UASC at Khorfakkan Container Terminal

This has not been an easy year for container shipping lines as they have inevitably been affected by the worldwide downturn in trade which has resulted in lower volumes carried, lower utilisations and lower rates. All lines will be happy to see the end of 2009, a year in which they have racked up very substantial losses.

In this environment, Gulftainer determined, early in the year, that it was essential to ensure that the terminals in Khorfakkan (KCT) and Sharjah (SCT) made even more strenuous efforts to produce optimum productivity to assist lines as much as possible during this difficult time.

It's good to be able to report at the end of this most difficult of years, that both terminals have risen admirably to the challenge.

SCT has consistently performed at a high level despite restrictions posed by the ongoing quay reconstruction project. 2010 will see the completion of this work and the deepening of draft in the terminal to 12.5 metres.

KCT has managed to keep setting records throughout the year, culminating in a quite remarkable performance on November 30th when the 277 metre long, 3800 teu UASC ship 'Deira' achieved 343.3 moves per hour average (net) for the ship overall and 103.8 moves per hour average on the heavy hook - an amazing feat.

Gulftainer KCT Terminal Manager Dag Froehmcke was delighted to be able to comment that, "Everyone at KCT should be congratulated for this great performance. We are once again proud and pleased with yet another record performance at KCT, which illustrates the importance of the ongoing expansion at the terminal. We are sure that this excellent productivity helped to improve schedule integrity for the 'Deira', allowing it to meet berthing windows in other ports and helping UASC to save fuel-oil costs - a particularly important consideration in these challenging days , when every penny counts.

KCT is now well known for its efficient, speedy performance and the addition of four new gantries so far this year - bringing the current total number at the terminal in operation and being erected to 18, with another two to be delivered later this month - will certainly help us to increase our reputation even further in this respect. This fast, efficient handling is exactly what shipping lines are looking for to cut costs".

Momentum is continuing its steady growth and is now a member of the Atlas International Network, a group of independent forwarding companies, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) / non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) and related service providers.

Atlas International Network is one of the largest freight forwarders alliances in the world and has been in business for over ten years. The Atlas network is a close-knit alliance of companies involved in the freight forwarding sector who work together enabling members to compete with global players. Today, Atlas International Network has over 160 members with over 190 offices in more than 90 countries around the globe, each one with the flexibility and superior service only locally-owned companies can provide.

Part of the Momentum transport fleet.

Says Momentum Logistics General Manager Matthew Derrick: "Since its establishment, Momentum has always looked to provide the highest standard of service to our customers, and to develop our global network. In the last year, our freight division has established a global network of agents, assembled a team of experienced professionals and attracted over 50 new clients. Joining the Atlas International Network enhances our existing freight forwarding network and enables us to provide our customers with the superior service that they have come to associate with Momentum, no matter where their location.

As a member of the Atlas network, Momentum has access to a global network that operates in accordance with the highest international standards in the freight forwarding industry, enabling us to offer our customers value-added logistics on a truly worldwide scale," he added.

Since its inception in October last year, Momentum Logistics has been focusing on growing and expanding its services, and this latest move is in line with its aim of becoming the global provider of choice for third-party logistics and supply chain management services.

In addition to the growth of its freight forwarding division, which is based in the Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD), with new offices planned to open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi soon, Momentum has also been developing its other services. Its transportation fleet of tractors and trailers has grown to be the one of the largest trucking operations in the region.

The fleet comprises 122 tractors and over 240 trailers, including specialized low bed trailers and tipping chassis. The division has also relocated to new offices and opened a state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance and repair facility within the SICD.

The development of logistics cities is also in full swing , and the levelling of the site for International Logistics City in Al Saja'a is complete, with work underway on the perimeter road network, while 12 new warehouses have been added to SICD's facilities, with work underway on a further 12 that are due to be completed in Q2 2010. The new container repair depot at SICD is also operational, and this division continues to attract new business, having added six key clients to its portfolio in the challenging past year.

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