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Month: April 2024

Harness AI for Bottom Line Impact in Last-Mile Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

FarEye, a global last-mile technology platform, hosted the Last-Mile Leaders Event on April 19th at the Jaypee Hotel in Greater Noida, India, in collaboration with Microsoft. The event brought together an exceptional gathering of supply chain leaders and industry experts from all over the world under one roof. The event centered around the theme of profit, people, and the planet. Over 40 supply chain experts from more than 20 countries, representing diverse industries including retail, logistics, postal, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and pharmaceuticals, came together to explore the transformative potential of technology in driving cost reduction in the logistics sector.

Kushal Nahata, Co-founder and CEO of FarEye kicked off the event with a bold keynote, envisioning a future where autonomous drones revolutionize urban deliveries, reducing times and costs significantly. He claims, “Within the next five years, autonomous drones will handle 30% of urban deliveries, reducing delivery times and costs dramatically.”

He encouraged industry leaders to challenge conventional practices and work together to build a sustainable, affordable, and customer-centric future. The event featured a variety of sessions, including fireside chats, and roundtable discussions, alongside numerous networking opportunities. The event encompassed the entire spectrum of the supply chain and logistics industry, addressing topics including leveraging AI in the last-mile, unlocking last-mile excellence through data-driven insights, revolutionizing the last-mile for the ultimate consumer experience, and more. Making sustainability a focus in the last-mile, was another pivotal theme.

Nahata emphasizes: “With urban delivery traffic projected to increase carbon emissions by 32% by 2030, prioritizing sustainability is non-negotiable. The surge in electric vehicle adoption and government initiatives like the FAME scheme, reflects a visible shift towards greener logistics in India. As industry leaders, we must place sustainability at the front and center, meeting environmental and stakeholder expectations. FarEye’s collaborations have already slashed up to 550 K Metric Tonnes of GHG emissions annually and saved over 600 million miles. It’s clear: sustainable logistics isn’t just a choice; it’s our collective responsibility and competitive advantage.”

Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, Co-founder of HCL and Chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission of India, joined the event as the Guest of Honour. He remarked “In today’s era, where AI stands as the foremost game-changer across all sectors and industries, it is truly exciting to see supply chain leaders from around the world coming together for discussions on leveraging AI in last-mile logistics. FarEye has been leading the charge in utilizing cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to empower businesses in the logistics sector and has established itself as a leader in the last-mile industry.”

Bart De Muynck, Industry Expert, Advisor & Founder of Better Supply Chain said “This event presented a great opportunity to discuss what’s really needed for the logistics industry to change significantly in the next few years. Unification of systems, improving transparency, data standardization, and collaboration, were amongst the topics we discussed with leaders. Participants agreed that technology can help significantly in improving logistics and FarEye is perfectly positioned to help companies achieve this new era of logistics efficiency.”

The groundbreaking initiative at the event was the last-mile Innovation Nexus, which served as the epicenter of logistics innovation, providing a direct platform for promising logistics startups to engage with industry leaders, fostering connections and catalyzing progress. Guiding this journey were esteemed industry experts like Deepak Gaur from Elevation Capital, Sushil Sharma from Marwari Catalysts, Arpit Agarwal from Blume Ventures, and Gautam Kumar from FarEye.

Commenting on the initiative, Nahata said “The last-mile Innovation Nexus wasn’t just a showcase; it was a launchpad for startups to secure transformative partnerships. It was also exciting to see the surge in the adoption of AI, robotics, and embedded data analytics, all geared toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of logistics operations. These technologies are not just trends; they are driving forces behind the evolution of our industry. We are proud to support the vision of young founders and their dedication to building robust organizations. The passion for driving change and creating impact is palpable.”

Strengthening the company’s efforts towards reducing logistics costs, the event saw the launch of the Last-Mile Trends Report 2024 which unveiled pioneering perspectives into the future of last-mile delivery. Drawing from insights gathered from over 300 leaders across five continents, representing companies with a combined revenue exceeding $100 billion. The report highlights crucial factors influencing the sector’s strategic decisions and market dynamics including:

● The Perfect Delivery: the needle has shifted from cost and satisfaction to cost and speed with 54 percent claiming to deliver the same day/next day compared to less than 35 percent last year.
● Cost is top of mind: 80 percent of supply chain leaders believe measuring the cost of delivery is a top priority as compared to only 50 percent last year.
● Top drivers of cost: For organizations with outsourced fleets, 56% said carrier performance is the biggest challenge, while 43 percent cited routing as the primary obstacle in matching the
promise of delivery speed.

Overall FarEye’s Last-Mile Leaders Event stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts required to drive innovation and transformation in the logistics sector. By setting the stage for cost reductions and transformative innovations, it lays the foundation for a more efficient and sustainable future in logistics.

read more

FarEye Platform on SAP for Parcel Visibility

 

Navigating the Loading Bay’s Hidden Risks

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport and logistics is a highly regulated industry when it comes to health and safety, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Sales Director of Joloda Hydraroll. Companies take their legal duty to comply with these regulations very seriously. Still, in 2023, 55,000 UK workers suffered from work-related health issues, and 29,000 workers were injured.

To truly safeguard employees and the business, adherence to safety regulations is just the beginning. An extraordinary mix of external considerations is also influencing the warehouse environment. This means transport and logistics companies must constantly be on the lookout for new risks, and proactive ways to improve and implement better working practices.

With a high proportion of accidents happening in or around the loading bay, this is one of the most dangerous areas for businesses to address first.

Influencing factors

Employers need to foresee new ways to protect their staff from factors that could be undermining their safety procedures in high-risk areas such as the loading bay, including:

1. Loss of labour. It’s well known in the industry that factors such as an ageing population, socio-economic impacts, and a growing technology skills gap have contributed to a shortage of labour. Companies have fewer experienced employees who are knowledgeable about their operations, processes, and safety procedures to lead by example.

2. Changing priorities and expectations. What employees now look for in their work and workplace is perceived to be at odds with what employers can offer. And it seems that employers agree: 64% of chief supply chain officers felt that generational differences in employment preferences would have a long-term impact on labour availability. According to recent research, Gen Y and Z seek a greater emphasis on the self, more social awareness, clear career progression, and use of modern technologies, meaning they are less prepared to take on tasks they consider mundane or repetitive. Those who are not happy or engaged in their work are at higher risk of making a mistake or experiencing mental health problems.

3. Recruitment challenges. For the reasons mentioned, recruiting new employees to replace the logistics workforce has proven extremely difficult. One survey found that 64% of businesses across materials handling, distribution, or fulfilment had forgone business worth more than 25% of their revenue in 2022 because of staffing issues. Recruits who are unfamiliar with the processes and risks demand lots of training hours and add pressure on the remaining workforce to increase their productivity. Procedural errors are more likely, which can result in accidents or create new risks.

4. High levels of staff turnover. When new employees are recruited, warehousing and logistics businesses seem to experience higher than average levels of staff turnover. Despite the logistics sector employing more than 2.6 million people, over 90% have never considered a career in the logistics sector. As labour shortages intensify, staff may feel they have to cut corners or rush, increasing falls or incidents with vehicles.

5. Higher velocity fulfilment.The global logistics market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is projected to expand further at an annual growth rate of around 17.1% from 2023 to 2030. But a drop in staff numbers combined with higher velocity fulfilment and the resulting demand for larger warehousing and logistics facilities is creating an unsustainable situation. A cycle of staffing challenges risks compromising employee well-being and, as a result, operational performance.

Improving loading safety with automation

The loading bay lies at the heart of every logistics operation. It’s a hub of fast-paced activity between people and vehicles, which is what makes it one of the most dangerous areas of a warehouse or factory in the first place. Companies can have particular difficulties recruiting and retaining new employees here, further exacerbating safety challenges.

Joloda

As well as being dangerous, loading bays are hard places to work. Loading and unloading goods on and off the trailers is highly repetitive, which causes lapses in concentration. There are also the limitations on space to manage, as well as the constant noise and risk of moving forklifts. Add in the escalating operational demands and it’s easy to see how current circumstances can increase the chance of accidents.
Introducing automation to the loading area will significantly enhance safety and reliability throughout the loading and unloading process. An automated loading system moves goods quickly through the loading docks with no need for forklift trucks. Processes are more efficient, meaning deadlines are hit without the extra pressure on staff. Space can be better optimised throughout the facility, and a far calmer, low-stress environment is possible, even in the event of staffing challenges or peak demands.

The loading bay is a prime example of an area that could be optimised using automation to benefit the entire business operation. Automated loading systems alleviate recruitment strains and ensure a safer, more fulfilling, and enjoyable environment for the existing workforce. For information on all the factors that could be undermining your safety standards in the loading area right now, and to find out how automation could benefit your business, download this guide from Joloda Hydraroll.

read more

Case Study: Loading Bay Technology at High-Spec Business Park

 

Navigating the Loading Bay’s Hidden Risks

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport and logistics is a highly regulated industry when it comes to health and safety, writes Wouter Satijn (pictured), Sales Director of Joloda Hydraroll. Companies take their legal duty to comply with these regulations very seriously. Still, in 2023, 55,000 UK workers suffered from work-related health issues, and 29,000 workers were injured.

To truly safeguard employees and the business, adherence to safety regulations is just the beginning. An extraordinary mix of external considerations is also influencing the warehouse environment. This means transport and logistics companies must constantly be on the lookout for new risks, and proactive ways to improve and implement better working practices.

With a high proportion of accidents happening in or around the loading bay, this is one of the most dangerous areas for businesses to address first.

Influencing factors

Employers need to foresee new ways to protect their staff from factors that could be undermining their safety procedures in high-risk areas such as the loading bay, including:

1. Loss of labour. It’s well known in the industry that factors such as an ageing population, socio-economic impacts, and a growing technology skills gap have contributed to a shortage of labour. Companies have fewer experienced employees who are knowledgeable about their operations, processes, and safety procedures to lead by example.

2. Changing priorities and expectations. What employees now look for in their work and workplace is perceived to be at odds with what employers can offer. And it seems that employers agree: 64% of chief supply chain officers felt that generational differences in employment preferences would have a long-term impact on labour availability. According to recent research, Gen Y and Z seek a greater emphasis on the self, more social awareness, clear career progression, and use of modern technologies, meaning they are less prepared to take on tasks they consider mundane or repetitive. Those who are not happy or engaged in their work are at higher risk of making a mistake or experiencing mental health problems.

3. Recruitment challenges. For the reasons mentioned, recruiting new employees to replace the logistics workforce has proven extremely difficult. One survey found that 64% of businesses across materials handling, distribution, or fulfilment had forgone business worth more than 25% of their revenue in 2022 because of staffing issues. Recruits who are unfamiliar with the processes and risks demand lots of training hours and add pressure on the remaining workforce to increase their productivity. Procedural errors are more likely, which can result in accidents or create new risks.

4. High levels of staff turnover. When new employees are recruited, warehousing and logistics businesses seem to experience higher than average levels of staff turnover. Despite the logistics sector employing more than 2.6 million people, over 90% have never considered a career in the logistics sector. As labour shortages intensify, staff may feel they have to cut corners or rush, increasing falls or incidents with vehicles.

5. Higher velocity fulfilment.The global logistics market has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and is projected to expand further at an annual growth rate of around 17.1% from 2023 to 2030. But a drop in staff numbers combined with higher velocity fulfilment and the resulting demand for larger warehousing and logistics facilities is creating an unsustainable situation. A cycle of staffing challenges risks compromising employee well-being and, as a result, operational performance.

Improving loading safety with automation

The loading bay lies at the heart of every logistics operation. It’s a hub of fast-paced activity between people and vehicles, which is what makes it one of the most dangerous areas of a warehouse or factory in the first place. Companies can have particular difficulties recruiting and retaining new employees here, further exacerbating safety challenges.

Joloda

As well as being dangerous, loading bays are hard places to work. Loading and unloading goods on and off the trailers is highly repetitive, which causes lapses in concentration. There are also the limitations on space to manage, as well as the constant noise and risk of moving forklifts. Add in the escalating operational demands and it’s easy to see how current circumstances can increase the chance of accidents.
Introducing automation to the loading area will significantly enhance safety and reliability throughout the loading and unloading process. An automated loading system moves goods quickly through the loading docks with no need for forklift trucks. Processes are more efficient, meaning deadlines are hit without the extra pressure on staff. Space can be better optimised throughout the facility, and a far calmer, low-stress environment is possible, even in the event of staffing challenges or peak demands.

The loading bay is a prime example of an area that could be optimised using automation to benefit the entire business operation. Automated loading systems alleviate recruitment strains and ensure a safer, more fulfilling, and enjoyable environment for the existing workforce. For information on all the factors that could be undermining your safety standards in the loading area right now, and to find out how automation could benefit your business, download this guide from Joloda Hydraroll.

read more

Case Study: Loading Bay Technology at High-Spec Business Park

 

Reducing Pollutant Emissions in Shipping

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Reducing pollutant emissions in the shipping industry can be achieved by using clean, alternative fuels like liquid ammonia, which requires fail-safe and hermetically tight pumps, writes Thomas Bökenbrink, Lead Product Manager Pumps at LEWA.

In total, around 11 billion tons of freight were transported by sea worldwide in 2021 – which corresponds to almost 90 percent of all trade goods. Producing more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gases, the shipping industry causes around 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions per year. And there are other pollutants, such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and ozone-depleting substances (ODS). In coastal areas defined by the MARPOL Convention as Emission Control Areas (ECAs), these pollutants are subject to increasingly stringent limits. Ammonia (NH3) is currently coming to the fore in the search for clean alternative fuels to the heavy fuel oil that has been predominantly used to date. Unlike LPG and LNG, it does not emit any CO2 during combustion. However, the gas is both toxic to humans and animals as well as highly harmful to the environment. The technology employed in order to use liquid ammonia as a fuel must therefore be hermetically tight and guarantee maximum operational safety. LEWA’s high-pressure diaphragm pumps meet these requirements. Their standard safety mechanisms make them suitable for hazardous, toxic and environmentally harmful fluids such as NH3, even under extreme operating conditions.

In 2018 alone, the shipping industry caused a total of 1,076 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, including 1,056 million tons of CO2. Compared to 2008, this represents an increase of around 90 percent. If the industry does not change, levels are expected to rise to up to 130 percent of those from 2008 over the next 25 years. To improve these forecasts, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed a greenhouse gas strategy in 2018 that aims to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and by a total of 70 percent by 2050. In addition to the ECAs defined in the MARPOL agreement, which are to be further expanded in the future, the Energy Efficiency Design Index for New Ships (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) regulate the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of newly built ships. Older models with more than 400 GT, on the other hand, have had to comply with the new regulations of the Energy Efficiency Design Index for Existing Ships (EEXI) since 2023.

Liquid ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel

With the aim of reducing emissions and fuel consumption while increasing performance and ensuring cost-efficient operation, dual-fuel variants of two-stroke marine diesel engines have been conquering the market for several years now. They enable a high degree of flexibility with regard to the fuels used, from pure marine diesel or heavy fuel oil operation to gas operation. On the gas side, LNG and LPG (propane/butane), which are particularly suitable for liquefied gas tankers, have mainly been used to date. However, these are fossil gases, and while they release fewer pollutants overall during combustion, they still release a considerable amount of CO2. LNG also consists predominantly of methane (CH4), which is around 25 times more harmful to the climate than CO2 and, in two-stroke marine diesel engines, small amounts inevitably escape – a phenomenon called methane slip. For this reason, LNG and LPG are merely bridging technologies on the way to completely carbon-free ship propulsion.

First used as an alternative fuel in 1943 due to a diesel shortage, ammonia (NH3) does not emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or CO2 during combustion and has no ozone depletion potential. Until now, it has been obtained from nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) using the Haber-Bosch process, which requires a great deal of energy. The production of hydrogen is particularly critical from an environmental point of view, as H2 has so far been split off from fossil methane gas. However, with the development of processes for the sustainable production of H2 via electrolysis using renewable energies on an industrial scale, NH3 is now becoming an attractive fuel for clean and sustainable ship propulsion systems. This also provides a positive answer to the important well-to-wake (WTW) question: When considering new fuels, it is crucial to take into account not only the combustion process in the ship’s engine, but also the entire balance of fuel production. Thanks to the new processes, NH3 can also be an attractive option.

At the end of 2023, the world’s first ammonia project for bulk carriers was launched. In a four-party agreement, the Belgian bulk carrier operator CMB.TECH appointed the engine manufacturer WinGD as well as CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding (QBS) and CSSC Engine Co (CSE) to produce the first eight 210,000 DWT bulk carriers powered by NH3. These are to be delivered over the next three years.

Hermetically tight pump technology in NH3 dual-fuel drives

Engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions also anticipates a rapid increase in the fuel to around 40 percent of the total fuel mix for dual-fuel two-stroke engines by 2030. Given these promising forecasts, it is hardly surprising that the order for the first ammonia cargo ships has already been placed, even though the marine engines for this application are still under development. Compared to LPG or LNG, NH3 poses its own challenges as a fuel: Even in very small quantities, the odorous gas is highly toxic to humans and animals, and it reacts with other air pollutants to form unwanted particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Fail-safe, hermetically tight pump technology is therefore required to move NH3 safely and reliably within the ship and inject it precisely into the engine. The challenge: Conventional plunger pumps, which are usually used for these kinds of high-pressure applications, have a natural leakage at the plunger seal due to their design. For the fuel gas supply systems (FGSS) in dual-fuel ship propulsion systems with NH3, only high-pressure diaphragm pumps designed without dynamic seals can therefore be considered. This creates a hermetically tight working chamber that rules out the possibility of emissions.

Triplex diaphragm pumps for FGSS

Thanks to their robust design with maximum operational reliability, the low-pulsation LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps have so far proven themselves as fuel pumps in FGSS, primarily for LPG – but nothing stands in the way of their use with NH3. The required pressures of approx. 85 bar can be realized very easily with LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps. For the pump heads of the M900 series, which have been proven in the field for many years, this value is even in the lower range of the possible performance spectrum, which extends up to 500 bar. Particles or oil residues in the fuel can also be conveyed without any problems. As the diaphragm pumps are dry-run safe to an unlimited degree, costly failures cannot occur even if other faults occur in the FGSS. In addition, the systems are designed in such a way that they can be maintained and repaired by the crew directly on board using simple means.

The patented sandwich diaphragm with integrated monitoring system ensures that the LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps remain hermetically tight even if the diaphragm is damaged. This guarantees that no dangerous NH3 can escape, even under extreme operating conditions. Integrated overpressure protection and optional pump monitoring by LEWA Smart Monitoring supplement the high standards of operational safety. Intelligent monitoring systems will generally become more relevant in the shipping industry over the next few years, as digitalization is also being advanced in this field. Often, newly built freighters are already being made “smarter”. As NH3 is a clean and sustainable marine fuel in the long term, corresponding drives could also play a role in the development of autonomous smart ships in the coming decades.

read more

Study reveals good air quality around Port of Tyne

 

Reducing Pollutant Emissions in Shipping

Posted on by David Priestman

Reducing pollutant emissions in the shipping industry can be achieved by using clean, alternative fuels like liquid ammonia, which requires fail-safe and hermetically tight pumps, writes Thomas Bökenbrink, Lead Product Manager Pumps at LEWA.

In total, around 11 billion tons of freight were transported by sea worldwide in 2021 – which corresponds to almost 90 percent of all trade goods. Producing more than 1 million tons of greenhouse gases, the shipping industry causes around 3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions per year. And there are other pollutants, such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and ozone-depleting substances (ODS). In coastal areas defined by the MARPOL Convention as Emission Control Areas (ECAs), these pollutants are subject to increasingly stringent limits. Ammonia (NH3) is currently coming to the fore in the search for clean alternative fuels to the heavy fuel oil that has been predominantly used to date. Unlike LPG and LNG, it does not emit any CO2 during combustion. However, the gas is both toxic to humans and animals as well as highly harmful to the environment. The technology employed in order to use liquid ammonia as a fuel must therefore be hermetically tight and guarantee maximum operational safety. LEWA’s high-pressure diaphragm pumps meet these requirements. Their standard safety mechanisms make them suitable for hazardous, toxic and environmentally harmful fluids such as NH3, even under extreme operating conditions.

In 2018 alone, the shipping industry caused a total of 1,076 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, including 1,056 million tons of CO2. Compared to 2008, this represents an increase of around 90 percent. If the industry does not change, levels are expected to rise to up to 130 percent of those from 2008 over the next 25 years. To improve these forecasts, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed a greenhouse gas strategy in 2018 that aims to reduce the shipping industry’s carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2030 and by a total of 70 percent by 2050. In addition to the ECAs defined in the MARPOL agreement, which are to be further expanded in the future, the Energy Efficiency Design Index for New Ships (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) regulate the energy efficiency and CO2 emissions of newly built ships. Older models with more than 400 GT, on the other hand, have had to comply with the new regulations of the Energy Efficiency Design Index for Existing Ships (EEXI) since 2023.

Liquid ammonia as a sustainable marine fuel

With the aim of reducing emissions and fuel consumption while increasing performance and ensuring cost-efficient operation, dual-fuel variants of two-stroke marine diesel engines have been conquering the market for several years now. They enable a high degree of flexibility with regard to the fuels used, from pure marine diesel or heavy fuel oil operation to gas operation. On the gas side, LNG and LPG (propane/butane), which are particularly suitable for liquefied gas tankers, have mainly been used to date. However, these are fossil gases, and while they release fewer pollutants overall during combustion, they still release a considerable amount of CO2. LNG also consists predominantly of methane (CH4), which is around 25 times more harmful to the climate than CO2 and, in two-stroke marine diesel engines, small amounts inevitably escape – a phenomenon called methane slip. For this reason, LNG and LPG are merely bridging technologies on the way to completely carbon-free ship propulsion.

First used as an alternative fuel in 1943 due to a diesel shortage, ammonia (NH3) does not emit particulate matter, nitrogen oxides or CO2 during combustion and has no ozone depletion potential. Until now, it has been obtained from nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) using the Haber-Bosch process, which requires a great deal of energy. The production of hydrogen is particularly critical from an environmental point of view, as H2 has so far been split off from fossil methane gas. However, with the development of processes for the sustainable production of H2 via electrolysis using renewable energies on an industrial scale, NH3 is now becoming an attractive fuel for clean and sustainable ship propulsion systems. This also provides a positive answer to the important well-to-wake (WTW) question: When considering new fuels, it is crucial to take into account not only the combustion process in the ship’s engine, but also the entire balance of fuel production. Thanks to the new processes, NH3 can also be an attractive option.

At the end of 2023, the world’s first ammonia project for bulk carriers was launched. In a four-party agreement, the Belgian bulk carrier operator CMB.TECH appointed the engine manufacturer WinGD as well as CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding (QBS) and CSSC Engine Co (CSE) to produce the first eight 210,000 DWT bulk carriers powered by NH3. These are to be delivered over the next three years.

Hermetically tight pump technology in NH3 dual-fuel drives

Engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions also anticipates a rapid increase in the fuel to around 40 percent of the total fuel mix for dual-fuel two-stroke engines by 2030. Given these promising forecasts, it is hardly surprising that the order for the first ammonia cargo ships has already been placed, even though the marine engines for this application are still under development. Compared to LPG or LNG, NH3 poses its own challenges as a fuel: Even in very small quantities, the odorous gas is highly toxic to humans and animals, and it reacts with other air pollutants to form unwanted particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Fail-safe, hermetically tight pump technology is therefore required to move NH3 safely and reliably within the ship and inject it precisely into the engine. The challenge: Conventional plunger pumps, which are usually used for these kinds of high-pressure applications, have a natural leakage at the plunger seal due to their design. For the fuel gas supply systems (FGSS) in dual-fuel ship propulsion systems with NH3, only high-pressure diaphragm pumps designed without dynamic seals can therefore be considered. This creates a hermetically tight working chamber that rules out the possibility of emissions.

Triplex diaphragm pumps for FGSS

Thanks to their robust design with maximum operational reliability, the low-pulsation LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps have so far proven themselves as fuel pumps in FGSS, primarily for LPG – but nothing stands in the way of their use with NH3. The required pressures of approx. 85 bar can be realized very easily with LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps. For the pump heads of the M900 series, which have been proven in the field for many years, this value is even in the lower range of the possible performance spectrum, which extends up to 500 bar. Particles or oil residues in the fuel can also be conveyed without any problems. As the diaphragm pumps are dry-run safe to an unlimited degree, costly failures cannot occur even if other faults occur in the FGSS. In addition, the systems are designed in such a way that they can be maintained and repaired by the crew directly on board using simple means.

The patented sandwich diaphragm with integrated monitoring system ensures that the LEWA triplex diaphragm pumps remain hermetically tight even if the diaphragm is damaged. This guarantees that no dangerous NH3 can escape, even under extreme operating conditions. Integrated overpressure protection and optional pump monitoring by LEWA Smart Monitoring supplement the high standards of operational safety. Intelligent monitoring systems will generally become more relevant in the shipping industry over the next few years, as digitalization is also being advanced in this field. Often, newly built freighters are already being made “smarter”. As NH3 is a clean and sustainable marine fuel in the long term, corresponding drives could also play a role in the development of autonomous smart ships in the coming decades.

read more

Study reveals good air quality around Port of Tyne

 

Reader Survey on AGV/AMR Usage

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business is carrying out a market research reader survey of our international audience on the usage and uptake of AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and AMRs (automated mobile robots). This exclusive new survey focuses on automated warehouse vehicles and automated forklifts. It covers their deployment, navigation technology, tasks, interaction, challenges and purchasing.

Warehouse managers and materials handling buyers – we need you to complete our survey! Complete the survey now for the chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. The prize draw will be made at the end of May. It will take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Thanks in advance. Click here to enter

Read more

Survey Results: AGVs & AMRs – Read Now

 

 

Language Translation Software for Supply Chain

Posted on by David Priestman

Pocketalk, a provider of translation solutions, today announces availability of Ventana, its administration panel that allows organisations to gain insights from the language needs in their business, make data driven decisions and govern control over devices. For the first time companies can now gain control over real-time translation insights and management, revolutionising communication and removing language barriers.

Organisations will have the ability to securely export data from the Pocketalk devices to analyse data points such as the most used languages and usage to aid better business decisions.

Driven by customer demand Ventana was developed to be a centralised hub that allows users to group devices, analyse data and remotely manage functions to ensure safe and appropriate usage of the Pocketalks within the organisation. Security and privacy remain the cornerstone of Pocketalk and Ventana is no exception. Access to Ventana can be limited to those within an organisation with the need and requirement to access translation insight in order to improve services, offerings and support.

“Today many organisations engage with translation services in one form or another. Whether it be in person, via a phone service or through software such as Google Translate. The challenge is monitoring and analysing this activity is almost impossible, prohibiting organisations from making informed decisions when it comes to translation services based on need, “ explains Jessica O’Dwyer, General Manager, Europe, Pocketalk. “However, with Ventana you can now get that crucial insight from how many languages are being translated, to where translation is most in demand or whether there is a new demand. All of which can help improve efficiency and resourcing in a cost effective, secure way.

Features

• Privacy-First Approach: GDPR compliant Ventana is designed as a privacy-first solution, aligning with Pocketalk’s commitment to safeguarding company and personal data. Ventana prioritises the security of information and ensures it is protected with above industry standards through robust product features, stringent policies, and rigorous procedures. Users can have peace of mind, knowing their data is in safe hands.
• View and Export Data: Access and export data on the languages being used and how frequently and where. This valuable insight allows organisations to make data-driven decisions and optimise their translation strategies.
• Group Device Management: Group devices and gain visibility into which areas of the organisation utilise the devices most frequently. This feature enables decision makers to optimise device usage and allocate resources efficiently.
• Device Management: Manage individual devices, ensuring smooth operation and peak performance. Users can monitor device functions and receive timely alerts in case of any issues, allowing them to take proactive measures to address concerns.

“The Ventana launch is further demonstration of how Pocketalk is committed to power conversations anywhere, at any time. Our commitment to #allspokenhere means we want everyone to have a voice and Ventana enables this to now happen across organisations such as hospitals to banks and parent teacher meetings. We are very excited about the future of language translation and our role in being able to support communications,” added O’Dwyer.

Language Translation Software
Language Translation Software

Today, the UK supply chain and logistics sector continue to face talent shortages. Historically, it has called upon international workers to fill roles such as driver and warehouse operatives, which has resulted in a highly diverse workforce, embracing people from all different nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures. According to research by Prologis UK, 12% of the logistics, warehousing, and supply chain workers in the UK as of mid-2023 were non-native English speakers. With this comes language barriers and communication challenges.

Pocketalk’s translation device is already helping in the logistics sector to bridge the gap, with its handheld device that translates into 84 languages instantly, including lesser spoken languages and dialects, quickly, accurately and safely.

read more

Routing and Scheduling Software now Available in Polish Language

 

Megacentre for Spices and Herbs Opens

Posted on by David Priestman

From anise to cinnamon, Greiwing logistics for you GmbH is extending its service portfolio and focusing more on the handling of spices and herbs. To better meet the increased requirements of the customers, the logistics specialist is expanding its location in the Hamburg Harbour. To that end, the corporate group in the Vollhöfner Weiden has acquired a large 28,000 square metre property and thus has one of the largest logistics centres for spices and herbs in Germany and Europe. 20 employees will work at the new location.. Under the name ‘GREIWING spice logistics for you’, GREIWING as a full-service provider represents a single source for all food logistics services from import processing to value added services to delivery to end customers.

“The handling of spices and herbs requires a high level of expertise and the greatest care. Each product has its own needs and characteristics and requires different treatments. In our corporate group, we have more than 70 years of experience in this field. With the expansion of our services in one of the largest maritime ports of Europe, we see an enormous potential for the extension of our activities in the food sector,” says Jürgen Greiwing, managing partner of GREIWING logistics for you GmbH.

The large 28,000 square metre property is located in Altenwerder in the Vollhöfner Weiden and has more than 40,000 pallet spaces. Due to its close proximity to the container terminals and to Autobahn 7, customers will benefit from the short distances. “With our added location, we quadruple our capacities and thereby offer our customers a broader range of services and dedicated solutions,” says Greiwing.

The scope of services in food logistics primarily includes: de-metallisation, sieving, cleaning and disinfection in autoclaves. Depending on the customer’s wish, thorough processing of all goods is individually possible. Furthermore, Greiwing takes care of the import and export, container trucking, storage, transfer of the goods, and quality control. Both locations are customs bonded warehouses and approved veterinarian locations.

For a uniform appearance under one roof, all services are managed under the existing company name ‘GREIWING spice logistics for you’. Greiwing explains: “This way we create a central touchpoint for new and existing customers and clearly show: We take care of everything!“

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Megacentre for Spices and Herbs Opens

Posted on by Keith McKinley

From anise to cinnamon, Greiwing logistics for you GmbH is extending its service portfolio and focusing more on the handling of spices and herbs. To better meet the increased requirements of the customers, the logistics specialist is expanding its location in the Hamburg Harbour. To that end, the corporate group in the Vollhöfner Weiden has acquired a large 28,000 square metre property and thus has one of the largest logistics centres for spices and herbs in Germany and Europe. 20 employees will work at the new location.. Under the name ‘GREIWING spice logistics for you’, GREIWING as a full-service provider represents a single source for all food logistics services from import processing to value added services to delivery to end customers.

“The handling of spices and herbs requires a high level of expertise and the greatest care. Each product has its own needs and characteristics and requires different treatments. In our corporate group, we have more than 70 years of experience in this field. With the expansion of our services in one of the largest maritime ports of Europe, we see an enormous potential for the extension of our activities in the food sector,” says Jürgen Greiwing, managing partner of GREIWING logistics for you GmbH.

The large 28,000 square metre property is located in Altenwerder in the Vollhöfner Weiden and has more than 40,000 pallet spaces. Due to its close proximity to the container terminals and to Autobahn 7, customers will benefit from the short distances. “With our added location, we quadruple our capacities and thereby offer our customers a broader range of services and dedicated solutions,” says Greiwing.

The scope of services in food logistics primarily includes: de-metallisation, sieving, cleaning and disinfection in autoclaves. Depending on the customer’s wish, thorough processing of all goods is individually possible. Furthermore, Greiwing takes care of the import and export, container trucking, storage, transfer of the goods, and quality control. Both locations are customs bonded warehouses and approved veterinarian locations.

For a uniform appearance under one roof, all services are managed under the existing company name ‘GREIWING spice logistics for you’. Greiwing explains: “This way we create a central touchpoint for new and existing customers and clearly show: We take care of everything!“

read more

Wincanton to Open New Facility at DP World London Gateway

 

Transition Tool for Informed Fleet Electrification

Posted on by David Priestman

Webfleet, Bridgestone’s global fleet management solution, has launched the EV Transition Tool to support businesses transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) or expanding their EV fleets. This innovative solution, the first resulting directly from the recently introduced EV Services Platform, promises to transform the way fleets approach electrification, helping them to meet sustainability targets and run efficient, reliable operations.

In collaboration with leaders from the energy and mobility industries, the Webfleet EV Transition Tool is designed to demystify and simplify the process of transitioning to electric vehicles using a single platform.

By leveraging their own fleet data, customers can assess their readiness for electrification, estimate the total cost of ownership (TCO) for going electric, the operational cost and CO2 savings.
Additionally, they can gain valuable insights into the most suitable EV models and the estimated charging infrastructure needed for their specific operations.

The tool not only simplifies the decision-making process for fleet managers but also allows them to directly reach out to leading energy and mobility service providers – partners of the EV Services Platform. Initially, customers can directly connect to VEV, Heliox, The Mobility House, CTEK, Justplugin, ChargeGuru and Zeplug for end-to-end charging solutions across depots, workplaces and homes, streamlining the setup of charging infrastructure.

“Our goal is to take the guesswork out of the EV transition for our customers, based on their own fleet data,” said Taco Olthoff, EV Programme Director of Bridgestone Mobility Solutions. “By providing fleets of all sizes with a quick TCO estimation, they can kick-start their electrification journey without the need for time-consuming and costly consultancy. Users can then take the next steps to electrification, supported by our network of expert partners, directly accessible within the tool itself.”

The introduction of the Webfleet EV Transition Tool marks a significant step forward in fleet electrification support. The solution utilises fleet data for customised fleet electrification plans at no extra cost to European Webfleet customers subscribed to specific tariffs.

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Adopting EV Fleets Presents Challenges

 

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