noticias

NOTICIAS MES DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2001 (NEWS)

28/09/01 Airlines industry financial crisis - As result of the attacks on the US; Additional companies to those mentioned last tuesday announced schedule reductions and reduce jobs looking forward to necessary costs reduce.

AIR CANADA

9,000 Job Reductions at Air Canada and Air Canada Regional; System-wide Flight Schedule to be Reduced by 20 per cent; 84 Aircraft to be Removed from Combined Fleet (55 from the mainline fleet and 29 from the regional carrier) fleet.

Airline is forced to take drastic and unprecedented action in face of catastrophic impact of September 11, 2001 on global airline industry Air Canada advised employees that they are now compelled to lay off a total of 9,000 employees subject to ongoing mitigation discussions with the unions and the government. The carrier also announced an overall network schedule reduction, including that of its regional airline, of 20 per cent. As part of this action a total of 84 aircraft will be removed from the combined fleet.

Robert Milton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Air Canada said "This is a very difficult announcement to make to the dedicated team of women and men who make this airline work. But the catastrophic events of September 11 and their unprecedented impact on the airline industry have left Air Canada, like every other large global carrier, with little choice. In the U.S. alone, industry job losses are already in excess of 100,000.

The job reductions will be implemented within all work groups - management, support staff as well as the unionized workforce.

DELTA AIR LINES

Due to dramatically lower demand for air travel following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States and resulting unprecedented financial losses, the company must cut its costs, including employee costs. As a result, Delta will reduce staffing by up to 13,000 jobs across all major work groups over the next few months, with a significant number of these reductions expected to come through voluntary programs.

Demand for air travel since September 11 has dropped precipitously. As a result, Delta will reduce capacity by 15% effective November 1, 2001. The new schedule will be in effect indefinitely due to the uncertainty of future demand for travel.

Leo F. Mullin, Delta chairman and CEO said : "But on that tragic day, war was declared on the United States of America using aviation as the instrument of destruction. As a result, the operational and financial outlook for airlines has changed precipitously and drastic measures are required if we are to avoid becoming the first economic casualty of the war.

SWISSAIR

Swissair Group to restructure its airline activities. The Group is in talks with the Swiss business community and the Swiss Government to recapitalise the Group.

The Swissair Group announced last August a serie of measures, designed to ensure a viable future for a Swiss based aviation company. Recent tragic events in the USA, and in particular their severe implications on the world aviation industry as well as on the general economic outlook, imply that more radical measures are now required. As a consequence, the Swissair Group will fundamentally restructure its airline and related activities, this will necessitate a recapitalisation in the near term.

The key elements of the restructuring effort are:

A completely new business plan based on a new airline - Revised network and fleet planning - A full integration of Swissair and Crossair. Recapitalisation of the Group based on the new business plan Changes in Group management structure

Swissair facts: Number of employees 7.299 / Size of current fleet 76 / Number of destinations/countries 210/75

27/09/01 The bankruptcy of Renaissance Cruises - The cruise operator, one of main global players in cruise business has ceased all cruise operations.

Apparently as result of recent September 11 events, Fort Lauderdale company goes out of business after having officially announced cease all their cruise operations.

Passengers and crew onboard their cruise vessels are being disembarked and travel arrangements are being made to get them safely home.

As announced by the Company, customers with upcoming bookings should contact their credit card companies or travel agents for refund arrangements.

Renaissance Cruises announced that further Information about their bankruptcy will be available soon on their former web site . Renaissance Cruises used to offer services in Australia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, South America (Buenos Aires to Brazil and Chile) , Tahiti, Caribe, Transoceanic, Far East, Africa, The Mediterranean.

The bankruptcy of Renaissance Cruises, with almost a 4 % of the North American market, will give a better balance to the high competitive cruise market and in present crisis times it will be positive for other large cruise lines, such as Carnival Corp, the world’s largest operator who is presently reviewing their itineraries, Royal Caribbean, the second largest world operator, and P&O Cruises.

25/09/01 Airlines were the biggest financial victims of the attacks on the US - US Airline industry in an unprecedented financial crisis faces billion-losses - Major airlines and suppliers have announced schedule reductions - Tens of thousands of additional furloughs and reduce jobs are expected - Other European airlines also reducing costs and review schedules.

Finance directors of leading carriers at the finance committee of the International Air Transport Association IATA estimated that net losses for international scheduled traffic and domestic US traffic could easily exceed $10 billion in 2001 only.

The industry believes is its only chance to survive the national tragedy and the financial crisis facing the industry is to reduce costs and receive immediate and significant U.S. government financial support.

AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Notified employees that it is forced to reduce jobs by at least 20,000. The employment losses result from the airline's 20 percent schedule reduction, the complexity of new security procedures, and a sharp reduction in passenger traffic - all creating a state of emergency at American and across the entire airline industry.

American said its mission is to operate a safe and secure airline while it and the rest of the industry struggles to survive. In addition to the job cuts, American said it has identified significant product and service changes - especially those things that increase the amount of ground contact with airplanes and that ensure a more dependable operation given the new security regulations.

UNITED AIRLINES

In response to reduced flight schedules in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, United Airlines announced that it will furlough approximately 20,000 employees. The furloughs will affect all work groups of the company and will begin as soon as practicable.

"These actions are extremely painful ones, but they are absolutely critical to maintaining our ability to continue operating and meeting the needs of our customers over the near term," said James E. Goodwin, United's chairman and chief executive officer. "The entire industry is being severely affected by the consequences of September 11." United's flight schedule has been reduced by 20 percent to approximately 1,900 daily flights.

DELTA AIR LINES

Without immediate and significant U.S. government financial support, most of the airlines that make up the nation's commercial air transportation system will go bankrupt, Delta Air Lines Chairman and CEO Leo F. Mullin told members of Congress testifying on behalf of the Air Transport Association and its member airlines before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Under current circumstances and without immediate financial support from the government, a number of carriers could be driven to bankruptcy within 60 days and the future of aviation could be severely threatened, U.S. air carriers have taken steps to shrink in size and are expected to announce the layoff of more than 100,000 employees".

Mullin told legislators that the several day shutdown of the airline industry, the projected long-term reduction in passenger demand and airline revenues, significantly increased costs. This, in addition to the consequences from the liability issues resulting from the events on September 11th, will generate crushing losses for the industry.

AIR FRANCE

In view of the current international situation and the uncertainty of its impact on the air transport industry, Air France ha decided it's Fleet reducing capacity, various Airbus A310-200s/300s, a Boeing B747 freighter, Boeing B747-200s will be retired early, leased Airbus A321s will be withdrawn once their lease expires . These measures will enable Air France to step up its policy of upgrading, streamlining and rationalizing its fleet.

As a precautionary measure, all planned recruitment will be postponed and the Company's investment programme will be carefully reviewed. The global economic climate, hard hit by the recent terrorist attacks in the United States, has forced Air France to review their commercial offer, particularly where North America is concerned.

BRITISH AIRWAYS

Announced a series of measures to address the anticipated reduction in demand from passengers following the tragic events in the USA. The measures include a reduction in flying of 10 per cent, in addition to previously announced reductions, the withdrawal of 20 aircraft from the British Airways operation, the loss of 7,000 jobs.

Chief Executive Rod Eddington said "We face exceptional conditions which have forced us to take very tough decisions, the tragic events in the USA will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the demand for air travel in the months ahead. We have taken the necessary steps to curtail expenditure and sadly to cut our workforce. "Despite the difficult market, our balance sheet remains strong and we are a well-established business. However, we must act now to protect British Airways for the long term."

A reduction of 10 aircraft from the long-haul fleet will be achieved initially by advancing the retirement of the Boeing 747-200 fleet from Spring 2002 and then by withdrawing other wide-bodied aircraft. Six Boeing 767s and four narrow-bodied aircraft will be withdrawn from the short-haul operation.

KLM

Schedule changes - As of October 1, 2001 by the latest, KLM will reduce the capacity (available seats) on several routes. This is a result of the tragic events in the United States, which have lead to a decrease in demand for air transport. This means that several scheduled flights will be cancelled as of October 1, 2001.

LUFTHANSA

Lufthansa approved a comprehensive package of drastic measures. Revises its profit forecast in the wake of terrorist attacks in the US - Executive Board approves comprehensive package of measures to bolster profitability "The aviation industry has been hit badly by the consequences of the terrorist attacks. It will require immense efforts on the part of all Lufthansa staff if we are to avoid an operating loss this year," Lufthansa CEO and chairman Jürgen Weber said.

The Board agreed to shelve plans to order up to 15 Airbus A380s and four Boeing 747-400 wide-body jets. There will also be further spending restrictions. In principle, Lufthansa will not recruit any new staff Group-wide. Urgent adjustments are being made to route network. Flights discontinuing has already been announced.

BOEING

Given the impacts of the horrific attacks of September 11, and the resulting capacity reductions now anticipated by its airline customers, Boeing's Commercial Airplanes unit is setting in place plans to reduce its employment by approximately 20,000 to 30,000 people by the end of 2002. (See full news transportando.net Sept. 24 )

24/09/01 Boeing is taking a series of actions to address the changed business environment in light of terrorist attacks against the United States.

"We profoundly regret that these actions will impact the lives of so many of our highly-valued employees," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "However, it is critical that we take these necessary steps now to size the Commercial Airplanes business to support the difficult and uncertain environment faced by our airline customers."

Revised delivery projections for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, which are assessments based on an uncertain future and depend upon customer business decisions, are as follows:

- Deliveries for 2001, which had been expected to be 538 aircraft, could be as low as 500 depending on customer ability to take delivery in the near term.

- For 2002, deliveries are estimated to be in the low 400s, compared to the 510 to 520 previously forecast.

- Current estimates for 2003 indicate a downward delivery trend will continue.

These estimates are in line with the initial 20 percent capacity reduction projections provided by U.S. carriers and its assessment of world airline traffic trends.

The company is working closely with the government on improving air transport safety and security. It has also launched an internal initiative under the direction of its chief technology officer to solicit and review ideas from Boeing engineers for improving these areas. At the same time, the company is working to apply its extensive capabilities in intelligence gathering, communications and space, as well as military aircraft and missiles, in the war against terrorism.

"The company is ready to apply all of its wide-ranging technological resources in stepping up to the challenges created by these tragic events," said Boeing chairman and CEO Phil Condit. "We are making tough business decisions and working closely with our commercial and government customers to rebuild public confidence in a safe and secure U.S. air transport system.

"These actions will also enhance the company's ability to maintain its solid financial position, strong liquidity and premier debt ratings. These are critical factors in times of business uncertainty and financial stress," Condit said.

21/09/01 Requirements for the introduction into the European Community in respect of wood pallets and packing comprised in whole or in part of non-manufactured coniferous wood originating in Canada, China, Japan and the United States of America - Infestations of materials by the pinewood Nematode (PWN)

Through the Decision 2001/219/EC from the Commission of the European Communities dated 12 March 2001, are established temporary emergency measures in respect of wood packing comprised in whole or in part of non-manufactured coniferous wood originating in Canada, China, Japan and the United States of America on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community. Measures shall be complied with susceptible wood originating in mentioned countries destined to the Community as from next October 1, 2.001 inclusive.

Harmful organism is the pine wood NEMATODE (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle et al., about same, Finland informed the other Member States and the Commission that in monitoring inspections carried out in 2000 numerous infestations of non-manufactured coniferous wood packing material originating in Canada, Japan and the United States of America with PWN have been found. Moreover, infestations of non-manufactured coniferous wood packing material originating in Canada and China were also reported by Sweden and France respectively.

For the purposes of this Decision "susceptible wood" means wood packing comprised in whole or in part of non-manufactured wood of conifers, except that of Thuja L., originating in Canada, China, Japan and the United States of America in the form of packing cases, boxes, crates, drums and similar packings, pallets, box pallets and other load boards, pallet collars, whether or not actually in use in the transport of objects of all kinds. Susceptible wood from Canada, China, Japan and the United States of America may only be introduced into the territory of the Community if it complies with the following emergency measures:

(i) shall be heat treated or kiln dried to a minimum core temperature of 56 °C for at least 30 minutes in a closed chamber or kiln which has been tested, evaluated and approved officially for this purpose. In addition the susceptible wood shall display an officially approved heat- treated or kiln-dried marking enabling the identification of where and by whom the above treatment has been carried out; or

(ii) shall have been pressure (impregnated) treated with an approved chemical in accordance with an officially recognized technical specification. In addition the susceptible wood shall display a marking enabling the identification of where and by whom the above treatment has been carried out; or

(iii) shall have been fumigated with an approved chemical in accordance with an officially recognized technical specification. In addition the susceptible wood shall display a marking enabling the identification of where and by whom the above fumigation has been carried out.

When, it appears that the provisions have not been complied with in relation to susceptible wood, the Member State concerned shall ensure that the susceptible wood is either:

- treated in an officially approved manner that eliminates Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle et al.,

- refused entry into the Community,

- destroyed by either:

- incineration,

- deep burial in sites approved by responsible official bodies referred to in Directive 2000/29/EC, or

- processing in an officially approved manner that eliminates Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner et Buhrer) Nickle et al.

All such measures shall be carried out under the official supervision of the Member State concerned.

For official and exact wording please refer to the Decision 2001/219/EC from the Commission of the European Communities dated 12 March 2001

Additional information at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwp.html

20/09/01 As part of the strategy announced by NYK Logistics and Megacarrier (See Noticias transportando.net 06/02/01 ) to expand its logistics activities. NYK Purchases ETA Transportation Inc. in USA

Kinichi Hirayama, Chairman of NYK Line (North America), announced that NYK has agreed to purchase ETA Transportation Inc. a warehousing and trucking company based in Bentonville, Arkansas, USA.

ETA is a full service logistics provider headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. The company has warehouses in various US cities and Mexico to service its extensive Mexican operations. ETA also has truck operations which provide quality, specialized transportation services across the US and Mexico.

ETA's founder, C.J. Charlton will continue as CEO of ETA and take on additional responsibilities as Senior Logistics Adviser to NYK's Executive Management team.

C.J. Charlton founded ETA in 1990 after a long and successful career as a transportation and logistics executive. He was the first Director of Transportation for Wal-Mart Stores. CJ then continued his career with Sun Carriers and was a senior executive with DSL prior to founding ETA. "I am extremely pleased with the acquisition of my company by NYK" said C.J. "NYK is a high quality ocean carrier as well as an established logistics provider with a worldwide network and first class reputation.

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), founded in 1885, is Japan's largest marine transportation company with operations spanning the globe. The Company owns and operates vessels that provide a broad range of shipping services that include container, tramp, and specialized transport services. The Company also offers logistics services in a highly integrated transportation network.

19/09/01 FedEx Offers U.S.-based customers 10 Percent Discount On Shipping At www.fedex.com for many express services with the new FedEx Online Express Savings Program. Offer Invites Small- to Medium-Sized Businesses to Use Faster, Easier Shipping Tools.

FedEx Offers 10 Percent Discount On Shipping At fedex.com - FedEx Express customers can now save 10 percent off of list shipping rates for many express services with the new FedEx Online Express Savings Program.

Shippers who qualify for the online promotion on fedex.com will be introduced to the most dynamic and convenient way to access an extensive array of FedEx shipping services.

New and existing U.S.-based customers may apply for this special offer at http://www.fedex.com/ and eligible customers can open an account number instantly online and immediately begin shipping and saving 10 percent on many express services.

Customers may apply through November 30, 2001 and the discount will be available until further notice from FedEx.

Qualifying participants also will become registered users of FedEx Ship Manager at fedex.com. With FedEx Ship Manager, customers conveniently can:

-- Prepare and print domestic and international shipping labels.

-- Ship packages via FedEx Express.

-- Track their package status online - origin to destination, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

-- Get an account-specific rate quote to quickly determine the transportation charges for sending a shipment from anywhere in the U.S. to destinations worldwide.

-- Store up to 1,000 frequently used addresses in their FedEx Ship Manager address book.

-- Generate an online record of their transactions.

-- Request a FedEx Express courier pickup.

-- Notify as many as three parties and the shipper via e-mail that their package is on its way or has been delivered.

In addition to FedEx Ship Manager, fedex.com provides many other timesaving services for customers. For example, FedEx Dropoff Locator provides a map and directions to the nearest FedEx location as well as the latest dropoff times, and FedEx Address Checker allows customers to check the accuracy of their shipping addresses. FedEx Signature Proof of Delivery allows customers to view recipient's signatures online; customers can also use FedEx Supplies Online to order FedEx supplies quickly and conveniently, and Invoice Online allows customers to review and settle their FedEx invoices online.

FedEx Corp. is the premier global provider of transportation, e-commerce and supply-chain management services. The company offers integrated business solutions through a network of subsidiaries operating independently, including FedEx Express, the world's largest express transportation company. www.fedex.com is available in 14 languages; processes a million package-tracking requests a day and has a global reach to 204 countries.

18/09/01 HTFN - Hi-Tech Forwarder Network will develop their 16th Worldwide Conference 2001 at Buenos Aires next October 5-9, 2001

The conference will be hosted by the Latin American Region and will utilize the local knowledge of their local representative Rush Cargo S.A. . Their intention to create a conference environment that will allow business development between members with a focus on Latin American opportunities.

The Hi-Tech Forwarder Network was founded in 1988 to give independent transportation companies the opportunity to join a network of reliable international agents, all offering the capabilities and global reach of multi-national forwarders while providing the flexible logistics solutions and personalized service typical of locally owned companies. Today HTFN members rank among the top agents in their markets and are continually adapting to global industry changes.

The Hi-Tech Forwarder Network http://www.htfn.com is a global association of regionally prominent independently owned freight forwarders and logistics companies. HTFN was established in direct response to customer need for integration of service, flexible programs and attention to detail which independent companies can best satisfy. The Network currently has more than 65 member companies worldwide. HTFN Corporate office, which is the marketing and administrative center of the Network, is based in the San Francisco, California area.

HTFN offers a wide range of services to clients including Air Freight Imports and Exports - Sea Freight Imports and Exports - Customs Brokerage - Warehousing and Distribution - Inventory Management Systems - Project Forwarding - Insurance Consulting - Worldwide Door to Door Delivery

17/09/01 RailPower Technologies Corp. launches hybrid locomotive, the "Green Goat" , an hybrid yard switcher that uses a clean, efficient microturbine in conjunction with batteries which improves fuel economy, and reduces pollution.

RailPower Technologies is a leader in specialized energy technology systems for transportation and power generation. Today RailPower is entering the commercial trial phase of its hybrid switching locomotive, eliminating 90% of the pollutants while reducing fuel consumption and improving economic performance. Tomorrow, RailPower brings you the "rDirect" power conditioning technology for distributed and remote power generation technologies such as microturbines.

The more efficient and cost-effective rDirect technology is a key component of RailPower patented Turbine Natural Gas Locomotive that eliminates 99% of the pollution and further reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In the Future, when economics allow and the infrastructure problems have been solved, RailPower will produce systems using fuel cells that produce only water when using hydrogen as a fuel.

To this end the company has been granted two patents and has applied for two more covering innovative technology that meets the company's goals of cleaner and cheaper power.

The technology that has the potential to revolutionize the freight locomotive industry will be the Compressed Integrated Natural Gas Locomotive also known as the CINGL, which would save the railroads 25-33% over the life of owning and operating the locomotive.

Railpower is also continually developing new technologies that incorporate the key values of cleaner and more cost effective power for transportation and power generation.

The Green Goat's hybrid design allows for a 30+% fuel reduction and an over all lower capital cost and will also reduce 90% of the pollution of the latest model switchers while running on diesel fuel, eliminating all infrastructure concerns. A natural gas version of the locomotive will also be available that will result in a 95% reduction of pollutants.

The Green Goat incorporates similar aspects to that of the new Toyota Prius hybrid car. An environmentally and economically friendly automobile which runs using the combination of a gasoline engine with an advanced electric motor. The Prius meets the strictest current exhaust emissions standard, California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard.

RailPower has developed the technology that allows the hybrid concept to be applied to railroads. The Green Goat uses a clean, efficient microturbine in conjunction with batteries to produce 2000hp.

The Green Goats will be remanufactured from existing locomotives and will have a low long hood that results in a high visibility design, which is demanded in switching applications. The unit will also be significantly quieter than other diesel locomotives, due to the nature of the microturbine engine.

It is anticipated that the Green Goat will enter commercial trials during the third quarter with operating railroads. RailPower is anticipating that these trials will lead to active acquisition negotiations by year end.

13/09/01 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Reports All Employees Evacuated Safely From World Trade Center Office

ABS confirms that all employees of its New York Executive Office, located on the 91st floor of One World Trade Center, Suite 9165 evacuated safely from the building.

The office normally staffs 22 people. At the time of tragedy 16 employees were either in the office or in transit to the office. All 16 employees are accounted for. Physical injuries were limited to minor cuts and abrasions.

The Boeing 767 from American Airlines with 81 passengers and 11 crew, flight from Boston to Los Angeles had been hijacked after departure from Logan International Airport. It slammed into the floor 92 of the north tower at 08:50 a.m.

"It is miraculous given the point of impact of the aircraft was immediately above the ABS offices," said ABS Chairman and CEO Frank J. Iarossi. "Saddened as we are by the tragedy, we are greatly relieved that every one of the ABS family survived." Day to day operations of ABS are unaffected by the loss of the New York office which will temporarily relocate to New Jersey and is expected to reopen on Monday, 17 September . "We continue to provide uninterrupted service to our clients around the world," confirmed Iarossi, speaking from the organization's Houston, Texas, World Headquarters.

ABS moved its corporate headquarters from the New York World Trade Center to Houston, Texas, in September 1999. Founded in 1862, ABS is one of the world's leading international classification societies devoted to promoting the security of life, property, and the marine environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine-related facilities. The primary purpose of ABS is to determine the structural and mechanical fitness of ships and other marine structures for their intended purpose. It does this through a procedure known as classification.

ABS establishes and administers standards, known as Rules, for the design, construction, and operational maintenance of marine vessels and structures.

ABS is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization self-regulating agency to the international marine industry

07/09/01 TMM Lines have launched a weekly fixed day service between Asia, South Africa and South America East Coast.

The service, known as the Asia-Africa-Americas Service, began with the M/V " Harmony Container" sailed westbound on August 31 from Shanghai. This service extends beyond our traditional trade routes but offers another link to our existing customers in Asia and in South America, says Juan Manuel Gonzalez, Vice President. "Once again, we are adding another service for our many customers in the Americas - our East Coast South America clients now have a new link with South Africa and Asia."

"This service will also allow us to offer a link between South Africa and the US Gulf/Mexico via transhipment in South America."

Transit times include just 11 days from Singapore to Durban, 29 days from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires and 15 days from Durban to Laem Chabang.

Port rotation: Shanghai, Pusan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Santos, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Singapore, Laem Chabang, Hong Kong, Shanghai. The service will be provided by chartering slots on Kien Hung Shipping Co., Ltd. vessels - Taipei, Taiwan; company which as from 1.992 participate as independent carrier in this service.

Following vessels used in the service are in the range of 1.500 teu capacity:

ACE CONTAINER

EXCELLENCE CONTAINER

FREEDOM CONTAINER

HARMONY CONTAINER

INTELLIGENCE CONTAINER

JUSTICE CONTAINER

PROSPERITY CONTAINER

ROYAL CONTAINER

05/09/01 Roche names Danzas exclusive logistics provider in Latin America

Roche, one of the world's leading health care providers, has named Danzas as the exclusive logistics provider of Roche's Latin American transportation requirements.

Under the agreement, Danzas AEI Intercontinental, a Business Unit of the Danzas Group, will manage all air and ocean freight traffic linking Roche's production plants in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, with its customers throughout Latin America. Roche has facilities in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Toluca and Cuernavaca, Mexico.

The agreement expands the relationship between the two companies in Latin America and also strengthens the global relationship between Roche and the Danzas Group. Until now, Danzas had managed approximately one-half of Roche's intra-Latin transportation needs and the worldwide distribution for Roche Pharma Switzerland.

"We are grateful that Roche has entrusted us with all of its intra-Latin transportation business. Roche's decision validates the soundness of our expansion strategy in Latin America, and affirms the value of the Danzas network for one-stop global logistics solutions," said Samuel Israel, head of Latin America for Danzas.

Roche delivers health care solutions in the fields of pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vitamins and fine chemicals and its products are sold in 150 countries.

Logistics. Worldwide. With a strong presence on every continent, the Danzas Group is the world's leading provider of logistics solutions. Its 43,000 employees worldwide generated net sales of USD 7.8 billion in 2.000. Danzas is based in Basel, Switzerland, and belongs to Deutsche Post World Net.

04/09/01 Lloyd's Register (LR) has announced on its latest edition of journal Marine Bulletin, the completion of the next phase of its study to find the optimum design for the next generation of Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) of 12,500 teu

The ULCS study, started by LR in 1999, found that the optimum size is 12,500 teu. The latest phase addresses the question that no-one else has yet answered – how to propel the next generation ultra large container ship (ULCS).

The ULCS concept

A joint investigation by Lloyd’s Register (LR) and shipping economists Ocean Shipping Consultants (OSC) found that the optimum ULCS that can potentially be supported by the current and forecast global container trade and ports network is a 12,500 teu vessel.

This investigation, started in mid-1999, aimed to identify the potential for even bigger vessels and subsequently determine possible structural problems that might be encountered.

Leading on from this initial study, Lloyd's Register developed a concept design for the ULCS, looking at structural and performance aspects; hull bending and torsional response considered, together with manoeuvrability aspects. The results, published in March 2000, concluded that there are no insurmountable technical challenges perceived for a vessel of this size, with one exception…how do you propel the ULCS?

How do you propel the ULCS?

Lloyd's Register has pioneered the ULCS initiative from day one, and continues to do so. It launched the second phase of the study, to solve the problem of how to propel the ULCS, in late 2000. To arrive at the solution LR carried out a series of propulsion calculations covering a range of ships from 4,000 to 12,500 teu capacity, at a number of speeds. The power required to propel each of these design options was derived and detailed propeller calculations were carried out to examine such limiting factors as cavitation and propeller-hull interaction vibration.

The results show that a single screw 12,500 teu ULCS can achieve about 23.5 knots, but for ships over 10,000 teu, it would be necessary to go to twin screw if 25 knots service speed is required. The chart overleaf, developed by LR, shows the various power requirements for a range of container ships, including the ULCS. The break in the two upper lines illustrates the limits of single screw propulsion for these leviathans.

Power requirement for the ULCS - Economic Analysis

The results from the detailed propulsion study were then fed into a major economic analysis, and a series of voyage and service cost analyses was developed to identify the vessel costs associated with shipping containers on the principal trades.

The results showed that there is a penalty in going to twin screw – although the ship's productivity increases, so does the capital cost, fuel consumption and daily operating costs. Further study concludes that 12,500 teu vessels potentially offer marginal savings at 25 knots but very significant savings at 23 knots – offering a cost saving of more than 19% over a 8,700 teu vessel at 25 knots – representing a valid option for the very highest volume operators.

03/09/01 SAFMARINE, A SISTER CARRIER OF MAERSK SEALAND WILL START OFFERING SERVICES IN THE NORTH AMERICA EAST COAST - SOUTH AMERICA EAST COAST

Effective September 27 2001, A.P. Moller Group carrier Safmarine will offer its customers service between the US East Coast and East Coast South America. The service will be provided through the vessel-sharing agreement with Hamburg Sud Group (Aliança Navegacao & Logistica Ltda, Columbus Line, Crowley American Transport), Maersk Sealand, CSAV/Libra, P&O Nedlloyd and will operate under two names, Tango and Rumba.

Tango service will cover a named day, weekly port rotation of : Philadelphia -Newark - Baltimore - Norfolk - Charleston - Jacksonville - Miami Suape - Rio de Janeiro - Santos - Buenos Aires - Rio Grande- Santos - Rio de Janeiro - Miami - Suape ( * ) - Fortaleza ( * ) - Philadelphia ( * ) Fortnightly.

The complementary Rumba service will offer a named day, weekly port rotation of : Paranagua - Sao Francisco do Sul - Salvador - Freeport - Newark - Norfolk - Charleston - Jacksonville - Freeport - Miami.

During 2001 Safmarine introduced new trades in its multi-trade portfolio such as:

-Transpacific

-Samba : Middle East - Indian Ocean Islands - Southern Africa - East Coast-South America

-Tango and Rumba

Additionally, the carrier has expanded its presence in dry as well as reefer markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and Oceana.

Safmarine, which is a separately managed member of the Danish A.P. Moller Group, markets its liner shipping services independently from sister company Maersk Sealand.

It's agents in Argentina are :

Navegacion Atlantica S.A.

Av. Cordoba 883 - Floor 10 - Capital Federal

Phone : 54 11 4313 9090

E-Mail : safmarine@nave.com.ar