The company entered into a strategic tie-up at Melpakkam with Sattva Conware Pvt Ltd, a leading CFS player from the Chennai region in February ‘08. Under the partnership, Sical will have access to Sattva’s infrastructural facilities at Melpakkam.

Sical Multimodal is the first private player in India to run container trains on the Chennai-Delhi sector. Its second container train is carrying general cargo like cars, steel pipes, malt, raw rubber and industrial chemicals amongst others.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashwin C Muthiah, Chairman Sical Logistics said, “We are pleased at the expansion of our container train operations to the North South corridor. Private rail transport offers an interesting alternative to road transport with the promise of improved service levels along with reasonable time and cost savings to the customer.”

“We are making strategic investments in developing terminals at Chennai, Bangalore, Panvel and Nagpur which are expected to be operational by FY 2011. We would have acquired in all 13 rakes by that time, which will allow us to commence full-fledged operations from 2011 onwards.” added Ashwin C Muthiah, Chairman Sical Logistics.

Sical’s network of ICDs/ CFSs across India will be in the form of a ‘hub-and-spoke’ model with the terminals at Nagpur as the ‘hub’ and key industrial locations across the country as the spokes. The company will develop the nodes, in a phased manner over the next five years. The project cost is estimated to be INR 862 crores with a debt equity ratio of 2:1.

Sical Multimodal’s rail operations, combined with Sical’s strong presence in bulk, inland and offshore logistics, enable the company to offer innovative, competitive and reliable end-to-end solutions to its customers across India. Sical’s first rake provides a complete multimodal logistics solution to M/s Hindustan Copper Ltd, transporting copper concentrates/copper cathodes to and from Ghatsila in Jharkhand and Khetri in Rajasthan. The company also provides last mile connectivity for the finished products of Hindustan Copper from their factory at Taloja, near Mumbai.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Sical

Sical Logistics Ltd is India’s leading provider of integrated solutions for multimodal bulk and containerized logistics and offshore logistics, annually handling nearly 22 million tonnes of bulk cargo and 500,000 TEUs of containerized cargo.

Sical provides services in the following segments:

• Bulk—stevedoring; port terminals; CHA and shipping agency; trucking; railroad; warehousing
• Container—container terminals; ICD; CFS
• Offshore—platform supply vessel; cutter suction dredger

Sical's delivery network includes an exclusive walk-in berth at Chennai for ships carrying bulk cargo; a container terminal at Tuticorin; 450,000 square feet of storage across over 100 warehouses; owned and regularly contracted fleet of nearly 2500 transport vehicles; container freight stations at 3 locations across India; Sical Torino, a deepwater capable platform supply vessel in North Sea, and Sical Portofino, a newly built cutter suction dredger.

The award was received by Mr. Hans-Ole Madsen, Managing Director, Maersk India Pvt. Ltd. at the function held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Mumbai on May 31st. This award comes in the wake of Maersk Line having handled the highest volumes at JNPT in 2007-08, a total of 5, 69,259 TEUs from all the three terminals put together. Out of this exports stood at a mighty 2, 91,320 TEUs & imports were equally strong at 2, 77,939 TEUs.

This award is a reflection of the success Maersk Line has achieved in addressing the container transport needs of India, one of the largest and the fastest growing markets in the world. Maersk Line, with its truly global service network has over the years consistently provided comprehensive and reliable end-to-end transportation solutions to its customers. It operates 4 direct weekly services out of JNPT which includes a service to Europe (ME1), a recently upgraded service dedicated to the Mediterranean (ME3), a service to the Far East (FM3) and another one to the US East coast (MECL 2) which is also the fastest in the industry with a 17 day transit time to Newark.

On this occasion Mr. Hans-Ole Madsen said, "I am very happy that JNPT has shown its support for Maersk Line by rewarding us in this manner. At Maersk Line, our core focus is to raise the bar on dependable service delivery by constantly improving our schedule integrity and providing highly competitive products to our customers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank JNPT as well as our customers and business partners for their continued support over the years. We would like to assure you that we will continue our efforts to provide a high quality service."

Earlier this year in April, Maersk Line also won the coveted "Best Global Shipping Line" Award for the 15th year in a row as well as the "Best Shipping Line - Asia-Europe" Award for the 21st consecutive year at the 22nd Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards (AFSCA) ceremony held in Singapore.

Maersk Line offers the single largest service coverage among other shipping lines. The Maersk Line fleet consists of more than 500 container vessels which included 220 vessels owned by the company with a capacity of more than 1.7 million TEUs (twenty equivalent units). Through a network of its own offices and third party agents in more than 125 countries, Maersk Line continues to provide consistent and high-quality service to customers worldwide.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Maersk Line

Maersk Line, the world’s largest shipping container line, is a part of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has a presence in more than 125 countries. More than 500 container vessels and more than 1.9 million containers ensure a reliable and comprehensive worldwide coverage. Maersk Line’s feeder vessels, trucks and dedicated trains offer the unique concept of door-to-door services.

Apart from container shipping activities the group is also involved in logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

Maersk India Pvt. Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the A. P. Moller-Maersk Group and has more than 33 offices spread all over India, employing in excess of 1,000 employees. The company is actively involved in various Maritime and Logistics activities across the country.

For further details please contact

This agreement between Maersk Line and Hutchison Ports recognises the importance of joint co-operation in the shipping industry and reflects both companies' commitment to long-term planning in the UK.

Doug Bannister - Managing Director Maersk Line UK and Ireland - comments: "Maersk Line has an unrivalled global network and we strive for unmatched reliability. This new agreement with the Port of Felixstowe means we have capacity guaranteed, giving us greater control over the operation of our vessels. Greater operational control for us means greater reliability for our customers."

The agreement - signed in May - will provide Maersk Line with reliable capacity to service its regular vessel calls into Felixstowe for the next 10 years, and will commence in August this year when the Port of Felixstowe take delivery of their latest cranes.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Maersk Line

Maersk Line, the world’s largest shipping container line, is a part of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has a presence in more than 125 countries. More than 500 container vessels and more than 1.9 million containers ensure a reliable and comprehensive worldwide coverage. Maersk Line’s feeder vessels, trucks and dedicated trains offer the unique concept of door-to-door services.

Apart from container shipping activities the group is also involved in logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

RKI service has RCL as lead partner with SEACON and Wan Hai as consortium partners. Hyper Galex II, with Emirates as the lead partner and TS Lines, OOCL as consortium partners is a dedicated service catering to the Far East. The restructured EPIC service jointly provided by Hapag-Lloyd and Hamburg Süd linking Northern Europe with the Mediterranean region, Middle East and India launched operations from 7th May 08.

Mr. Arvind Bhatnagar – CEO- Gateway Terminals India Pvt Ltd – “We, at GTI continue to provide excellent service to the trade. All the above activities are testimony to the confidence trade has on the operational efficiencies of GTI.”

ICS, the biggest service at Nhava Sheva, connecting India and China, was launched amidst fanfare on 26th May 08 at a function at GTI House. The function was graced by Mr. S.S.Hussain, JNPT Chairman, along with other top ranking officials from GTI and NYK. This service has NYK, RCL Hapag Lloyd and Hyundai Merchant Maritime in the consortium. Through its efficient pool of resources, GTI aims to exceed client expectations.

Mr. Prakash Tulsiani “Introduction of new services indicates trade’s trust on young and talented team at GTI, with focus on safety, efficiency and customer delight”.

GTI has recently received an award from JNPT for handling 1.29 Million TEUs during financial year 2007-08, at their 19th Anniversary function.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd

Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd. is a joint venture between APM Terminals, and Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR). The new terminal has a capacity of 1.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units or TEUs. Gateway Terminals' presently employs 385 people. www.gatewayterminals.com

About APM Terminals

APM Terminals, with corporate headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands is a leading independent global container terminal owner and operator of more than 50ports, serving approximately 60 shipping lines. www.apmterminals.com

Container Corporation of India Ltd, CONCOR

CONCOR, a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is the largest provider of containerised rail transport in India, operating a network of more than 58 Inland Container Depots (ICDs).www.concorindia.com

Net sales for FY 07-08 was Rs 7.1 billion, from Rs 10.5 billion a year ago, due to the demerger of the non logistics business.

Consolidated net sales of Sical’s core logistics business was Rs 6.8 billion, up 1.6% from Rs 6.7 billion a year ago.

The prior period items relate to tax adjustments in FY06-07, while the exceptional items relate to the net impact of the disposal of the non-logistics businesses like auto components unit, specialty chemicals, refractory unit and unrealized gain on restatement of foreign currency convertible bond loan and deposits.

Consolidated cash reserves, as of 31 March 2008, were Rs 2.71 billion; total debt stood at Rs 6.85 billion.

Comment by Sical Logistics Chairman, Mr. Ashwin Muthiah

On the FY ‘08 results, Sical Chairman Ashwin Muthiah said, “We are pleased to report steady business growth for FY 2008. We successfully executed our strategy of focusing on our core logistics business with the demerger of the non core business and the separation of the service and infrastructure business. This ensured dedicated management focus and helped us leverage the true potential of each business.”

“Our infrastructure projects are progressing smoothly. Over the next 2 years, most of the special purpose vehicles (SPVs) will commence operations and we envision robust growth and enhanced profitability for the Group in the long term.

We remain committed to our vision of making Sical a billion dollar company by 2012 and will continue with our efforts to enhance value for our stakeholders.” added Mr. Ashwin Muthiah.

Restructure of Sical Group

· In May 2007, Sical formed a subsidiary, Sical Infra Assets Ltd, to house the company’s asset-heavy, capital-intensive, longer gestation infrastructure based businesses like the Container Rail Project, the Container terminals at Tuticorin and Chennai in joint venture with PSA Singapore, Sical Iron Ore Terminal at Ennore, Sical Distriparks and Road and Rail terminals at Nagpur. The short cycle service oriented businesses and the asset heavy infrastructure businesses of the company were segregated to crystallize the value of investments made by Sical into its SPVs.

Demerger of Non Logistics business

· In January 08, Sical received the sanction from the Madras High Court for the de-merger of its non logistics business into a wholly owned subsidiary, Sicagen India Limited, with effect from 1 October 2006. The approval marked the successful completion of the de-merger process initiated by Sical in early 2007, and was an important step in the company’s restructuring efforts.

• The company sold its non-core businesses in FY 2007-’08, namely the manufacturing facilities and assets of the auto components division, Indrad Auto Components and the other non logistics businesses of refractory, specialty chemicals and flexible shafts.

Board appointments

• The Sical Board was restructured to include one promoter nominee director, two nominee directors, four independent directors and one managing director, with Ashwin C Muthiah as Chairman.
• Sanjiv Ralph Noronha, Mano Vikrant Singh and M Chandrasekaran were inducted as independent directors while Sudhir Rangnekar joined the Board as Sical’s Managing Director (MD) and Group CEO.

Fund raising

· In September ‘07, Sical received investment of USD 26 mn from Old Lane Mauritius IV Ltd, an investment vehicle of Old Lane India Opportunities Funds, in its newly formed subsidiary, Sical Infra Assets Ltd. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval was received by the company in November 07.

Key appointments

During the year, the following professionals joined Sical in key management positions:

· In May ‘08, S R Ramakrishnan was appointed the CEO of the Bulk logistics division, in addition to his current role as CEO Port projects. Mr Ramakrishnan previously served as MD, PSA Sical Terminals Ltd, a joint venture between PSA International Limited, Singapore and Sical. He has rich experience in developing port related infrastructure projects.

· In August ‘07, Sudhir S Rangnekar joined us from India’s leading shipping company, Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) as MD and Group CEO. Sudhir brings with him rich experience of over 30 years with India’s leading shipping company, where he last served as Director on the Board of SCI.

· In May ‘07, J Koteswari joined us from Ramco Systems as Vice President Finance. She has rich experience in corporate finance and project finance and has worked across diverse sectors in leading companies.

Key acquisition

· Sical acquired a newly built cutter suction dredger, Sical Portofino at a consideration of USD 24.92 mn in August ‘07. The acquisition marked a key step in Sical’s expansion strategy into the global offshore logistics market. Sical Portofino is classified with China Classification Society and has a length of 107 m with an average draft of 3.37m. It can dredge up to a depth of 25m and has a production capacity of 3000 cu m per hour. It is currently deployed in Chinese waters.

SPVs

· In March ‘08, Sical achieved financial closure for its greenfield iron ore terminal project at Ennore Port. The project is managed by Sical Iron Ore Terminals Ltd, promoted by Sical with 89% equity stake, and L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Ltd. It is expected to be operational by 2010.

· In March ‘08, Sical flagged off its first container train for Hindustan Copper Limited from Hatta Road, Madhya Pradesh to Patli, Haryana. Sical Multimodal and Rail Transport Ltd, the SPV managing container rail logistics services, and its network of rail terminals are slated to become the backbone of Sical’s evolution into a truly integrated multimodal logistics solutions provider in India.

· In February ‘08, Sical initiated work on the Nagpur Sical Gupta Road Terminal with the ground-breaking ceremony at the road terminal site at the Multimodal International Hub Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN).The terminal will have world-class infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities and is expected to be operational by 2009.

· In October ‘07, Sical achieved financial closure of the Chennai International Terminals Pvt Ltd, a SPV promoted by Sical and PSA International, which is building the second container terminal in Chennai. The terminal is expected to be operational by 2009.

· In September ‘07, Sical signed a MoU signed with Jurong Port, Singapore for undertaking a detailed study to identify a Bulk Port project in India. The study is in advanced stages of closure and expected to be complete by end June 08.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Sical

Sical Logistics Ltd is India’s leading provider of integrated solutions for multimodal bulk and containerized logistics and offshore logistics, annually handling nearly 22 million tonnes of bulk cargo and 500,000 TEUs of containerized cargo.

Sical provides services in the following segments:

• Bulk—stevedoring; port terminals; CHA and shipping agency; trucking; railroad; warehousing
• Container—container terminals; ICD; CFS
• Offshore—platform supply vessel; cutter suction dredger

Sical's delivery network includes an exclusive walk-in berth at Chennai for ships carrying bulk cargo; a container terminal at Tuticorin; 450,000 square feet of storage across over 100 warehouses; owned and regularly contracted fleet of nearly 2500 transport vehicles; container freight stations at 3 locations across India; Sical Torino, a deepwater capable platform supply vessel in North Sea, and Sical Portofino, a cutter suction dredger deployed in Chinese waters.

With this fixed day weekly sailing from Pipavav, TSK Line provides the shippers in Gujarat and North West India with one of the best round trip transit (35 days) on the India China Sector. The ICS is serviced by five vessels having a capacity of 2,800TEUs. TSK Line has provided two vessels on this service, while one vessel each has been provided by Hapag Lloyd, Regional Container Line (RCL) and Hyundai Merchant Marine, the other partners in this service.

Overseas ports serviced by this service are Xingang, Qingdao, Ningbo, Shekou, Singapore and Port Klang. This is the second new service which has started calling Port Pipavav in this month, following the Hyper Galex II service of Emirates Shipping Line.

Mr. Ashley Dinning, Chief Commercial Officer of Port Pipavav said “With more and more shipping lines now offering fixed day weekly sailings from Pipavav to US East Coast, Europe, Middle East, Far East and China, Port Pipavav is emerging as an efficient gateway for shippers in North West India”.

A senior spokesperson from NYK Line said, "The commencement of NYK-TSK's 'India China Service', which is now calling Port Pipavav, will offer customers in North & West India an alternative dedicated service to China with fast transits. The new service is indicative of NYK's focus and long term commitment to expansion of its business in India."

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Background - Port Pipavav

Port Pipavav, India’s first port in the private sector is managed by APM Terminal, and is located in the state of Gujarat at a distance of 140kms South West of Henagar.

Port Pipavav is a multi-purpose, all weather port which handles bulk, break-bulk and containerised cargo.

The port has dedicated 735m of quay length for handling containers which are serviced by 3 post-panama and 3 panama quay cranes. The port has also dedicated 325m of quay length for handling bulk and break-bulk cargo.

An on-dock rail facility with dedicated sidings to handle bulk, break-bulk and containerised cargo has also been developed. The port is well connected to its hinterland by road as well as the broad gauge rail network of India. The port offers train services to all major North West India Inland Container Depots.

Details with photographs also at http://lexnexus.com/alanzo.php

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The Port was bid out by Government of Kerala (GoK) in August 2007 through Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited on a 33 years’ concession basis. The other contenders who were in the race for the project include NCC- Maytas, Videocon - Gammon – SICAL, Apollo Enterprise - DS Construction, Zoom Developers -Portia Management Services

The Project site is situated at Vizhinjam, about 16 kms south of Thiruvananthapuram. The project site boasts of a unique location at India’s southern tip and enjoys closest proximity (10 nautical miles) for International sea routes connecting Europe, Persian Gulf & Far East etc. Vizhinjam coast is an attractive site in the southwest coast of India, best suited for the development of a world class, all weather deep-water port focussed on both Domestic and International Container Transhipment Traffic.

The project is proposed to be developed as a Container Transhipment hub, given its 15 meter natural draft and proximity to International sea routes. The project was envisaged to be developed in 4 phases with an ultimate capacity of 6.5 Million TEUs (Twenty foot Equivalent Unit). The Port will be equipped with state of the art technology, equipment and highest industry service standards.

The Construction of the initial phase would be completed in 60 months and the other 3 phases will be initiated after reaching stipulated traffic levels.

The port, when developed, would attract a fair share of the Container Transhipment traffic meant for India, currently handled by international ports at Colombo, Malaysia, Al-Salalah and Singapore. The project is expected to benefit Indian companies engaged in export and imports as it would save substantial foreign exchange outgo, time, costs and other transhipment risks associated with some of the other foreign ports.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Lanco Group

Lanco Group is headquartered in Hyderabad with business interests in Property Development, Power, Infrastructure and Construction with mega projects across India. The operational power projects including under execution projects stand at 13000 MW. Lanco is keenly focused on Infrastructure which includes opportunities in Roads, Sea Ports, Air Ports and Transmission Lines. The Construction and EPC division of the Company at present has an order book of more than US$ 2 billion. The property development division is building one the world’s largest mixed property development projects in Hyderabad which includes residential towers, office towers, mall, multiplex and some of the world’s finest facilities and amenities.

The seminar held at Tolani Maritime Institute, Talegaon was one of its kinds to try and search for some of the questions frequently raised by all maritime related agencies. The seminar was well represented by all spectrum of Marine professionals.

The welcome address by Dr. (Mrs.) Sujata Naik-Tolani, Vicechair person, TMI Governing Council perfectly set the ball to roll on the idea of Women in Shipping-managing Sea Change. She mentioned about how women have thrived in all spheres of life and profession and proved their excellence. She was quite pleased to bring it to the notice of audience, shipping industry, which is a male dominated profession by tradition has given a chance to women cadets.

Ms. Sharvani addressed the seminar as a girl cadet of Pioneer batch of TMI and shared her experiences to work in the shipping industry as a sailor herself.

Many stalwarts from the Shipping industry like Mrs. Aruna Kulashreshtha, CEO Karmahom Conference (IPBCC), and Capt. Jairam, Director, Seaarland Shipping & Chairman, MASSA, Capt. Hiranandani, Marine Consultant, Chevron Manning Services and Mrs. Firoza Bhot, Vice President, Wilco Ship Management and Travels Pvt. Ltd all contributed to the theme of the Seminar.

Mrs. Kiran Dhingra, Director General of Shipping, Govt. of India, delivering her keynote address, appealed to all stake holders of the industry to be open to the idea of recruiting more girl cadets and to give up the apprehensions related to gender issues regarding the suitability of girls for an arduous career. She advised girl cadets to get into management jobs and also shore based jobs.

A panel discussion was arranged to make the seminar more interactive where in the the panelists included Mrs. Kiran Dhingra, Mrs. Anu Aga, Director Thermax Ltd, Vice Admiral (Retd) A. S. Krishnan, Mrs. Jyotsna Deshpande, Chairperson, The Institution of Engineers, Pune and Mr. Vijay Handa, VP Reliance Shipping discussed various issues and was well moderated by Capt. S. G. Deshpande of TMI.

Principal B. K. Saxena summed up the seminar and Vote of thanks was paid by Capt. P. S. Barve, Chairperson, Academic Council.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Tolani Maritime Institute is one of the premiere marine engineering institute recognised by DG Shipping, Ministry of Shipping Govt. of India and Off Campus of Prestigeious Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani established by great visionary Dr. N. P. Tolani.

Mr. Shrikant Hathi a shipping and project specialist is the Managing Partner of the firm; practicing law in the Bombay High Court since 1992. He has completed his Masters in law and is qualified as solicitor. He is also admitted to the Supreme Court of India. He is the president of Worldlawyers.NET a network of international maritime law firms, is also consistently ranked by Legal 500 and other independent credential bodies as a Leading Individual for shipping work in India. Mr. Shrikant Hathi have a worldwide reputation as shipping specialist.

Mr. Hathi strongly believes that "Genuine industry legal specialists are rare, but they can save time and money for clients."

LEX Nexus with two offices at Mumbai and at New Delhi with ten associate offices at major port cities in India and forty offices globally at EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), America and Asia Pacific.

The firm is structured for shipping litigation, arbitration, shipping projects and transactional work including corporate, commercial and other work pertaining to shipping industry.

The firm accepts work from overseas and domestic corporates, government bodies etc including acceptance of work from overseas law firm. LEX Nexus has practiced maritime law since the establishment of the firm in 1998 and its partners much prior to 1992; today the firm is a shipping specialist. The firm act for clients in every area of the shipping business. These include numerous ship owners and charterers, hull and cargo insurers, P & I and Defense Clubs, salvage and tug companies, shipbuilders, ship breakers, banks, ship repair yard, marine engineering companies, ship and chartering brokers, oil companies, port authorities, and Government agencies. The firm advise financial institutions, commercial enterprises, state and regulatory bodies on complex and critical legal issues.

The aim to be a shipping specialist is to provide consistently high quality advice that combines technical expertise, and an understanding of the commercial environment in which our clients operate, offering in-depth local knowledge and a uniquely global perspective. The Firm's domestic and international clients range from privately owned to publicly listed companies, including Fortune 500 entities.

LEX Nexus is a law firm with eight partners, the firm also has associates and support staffs. The firm aims to provide clear; concise and practical advice based on in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and commercial environment within which our clients operate and with a full understanding of their overall business objectives. LEX Nexus is a specialised division of a full serviced law firm Hathi & Partners.

Each client has a dedicated partner who leads, coordinates, and is directly responsible to meet client requirements efficiently. The ability to respond to client requirements and to render the highest level of services is fundamental to the approach of the firm towards its clients.

Although, LEX Nexus is a specialised and a premium shipping law firm and partners here are consistently ranked as 'Leading individuals' boast that even a start-up or a small companies can afford their fees. The Professional charges are either on hourly basis; case-to-case basis or on lump sum basis depending on the matter.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

The awards are a reflection of the comprehensive and reliable end-to-end transportation solutions that Maersk Line offers to customers through its global service network. The Maersk Line fleet consists of more than 500 container vessels with a capacity of more than 1.7 million TEUs (twenty equivalent units). Through a network of its own offices and third party agents in more than 125 countries, Maersk Line continues to provide consistent and high-quality service to customers worldwide.

As winner of the "Best Shipping Line - Asia-Europe" Award, Maersk Line today has eleven extensive strings on the Asia-Europe route, of which the latest Asia-Europe 11 or AE11 route was introduced to support shipments from Asia to Spain. Restructuring of the Asia-Europe routes has also brought enhanced coverage of markets in the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea.

Jesper Praestensgaard, Chief Executive for Maersk Line Asia-Pacific said, "I am very happy that customers have shown their support for Maersk Line by voting for us. At Maersk Line, we introduced the new StreamLINE strategy in January this year. A core focus of StreamLINE is to raise the bar on reliable customer service delivery by providing faster, more responsive service to customers. Maersk Line country organisations are now also equipped with greater autonomy to make decisions that are closer to customers. We have already started to see improvements in our day-to-day business processes and interaction with customers, since the implementation of StreamLINE. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and business partners for their continued support over the years, and for once again nominating us for the "Best Shipping Liner - Asia-Europe" and "Best Global Shipping Line" Awards. We could not have done it without you and you have our assurance that Maersk Line will remain dependable, customer focused and highly competitive in the years ahead."

Judging criteria for the two Awards included schedule reliability, efficient customer service, service network comprehensiveness, competitive pricing and information technology. The winners were voted by the readers of Cargonews Asia and the results audited by Ernst & Young.

The 22nd AFSCA was held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Singapore and marks one of the longest standing and most renowned maritime awards in Asia.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Maersk Line is one of the leading liner shipping companies in the world, serving customers globally. More than 550 container vessels and more than 1,400,000 containers ensure its customers a reliable and comprehensive world­wide coverage. Maersk Line is the container shipping arm of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has presence in more than 125 countries, employing in excess of 110,000 employees. The group is mainly involved in container shipping activities including logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

For more information, please see route maps and schedules on maerskline.com.

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The agreement will take effect 9 June 2008 and the service will deploy four 4,100 TEU vessels. Maersk Line will operate three of the vessels and MISC Berhad will operate the fourth.

The service remains unchanged to the product Maersk Line offers today and it provides our customers with a fixed weekly service with the following port rotation: Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia), Singapore, Brisbane (Australia), Auckland (New Zealand), Port Chalmers (New Zealand), and Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia).

Our customers will continue to benefit from the fastest south bound connection into the New Zealand market with connection to our extensive feeder network connecting via Auckland and Port Chalmers. The north bound leg will continue to offer the fastest service from New Zealand and ensure optimal conditions for the exporting community.

The above changes are a reflection of the presently unsustainable trading conditions in the South East Asia - New Zealand market.

Maersk Line will continue to offer a stable and reliable service to our customers - with the foundation being a reasonable return on investments. This can only be achieved by optimising the utilisation of our assets and through recognition in the market of the sharply increased operational cost, which presently does not allow for an acceptable return.

Through open dialogue, Maersk Line will continue to engage customers in determining the optimal service product in terms of cost, scope, size, and quality.

The VSA expresses our commitment to the New Zealand market and our aim to provide an efficient and reliable service, which will support New Zealand's position in the global market place.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Maersk Line is one of the leading liner shipping companies in the world, serving customers globally. More than 550 container vessels and more than 1,400,000 containers ensure its customers a reliable and comprehensive world­wide coverage. Maersk Line is the container shipping arm of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has presence in more than 125 countries, employing in excess of 110,000 employees. The group is mainly involved in container shipping activities including logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

YES BANK, India’s new age private bank, is the lead arranger and sole underwriter for the INR 3.4 billion loan, the other members of the loan syndicate being United Bank of India, UCO Bank and India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd.

The project is being undertaken by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Sical Iron Ore Terminals Ltd, promoted by Sical Logistics, with 89% equity stake, and L&T Infrastructure Development Projects Ltd.

The iron ore terminal is being developed on a build-operate-transfer (BOT), revenue-sharing contract with Ennore Port for 30 years including the construction period. The terminal will have a capacity for 12 million tonnes of cargo per year. Facilities include a jetty, ship loader, mechanized handling system with conveyor, storage, and wagon unloading system.

Initially, the terminal will handle Panamax and Cape size vessels up to 150,000 MT DWT; after dredging, the terminal would be able to handle vessels of 250,000 MT DWT. Other features include the capability of an average 75,000-tonnes-per day ship loading rate; a stockpile area that can store 2.4 million MT of iron ore; and a railway wagon unloading system that can handle up to twelve 3500-tonne rakes per day.

Construction work at the terminal began recently. In-principle approval has also been obtained from the Indian Railways for dedicated rail siding.

Comment from Ashwin Muthiah, Chairman, Sical Logistics

The financial closure of the entire debt component for Sical Iron Ore Terminals was a significant achievement considering the market conditions, said Sical Logistics Chairman Ashwin Muthiah.

“We are impressed with the dedication and professionalism of the team at YES BANK; taking up and delivering on the responsibility of underwriting and arranging an INR 3.4 billion loan in a single shot is no doubt a proud achievement for YES BANK,” Ashwin Muthiah said.

The Ennore terminal will open up major possibilities, both in terms of direction and volume of movement, given its location on India’s eastern coastline, close to the strong demand centers in the Asia-Pacific, Ashwin Muthiah said.

The terminal further strengthens Sical’s strategic framework of multi-modal integrated logistics, Ashwin Muthiah said. “Taken together with Sical’s trucking and container train operations, the value proposition to the customer is clear--a significant debottlenecking of the supply chain, resulting in a seamless flow from the mines to the terminal and to the ultimate destination ports,” he said.

Comment from Rana Kapoor, Founder/MD and CEO, YES Bank

“We are delighted to have met the expectation of various stakeholders for the project and are extremely pleased at the outcome of the transaction because of its importance to the state of Tamil Nadu and the country, said Rana Kapoor, Founder/Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK.

“YES BANK has evolved from a regular provider of debt capital to a facilitator and arranger of capital raising and has assisted clients in obtaining superior financial returns in a risk-mitigated well structured manner,” Mr Kapoor said.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Sical

Sical Logistics Ltd is India’s leading provider of integrated solutions for multimodal bulk and containerized logistics and offshore logistics, annually handling nearly 22 million tonnes of bulk cargo and 500,000 TEUs of containerized cargo.

Sical provides services in the following segments:

• Bulk—stevedoring; port terminals; customs and agency services; trucking; railroad/ warehousing
• Container—container terminals; inland container ICD; CFS
• Offshore—platform supply vessel; cutter suction dredger

Sical's delivery network includes an exclusive walk-in berth at Chennai for ships carrying bulk cargo; a container terminal at Tuticorin; 450,000 square feet of storage across over 100 warehouses; owned and regularly contracted fleet of nearly 3000 transport vehicles; container freight stations at 3 locations across India; Sical Torino, a deepwater capable platform supply vessel supply doing duty in the North Sea, and Sical Portofino, a cutter section dredger in service at the Chinese port of Ri Zhao. Sical's FY2006-07 revenue was INR 8.9 billion on INR 301.9 million equity capital.

About YES BANK

YES BANK, India’s new age private sector bank, is the outcome of the professional commitment of its founder, Rana Kapoor, supported by his highly competent top management team, to establish a high quality, customer centric, service driven, private Indian bank catering to the industries of India’s future.

YES BANK has adopted international best practices, the highest standards of service quality and operational excellence, and offers comprehensive banking and financial solutions to all its valued customers. A key strength and differentiating feature of YES BANK is its knowledge driven approach to banking and an unprecedented customer experience for its retail and wealth management clients.

YES BANK is steadily building corporate and institutional banking, financial markets, investment banking, corporate finance, business (SME) and transactional banking, retail banking and wealth management business lines across the country. The bank’s constant endeavor is to provide a delightful banking experience expressed with simplicity, empathy and totality.

In March 2008, we will change the rotation on the US East Coast and add a vessel to the MECL2 service. This will result in improved transit times to Newark from the South Indian market as well as a number of Mediterranean ports. The upgraded service will also provide our customers with increased schedule integrity and thereby offer improved reliability.

With these service changes, we wish to show a continued commitment to offering our customers a reliable and fast product with the level of efficiency and cost effectiveness required in this trade.

The future port rotation will be as follows: Colombo (Sri Lanka), Salalah (Oman), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Port Said (Egypt), Algeciras (Spain), Newark (US), Norfolk (US), Savannah (US), Algeciras (Spain), Gioia Tauro (Italy), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Salalah (Oman), and Chennai (India).

For more information, please contact your local Maersk Line representative or visit maerskline.com.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Maersk Line is one of the leading liner shipping companies in the world, serving customers globally. More than 550 container vessels and more than 1,400,000 containers ensure its customers a reliable and comprehensive world­wide coverage. Maersk Line is the container shipping arm of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has presence in more than 125 countries, employing in excess of 110,000 employees. The group is mainly involved in container shipping activities including logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

Solicitor Mr. Shrikant Hathi partner of the law firm Hathi & Partners attending to the file representing thirty nine Plaintiffs being insurance companies, shippers, sellers, consignors, buyers, importers, receivers and consignees of cargoes have instituted the suit for recovery of the sum of US Dollars 4485930=07 which represents the value of the cargoes which were lost when the vessel "AMANAT SHAH" sunk 12 miles off Galle, Sri Lanka on or about 8th September 2006 with the Plaintiffs' cargoes on board the vessel "AMANAT SHAH" for her voyage from Myanmar, Yangon to Mumbai, India.

The first Defendant is a foreign flag vessel "ASRAR-A-MOSTAFA" flying Bangladeshi flag while second Defendant vessel is also a Bangladesh flag vessel “RAHMAN NOOR RAHIM” that changed her name from Eid-A-Mostafa both owned by the same beneficial owner.

The vessels changed ownership for no financial consideration. Mr. Hathi states that agreements without consideration are void under both Indian as well as Bangladeshi laws and have pleaded to "pierce the corporate veil" and or ignore a transaction if it is so obviously carried out in an attempt to avoid liabilities and is not, in reality, a genuine or "arm's length" transaction, but merely a "sham" and/or amounting to a fraud.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

HATHI & PARTNERS, is a partnership firm organised and registered in Mumbai, under the Indian Partnership Act. The firm is also registered with the Bombay High Court as Advocates & Solicitors and with the Bombay Incorporated Law Society as Solicitors. All partners are registered on the rolls of their respective Bar Councils to practice law while some partners are advocates on record on the rolls of the Supreme Court of India. HATHI & PARTNERS is also registered with the Income Tax department having its Pan and Tan number. HATHI & PARTNERS is an independent, full service law firm established under the laws of India accepting work from all overseas law firms, corporates, government bodies etc and all those seeking assistance from our law firm. Our aim is to provide consistently high quality advice understanding of the commercial environment in which our clients operate. We offer in-depth local knowledge and a uniquely global perspective.

The firm is structured around nine practice areas:

• Admiralty, Maritime & Shipping
• Corporate, Commercial & Contracts
• Arbitration & Litigation (Dispute Resolution)
• Projects (Oil & Gas; Infrastructure; Mining; Energy; Telecommunication)
• Entertainment, Media & Information Technology
• Banking, Finance & Capital Markets

Each area comprises industry-focused teams dedicated to delivering incisive advice.

The Asia Pacific Legal 500 has consistently ranked Shrikant Hathi as a 'Leading Individual' for shippingmatters in India. The Asia Pacific Legal 500 has recommended our law firm for Shipping, Dispute Resolution; Projects and energy.

This cooperation will consist of three strings of five vessels each between Asia and North America. They will replace Maersk Line's TP5 and TP8, MSC's New Orient Express and CMA-CGM's Yang Tse Service.

"Rates have not supported our cost to serve on different products in the Pacific. We felt that a partnership of this sort would not only enable us to address our cost structure, but also to provide a dynamic enhanced product for our customers, without adding any capacity on the market. commented Vincent Clerc, Vice President of Pacific Route Management for Maersk Line.

The first string of this VSA will serve a port call rotation of Yantian, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Qingdao, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with five 8,000 TEU vessels. Four of these vessels will be operated by Maersk Line and the remaining vessel by CMA-CGM.

The first string of the VSA, as the southern loop, is scheduled for its initial eastbound call at Shanghai on 14 April 2008. The first westbound call starts on 29 April 2008 from Los Angeles.

The second string of this VSA will also consist of five 8,000 TEU vessels, four of which will be operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company and one by CMA-CGM. This string will call a rotation of Dalian, Xingang, Shanghai, Ningbo, Los Angeles, Oakland and Dalian. This service is scheduled for its first eastbound call at Dalian on 7 April 2008. The first westbound call is in Long Beach on 27 April 2008.

"Given the rising cost of bunker fuel and the distances travelled, a post-Panamax level of efficiency and cost base is needed in the trans-Pacific." Said Robert Kledal, Vice President of Route Management for Maersk, "The 8000 TEU vessels on the two largest loops of this new network make this an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for our customers shipping needs."

The third string of this VSA will be created with the redeployment of five 4,000 TEU vessels operated by Maersk Line under the U.S. flag calling the ports of Kwangyang, Busan, Kobe, Shimizu, Nagoya, Yokohama, Los Angeles, and Oakland. MSC and CMA-CGM will participate in this string through a slot agreement. The initial westbound schedule starts 25 March 2008 in Los Angeles. The eastbound schedule starts in Kwangyang on 12 April.

All of these strings will offer an improved eastbound product with shorter transit times out of Northern China and vastly improved westbound products adding non restricted corridors into Kaohsiung, Hong Kong and Yantian for both import and export cargo.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Maersk Line is one of the leading liner shipping companies in the world, serving customers globally. More than 550 container vessels and more than 1,400,000 containers ensure its customers a reliable and comprehensive world­wide coverage. Maersk Line is the container shipping arm of the A. P. Moller - Maersk Group which is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark and has presence in more than 125 countries, employing in excess of 110,000 employees. The group is mainly involved in container shipping activities including logistics and terminal operation, tankers, oil and gas activities, retail, shipyards and manufacturing activities.

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Mr. Patrick A. Gouveia, owner of Spire Group Limited, www.groupspire.com ,of Toronto, Canada, operated the second largest public refrigerated company in North America with 54 facilities (240 million cubic feet) and 5400 employees, has concluded a US$ 250 million joint venture with Apollo LogiSolutions Ltd as part of the global expansion of Spire Group into developing markets. Spire Group has facilities of US$ 450 million under contract in Romania, Maldova, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia and Montreal, Canada. There is an unprecedented demand for modern temperature controlled warehouse facilities to comply with international health and safety standards in these markets and to meet the burgeoning market created by consumer demands. The JV will construct up to 15 temperature controlled warehouses in India starting in 2008. The first two temperature – controlled facilities will be built in Mulund and Panvel. Spire Group will work with Apollo LogiSolutions in the design and construction of these facilities.

Commenting on the JV Mr. Raaja Kanwar, Managing Director, Apollo LogiSolutions Ltd. said “It is a joint venture of equal significance to both the groups. From Apollo we will bring to the table over three decades of business experience and professionalism. We are delighted to have the Spire Group as our partners and look forward to a mutually rewarding innings with them in the fast growing logistics business in India”.

Spire Group, with its team of experts, has many years of experience in the construction and management of temperature controlled warehouse facilities and can strategically develop distribution facilities tailored to the customers’ specific supply chain needs. Spire provides third party solutions. Mr. Patrick. A. Gouveia, Spire Group President, says “We are delighted to enter into this Joint Venture with a truly world class partner and we look forward to an exciting future together”.

Says Capt. Kapil Anand, President, Apollo LogiSolutions Ltd. “As India’s integration into the global economy strengthens, the container traffic is projected to increase about three folds in the next ten years. The requirement for state of the art logistics hubs with integrated cold chain facilities is the need of the hour. ALL is committed to provide solutions that would give its customers a competitive edge resulting from cost efficiencies and better service levels. We are very enthused about the Joint Venture as a well established partner will help us expand our services to cover the cold chain logistics.”

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Apollo LogiSolutions Limited:

Apollo LogiSolutions Ltd. (ALL) is Apollo International Ltd’s latest foray into the field of logistics. Apollo LogiSolutions intends to offer complete and comprehensive services in container and freight station space in the near future including the areas if transportation of containers to and from the port, cargo handling and consolidation, facilitating customs clearance, palletisation/ unitizing, labeling, bar coding and sorting of cargo, storage & warehousing including special warehousing of temperature / climate controlled, hazardous cargo, specially customized services like distribution & inventory management to meet the growing trade requirements.

Currently ALL is managing an ICD at Mulund. It is in the process of setting up a logistics hub in Panvel, at a distance of 32 kms from JNPT, India’s premier container port in Nhava-Sheva, near Mumbai. This facility strategically located along the National Highway network, spanning over 60 acres of land will be equipped with state of the art equipment, information technology and experienced staff to cater to all the needs of EXIM trade under one roof.

“The cooperative approach adopted by the local community, Clare County Council and the various State Agencies in securing the necessary funding to upgrade Doonbeg Harbour is a perfect example of how essential rural projects can be progressed for the benefit of all”, explained the Junior Environment and Energy Minister.

He continued, “I am delighted to see that there is a varied and extensive programme of works earmarked for this development including the dredging of the inner harbour and channel, construction of protection breakwater and walkway at crest level, and the demolition of the existing slipway and construction of a replacement slipway. Clare County Council also intends reclaiming, regrading and resurfacing on-shore space.”

Minister Killeen added that the maintenance and development of piers and harbours was essential for the sustainable development and regeneration of coastal communities throughout Clare, where fishing is a crucial part of the local economy.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.

The 12.30–6pm event sees various teams from counties around Ireland competing in a rigorous series of races, which simulate conditions that lifesavers often encounter in real life rescues.

Commenting ahead of the upcoming Championships, Cllr. Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council stated, “Limerick County Council is mindful of the need to actively promote water safety and to support events that remind members of the public about the importance of acting safely around water. Therefore, the local authority is delighted to pledge its support to the upcoming event.”

The Cathaoirleach, who is a member of Askeaton Swimming Club and whose son Kevin is a Lifesaver, added that the event would again help underline County Limerick’s growing status as a location for prestigious national and international sporting events.

“County Limerick has a proud sporting tradition and is known as a friendly location for visitors. We also possess Ireland’s largest indoor sports complex at the University of Limerick. These three factors combined make Limerick an ideal location for a national competition of this size. It is especially significant that up to 70 competitors from Clare, Waterford, Belfast, Wicklow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Mayo, Wexford and Limerick, will be participating in the competition”, concluded Councillor Sheahan.

Meanwhile, the Championships will feature a world record attempt by Norma Cahill from Clare. The current World Record Holder in the 50-metre manikin and the 200-metre obstacle events is attempting a third world record in the 100 meter manikin carry with fins and has a time to beat of 1min16.76secs.

Order of Events
Obstacle races involve passing under two obstacles
1. 100m obstacle Junior (u16) + Masters over 55
2. 200m obstacle Senior + Masters
3. 4 x 50m obstacle Relay. Junior, Senior, Masters
4. 100m manikin carry + fins Senior, Masters
5. 50m manikin carry Senior, Masters
6. 2 x 50m water safety carry Relay Juniors
7. 100m rescue medley Senior
8. 100m manikin tow + fins Senior, Masters
9. 200m Super lifesaver Senior
10. 4 x 25m manikin relay Junior, Senior
11. 4 x 50m medley relay Senior, Masters

According to Irish Water Safety, the Championships encourage young athletes to enrol in one of IWS's many courses nationwide in the valuable skills of swimming, rescue and lifesaving. Many participants go on to work in swimming pools and leisure centres in Ireland and abroad.

Irish Water Safety encourages everyone to take swimming, water safety and rescue classes. For further information on the upcoming Championships or any aspect of water safety contact Irish Water Safety, The Long Walk, Galway, at 091-564400/info@iws.ie or visit www.iws.ie

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Notes to Editor:
- Councillor Kevin Sheahan, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council (087-2926333), John Leech, Irish Water Safety (087-6789600) and/or Roger Sweeney, Irish Water Safety (087-6789601) are available for interview and further comment.
- An introductory explanation of the different events:
200 m Obstacle Swim -The competitor swims 200 m in freestyle during which he/she swims under eight (8) immersed obstacles.
50 m Manikin Carry - The competitor swims 25 m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 5 m of the pick-up line. The competitor then carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100 m Rescue Medley - The competitor swims 50 m freestyle to turn, dive, and swim underwater to a submerged manikin located at 20 m distance for men and 15m distance for women. The competitor surfaces the manikin within the 5 m pick-up line, and then carries it the remaining distance to the finish edge of the pool.
100 m Manikin Carry with Fins - The competitor swims 50 m freestyle wearing fins and then dives to recover a submerged manikin to the surface within 10 m of the turning edge. The competitor carries the manikin to the finish edge of the pool.
100 m Manikin Tow with Fins - The competitor swims 50 m freestyle with fins and rescue tube. After touching the turning edge, the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a manikin floating at the surface at the edge and tows it to the finish.
200 m Super Lifesaver - The competitor swims 75 m freestyle and then dives to recover a submerged manikin. The competitor surfaces the manikin within 5 m of the pick-up line and carries it to the turning edge. After touching the wall the competitor releases the manikin. In the water, the competitor dons fins and rescue tube within 5 m of the turning edge and swims 50 m freestyle. After touching the wall the competitor fixes the rescue tube around a floating manikin within 5 m of the turning edge and tows it to touch the finish edge of the pool.
Line Throw - In this timed event, the competitor throws an unweighted line to a fellow team member located in the water approximately 12 m distant and pulls this "victim" back to the poolside.
4x25m Manikin Relay - Four competitors in turn carry a manikin approximately 25 m each.
4x50 m Obstacle Relay - Four competitors swim 50 m freestyle each passing under two (2) obstacles.
4x50 m Medley Relay - The first competitor swims 50 m freestyle without fins. The second competitor swims 50 m freestyle with fins. The third competitor swims 50 m freestyle pulling a rescue tube and after having touched the wall, passes the harness of the rescue tube to a fourth competitor who wears fins. The third competitor, playing the role of "victim," holds the rescue tube with both hands, while being towed 50 m by the fourth competitor to the finish.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
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00353-868534900 (mobile)
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“I have been informed by my colleague Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with special responsibility for Office of Public Works, that the provision of new accommodation for the Coast Guard Services in Doolin continues to be a top priority for the Office of Public Works. The Department of Transport, meanwhile, has also expressed its desire to see the project progressed”, explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, “The view of the OPW is that the location of the new Coastguard facilities should tie in with Clare County Council’s preferred option for the development of a new pier and ticket office in Doolin. Following my intervention with Minister Eamon O’Cuiv last November, the EUR10m pier development is being progressed.”

Minister Killeen said he was confident that the construction of the new Headquarters would follow quickly once a suitable site had been acquired.

“The OPW has repeatedly stressed that the construction process, including building design, planning permission application and tendering, will be proceeded with as quickly as possible. I am hopeful that the upcoming meeting of the relevant parties will move the process forward through the resolution of any outstanding issues”, concluded the Minister.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government and Communication Energy and Natural Resources with special responsibility for Environment and Energy, is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
media@dunphypr.com
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)

“I am delighted that Shannon Development has been recognised for its work, to date, on the Kilrush Marina project”, commented Minister Killeen.

He added, “The aim of the LAMA awards is to reward individuals, initiatives and private companies for outstanding contributions and projects of benefit to the community. This is especially applicable to Shannon Development’s ongoing work on the marina at Kilrush, a town that boasts a proud and ancient maritime tradition.”

In early 2007, Shannon Development identified a preferred developer in relation to the future development of the Kilrush Marina and surrounding landbank. The project will involve a total overall investment of €50m to be developed over three phases and will include: doubling the berthage capacity of the marina and upgrading of marina facilities to international standard; development of marina holiday homes and residential accommodation; new hotel with leisure and conference facilities; retail / commercial park and office accommodation.

The Local Authority Members’ Association (LAMA) represents elected Councillors nationwide. For more on the Local Authority Members’ Association Awards log on to www.lamaawards.org

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.

"I am extremely proud of our achievements in this past year. It is a direct consequence of our unwavering endeavours to provide our customers with service par excellence. I take this opportunity to thank Jawaharlal Nehru Port for their support. India's container and logistics business is growing by leaps and bounds and we are very pleased to be contributing to this growth" said Mr. Arvind Bhatnagar, CEO GTI.

"Consistent and efficient performance establishes GTI's credentials as a world class container terminal," said Mr. Prakash Tulsiani, COO. "It is also noteworthy that all our achievements are complimented by an excellent safety record and credit for it goes to the dedication, hard work and focus of our employees. GTI won the coveted Port of the Year award in the Lloyd's List Middle East and Indian Sub Continent Awards '07; this illustrates our excellent operational capabilities"

GTI, which celebrates its first anniversary today, has set other records and benchmarks in terms of productivity, safety, security, environment - friendliness, the use of the latest equipment, modern IT systems and world class processes.

GTI is also an impressive example of the success of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of development. "GTI has amply demonstrated the tremendous potential that the PPP model holds," said Mr. Dinesh Lal, Director, GTI. "We are proud to be an important element in India's infrastructure development and help in meeting the needs of container and logistics business. Since 95 per cent of India's international commodity trade takes place by the sea route, GTI's contribution to the
sector will grow substantially in the years to come."

The container handling capacity of JNPT increased by 27% in Jan - Nov '07 over the same period in '06, and of this, GTI's contribution was 99%. GTI has established a national record of 143.65 moves per hour for berth productivity, and carried out ICD operations of 180 TEUs in 20 minutes, averaging 9 TEUs per minute.

The terminal was completed as per schedule and won the APM Terminals' Amazing Project award, recognising the fact that GTI is the only terminal to have had safe operations and construction simultaneously.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

About Gateway Terminals India (GTI)

Gateway Terminals India Private Ltd.(GTI) is a joint venture company of A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S and Container Corporation of India Ltd.(CONCOR). GTI has signed a licence agreement with Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) to build and operate for the next 30 years a state of the art common user container terminal at Nhava Sheva.

For further details please contact

J.S.Sai – 9821057181
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The facts and circumstances that led to arrest of the vessel was that a Time Charterparty agreement dated March 16, 2005 Sekhiyo Line Ltd had taken on hire from Benefit Transport S.A., Taiwan the registered owner of the vessel a single deck bulk carrier motor vessel named m.v. INDIAN CHALLENGER (ex. BENEFIT WISDOM). The vessel was delivered to the Plaintiff on April 30, 2005. This vessel was thereafter sub-chartered. Benefit Transport, the registered owner of the vessel committed a breach of the said Charterparty by abruptly withdrawing the vessel from hire without giving reasons of withdrawal of the vessel. Due to the wrongful withdrawal, of the Defendant vessel the sub-charters got affected and claims have been arisen for the losses and damages suffered.

In view of the security provided, the dispute will be resolved by arbitration at Singapore.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

LEX Nexus is a specialised project law firm accepting work from all overseas and domestic corporates, government bodies etc and all those seeking assistance from our law firm including acceptance of work from overseas law firm,advising financial institutions, commercial enterprises, and state and regulatory bodies on complex and critical legal issues.

With multi-jurisdiction offices, associate law firms and lawyers in the Asia Pacific, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and America, we offer in-depth local knowledge and a uniquely global perspective. LEX Nexus lawyers advise internationally and domestically.

The firmaim is to provide consistently high quality advice understanding of the commercial environment in whichclients operate. LEX Nexus offers in-depth local knowledge and a uniquely global perspective.

The firm is structured for project related transactional work including dispute resolution. Each area comprises industry-focused teams dedicated to delivering incisive advice.

The Firm's domestic and international clients range from privately owned to publicly listed companies, including Fortune 500 entities.

LEX Nexus is a law firm with eight partners, the firm also has associates and support staffs. The firm aims to provide clear; concise and practical advice based on in-depth knowledge of the legal, regulatory and commercial environment within which our clients operate and with a full understanding of their overall business objectives.

Given a rich human resource base, the firm has the ability to assemble dedicated teams of professionals with the requisite expertise to meet client requirements and handle complex and large transactions.

Each client has a dedicated partner who leads, coordinates, and is directly responsible to meet client requirements efficiently. The ability to respond to client requirements and to render the highest level of services is fundamental to the approach of the firm towards its clients.

The new era of globalisation, where the work force is as intermingled as modern culture, it is the objective of LEX Nexus to provide clients with the latest and the most appropriate strategies using analytical tools and management science, encompassing when required legal minds practicing in various jurisdiction, to serve the profession and further legal issues.

LEX Nexus, organised and registered law firm including registration with the Bombay High Court as Advocates & Solicitors and with the Bombay Incorporated Law Society as Solicitors. All partners are registered on the rolls of their respective Bar Councils to practice law while some partners are advocates on record on the rolls of the Supreme Court of India.

"This proposal represents the first time that a preferred option for developing the pier has been put forward by Clare County Council", explained Minister Killeen.

He continued, "I welcome the fact that considerable progress on the issue can now take place following years of debate and discussion on what the best way forward should be. I am particularly aware of the sensitive nature of the issue at hand, which is why I have worked for many years to facilitate meetings between various interest groups including the two Government Departments and senior officials from Clare County Council."

"The proposal that has been presented by the Council and well received by Minister O Cuiv is one of a number of proposals that were drafted by a team of consultants some time ago. It provides for the construction of a new pier in close proximity to the existing pier while it will require less dredging work in Doolin Harbour, which is an expensive and time consuming process", stated the Minister.

Minister Killeen indicated that any advancement of the proposal would now be subject to consultation with interested parties and the approval of Clare County Council. He added that the some land acquisition issues would need to be resolved while it was likely that a foreshore licence would also have to be sought.

The Minister said that he and his colleague Minister Eamon Ó Cuív had become impatient at the lack of progress on the issue.

"On previous occasions, Minister Ó Cuív has expressed disappointment to me that little progress had been made regarding the commencement of improvement works at Doolin Pier. Despite having set significant funding aside, a number of outstanding issues had continued to delay improvement works from taking place. Clare County Council's proposal now moves the issue on to a new level and, hopefully, towards the provision of a new pier", said Minister Killeen.

Commenting on the urgent need to provide an adequate pier in Doolin Harbour, Minister Killeen said, "Ferry operators, fishermen and the local search and rescue unit have been finding it increasingly difficult to launch their boats at low water levels. The practice of landing fish at the Pier has also become more restricted due to absence of any significant development works on the pier structure."

"The provision of a new pier would have a hugely positive impact on the livelihoods of at least two-dozen fishermen from Inis Meáin, Inis Oirr, Doolin, Kilshanny and elsewhere in North Clare who regularly utilise the local fish processing plant. It would also ensure that Doolin was accessible in all tidal conditions, as there are frequent occasions when the existing pier is inaccessible to boats", concluded Minister Killeen.

Mr. Éamon Ó Cuív, T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Mr. Tony Killeen, T.D., Minister for State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; other local T.D.'s; Tom Carey, Director of Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Clare County Council; and Mr. Donal Buckley, Senior Road Engineer, Transportation and Infrastructure, Clare County Council were present at last evening's meeting.

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

“Enhancing reputations–Increasing exposure–Increasing understanding”

Founded in 2006, Dunphy Public Relations is a communications group led by Mark Dunphy from County Clare. Mr. Dunphy previously held the position of ‘Head of News and Current Affairs’ in Clare FM Radio.

Dunphy Public Relations has secured extensive local, national and international media coverage for clients including Clare County Council; Supply Network Shannon; The Atlantis Holiday Group; Shannon Town Council; Cliffs of Moher New Visitor Experience; Clare Museum; Digino Marketing; Renewable Energy Skillsnet; Magico.ie; Kilrush Town Council; Clonlara Wholesale; Minister for Labour Affairs, Tony Killeen; Clare County Library; and Ennis Town Council.

Year on Year (H-1) : During H-1, revenue grew by 55 % to Rs 112.35 crores, while net profit (excl. Investment Income) increased by 2.2 % to Rs 29.87 Crores from Rs 29.22 Crores in H-1 of 2006-07. Throughput increased by 45 % to 171,446 TEUs.

Q-2 vs Q-1 : Revenue grew by 31 % to Rs 64.03 Crores from Rs 48.32 crores, while net profit increased by 2 % to Rs 18.88 Crores from Rs 18.58 crores in the previous quarter. Throughput increased by 11 % from 81,169 TEUs to 90,277 TEUs despite strong competition, which, however, had some adverse effect on the margins.

Due to the commencement of operations at the Punjab Conware CFS and deployment of 2 rakes by Gateway Rail Freight Ltd., both the income from operations and expenditure on staff costs, transportation, labour charges, fees on Operations & Management of Punjab Conware CFS and depreciation have increased significantly in the quarter ended September 30, 2007, as compared to the quarter ended 30 June 2007.

Interim Dividend : GDL has declared interim dividend of 15% for the financial year 2007-08. GDL had a bonus issue in the ratio of 1 equity share for every 4 equity shares held in the Company in August 2007.

Deployment of funds in Business : As the surplus funds were deployed on CAPEX on new businesses, viz., Rail, CFS & Cold Chain Logistics, investment income in H-1 declined to Rs 7.59 crores against Rs 11.62 Crores in H-1 of 2006-07. Consequently, overall net Profit (inc. investment Income) decreased to Rs 37.46 Crores against Rs 40.84 Crores in H-1 of 2006-07. The fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) in Q-2 was Rs 1.63.

Second CFS at JNP : “Our second CFS (Punjab Conware) is now operational and will help us consolidate our leadership position in the JNP CFS market in providing comprehensive services to the EXIM trade in this area”.

Container Rail Business : “We have acquired and deployed two of our own container trains presently in the domestic route. Another ten rakes have been ordered, which are expected to be received by March 2008, in stages”, said Mr Gopinath Pillai, Chairman, GDL

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

GDL is a Container logistics company with Pan-India presence providing Container Freight Station (CFS) / Inland Container Depot (ICD) services. GDL operates two large CFSs at JNP, an ICD at Garhi Harsaru, near Gurgaon and CFSs at Chennai & Vizag. GDL has recently started operating its own container trains and has also entered the cold chain logistics business through its subsidiary, Snowman Frozen Foods Limited, a JV with Mitsubishi Group.

SCHAAF is leading the way with ExpaTen bolts in order to revolutionize detachable flange connections of propulsion shafts of the shipbuilding industry. Not only are the bolts 100% non-positive and form fitting, which transfers high torque, but even after high stress they can be easily disassembled and reused. The bending and rotating resistant connection absorbed shock like changes of revolutions, torque as well as turning direction dependently. The system is made of heat treated steel, which is a safety plus during torque transfer. The safety factor in comparison to regular screws is 5. ExpaTen is easy to handle since all tools and hydraulic high-pressure pumps for assembly and disassembly are adjusted to the system. ExpaTen is certified by well-known buyers.

Advantages

SCHAAF is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 and, in addition, fulfils all requirements of all other classification societies.

Expansion and pretensioning result in the following advantages compared to conventional bolts:

High torque transmission, completely free from backlash
100 % positive locking and frictional connection
Torsionally and flexurally rigid connection even with sudden changes in the rotational speed, the torque, or direction of rotation
Reduction of flange dimensions possible due to fewer number of bolts for torque transmission Maximum torque transmission in minimum space
More security
Simple and quick installation and removal of ExpaTen even after years of use and in restricted spaces
Reusable after removal
Cost-saving

Areas of Application

SCHAAF ExpaTen Bolts are the optimum solution wherever high forces (torques) must be transmitted and, at the same time, easy removal must be ensured.

To know more log onto www.expaten.bravehost.com or www.schaaf-gmbh.com

Source: Press release distribution via India PRwire

Project Sales Corp, Visakhapatnam, India handles the Schaaf GmbH & Co KG products for the India Markets.

On 18th August 2007 a batch of 124 cadets which included 8 girls who have successfully completed the BS Marine Engineering program in July 2007 were awarded the certificates in a colourful function at Induri by the Guest of Honour Prof L K Maheshwari Vice Chancellor BITS Pilan. In his speech Prof Maheshwari urged the cadets to strive for excellence and bring pride and glory to their alma mater as well as nation. Dr Sujata Naik TMI Chairperson congratulated the graduating cadets and urged them to achieve excellence in their career. Others who spoke on this occasion include Principal Prof BK Saxena, Programme Chair Prof IK Basu, Provost Captain Raj Razdan

Chairman Varuna Award Winner Dr N P Tolani's Gold Medal for best All Round Performance was bagged by Vinodh R while the Silver Medal went to Shivam H Sarawagi. The Anglo Eastern Cash Award for Academic Excellence Rs 11,000/- was given to Samar Rustagi, Rs 5000/- to Akhil Jaiswal and Rs 3,000/- to Dhawal Tandon. Ahmedali Abbas Lokhandwala received the coveted Vasant J Seth Memorial Gold Medal for Best Academic Performance, the Chellaram Cash Award of Rs 10,000/- and 3 individual medals for standing first in various course categories. Amit Kumar Abhinav Madan and Prana Verma won medals for their excellent performance in Internship. The Manbhaw Trust Scholarship for Girls cadets was bagged by Divya Iyer, Mandira Nayak and Rashmi. A special award for Innovation / Design was given to the twin brother cadets Gautam Kumar and Sidharth Kumar.

The success of the collaboration rests in the fact that all the six batches of BS Marine Engineering cadets who have graduated so far have had 100% placement offers from leading shipping companies. T