Dear Readers,
It is Thursday the 8th of August, and I am back with another newsletter; this time the first issue after a wonderful and long summer break.
I can’t say that I have been resting on any laurels, and it is indeed difficult to get back in gear, but as they say, there is an end to anything. I spent a month in Thailand. I was fortunate enough to have my 3 youngest kids with me and with access to a pool and a couple of local swim teachers who couldn’t speak much English but with good discipline, I am happy to say that all of them finally learnt to swim the right away. Shows what a dedicated effort with discipline and less talking can do. They learnt more swimming in that time than during 2-3 years of 1 hr on and off in the school in Sweden. Well, perhaps motivation helps, too, but there is indeed something to be said for having discipline along with teaching, and it IS indeed a serious problem in Sweden nowadays. Denmark is not far behind on that score, and it was reported recently that many parents spend thousands of USD on giving their kids extra tuition.
During the summer break I also visited my favourite place, Hong Kong for a couple of days and finally my native country, Denmark and my parents in DK-Grenaa where they have now lived for some 27 years and which is their final place of rest. As happy as I am and was to see them there was the depressing contrast to see the deterioration gradually happening. It comes to all of us. If there is something we cannot control it is time, and the clock running faster and faster.
As you know from some of the PCW issues in May, I had a long trip onboard an MPP vessel from Portugal to Japan earlier. Together with that I dare say that the first 8 months of this year have been quite eventful. I am right now in Latin America where I am spending a lot of time in one of my favourite countries, Chile. Latin America has its problems as well with some countries on the brink of disaster politically and where “leaders” unable to step aside are more keen on staying in power than actually looking after their population. At least Uncle Joe in the US decided to step down before another blunder. Now, it remains to be seen what comes next. The world can hope that the US and its 300 million + population can find some competency to lead the world because the BRICS alternative in leading the world will NOT be good for anyone — certainly not for democracy, freedom of speech, or living in a place where you are free of surveillance.
I compiled a bunch of pictures here from the trips I had since the last issue in June and until now, this first issue in August.
And here videos taking off from Madrid, over the Andes, landing in Santiago, Chile:
So yes, overall a fantastic summer with good times, meetings, relaxation, and expanding the view as always happens when traveling the world.
The world of shipping is back to the “Happy Corona” days in terms of rates and full-booked vessels. Given the inability of the world to take care of the problem arising in Yemen and The Red Sea, it is indeed happy days for the CFO’s of the main shipping lines of the world. In war and crisis, there are always winners, too. For some, there is no reason to end disaster as there is profit to be derived from it. Here I think of the “usual freedom fighters” or others who claim working “for the people” whilst in fact working for themselves.
Still, life goes on, and as mentioned before, time is passing and fast, but concerning society and to some extent we must talk politics a bit too, it seems to me that Sweden is falling fast in respect and awe from the world outside. Over the last few years there has been a surge in crime, child soldiers and what not that without reason is now a plague for a socialist and wonderful welfare paradise where noone is left hungry. It may soon be coming to a place near you. Danish policy and society is even talking about checking passports due to criminals coming in from Sweden… go figure!!
This article (PDF) from the Daily Telegraph regrettably tells it all it seems.
So without further ado and getting back in gear. We have today 1 fresh interview for you and 2 that I have chosen to re-publish. They are as follows:
1. CLI & Incotrans (both in Germany) offering regular monthly services for many years to North America and Canada in particular.
2. Atlas Heavy Transport in Houston, Texas — a reliable inland service and project services provider worldwide.
3. Masterline, Paraguay — part of a Latin American group active in several countries in this vast continent.
We, of course, provide you with shipping news, trade intel, wise words and featured picture and video of the week. I also remind you to download our APP (link here). You may also take a look at our Mediakit (link here) in case you wish to place a banner ad that links to your website. Since we only allow a few, you WILL BE noticed by some of our 40,000 + receivers worldwide.
We are back again on 22/8 with fresh interviews and with all then back from their vacations etc., there will be new content for sure.
With these words, wishing you well and see you in 2 weeks!
With best regards,
Yours sincerely,
Bo H. Drewsen
bo.drewsen@projectcargo-weekly.com
Video Interview
Incotrans & CLI Marine
Mr. Torsten Bender, Owner at Incotrans GmbH and Mr. Marc Schweiger, Director Projects & Breakbulk at CLI Marine, Germany interviewed by Bo H. Drewsen, Editor in Chief at PCW
[From the Archives]
Video Interview
Atlas Heavy Transport
Frank Scheibner, President & CEO at ATLAS Heavy Transport LLC & ATLAS Heavy Projects LLC interviewed by Bo H. Drewsen, Editor in Chief at PCW
[From the Archives]
Masterline Logistics Group – Asunción, Paraguay
Interview with
Mr. Antonio Acosta
Business Development Manager
First of all Antonio, please tell our readers about the company Masterline. Where are you present in South America? Who are the owners of Masterline?
Masterline Logistics Group is a family-owned business, founded in 2003 by Mr. Jean Armand Dessenoix and Mrs. Isabel Bedregal. At the moment, our company has a staff of 500 employees, 28 offices in 13 countries in LATAM (Latin America), Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica.
Carsten Rehder Orders New Ships from Garden Reach Shipbuilders
Editor’s Note:
We received this interesting shipping news from Carsten Rehder recently. Quite impressive and bridge forward designed ships ideal for moving project and renewable cargoes…. when looking at the picture here.
German shipowner Carsten Rehder announced it has signed an agreement with Indian shipbuilder Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. for the construction of 4+4 CORAL 7500 Multipurpose Dry Cargo Vessels.
The Latest form the Arctic Business Journal
Editor’s Note:
The Arctic News is interesting albeit being “Russian territory” and thus not interesting for “democratic minded” countries. In this regard you may expect many vessels from China transiting, they don’t have such concerns.
This week the Arctic Business Journal shares a story about a cyanide spill that could deal a further blow to Alaska’s dwindling salmon population. There’s also an interview with exiled Russia energy expert Mikhail Krutikhin, who claims that several industrial projects in the Russian Arctic are part of a major scam.
Finally, they include an article about a much-trumpeted Chinese-Icelandic research center that now faces bankruptcy.
Shipping Podcast by Lena Gothberg
Editor’s Note:
Lena Gothberg in Sweden has an interesting podcast with various topics that perhaps don’t raise an eyebrow every day but all the time are interesting often to listen to.
In episode 244, Lena speaks with Lina Buurstra, an SAR Mission Coordinator at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre. She answers your call when you are in distress and knows how to make things right again. Lina was a Master Mariner before becoming a rescue leader.
ACS Arranges Charter for Linus the Greater Kudu
Editor’s Note:
Airfreight projects are also “shipping and logistics” and thus we share an impressive project done by Air Charter Service UK, so it would seem that in the UK they CAN do more than just speaking good English 🙂.
ACS recently arranged a charter to transport a greater kudu (a large African antelope) from a North American zoo to his new home on a conservation area in Chile.
Masdar Partners with Endesa to Develop 2.5 GW of PV with Storage in Spain
United Arab Emirates energy company Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co. ( Masdar ) announced today that it has reached an agreement with Endesa to become a partner in 2.5 GW of renewable energy assets in Spain, subject to regulatory approvals and other conditions. The transaction would involve an investment of €817 million for Masdar to acquire a 49.99% stake, with an enterprise value of €1.7 billion.
JinkoSolar’s Saudi Plant Set to Go Live in 2026
JinkoSolar, the world’s largest solar panel producer by shipments, said its planned factory in Saudi Arabia, which will be the world’s biggest manufacturing plant for N-type solar cells and modules, is expected to become operational in early 2026 and help produce solar cells with record efficiency.
Sungrow and RZK Energia Sign Supply Agreement for 100 MW of Distributed Solar Generation
Sungrow, a global developer of photovoltaic inverters and storage systems, has entered into a strategic partnership with RZK Energia to supply equipment for 22 photovoltaic plants. The agreement provides technological support for a total of 100 MWp of installed capacity in RZK Energia’s distributed generation assets, located in the states of Piauí (8), São Paulo (8), Distrito Federal (2), Paraná (2), Ceará (1) and Goiás (1).
Galati Yacht Sales Named Absolute Dealer
Galati Yacht Sales last week announced that it has become an Absolute Yachts dealer, covering the Florida Gulf Coast through Texas, including the Panhandle, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Landing at Chek Lap Ko Airport, Hong Kong
Editor’s Note:
Landing in Hong Kong was my favourite landing spot ever since Kai Tak Airport which I arrived into in 1986. Although Chek Lap Kok is different it is still an awesome experience and particularly with Cathay Pacific of course!
Editor’s Note:
Two Great Shipowners and MPP Vessels Seen Here in the Danish Port of Esbjerg Last Week!
