robotics market.”

“Warehouses and fulfilment centres benefit by harnessing the strengths of humans and robots working in collaboration. These cobotic environments are further optimised when a range of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs are employed. With the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics, Locus Robotics is able to bring more capability to the fulfilment floor,” said Jordan K. Speer, Research Manager, Global Supply Chains, IDC Retail Insights.

“Furthermore, introducing combinations of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs that are interoperable with each other enables new functional capabilities where robots hand off product to each other. Without intelligent automation that can handle a wide variety of tasks on the fulfilment floor — including returns, putaway, and sortation – organisations will not be able to thrive in today’s market.”

Cowen and Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Waypoint Robotics.

Locus Robotics acquires Waypoint Robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

Locus Robotics, a leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for fulfilment warehouses, has announced it has acquired Waypoint Robotics, an industry leader in industrial strength, autonomous, omnidirectional mobile robots.

“Locus is the proven leader in the development of highly productive and innovative AMR technology that efficiently solves our customers’ needs for total warehouse optimisation,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics. “As order fulfilment and labour shortages continue to grow around the world, the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics will accelerate our ability to meet these global needs in just months rather than years, helping us drive the digital transformation of the warehouse.”

The acquisition broadens the Locus product line of proven and powerful AMR solutions that address use cases from ecommerce, case-picking, and pallet-picking to scenarios requiring larger, heavier payloads and fulfilment modalities.

“Waypoint shares Locus’s commitment to technology excellence in pursuit of customer success,” said Jason Walker, CEO of Waypoint Robotics. “We’re excited to contribute to the expansion of the Locus product family in order to deliver a broader range of solutions, as well as access to new market segments.”

Waypoint’s innovative Vector and MAV3K are industrial-strength, flexible mobile robot platforms that feature omnidirectional mobility, and can be fitted with a wide variety of modules and attachments, making them versatile and scalable for a host of applications. They are interoperable with other robots and can easily communicate with machines and IoT devices throughout a facility.

DHL, the world’s largest logistics company with over 1,400 warehouses and offices in more than 55 countries and territories, had recently signed a 2,000-bot deal with Locus as part of its efforts to digitalise its supply chain processes.

“DHL Supply Chain and Locus Robotics have established a productive partnership based on a highly successful integration of the Locus autonomous mobile robot solution into our customers’ operations, and we value the emphasis they have placed on listening to our needs,” said Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America.

“This acquisition, which adds a larger, heavier-weight autonomous robot capability to their portfolio, is a good reflection of how they continue to address the customer requirements at the heart of their strategy. I believe it will open up promising new opportunities in our partnership, support DHL’s ongoing efforts to deploy technologies that improve our customers’ supply chains and contribute to the continued advancement of a competitive robotics market.”

“Warehouses and fulfilment centres benefit by harnessing the strengths of humans and robots working in collaboration. These cobotic environments are further optimised when a range of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs are employed. With the acquisition of Waypoint Robotics, Locus Robotics is able to bring more capability to the fulfilment floor,” said Jordan K. Speer, Research Manager, Global Supply Chains, IDC Retail Insights.

“Furthermore, introducing combinations of differently ‘skilled’ AMRs that are interoperable with each other enables new functional capabilities where robots hand off product to each other. Without intelligent automation that can handle a wide variety of tasks on the fulfilment floor — including returns, putaway, and sortation – organisations will not be able to thrive in today’s market.”

Cowen and Company LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Waypoint Robotics.

Clark Europe makes director appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has appointed Andy Baldy as its new Director Parts Sales & Admin. Baldy is responsible for the areas of sales, order processing and purchasing of spare parts as well as technical parts support.

“We wish Mr Baldy every success in his new role,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe. “As an experienced employee who has already successfully demonstrated his skills and professional commitment in the spare parts business for more than ten years in various positions for our company, the promotion to Director Parts Sales & Admin was a logical consequence.”

Baldy began his professional career after studying sales management at Intrupa BV in the Netherlands in the area of customer service and marketing. This was followed by a move to Büsch Gabelstapler in Kerken, where he worked as Sales Manager. Andy Baldy has been on board of Clark Europe GmbH since 2010 – initially as Parts Sales Manager and since September 2020 as Parts Manager Clark Europe. In this role, he has managed the Sales, Customer Service and Purchasing of the parts department and team.

“I am happy about the trust that is placed in me,” explains Baldy on the occasion of his promotion. “Enjoying the work and success is my great motivator. However, lasting success is only possible together, so I would like to have a lasting positive influence on the spare parts business with my team.”

Clark Europe makes director appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has appointed Andy Baldy as its new Director Parts Sales & Admin. Baldy is responsible for the areas of sales, order processing and purchasing of spare parts as well as technical parts support.

“We wish Mr Baldy every success in his new role,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe. “As an experienced employee who has already successfully demonstrated his skills and professional commitment in the spare parts business for more than ten years in various positions for our company, the promotion to Director Parts Sales & Admin was a logical consequence.”

Baldy began his professional career after studying sales management at Intrupa BV in the Netherlands in the area of customer service and marketing. This was followed by a move to Büsch Gabelstapler in Kerken, where he worked as Sales Manager. Andy Baldy has been on board of Clark Europe GmbH since 2010 – initially as Parts Sales Manager and since September 2020 as Parts Manager Clark Europe. In this role, he has managed the Sales, Customer Service and Purchasing of the parts department and team.

“I am happy about the trust that is placed in me,” explains Baldy on the occasion of his promotion. “Enjoying the work and success is my great motivator. However, lasting success is only possible together, so I would like to have a lasting positive influence on the spare parts business with my team.”

BNP Paribas makes key UK appointments

Posted on by Keith McKinley

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK has appointed Mark Richards as General Manager and Tim Pulleyn as his successor as Head of Partner Sales.

Richards (pictured) is a highly experienced industry professional with over 25 years’ experience, having previously held roles at both GE Capital and Hitachi. His career has been 100% focussed on vendor and broker financing, building strong long-term customer relationships based on understanding the importance of service excellence & partnership. In his previous role as Head of Partner Sales, Richards has been instrumental in taking the business to the next phase of the business growth and development.

In his new role, Richards will be responsible for the whole Equipment Logistic and Solutions business division, overseeing Sales, Credit and Operations across the following markets – Construction, Food and Agriculture, Materials Handling and Commercial Vehicles. As well overseeing the subsidiary company, BNP Paribas Rental Solutions, which specialises in commercial vehicle contract hire solutions.

On his appointment, Mark Richard commented: “Despite the obvious challenges of the last 18 months due to the pandemic, we have seen strong year-on-year growth across many areas of our business. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers for their support and trust in us during this period and to our staff for their commitment.

“The long-term view of BNP Paribas puts Leasing Solutions firmly at the heart of the group strategy, enabling us to weather the different economic cycles while maintaining consistency in our proposition, and to build lasting relationships with our partners in a mutually beneficial way.

“This, combined with the strong, talented team I will be working with as we enter this next chapter, makes me feel excited about the future for both us and our customers. For the leadership team and I, it’s critical we are in constant communication with our customers, hearing them so that we can listen, learn and act to deliver a service that is consistent, reliable and does what they need.”

Pulleyn is also highly experienced within the industry, as a proven credit and sales leader across a range of disciplines including global banking, international leasing and asset finance. Most recently having held the position of Head of Structured Finance at Metro Bank before joining BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK in 2019 as Head of the Broker division. Since 2019, Tim has fostered great relationships with the Brokers, making a significant growth impact, capitalising on his already extensive network of contacts and knowledge.

Pulleyn said: “I am delighted to be taking up this new role within the company. I feel proud to work for a business that is one of Europe’s most trusted providers of asset finance. As a team, we are committed to supporting partners with specialist knowledge to help them achieve their growth ambitions – performance through partnership. One of the ways we do this is by building strategic alliances, aligning our expertise to the needs of our partners through a deep understanding of their requirements.

“In the next few months, one of my priorities will be to continue to talk to our customers, understand where we can really add value in the leasing cycle and make sure we deliver that value consistently, day in day out.”

Richards said: “Tim’s appointment as Head of Partner Sales further cements our ambitions to keep putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. Tim and his team will continue to build real customer focus, ensuring it remains at the forefront of every decision we make.”

Rachel Appleton, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome both Mark and Tim in their new roles. As General Manager, Mark will be able to build further on his achievements to date. Mark has proven his commitment to both our customers and our business, building a sales strategy, which focuses on adding value at every stage in the leasing cycle.

“Likewise, Tim has made a significant impact across our broker markets since joining us in 2019, using his wealth of knowledge to build a solid proposition.“

BNP Paribas makes key UK appointments

Posted on by David Priestman

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK has appointed Mark Richards as General Manager and Tim Pulleyn as his successor as Head of Partner Sales.

Richards (pictured) is a highly experienced industry professional with over 25 years’ experience, having previously held roles at both GE Capital and Hitachi. His career has been 100% focussed on vendor and broker financing, building strong long-term customer relationships based on understanding the importance of service excellence & partnership. In his previous role as Head of Partner Sales, Richards has been instrumental in taking the business to the next phase of the business growth and development.

In his new role, Richards will be responsible for the whole Equipment Logistic and Solutions business division, overseeing Sales, Credit and Operations across the following markets – Construction, Food and Agriculture, Materials Handling and Commercial Vehicles. As well overseeing the subsidiary company, BNP Paribas Rental Solutions, which specialises in commercial vehicle contract hire solutions.

On his appointment, Mark Richard commented: “Despite the obvious challenges of the last 18 months due to the pandemic, we have seen strong year-on-year growth across many areas of our business. I would like to say a huge thank you to all our customers for their support and trust in us during this period and to our staff for their commitment.

“The long-term view of BNP Paribas puts Leasing Solutions firmly at the heart of the group strategy, enabling us to weather the different economic cycles while maintaining consistency in our proposition, and to build lasting relationships with our partners in a mutually beneficial way.

“This, combined with the strong, talented team I will be working with as we enter this next chapter, makes me feel excited about the future for both us and our customers. For the leadership team and I, it’s critical we are in constant communication with our customers, hearing them so that we can listen, learn and act to deliver a service that is consistent, reliable and does what they need.”

Pulleyn is also highly experienced within the industry, as a proven credit and sales leader across a range of disciplines including global banking, international leasing and asset finance. Most recently having held the position of Head of Structured Finance at Metro Bank before joining BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK in 2019 as Head of the Broker division. Since 2019, Tim has fostered great relationships with the Brokers, making a significant growth impact, capitalising on his already extensive network of contacts and knowledge.

Pulleyn said: “I am delighted to be taking up this new role within the company. I feel proud to work for a business that is one of Europe’s most trusted providers of asset finance. As a team, we are committed to supporting partners with specialist knowledge to help them achieve their growth ambitions – performance through partnership. One of the ways we do this is by building strategic alliances, aligning our expertise to the needs of our partners through a deep understanding of their requirements.

“In the next few months, one of my priorities will be to continue to talk to our customers, understand where we can really add value in the leasing cycle and make sure we deliver that value consistently, day in day out.”

Richards said: “Tim’s appointment as Head of Partner Sales further cements our ambitions to keep putting our customers at the heart of everything we do. Tim and his team will continue to build real customer focus, ensuring it remains at the forefront of every decision we make.”

Rachel Appleton, CEO of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome both Mark and Tim in their new roles. As General Manager, Mark will be able to build further on his achievements to date. Mark has proven his commitment to both our customers and our business, building a sales strategy, which focuses on adding value at every stage in the leasing cycle.

“Likewise, Tim has made a significant impact across our broker markets since joining us in 2019, using his wealth of knowledge to build a solid proposition.“

Brittany Ferries and CMA CGM form cargo partnership

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Brittany Ferries, the largest ferry company operating under the French flag, and the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, have announced that CMA CGM has agreed to make a €25m investment in Brittany Ferries, including €10m in quasi-equity. Through this agreement, CMA CGM is seeking to support Brittany Ferries’ post-Covid-19 recovery.

The partnership will help to unlock synergies between the two companies in passenger and freight transport. By harnessing the respective areas of expertise of the CMA CGM Group and Brittany Ferries, it will also help promote the development of cross-Channel shipping and underpin France’s position in the sector. Under this agreement, a representative of the CMA CGM Group will join Brittany Ferries’ Supervisory Board.

The agreement establishes a commercial partnership between the CMA CGM Group and Brittany Ferries through the use of available cargo space on board Brittany Ferries’ services to the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula. The transportation of goods aboard Brittany Ferries’ roll-on roll-off (roro) ships will help expand the CMA CGM Group’s offering in the roro sector for the Atlantic and northern coast of France to destinations in the United Kingdom.

The partnership will also pave the way for Brittany Ferries to gain more expertise in freight and logistics. It will help the company to adapt more easily to the post-Covid-19 trends in goods transportation, including the transport of unaccompanied trailers, and to offer new transport services so it can better meet the needs of its customers.

Through this agreement, both groups will be able to introduce new roro services.

CMA CGM and Brittany Ferries, both of which are committed to developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power their ships, will be looking at ways of sharing their LNG knowledge and resources in areas such as training for French crews and safety procedures.

Both companies have also undertaken to introduce more environmentally-friendly shipping and logistics solutions.

Two new LNG-powered ships are due to join Brittany Ferries’ fleet next year and in 2023. The new Ro-pax vessels, to be named Salamanca and Santoña, will operate services between the United Kingdom and Spain. In addition, Brittany Ferries is about to introduce a new rail freight service to expand its multimodal offering. By year-end 2022 the company will offer its customers an unaccompanied trailer transport service on the Atlantic coast rail network between Bayonne and Cherbourg.

Brittany Ferries and CMA CGM form cargo partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

Brittany Ferries, the largest ferry company operating under the French flag, and the CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, have announced that CMA CGM has agreed to make a €25m investment in Brittany Ferries, including €10m in quasi-equity. Through this agreement, CMA CGM is seeking to support Brittany Ferries’ post-Covid-19 recovery.

The partnership will help to unlock synergies between the two companies in passenger and freight transport. By harnessing the respective areas of expertise of the CMA CGM Group and Brittany Ferries, it will also help promote the development of cross-Channel shipping and underpin France’s position in the sector. Under this agreement, a representative of the CMA CGM Group will join Brittany Ferries’ Supervisory Board.

The agreement establishes a commercial partnership between the CMA CGM Group and Brittany Ferries through the use of available cargo space on board Brittany Ferries’ services to the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula. The transportation of goods aboard Brittany Ferries’ roll-on roll-off (roro) ships will help expand the CMA CGM Group’s offering in the roro sector for the Atlantic and northern coast of France to destinations in the United Kingdom.

The partnership will also pave the way for Brittany Ferries to gain more expertise in freight and logistics. It will help the company to adapt more easily to the post-Covid-19 trends in goods transportation, including the transport of unaccompanied trailers, and to offer new transport services so it can better meet the needs of its customers.

Through this agreement, both groups will be able to introduce new roro services.

CMA CGM and Brittany Ferries, both of which are committed to developing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power their ships, will be looking at ways of sharing their LNG knowledge and resources in areas such as training for French crews and safety procedures.

Both companies have also undertaken to introduce more environmentally-friendly shipping and logistics solutions.

Two new LNG-powered ships are due to join Brittany Ferries’ fleet next year and in 2023. The new Ro-pax vessels, to be named Salamanca and Santoña, will operate services between the United Kingdom and Spain. In addition, Brittany Ferries is about to introduce a new rail freight service to expand its multimodal offering. By year-end 2022 the company will offer its customers an unaccompanied trailer transport service on the Atlantic coast rail network between Bayonne and Cherbourg.

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