IN THIS ISSUE
• ICHCA Australia Improves Communications
• New Queensland ICHCA Chairman Appointed
• ICHCA International 2012 Conference
• About Our Sponsors
o Shipping Australia
o Adani
o AECOM
o Patrick
o Sydney Ports
• New ICHCA Information Paper Available
• Reports from ICHCA Meeting in Canberra
• SolveIT Software Goes Live at CBH Group
• Fatigue Laws Welcomed by ALC
• Innovative Floating Harbour Transhipper System for Lucky Bay
• BHP Billiton Executive Changes
• Business SA’s Mission to India
• Emerald Announces $120m Supply Chain Expansion
• Business SA’s Mission to Hong Kong
• Australia re-elected to IMO Council
ICHCA Australia Improves Communications
ICHCA Australia Limited has launched its own website to improve communications with its members and colleagues and to keep them better informed of national and international developments. The website can be accessed at www.ichca-australia.com
ICHCA Australia Chairman, Tony Grant, said the website provided relevant, up-to-date information for Australian and International members and associates. “It complements the ICHCA International website and the ICHCA Canarias/Africa Regional Chapter website and will expand our communications and consultation with the ICHCA membership and other interested parties. “We are delighted at the support we have received from our website foundation sponsors and thank them for making it all possible.”
The website sponsors are MariTrade, Strang-Tradex Group, TT Club, Asiaworld Shipping Services, Emerald Group Australia and Wave Systems Australia.
The website provides open access to broad information on a range of general interest topics in the industry, both nationally and internationally and also provides a number of member profiles and information on advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
The popular monthly e-newsletter, Inside ICHCA, as well as ICHCA media releases are available along with ICHCA’s Calendar of Events, including planned dates for the industry luncheons in 2012.
The Members Only Section contains important information including the highly valued ICHCA International Advisory notices and publications, many of which are free for members.
To become a member of ICHCA Australia, find out more, register for the International Conference or take advantage of advertising and other opportunities please contact:
Ian Lovell, Company Secretary and Conference Coordinator, ICHCA Australia on +61 (0)400 708 182 or e-mail ian.lovell@bigpond.com.
ICHCA Australia acknowledges and thanks Chris Gurney for the services he provided in the design and set-up of the ICHCA Australia website. His contact details are: Chris Gurney, Discover The South, chris@discoverthesouth.com.au. Phone 08 8289 1999, facsimile 08 8121 6126, mobile 0412 287 688.
New Queensland ICHCA Chairman Appointed
After many years of faithful service, Peter Murrell has stood down as State Chair of ICHCA Queensland. ICHCA Australia is grateful to Peter for the many hours he has contributed, for his efforts supporting ICHCA in Queensland and extends best wishes.
ICHCA Australia is pleased to announce that Steve Kanowski is the new ICHCA Queensland State Chairman. Steve is already hard at work organising the ICHCA Queensland luncheon events for 2012 and recruiting additional members to join the ICHCA Queensland State Committee.
Steve is based in Brisbane and is well credentialed as Business Leader – Transport Strategy and Economics for well-known consulting company GHD. He is a transport economist with over 25 years’ experience in the transport sector – rail, aviation, maritime and road. He has an extensive track record in economic and financial project evaluations, forecasting, feasibility studies, pricing, economic regulation and strategic planning. Steve is the manager of the GHD business group which focuses on economics and policy advice to the infrastructure and other sectors. He is also responsible for the performance of the 30-person team and the delivery of projects to clients globally. | 
Steve Kanowski
|
Steve’s qualifications include a BBus(Econ), GradDipAgEcon and PGDipMment. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and a member of the Supply Chain Logistics Association of Australia and the Economic Society of Australia.
His areas of experience include: economic project evaluations in both land and sea transport sectors; forecasting of trade, freight, air traffic and public transport patronage; pricing and regulation reviews; competition policy and regulatory economics and strategic planning
Steve can be contacted on telephone 07 3316 3151, mobile 0405 533 420, e-mail steve.kanowski@ghd.com .
Queensland ICHCA lunch dates for 2012 are: Wednesday March 28th, Wednesday July 18, Wednesday October 17.
It’s Getting Closer: ICHCA International
2012 Biennial Conference
The ICHCA International Biennial Conference has strong sponsorship support and an excellent line up of expert speakers from a wide number of countries including:
For all the facts click here ICHCA International 2012 Biennial Conference and Exhibition or email Ian Lovell, Conference Coordinator for further information.
Conference registrations at early bird rates are open so register now.
ICHCA has been overwhelmed by the strong support already being shown for the conference and not the least being by the conference sponsors. Below are profiles on some of our very valued sponsors and supporters of the conference.
About Our Sponsors
The major focus of Shipping Australia, as a peak industry body, is both to promote and advance the interests of ship owners and shipping agents in all matters of shipping policy and safe environmentally sustainable ship operations.
Shipping Australia’s members cover many of the major Australian and international ship owners, operators and agency companies involved in bulk, tanker, general cargo shipping, container, passenger and tramp trades. It also provides Secretariat services to the many liner companies and agencies that are members of conferences, discussion agreements, consortia and joint services that have their agreements registered under Part X of the Australian Competition and Consumer Act, 2010 (Cth). These agreements specifically seek to facilitate and encourage growth of Australia's international liner shipping trades.
It is in a unique position to reflect the views of all shipping companies servicing the Australian trades and to effectively represent their needs.
Shipping Australia keeps their members informed of developments affecting the industry and represents the industry on many committees involving governments, port authorities and non-government bodies. It also has close working relationships with many organisations (both national and international) that work with or in support of the shipping industry. | 
Llew Russell - CEO
Shipping Australia |
The membership includes many valued associate corporate members and individuals who provide services to shipping or have an interest in the activities of the industry.
Shipping Australia also provides a forum for discussion and the exchange of information between members and other parties, researches and compiles data on the industry and maintains formal contacts between the industry, interest groups and the general public.
Shipping Australia’s objectives are to influence government and other bodies to adopt policies that:
• Support and promote the development of a regulatory environment which supports the reliable supply of efficient shipping services.
• Implement and support actions taken which are aimed at reducing the costs of shipping services. • Improve the quality of service to Australia’s exporters and importers. • Expand the opportunities for shipping services focusing on world’s best practice and safe and environmentally sustainable operating procedures. • Maintain a high level of maritime security. • Raise the image and public perception of the shipping industry. • Expand the information and databases of value to its members. • Cooperate with all government and non-government organizations in the pursuit of these objectives. • Ensure that any legislation/regulations adopted in Australia have a positive impact on shipping and are in accordance with Australia’s international obligations.
Shipping Australia represents an industry that makes a massive contribution to the Australian economy: • It carries more than $200 billion worth of cargo in and out of Australia each year; • It employs more than 14,000 people either at sea or onshore; • It carries more than 150 thousand passengers each year; • It carries around 6 million containers (20 Foot Equivalent Units) every year; • It carries more than 500 million tonnes of bulk cargo each year; and • There are more than 26,000 ship visits to Australian ports each year.
For further information contact:
Llew Russell
Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 02 9266 9903
Email: lrussell@shippingaustralia.com.au
Web: www.shippingaustralia.com.au
Adani Mining Pty Ltd is a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL), one of the largest diversified businesses in India with interests in infrastructure, energy and abribusiness. Adani Mining recently acquired a 100% interest in Galilee Coal Tenement (EPC 1690) which is now called Carmichael Coal Project with an estimated 7.8 billion tonne of coal resources. The mine is located about 160km to the north-west of Clermont, which in turn is located about 100km north of Emerald. Development has started to establish a 60 million tonne per annum coal mine with mine life of more than 100 years. This is the largest ever investment by any Indian company in Australia.
When fully developed, the Carmichael Coal Mine will be the largest coal mine in Queensland. The proposed mine involves the development of both a greenfield open-cut mine and an underground mine, supported by rail facilities leading to coal export terminals at Abbot Point or Hay Point. Export coal from the project will predominantly service the Indian domestic power market.
The mine infrastructure, rail and port will require a total investment of about $6.8 billion for construction.
The principal features of the Adani Group are:
Port Ownership and Operations • Own and operate Mundra Port, India’s largest private sector port, which includes the world’s largest coal import terminal rated at 60 mtpa. • Four other bulk cargo terminals under operations and development in India. • Recently acquired the multi-user Abbot Point Coal Terminal near Bowen in Queensland with a 50 mtpa capacity. • Owns and operates two Capesize vessels (175,000 dwt each).
Power Generation • Current power generation capacity of 6,000MW in India. • Plan to commission 20,000 MW coal based thermal power at six different locations in India by 2020.
Coal Mining and Coal Trading • Largest trader of thermal coal in India. • Operating a thermal coal mine in Indonesia with present production of 6 mtpa being expanded to 11 mtpa. • Mine developer and operator for coal mines in India for 130 mtpa contracted volume to supply state-owned utilities (coal mining is not permitted in India for the private sector except for captive use). Development involves construction of 200 kms of rail and a coal terminal on the east coast of India.
 Travel by land, sea or air just about anywhere and you will encounter transportation infrastructure and systems that AECOM has planned, designed or managed.
As Australia’s population grows, so does demand for safe, practical, cost-effective methods of transportation. AECOM explores new ways to navigate challenging projects and finds smarter solutions that deliver better outcomes for clients.
This can mean delivering new transportation systems or restoring ageing infrastructure to find more sustainable ways to move people and freight across our country and beyond. |  |
AECOM specialises in safe, reliable end-to-end solutions, including:
• Freight and rail: from planning and advisory services through to operations and asset management of infrastructure, rolling stock and equipment.
• Ports and marine: planning and engineering across container terminals, bulk ports, harbours and channels, cruise facilities and naval services.
• Aviation: from master planning and environmental assessments to asset management and fuel facilities for airline and airport owners to bank, defence and government clients.
This takes a team of planners, designers, engineers, environmental specialists, advisors, scientists and economists. This is AECOM and that’s why it’s 45,000 talented professionals across 125 countries have been ranked by Engineering News Record as the top global designers in transportation for 10 consecutive years.
It’s all part of AECOM’s united purpose of creating, enhancing and sustaining the world’s built, natural and social environments to create a better world in which to work and live. Find out more at www.aecom.com.
With nearly a century of history operating on Australia’s waterfront, Patrick has become a frontline interface for Australian trade. Patrick is Australia's only provider of all services within the crucial ship to warehouse link of the import/export supply chain. We are focused on Safety, our Customers and working as One Team to provide service levels, productivity, efficiency and innovation at world class standards. Patrick holds privileged national container terminal assets in key locations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Fremantle with capacity to handle 3.9 million TEU (twenty equivalent units) annually. In Brisbane, Patrick’s groundbreaking project, the world’s first automated straddle carrier (AutoStrad) terminal, is now servicing all Patrick container volume. The automated 10 metre high, 65 tonne straddle carriers are fitted with sophisticated motion control and navigation systems allowing them to operate unmanned – moving and stacking containers from the quay into holding yards and onto vehicles and back to quay cranes with pinpoint accuracy. |  |
 | Patrick is a leader in the provision of container services for ship and landside customers and assists in the movement of containers by road and rail through its Port Logistics business. Patrick also provides rail land bridging services between Melbourne and Adelaide.
The Patrick Division also includes Patrick Autocare the pre-eminent supplier of wharf to door automotive services nationally and Patrick Ports and Stevedoring which provides services across the major general cargo and bulk ports in both Australia and New Zealand.
Patrick is a division of Asciano Ltd, one of Australia's largest ASX-listed infrastructure owners. For further information please visit our website: www.patrick.com.au |
 | SYDNEY PORTS: WORKING
AND GROWING TOGETHER |
Sydney’s ports facilitate over $AU61 billion of trade each year with an annual contribution to the New South Wales economy in excess of $AU5 billion.
Sydney Ports Corporation is a leader in world-class, efficient and sustainable ports and logistics networks.
Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia |
Sydney Ports’ role is to manage the navigational, security and operational safety needs of commercial shipping through the ports of Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay, which is located in the eastern state of New South Wales, Australia. Sydney Ports invests in new infrastructure to ensure these vital economic assets continue to meet the future trade needs of New South Wales and Australia.
Two major developments currently under way to meet the demands of future trade growth and to provide a more efficient port include the Port Botany Expansion project and the Port Botany Landside Improvement Strategy (PBLIS), respectively.
Sydney Ports is increasing capacity at Port Botany with the construction of a third container terminal. The $AU1 billion Port Botany Expansion is due to be operational in 2012, providing more options for importers and exporters. | 
Port Botany, New South Wales, Australia | In April 2010, Sydney Ports’ announced a world first – the new PBLIS reforms – to increase the Port’s efficiency, consistency and transparency by regulating stevedore and carrier performance at Port Botany. These landmark reforms aim to ease truck traffic and freight delays by establishing a clear commercial relationship between carriers and stevedores, whereby penalties are paid by either party for failing to achieve agreed performance benchmarks.
Since the launch of reciprocal penalties for the Operational Performance Measures in February 2011, the landside operations at Port Botany have improved. Truck Turnaround Times is at an average of 30 minutes across both terminals. It is envisaged that as container volumes continue to grow (in line with seasonality) Truck Turnaround Times will remain under the benchmark of 50 minutes. |
These projects involve all users of Sydney’s ports working together to meet the future challenges of growing container trade.
To find out more about Sydney Ports, visit www.sydneyports.com.au
email enquiries@sydneyports.com.au,
or call +61 2 9296 4999.
New ICHCA Information Paper Available ICHCA International has advised that a further Information paper 56/11 is now available. It deals with the possible fake gas tanks which have been received from Port Skills and Safety in the UK and is available to members for their information and action where necessary. The Information Paper is available on ICHCA International’s website www.ichcainternational.com or ICHCA Australia’s website www.ichca-australia.com. 
Highly Productive Meeting between ICHCA
and Senior Officials in Canberra
This is the second part of agency reports covering the recent meeting between senior Australian Government executives and ICHCA Australia representatives in Canberra in September to discuss matters of mutual interest and gain an update on initiatives of significance to Australia’s cargo handling and logistics industry.
The Departments/Divisions participating in the discussions included:
• Trade Competitiveness Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Network Performance and NTC, Surface Transport Policy Division Department of Infrastructure and Transport
• Shipping Policy Reform Taskforce Department of Infrastructure and Transport Maritime Operations Division AMSA
• Industry and Environment - Population, Labour, Industry and Environment Division, Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Manager Government Relations, Austrade
• Quarantine Operations Division, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Strategic Development Cargo, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Initiatives
The information paper on Experimental Statistics on International Shipping Container Movements, 2009-10 was released on the ABS website in September: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5368.0.55.018?OpenDocument
This paper presents experimental statistics on international shipping container movements. It describes government and industry data requirements for container statistics, the relationship between container statistics and other statistics, the methodology used to compile statistics on containers used to import goods, the available dataset for compiling container statistics and options for the future of these statistics.
The paper aims to promote discussion and seek feedback from data users on the statistics presented, their methodology and other issues raised in the paper.
Concerning international trade in goods and services (ABS cat. no 5368.0), an explanation of the concepts, scope and methods is provided in the Explanatory Notes.
International Container Statistics
International container statistics are collected by Customs. ABS is currently investigating the feasibility of producing information based on this administrative data, and will be releasing an information paper on this in September. The data could contain information on type of container, contents of container, and delivery destination of containers. The key concerns are around quality of the data and confidentiality at the fine disaggregation’s required for freight demand modelling. The ABS is not funded to produce these statistics on an ongoing basis.
Freight Data Roadmap
The National Ports Strategy and draft National Land Freight Strategy released by Infrastructure Australia both highlight the need for better information to make long-term planning decisions on transport infrastructure investment. The ABS is working with BITRE and jurisdictional transport agencies to develop a freight data roadmap which will identify current national priorities and assist in forecasting future needs. Key to this strategy is updated information on road freight movements, which was last collected in 2000/01. The Australian Transport Data Action Network (ATDAN) will discuss options to progress.
Identifying Transport Activities across the Economy
Understanding the economic impact of transport activity is crucial in evaluating the wider economic benefits that flow from transport infrastructure investment. It is also crucial to fully evaluate impacts of transport policy. Current economic statistics on transport only identify those businesses whose main activity is transport related.
The ABS is investigating the production of a transport satellite account, which identifies transport activities across the economy within the standard economic statistics framework. The information paper A Future Australian Transport Satellite Account: ABS Views 2011 (ABS cat. no. 5629.0.55.001) has recently been released on the ABS website. See link below.
http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/5269.0.55.001?OpenDocument Department of Infrastructure and Transport
Stronger Shipping for a Stronger Economy:
Most Significant Reform in Australia’s Maritime History As an island nation, the maritime sector is the cornerstone of Australia’s transport industry. Safe, efficient, environmentally sustainable maritime operations are critical to improving our national productivity and maintaining our enviable reputation in regard to environmental management, marine safety and security.
Movement of cargo on the ‘blue highway’ provides an environmentally sustainable transport choice and eases congestion on the road system. Around 25% of the domestic freight task (on a tonne kilometre basis) is carried by ships. Over the last 15 years, the amount of this cargo carried by foreign vessels, employing foreign crews has increased from six to 30%.
More than 99% of Australia s international trade is carried by ships, yet only 0.5% of national export trade is carried on Australian flagged vessels.
This is a lost economic opportunity.
Lack of action has disadvantaged the Australian shipping industry and led to the current state of decline. This decline can be measured by:
• decreased ship numbers – since 1996, the number of Australian registered trading vessels have more than halved from 55 to 22.
• crew numbers – employment on Australian registered trading vessels has reduced from 2,400 to 1,300 over the same period.
• average age of fleet – the average age of Australian vessels is 19 years, compared to a global average of 12 years. Newer ships are safer and more efficient.
Australia’s competitor nations have responded decisively to implement fiscal and regulatory arrangements to foster the growth of their shipping industries. In the most global of industries, the Australian Government’s policy settings must provide an internationally competitive investment environment.
Stronger Shipping for a Stronger Economy delivers a reform package that positions the Australian shipping industry to take advantage of the opportunities provided by our burgeoning export market and increased domestic transport task.
The shipping package comprises four key elements:
• tax reforms to remove barriers to investment in Australian shipping and to foster the global competitiveness of the shipping industry.
• a strengthened and simplified regulatory framework with a transparent licensing regime supported by clearly stated objectives.
• the establishment of an Australian International Shipping Register (AISR) to encourage Australian companies to participate in the international trades.
• establishment of a Maritime Workforce Development Forum to progress key maritime skills and training priorities.
Tax Reforms
The centrepiece of the tax package is the introduction of a tax exemption regime for Australian ship operators, which delivers an effective tax rate of zero on the qualifying elements of corporate income tax. This will ensure that they are competitive with foreign owned and subsidised shipping.
The tax exemption will offer an inclusive approach to defining those activities that qualify for the tax exemption, ensuring the tax regime is competitive with the UK, Singapore and other jurisdictions. To get the benefit of this tax exemption, Australian shipping companies will have to make a 10 year ‘lock in’ commitment to being Australian registered ships and meeting Australian maritime safety conditions.
Access to the tax exemption is also contingent on meeting a minimum training requirement, ensuring that industry plays its part in securing a stable maritime skills base.
Other components of the tax regime for Australian shipping include:
• a tax scheme combining a reduction in the depreciation period from 20 to 10 years, a balancing charge deferral, and relaxed capital gains tax (CGT) provisions if CGT applies, commonly called roll-over relief.
• exemption from Royalty Withholding Tax liability for foreign owners of vessels where the vessel is leased under a bareboat charter to an Australian company.
• ensuring Australians can work in international seafaring by providing a seafarers’ tax concession for resident employers of Australian resident seafarers, who spent 91 days or more on international voyages on qualifying vessels in an income year.
Consistent with the Australian Government’s objectives to increase the size of the national fleet, registration on the Australian primary or international shipping register will be a pre-requisite for access to these tax incentives.
Licensing Regime
It is important that Australian coastal shipping is competitive and that shippers can access foreign registered vessels where Australian registered ships cannot service their trades. The new licensing regime will support Australian shipping while establishing clear boundaries around the necessary role of foreign vessels in our coastal trade. Licensing requirements and conditions will be clearly established in legislation to provide certainty and clarity to all industry operators.
The new framework will comprise a three-tier licensing regime:
• a General Licence will provide Australian flagged vessels with unrestricted access to the coastal trades for a period of up to five years at a time. Most of these vessels will also be eligible for the tax incentives.
• a Temporary Licence will enable foreign flagged vessels to operate in the coastal trades, subject to time, trade and/or voyage conditions. These licences will be available for a period of up to 12 months.
• an Emergency Licence limited to cargo or passenger movements in emergency situations only such as a natural disaster or other critical emergency.
Supporting this regime, will be new reporting and publishing arrangements, which will improve transparency in the operation of the regulatory processes. For the first time, Australian registered vessels and all industry operators will have the information necessary to inform their business decisions. Existing foreign-registered vessels will have five years to transition to Australian registration.
Australian International Shipping Register
Establishing an Australian International Shipping Register (AISR) will provide a competitive alternative for Australian ship owners and operators to registering overseas.
Key features of the AISR include:
• access to the tax exemption and other tax incentives.
• mixed crewing arrangements enabling employment of foreign seafarers at internationally competitive rates and conditions, consistent with the Maritime Labour Convention and other international labour treaties.
• requirement for a minimum of two Australian seafarers, preferably in the positions of Master and Chief Engineer.
• workers compensation arrangements consistent with Maritime Labour Convention requirements.
• application of the same maritime safety, environmental and occupational health and safety standards as apply to primary Australian register vessels.
The AISR will address the cost disadvantages currently experienced by Australian companies operating in the global shipping market, while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
Maritime Workforce Development Forum
The maritime industry is confronting a dual challenge - an ageing workforce and an increase in shipping volumes, requiring more seafarers, safety professionals, harbour masters and pilots to ensure Australia’s maritime safety and environmental standards are maintained. Securing a long- term skills base is essential to a viable Australian shipping industry.
The Maritime Workforce Development Forum, comprising experienced representatives from across the maritime and skills industries and unions will work with the Australian Government to improve skills outcomes. In undertaking its work, the forum will work closely with the proposed National Workforce and Productivity Agency. Maritime Operations Initiatives – Australian
Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Shipping Trends
• 2010 port arrivals up 4.8% to 23,168
• Individual ships up 5.9% to 4,598
• 27% of these ships were for a single visit
• 39% of the ships had never been to Australia before
• 25% of the ships were less than 3 years old
• This was 15% in 2009
• Total GT up 9.1% over 2009
• Av GT up 4.2% over 2009
Bulk Carriers • Arrivals up 6.4%
• Total GT up 10.4%
• Average age 8.9 years old (9.7 in 2009)
• 43% of all arrivals
Containers • Arrivals up 1.6%
Inspections • 77 ports
• 26 of these ports accounted for 90% of all visits
• 21 of these ports accounted for 90% of total GT
Prediction • 66% increase in shipping traffic by 2025
• Large and numerous infrastructure projects happening
AMSA is preparing itself for this growth
National reform packages are broadening AMSA’s jurisdiction and the organisation is looking at how it regulates off-shore facilities.
On greenhouse gas emissions the IMO predicts a 150-250% increase by 2050 (currently shipping is around 3% of global GHG). An energy efficiency design index has been developed and Marpol will apply this from 1 January 2013. It will apply to new ships but not pax/roro vessels. It will be phased in between 2013-2025
On the reduction of Co2 emissions the IMO estimate Co2 emissions at 45-50 million tonnes annually by 2020 and around 180-240 million tonnes by 2030. There are design and operational implications to achieve reductions.
On China and Japan, AMSA spends a lot of time and effort to facilitate efficient trade between Australia and these countries. There are many visits to provide industries in China and Japan with clear views of what to expect when they get to Australia.
Container weights and contents is an ongoing issue of concern. AMSA continues to explore ways to validate weights and contents of containers for compliance. There is a need to work with ports, industry, Customs and AQIS to achieve this. 
Strategic Developments for Cargo - Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACS)
Port and Intermodal Developments
Port and intermodal developments are featuring more heavily in government and industry planning:
- Feasibility study for Moorebank intermodal in Sydney
- Development of Enfield in Sydney
- Announcement of Hastings as the next container port development in Victoria
- Port Kembla
- Similar developments in other states
The above raise some potential challenges for border management approaches noting that:
• Most intervention infrastructure for containerised cargo is at established container ports (container examination facilities at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle and Adelaide)
• There is a need to consider and plan for the most appropriate arrangements at new ports and intermodal sites
• It may be that earlier clearance (completion of regulatory formalities earlier) could enable all high risk cargo to be identified (and treated) prior to movement - but ACS need to assess whether this is the best option and where best to plan for border management infrastructure (at ports, intermodal terminals, other).
Challenges for Information Management
• Can port community or other IT infrastructure developments help with availability of information for port users and border clearance?
• ACS is talking with Infrastructure Australia and industry stakeholders about how to best take thinking on this forward.
Container Statistics
There is growing interest in information about container movements for port and logistics infrastructure planning:
• There are limits in what ACS can provide without compromising personal/commercial information relating to our stakeholders and clients
• ACS is working closely with the ABS to develop a publishable statistical product
• ABS is nearing completion of a prototype for release and discussion (mid September)
Placement of Intervention
Intervention strategy changes were made two years ago - adopting intelligence led risked based approaches; reducing the volume of low risk cargo inspected.
ACS is continuing to work to review and refine the appropriate mix and placement of intervention - increased intervention deliverable in international mail this year in response to growing mail volume.
ACS is working through implications of recent developments: PJC on Law Enforcement Inquiry into the Adequacy of Aviation and Maritime Security Measures to Combat Serious and Organised Crime.
Biggest Agricultural Export Reform in a Generation – AQIS (http://daff.gov.au/aqis/about/reports-pubs/biosecurity-bulletin/2011/biosecurity-bulletin-winter-2011#biggest ) The $127.4 million Export Certification Reform Package (ECRP) is in the process of introducing the biggest suite of changes to inspection and certification services for Australia’s agricultural export industries in 20 years. Executive Manager of the Food Division, Greg Read, said the benefits of the package could be realised in the coming months and years as industry incorporated the improved processes and technologies into their business systems. “These changes provide a strong foundation, securing and improving Australian exporters' market access and positioning Australia's inspection and certification processes at the forefront of export industries worldwide, ”Mr Read said. “The introduction of such significant reforms - including new regulatory systems, revised legislation, proactive market access work and modern web-based IT systems – was always going to take time. Industry and government are currently working to finalise the new systems to effectively position Australia’s agricultural exporters for the long-term,” Mr Read said. The reforms consist of new regulatory systems that focus on:
• rewarding businesses that consistently perform to a high standard.
• new IT systems that support industries, including through better data capture and analysis to support market access.
• increasing flexibility for export businesses through the use of authorised officers and approved auditors to undertake inspection and certification work for some industries. “Industry and government have been working in partnership since 2009 to ensure these reforms will maintain and increase the confidence of
importing countries in Australia’s high quality agricultural export sector,” Mr Read said. Two thirds of the $127.4 million Export Certification Reform Package went towards a temporary rebate that assisted exporters transition their businesses back to full cost recovery. The rebate ceased on 30 June, 2011. SolveIT Software Goes Live at CBH Group SolveIT Software Pty Ltd, a leading provider of enterprise software for supply and demand optimisation and predictive modeling, has announced that CBH Group has successfully gone live with SolveIT Software’s optimisation platform, which was configured for the CBH Group on behalf of Western Australian grain growers to optimise blending of their wheat loads.
The objective of the project was to provide additional value to CBH Group growers through a quality optimisation system that gives growers greater control over marketing their grain quality, while enhancing the consistency of grain quality available to marketers. Although it is relatively simple to calculate a weighted average quality for any grower who delivered to CBH Group at the completion of harvest, growers benefit from live calculations during harvest that allow for improving individual loads not meeting certain criteria against a quality bank of loads. This allows a grower to improve the grading of one load against another load.
CBH Group Grain Quality Manager, Mathew Regan said quality optimisation had been very well received by the market and promised to deliver real value to WA wheat growers. “Grain quality is a complex game, but adding the ability to mix loads or part loads, to optimise within many varying limitations, is extremely sophisticated. SolveIT Software helped us to bring this cutting edge technology to the farm gate,” he said.
SolveIT Software’s optimisation platform was configured to input many loads of grains, blend some loads together to form different lots, using either price or quality traits based on user’s request. The number of possible combinations for creating different lots is great, especially when splits are performed (ie splitting a load into several loads). The challenge of finding optimised solutions in such an enormous search space was the main reason for selecting SolveIT Software’s optimisation platform for the project.
CBH Group is a co-operative with operations extending along the value chain from grain storage, handling and transport to marketing, shipping and processing. With revenues in excess of $1 billion, CBH Group is based in WA and is owned and controlled by about 4,500 grain growers, conducting about 332,000 truck load movements per year. For more information visit www.cbh.com.au. Fatigue Laws Welcomed by ALC The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) has welcomed changes to Victorian and South Australian regulations that brings those states into line with other jurisdictions on heavy vehicle fatigue laws. ALC Managing Director, Michael Kilgariff, said the ALC had been vocal in calling for a more nationally consistent approach to heavy vehicle fatigue laws and the change to how hours were counted in Victoria and SA is another welcomed step in that direction.
“A national approach to the way in which hours are counted is an important part of the transport regulatory reform agenda and I am pleased both states have taken the necessary steps to see this reform come into fruition”, he said.
The regulatory changes bring into effect a decision by the country’s transport ministers in June 2011 to back a more uniform approach to how hours are counted for fatigue. It means that for the purposes of counting hours for mandatory rest breaks, hours are not counted from within rest breaks, but are counted forward from the last major rest break or from the end of the relevant period of rest time.
“Ultimately, this approach delivers greater national consistency and will assist in the development of a single National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” Mr Kilgariff said. “NSW and Queensland have had different counting time regulations to that of Victoria and SA which has caused considerable confusion for the industry, not to mention prosecutions in both states for work hours breaches.
“Creating a more consistent regulatory framework between the states will reduce industry confusion and enable industry to focus their resources on improving efficiency and productivity. These changes in Victoria and SA serve as a good example of the benefits that can flow from industry and government working together constructively and proactively to achieve positive regulatory outcomes for industry.
“The challenge remains however to achieve this same level of national consistency across a raft of other issues, including vehicle standards, mass and loading and compliance and enforcement, including chain of responsibility,” he said.
Mr Kilgariff said eliminating these inconsistencies and delivering a truly national approach would continue to remain the focus of ALC as it continues to work with transport ministers to finalise the contents of Bill 2 of the Heavy Vehicle National Law. Innovative Floating Harbour Transhipper System
for Lucky Bay  | Details of the innovative Floating Harbour Transhipper system were presented to the recent ICHCA South Australia luncheon in Adelaide. Naval Architect, Ross Ballantyne, provided the audience with details on the system that is planned for use by Ironclad Mining’s operations on the Eyre Peninsula in SA.
The Floating Harbour Transhipper (FHT) is a new form of transhipment thinking. It moves the stockpile offshore and reduces the need for large storage sheds onshore. The feeder vessels come into the sheltered aft well dock of the FHT and are unloaded by the FHT equipment, allowing for transhipping to continue without demurrage in seas up to five meters and wind speeds of 35 knots.
When the feeder vessel is empty and returns to the shore load out site, the FHT’s cargo handling equipment moves back to its stockpile to continue loading the export vessel. Unlike other offshore transhipper systems, the transfer rate is faster than conventional methods at 3,500-5,000 TPH which in turn means the storage capacity of the FHT only requires 60% of the export size vessel’s capacity which allows the feeder vessels to supplement the 40% of export cargo during the load cycle without incurring demurrage. |
The FHT has minimal manning with no propulsion engines or large superstructures. It incorporates anchor ground tackle for the combination of both the FHT and the export vessel. The FHT does have stern transverse Voith thrusters to keep the combination of the FHT and export vessel out of a beam sea wave vector, to avoid a synchronous rolling situation without requiring a stand-by tugboat to be onsite all the time. These benefits mean the operational costs are lower than that of similar size transhipper systems.
This new concept allows junior minors with small capex and limited throughput to get their product to market without a huge financial investment. It also provides larger mining companies which are looking for systems with short lead times to begin exporting earlier by minimising the lengthy process of obtaining environmental, traditional owner and community approvals for large waterfront properties.
Each FHT comes with Patented Stern Landing Vessel (SLV) feeder vessels. These shallow draft maximum payload, multi screw vessels ensure minimisation of dredging and have a degree of redundancy in case of engine gearbox or propeller breakages. The SLV’s connect into the FHT by a three axis connection coupling for a fast coupling that will endure heave, pitch and roll. The feeder can also fit in bow first to push the FHT to cyclone moorings or drydock or alternatively the feeder can tow the FHT.
The FHT system offers benefits to:
The State, Community and Environment
• The stockpile is at the export site, downsizing or eliminating the need for large expensive negative pressure sheds ashore, and large jetties.
• It is an environmentally superior system (smaller footprint, no dust, no spillage) than most other transfer systems and well clear of residential areas.
• Shallower draft feeder vessels can be used from very small ports, at scheduled times, eliminating need for dredging sensitive areas.
• Revenue from Mining royalties can be secured at an earlier time.
• Less road transport greenhouse gas emissions with small harbours closer to the mine sites.
• Employment and training opportunities in small ship feeder operations.
• At completion of the mine life, a small harbour is available for community fishing and recreational boats. The Mining Company
Reducing CAPEX and Sovereign Risk
• The stockpile is afloat and moveable, reducing the need for large storage sheds ashore.
• Small shallow harbour eliminates the cost of a major jetty structure, and the bond for its removal at end of mine life, as the small harbour will be a legacy for the community or traditional owners.
• An environmentally superior system (smaller footprint, no dust, no spillage) than most other transfer systems. Reducing OPEX
• Can handle rougher seas, and eliminates demurrage and feeder stevedoring damage.
• Lower power and manning requirements than traditional systems.
• Reduced port charges – berthage, wharfage, tugs.
• Faster transfer rates than conventional transhipper systems.
• FHT with SLV feeders can handle inbound fuel, dangerous goods (such as Ammonium nitrate) and outsized heavy lifts into mining areas with little or no infrastructure.
Congratulations to Sea Transport Logistics on developing this innovative cargo handling system.
At the recent Lloyds List-Australian Shipping Industry Awards in Melbourne the system won the Highly Commended award for its Floating Harbour Transhipper.
For further information contact: Ross Ballantyne, CEO, Sea Transport Corporation ross@seatransport.com, www.seatransport.com, telephone +61 7 5529 5777, facsimile +61 7 5529 5177.
BHP Billiton Executive Changes
BHP Billiton has announced changes to its senior management team: • Alex Vanselow, Group Executive and Chief Financial Officer, will retire from BHP Billiton at the end of February 2012. He will be succeeded by Graham Kerr, recently President of Diamonds and Specialty Products. • Mike Henry, President of Marketing, will join the Group Management Committee as Group Executive and Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Marius Kloppers. Mr Vanselow, who has decided to pursue personal business interests, joined the company in 1989 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2006. Marius Kloppers, said both the board and the executive team extended their thanks to Mr Vanselow and acknowledged his significant contribution.
Mr Vanselow will remain with BHP Billiton until the end of February 2012 to ensure a smooth transition to his successor. Graham Kerr will join the Group Management Committee immediately and will officially assume the role of Chief Financial Officer from 1 January 2012. He will be based in Melbourne, reporting to the CEO. Mr Kerr joined what was then BHP in 1994. He served in a wide range of finance and treasury roles before departing BHP Billiton at the end of 2004 for a brief stint in another resources company. He rejoined BHP Billiton in 2006 and until recently was President of the Diamonds and Speciality Products Customer Sector Group based in Vancouver, Canada. BHP Billiton’s President of Marketing, Mike Henry, will join the enlarged Group Management Committee as Group Executive and Chief Marketing Officer, reporting to the CEO, effective immediately. He will continue to be based in Singapore. Mr Henry joined BHP Billiton in 2003 from Mitsubishi Corporation, where he served in a variety of commercial roles. He was appointed President of Marketing in 2010. Prior to that appointment he had responsibility for the marketing of a variety of commodities including Petroleum, Energy Coal and Uranium, and has also overseen BHP Billiton’s freight operations. Business SA’s Mission to India: INDIASOFT 2012 Business SA will be organising a delegation to India for the annual global IT event, INDIASOFT 2012 on 21-23 March, 2012. In its 12th year, INDIASOFT has fast become a benchmark for showcasing and seeking India’s tremendous potentials in IT services and solutions. Hosted, by the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council, the show will host around 400 IT buyers from over 75 countries converging for business networking. INDIASOFT 2011 had the presence of over 350 delegates / IT buyers from 60 Countries.
INDIASOFT 2012 brings business opportunities including KPO, BPO. LPO, e-security, banking, finance, insurance, telecommunications, media and entertainment, bio informatics, engineering design, travel, hotel, hospitality, logistics, transportation, educational, pharma, e-governance and much more.
INDIASOFT will be visited by global IT fraternity including Latin America, Africa, CIS, ASEAN, SAARC, North America, Europe, Japan, Middle East, Korea, etc. This show will be a B2B landmark event and will be a great opportunity for SA IT businesses and services to participate and interact with overseas companies.
This year, the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council will provide a complimentary air ticket (economy class) to selected software companies provided those selected companies meet the following criteria:
• The company should not have utilised the offer in earlier INDIASOFT events.
• The company should be genuine software importers or companies seeking joint ventures / tie-ups and / or outsourcing opportunities with Indian companies. All expressions of interest need to be lodged with Business SA no later than Friday 9 December 2011. Please contact Business SA’s International Trade Unit on 8300 0012 or at bernadettes@business-sa.com Emerald Announces $120m Supply Chain Expansion Leading Australian grain marketer, Emerald Group (Emerald), has announced a three-pronged $120 million investment strategy to significantly enhance its supply chain capability and move to be an integrated grain marketing and logistics group. Emerald will:
• Integrate Sumitomo Corporation’s Australian grain logistics assets via the transfer of the Australian Bulk Alliance (ABA) network, including the Melbourne Port Terminal.
• Invest in new and enhanced grain storage sites Victoria at Werneth and Elmore, with further sites expected to be announced in the new year.
• Lease and run trains from southern New South Wales and Victoria to the Melbourne Port.
Emerald Chairman, Alan Winney, said the investment strategy will deliver an integrated, efficient and robust end-to-end grain supply chain, benefiting both Australian grain growers and international customers. “These three investments allow Emerald to become an integrated supply chain business, with storage, transportation and importantly port access, providing a more efficient and economical model for our local grower customers and a competitive and reliable service to our grain processing customers in Australia and around the world,” Mr Winney said.
The ABA transaction will see Emerald link operational control of country to port grain facilities with capacity to store 1.5 million tonnes of grain, including:
• Ownership of five existing ABA owned Victorian storage facilities.
• Eight ABA franchised sites in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
• 100% ownership of Melbourne Port Terminal.
“The announcement creates a third force in the grain supply chain in eastern Australia, providing growers and independent grain marketers with more options and a higher level of service. After completion of the transactions, Emerald will compete with GrainCorp and US-based Cargill in offering grain receival, logistics and port services on the east coast of Australia.
“Emerald will now be able to offer services across the entire grain supply chain - origination, storage, logistics, shipping, port access and marketing. The key benefit lies in linking trains to the ABA network in Victoria and southern NSW with the Melbourne port,” Mr Winney said.
ABA will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emerald and the business will report to John Warda, Emerald’s Group General Manager of Supply Chain and Operations.
Business SA’s Mission to Hong Kong’s International ICT Expo
Business SA, in collaboration with Innovate SA and the Technology Industry Association, is organising a mission to Hong Kong for the International ICT Expo 2012 on 13-16 April. The International ICT Expo is a leading Asian trade event, linking information and communications technology product and service providers with buyers from around the world. More than 570 exhibitors from all over the world will showcase their latest products and solutions at the Expo. Group pavilions include representatives from Australia, Canada, China, India, the Philippines and Taiwan.
Themed zones will give exhibitors the peace of mind that the right kinds of buyers for their products and services will be able to find them quickly and conveniently.
Among the almost 30,000 visitors in 2011 about half came from the IT-related sectors (technology and solution providers), 25% from the telecommunication and wireless domain and 25% from the manufacturing and trading sectors.
2012 Exhibition Package for each South Australian (SA) company: Offer of AUD $1200 includes:
• 1 x display counter of about 1.0m in an open plan format, located in the SA stand of 36 sq m (max of 10 companies)
• 4 nights accommodation per company during the exhibition period
• Complimentary business matching services
• Pre-show market briefing
• Onsite support from Business SA, Austrade and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council
• Free listing of individual exhibitors in the fair catalogue and on fair website
Please express your interest by Monday 19 December 2011 by contacting Bernadette Sewer, International Trade Unit, Business SA: phone 8300 0012 or e-mail: bernadettes@business-sa.com.
Australia Re-elected to International
Maritime Organisation Council
Australia has successfully retained its seat on the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council following a highly contested election. The elections were held during the 27th session of the IMO General Assembly in London.
The IMO is the United Nations specialised agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution by ships. The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising th |
