Transportation & Logistics International Volume 9, Issue 4 by Finelight Media Group

TLIMAGAZINE.COM l Volume 9, Issue 4

Tube of the

Thames

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is making an essential contribution to London’s diverse range of transport services

Mass transit 5G is going to bring massive changes, not least to the public transportation sector pg.8

Mobility data The data gleaned from our day-to-day travel can be used to improve today’s cities pg.12

From the Editor Incorporating Land, Sea & Air and Railway Strategies

Chairman Andrew Schofield Managing Director Joe Woolsgrove Editor Libbie Hammond libbie@schofieldpublishing.com Assistant Editor ON THE COVER Will Daynes XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX Staff Writers Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Alex McDonald • Danielle Champ xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Production xxxxxManager xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx Fleur Daniels Art Editor David Howard

COLUMNS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OUR EDITORS AND WRITERS

Advertising Designer Rebecca Side

XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX

Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Sales Director Alasdair Gamble xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Operations Director XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX Philip Monument Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Operations Manager xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Natalie Griffiths Research Managers XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX Jo-Ann Jeffery • Ben Richell Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Kieran Shukri • Marissa Roberts xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Basil Sharpe Editorial Researchers XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX Adam Blanch • Mark Cowles Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Tarjinder Kaur-D’Silva • xxxx Jeff Goldenberg Mark Kafourous • xxxx James Pagexxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx Wendy Russell • Richard Saunders

XX.\ XXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX Advertising Sales Johanna Baileyxxxx • Alex Hartley Xxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Dave King • Theresa McDonald xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxxxx xxxx xxxx xxxx Ibby Mundhir • Reid Lingle • Mike Berger Sam Surrell

Hello and welcome to the May issue of TLI. I hope you find something in our content that interests you – it was ‘data’ that got my attention this month. It sounds obvious that data is increasingly important in the transportation sector, but in the feature on Mobility Data, Devin de Vries’ insights into the multiple uses and areas where it is being utilized are fascinating. Read the full story on page 12. We were delighted to feature Uber Boats by Thames Clippers as May’s cover story. As the UK steadily begins to re-open after lockdown, London will be ready to welcome commuters and visitors back to work and explore, and travelling via the Thames is not just convenient, but also offers a whole new viewpoint on the capital. As co-founder and CEO of the business, Sean Collins, put it: ‘I think this form of travel just broadens people’s perspective

Web Sales web@schofieldpublishing.com

as to what is on their doorstep without having to

Subscriptions i.kidd@schofieldpublishing.com

grown faster than any other form of transport in the

Corporate Head Office Cringleford Business Centre, 10 Intwood Road, Cringleford, Norwich, NR4 6AU, U.K. Tel: (312) 854-0123 Tel: 044 (0)1603 274130

visit page 20.

Finelight Media 207 E. Ohio Street, Suite 351, Chicago, IL 60611 T: (312) 854-0123

TLIMAGAZINE.COM l Volume 9, Issue 4

Tube of the

Thames

travel too far.’ Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has capital over the last two decades – to read its story,

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is making an essential contribution to London’s diverse range of transport services

Mass transit 5G is going to bring massive changes, not least to the public transportation sector pg.8

Mobility data The data gleaned from our day-to-day travel can be used to improve today’s cities pg.12

Libbie Hammond EDITOR

libbie@schofieldpublishing.com

© 2021 Schofield Publishing Ltd Please note: The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers within this publication do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, and correct at time of writing, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher. All rights reserved. The contents of the magazine are strictly copyright, the property of Schofield Publishing, and may not be copied, stored in a retrieval system, or reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher.

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Features 4

RAIL

The UK is on the precipice of a major opportunity to make huge steps towards improving the rail network, and Edge

Profiles

Computing is key

MASS TRANSIT

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, improving connectivity on public transport has moved from an objective to a strategic imperative

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

MOBILITY DATA

Data on our comings-and-goings is essential for more than just journeys and many stakeholders can use the information to improve our cities

NEWS

The latest news, announcements and updates from transportation and logistics, across land, sea and air

INNOVATION

This issue’s Patent of the Month from Withers & Rogers looks back at an innovation from the 1960s

Carlton Forest 3PL 2 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Stevens Trucking

Explore Transport

Cryoport

Your company profile here TLIMAGAZINE.COM

4 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Rail

A major opportunity Getting Edge Computing on track. By Greg Hookings

he UK railway system is the

increase in big data from interconnected

oldest in the world, dating back

stakeholders. This causes opportunities and

to 1825 when the first steam

challenges for the service providers. And as

train hauled its load. Now the

the move to decentralise the control systems

system shifts nearly 2bn personal journeys

away from sole management provided by

every year on 10,000 miles of standard

operations control centres to track-side

gauge lines - some are single track, others

and train-side localities, the control of

crisscross into quadruple lines, all need

data becomes even more complex. And the

constant monitoring and management. Then

capture and analysis of this data moves from

there is the London Underground system,

a benefit to a business-critical need, this is

which opened in 1863, that carries 1.4bn

where Edge Computing comes in.

passengers every year. That’s around five

The good news is that the UK isn’t

million passengers a day, on just 250 miles

standing alone when it comes to building

of track.

smart railways, from barrier crossing

Since its creation, the UK Rail system has

controls, track circuits, axle counter sensors,

grown at a rapid rate and as operators move

on-board units through to lineside electronic

towards computer-based management,

units, times are changing and we have

control and communications systems,

international standards that we can learn

the sector has set a trajectory for a rapid

from. The introduction of state-of-the-

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

art digital technologies across the globe

deployment is now becoming common

equipment, tracks and stations to operate

is changing the way railway companies

place among the industrial automation, life

more efficiently but also improves safety

operate. Asia in particular is an early adopter

sciences, process and retail sectors.

and reduces long-term costs for all elements

Legacy ICT infrastructure is being

involved, from the Radio Block Centre all the

and leading the industries transformation. From Singapore to Hong Kong to India,

replaced by highly effective Train Control

smart technologies, such as computer based

and Management Systems (TCMS) that

You only need to look at Singapore to

management, control and communication

are empowered by the IoT and big data

see such rapid advancements in its railway

systems, are being deployed to strengthen

analytics. Edge Computing allows real-

systems. Singapore has successfully

operational and network efficiency while

time data capture from sensors installed

embraced digital transformation and digital

maintaining passenger safety.

within trains and along tracks that enables

readiness across the board – including its

reliable monitoring, data collection and

immensely efficient railway network.

The UK also has company when it comes

way to the barrier drive.

to the deployment of Edge Computing.

analysis. The data collected plays a dual

Collecting and analysing data where it is

role supporting remote diagnostics and

hub that has set its sights on overcoming

needed most - the source. This technology

predictive maintenance. This not only allows

land scarcity by being the world’s first

6 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Singapore is a major Asian metropolitan

Rail back-end operations, such as maintenance

were implemented to monitor air pressure,

processes, but also favourably impacts

movement speed and power systems, which

customer experience.

paved the way for enhanced train reliability.

Traditional maintenance processes such as

In view of creating significant customer

train tunnel and site inspections were once

enhancements, billions of dollars have

carried out manually by engineers who enter

also been spent on embedding MRT

identified problem sites and took photos and

infrastructure with feedback loops and

videos, often causing operational disruption.

tracker sensor systems which calculate

But today, the Land Transport Authority

journey time. This has provided commuters

(LTA) has implemented a Drone Task Force

with real-time information to plan and

which harnesses the power of technology to

estimate trip journeys and has been well-

inspect and monitor train tracks and tunnels

received.

without any operation disruption. With a mandate to improve both

As Singapore sets the benchmark and leads global innovation across integrated

operations and maintenance efficiency,

transport networks, it is important to

The Smart Urban Rail Corporate Laboratory

understand and leverage the technological

(SMRT-NTU) has identified three innovative

advancements in order to achieve growth in

technology improvement projects that began

neighbouring APAC countries.

network trials in 2019.

In India, it has been reported that artificial

• The first is a train mounted, real

intelligence-powered trains (known as Smart

time condition monitoring system. This

Coaches), will be able to detect a range of

technology has the foresight to detect

maintenance scheduling issues including

defects on power rails and running rails

wheel defects, security and water leaks,

along the network by using radio

and automated reports will signal back to

frequency technology to monitor the

maintenance offices for immediate repair.

electrical contact between trains and

The new fleet of AI trains also offer real-time

tracks.

GPS tracking which will improve network

• Another innovation set to roll out is the

efficiency by providing more up-to-date

Automated Inspection System for Train

arrival time information.

Wheels and Axles, which as the title

In summary, railways are changing,

project suggest, automates the

and Asia is leading the way by becoming

inspection of train axles using a portable

early adopters of smart technologies. On

robot that comes equipped with a track

the one hand, efficiency and productivity

mounted sensor.

gains are supporting railway operators and

• Also in the pipeline, is a high precision

creating a safer and more reliable journey

mobile laser-cladding repair system which

for passengers. But, on the other hand,

uses laser technology to repair defective

it has created added new complexity in

rails. This impressive technology can

terms of real-time and on-demand data

repair worn-out rails overnight (within

requirements. The UK is on the precipice

regular servicing hours) rather than

of a major opportunity to make huge steps

the three nights currently required.

towards improving this vital piece of our

truly smart nation - only 12 percent of the

These trials follow the success of the

infrastructure, and the key for doing so rests

land in Singapore is set aside for roads

introduction of pneumatic train doors that

with Edge Computing. v

and transport infrastructure. But, with a growing population and more than one million vehicles on the road, the challenge lies in optimising the limited space to achieve more efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation. As a part of the country’s smart nation initiative, Singapore has adopted new smart technologies across all aspects of its transportation network, especially the SMRT networks. The goal is to ensure Singapore is ‘smart city ready’. This not only enhances

Greg Hookings is Head of Business Development – Digitalisation, Stratus Technologies. Stratus takes the complexity out of keeping business critical applications running 24/7. Stratus’ technologies proactively prevent instances of unplanned downtime both in the data center and at the edge, and its services ensure any issues are addressed before customers need to. Global Fortune 500 companies and small medium sized businesses in a wide range of industries across the globe have been relying on Stratus for operationally simple, continuous availability for more than 35 years. www.stratus.com

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Get on the

path athwa way y

Why enterprise-grade wireless connectivity is essential for organizations in the public transport industry. By Mark Page

s a result of the Covid-19

turned to technology in order to meet.

current crisis, it could be here to stay, and

pandemic, improving

In Israel, for example, real-time traffic

according to officials may save the public

connectivity on public

management systems were integrated

$25 million a year.

transport has moved from

into a Mobility-as-a-Service model to

Telemetry data, real-time surveillance

an objective to a strategic imperative.

produce an on-demand transit routing

footage, advanced payment systems,

Dealing with disruption, social distancing,

algorithm that calculated the most

GPS for route status apps, and rider Wi-Fi

and getting essential workers safely

efficient journey for each passenger

represent just a handful of the myriad

from A to B are all new imperatives to

and routed buses accordingly. While the

technologies that will be key to launching

which public transport operators have

system was implemented to deal with the

and running similar initiatives around the

8 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Mass transit “Cloud-based management tools make it easy to understand and apply licenses, identify and push out software updates, deploy new devices with zero-touch simplicity, and configure security policies to instantly protect against cybersecurity threats

now-essential capacity sensors (which check passenger numbers are within social distancing limits), for example, will transfer much smaller data packets than streaming video from on-board surveillance cameras. Diversity in the requirements of individual devices is one thing, but the biggest challenge here is establishing and maintaining connectivity with each and every one across a fleet of potentially thousands of vehicles. This not only makes it difficult to accommodate existing devices and applications, but to continue adding more as needs arise and evolve. To overcome issues of bandwidth, public transport operators must first ensure that in-vehicle routers are up to the world. All of the above are manifestations

interoperability (i.e. with urban planning/

task. Enterprise-grade wireless routers

of the connected vehicle revolution, itself

smart city technology) must be considered.

running on Gigabit-Class LTE are ideal for

the result of the greater data capacity and

As a result, public transport operators

maximizing bandwidth due to two core

high-speed connectivity of 4G LTE.

are faced with a number of specific

characteristics. For one, these routers will

connectivity challenges.

contain operator-agnostic dual modems

But fast connectivity and high bandwidth alone do not necessarily guarantee that

which connect to two network carriers

networks will be inherently reliable. This

Challenge #1 – Bandwidth

is especially true for large-scale mass

The bandwidth requirements of on-board

congestion on the network by splitting

transit systems, where complexity and

technology vary from device to device –

data traffic across multiple channels, but

simultaneously. This not only helps prevent

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

also ensures at least one pathway to the network is consistently available. Secondly, in-vehicle routers must also be able to handle the bandwidth requirements of a vast array of devices simultaneously, especially when it comes to the increasing popularity of on-board passenger WiFi. With the dual-band, dual-concurrent capabilities of Wi-Fi 5, routers can support up to 100 clients simultaneously by splitting traffic across 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz channels. This grants passengers reliable access to the high-speed connectivity of Gigabit-Class LTE, while also providing public transport operators with a flexible and sustainable solution to issues of onboard bandwidth.

Challenge #2 – Consistency Frequent connection drop-offs make real-time data impossible, which can spell disaster for applications such as GPS data for Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems and passenger apps, streamed video surveillance footage, and Traffic Signal Priority (TSP) systems. In vehicles, where a router is almost always moving, that signal is ever-changing and potentially dropping out of coverage range. Those dropouts or ‘dead spots’ can become very problematic if missioncritical applications begin suffering interruptions. To identify areas of both challenging and excellent connectivity, public transport operators can use intelligent network management platforms to determine cellular health. These platforms combine GPS data with information relating to signal strength and carrier availability to identify problem areas and respond by changing routes or working with their carrier to develop improvements. Data by itself, however, can only go so far. The true value of deploying such a solution is transforming insights and analytics into visual dashboards, enabling public transport operators to intuitively explore their data over a responsive map. By filtering by date, or other data criteria such as device, vehicle or location, specific issues can be easily identified and rectified, effectively eliminating the risk of network consistency problems along the route.

10 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Mass transit

Challenge #3 – Management & Security

cybersecurity threats. Moreover, with a

transport operators today to consider

single-pane-of-glass overview of every

how to reach the next step in transport

With many vehicles not only constantly

device in every vehicle, IT staff can make

technologies carefully.

on the move, but also spread across wide

changes to entire fleets simultaneously, all

geographies, it’s simply not feasible for

at the touch of a button.

IT and fleet management to always visit

Amongst its many features, the highcapacity and ultra-low latency of 5G will play a critical role in enabling this vision

updates, and other issues. This creates

The role of enterprise-grade connectivity in the future of public transport

two major problems: first, connectivity

The Covid-19 pandemic is a watershed

sector therefore have a tremendous

failures result in widespread disruption

moment in technology, with social

opportunity today to get on the pathway to

to passengers, drivers, fleet managers

distancing, contact tracing and

5G and get fully prepared for the massive

and transport operators alike; second,

environment-monitoring systems just

changes it will bring. Operators running

and perhaps more concerning, is the

some of the elements that will accelerate

enterprise-grade wireless WAN networks

fact that this limits the capacity for IT

the development of smart cities.

with open, interoperable and convergent

teams to resolve potential cybersecurity

Executing upon these aspirations requires

capabilities that combine front-,

vulnerabilities and to ensure that

ubiquitous, enterprise-grade wireless WAN

intermediate-haul and backhaul are already

data flowing to and from vehicles is

connectivity, making it imperative for public

well on their way – are you? v

vehicles in-person to manage connection problems, configuration changes, security

of the future. Whether organizations are ready or not, 5G is coming. IoT system integrators in the public transportation

continuously in line with data privacy regulations. The solution lies in using the power of the cloud to remotely manage wireless edge networks, effectively granting public transport operators full visibility over the entire network. Cloud-based management tools make it easy to understand and apply licenses, identify and push out software

Mark Page is Strategic Account Director, Public Sector at Cradlepoint, a global leader in cloud-delivered 4G and 5G wireless network edge solutions. Cradlepoint’s NetCloud™ platform and cellular routers deliver a pervasive, secure, and software-defined Wireless WAN edge to connect people, places, and things – anywhere. More than 25,000 businesses and government agencies around the world, including many Global 2000 organizations and top public sector agencies, rely on Cradlepoint to keep mission-critical sites, points of commerce, field forces, vehicles, and IoT devices always connected.

updates, deploy new devices with zerotouch simplicity, and configure security

www.cradlepoint.com

policies to instantly protect against

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Photo: © WhereIsMyTransport Ltd, photography by Natalia Feliu

Moving with

data

Mobility data has immense value, not only to commuters, but many otherstakeholders. Here, Devin de Vries explores the varied uses for this data

or many, making the daily

technology reveals previously unseen

and implement urban planning decisions.

commute without real-time

patterns in people’s movements, particularly

Traditionally, they have relied on point-in-

mobility data is now unthinkable.

in emerging markets. This information is

time measurements such as traffic counts or

Drivers tap into traffic data to

helping firms make better decisions on where

public-transport ridership estimates to inform

to invest.

their policy advice. investors looking at market trends, or looking

comings-and-goings is essential for more

Mobility data reveals untapped opportunities

than just journeys. Infrastructure planning

At the highest level, mobility data tells us

estate and infrastructure along transport

firms, research organizations, and banks use

where people are going and when. But it can

thoroughfares.

cutting-edge data sources to improve cities.

also tell us where people want to go, but can’t,

For investors, mobility data plays a role as a

as well as where people move that is lacking

useful indicator of economic trends.

investment. In other words, where is there a

Innovation brings new data sources

avoid jams. Public transport users check their phones to see the bus coming in real time. What’s less appreciated is how data on our

More widely, all businesses benefit from

These older tools are of limited use to for new opportunities to build out real

mismatch between what cities offer and what

We can now do much better. Start with GPS

understanding how their customers move,

citizens want? Opportunities can be found in

tracking from mobile phones, which allows for

and where they travel every day. But what’s

those gaps.

low-cost tracking from door-to-door.

even better, especially for freight and logistics

Infrastructure planning firms, research

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Google

companies, is finding their next opportunity.

organizations, and banks form part of the

and Apple have provided summary mobility

Innovative mapping and data-gathering

tapestry of organizations that help make

reports that have helped inform policy – as

12 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Mobility data well as investors. Economics research firms now view information on people’s movements as an integral source of ‘alternative data’ that they gather and sell to hedge funds and other investors. Other firms have worked to generate policy recommendations from much more granular GPS data than is publicly available. INRIX, a transport data firm, used mobile phone data Photo: © WhereIsMyTransport Ltd

to understand walking, biking, and driving trips to pedestrianized streets during the Covid-19 pandemic. The results help inform what types of street reforms attract people. That’s useful for city governments, but also for companies looking to invest in the next prospering area. Improved survey technology also allows consulting and planning firms to collect statistically significant samples of public transport origin-destination data - telling us Photo: © WhereIsMyTransport Ltd, photography by Abu Sufian Nilove

not just which bus lines are heavily used, but where the passengers actually want to go. When financing transport infrastructure investments, banks can now account for the entire mobility landscape. The World Bank contracted my firm, WhereIsMyTransport, to provide comprehensive public transport network data for seven African cities. The Bank used this data to inform its investment evaluations for bus, rail, and other urban planning considerations across the continent. In each of these cities, the effort was the first time that the organization had benefited from a central source of comprehensive and reliable public transport network data, including the informal, privately run routes that make up the vast majority of the network. In emerging-market cities, 85 percent or more of public transport services are informal. Ten years ago, collecting data on informal

world’s biggest cities, we simply do not know

and which shopping centers they stop at on

how people move around or where they go.

the way.

transport would have been impossible (or

Supply chains are hyperlocal by necessity,

at least prohibitively expensive). Now, with

since shops and wholesalers need on-the-

reveal places that millions of consumers pass

purpose-built data-gathering software, it’s

ground information to respond to demand.

each day, but where there are insufficient

scalable to every city in the world.

Mapping opportunities For investors and businesses, mobility data

That is no longer the case. With city-level

Even more importantly, these datasets

services or untapped business opportunities.

datasets, even the largest businesses can

With over two billion people relying on public

play on equal footing, knowing where their

transport in emerging-market cities, those

customers go each day, how they get to work,

gaps make up a mammoth opportunity. v

offers a window into previously unknown worlds. Particularly with newly available datasets in emerging economies, we now have comprehensive information on how people move in the world’s largest, fastestgrowing cities. This has big implications for supply chains and urban infrastructure. In many of the

Devin de Vries is the CEO and co-founder of WhereIsMyTransport - a mobility technology company that develops products to improve the public transport experience in emerging-market megacities, and delivers data services that inform industry leading clients. He leads a team inspired by a shared vision to bring technological innovations to public transport users in the Majority World. www.whereismytransport.com

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

News In Brief Beneficial acquisition Hillebrand, the world leading forwarding, transport and logistics provider to the alcoholic beverage industry, (nonhazardous) bulk liquids industry and other products that require special care, has acquired a majority stake in VignoblExport, a leading service provider in small quantity logistics of alcoholic beverages. Hillebrand holds an option to acquire the remaining shares in the company. “VignoblExport enables Hillebrand to strengthen its small quantity logistics business, as well as accelerate our e-commerce activities,” said to Cees van Gent, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Hillebrand. “VignoblExport’s presence in the main wine exporting countries, coupled with its unique service offering and advanced digital solutions to facilitate the shipment of small quantity orders for wines and other alcoholic beverages, makes it a perfect fit with the Hillebrand network and scope of services.”

New entrant On May 1, 2021 Samskip Air opened its doors at new offices at Schiphol Airport, tasked with growing the air freight volumes Samskip already books, establishing new routes and developing opportunities for cooperation with Samskip’s pan-European multimodal network. The ‘one-stop-shop’ logistics options already available to Samskip generate 850,000TEU in container traffic each year, as well as sizeable general, breakbulk and project cargo volumes. “Schiphol is a global gateway for air freight business with China, the United States, South America, Russia, the Middle East and Africa, and provides a European gateway to Samskip’s multimodal network of trucks, trains, barges and short sea vessels,” says Martijn Tasma, Director Global Forwarding, Samskip Logistics. “In the weeks ahead, we will be presenting Samskip Air and explaining how, as a major transport group, Samskip has the negotiating power that works to the advantage of its airfreight customers and the support network to de-risk the air freight supply chain.”

Safe and secure A new generation of advanced CCTV

Safe return to cruising

has been installed on Tyne and Wear

Bureau Veritas (BV) has been

Metro as part of a £4.2m revamp of

contracted by Carnival Corporation

security cameras on the network. The

& PLC to provide health and safety

new cameras – 740 in total – have

services to facilitate the return to

gone in at all 60 stations on the Metro

cruising, protecting passengers

system.

and crew.

Nexus, the public body which owns

The support provided, including

and manages Metro, said the new

verification of safety and hygiene

technology was vital to provide greater

measures, will be based upon

customer reassurance as lockdown

the expertise and extensive experience built by Bureau Veritas in 2020 to address

eases and more people start travelling.

health protection and hygiene requirements on-board passenger ships. BV’s

Director of Finance and Resources at Nexus, John Fenwick, said: “CCTV plays a vital role in deterring crime

approach meets the specific requirements of the cruise market, addressing biological risks, as posed by Covid-19 and other infectious diseases. BV will verify the procedures and protocols of Carnival Corporation’s ships

on the Metro, and where incidents

to identify and manage Covid-19 related risks in port, at embarkation and

have occurred it has allowed us to

disembarkation points, and, of course, on the ships. Outbreak management planning

download footage to assist the police

will address necessary procedures for prevention, mitigation, and preparation to

in gathering evidence and supporting

manage crew and passenger hygiene, wellbeing and health with clear definitions of

prosecutions. These cameras are there

responsibilities and roles.

to support our staff and customers and

Subsequent to the restart of UK cruise itineraries, it is anticipated that a return

supplement the work that our frontline

to operations will continue in global markets – BV as an independent body will

customer support teams are doing

verify Covid-19 protocols and procedures meeting guidelines enforced by national

alongside the police to keep Metro safe

administrations, helping Carnival’s ships get back to global operations for all

and secure.”

Carnival’s brands.

14 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

News £40m investment

Multi-million-dollar funding The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has announced $19.6 million in grant awards to 31 small shipyards in 15 states through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. The funds will help awardees modernize, increase productivity, and expand local employment opportunities while competing in the global marketplace. Since 2008, MARAD’s Small Shipyard Grant Program has awarded $262.5 million to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories throughout the U.S. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and small shipyards play a critical role in

DP World has announced that Southampton, Britain’s second largest container

America’s maritime industry,” said U.S. Secretary of

terminal, will benefit from a major programme of investment in 2021.

Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “These grants go directly

DP World Southampton is part of DP World, the leading global provider of smart

to small shipyards across the country and will help

logistics, and one of its two UK deep water ports with freight rail terminals which

protect and create local jobs, strengthen America’s

were awarded Freeport status by the Government in March. The new infrastructure

maritime industry, and bolster our economic security.”

investment totalling £40m is designed to provide customers with speed, security,

“These grants will help small businesses do what

reliability and flexibility and will include dredging and widening of the berths, a £10m

they do best: build essential infrastructure while

investment in a new class of 11 hybrid straddle carriers, a planned £3m investment

creating long-term jobs for American workers,” added

in the redevelopment of the yard for the storage and delivery of customers’ empty

Lucinda Lessley, Acting Maritime Administrator. “Better

containers, a new Border Control Post (BCP), including UK Border Force and port health

equipment means increased productivity and more

inspection facilities, a £1.5m extension of a quay crane rail by 120 metres and other

ships moving through our small shipyards—and more

quay cranes relocated or decommissioned.

ships mean more local jobs.”

Vessel concept revealed Ampelmann and C-Job Naval Architects have joined forces to develop a one-of-akind offshore wind feeder vessel concept with motion compensation technology, specifically suited for the rigorous demands of operating off the east coast of the United States of America. The concept design combines the knowledge of Ampelmann, the Dutch offshore access provider, and independent ship design company C-Job Naval Architects. Together they have created a viable solution in response to the need to support the construction and logistics of offshore wind farms in the United States under the Jones Act. The state-of-the-art offshore wind feeder vessel has an L-shaped superstructure. This enables the transport of all wind turbine components, including the blades, while keeping the ship itself relatively compact minimizing construction and operational costs. To maximize workability and allow for safe lifting of the components, the feeder vessel features a specially designed motion compensation system by Ampelmann. The system uses Ampelmann’s core technology to stabilize the components of the wind turbine generator (WTG) in six degrees of freedom and is designed for safe lifting operations in sea states up to 2.5m significant wave height. The compensator is positioned close to the vessel’s center where it can compensate all vessel motions and allows for continued operations – even in adverse weather conditions – throughout the year. The wind turbine components are arranged on the ship with a quick connect grip and glide system. Cargo pallets are placed on deck quickly thanks to the quick connect system. Once the feeder vessel is at its destination, the system slides the components into place to connect to the motion compensator. The Ampelmann system then compensates all vessel motions, so the crane operator can lift turbine components in a similar fashion to an onshore lift.

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Innovation Patent application number: GB1021561A

Patent of the month Diego Black takes a look at the framework for Formula 1 success

drag and providing the characteristic ‘bathtub’ pose that drivers have maintained to the present day. However, one element that has not persisted is the position of the fuel tanks. Located within the monocoque tubes on either side of the driver, this integration of the fuel tank may have led to the poor safety record in Formula 1 throughout the 70s and 80s. Nevertheless, the more robust arrangement of the fuel tank in modern cars, coupled with the general monocoque concept shows how a patent may be taken and developed, leading to further improvements in the design.

ith the 2021 Formula 1 season underway, this patent of the month takes a closer look at a motor racing invention dating from the 1960s. Although Lotus Motor Racing had enjoyed

reasonable levels of success, it was Colin Chapman’s patented monocoque invention that came to dominate the sport throughout the 60s and 70s, and is still utilized in Formula 1 today. Throughout the early years of motor racing, the conventional technique

This important patent, filed in mid-1962, and the associated success of

for constructing a motor vehicle was to provide a space-frame chassis

the Lotus motor racing team, shows how a single inventive concept may be

formed as a truss of tubing, with an outer covering forming the vehicle body.

sufficient to give a clear head start over the rest of the field. The adoption of

However, Chapman overhauled this convention with his ‘body-cum-chassis’

the monocoque, which is now omnipresent on the Formula 1 grid, is evidence

monocoque technology, as described in GB Patent 1021561.

that this invention truly altered the direction of motor sport and formed the

The patent describes two D-shaped tubular members extending

basis for the modern Formula 1 car. v

substantially along the length of the vehicle body, cross-braced by the engine. In this way, the tubular members have a dual function – providing the body for the vehicle, enclosing and protecting the driver, and the structure of the chassis, supporting the engine and connecting to the suspension struts. The combination of the body and chassis provided a far stiffer and lighter construction for the Lotus 25. Chapman went on to secure his first World Constructor’s Championship win with the car in 1963, and setting the basis for the domination of Lotus well into the 70s. Alongside the core invention of the monocoque, the patent also included

Diego Black is a partner and patent attorney at European intellectual property firm, Withers & Rogers. Withers & Rogers LLP provides expert advice on the protection and enforcement of IP rights particularly for inventions, designs and trade marks.  www.withersrogers.com

a reclined driver’s seat, which reduced the frontal area of the car, reducing

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Tube of the Thames

One of the most active passenger boat operators – Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – is keeping Londoners connected to the rest of the city through innovative and safe river travel

he River Thames, one of London’s lifelines, flows for 215 miles from Gloucestershire through London and out into the North Sea. Woven amongst the English megalopolis, the Thames serves as a drainage basin for the city, as well as a conduit to experience England’s capital: by boat. Each year, there are approximately ten million passengers carried on the river, whether through river tour experiences, dinner cruise functions or corporate hospitality.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers https://www.thamesclippers.com Services: Passenger boat operators

20 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Since 1999, Thames Clippers has been riding the waters of the River Thames to provide residents and tourists alike with river bus services to explore London. We speak with the co-founder and CEO of the business, Sean Collins, about how the business is making its mark in London’s many means of transport services. “I was chatting with somebody the other day who was boarding one of our boats for the first time just after lockdown, and her husband said that they were so pleased to be getting out and were

“With the continued phase development of existing destinations like Battersea Power Station and Barking, not to mention the hope of the return of tourism, I think that one thing that is really resonating with our customers is the great outdoor spaces that are alongside the river, and the fact that they are now more excited to experience these than they’ve ever been

able to walk elsewhere other than just around their local neighbourhood,” he says. According to Sean, the couple were heading from Surrey Quays to Embankment, to walk around Hyde Park and then meandered their way back to the pier to head home. “I think this form of travel just broadens people’s perspective as to what is on their doorstep without having to travel too far,” Sean adds. During its one-vessel fleet beginnings, the business ferried passengers between the Surrey Quays Pier and Woods Quay (formally

known as Savoy Pier). Thames Clippers grew quickly to serve wharfs between the city’s east side right through to Embankment. In 2000, Sean purchased the company’s first 220-seater Hurricane Clipper, which would go on to be one of the most exciting developments for the business, bringing its fleet up to four vessels. “Our fleet back then was often used by morning commuters and because the route connected the two Tate Galleries, we saw many tourists join us for a day out as well,” he tells us.

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

Above: Co-founder and CEO Sean Collins

22 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

In 2005, following the tragedy of the London bombings, Thames Clippers’ patronage grew by 80 per cent almost overnight owing to the fact that Londoners found it far safer and more comfortable to

commute by river. Then, in 2006 AEG owners and operators of The O2 acquired a majority stake in Thames Clippers and invested substantially in its fleet, enabling the business to expand its operating routes and carrying capacity. Recently, Thames Clippers teamed up with Uber in a joint partnership, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, to encourage more people to travel by boat around the city and support the ongoing expansion of the river network across London, at no change in ownership for Thames Clippers or AEG. Thanks to these impressive developments, the river bus service now ferries around 4.5 million passengers a year between 23 piers with a 20-minute frequency, and it plans to keep growing. Although Uber Boat by Thames Clippers currently operates between Putney Pier in the west and Woolwich in the east, this year it is moving to extend that route to Barking’s riverside. With new housing developments happening in Barking, Sean notes that the decision to extend was a logical one. “There is a mayor-backed housing scheme that is being developed on the site of the old Barking power station and it’s set to facilitate 10,000 homes with over 30,000 occupancies by 2030, which means there are going to be significant transport demands placed on it,” he states. This expansion is one that Sean is particularly excited about and is looking forward to opening up access to another part of London. The ability to extend its operations is a reflection of how willing the business is to invest into its own fleet and infrastructure. “In the last six years, we’ve built our lightest class vessel called The Hunt Class, which

consists of five new vessels. Two of them were built in Hobart, Tasmania, and the subsequent three vessels were built on the Isle of Wight by Wight Shipyard. Of those three, one was delivered in February 2019, called the Venus Clipper and is our biggest vessel in the fleet, with a carrying capacity of 224 passengers,” Sean elaborates. This new fleet is designed to meet the class requirements of the high-speed craft that Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is proud to operate, as well as being able to navigate the extreme tidal constraints experienced on the route between Putney and Westminster. Another challenge is the height restrictions of London bridges. “Once you get beyond Westminster, the bridges are a lot lower, which means less water in the river and obviously causes a constraint in the design of the vessels. However, with the help of our naval architects, we have been able to introduce the best and most economical vessels that operate with the same capacity, same speed at two-thirds of the power,” Sean highlights. On the people side of the business, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is proud of the company culture it has curated over the years; a culture that encourages anyone with aspirations for a career on the water to train through Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

and achieve the level they feel comfortable with. Three years ago, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers appointed its first all-female crew, with three of the four women achieving their Boatmaster’s License through Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. For Sean, this is one of the attributes of the business that sets it apart from other passenger boat operators. “We very much create a growth and career opportunity, culture, within our business and currently 73 per cent of our masters are trained in house,” he highlights. The traineeship programs helped the business

expand its crew to an impressive workforce of 400 members. Over the past 12 months, however, it goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic did not make for smooth sailing for the team. “It was a very daunting time. We didn’t receive any subsidies because we weren’t considered an essential service. We had to judge what point we could continue to operate to support many of our communities who were essential workers. We had to shut down for three months and recommence in June 2020, sadly with TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers

20 per cent less headcount. That meant that we had to rethink the routes we were running to accommodate those setbacks,” he shares with us. Despite these difficulties, Sean is hopeful that his company will bounce back, with new improvements to the changing climate that the pandemic forced on his business. “I’m positive that the business will recover. It’s going to be slow, however, if we look at the performance since we commenced at the beginning of March, we have surpassed the average occupancy we thought we would be carrying. People who have never used us before are now becoming frequent riders

24 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

recognizing we’re a safe form of transport, and within a year we will surpass our preCovid-19 performance.” Sean’s optimistic projections were later confirmed when, after a competitive procurement process, Transport for London (TfL), awarded Uber Boat by Thames Clippers the tender for the Hammersmith Bridge replacement, giving it the responsibility of designing, building, delivering and installing the two piers on the north and south shore. “We’re fortunate to have three 62-seater vessels that are capable of delivering the requirements of that route. We have a highlyskilled workforce, and I know we have the

service commence when children go back in September,” he emphasizes. Subject to approval, fares for the service are expected to mirror buses at £1.55 and would include the ‘Hopper’ option, which allows people who arrive at the ferry by bus to change to ferry at no further charge as long as commuters change within an hour of their journey’s start. The fares will also provide freedom passes and free travel for children. Sean is proud to say that Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has grown faster than any other form of transport in the capital over the last two decades, and more and

more people are seeing the benefits of travelling by river. “With the continued phase development of existing destinations like Battersea Power Station and Barking, not to mention the hope of the return of tourism, I think that one thing that is really resonating with our customers is the great outdoor spaces that are alongside the river, and the fact that they are now more excited to experience these than they’ve ever been,” he adds. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is just as excited to welcome back every Londoner and UK citizen visiting the city, to return to the fantastic riverside attractions embedded in London’s culture.

ability to train and develop the processes and concepts with our staff to deliver that in a very short period of time.” The business is contracted to deliver the replacement service by early October, but given the fact that locals in the area have been without a crossing for over a year, Sean is determined to have this service up and running as soon as possible. “Many school children, workers, communities depended on that path for access to the other side. We’ve got to get the planning and concurrently refurbish and modify the infrastructure that’s going to go in and get new infrastructure built. If we can achieve that, we would really like to see the TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Stevens Trucking

Stevens Trucking www.stevenstrucking.com Services: Dry freight and oilfield trucking

26 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

t the age of 18, Kenney Stevens bought his first one-ton hotshot truck; it was the truck that would kick start the Stevens Trucking business. Speaking with Kenney, the Founder and President, he tells us about the state of the trucking industry and how his family

business rode the highs and lows of the oilfield and dry freight sector for almost 40 years. Founded in 1979, Stevens Trucking operates in Oklahoma in the US and the surrounding 48 states, with over 1,000 trailers and over 300 tractors between its

In it for the long haul

Successful expansions are not quick achievements and Stevens Trucking knows this better than most, which is why it is one of the best in the transportation business oilfield flatbed and dry freight divisions. “When we started out, we were just doing oilfield, but then oil fell to eight dollars a barrel and we were buying diesel for 73 cents a gallon – that’s when we looked into dry freight. So, we started pulling containers for Hobby Lobby and then we started moving

clutches for Eaton Corp, and now we’re up to 275 freight trucks, and about 20 in the oilfield,” Kenney tells us. Despite this impressive journey, Stevens Trucking has not always had an easy ride. “There was a time about three or four years ago when I was ready to throw in the towel

because I felt so worn out. Then, my three sons said that they would haul together and push through. Since then, it’s been a 24/7 365 business,” Kenney shares with us. The support that he received from his family has been a crucial fire to the keeping success of the business burning and has helped Kenney TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Stevens Trucking Below, l to r: Eric Stevens, Cole Stevens, Founder, Kenney Stevens, Jessi Maschino and Chad Maschino

“We’re picking and choosing our customers now so that we work with customers who also care about having a good working relationship. We’ve got new equipment coming in, we’re looking to buy and grow as much as we can

28 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

get back on track. “Now, we’ve actually doubled in size in the last three years, with a blue-chip customer base,” he states. Kenney has been able to diversify the company enough to ensure that if one industry struggles, his trucking business will not feel the effects. The company now hauls tires and auto parts, and maintenance parts for four of the top major paper products companies, as well as water and food products. This is also what helps set it apart from the business – this, and service delivery. Kenney is determined to weave into each driver’s trucking values that attention to on-time delivery detail is critical to its success. “I say to them: ‘You’re the first person that people see.’ We could take orders from all around the world but if we can’t deliver on time, we are going to fail,” he emphasizes. The drivers at Stevens Trucking are the inner workings of the company and, driven by Kenney’s leadership, are part and parcel

of the business’s continued growth. Inspired by his family support and dedication to see the Stevens name succeed, Kenney instilled the same values and care into the company ethos in order for his drivers to feel safe and secure. “We’ve helped lead by example. We’re always around and not out playing golf. My boys are always here, because it’s a family business. We want to create a family atmosphere so that every driver feels part of the family and not just part of a corporate deal where they’re just another member,” he informs. Kenney is determined to ensure that everyone works closely with the middle level of the business to avoid any sense of hierarchy where management is out of reach. This approach ties in nicely with recent technological improvements that the Stevens family have put in place to prioritize driver safety. “We’ve installed new camera equipment with the forward and in cabfacing trucks, which is pretty controversial

Stevens Trucking Founder and President, Kenney Stevens

with truck drivers,” he highlights. The cameras have served as an insurance for the business and for the driver’s peace of mind. “If you’re at fault, you’re going to pay but half the time, the cameras showed that we weren’t at fault and now we can prove that,” Kenney states. The business also installed the TMW Go App, a mobile application that allows users to view critical company data at any time from the convenience of a smartphone. By utilizing the app, Stevens Trucking has been able to improve the way it sends through paperwork from its drivers through to its homebased system. “Added with that, we

30 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

about 110-120 per cent capacity and each month we’re setting new record miles. This efficiency is also allowing us to maintain the safety precautions that were put in place to ensure each driver felt comfortable

also just incorporated an app here in the last couple of months called Work Hound, which is a sounding board for drivers to be able to communicate with management about an issue anonymously. This gives us feedback so that we really know what’s going on in the company,” he shares. Maintaining open communication, and caring for the employees is what enabled Stevens Trucking to survive the Covid-19 pandemic, doing surprisingly well despite the difficulties. “We were having a record month before the pandemic hit, then we were down about 25 per cent which is not bad for the market. Thankfully, since then we’ve been up

working in an enclosed space,” Kenney highlights. According to Kenney, as soon as the pandemic hit Stevens Trucking in April, he was providing everyone with company face masks, hand sanitizers and gloves – all free of charge. “I didn’t quit buying because I knew this was long-term and so we brought new cleaning crew in every night to wipe down each door handle, each desk and every knob just to try keep our people safe,” he emphasizes. While Stevens Trucking is determined to leave a legacy of impressive service delivery and a motivated company culture, Kenney believes that the transportation industry needs to make significant improvements in order for senior management to take better care of their drivers. “Insurance is sky high, driver pay is too low and we can’t raise it because we pay out what we get paid for the services,” Kenney says. He continues to tell us that this is going to have greater consequences on the recruitment process, because the age-range of drivers is skewing towards those who are ready to retire, and there is an urgent need for a younger generation of drivers. “We are becoming fewer and fewer and more are retiring, which means they don’t want to mess with a lot of the equipment for electronic logs, so we need to grow in recruiting younger people. That’s why I think the shippers need to get prepared to pay more and, you know there just needs to be a little more loyalty between the shippers and the trucking companies. Because there’s not at the moment with some specific customers,” he elaborates.

“We want to lock in good, fair rates where we can to make the margin pay for our drivers better because they’ve got families they need to support and being away from them isn’t easy,” he informs us. This is one of the driving motivations for why Kenney is passionate about long-term growth for Stevens Trucking. “Of course, we are going to keep going, but rather than just chasing that spot market dollar, I’m looking at steady expansions because the people who are after quicker cash will go out of business fast. We’re more long-term – like the turtle, slow and steady,” he says and chuckles. Despite the many improvements needed within the transportation industry – added with the business’s spectrum of challenges over the last few years – Kenney remains hopeful that his company will continue to experience an upward growth. “We’re picking and choosing our customers now so that we work with customers who also care about having a good working relationship. We’ve got new equipment coming in, we’re looking to buy and grow as much as we can,” he adds. Throughout the highs and lows of the Stevens Trucking journey, it is clear that this tightly knit family are going to continue to strive to make the transportation industry safer and more supportive for those who keep it going, and Kenney is determined to keep the lessons he learnt from his sons at the heart of what he does as he continues to adapt to the ever-changing industry. “I couldn’t have grown like this by myself. For so long, I had to make every decision and make sure everything ran smoothly then by getting my boys involved it has relieved a lot of pressure off me. And on top of that, they’re younger and more familiar with technology and that’s helped me let go of this constant change,” he ends. TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Explore Transport

Explore Transport https://exploretransport.co.uk/ Services: Supplier of transport and plant hire

32 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

ith a 50-year combination of construction logistics and haulage expertise, Explore Transport houses one of the most diverse and modern ranges of plant equipment, small tools, formwork and falsework systems. Although the headquarters is based in Worksop, the business facilitates a network of seven depots nationwide, and has grown to encompass 150 trucks, 6,000 plant hire

assets and, providing services in both the transport and plant divisions. Despite being a fairly young company, the company’s Operations and Commercial Director, Daniel Thompson, shares with us how the business has succeeded in expanding its fleet and services in the space of six years. “We started in 2015, so we are relatively young, and we were born out of a joint venture with two of our main shareholders. One in the construction sector, the other

Safety first

As a specialist supplier of transport and plant hire services to a wide range of industries, Explore Transport fuels itself with safety, service and efficiency

from transport, and that’s how we’ve come to specialize in those two fields,” Daniel tells us. In 2017, the business invested in adding plant assets to support a larger customer base in order to encourage that aspect to grow on a similar trajectory as its transport sibling. “Albeit it’s a few years behind, we’ve got some good quality customers in the plant side, so that’s part of the business that we’re looking to grow and invest in over the coming years,” he shares. While juggling these two

divisions, Explore Transport has been able to diversify its portfolio to support a range of customers. “There really are two main specialties to our transport side: the general haulage, and then what we call specialist transport, and we have also started a mixer truck business in the last couple of years. Then on our plant sector, we are very much construction and infrastructure focused, so heavy plant equipment, excavators, and dumpers. And then we do some high-end

survey, lasers, total stations, and small tools. We’ve got a full marking full truck product offering as well,” Daniel adds. Even though the company has been focusing its attention on branching out into other sectors, Explore Transport never fails to prioritize the importance of safety and quality within its team and throughout its operations. “From the recruitment phase and the training of our team, everything we do is focused purely on getting the job TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Explore Transport

done as safely as possible, which means that commercially, we’re not the cheapest but that’s the route that we choose to go for to save lives,” Daniel explains. The company ensures thorough work when it comes to driver training for three reasons: the risks around the transport business are obviously high; vulnerable road users need to be considered and load security has to be at the top of Explore Transport’s agenda. Daniel notes that when the company recruits people, potential employees are sourced from a large pool of experienced labor who are already familiar with what the job requires. “We then go further and place a huge emphasis on our training induction. I would consider this to be an industry-leading induction process in terms of the time that we take between recruiting someone and sending them out onto the road,” he remarks. He goes on to note that Explore Transport has also implemented a driver feedback forum that allows the drivers the opportunity to give feedback and driver representatives are based in most of its main depots to provide support networks to drivers. While looking after its workforce is key to ensuring the company’s success, Explore

guide of the main types of loads they need to move as well as how the goods should be correctly loaded and secured. “That way, if anyone is working with something they’re not familiar with, then at least they have a visual reference to guide them through that job,” Daniel remarks. Considering the value of the equipment that the company houses, these measures seem essential, and it continues to invest in expanding its assets in order to be a onestop solution for many customers. “Our fleet ranges from cordless power tools to 36-ton excavators, which gives us a great selling point and I think from a customer point of view, it also gives us that ability to service a lot of requirements and prevents clients from having to go to two or three different suppliers,” he elaborates. Other channels it is exploring involve incorporating the use of data into its operations to understand what the business already possesses and how its machinery can be utilized to the best of its abilities. Given the fact that much of the equipment uses telematics, the team is equipped to analyze each machine’s emissions data to better understand how much fuel is being used

Transport has also invested in additional measures to care for its fleet and facility assets. Recently, the business implemented systems for load securing and manual handling, which provides staff with a visual

in its current environmental performance, where it has been and how long it has been in use. On the note of the environmental factors, which are becoming more and more

34 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

RMD Kwikform RMD Kwikform are proud to work with Explore Plant as one of their preferred suppliers for formwork and falsework. RMD Kwikform are a global provider of temporary works solutions. When you choose a temporary works partner, you want to be sure that they have the proven and relevant experience of the type of project you are considering. RMD Kwikform have an extensive proven track record, having supported both the international and UK construction markets for over 70 years, providing tailored formwork and shoring solutions to enable the construction of some of the world’s most challenging and impressive structures. Operating from 15 countries globally and seven locations throughout the UK, RMD Kwikform’s local presence ensures we are on hand to support you wherever and whenever we’re needed. With access to our extensive regional network, our customers are able to benefit from availability, flexible delivery and improved equipment storage. A high-quality fleet, delivered when it’s needed, on time, in full. Our capacity to support your business is also underpinned by the extensive years of expertise that we hold in our engineering function, which has led to us becoming the first choice for structural engineering consultants and contractors alike. For further information call our Customer Service Helpline on 0800 389 8231.

Explore Transport

Andrews Sykes Andrews Sykes has enjoyed a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Explore, which has allowed our team to help oversee a variety of projects during the many years in which we have worked together. The Andrews Sykes brand features two of the UK plant hire sector’s most recognisable brands: Sykes Pumps and the Andrews family of climate control solutions. Very few companies – if any – can match us for our heritage and industry knowhow, with our expertise and experience the fulcrum of every single job we undertake. A guaranteed 24/7 service is delivered from our national depot network, meaning you can rely on our professional support anywhere, anytime.

36 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

important to customers, Explore Transport has also been looking into ways in which the plant side of the business can decrease its carbon footprint, and two key changes are starting to take place: firstly, it is investing in transferring to be more fully electric to move away from petrol and diesel, and secondly, the business is exploring HVO

fuel, which is an alternative fuel based on the hydrogenated vegetable oil that helps with significant environmental savings when compared to diesel. Daniel emphasizes that Explore Transport has invested very heavily in terms of making sure it has the cleanest, best performing diesel engines that are available at the moment. “Unfortunately,

there isn’t really the electric technology to support the type of operations that we have, so we have to be a bit more innovative. We work quite closely with Scania as a main manufacturer there. They are developing some technologies coming through that we want to work with. But in terms of sort of distances and ranges, it’s just not there yet,” he says. Part of the reason why the business is investing in the latest technology is because of the appeal it wants to provide to recruiting younger people. “A big part for us will be growing our work sustainably and this also means in the sense of people. Finding young people is a huge challenge at the moment, even with the amount of growth that we’re seeing this year. Finding, attracting and recruiting the right people, as well as retaining the good people that we’ve already got is a huge challenge. So, I think growing the business in a way that provides an exciting and fulfilling environment allows us to hopefully tap into attracting more diversity into our business,” Daniel highlights for us. Added to the expansion the business already has under its belt, the pandemic even allowed the business to explore other sectors that it could consider providing for. “We ended up supporting a lot of the work delivering to various supermarkets and supermarket distribution centers. In the early phases, when there were real shortages going on, where construction perhaps dropped off, we were able to pick up that type of work and help out where we were needed,” comments Daniel.

Despite the setbacks that Covid-19 forced on many businesses, a hefty amount of investment continues to be pumped into the construction and infrastructure sector, allowing Explore Transport opportunities to work on a few major projects such as the Hinkley Point Power Station. This has given it the chance to support different customers and demonstrate how the business focuses on providing value for money, as well as guaranteeing public and environmental safety. Looking further ahead, Explore Transport is determined to use the challenges the industry is facing as a spring board to adapt and grow from. “I mentioned earlier that we started a mixer truck business a couple years ago. That very much was for us to learn in that business and how to operate in that sector to work on new projects, which seems to be coming to fruition now. We’re hoping to secure a couple of big contracts through that. We’re working with

our customers over two or three-year period across that project, which is a significant win for us. So that’s something we’ve worked hard on. We’re already having early conversations to work with Sizewell C and the lower Thames crossing, but those are still in their logistics phases,” he lets us know. By ensuring the highest quality for the smallest details such as how vehicles are presented on site, tracking its machinery, and ensuring drivers are trained to know where the correct routes are when they arrive, Explore Transport is taking thorough work ethics in the transport and plant industry to new heights, and considering how much it has achieved in the last six years, there is no telling how far this company will go. With hopes of being included in opportunities to get involved with the supply chain, the business is excited to grow in its capabilities and share its expertise to support the construction of a safe built environment. TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Carlton Forest 3PL

Delivering the goods Boosted by the recent acquisition of three new sites, Carlton Forest 3PL is furthering its credentials as one of the UK and Ireland’s best, and most diverse, thirdparty logistics firms

Managing Director Adam Jones

Carlton Forest 3PL www.carltonforestgroup.com Services: Third-party logistics, including warehousing, storage and distribution

38 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

privately-owned subsidiary of the Carlton Forest Group, Carlton Forest 3PL is a thirdparty logistics company with a difference. Family owned and operated since its founding, the firm has grown from the brainchild of a former pig farmer to runner up in the Large Business of the Year category at the 2020/2021 Doncaster Business Awards. Renowned for a wide variety of fast, flexible, and bespoke services, today, Carlton Forest is a

high-quality, specialist 3PL provider guided by the strong values upon which the business was established. “Carlton Forest 3PL was launched in the 1970s by John Pepper, but the business has been run by John’s son, Mark, since the 1990s,” explains Managing Director Adam Jones. “John recently celebrated his 80th birthday, but he still maintains an active interest in the firm. I’m sure he is proud of how Mark has led Carlton Forest for the last 30 years because we have

really grown into the 3PL marketplace. What started off as a small distribution company with a 100,000-square-foot site has since been transformed into a 150-person organization with specialist services and multiple sites.” Though Carlton Forest offers many typical 3PL services, including general warehousing, pick and pack operations, courier management, and pallet networking, the company also specializes in a range of niche solutions. For example, the firm has BRC AA accreditation,

allowing it to work with food companies, and COMAH compliance, enabling it to deal with hazardous substances like butane. “We deal with a variety of customers that come to us with all sorts of short-, mediumand long-term issues, and we design and implement specific solutions to fit their needs,” Adam says. “This might include food packaging, glass and other fragile handling, and ecommerce. “We’ve performed projects for large

companies including global glass bottle producers over the years, but most recently we also signed a two-year deal with a worldleading consumer brand to provide them with specialist handling services and 150,000 square feet of warehouse space. We’ve just confirmed a similar two-year agreement with a company that produces own-brand biscuits for supermarkets like Sainsbury’s and Tesco, which really plays into our food handling credentials.” Growing at a rapid pace, Carlton Forest TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Carlton Forest 3PL

has doubled in size since Adam joined the business towards the beginning of 2021. Now turning over more than £15 million, the company played a vital role in supporting its

40 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

clients throughout the pandemic and helping to stabilize the supply chain. “It’s safe to say that one of the key drivers behind our recent growth is the way we

flourished during the pandemic,” Adam states. “You read all too often about how supply chains are letting people down, whether it be containers getting stuck at port or goods arriving late, but we have stabilized our customers’ supply chains and allowed these businesses to grow.” Propelled by its performance in 2020, Carlton Forest’s reputation continues to grow, and so does the company’s client base. In order to service this increasing demand, the firm has acquired three new sites in 2021, at Bawtry Park, Doncaster. Part of a wider site previously occupied by DHL, the warehouses were secured through a deal with Commercial Property Partners, an agent for the site. Creating more than 50 jobs in the local community, the Bawtry Park facilities join Carlton Forest’s existing portfolio of warehouses – 125,000 square feet at Hellaby, 170,000 square feet in Barnsley, and 250,000 square feet in Worksop, North Nottinghamshire. “Bawtry Park is a key part of our growth strategy and scalability. It has already enabled us to provide more support to existing clients,

as well as attract new ones,” Adam reports. “When I joined Carlton Forest, we had a 500,000-square-foot network of warehouses. We now have over one million square feet of space to our name and will probably end up growing that even further before the year is out.” As part of its latest phase of investment, Carlton Forest has funded a technological upgrade across its network, overhauling and updating its warehouse management system in order to provide customers with real-time supply-chain visibility. Health and safety activities have also received a digital makeover, with the introduction of a mobile app through which employees can report accidents, issues and near-misses. Of course, a focus on health and safety is nothing new to Carlton Forest, a traditionally values-centric organization with a people-first, family culture. “When I joined as MD, I was lucky enough to sit down with every employee at Carlton Forest and find out what makes them tick. It made me very passionate about the people that work here. I was so impressed by the family atmosphere of the business, and it’s a culture that we continue to expand upon,” Adam declares. “When hiring new team members, the first thing we ask ourselves is ‘Will they fit in with our culture?’. “People are the most important part of this company,” Adam continues. “Without our employees, we couldn’t have doubled the size of the business over the last nine weeks

and we couldn’t be growing at the pace we currently are. We have just started a people development program to upskill our great team, but we are also attracting top talent in the local area.” As Adam suggests, a major employer in South Yorkshire, Carlton Forest has recently appointed a new Head of Operations in Lisa Tomlinson, while Dave Burrows will now oversee operations at Bawtry Park. “Lisa has joined us from growing ecommerce company Victoria Plum and Dave from XPO Logistics,” Adam reveals. “It’s a bit of a coup for us and evidence that we are really starting to bring aboard some experienced and highly skilled people because of the scalability we are showing and the quality of the sites we’ve acquired.” One way in which Carlton Forest locations will adapt in the future is through a greater focus on sustainability. Working in conjunction with the Carlton Forest Group’s IRR Waste 2 Energy renewables business, Carlton Forest 3PL hopes to be running carbon neutral warehouses by 2030. “We are strong believers in the importance of sustainability and environmentally friendly operating,” Adam asserts. “We actually want to put back into the grid system through the use of turbines – some of which we already have, and some of which will arrive in the future. “For an independent family business on its way up, we have got some really good renewable energy initiatives in place that

are quite unusual for a firm our size. Right now, alongside our carbon neutral focus, our research and development team is working on more sustainable innovations and has recently developed a filter that can purify air and make for safer work environments.” With no intention to slow down in 2021, Carlton Forest expects to take on more locations by the end of the year as the company looks to increase its geographical footprint on a more national scale. Adam would also like to see the firm expand its service offering to include more transport, home delivery, ecommerce and returns management. “We want to build another dedicated warehouse with a capacity up to one million square feet, which would be a real flagship location and a new home for our head office,” Adam remarks. “On the people front, we want to set up our own training academy because there is a passion here to invest in our workforce. “Ultimately, our ambition is to be an alternative to the top five 3PL firms in the UK, such as DHL and Kuehne + Nagel,” Adam says in summary. “We have a different look, a different feel, and we offer something quite special. “As we continue to grow, we want to keep our family feel and really personalize service for our customers. If we keep that up over the next five years then there is nothing stopping us becoming a £55 million business at least.” TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Cryoport

The king of

cool

Disciplined, entrepreneurial and dedicated, Cryoport is the premier provider of temperaturecontrolled supply chain solutions in a number of rapidly evolving life science markets

Cryoport www.cryoport.com Services: Temperature-controlled supply chain solutions

42 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

t Cryoport, every employee understands that a life can be on the line with every shipment the company manages. As a pioneering global provider of temperaturecontrolled logistics and life science solutions, the firm is regularly presented with high stakes challenges in the bio-pharma, animal health and human reproductive markets, but thanks to a culture of discipline, initiative, hard work and ownership, Cryoport boasts a 99.8 per cent success rate since 2019. A highly entrepreneurial venture from the start, Cryoport was founded by six doctors on a mission to bring their reusable cryogenic dewar to the temperature sensitive packaging and transport market in place of dry ice. As the company’s technology evolved, Cryoport soon developed a dry vapor shipper powered

by environmentally-friendly vapor of liquid nitrogen, and, in the process, took a step closer to its modern product offering. The last decade at Cryoport has been defined by the leadership of Jerrell W. Shelton, President and CEO of Cryoport Inc., and Dr. Mark Sawicki, President and CEO of Cryoport Systems and Chief Scientific Officer of Cryoport Inc. Together, the pair have rebooted the organization, adding, among other initiatives, a focus on cell and gene therapies – an industry where cryogenic logistics is a must have. Thomas Heinzen, Vice President of Corporate Development at Cryoport Inc, explains more: “The only way to suspend cells used in cell and gene therapies is with cryogenic technologies and temperatures below -150 Celsius. Our cryogenic shippers last over ten days at around -196 Celsius and generally

“We are at the beginning of profound changes in the delivery of healthcare globally and companies like Cryoport will be valuable partners as new regulatory requirements come in, emerging markets become centers of growth, and cost pressures mount. Innovative and industry compliant temperaturemanaged supply chains will be essential for the continued advancement of the life sciences

you can get anywhere around the world in that time. “Over the last few years, as we’ve grown into the scale of supporting cell and gene therapies globally, we’ve really started to perfect the logistics and outsource solution side of things,” Thomas continues. “Five years ago, when I joined the company, we supported about 40 trials and finished 2015 with around $4 million in revenue. Today, we are supporting 528 clinical trials, seven commercial therapies, and have grown to $48 million in revenue for just the fourth quarter of 2020. “We were the first provider of temperaturecontrolled supply chain solutions for both Gilead/Kite’s and Novartis’ commercial regenerative therapies, and those relationships continue today. Our client list is now a ‘who’s who’ of the sector.”

As Thomas suggests, Cryoport has experienced rapid growth over the last halfdecade and revenue has, in total, jumped from $3.5 million to $78 million and rising. Operating from 30 locations and serving more than 100 countries, the company is a recognized specialist in cold and cryo-frozen logistics with an ever-evolving variety of solutions to suit specific client requirements and needs. At the center of Cryoport’s supply chain offering are Cryoport Express Shippers, which include advanced packaging and come equipped with a SmartPak Condition Monitoring System that allows the company to communicate with each shipper in transit. As part of the company’s strong innovation pipeline, Cryoport will launch this year the Cryosphere - a revolutionary self-orienting Express Shipper that will be the most advanced

storage and shipping container on the market. Acting as a vital support system for Cryoport’s day-to-day operations is the company’s cloud-based informatics platform, the Cryoportal. Capable of communicating with Cryoport’s SmartPak Condition Monitoring Systems, the Cryoportal also handles order entry, tracks Cryoport’s global inventories and performs predictive analysis on every shipment. This analysis enables Cryoport to intervene and correct undesirable conditions that might be affecting a shipment or endangering its safe passage. “Our focus on risk management has helped us rise to the top,” Mark says. “The fact that we have a consolidated platform that integrates packaging, logistics and informatics - and that is all centered around optimizing and managing risk in an uncontrolled space - is a real TLIMAGAZINE.COM

Cryoport differentiator for us. We were instrumental in crafting the recently released ISO21973:2020 standard for biotechnology, so we are leading the way in traceability, processes and equipment associated with storing and moving cells from point A to point B. “Compatible with FedEx, UPS, DHL and carriers the world over, the real-time nature of our cloud-based platform means we are the only company out there with the ability to fully monitor, uniquely trace and, if necessary, save cell or gene therapy shipments,” Thomas adds. “When you are talking about $1 million gene therapy with someone’s life on the line, that is a really big deal!” To further build its competencies, Cryoport has made two large acquisitions in 2020. The first of these, CRYOPDP, brought the company the third largest healthcare-dedicated specialty courier in the world and immediately expanded Cryoport’s global network. The second purchase was MVE Biological Solutions, which is the world’s largest manufacturer of cryogenic equipment for the life sciences industry. The acquisition of MVE not only enabled Cryoport to vertically integrate, it also secured future inventory expansion and brings Cryoport into the bio-storage equipment market on a global basis. Thomas believes that, in order for Cryoport to continue thriving on the world stage, expansion was inevitable. “We do a lot of forecasting at Cryoport and we knew we couldn’t build out our global network fast enough organically,” he states. “We don’t need facilities on every street corner like Starbucks, but we do need to be near where our customers manufacture their therapies around the world. If you created a heat map of where cell and gene manufacturing takes place, and then overlay our network on top of it, it’s pretty close to being complete. We still have some more room for geographic expansion, but we have really fast forwarded as a business thanks to the CRYOPDP and MVE moves.” With the life sciences industry advancing at speed, the sector’s relationships with supply chain partners like Cryoport are growing increasingly important. As clients search for new ways to drive efficiency and growth, Cryoport’s expertise, global reach and technical capabilities are more sought after than ever. “There is no other industry that can play the crucial role life sciences can in improving peoples’ lives and restoring health across the globe,” Jerrell declares. “We are at the beginning of profound changes in the delivery of healthcare globally and companies like Cryoport will be valuable partners as new

44 TLIMAGAZINE.COM

regulatory requirements come in, emerging markets become centers of growth, and cost pressures mount. Innovative and industry compliant temperature-managed supply chains will be essential for the continued advancement of the life sciences. “The sciences behind breakthrough treatments, globalization, information technology, and innovation mean that the importance of the supply chain has never been stronger. Supply chains are being required to plough new ground as they are extended to new global markets, which means meeting a broader array of demanding regulations and providing more exacting temperature management.” In 2021, Cryoport will continue to consolidate and integrate its recent acquisitions, as well as introduce new technologies designed to better manage risk and deliver more reliable data. Allogeneic therapies will also be a key area of interest. “About 30 per cent of the clinical trials we support today are allogeneic, which involves taking blood from a healthy donor and using it to create a batch of therapies,” Mark notes.

“Once that batch is created, it is our intention to ship it into our network around the world. All our facilities will have storage capabilities in the future, meaning they can hold commercial grade customer products.” A believer in the power of relationships, both internal and external to the business, Cryoport looks forward to supporting evolving markets in the years ahead, as well as its employees, suppliers, customers and communities in which it works. In line with this dedication to the human side of business, the firm launched a new Environmental, Social and Governance Program (ESG) in February 2021, reinforcing its positive approach towards corporate responsibility. “We want to make sure we are open about ESG and the work we are doing to be efficient, ethically responsible and sustainable,” Thomas reports. “The biggest example for us is on the human reproductive side of things, where we ship eggs, embryos and sperm as part of the IVF cycle helping parents have children. Our 99.8 per cent success rate on shipments means that the intended parents have a better shot of a successful IVF procedure. Our ESG

program is just getting started and I think it’s important to recognize it as a living policy. We will continue to build it out and refine it over time, but getting it out there is a good first step.” On a mission to support life and health on earth through its advanced technologies, devoted personnel and comprehensive supply chain solutions, Cryoport will continue to forge rewarding partnerships and deliver groundbreaking results. As the company’s motto implies, in an unpredictable world, Cryoport is built upon science, logistics and certainty. “The advancement of the life sciences industry, and more specifically cell and gene therapy, is the key driver for our growth at Cryoport and the key to the health of all humanity,” Jerrell asserts. “Scientists around the globe are getting close to finding cures for diseases that have never had any suitable treatments before. It is rewarding and exciting to know that Cryoport is playing such a significant role by enabling the storage and logistics behind these therapies to hopeful patients and their families all over the world.”

TLIMAGAZINE.COM

英语210X297+3mm出血.pdf 1 2020/9/4 15:58:07

www.bydeurope.com In the UK, BYD ADL eBuses offset over 850-tonnes of CO2 emissions every year. * BYD eBuses, with future proofed eMobility, represent both a sustainable future and a new lifestyle. Pioneering experience and ground-breaking innovation are central to EV's three core technologies - batteries, electric motors and electric controls, and supported by safety, reliability and a modern design. BYD, devoted to creating a better future with zero emissions.

CMY

* Calculate as one eBus operates 150km per day, 363 days per year.