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JULY 2015

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T

he second stretch of 2015 is now upon us and we’ve hit the ‘hump month’ of the year. If the start of your year hasn’t been the best, you now know that you have this last half to sort it out

and if it has been a good start to the year, now you have the time to capitalise on the achievements and double up your results.

An example can be found in the construction sector of Pacific Asia which, largely outside of the media bubble the west has created around itself, has been pumping billions into the development of luxury hotels, resorts and infrastructure, thereby creating thousands of jobs and new opportunities for foreign tourism and investment, with scheduled projects taking them all the way through to 2020.

Speaking of media bubbles, when mentioned in the West, the Middle East brings to mind the problems with ISIS and their terrorism activities, while completely overlooking the businesses hard at work in the countries. No matter what conflicts arise, even during the worst wars, businesses still run, people still go to work and employees still have to be paid. While the media is only interested in the negative news, there is still a great deal of development taking place in these countries that has no connection to the terrorism acts.

Any enquiries or subscriptions can be sent to info@littlegatepublishing.com ENDEAVOUR MAGAZINE is published by Littlegate Publishing LTD which is a Registered Company in the United Kingdom.

Company Registration: 07657236 VAT registration number: 116 776007 343 City Road London EC1 V1LR

Suite 10, Thorpe House 79 Thorpe Road Norwich, NR1 1UA

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for

It brings to mind the land reclamation that occurred in Zimbabwe in the early 00s, when global news depicted a country strewn with the bodies of white farmers and pillars of smoke rising from burning homes to a sky of black. But there were Zimbabweans who were not even aware of the troubles and woke up every day and went to work, slogging away day-to-day, keeping the wheels turning.

While history will paint a different picture of this period of time, for those of us who are caught in it and those who are not involved dayto-day within it, it is just another working day.

omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles

For those people who strive, day in and day out to keep their businesses

by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this

running, despite the conflicts happening around them and for those

magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely

individuals who go into work, focus on their tasks and stalwartly finish

coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy

the job, they should be celebrated and thanked because it will be from

of the information contained within this magazine, no legal

them that the seeds of change and new development will grow.

responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part

As the old saying goes; one farmer is stronger than a hundred fighters.

of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Copyright © Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2015

Cover image ©CERN Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

41

KK Security

FEATURES

11 ECGC 4 | Endeavour Magazine

11 ECGC

Food For Thought 17 TCAA

High Altitude Ambition 23 National Water Commission Jamaica

Essential For Life Itself 29 Mansons Uganda

Driven to Success 35 Qatalum

The Future Is Malleable 41 KK Security

Safe As Houses 47 CERN

We Will Not Be Kept In The Dark 63 ITER Project

The Perfect Fusion 69 Colon Import and Export

The Secret To Staying Ahead 75 Fond Doux Resort & Plantation

A Happy Guest Is Never An Accident 83 Afritech Resources

Overcoming Challenges In Petroleum 89 Bapco

Engaging The Oil Industry 93 Volta River Authority

Power To The People Of Ghana 99 Nass Mechanical Contracting Co. WLL

Reliably The Best 105 Almabani General Contractors

Excellent Professionalism

93

Volta River Authority

ARTICLES 3 Editor’s Note 6 Business Headlines 52 Trending

Stop Telling Girls

There Aren’t Enough Women In Science 54 Automotives

Never Miss A Sunrise

Hyundai MotorStudio Seoul

Discriminating Against Modern Diesel

Save Your Skin 116 Gadgets 118 Travel

Enlighten Yourself in Sri Lanka

Transaero Airlines 126 Book Reviews

87

Nass Mechanical Contracting Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES STATOIL STARTS LAYING PIPES FOR MARINER

P

ipe laying for the Statoil-operated Mariner field on the UK

pipelines, two flexible risers and a gas import pipeline.

Continental Shelf (UKCS) started Monday, June 8. Around 40

The infield pipelines connect Mariner A – the PDQ – to Mariner

kilometres of pipelines for gas, oil and diluent will be installed

B, the floating storage unit (FSU). Both the 10 inch oil export

on the seabed from pipelay vessel Seven Navica.

The Mariner field is developed with a production, drilling and quarters platform (PDQ) and only dry wellheads. All wells are to be drilled through well slots on the platform. Despite this, the field development includes an extensive subsea installation scope.

“This year we will have more than 200 vessel days on nine different vessels,” says Jon Aksel Brynildsen, Project Manager for SURF (Subsea, Umbilicals, Risers and Flowlines) on the Mariner project.

In addition comes a fleet of guard vessels, of which the first was mobilised from Peterhead on June 3. Statoil will have a total of six ships doing guard vessel duties, in rotation, to support offshore installation activities.

pipeline and the six inch diluent import line are approximately three kilometres long. Flexible risers will connect the infield pipelines to the FSU via two riser bases.

Gas will be imported to the Mariner A platform for power generation. The gas import pipeline will tie into the existing Vesterled pipeline that runs from the Norwegian Heimdal installation to the St. Fergus gas terminal near Peterhead in Scotland.

Earlier this spring the seabed was examined and large rocks that blocked the path of the pipeline were removed.

When the pipe laying is complete, other installation vessels will be used for flooding, trenching and rock dumping.

A new pipeline end manifold (PLEM) will be installed approximately 33 kilometres east of Mariner. This manifold will be the tie-in point

The turn-key (EPCI) contract for the SURF scope on Mariner was

for the gas import pipeline and also provide tie-in options for

awarded to Subsea 7 in 2013. In addition, a contract for the fibre

possible future projects in the area. A subsea safety isolation valve

optic cable was awarded to Tampnet.

(SSIV) will be installed close to the Mariner A-platform.

According to Statoil, the PLEM is the largest steel structure to

GAS IMPORT PIPELINE The pipeline and riser scope for Mariner includes two infield 6 | Endeavour Magazine

be installed as part of the subsea scope. It will be 16 metres long, 14 metres wide, four metres high and weigh 130 tonnes.

SASOL’S WAX EXPANSION PROJECT PHASE I SUCCESSFULLY COMMISSIONED

“RESOURCED BY 450 ENGINEERS AND WITH APPROXIMATELY 5500 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ON SITE, WE ERECTED 7200 TONS OF STEEL AND USED NEARLY 600 KILOMETRES OF PIPING.”

Phase I of Sasol’s FischerTropsch

Commenting on the scale of the project, Stephan Schoeman,

Expansion

Executive Vice President, Group Technology, Sasol Limited, said:

Project has been successfully

“Phase I of the expansion of our wax facility in Sasolburg saw 31

commissioned at its Sasolburg

million hours worked, with an exceptional safety record. Resourced

Operations in South Africa.

by 450 engineers and with approximately 5500 construction

“This

Wax

is

a

significant

milestone and we are very

workers on site, we erected 7200 tons of steel and used nearly 600 kilometres of piping.”

pleased with this development.

Phase II of FTWEP has commenced, with major construction

It marks another step towards

activity already underway and is expected to be commissioned in

expanding our Southern African

the first half of the 2017 calendar year. The entire project will see

operations

Sasol invest R13,6 billion in the South African economy.

as

part

of

our

dual regional strategy, while

Marketed through Sasol Performance Chemicals, hard waxes,

demonstrating our commitment

medium waxes, liquid paraffins and waxy oils are applied to a variety

to

of industrial applications. Hard waxes are used in hotmelt adhesives,

South

industrial

Africa

through said

PVC processing, inks, paints and coatings and asphalt applications;

Bernard Klingenberg, Executive

investment,”

medium waxes are used in candle markets and emulsions in the

Vice President, Southern African

manufacturing of construction boards.

Operations, Sasol Limited.

OIL PRICES DROP AGAIN AFTER SAUDIS SAY IT’S READY TO RAISE OUTPUT

E

arlier this month, U.S. crude prices hit a high of $61.82 a

highs and surprising diesel

barrel, which has been their strongest since May 6th, as firm

demand growth underpinned

demand and a strong U.S. stock drawdown lifted the market.

its margins, the profitability of

However, this rise was halted by a less than stellar global

European jet fuel has declined

economic outlook as well as top crude exporter Saudi Arabia

as thousands of tonnes in

saying it was ready to increase its oil output to a record high in

surplus cargoes land from new

coming months, to meet a rise in global demand.

refineries in the Middle East.

In Japan, which is still the world’s third-biggest economy, May

Some analysts and traders say

crude oil purchases by its big utilities fell 47.4 percent compared

jet fuel’s fate could foretell

with the same month last year and they also bought less natural

margins for other oil products,

gas and coal.

particularly diesel.

Thanks to relatively cheap crude oil, refiners have enjoyed

Should demand for refined

high margins as demand for refined products has been strong, but

products fall due to emerging

there are early signs that overproduction will pull down margins

oversupply,

as product oversupply emerges.

said that would spill back into

analysts

have

Independent stocks of oil products at Europe’s Amsterdam-

the crude market and pull

Rotterdam-Antwerp hub rose five percent in the week to

down prices there as well, as

Thursday to hit a record high of 5.845 million tonnes.

refineries slash orders and

While gasoline refining margins remain near three-year

reduce output.

TRAVEL Sri Lanka

Endeavour Magazine | 7

OXIS SOLAR CENTRE FOR AUTONOMOUS RESEARCH LAUNCHES PROJECT HELIOS

T

he OXIS Solar Centre for

connected in series to produce 600V DC and this feeds into the

systems.

Autonomous

widely used SMA Sunny Boy Inverter to generate a 240V, 50Hz

technology brings a safe and

mains output.

cheap source of electricity for its

(OSCAR)

launches a

Research

enthusiastically

Project

launch-pad

Helios

for

For

Europe,

this

as

The inverter includes Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT)

citizens in a manner that allows

cheaper

to ensure that the panels operate at maximum efficiency under

its economies to lessen their

commercial solar energy right

all conditions of sunlight and temperature. The mains output from

dependency on oil and gas”.

across the world. OSCAR is a

the Sunny Boy inverter is used to power both the charger for the

specially

built

Head of Asia Pacific and

demonstration

driverless vehicle, the Meridian Navya and the SMA Sunny Island

Storage

centre that houses OXIS’ entire

Battery inverter, which in turn charges the OXIS Lithium Sulfur

Macfarlane,

PROINSO,

solar storage technology.

added:

Stuart “The

battery, storing the unused excess energy generated during daylight

realisation of the OXIS storage

Helios

for use after dark. The Sunny Island and Sunny Boy inverters are

solution

demonstration comprises a 3.8

currently configured in off-grid mode. However, when power is not

as we continue to move into

kWp solar PhotoVoltaic (PV)

available from either the PV panels or the battery, the system will

emerging markets that have a

power generation system, which

switch to mains operation and take energy from the grid to ensure

high demand for safe, reliable

is fully integrated with a 3 kWh

the loads remain powered.

and

The

Project

is

perfectly

cost-effective

timed

energy

OXIS Lithium Sulfur battery. It

This off-grid configuration allows for better management of the

storage solutions. Importantly,

has 16 PV panels, which are

loads connected to the system so that performance evaluation of

the

the OXIS battery can occur under controlled conditions. The system

and easily scalable which is

can easily be reconfigured for grid-connected operation where

crucial for use across a wide

the battery is used to increase self-consumption. The single 48V

range of applications and in

3 kWh OXIS Lithium Sulfur battery can be expanded to a total of

frequently hostile environments.

four batteries, stacked and connected in parallel, providing a total

PROINSO is constantly looking

storage capacity of 12 kWh, suitable for most domestic installations

for that next innovation that

in Europe. For larger systems, where a more complex arrangement is

will enable us to continue to

needed, the 19” Rack Mount Batteries are recommended. These will

deliver technically sophisticated

be available later this year.

solutions that showcase the

technology

is

robust

The CEO of OXIS Energy, Huw Hampson-Jones says: “The

best the industry can offer.

significance of this technology is, at this stage, understated. In the

Working with companies like

continent of Africa for example, this is a breakthrough as profound

OXIS in the development of new

as the introduction of the mobile phone and allows for the rapid

technologies is the foundation

commercialisation of their economies using solar energy storage

of this ongoing process”.

60 NEW NOMADPOWER CONNECTION POINTS IN 9 EUROPEAN LOCATIONS New in the UK at selected Moto sites: refrigerating freight during driver’s break with renewable electricity.

More realise

and the

more

parties

environmentally

facilities

for

temperature-

controlled

vehicles

friendly, clean and low noise

of

with

benefits of freight refrigeration

points. Truck drivers pulling

being

mains

into parking and rest areas

powered

electricity

instead

polluting

diesel

by of

poles

consist

connection

meaning no harmful emissions, no

noise

lower costs.

UK: In the UK a contract has been signed with Moto Hospitality Ltd for the development of five locations with six connection points each. This initiative will

using

‘plug in’ and can start power supply via the NomadPower

NomadPower is implementing

app, website or telephone for

nine new locations in Europe,

stable

including five in the UK, two in

goods using mains electricity

Germany and two in Italy. This

and the fully automatic billing

partners

will make a total of 20 European locations.

8 | Endeavour Magazine

for the

environment and the driver and

generators.

The NomadPower electricity

pollution

impact on Moto Thurrock on

MANY NEW LOCATIONS

the M25, Moto Toddington

Thanks to the accessibility

Northbound and Southbound

and convenience of the concept,

on the M1, Moto Cherwell

more

potential

Valley on the M40 and Lymm

recognising

Lorry Park on the M6. All

process is based on usage only.

the benefits and will make

these locations are expected

NomadPower renders the use of

NomadPower available at their

to become operational in the

diesel generators unnecessary,

locations.

coming weeks.

refrigeration

of

their

and

more are

BECHTEL AND CROSSRAIL COMPLETE TUNNELLING ON EUROPE’S LARGEST ENGINEERING PROJECT

B

echtel and Crossrail have completed tunnelling work on Crossrail in London, the

BOOK REVIEWS

largest engineering project in Europe. The 26 miles of tunnels (42 kilometres), which required the use of eight tunnel boring machines, were completed on schedule in just three short

A 200-strong Bechtel team of project managers, engineers and

years. Bechtel was hired in 2009

world-class specialists in sustainability and rail systems are working

as Crossrail Limited’s delivery

on Crossrail. With the project now 65% complete, Bechtel will

partner and as part of an

focus on the integration and completion of rail and station systems

integrated team to programme

ahead of testing, which will commence in 2017. Under a separate

manage the on-time delivery

contract, Bechtel is also working as delivery partner for Network Rail

of the new railway line through

to upgrade the existing rail network outside London, to integrate

central London.

with Crossrail.

The the

Prime

United

Minister

Kingdom,

of

“To carry out this tunnelling safely in such a busy, urban

David

environment is testament to the skills and dedication of everyone

Cameron, visited the Farringdon

involved. Collaboration with our customer, contractors, local

Crossrail site in central London

businesses and the community has been integral to our success and

as part of an event to mark the

we thank them for their support,” added MacAdam.

completion of tunnelling. He

The first Crossrail services through central London will start in

said “Crossrail is an incredible

late 2018 with an estimated 200 million annual passengers. The line

feat of engineering that will help

will increase capacity of London’s passenger rail network by 10%

to improve the lives of working

and dramatically reduce journey times across the city.

people in London and beyond.

A global leader in the rail industry, Bechtel has successfully

The project is a vital part of our

delivered some of the largest and most complex rail projects in the

long term plan to build a more

world including the Channel Tunnel, High Speed 1, San Francisco

resilient economy by helping

BART system and the Athens Metro. The company is also currently

businesses to grow, compete

working on the Riyadh Metro, Rio de Janeiro Metro and the Toronto-

and create jobs.”

York Spadina Subway Extension.

GERMANY AND ITALY:

In

Edwin Noomen, NomadPower’s director commented: “These

Germany, two locations are

nine new locations are a big step forward in rolling out the

already open. Autohof Strohofer

NomadPower concept in Europe. With co-financing from the EU

in Geiselwind (A3) counts eight

under the TEN-T programme approximately 40-50 locations are

connection

Aral

expected to be operational by the end of this year. Final discussions

Rheinböllen

are currently taking place for around 10 locations in France and

(A61) has four. The next location

two in Spain, so as to create a comprehensive European network.”

will be MAXI Autohof Lauenau

The aim of the EU TEN-T programme is to considerably reduce

Autohof

(A2)

with

points Elbert

four

and

connection

carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as noise

points. In July, Italy will welcome

levels along Europe’s major road network. There is also a wider

two locations thanks to the

intention to become less dependent on oil. The EU notes that the

cooperation of Autostrada del

NomadPower electricity supply network can make an important

Brennero. This will result in 10

contribution to this.

connection points at Autoparco

Moto Hospitality Ltd (www.moto-way.com) is the UK’s market

Sadobre, Vipiteno and eight at

leader for motorway service areas with a total of 45 locations

Interporto Trento.

throughout the country.

10 | Endeavour Magazine

ECGC WWW.ECGCSVG.COM 001 784 457-1918

FOOD FOR THOUGHT WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

ECGC was founded in 1977 by Sir Philip Veira, with the key areas focussing on flour mill and flour milling.

We spoke with current CEO Osmond Davy.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

ECGC

In 1982 ECGC established the feed mill, which

produced a myriad of animal feeds; this was followed in 1988 by the rice mill, which was focussed on rice milling, supported in 1990 by the acquisition of a 1000 acres of rice lands in Guyana. This was one in a string of acquisitions between 1977 and the year 2000, during which ECGC took on a poultry layer farm in Antigua, one established shrimp aquaculture in Antigua and another shrimp aquaculture in St. Kitts. These acquisitions were later divested because the returns did not meet the group’s threshold.

M

ost recently in April 2014, the company acquired East

The company also claims to be producing the widest variety of top

Caribbean Bottlers inc., which came with the brand name

quality animal feeds in the region.

Ju-C. Offering a wide range of products that are marketed

throughout the Caricom Region, this was a significant takeover.

From a business perspective, the core activities of the company include the production of flour, feeds, rice and beverages.

Since inception, the Mill has realised steady growth and

“Our production capacity of flour is 100 MT daily,” Osmond

expansion in both capacity and product lines. It produces some of

says, “Mainly DNS wheat for bakers, patent flour and speciality

the finest quality baker’s flour under the brand names ‘Cream of

flours such as herb, garlic, and multigrain, which is a blending of 12

the Islands’ and ‘Nelson’, coupled with long standing packaged flour

different grains, pumpernickel and rye.” He goes on to explain the

brands; ‘Easy Bake’ and ‘Purity’. With the development of the rice

entire production is fully automated.

mill, a number of rich rice brands were developed; ‘Three Jewels’, ‘Carib Pearl’, ‘Natural Diamond’ and ‘Carib Diamond’.

“As far as feed is concerned, we deal mainly with poultry feeds,

Recently

pig feed and small ruminants and this has a capacity of 96MT daily,”

‘CariGold’ and ‘Caricom Pride’ have been added to the rice family.

he explains. “Our rice capacity in St Vincent is 96MT daily and

12 | Endeavour Magazine

ECGC

this is mainly long grain parboiled rice, while in Guyana our rice is

islands, which gave rise to the brand name ‘Cream of the Islands’

capacity is 144MT daily and this is also long grained parboiled rice,

flour for bakers. According to the company website www.ecgcsvg.

long grained white rice and long grain aromatic rice.”

com, the East Caribbean Flour Mills began flour milling operations

With beverages, their fourth offering, Osmond explains that their capacity is 60,000 bottles daily in several flavours, distilled water and energy drinks.

on Sunday December 11th 1977.

With a staff count of 350, the staff are aware of a number of regulations, which they follow to ensure that quality standards

“The industry is buoyant,” he explains, “As all our products are in

are kept as high as possible and these include BMP, HACCP, IT,

their mature stages, our brands are trusted, well known and priced

NABIM, Sup. Management; quality customer services, marketing

very competitively.”

and engineering are also carefully monitored.

He also illustrates that the price of grains has been affected

“Staff development is of paramount importance to us,” Osmond

by the implementation of Article 164 and the enforcement of

explains, “Our ability to serve our customers is directly influenced

the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas rules and regulations. This

by the ability and experience of our staff. They are well trained and

act recognised that globilisation and liberialisation had important

highly motivated.”

economic implications and brought focus to establishing and

For the customers, only the very best is allowed and specific

maintaining a sound and stable macro-economic environment

customer focuses are in place to keep them satisfied and happy,

that could be conducive to investment, including cross-border

“Keeping the client relationship sound is very easy,” he explains,

investments, and the competitive production of goods and services

“The product has to be of the highest quality, the delivery of the

in the community. Specifically, article 56, now article 164 in the

product has to be on time and you have to take the time to establish

revised treaty, provided protection for the sale of the St. Vincent

and build the relationship with customer visits.”

flour in the OECS. Consequently, the ECFM became the mill of the

14 | Endeavour Magazine

Further to this, management and staff attend seminars and

veterinary field services for the opportunity to meet and speak with customers in a face-to-face manner, “The after sales services that we offer and the customer’s commitment are the key to our success,” He adds, “Competitive prices, promotional activities and the design and implementation of strategic initiatives, faster and before our competitors, is how we stay ahead of them.”

In November 2014, ECGC had the official launching of the East Caribbean Bottlers inc., which was considered a major diversification since it was not their core business. Recently they have also refurbished and upgraded the parboiling rice facility in Guyana, refreshed their brands and introduced new products into the market.

“For ECGC this has given us entry into new markets and helped improve product quality,” Osmond explains, “as well as increased our output and our competitiveness.”

“

The industry is buoyant. As all our products are in their mature stages, our brands are trusted, well known and priced very competitively.”

“It also gave us the chance to further enhance our staff by enrolling them into EMBAs.”

Endeavour Magazine | 15

16 | Endeavour Magazine

TCAA WWW.TCAA.GO.TZ 00255 22 2198196

HIGH ALTITUDE AMBITION WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

With both business traveller and tourist numbers rising, the flights in Tanzanian airspace jumped from 137,298 in 2003 to 230,458 in 2014.

With new initiatives from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA), the nation’s aviation sector is set to see even more growth, although some challenges remain. Endeavour Magazine spoke with Charles Chacha, TCAA’s Director General regarding this growth.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

TCAA

As Director General, Charles’ major task is to ensure that Tanzania effectively implements the Chicago Convention and other international agreements related to civil aviation, while enforcing the regulations to ensure that all the key players in aviation are in compliance, which will then enable TCAA to raise safety standards.

“M

y ambition is to see more development in the aviation

by either human factor or, to a lesser extent, undeveloped

sector in Tanzania, where the pace of growth is a

infrastructure. In the human factor area, they are working to ensure

little on the low side,” he says, “I want more people in

the people in aviation are trained and organisations implement

Tanzania to see the benefit of aviation in terms of the economy,

safety management systems to the level required while at the same

trade and tourism. Air travel has to become not only accessible but

time, encouraging local operators, including air navigation service

also affordable to most of the population in Tanzania.”

providers which fall under Charles’ authority, to acquire modern

He goes on to explain that the current contribution of the aviation sector to GDP is less than two percent, which is a figure that he would like to see one day reach ten percent.

technology equipment and aircraft to support their operations.

Infrastructure is also a factor. In the past ten years there have been a number of improvements in TCAA’s airports to assist the

The number of flights has increased tremendously in Tanzania

pilots as they navigate the airspace. Another area that can be a

since 2003. One of the major drivers was the liberal market policy

major cause of accidents is the weather, but Charles explains that

that TCAA adopted. Charles says that through this liberal market,

Tanzania’s weather is almost perfect all year round, “Nevertheless,”

a number of restrictions have been removed that have opened up

he remarks, “we are working very closely with the meteorological

the routes for more airlines to find it easy to fly into Tanzania.

department to ensure that the pilots get the information they need

According to him, this has been a major policy change in the

at all times.”

country. He points out that another contributing factor to the

Training for staff is paramount and TCAA have agreements

growth is the increase in numbers of economic investments,

in place with a number of states to exchange personnel, with

following the discovery of minerals, oil and gas in Tanzania with a

further agreements with countries such as the UK, the United

high number of flights coming in now as people come to see how

States and South Africa, as well as with Singapore, Thailand and

they can get involved.

South Korea. Through these agreements, TCAA staff are sent for

“A further factor is our safety record,” he says, “Our airspace is among the safest in Africa.”

training or for exposure to a different environment in aviation. This has proved beneficial as in the case with the adoption of several

Regarding the safety, Tanzania is a signatory to ICAO. ICAO

safety standards that were instigated following exposure in the UK.

has standards and recommended practices and one of Charles’

Tanzania now recognises the uses of European Standards issue by

objectives is to ensure that TCAA comply with these international

the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) for certification and

standards. “We are not going to entertain anything that is below

equipment.

these standards,” he says, “In doing so, we are able to ensure that our safety records are better, compared to other countries.”

“To be an international contender, you have to be at their standards,” Charles insists.

Tanzania has had very few accidents compared to other

Tanzania is a member of the East African and Southern African

countries and those they have experienced have been caused

development community, which provides avenues for collaboration

18 | Endeavour Magazine

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27/6/14

2:54 pm

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www.viaaviation.com

GROUND HANDLING Our services ranges to full ground handling services at our Kilimanjaro facility to handling supervision and coordination through out Tanzania and Africa. Our experienced supervisors will also reposition at other airports in Africa upon demand to ensure that your ground handling experience is a positively memorable one.

HANGAR With 80,000 square feet of hangar space and private apron, VIA’s facilities at Kilimanjaro airport provide dedicated, safe and secure hangarage and parking space for your business jet in the region. All aircraft movements are done by a state of the art Lektro 8850 towbarless tractor. On site customs and immigration is available for your safety, convenience and security.

CLEARANCES VIA can obtain your over flight, landing and block permits, as well as diplomatic or special operations permits across Africa and the Middle East. Our staff have vast experience with working with different CAA's and

hence are able to avail all required information between the client and Civil Aviation Authorities in most African countries.

SECURITY Whether you require extra security for your aircraft, or secure transfer for your crew members and passengers, VIA ensures that your security needs are met. VIA personnel will provide you with knowledgeable, on-theground expertise that answers your security questions within Tanzania, and across Africa, you also have the opportunity to park your aircraft in VIA’s secure hangar.

FUEL VIA arranges for fuel services on credit at major airports and remote locations throughout Africa.

CONCIERGE Should you require local ground transportation or car rental, as well as air charters, hotel reservations, catering arrangements or a relaxing visit to one of the local attractions we would be happy to take care of that.

VIA Aviation Ltd formerly known as Tanzanite Jet Centre Ltd, was established in 2002 by Susan Mashibe.

Having worked a Ground Handling company of international standards with Operators globally, the company has now expanded into the African market. VIA Aviation Ltd now has supervisory stations in Bissau, Dakar, Kigali, Libreville and The Gambia, We continue to expand throughout Africa and offer services catered to your specific needs.

VIA Aviation Ltd HTDA / DAR - Terminal 1, Julius Nyerere International Airport, P.O. Box 3950, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Tel: +255 22 284 2746 • 24 Hr Mobile No: +255 784 432 203 Email: ops@viaaviation.com VIA Aviation Ltd HTKJ / JRO - KIA Hangar, Kilimanjaro International Airport, P.O. Box 11, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Tel: +255 27 255 4155 / 7 • 24 Hr Mobile No: +255 784 432 202 Email: ops@viaaviation.com

TCAA

in the civil aviation transport sub-sector. The Authority collaborates

or South Africa, which is not in line with the level of cooperation

with other members through the EAC Civil Aviation Safety and

and operations of the High Commissions in their countries.

Security Oversight Agency to ensure that their regulations and

Aviation is about connectivity and convenience. Major

procedures are harmonised, have common personnel requirements

intercontinental airlines coming to Tanzania means that the

and therefore facilitate sharing experts in the oversight functions.

Tanzanian people can have direct connections to the Middle East,

There is still more to do and Charles explains what role he

Europe and the Far East. The frequency of the flights coming to

would like to see countries, like the UK, play in the growth of the

Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar goes hand in hand with

aviation sector in Tanzania:

their vision of making air transport accessible to as many people as

“I want the UK to be more involved in Tanzania as we have a

possible. Along with convenience, affordability has been addressed

longstanding relationship with Britain and they know Tanzania

as well and with more airlines coming, it means more competition.

better than any other country because they were here for a long

The growth rate of international passengers is somewhere around

time. We don’t have a flying school in Tanzania, so when it comes

10 percent. For domestic passengers, that growth is at 16 percent,

to training pilots and air traffic controllers we have to take them out

following the introduction of Fastjet to Mbeya and Mwanza, which

of the country. There is, therefore, an opportunity for the people of

has meant more people are flying.

the UK to come and invest in the aviation industry in our country.”

This growth has had an effect on the TCAA as Charles explains

However, to facilitate this growth and in particular ease the

that five years ago there were 300 employees working for the

movement of their people between the two countries, he says that

company and today there are 450, “What we are doing now is

they would appreciate the involvement of the British Government

increasing the number of technical staff, especially the aviation

as they can ease the process of obtaining entry visas into the UK by

safety and security inspectors who can inspect the aerodromes and

providing the full service in Tanzania. Currently it is a complicated

the almost 560 airstrips. Over the last five years, we have increased

process, as individuals need to send their passport either to Kenya

equipment that can assist the pilots when they land at night or in

20 | Endeavour Magazine

poor visibility. In the coming two years we are going to have 100 percent radar surveillance coverage in our country.”

Charles, however, wants the people to look at TCAA as a partner and as an organisation that assures the safety of passengers and crew while flying in Tanzania airspace or Tanzanian operators.

Of course, there is still much to be done and Charles has a clear idea of what lies ahead, “I would like to remind the British people that we have a long relationship. We are one of the Commonwealth countries; that is no accident and we have to use this opportunity.

Tanzania is still a peaceful country with a lot of opportunities. We need to collaborate with others and especially with the British people. I would also ask the UK air operators and in particular British Airways, to re-establish direct flights to Tanzania and would like to invite them to come and invest in Tanzania and the many opportunities that are available.”

“

I want the UK to be more involved in Tanzania as we have a longstanding relationship with Britain and they know Tanzania better than any other country because they were here for a long time. We don’t have a flying school in Tanzania, so when it comes to training pilots and air traffic controllers we have to take them out of the country. ”

Endeavour Magazine | 21

22 | Endeavour Magazine

NATIONAL WATER COMMISSION JAMAICA WWW.NWCJAMAICA.COM 001 876 929-5430

ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE ITSELF WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

The National Water Commission of Jamaica is the main institution responsible for all major water and sewerage operations in the country.

As the primary provider of potable water, supplying more than 2 million persons with service daily, the NWC also has responsibility for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.

Endeavour Magazine spoke to Acting President, Mark Barnett, to find out how the NWC deals with the unique challenges that come with this vital role.

Endeavour Magazine | 23

NATIONAL WATER COMMISSION JAMAICA

As a statutory body operating under The Ministry of Water, Land,

Environment and Climate Change, the NWC was formally established following the National Water Commission Act (1980) through the merging of the Kingston and St. Andrew Water Commission and the National Water Authority.

T

his merger resulted in some of the major systems, island-wide, falling under one authority and the NWC still works with this inherited infrastructure, which is now aged and below the

desired standard. Significant investment continues to be made but until the entire infrastructure is overhauled, the NWC faces the constant repair and maintenance of the water supply systems and the treatment of water from rivers, springs and wells.

FACILITIES The NWC’s significant network includes more than 160 underground wells, 116 river sources and 147 springs, serviced by over 10,000 kilometres of pipelines and more than 1,000 kilometres of sewer mains across the island. From this, the NWC supplies 190 million gallons of potable water each day across Jamaica. The NWC provides more than 90% of Jamaica’s total potable water supply, while the remainder is provided by Parish Councils and a small number of other private water companies. Approximately 30% of all abstracted water in Jamaica is used for potable water with the remaining 70% used for irrigation, as provided by the National Irrigation Commission.

Operating more than 1,000 water supply and over 100 sewerage facilities island-wide, the NWC supplies water via house connections to approximately 70% of Jamaica’s population and sewerage facilities to approximately 30%. With the responsibility of collecting, refining and distributing water to industrial and domestic consumers over a hilly land area of 10,990 square kilometres, the NWC is well equipped with a variety of facilities. These range 24 | Endeavour Magazine

from large raw water storage reservoirs at Hermitage and Mona in St. Andrew, to small diesel-driven pumping installations serving rural towns and villages and small package plants associated with housing developments throughout the country.

All water supplied by the NWC is tested to ensure it meets the interim Jamaica Drinking Water Criteria and the World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

“Our team consists of a range of chemists, microbiologists and environmental scientists, as well as trained laboratory analysts, laboratory attendants, field assistants and administrative staff all committed to providing accurate data to ensure the best potable water quality,” says Barnett, “Free from coliform bacteria, free from colour, odour and taste.”

The NWC is operating a complex job on a large scale. The growth of the industrial sector in Jamaica within the last five decades has seen the establishment of new residential communities throughout the country, leading to an increased demand for potable water.

Unplanned developments across the country force water supply and sewerage infrastructure to move fast to keep up with service demands and growing cities often require additional sources of water as demand increases. Although Jamaica is blessed with

Hood-Daniel Well Company Limited Hood-Daniel Well Company Limited has been associated with the National Water Commission (formerly National Water Authority) for over some thirty odd years.

We have had the privilege of working together on some major projects such as the Queen of Spain Valley Water Supply project; Munro/Malvern Water Supply Project; Kingston Metropolitan Water Supply Project (KMA), Greater Mandeville Water Supply Project and many other small projects.

The company has had an excellent working relationship over the years and continues to do so even today.

We want to take this opportunity to wish the National Water Commission every success in their future endeavours.

abundant water sources, many of these do not provide a guaranteed

Tel: 876-964-6381 – 3, Fax: 876-964-6383, Email: info@hooddanielwell.com

Hood-Daniel Well Company Limited Spur Tree, Manchester, Jamaica “A SERVICE ORGANIZATION”

Well drilling, core hole drilling, chlorination, pump installation, agricultural equipment sales and services Distributor in Jamaica for:

Endeavour Magazine | 25

NATIONAL WATER COMMISSION JAMAICA

year-round yield. Areas of high water demand are often far away

a threat to Jamaica’s water resources. Groundwater is at risk from

from the required water resources, for example, Kingston and St.

contamination from industry and waste sanitation systems in urban

Andrew is provided with much of its water from St. Catherine and

centres and contamination from intensive animal rearing, fertilisers

St. Thomas.

and pesticides in rural areas. Consequently, the NWC and other

However, the biggest challenge the NWC currently faces is the

stakeholders are involved in a number of activities to improve

Government of Jamaica’s goal for universal access to potable water

water management practices, in order to ensure a high quality of

and the establishment of sewerage systems in all major towns by

water that will contribute to improved health and the sustainable

2020. Water supply and wastewater services are involved and

growth and environmental development of the country.

expensive operations and difficulties in collecting revenue limit the availability of necessary funds. This financial demand is more challenging as the NWC is saddled with such high overheads.

Electrical equipment is used to pump water over mountainous and rugged terrain, leading to high electricity bills. Furthermore, on ocassion the NWC is given the responsibility and cost of installing infrastructure and initiating service delivery in areas and communities which would normally be the function of a developer before the area is populated.

Barnett, however, is not dismayed by these challenges.

“These challenges provide the circumstances that demand the best out of the NWC and its employees,” he says, “We are acutely aware that the service we provide is not merely a desirable amenity but a commodity and service essential to growth, development and life itself.”

THE ENVIRONMENT

THE FUTURE “The goals of providing potable water to within easy access of all Jamaicans and improving the wastewater collection, treatment and disposal in all major towns are twin objectives to which the NWC is resolutely committed,” says Barnett.

Recognising the need for further improvements in operations and service delivery, the NWC has embarked on an ambitious transformation programme to be implemented over the next five to ten years as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. Tied to the NWC’s vision of becoming the top water services utility in the Caribbean and Latin America by 2015, the transformation programme seeks to fulfill the NWC’s mission to contribute positively to national development by providing high quality potable water and sewerage services to residents and businesses in a cost effective and sustainable manner.

The plan includes a series of improvement projects, which will

Recognising the importance of water for national development,

cost an estimated $100B for water supply and a further $75B for

the NWC has undertaken a number of projects to continue to bring

wastewater and aims to increase Jamaica’s direct house-to-house

water to more communities and improve service in existing areas.

water supply coverage from 73% of households to 85%. The

Through the development of new water supply and wastewater

planned programme will undertake major work, including upgrading

treatment plants, the NWC now facilitates water supply systems

water production sources, network refurbishing and equipment

that pump water over rugged and wooded landscapes to hilly and

rehabilitation in every parish in the fastest and most unobtrusive

low-lying towns and districts, which previously had no piped water

way possible, boosting efficiency and service reliability.

service.

Given the finite nature of water resources and the potential damage that pollution can do to them, environmental protection is an essential part of what the NWC does. Poor land management, improper agricultural and industrial practices and improper disposal of sewage and other waste in rivers and streams all pose

26 | Endeavour Magazine

28 | Endeavour Magazine

MANSONS UGANDA WWW.MANSONSUGANDA.COM 00256 414 285 282

DRIVEN TO SUCCESS WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

Since being founded in 1994, Mansons Uganda Ltd has become a major supplier of logistics, transportation and warehouse management services in the East Africa and Great Lakes region.

Endeavour Magazine spoke to General Manager, Jas Mangat, about how the company’s unique knowledge base and industry experience built the strong reputation it enjoys today.

Endeavour Magazine | 29

MANSONS UGANDA

Although Mansons Uganda is now a thriving business known for its

reliability, efficiency and trustworthiness, the early days were far from easy.

With political instability and environmental constraints in place, establishing logistics systems within East Africa presented a unique set of risks and challenges, which Mansons Uganda rose to. Using creative approaches and in-depth local knowledge, the company ensured its cargoes arrived at their destinations safely. Built on a foundation of determination, hard graft and local knowledge, Mansons Uganda has gone from strength to strength.

R

enowned for its commitment and professional approach, it’s

because of its strict attention to ethics and safety. Ethical business

no surprise that Mansons Uganda has such a strong track

practice is not just encouraged but upheld, with policies affecting

record of long working partnerships with some of East Africa’s

every level of the business. Each employee has the right and

biggest names, brands and companies. Approaching all projects

responsibility to ensure that business is conducted in accordance

with dedication and hard work, Mansons Uganda’s drive to satisfy

with high ethical and legal principles, a policy that reflects the level

its clients is what keeps the company at the forefront of logistics.

of responsibility and trust Mansons Uganda has in every member of

Mangat confides in us that there’s no secret to success, they simply

its team. The company applies these ethical standards to all dealings,

work within the allocated time frames and budgets to ensure

believing that openness and accountability are cornerstones of

customer satisfaction. Most new clients find Mansons Uganda

strong and long-lasting relationships with its clients.

through referrals from its existing customer base, so without the

Safety is another concern for Mansons Uganda, as it is essential

company’s high standards of professionalism, business would not

that clients can trust the company to deliver their consignment

grow.

safely and on time. As the only haulage company in Uganda to

“Above all, this is a family business and we count every one of our customers as part of our family,” says Mangat.

have been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2008 certification for quality management systems, Mansons Uganda’s dedication to

Mansons Uganda has a strong customer focus, tailoring its

quality services and systems is independently verified. All Mansons

services to each client’s specifications and requirements, with the

Uganda trucks are continually subjected to rigorous preventative

flexibility of individual, quarterly, bi-annual and annual contracts.

maintenance routines and fitted with GPS tracking systems to

The company’s rich history in transporting high-value cargo across

monitor all goods throughout their journey from the Mansons

borders to strict deadlines means that it invests heavily in the

Uganda base in Kampala. The monitoring system also flags up

right expertise and equipment to meet its clients’ needs, assigning

any deviation from planned journeys such as a vehicle making

separate team and project managers for every service item.

unscheduled stops or breaking the speed limit so that the driver

Mansons Uganda is able to offer such high quality services 30 | Endeavour Magazine

can be contacted to confirm what has happened.

MANSONS UGANDA

It’s clear that Mansons Uganda values its employees as much

Uganda owns and services its own vehicles, which have an average

as its clients. All mechanical staff members are supplied with

age of just 4 years and include a wide variety of truck heads and

protective clothing and equipment and attend regular training

trailers, enabling the company to transport all kinds of goods and

sessions so they can conform to industry standards for safety in

equipment.

the workplace. The company is eager to increase productivity in its

Over the past 21 years, the company has provided logistics

workforce wherever possible, but it does this through incentives,

solutions for a diverse range of clients including humanitarian

not threats. The Driver Incentive Program analyses the data from

agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross

every journey and awards monthly bonuses and prizes to the drivers

and the World Food Program. Mansons Uganda’s logistical support

with the best performance, a scheme that has led to increased

to relief efforts throughout Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic

reliability, productivity and safety. Mansons Uganda is not afraid

Republic of Congo isn’t the only time the company has taken on

of making changes for the improvement of safety standards and

corporate social responsibility (CSR) as their CSR policy is central

recently stopped all night-time driving, a bold move which has

to the way that they do business. It’s a simple policy; wherever

steeply reduced the number of accidents and incidents.

possible, Mansons Uganda expands its positive impact on society

As well as its hardworking and professional workforce, the

and reduces its negative footprint.

company also prides itself on its equipment. The main site is home

One way the company does this is by investing in its staff and

to truck parking, warehousing space and extensive maintenance

their communities. An informal zero-interest loan scheme enables

facilities such as on-site trailer construction, stores, vehicle repair,

many of their drivers, staff and their families to access the capital

fuel storage and a state-of-the-art tyre retreading workshop.

vital for starting up a small business. The company also provides

Additional maintenance facilities across the East Africa region

loans to many of its drivers to help them send their children to

(in Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya) are under 24-hour

better schools. These small loans have a big impact on not just the

surveillance by teams of security personnel and guard dogs and

lives of Mansons Uganda workers and their families, but also the

help to maintain a constantly expanding fleet of vehicles. Mansons

developing economy of Uganda and the East African region. After the challenges the company originally faced, Mansons Uganda understands the importance of investing in the prosperity and future prospects of the East Africa region. The company sponsors several Ugandan students, paying their school fees and also sponsors the Kampala Kids’ League. Mangat explains it very simply: “When the community prospers, so do we.”

With a vision to be the market leader for transport in Eastern and Central Africa, Mansons Uganda is currently expanding from its Kampala headquarters into a second facility outside the city at the Namanve industrial area. While still under construction, the new site is already in partial use, with large warehouses and mechanical workshops as well as expanded parking and trailer storage space and a weighbridge.

As the East African region continues to develop, Mansons Uganda has not lost its competitive edge, staying ahead of competitors by solving problems in the most efficient, safe and costeffective ways. The company liaises closely with its counterparts, staff members and clients to improve the logistics factor in Uganda and elsewhere.

“We’re committed to continuously improving the performance of all aspects of the organisation,” says Mangat.

32 | Endeavour Magazine

34 | Endeavour Magazine

QATALUM WWW.QATALUM.COM 00974 4403 1111

THE FUTURE IS MALLEABLE WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

Qatalum (Qatar Aluminium Limited) is internationally known for its contributions to the development of the aluminium industry. Established in 2004, Qatalum is a joint venture between two well-established industry leaders, Hydro Aluminium and Qatar Petroleum (QP). Director of Corporate Communications, Mr Ibrahim Fakhri, spoke with Endeavour Magazine about finding success in an industry new to Qatar.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

QATALUM HIGH QUALITY WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL

Qatalum is ISO 9001 certified and a listed

WOODEN SPACERS, STUFFING WOOD, PALLETS, SAWN MATERIAL and much more....

High quality products for saw and aluminium / iron industries.

All of our products are ISPM 15 treated and are therefore to export worldwide.

FAST SERVICE Stockpiles of goods are ready to be shipped to customers who need fast deliveries.

TEGSNÄSSKIDAN AB Phone +46 (0)933-402 00

brand on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The company received its CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) Certification Award in January 2014, making it the third Qatari organisation to achieve CIPS certification.

Drawing on the support and expertise of the two partners driving the project, Qatalum is perfectly placed to meet the growing demand for aluminium.

info@tegsnas.com www.tegsnas.com

W

hile QatarEntEL Petroleum provides a consulting unique combination EnErgOprOjEkt (EpE) is an international company, specialized in engineering, design and project management services:

of

long-term competitive energy resources and industrial infrastructure, Hydro is a global integrated aluminium

industry leader with close to a century of experience of aluminium

ENGINEERING, DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES Power Generation • Power Transmission Lines & Substations • Water Generation & Transmission • Telecommunication Networks And Systems • Oil & Gas Processing and Transport • Environmental Protection

production. Marketed by Hydro Aluminium’s extensive global networks, the aluminium products manufactured by Qatalum are used in a variety of industries including automotive, construction, and engineering.

POWER

GENERATION

POWER TRANSMISSION LINES AND SUBSTATIONS

WATER GENERATION & TRANSMISSION

EPE has been a consultant or a designer for more than 150 substations in the range from 400kV to 11kV during the last 25 years.

Reliable expertise is available for all activities related to development of the transmission system.

EPE has developed its expertise in this field by executing several major projects in GCC region (Oman and Qatar).

“Qatalum’s aluminium reaches the entire global community,” EpE is an international Consultant for power plants, covering the wide spectrum of engineering activities from feasibility studies to the detailed design and site supervision during construction, revitalization and privatization within the Power Sector.

EPE has been involved in every Power Plant build in Serbia and former Yugoslavia. EPE also has an active role in the Middle East region.

says Fakhri.

Completely expertised and fully equipped with necessary softwares EPE covers the largest water generation, transmission and treatment plants. Business services include design, consultancy and construction supervision

Qatalum presently exports to 52 countries and 477 customers, EPE has been present in the Middle East since 1991 and considered as one of the leading consultants in the Middle East Region.

and to date has exported more than 2 million tonnes. Its geographic location, at the heart of the Arabian Gulf, gives it convenient access to markets all around the globe, which is a perk that the downstream industries benefit from. The biggest region for Qatalum export is Asia, accounting for almost half of sales. Next is Turkey, at just over a fifth, followed by North America, at 16%. Middle Eastern TELECOMMUNICATION

OIL & GAS PROCESSING

ENVIRONMENTAL

Strong and highly qualified expertise in the field of telecommunication systems applied in power and other utility companies.

Continuously following the modern trends and providing optimized solutions through basic and detailed designes as well as in consultancy services and tender preparation and evaluation.

EPE has developed its expertise in Oil and Gas processing systems working on many projects in Serbia and Middle East.

We offer a solid foundation of know-how in many areas of environmental protection.

NETWORKS AND SYSTEMS TRANSPORTfor 7% of PROTECTION countries other than QatarAND account exports. Together,

Oceania, Africa, Central and South America and Europe make up Our business activities in the environment sector cover: Waste management and land filling, air and water protection, environmental management and environmental Studies.

a touch under 8%. Domestic sales come to about half a percent of total output.

EPE has valuable references, is highly expertised and well equipped with necessary software to participate in various projects of this type.

Building and construction Qatalum’s EnErgOprOjEkt - EntEL CO. LtD. remains COnSULtIng EngInEErS largest and most Head Office: Serbia, 11070 BELGRADE, Bulevar Mihaila Pupina P.O. Box the 20 important market for extrusion billets.

Over the 12, years company Telephone No: / Fax No.: (381) (11) 310-1200, 310-1203, 310-1205 / Fax (381) (11) 311-2447; 310-1292 E-mail / Web site: / www.ep-entel.com has also seen a steep office@ep-entel.com increase injordan, demand Middle East Offices: Qatar, UAE, Oman, Bahrain for foundry alloys by the Qatar Office:

Energoprojekt-Entel LtD

Telephone No/Fax: E-mail:

Phone: (+974) 44478571, Fax:(+974)44478572

Address: sector, reflecting 21st Floor, Palmthe Towerexacting "B", West Bay, P.O.Box 4769, Doha, Qatar automotive production standards in energoqt@ep-entel.com place. Over 50% of Qatalum’s production is destined for the global

automotive sector, with an average 100 kg of aluminium foundry 36 | Endeavour Magazine

Complete Hot to Hot Reduction Services STAREF is a Joint Venture Company established

by STS Oman and Aluref from Richards Bay - South Africa.

The partnership was incorporated in late 2013 to provide specialist potshell maintenance services to the Qatalum Aluminium Smelter in Qatar which is inclusive of all refractory and mechanical refurbishment of 704 pots.

Delining

Potshell Repair

Furnace Rebuild

Superstructure Repair

Anode Stem / Busbar Fabrication & Installation

Relining

Pot Cut Out & Installation

Cathode Sealing

Basement Cleaning

Maintenance Services

P.O. Box. 50612 C-222, 2nd Floor C – Block, Building No 77 - Souq Mesaieed, Street No 600, Zone 92 , Mesaieed Industrial City, P.O. Box 50612, Doha, State of Qatar.

Tel: + 974 44413074 | Fax: +974 44419397 | Email: info@staref.com

QATALUM alloys used in passenger cars. Approximately one third of foundry

Qatalum has a dynamic and diversified work force representing

alloys are made from primary aluminium and two thirds from

34 nationalities. The progressive management structure features

recycled.

top, mid and first-level management and although the CEO is the

With a base approximately 2.7 km², the size of 260 football

management head, management reporting lines are shared between

fields, Qatalum has the ability to produce over 630,000 tonnes

the CEO and the Deputy CEO in order to reduce administrative

of high-quality primary aluminium products per annum from twin

burden and bottlenecks.

1.2-kilometer potlines. The complex facilities include a carbon plant, port and storage facilities and a captive power plant.

With an aim to be the employer of choice for talented Qatari graduates through training and development programs, Qatalum’s

Qatalum’s state-of-the-art Casthouse has been ISO/TS 16949

multi-national workforce brings together unparalleled international

certified and produces customer-specified, value-added products,

experience and expertise. The company makes sure its employees

such as extrusion ingots and foundry alloys, that meet the stringent

enjoy a host of excellent benefits and the highest standards of

quality standards of Qatalum’s global customer base. Qatalum

health and safety.

also has a vast integrated carbon plant, which produces over

“Our people are our biggest asset,” says Fakhri.

1,200 anodes per day – that is around one anode per minute, or

As well as valuing its workforce, Qatalum maintains a strong

approximately 320,000 tonnes of anodes per year. Power Plant

customer focus. Its long-term marketing and sales agreement with

Qatalum produces its own power thanks to being capable of

Hydro allows Qatalum direct access to product markets by an

generating some 1,350 MW, against the smelter’s usage of 1,050

experienced sales force and the company’s aim is for customers to

MW. Given its size and crucial importance, it has been designed

recognise its services and outstanding delivery on all performance

using the best available technology, most specifically, the low

dimensions.

NOx burner technology, in combination with selective catalytic

“We are all customers and suppliers to each other in the plant,

reduction in order to comply with local emission standards. All this

as well as working together to deliver to our customers outside.

has been designed to power the largest primary aluminium plant

We target customer loyalty so that they help build our business by

ever built in one phase.

returning to us,” commented Fakhri.

Rain CII is a recognized leader in the production of calcined petroleum coke (CPC) and with our acquisition of the RÜTGERS Group, we are now a fully integrated, global carbon company. We know our customers’ businesses and the critical role CPC plays in producing aluminum.

We are honored to have been Qatalum’s CPC supplier of choice since startup and proud to support their continued growth.

Rain CII delivers the right CPC when and where you need it.

Resourceful carbon solutions you can depend on.

Find out more at www.raincii.com or call toll free: 1.800.788.1088

RAIN

38 | Endeavour Magazine

Resourceful, Reliable, Responsible

We Make the Grade.

Aluminium Qatalum has set a new standard in environmental performance, employing the best available technologies in its processes with the aim of having minimum impact on the local environment.

Qatalum’s HSE Management System guides the management of resources and the reduction of the company’s environmental impact. The company also follows its Environmental Management Manual, which includes guidelines for managing sources of environmental impact, climate change, water consumption and waste management. Qatalum’s Zero Energy and Emission Building (ZEEB) lab, located on site at the Qatalum smelter, was officially opened in March 2013. The facility, created with Hydro of Norway,

Aluminium − Complete Carbon sector − Gas Treatment Centers for Electrolysis Pots - Casthouse integrated solutions including Holding & Melting Furnaces − Fume Treatment Centers and Firing Systems on Anode Baking Furnaces − Bath Processing plants − Liquid Pitch Marine terminals

is dedicated to researching and testing aluminium used in curtain wall solutions in support of creating energy, emission and carbon neutral buildings in the Middle East.

Environmental

considerations

are

critical

to

Qatalum’s

sustainability and the facility is one of the most environmentally friendly aluminium smelters in the world. GCCs heavily depend on their natural gas exports to meet their increasing demand, yet Qatar is an exception to this as the country enjoys huge reservoirs of natural gas, supported by a firm stand to elevate its production capacities of electricity utilising the material.

www.fivesgroup.com

Qatalum tries to reduce and minimise its impact on the environment in every step of the production process. The Qatalum Production System has core principles that help to better protect the environment and the company’s operations emphasise

Endeavour Middle East Magazine_92x138mm_June15.indd 1

25/06/2015 17:40:

efficiency, allowing it to reduce our energy consumption and GHG emissions per unit of production.

“We are keenly aware of the importance and value of our planet and its environment and we refuse to compromise on its health and long-term sustainability,” notes Fakhri.

Qatar’s National Vision 2030 continues to be a major part of Qatalum’s long-term strategic plans. Qatalum recognises that industrial diversification will be a key element of Qatar’s continued economic development, alongside environmental protection measures and social policies that will provide the platform for a sustainable tomorrow.

To achieve its ambition to be amongst the top ten most costefficient smelters in the world, Qatalum has recently embarked on a five year improvement programme – a complex initiative mandated by the Board of Directors involving all areas of operations. Heavily leveraging the Qatalum Production System, the programme aims to establish a strong culture of continuous improvement. The programme is designed to not just deliver impressive savings, but also to raise internal competence levels, strengthen Qatalum’s identity based on its values and contribute to its CSR agenda.

“We are pursuing industrial diversity for Qatar and its people by actively creating a future of environmental sustainability and economic opportunities.”

At Qatalum, Fives supplies innovative solutions combining industrial performance with sustainable development: • (4) Gas Treatment Centers with sea water scrubbers • A 52 tph Green Anode Plant • A Fume Treatment Center and Firing equipment & process Control Systems on the (2) anode baking furnaces • (11) Melting & Holding furnaces and (2) Water Cooling Systems at the casthouse

Endeavour Magazine | 39

40 | Endeavour Magazine

KK SECURITY WWW.KKSECURITY.COM 00254 20 4245000

SAFE AS HOUSES WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

A ‘local giant’, KK Security has enjoyed exponential growth and success.

Endeavour Magazine spoke to Derek Oatway, Group Chairman, to find out what he attributes this to.

Endeavour Magazine | 41

KK SECURITY

In operation since 1967, Kenya Kazi, as it was then known, was

essentially a facilities management organisation, taking care of all the small yet vital jobs that clients were unable or unwilling to complete themselves. Having gradually drifted towards the security industry, due to client demand, when the current ownership team took control in 1993, this became the core focus of the company.

T

hough the initial movement into the security market was relatively casual, since adopting it as the core business interest, the results have been anything but low key. Having been given

the title of ‘local giant’ by The Economist magazine, KK Security has developed from being a lucrative little set up on the coast, to a regional major player.

Speaking to Derek Oatway, we were keen to know if the initial focuses of the business remain the same today as when it first started, “The core business was and still is, to a large extent, the provision of manned guarding services to industry. Since its acquisition in 1993, manned guarding has diversified into Diplomatic security involving Embassies and UN agencies.”

To take on such a mammoth task, Derek recognised that standards had to be consistently high, “I realised that the traditional way of providing ‘breathing bodies’ as security guards was not the best way to do it, so we invested heavily into training security officers who were able to be multi-skilled and effective members of an organisation. Combined with the strap line ‘Service with Integrity’ (which is the credo of the company), this investment has paid off and KK Security officers are regarded throughout the region as the most professional in their field.”

Add to this, a fierce determination to remain at the cutting edge of technological advancements and it’s clear just how KK Security is leaps and bounds ahead of its nearest competitors. Rocky Hitchcock, the Group’s Senior Consultant, added, “Alongside manned guarding, electronic alarms and response to those alarms, there is another element to the deterrence of thieves; 42 | Endeavour Magazine

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KK SECURITY patrol security dogs, especially if they are South African Mastiffs

organisation, which will give international accreditation to our

called ‘Boerboels’. 45 kgs of muscle on the move, they are an

training standards.”

excellent way of providing protection for large areas, especially if

The rewards for those that meet the required standards are

they are trained properly. KK Security has now over 650 dogs and

impressive and include dynamic career progression from basic

we have been certified to the UK’s National Association of Security

security officers though to basically wherever an individual wants

Dog Users (NASDU) standards with our trainers having been sent

to get to, as long as they have the dedication. Extra training

to the UK to complete the training qualifications.”

modules are freely on offer to the right people, as are academic

Not a company to shy away from the possibility of diversification,

qualifications for those looking to progress to a management role.

KK Security identified a connection between security and Health

With the client list of KK Security including large blue-chip

and Safety, commenting that ‘without one, you can’t have the

companies and Embassies, it stands to reason that customer

other’. With this in mind, the Group was keen to invest in highly

service standards are impeccably high and consistently monitored.

skilled personnel to tap into this potentially lucrative and closely

In addition to always following relevant legislation, to the letter, the

connected industry,

adherence to set standards of operation, conduct and performance

“Major effort was put into providing trainers in Occupational Health and Safety with internationally recognised qualifications.”

But this is just the tip of the diversified interests iceberg, as Derek told us,

is something only witnessed in the very best organisations that are striving to leave the competition far behind them.

“To ensure that our customers are satisfied with the quality of services that we offer, our processes are based on ‘pro-activity’

“We realised that the burgeoning Oil and Gas exploration in

helping to improve and eliminate the possibility of deteriorating

the region would require trained blue collar workers to provide

standards. Further, our inspections are carried out routinely,

replacements for the expensive expatriate workers. To achieve

regardless of need. To provide for the control and verification of

this, a separate ‘extractives’ division was set up and in addition to

our security services, we have adopted stringent measures to

the UK’s IOSH qualifications, we also train to the certified ‘Rig Pass’

thoroughly examine and test the quality of our products and the

level from the International Association of Drilling Constructors

performance of services. The basic goal of this is to ensure that

(IADC).”

the services provided are dependable, satisfactory and efficient to

Add to all of this a continued handle on facilities management

meet the specific requirements of the clients. Our Clients are our

services and the vastness of KK Security begins to come into view.

business partners and therefore we are in constant engagement

Clearly this is an organisation that has a deep and concerned

with them in order to understand what their needs are and how

passion for everything it turns its hand to, which is most likely a result of being a family owned company. This element often plays a part in huge corporations managing to remain people-centric and goes a long way towards explaining how and why KK Security has always supported local charitable set-ups.

Speaking about the security industry as a whole, Derek was emphatic, “The security industry throughout the region is buoyant. The quality of service given, however, differs. KK positions itself at the top end of the market and there is always a need for a professional service there. The increase of Islamic terrorism produces challenges that Governments are trying to ameliorate. In this, private security companies can assist the forces of Law and Order greatly by providing eyes and ears in the communities where the police would be not necessarily welcome.”

Security is a serious business, not just in terms of profitability, but crucially, in terms of personnel safety. With approximately 22,500 staff, KK Security has to remain stringent about the quality and dedication of new team members, “We pioneered the training of security officers in East Africa.

We were also the first company to employ women security officers.

All personnel have to undergo a compulsory Pass/Fail 12 day training course. If the applicant fails, there is no job. Our training teams are currently being accredited by the UK ‘Skills for Security’ 44 | Endeavour Magazine

we can best address them in this changing security environment.

response teams and we have developed smart phone mobile Apps,

The solutions have to cover the entire scope in a timely and cost

which we use to enhance our security operations through GPS

effective manner. Our commitment to the customer is supreme.”

patrol enforcement.”

With a CRM system in place, KK Security is ensuring that it is never a step behind its customers; in fact, it will always be in

That is not it though, as KK Security have successfully identified clear gaps in the market and are keen to fill every single one,

front of them, protecting their interests and needs that they may

“We have also introduced our Panic Plus App that acts as a

not even know they have yet. This level of pro-active support is

second layer for panic alarm activations to fixed address locations

unprecedented, yet has become the absolute standard that clients

where we have installed radio alarm transmitters. The solution has

expect from KK Security on a daily basis. With benchmarking and

enabled KK to provide services to locations where we do not have

KPI systems running alongside the CRM technology, there can be

radio alarm presence.

little chance of any client slipping through the net, resulting in an

Finally, KK Security has launched its new state-of-the-art 24hr

inclusive service that is not meeting industry-wide standards, but

National Security Control Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. It has improved

instead, setting those standards.

our ability to manage, monitor and respond to incidents and

Looking to the future, Derek talks about the most exciting

threats. Using first world technology and strategic relationships,

developments in the KK Security pipeline, which are predominantly

the National Control Center is unique to the region and will allow

technology-focused,

KK Security to continue delivering unparalleled security, response,

“KK is investing heavily in technology, which is the future of security. We recognise the rising costs of manned security services

customer service and unique experiences. It’s not just a National Control Center, it’s a solution.”

and that the world has become dependent on the growing Internet

With even more developments currently being fine-tuned,

penetration. Our approach therefore is an integrated solution

including a partnership with IBM, KK Security is nothing if

which involves both aspects for turnkey solutions. We always work

not determined; to never be outdone in the field, whether

to offer the right solution at the most cost effective price to meet

technologically or professionally. With a team of expert personnel,

our clients’ needs.”

diversified interests which all hark back to security and a family

So what are these technological developments?

ethos at its core, this is one company that is sure to never let you

“We have introduced video alarm systems, which transmit

down, in fact, it will probably develop a new lift to take you higher

images with every activation to our National Control Centre for

than you ever thought possible, just because it can and knows that

verification to prevent false alarms and secondly to guide our

one day in the future, you will need it to.

Endeavour Magazine | 45

46 | Endeavour Magazine

CERN WWW.CERN.CH 41 22 767 84 84

WE WILL NOT BE KEPT IN THE DARK WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

After two years of maintenance and upgrading, the Large Hadron Collider at CERN has been started up again in April 2015. Considering the media attention that the LHC received when it was first switched on, this restart has been met with much less fear and contention and more positivity and excitement.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

CERN

CERN remains a mystery to many people outside of the scientific

arena. I was fortunate enough to speak with one of the most prominent scientific figures of our time, Director or Accelerators and Technology, Frédérick Bordry, and it is clear that the excitement felt in the scientific community is palatable.

F

or those people outside of the scientific community, many

to increase international scientific collaboration…”

believe that the LHC (Large Hadron Collider), which was

A year later in Paris, December 1951, at an intergovernmental

switched on in 2013 with the aim of establishing the existence

meeting of UNESCO, the first resolution concerning the

of the Higgs Boson, a until-then-unproven theoretical particle that

establishment of a European Council for Nuclear Research was

was responsible for giving all objects in the universe mass via the

adopted. Once done, it took two months before 11 countries

boson field, was actually the same thing as CERN. However the

signed an agreement establishing the provisional council and the

LHC is merely one of many scientific achievements that CERN has

acronym CERN was born.

been responsible for.

The success of this machine was a moment where, for the

Mankind had made a major leap forward in its quest for scientific understanding.

layman, reality and science fiction clashed, making many people assume that CERN was the secret lair of some super villain from a comic book. The truth however was and is far more amazing; CERN is nothing less than the seat of pure scientific discovery, free of political influence and gender bias. A place where intelligence, scientific understanding and the quenching of our insatiable curiosity is prioritised.

A NEW DAWN AFTER WORLD WAR 2

THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER Today, the Large Hadron Collider is the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider, representing the largest and most complex experimental facility ever built and the largest single machine in the world. Bordry is in charge of the operations of existing accelerators and technology of the 27 kilometre machine which includes the injectors that create the all-important beams, “I am also responsible for the Booster PS3 accelerators and the

In many ways CERN originated from the pursuit of truth against

research and development which keeps the technology at the

all odds. By the end of the Second World War, on the 9th December

state of the art level which includes preparing for the next big

1949, European science was no longer world-class and following

accelerator.”

the example of international organisations, a handful of visionary

Constructed at CERN between 1998 and 2008 in collaboration

scientists imagined creating a European atomic physics laboratory

with over 10,000 scientists and engineers from over 100 countries,

with the aim of understanding nuclear physics and how it could

as well as hundreds of universities and laboratories, it lies in a

benefit mankind. Amongst these pioneers were such people as

tunnel 27 kilometres (17 miles) in circumference, as deep as 175

Raoul Dautry, Pierre Auger and Lew Kowarski in France, Edoardo

metres (574 ft) beneath the Franco-Swiss border near Geneva,

Amaldi in Italy and Niels Bohr in Denmark.

Switzerland.

It was their belief that such a laboratory would not only unite

Its first research run took place from 30 March 2010 to 13

European scientists, but also allow them to share the increasing

February 2013 at an initial energy of 3.5 teraelectronvolts (TeV) per

costs of nuclear physics facilities in a period still reeling from the

beam (7 TeV total), almost four times more than the previous world

economic impact of World War II.

record for a collider rising to 4 TeV per beam (8 TeV total) from

In the scientific community, the idea was well received from

2012. On 13 February 2013 the LHC’s first run officially ended and

global locations. French physicist Louis De Broglie applied his

it was shut down for planned upgrades. ‘Test’ collisions restarted in

first official proposal for the creation of a European laboratory at

the upgraded collider on 5 April 2015 reaching 6.5 TeV per beam

the European Cultural Conference, which opened in Lausanne on

on 20 May 2015.

9th December 1949. A further push for the idea came at the fifth

It contains seven detectors, each designed for certain kinds

UNESCO General Conference, which was held in Florence in June

of research. The proton-proton collision is the primary operation

1950, where the renowned American physicist and Nobel laureate

method, but the LHC has also collided protons with lead nuclei for

Isidor Rabi tabled a resolution authorizing UNESCO to “assist and

two months in 2013 and used lead–lead collisions for about one

encourage the formation of regional research laboratories in order

month each in 2010, 2011 and 2013 for other investigations.

48 | Endeavour Magazine

Furthermore, another record maker was The LHC’s computing grid. Data from collisions was anticipated to be produced at an unprecedented rate of tens of petabytes per year, a major challenge at the time, to be analysed by a grid-based computer network infrastructure connecting 140 computing centres in 35 countries – by 2012 the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid was also the world’s largest distributed computing grid, comprising over 170 computing facilities in a worldwide network across 36 countries.

The LHC’s aim is to allow physicists to test the predictions of different theories of particle physics and high-energy physics, “It is due to the LHC that we were able to prove the existence of the Higgs-Boson particle, the particle responsible for giving all things their mass,” Bordry says, “However at the time we were making use of only 1% of the capable strength of the LHC so there is a great deal more to discover.”

Discovery is only one part of the job. With a team of 1300 staff comprised of the brightest physicists, engineers and researchers spread over several departments, Bordry is responsible for what he calls the Three Pillars, “Operations, Projects and Study,” and this makes his role and the role of his staff some of the most important in history, “We possess a great deal of talent,” he says, “But you also have to have a lot of patience. Scientific discovery takes a lot of patience.”

Endeavour Magazine | 49

CERN

The LHC will run until 2018, then be shut down for another two

existence of such particles but the discovery itself would be a major

months for essential maintenance and repair to the 27km machine.

step for mankind into the understanding of the universe and the

There is little room for error as he explains that they are dealing

physical laws that understand it.

with particles so small and difficult to find that for a long time they existed only in science fiction. Therefore the machine has to be

NOT AT ALL EASY

carefully and precisely maintained. The Higgs Boson for example

Due to CERN pioneering endeavours into the realms of scientific

was theorized fifty years ago and only recently was there a machine

discovery, they are constantly pushing into unfamiliar territory.

capable of discovering it.

This is one of the last truly unexplored frontiers as they seek to

After maintenance, the LHC will be operational again in 2018 and will run through to 2021 at different heights of energy. The

understand the universe at a fundamental level and every discovery they make, every answer they find brings about more questions.

difference is that whereas previously they knew what they were

So every provision must be made to ensure that the major

looking for, the illusive Higgs Boson, now they are pioneers into an

experiments are conducted safely, which was one of the reasons

unfamiliar field.

why the LHC has been down for two years while repairs and

As if the LHC was a torch light into the darkest regions of the universe, it is Bordry’s hope that the LHC could help prove the existence of dark matter.

upgrades were carried out on this incredible machine.

On the 7th April 2015 at 10.41am, a proton beam was back in the 27-kilometer ring, followed at 12.27pm by a second beam

“Dark matter was theorised by Einstein,” he reveals, “Although

rotating in the opposite direction. These beams circulated at their

he dismissed his own idea at the time, scientists have found that

injection energy of 450 GeV. Over the coming days, operators will

it could, theoretically make up 75% of the known universe and be

check all systems before increasing energy of the beams.

responsible for the acceleration of its borders.”

Thanks to the LHC scientists have never been closer, or rather, have never had a machine capable of helping them determine the

CERN Director General Rolf Heuer said, “Operating accelerators for the benefit of the physics community is what CERN’s here for.

Today, CERN’s heart beats once more to the rhythm of the LHC.”

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50 | Endeavour Magazine

Paul Collier, Head of CERN’s Beam Department said, “The return

magnet can be operated routinely at its nominal current. If a new

of beams to the LHC rewards a lot of intense, hard work from many

training cycle is started after an extended period during which the

teams of people and it’s very satisfying for our operators to be back

magnet is warm, the magnet usually restarts training at a value that

in the driver’s seat, with what’s effectively a new accelerator to

is higher than first quench in the first training cycle but lower than

bring on-stream, carefully, step by step.”

the maximum previously reached. In other words, the magnet’s

LHC beam energies are colossal and the electric currents

‘memory’ is usually less than 100%.

are extremely high, up to 12,000 Amperes, meaning that

Before the LHC started operation, all of its magnets were

superconducting cables have to be used. Superconductivity is a low-

trained up to a current equivalent of collision energy of over

temperature phenomenon, so the coils have to be kept very cold,

14 TeV. Tests with individual magnets, along with hardware

just 1.9 degrees above absolute zero to be precise, or -271°C. Even

commissioning tests in 2008, have shown that for some dipole

a tiny amount of energy released into the magnet for any reason

magnets the memory is slightly lower than expected, demanding

can warm the coils up, stopping them from superconducting. When

a larger number of quenches to reach a nominal field. However,

this happens, the current has to be safely extracted in a very short

retraining these magnets to 13 TeV should require only a short

time. This is called a quench, and just one millijoule – the energy

period of time, whereas retraining to 14 TeV would take longer,

deposited by a 1-centimetre euro coin falling from 5 cm – is enough

taking time away from physics research. That’s why the best way

to provoke one. Magnet protection in the event of quenches is a

to get to new results quickly, at an energy considerably higher than

crucial part of the design of the LHC’s magnetic system.

ever achieved before, is to start operation at 13 TeV. A decision

When a new superconducting magnet is qualified for use, it needs to be trained. That involves steadily increasing the current

regarding when to go higher will be taken at a later date in the LHC’s second run.

until the magnet quenches, then starting again. At first, the

The repairs and upgrades have presented a mammoth task.

quenches may occur at relatively low current, but over time, as the

Some 10,000 electrical interconnections between the magnets

components of the magnet settle in, the current increases until the

were consolidated. Magnet protection systems were added, while cryogenics, vacuums and electronics were improved and strengthened. Furthermore, the beams were set up in such a way that they will produce more collisions by bunching protons closer together, with the time separating bunches being reduced from 50 nanoseconds to 25 nanoseconds.

“After two years of effort, the LHC is in great shape,” Bordry says, “but the most important step is still to come when we increase the energy of the beams to new record levels.”

The Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, dark matter, antimatter and quark-gluon plasma are all on the menu for LHC season two.

After the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 by the ATLAS and CMS collaborations, physicists will be putting the standard model of particle physics through its most stringent test yet, searching for new physics beyond this well-established theory describing particles and their interactions.

Now operational, the LHC is entering its second season of operation. Thanks to the work done in the last two years, it will operate at unprecedented energy which is expected to be almost double that of season one at 6.5 TeV per beam. With 13 TeV protonproton collisions expected before summer, the LHC experiments will soon be once again exploring uncharted territory.

“You discover one thing and it opens dozens of doors that need to be investigated; you find the answer to one question and it prompts another,” Bordry says, adding, “It is how we stay out of the dark.”

Images ©CERN Endeavour Magazine | 51

TRENDING

STOP TELLING GIRLS THERE AREN’T ENOUGH WOMEN IN SCIENCE

BY DAISY JONES

Name a famous female scientist. You said Marie Curie, right? Can you think of another one? How about a female engineer? Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (often known as STEM fields) have historically been underrepresented and that made sense, back when we were trapped in corsets and being told not to worry our little heads about men’s affairs, like owning our own property or being allowed to vote – but we’re not anymore. So why are only around 13% of STEM professionals in the UK women?

F

or me, this statistic is pretty baffling. but then I’m a bad person

My high-flying schoolmates aren’t alone as more girls are

to judge. I spent seven years at an all-girls’ state school, a

currently studying Medicine and Dentistry at Higher Education than

specialist Science College where I was one of the few who didn’t

boys, a far cry from the days before the early 20th Century when

take all three Sciences along with Maths and Statistics at GCSE. I

women were not admitted to British medical schools. (Apparently,

now know plenty of high achieving and often quite stressed girls at

the blokes were concerned that too much mental stimulus could

Oxford and Cambridge University and plenty studying Medicine,

damage the ‘weaker’ sex. We all seem to be holding up okay.)

Dentistry and Veterinary Science. Nerds.

I have always been surrounded by intelligent, motivated young

Have I just been living in a strange womanly world that doesn’t

women who grew up being told they could do anything they wanted

reflect reality? Well, no. Boys take more STEM-related GCSEs and

to and that’s what they went and did. There’s evidence to support

A-Levels than girls, but it’s the girls who get the top grades. Any

what I’ve experienced: girls do better in single-sex schools. With no

arguments that our lady brains can’t cope with all those complicated

boys around, the attention is spread more evenly in the classroom.

numbers clearly don’t hold water, so why aren’t girls going into the

but there are only around 400 single-sex state schools today, about

STEM fields they’re doing so well in at school? Maybe the answer

six times less than there were in the 1960s. Is separation of the

is the pressures they’re under as a staggering 93% of parents

sexes the solution to the embarrassing lack of women in STEM

wouldn’t support their daughter pursuing a career in engineering.

fields? Rectifying this definitely wouldn’t hurt.

I find this difficult to swallow. When I was 17, I decided I wanted

Although the statistic that 13% of UK STEM professionals are

to study a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. My

women sounds pretty damning, it’s not the full picture. Some STEM

school friends’ response was, “So what are you going to do with

fields have a higher percentage of women than you might think,

that?” To be fair, this has been the reaction of a lot of people over

such as 46% of biological scientists, 78% of clinical laboratory

the last three years (Christmas is always fun), but at a school where

technologists and 91% of registered nurses all being women.

95% of pupils went to university and 45% into Science or Maths-

Gender issues in STEM careers are pretty widely acknowledged

based courses, it wasn’t surprising that they asked. There were

but most debates around it focus on the negatives, or at worst,

several girls whose parents wanted them to be doctors and I was

descend into a Twitter frenzy. In November 2014, Rosetta scientist

a bystander to the annual struggle to get accepted into medical

Dr Matt Taylor’s ‘sexist’ shirt gained more media attention than the

school. There were tears, mainly from our teachers.

Women in Science, Technology and Engineering (WISE) Awards,

52 | Endeavour Magazine

which celebrated the achievements of girls and women in STEM fields. Dyslexic 17-year-old Charlotte Kerr’s work to inspire girls to take up engineering won her the 2014 WISE Girl Award. If more young women had heard about that than a man’s fashion choices, they’d probably be more likely to feel like STEM fields are a place where they can flourish.

But there’s a reason why the media is painting such a bleak picture of STEM fields for women. As much as we like being outraged at sexism, we aren’t all that eager to hear about female success. Even when women are achieving in male-dominated fields, we don’t want to hear it. Society still has its own ideas about what girls should be doing and winning a Nobel Prize in Physics isn’t it.

After all, what man will marry you if you’re achieving more than him? How are you going to raise a family if you spend all your time in a laboratory? It’s these out-dated views that make so few parents willing to support their daughters’ ambitions in STEM fields. If we dropped the preconceived notions that have always put women at a disadvantage and encouraged girls to pursue whatever career they’re passionate about, the gender gap would close by itself.

But then what do I know? I’m only a woman.

Endeavour Magazine | 53

AUTOMOTIVES NEVER MISS A SUNRISE WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

“It’s 2am and I’m driving the Skoda Octavia Scout through one of the most remote and terrifying areas of Great Britain. An area known for its hostility, dangers and venomous wildlife,” I say, “It’s essential to have a reliable vehicle here because to be lost is to lose and in Lowestoft they eat their wounded.”

T

he Skoda Octavia Scout is a smoothly comfortable contradiction. Ever so slightly more rugged than the Octavia estate, which got my attention in the first place,

the Octavia Scout still looks like a city car but desperately longs to be an off-roader. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to misbehave, like a tuxedo makes you want to go jump in the mud while laughing maniacally.

This may not be as responsible a review as SKODA probably wanted, but I suppose that it will be okay if I reveal how much fun their car actually is.

EAST Racing against daylight I took this car on a 2200 mile journey. To begin with I took it from our base in Norwich to Lowestoft, Ness Point, which is the most easterly point on the UK mainland, and caught the sunrise there before anyone else in Britain got the chance to see it. Deceptively, Ness Point is nestled within an industrial area, surrounded by rigid grey concrete lines and windmills. The sunrise is at 04.31 am but you have to wait a little bit to actually get a decent shot of the sun and then run before the locals awaken.

Lowestoft is only a forty-minute drive from Norwich and as such didn’t offer many opportunities for me to get to grips with the car’s handling. It drove smoothly, with steering, braking and

54 | Endeavour Magazine

acceleration appropriating with a slight shift of hand or foot, but in

I was there. The tent pitch offered me an inch of topsoil before

all fairness these are expected of SKODA and are as unnecessary

hitting rock and with the considerable wind in the region I ended

to mention as saying that the car had four wheels and a bonnet.

up wearing my tent like a sock half way through the night. To add

However, for a car that is as long as the Scout it handles like

insult to injury, when I woke up I found my tent had been violently

a much smaller vehicle with the four wheel drive kicking in to

ravished by a wayward pack of snails. (Not a lie. I considered

eliminate the “heavy backside effect” that usually makes station-

burning it.)

wagon-esque vehicles drive and feel like an old man’s car.

So it was easy to get up at 3.30 am on the second morning and drive the car past sheep fields and through narrow snake bend

SOUTH

roads until coming to Lizard Head Car Park and a beautiful view of

Once Lowestoft was finished I headed cross-country, for a mild

the entire length of the ocean and Lizard Point lighthouse. Here

434 miles to Lizard Point, Lizard, near Helston in Cornwall, the

the sun rose over the escarpment behind me and offered very little

most Southerly point of the British mainland. It’s a tiny arrow tip

in decent views so I hightailed it out of there, speeding through

at the bottom end of the island populated by rolling grassy banks,

Cornwall styled roads until hitting a beautiful sunlit area just

salty winds and tiny villages where the only Premier Store doesn’t

outside of the village Lizard.

accept credit card payments and closes at 5.

Beneath the surface the Scout rides on the familiar MQB

Staying at Henry’s Campsite, a cute, colourful caravan park

platform that underpins the likes of the SEAT Leon ST and VW Golf

tucked away, a stone’s throw away from the town centre I got to

Estate, but the 181bhp 2.0 litre engine, lifted straight out of the

test out the accuracy of the power steering.

sport VRS model, is the main difference. This was what I had with

All cars have power steering and we take it for granted until

the six speed DSG gearbox and it offers significantly more grunt

we find ourselves stuck in a tight spot. The entrance to Henry’s

than the smaller models; 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds and with enough

Campsite is a terror for new drivers or for experienced drivers

of a gruff start that at the crack of dawn I saw many birds taking

reviewing a £50k car, but the Scout comes with steering so accurate

to the skies.

and assured I could have weaved it through the eye of a needle!

It’s worth mentioning here that my camping was a disaster while

The Scout is also very well equipped for tackling tough off-road terrain as both variants come with Haldex-5 all-wheel drive. For

Endeavour Magazine | 55

economy purposes, during driving on the main roads, the vehicle

want to know what it looks like, I spent too much time in the car to

opted for front wheel drive but the moment I hit those hilly, twisty

have much to say about its exterior.

roads of Cornwall, the car automatically recognised that the vehicle

In total I drove 2200 miles in five days; that is a lot of time

was struggling and applied the four wheel drive. This transition

to be stuck in a cabin space and what amazed me was the space.

occurred so seamlessly that I didn’t notice.

This is a car that takes spaciousness very seriously. Some people

Second sunrise caught and captured, I congratulated myself

may say that Skoda has never set the world alight with cutting-

with a deplorable Starbucks Coffee and headed North… to go West.

edge design but I disagree. I think that the no-nonsense, squared off edges, simple lines and smart appearance gives an understated

WEST Ardnamurchan Lighthouse, Ardnamurchan Point is the most westerly part of the United Kingdom and is straight out of a Stephen King book. I had booked ahead for Ardnamurchan Caravan Park, which was unnecessary as with it only being the start of summer this area has perhaps 17 tourists in total. It all exists amongst a handful of snake-back roads, interspersed with cattle grids and boulders, with heavy black clouds above and poor visibility thanks to the mist. It is utterly rural.

To get there is also a twelve and a half hour drive, offering the best opportunity for me to get truly acquainted with the SKODA Octavia Scout.

STYLING

beauty to the vehicle.

Over 12 hours of driving and my back didn’t ache at all, thanks to the lumbar supported seats. This aspect, I think, is often overlooked.

Tall people or those with lingering back-injuries, which I have both to contend with, usually find long drives difficult because of being in one position for too long in a seat not designed with long-termcomfort in mind. I was camping on the ground and driving literally from sunrise and my back didn’t even have one of those niggling twinges. The ride may have been jacked up by 33mm, but it’s still very easy to get in and out thanks to the wide door openings, meaning no twisting pains.

Long drives don’t work well with complicated dashes and I was grateful that the layout of the console was so simple. Unlike a Mercedes or a BMW that offers you more on the dash which becomes a waste during a long drive where you inevitably rely

Briefly. As with the previous Scout, the Octavia reveals its

mostly on the basics, the Scout offers a simple, straightforward

off-road pedigree styling in the form of black plastic trim for the

method of operating everything from navigation to the radio to the

bumpers, wheel arches and sills, a hardcore front skid plate, plus

set-up of your phone on hands-free.

wing mirrors and roof rails in silver, with chrome window trim,

I have, on occasion, had to stop driving in a Mercedes and

which gives the car an executive feel. Look at the pictures if you

frequently in a Renault just to spend some time shouting at the

56 | Endeavour Magazine

dash, therefore it is a credit that in the Scout I got on with it so

smoothly that the console and the on-board computer felt exactly

for stowaway invertebrates), and the driver’s cup holder is able to

like the right tool for the job.

accommodate everything from a Star Bucks Vente latte to a can of

Between Cornwall and Ardnamurchan the roads vary from

Redbull without spilling a single drop.

four-lane highways cutting through vast vistas of rolling hills to

The mechanism for the windshield sprayers works along with

mountainous climbs. I strongly believe the Skoda enjoyed all of this

headlight cleaners, which when you hit Scottish rain and mud

more than me and it definitely felt more at home in this furthest

is akin to discovering you are bulletproof and can fly. The roads

West point in Britain, where whales occasionally break the surface

leading to Dunnet Head may have been more civil but the weather

and the rain comes in from every direction.

was not and it threw everything it could at the Scout. From lashing

Here my camping had not improved. The entire west coast of

rain to aggressive midgets (edit: he means midges) and flocks of

Britain must be made up of rock because there was less topsoil

astonishingly accurate seagulls, the windshield wipers had their job

and more shale. I ended up bending six tent pegs into horseshoes,

cut out for them.

which the campers amongst us will appreciate was…. annoying…

The following morning I went to Ardnamurchan lighthouse,

That night I treated myself to a hotel room, because the next day would prove the hardest.

accessible via a precariously windy road, overpopulated with deer,

Dunnet Head, accessible by meandering roads upon a flat and

badgers, sheep and ill-tempered goats while offering nothing in the

far more hospitable landscape, offered wonderful views of the

way of sunshine. Just an impenetrable grey.

distant horizon but gave me less sunshine than Ardnamurchan so I

Clearly I am far too optimistic to expect the sun in North West Scotland?

stayed, gloated over the sheer rugged handsomeness of the Scout and then aimed myself south.

Nevertheless. Third sunrise done… kind of. I headed north East to Dunnet Head, Brough, Caithness, north North Scotland. It was only 256 miles away.

THE NORTH

SOUTH TO NORWICH The final stretch was 22 hours in length, a fact that the editor may choose to delete from this article at a later time. There are some things that I discovered:

One of the things worth mentioning is that by this point I

1. “Shuttup and Dance” by Walk the Moon is only entertaining

had only used two and a half tanks of fuel and this was not your

the first sixteen times you hear it, the same can be said for,

ordinary driving. You don’t get ordinary driving in these extreme tips of the country. The further from the cities you venture, the further from civil roads you find yourself. I kept in third gear to

“I got bills!”.

2. Gene Simmons has a “Rock night” on Radio 2 and offers a surprising choice of music

avoid ploughing off-road into the Scottish highlands, because as

3. The Skoda Octavia Scout has a “Driver Warning” system

fun as that may sound, when it’s an accident you’re bound to hit a

that turns on the moment the driver starts driving

rock (edit: You’re always bound to hit a boulder in Scotland). And let

erratically. This could involve not changing gears for too

me tell you, you will never brake as hard as you will when you come

long or moving the steering wheel irresponsibly. It is a

face to face with an angry Highland Cow or when you see lambs

useful system that I foresee eventually being recorded and

pronking around.

used to ban drivers from the roads.

It was in fact very quickly apparent that economy was not going

Most importantly, I rediscovered the A68 - a length of road with

to be an issue with this vehicle. Doing on average 57.7 miles per

many long stretches across rolling hills. Leading through Bishop

gallon, with a full tank of diesel putting me back £56.52.

Auckland, Consett, Corbridge and Jedburgh this road is fun. Fun.

Beat that.

DUNNET HEAD

And here the Scout rolled up its sleeves and went for it.

CONCLUSION

Since the North part of Scotland is the artery that feeds the

Dependable, the Octavia sits on VW’s MCB platform with

Scottish oil and gas industry, the roads to Dunnet Head were not

reviews from many independent drivers heralding it as a benchmark

only spacious and accommodating but surprisingly flat. I drove

for useful driving. It proved reliable in every weather condition and

through villages that were named after bad chest infections and my

was eager to impress. Already one of the most practical estates, the

Satnav took me onto ferries and through forests of equally bizarre

Scout has a very strong foundation to build on.

and foreign sounding names.

Other things to mention; if I had a family this would be a great car for it. Loads of room in the back, which I was using for drying

In all fairness, the Octavia Scout could be the car to make SKODA one of the must have vehicles for the executive wanting to enjoy city and rural life in equal measure.

out my tent (I put it in there after a very surreptitious examination Endeavour Magazine | 57

HYUNDAI MOTORSTUDIO SEOUL SHOWCASES “ENSEMBLE”, CREATING A DETAILED VIEW OF INNER WORKINGS OF GENESIS COUPE Hyundai Motor has unveiled a major new art installation at the

can explore every inch of the exhibit. These cameras transmit

Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul, highlighting precision and passion in

real-time videos onto multiple screens on the adjoining walls for

engineering and offering a truly unique perspective on the modern

audiences to experience the car from a truly unique perspective.

automobile.

Won-Hong Cho, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor,

Called ‘Ensemble’, the artwork has been produced by South

commented, “We planned the exhibition to convey our brand

Korea’s popular media artist group Everyware. It brings alive

direction, ‘Modern Premium’, which is providing new experiences

the beauty of machinery by displaying the many components of

and values that go beyond customer’s expectations through ways

Hyundai Motor’s Genesis Coupe in stunning detail. The car is

that are unique to Hyundai Motor.”

displayed as if time stopped at the point of an explosion, with

The Everyware artist group is famous for imagining art in which

scattered components supported by intricately jointed steel pipes.

people and machines coexist. For the ‘Ensemble’ installation,

To create an immersive experience for visitors at Hyundai

elements of the vehicle are viewed in a way that echoes perspectives

Motorstudio, artists of Everyware, Hyunwoo Bang and Yunsil Hur

in architecture, with engineering constantly reimagined through

have also created a network of miniature roads that wind around

changes in the viewing angle. This large-scale artwork continues

the car inside and out, on which tiny cars equipped with cameras

Hyundai Motor’s philosophy of allowing communication and

58 | Endeavour Magazine

NO JUSTIFICATION FOR DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MODERN DIESEL TECHNOLOGY, SAYS EU AUTO INDUSTRY BODY collaboration with its customers, to shape the future of automotive culture.

The Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul is also renewing its iconic Car Rotator installation, which currently frames the building with nine Sonata cars suspended

at

varying

angles

on

different floors. The cars will be replaced by other models such as the Genesis, Sonata and i40 on third, fourth and fifth floors respectively as a nod to the flexibility and ingenuity of the Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul concept.

BY JACK SLATER The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA) has voiced its surprise and disappointment at yesterday’s announcement that Euro 6 diesel cars will not be included in Category 1 of the new French colour coding scheme, which classifies vehicles according to their pollution levels.

For many years now, European vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers have led the world in the development of state-of-the-art diesel engine technology, including the implementation of high-efficiency diesel engines and diesel particulate filters that control particulate emissions (including ultra-fine particles) effectively down to zero levels at the exhaust tailpipe. EU regulation on exhaust particles has helped drive these improvements.

Since 1992, the EU has been introducing increasingly strict limits on vehicle emissions through a series of ‘Euro’ standards. The latest and most stringent is Euro 6. New car models are already compliant with Euro 6 and as of 1 September 2015, all new cars sold must meet this standard. These vehicles are the cleanest ever produced.

With a test known as Real Driving Emissions (RDE), Euro 6 will require real-world emissions testing of cars for the first time and the automotive industry is actively supporting these developments. This means that cars’ performance will be measured not just in the laboratory, but also on the road.

“Policy should be technology-neutral to ensure the uptake of the latest lowemission vehicles. There is no reason to discriminate against clean diesel technologies,” stated ACEA Secretary General, Erik Jonnaert. “This does not make sense from an environmental or health point of view and could be detrimental to the mobility of cities and businesses.”

As diesel cars have lower CO2 emissions per kilometre than equivalent petrolpowered vehicles, they are an important means to enable manufacturers to reach the EU’s 2021 CO2 fleet average targets. They will also continue to be an essential contributor to meeting post-2021 targets. Customers favour diesel cars because authorities have increasingly incentivised the use of low-CO2 vehicles via the tax regime and the fuel is often cheaper due to lower national taxation.

Jonnaert: “We share the desire to improve air quality – which will happen as newer, more advanced engines gradually replace older ones – but doing so at the expense of pushing up CO2 emissions is not the right way forward. With a policy framework in place that encourages the more rapid adoption of the latest lowemissions technologies, we can improve air quality and at the same time reduce CO2 emissions.”

This is also why the industry is calling for the support of the member states to ensure that the Commission completes the RDE regulation quickly and in a sensible and balanced way. “Without the RDE regulation, the industry has no legal means to demonstrate that Euro 6 diesel vehicles also have very low NOx emissions,” explained Mr Jonnaert.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

SAVE YOUR SKIN WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Forget what you think you know about motorcycle protective clothing and open your minds to the possibility of something new, that is if you want to walk away from an accident with your body, mind and nerves intact. Endeavour spoke to Keith Bloxsome of Covec Ltd about developments within the protective clothing industry.

L

ong gone are the days that Kevlar (an Aramid), in its many

With tough legislation and CE impact abrasion standards

guises and strengths, was the pinnacle of protective wonder

needing to be met, the process of honing in on exactly the right

fabrics and though many riders still cling onto it as the crème

protective fabric was not an overnight one, but taking inspiration

de la crème of skin-savers, it has flaws that may not be well known

from NASA, Keith found a material that he wanted to work with

to some. Thankfully, Covec has now burst onto the scene with the

and develop further,

perfect combination of protection, style and performance; the veritable holy trinity of high-functioning fashion.

“There was a yarn that NASA demonstrated a preference for, over Kevlar, so we looked into and started working with it. Able

As a keen rider since his days as a pre-teen speedway circuit

to better handle the elongating, stressing and degradation of

regular, Keith knows a thing or two about finding the perfect

threads, that can occur in the event of an incident, this yarn offered

combination of comfort and safety on two wheels and, after a hiatus

incredible potential to fulfill our dreams of the perfect combination

from bikes, returned to the scene in 2003 only to be disappointed

of protection and design, with no compromises to the rider.”

by what was on offer,

Naturally, one of the hurdles being faced by Covec is the

“Generic Kevlar jeans were everywhere and something of an

unenviable task of re-educating consumers about the flaws of

industry standard, so it seemed. The only thing that separated any

Aramid. Confidently buying thanks to assumptions and anecdotal

of the items, or companies selling them, seemed to be the designs.

information, riders are putting themselves at risk of serious, yet

I was keen to change that and offer something new.”

preventable injuries. Learning about new technology, such as the

The question is, why? We’ve all heard the saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’, so did Keith really need to start hunting for a new wonder product? The simple answer is yes,

products being created by Covec, could not only save some skin, but actual lives.

“Our technical textiles are chemically superior to Kevlar in that

“We didn’t go in to this blind, we looked for observable

they are non-absorbent, show no signs of flex fatigue, enjoy low

evidence that Kevlar jeans were not living up to the expectations

thermal conductivity, demonstrate high cut resistance and offer

of consumers. Returns figures and information showed that Kevlar

impact absorption. All of this combined makes for an evergreen

products were coming apart within six months. This confirmed

product that will weather any storm and protect the rider at all

beyond any doubt that we had to find something better.”

times.”

60 | Endeavour Magazine

Speaking more about this technical superiority, the limitations

boost that this was a protective garment that just happened to also

of Kevlar quickly come into focus and include: high llex fatigue,

look great. A perfect fit in the 10 extra long, they worked well with

high yarn-on-yarn abrasion and it can degrade with moisture; this

my boots and solved a problem that, until now, I and many like me

is catalyzed when the moisture is acid or alkali. Not so with Covec,

have been plagued with – trousers creeping down as you ride. The

which is now available in an impressive 20 styles,

comfortable higher waist allowed for better lower back coverage,

“We currently have 20 styles to choose from, so riders from

not to mention increased modesty, which made for a far more

every background will be able to find something that suits and

focused and enjoyable ride. I was also shocked at the sheer comfort

appeals to them. From sport and adventure bike riders through to

factor of the garment too; no chaffing or bunching up here. On

the café racer crowd, there really is something for everyone.”

the one hand these are just great looking jeans, but on the other,

Offering six second help, the SR6 range of Bull-It jeans, available

they offer level of protection that can mean the difference between

for both ladies and gents, are infused with Covec material, offering

getting back up after an accident and leaving half of your skin on

not only a more stylish way to get about on your bike, but also

the tarmac.

a safer one. Having ridden in a pair of these jeans (thanks to the

A vast sizing and style range, coupled with high quality triple-

inclusive sizing options that mean ladies jeans are available in a 35”

stitching and cutting edge protective technical yarns mean that

inside leg), I can see, and feel, that the ¼ million pound material

Covec is set to change the way we think about riding forever. Keith

development investment was well spent.

concludes by reaffirming,

“I always say that if you’re going to wear jeans to ride in,

“We want to offer more, for more people. This means more

wear better jeans. Not everybody wants to wear a full leather kit,

protection, more style options and more sizes so that everyone can

especially in the summer months and with leathers offering in the

get out on their bikes safe in the knowledge that Covec will catch

region of four to five second help, in the event of an accident,

them if they fall.”

our products not only match that but better it, whilst offering the stylish look that many people want.”

Keith had me convinced and as soon as I got my SR6 jeans out, the weight, finish and style of them all gave me a huge confidence Endeavour Magazine | 61

62 | Endeavour Magazine

ITER PROJECT WWW.ITER.ORG 0033 442 176 888

THE PERFECT FUSION WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Long gone are the days when the word ‘nuclear’ brought distrust and even fear, thanks to organisations such as the ITER. Endeavour spoke with Bernard Bigot, Director General, to find out how the company is contributing to a brighter future for us all.

Endeavour Magazine | 63

ITER PROJECT

To understand the magnitude of what the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Organisation (ITER) does, we must first really establish how it came about.

Crushing • Concassage Screening • Criblage Earthworks • Déboisement

F

ormally established on October 24th 2007, as a result of a global collaboration between China, the EU, India, japan, Russia, Korea and the United States, the organisation has

been put in place for a set of very specific and defined purposes, as Bernard explains, “ITER is a public international organisation that has been established to design, coordinate the construction of, assemble and operate the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor – a nuclear installation that aims to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy, which is the energy that powers the sun and stars.”

Though explained in layman’s terms, there is no getting away from the fact that this is a huge undertaking that has more than a global reach, but stretches out on an intergalactic scale. Though initially merely a project on paper, in recent years the operational side of the project has begun to gain momentum and become something of a genuine and tangible reality, with what Bernard

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describes as “spectacular” progress having been made at the construction site, located in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance in France.

Add to this the fact that member countries have been contributing manufacturing expertise and things are really moving.

Given the enormity of the task in hand, it would be foolish to assume that ITER would be considering any form of diversification at this point, but Bernard confirms that the scope of imagination

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and ambition within the organisation is vaster than originally

(seven members, representing 35 nations that make up half of

contemplated,

the world’s population) and the objective of the project: to build

“As the technical requirements of the machines push all

a machine that will open the way for harnessing an unlimited,

technologies to the limits of what is feasible, the industries involved

massive, continuous, safe, clean and universally available source of

in ITER are striving to gain precious knowledge and expertise

energy.”

to generate spin-offs in areas such as: cryogenics, metallurgy,

It’s genuinely staggering to encounter someone so passionate,

remote-handling, pumping, gas separation technologies, control &

but at the same time so perfunctory about a topic so emotive.

command and computer modelling.”

Whether you feel fusion energy is a positive step for the future, or

We were keen to discuss the day-to-day activities of such an

that it belongs in graphic novels and disappointing Hollywood film

incredible organisation, as left to our own devices we could delve

reincarnations of said novels, it is happening and the effects will be

into the realms of science fiction. The reality is no less multi-faceted

felt by us all.

however, “The ITER Organisation is presently bent on building the ITER installation. Buildings construction has already generated some 4

We were curious as to whether the company has been experiencing any difficulties during these initial years, something Bernard was happy to discuss,

billion euros worth of contracts in Europe, while the manufacturing

“Those that we have been facing are more ‘organisational’ than

of components and systems has generated approximately 7 billion

technical or scientific. The ITER Council (the executive body of the

euros of contracts, worldwide.”

ITER Organisation) has validated the action plan submitted by the

Hardly small numbers to be throwing around, but it is clear that

newly appointed management. This action plan aims to streamline

Bernard has a full and requisite understanding of just how vital this

the ITER Organisation management, invest the Director General

work is and what a rarity it is to be in a fully working collaborative

of the ITER Organisation with an authority over the whole project

with so many other countries. In fact, he considers this to be

worldwide and achieve a better coordination between the ITER

something of a really unique selling point,

Central Team in France and the national ITER agencies of the ITER

“What is unique about ITER is the number of countries involved

Members that handle the industrial contracts.”

Endeavour Magazine | 65

ITER PROJECT

It seems almost peculiar that with such vital work being carried

standards of performance, as

aims

out, the biggest stumbling blocks are administrative, but at the same

is maintaining their motivation.

Bernard talked us through the

time it brings great relief. Knowing that EVERY stage of operations

A personal development plan

most exciting aspects,

is being given as much time and consideration as possible lends

is tailored to individual and

itself to a firm and unswaying belief that the organisation can not

organisational

during

floor’ of the installation, in

only deliver what they aim to, but in a timely and safe fashion.

the appraisal campaign. It’s

August 2014 (the B2 slab that

It goes without saying that fusion technology development

always important to stick to

will support the 400,000 tons of

will require a team of the most highly trained, knowledgeable

the evolving needs of a project

the Tokamak Complex building)

and experienced (as much you can be with experimental science)

such as ITER, especially now as

workers are now busy erecting

professionals and that is exactly what Bernard has behind him,

needs

of

the

organisation?

“After having finalised ‘the

we are currently moving from

the walls of the first basement

“632 staff and 450 contractors work directly for the ITER

design to construction and

level (of a total of 7 levels, 5 of

Organisation, with vacancies being posted on the ITER website and

assembly phases. With this in

which will be above ground). In

advertised worldwide. Staff members are recruited by way of an

mind, we aim to build skills for

the adjacent Assembly Hall, the

open international competition (open only to citizens of the ITER

the future.”

60-metre high steel structure

Members). We seek excellence and commitment.”

Speaking of the future, what

will be ready for roof installation

It stands to reason that being involved with a project of this

can we expect to see from ITER?

in August 2015. Construction

magnitude would be reward enough for any ambitious, career-

It’s clear that this will not be a

of three other buildings is also

minded individual, but Bernard went on to discuss how important

project which yields immediate

being started; the site and

staff development is to the organisation,

results, but as the planning and

services building, the control

“Individual staff development is critical for the ITER

construction phases progress,

building and the radiofrequency

Organisation, in particular to keep staff with high-quality

how will that affect the wider

heating building.”

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In addition to these impressive strides forward, in construction terms, he continued to add that manufacturing processes are progressing on schedule, with components and systems being rolled out of worldwide factories. Add to this a streamlined and reliable delivery schedule to bring said components to the relevant site and it is clear that ITER are taking no chances with the quality of installation.

It has to make us wonder, thanks to our business-focused minds, just how much all of this is costing and where the funding is coming from, but Bernard allayed any fears and wrapped up the interview by stating that, “The ITER project is funded by the ITER Members on a longterm basis. There is no specifically dedicated funding for the present progress in construction and manufacturing but there is an unwavering commitment of the seven members to pursue their involvement, both human and financial, in the project.”

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Since the early days of the project, Sogeti High Tech has been a long standing partner of ITER and its industrial international sub-contractors.

From the conceptual design to the manufacturing, our worldwide presence with 5000 engineers including 800 in India and 500 in Aix en Provence offers a full range of physical, software and system engineering services to improve your bottom line.

With the integration of Euriware this year, Sogeti High Tech is primarily reinforcing its activities in the Energy and Industrial sectors where digital simulation, project management and technological innovation is both an area of expertise and a model for long-term partnerships with our clients. © Sogeti High Tech. All Rights Reserved 2-10 rue Marceau, CS 70400, 92136 Issy-les-Moulineaux CEDEX France | Tel.: +33 (0)1 40 93 73 00 Endeavour Magazine | 67

68 | Endeavour Magazine

COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT 00507 430-1733 WWW.COLIMP.COM

INNOVATION, PIONEERING, THE SECRET TO STAYING AHEAD WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

A true pioneer, Colon Import and Export has shaped its industry around itself and over the last 103 years, has survived wars, political changes, economic upheavals and evolving technologies to remain the strongest in its industry. We spoke with Chief Operations Officer, Aristides Chiriatti, regarding what his company has been doing to stay ahead of its competitors.

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COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT

Founded in 1912, on the Caribbean coast of Panama, about three

years before the opening of the Panama Canal the main objective at the time was trade with the indigenous communities of Kuna Yala in the archipelago of San Blas. The main activity was the barter trade of products from Europe such as fabrics, threads, lamps, stoves, utensils, etc in exchange for tortoiseshell, balata, Ipecac and coconuts. These raw materials were shipped to Europe for processing.

T

he first major change to the company’s approach came during

Solutions for all your

corrugated cardboard needs

the Second World War, which had a dramatic impact on trade and required a complete change of business activities. The

company opened a hardware store in Columbus that turned out to be a very successful operation and this business continued to prosper during the war, servicing, among others, the ships that were passing through the Panama Canal.

“At the time, the Hardware store was the largest in the region and therefore was able to provide for all the large military ships,” Aristides explains, “However it wasn’t to last.”

With the end of hostilities the business all but crashed and it was thanks to a group of businessmen from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, which included one of the founding members, Mr. Herbert Toledano, that Enrique Jimenez was approached to raise the idea of a “Free Zone” .

“In 1948 the Columbus Chamber of Commerce sanctioned the law, giving the Colon Free Zone its operational start,” It has been seen that the Free Zone is potentiating its logistics supply to the extent that it assembles all the pieces: the railway, airports, ports and the Panama canal, to make the ideal place to perfect supply chains from factory to door of the consumer.

PANAMA GENERAL OPERATIONS

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ecsabox.com

Therefore, you can expect that Colon Import is awaiting a second century full of opportunities.

COLON IMPORT AND EXPORT

Colon Import & Export was one of the first companies to do business in this area. The business became a liquor distributor, as well as supplying equipment, hardware, paints and chemicals for ships and stores in the Canal Zone.

In 1959 a new opportunity for expansion came when Mr.

and ISO 14000 accreditations, meaning that all of their training has to be regimentally documented.

“Investing in staff training and activities is the first primary step to being better than your competition,” he relates, “Our staff retention is far higher than the rest of Panama’s average.”

Toledano joined the provision of storage services for the company

Organic expansion has played such a large role in the company’s

and settled contracts with other companies to provide the necessary

past, with a model of regular expansion to meet new demands

services. Following this, 20 years later in 1979, the company moved

set by global markets. With operations beginning in Miami in the

to its new location in the Free Zone France Field, which was the

mid-80s to cover the Caribbean market and Uruguay in 1995 to

second company to settle in this new area for expansion.

serve the South Americas, the latest expansion has taken them to

“The current facilities cover 63,500 square metres of office and storage areas,” Aristides tells us, “This space serves as a warehouse for pharmaceuticals, electronics, chemicals, agrochemicals, liquor and values.”

Thanks to a dedicated approach to fully develop their staff, Aristides explains that staff tend to remain with the company for an

a $13 million specifically designed facility, which has been keeping Aristides very busy.

“This facility is totally state of the art,” he describes, “The latest in refrigeration and cooling technology, the best in printing, customization rooms, packaging and assemblage technology and we are hoping to complete it in July.”

average of 12 years, furthermore all of the 350 staff benefit from

The warehouses are divided into specific areas that meet

the very latest training, which is assured thanks to their ISO9001

the specific requirements of clients, such as pharmaceuticals,

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electronics, chemicals, agrochemicals, spirits as well as high value

As they work in a Free Zone, Colon Import and Export is able to

items. The company has also had the technology and fire protection

offer customers the service of importing and holding their products

systems designed to meet the highest international standards of

before export without changing their, “Place of origin” certificate,

quality and safety.

something that is very important to their clients. Aristides explains

The services are designed to provide storage options to customers, mainly electronics, pharmaceutical companies and fast

that Latin American governments should work together to recognize this agreements.

moving consumer goods, which use the fiscal and logistics benefits

However, he rallies that Colon Import and Export has survived

of the Republic of Panama for the distribution and redistribution of

worse situations and scenarios and is sure footed in its industry.

products to the Caribbean and South America. The platform allows

Hurdles like these could indeed provide a culling affect upon their

the concentration of customers’ orders in one central location,

competitors who may not find themselves as capable of preparing for

facilitating and reducing the cost of order handling.

the future and investing when times become difficult. In which case,

Aristides, who previously worked in senior leadership roles in Chevron in the Latin America Region for the past 16 years,

now is the best time for Colon to be investing into such projects as their new facility, to help lengthen the gap.

explains that the industry is heavily influenced by nations such

“This facility will also help us double capacity,” he says, “Up until

as Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador and Peru, with many of their

now we’ve been overloaded and unable to capture new customers,

customers supplying into these countries, “Latin America economy

but now we have twice as much space and resources, meaning we can

is not going through its best moment, so our customers have to

continue to grow.”

carefully monitor the challenges of each countries.

Endeavour Magazine | 73

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FOND DOUX RESORT & PLANTATION WWW.FONDDOUXESTATE.COM 00 1 758-459-7545

A HAPPY GUEST IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Since speaking with Eroline and Lyton Lamontagne last year regarding their pride and joy Fond Doux Plantation and Resort, we have been itching to return to highlight further the history and prestige of this beautiful and unique holiday destination.

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FOND DOUX RESORT & PLANTATION

For many guests, the Fond Doux’s story begins in 1999 when the

Lamontagne’s officially opened to the public and began welcoming them, however the story goes back much further.

E

roline explains, “The estate was founded in 1780 but remained

Since this noteworthy beginning in 2006, Fond Doux has grown

derelict and abandoned for over 40 years before Lyton’s father

to become a significant holiday destination with all of the traditional

purchased it in 1979.”

frivolities blended with a host of original attractions. Now a holiday

After his father’s death, Lyton and his wife Eroline moved to the

plantation with a total of 15 cottages, a triple tier swimming pool,

estate where they began remodelling and refurbishing the buildings,

an organic spa, gift shop and two onsite restaurants, they also have

investing in utilities and beginning the systematic planting of fruits

a wedding gazebo and a number of hiking trails.

and flowers. The banana crop was king “Green Gold” and provided

In keeping with their dedication to restoring natural beauty,

a ready income to sustain the family. Retaining much of this history,

they have added more flower gardens, food crops and fruit trees,

the original cocoa fermentry sheds, great house and coconut oven

many of which were becoming extinct in St Lucia.

from 1780 are still in existence today.

And it’s not just for show. As well as being a resort, Fond Doux

In 1999, the plantation diversified into tourism and opened up

is also an active and very highly regarded plantation. In fact it is the

as a Heritage Site offering daytime tours and lunches to cruise ship

only authentic plantation on the island of St Lucia and represents

passengers and tour operators. As the business began growing, this

an active combination of two different industries and not simply a

gave birth to an idea to add guest accommodation to the property,

replacement of one for the other.

so the Lamontagne’s returned to the drawing board.

“We harvest most of our local produce on the plantation and

“In 2006 we erected our first cottage The Angelina Villa,” Lyton

we engage in true eco-building practices and natural preservation,”

and Eroline recall. The Angelina Villa originally stood in the gardens

Eroline explains. This has been noticed internationally and The

at Fond Doux and was named after Eroline’s eldest sister Irene

Guardian in Britain voted Fond Doux Estate as one of the five best

Angelina Charlemagne. The original building stood on Waterworks

plantation retreats in the world.

Road in Castries, where it had been neglected for many years and

All the cottages were built without machinery and excavated by

had become a shadow of its former self, due for demolition, “We

shovel so as not to disturb nature. Many of the cottages were built

couldn’t just stand by and watch 160 years of history end up as a

around or incorporated the trees as a feature and the management

pile of firewood,” Lyton explains, “So we purchased the old colonial

purchase abandoned colonial buildings throughout the island

two story from its original owner and took it back to Fond Doux

and then rebuild and restore them in the gardens of Fond Doux

where we employed professional artisans to rebuild and restore it

as holiday accommodations, in an effort to preserve St.Lucia’s

using old building techniques.”

architectural heritage.

In a similar fashion, a pair of additional buildings were

In 2008, His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and his wife,

purchased from Monier in Castries, trucked back to Fond Doux and

the Duchess of Cornwall visited the property for an official tour. It

reassembled in pride of place.

was their only visit to a private property on their 24 hour stopover

76 | Endeavour Magazine

in St. Lucia. There was nothing accidental about the Prince’s desire

like Seafood Saturdays allows visitors the chance to sample the

to spend time on the estate. After years of hard work, maintaining

diversity of local and authentic cuisine, providing a traditional niche

an organic label and creating one of the most peaceful havens on

for cultural entertainment by local musicians.

earth to spend a vacation, Fond Doux Plantation and Resort greatly appreciated this royal mark of approval.

Relationship-building is clearly high on the agenda. The resort hosts many activities to commemorate important holidays such

Fond Doux has remained remarkably instep with the wider

as Independence, Valentine’s Day, both Mothers’ and Fathers’

economic development choices of Saint Lucia while making the leap

Day, Christmas and New Year’s. Guests are also surprised with gift

from the agricultural pillar to the agric-tourism post and standing as

packages from St. Lucian artisans in their cottages and a Manager’s

a fine example of the resilience, creativity and resolve which are the

cocktail function is held once a week to allow guests to interact

resorts attributes. Not only have they impressed royalty but they

socially as well as connect with the management team and owners

also have a Certificate of Excellence from Tripadvisor for the last

responsible for enhancing their Fond Doux experience.

four consecutive years, Silver/Gold Megallan Award in 2013, 2014

“We learnt very quickly that inviting guests to participate in

and a Booking.com award of excellence for an overall 9/10 rating

cultural, historical and eco-friendly activities in Soufriere was

and a Tripadvisor Green leaders programme.

a great way to enrich the holiday experience for them,” Eroline

When you receive honours such as that from the sites travellers

explains.

and holiday makers look to for advice, you know you’re doing something right.

CHARITY WORK

ON THE OTHER SIDE

the Piton Lion’s Club, a nonprofit organisation, by allowing

For the past four years, Fond Doux has collaborated with

The resort continues to be a major source of employment for

them to use the facility on National Day to raise funds to

the local towns/villages and all of the 56 staff are natives of Saint

support the Kids Insight Project. This is a project betweenthe

Lucia. The Lamontagne’s count their dedication, professionalism

St. Lucia Blind Welfare Association, Lions Clubs of St. Lucia

and keen eye for detail as one of the main contributing factors to

and the Eye Institute of the University of West Virginia.

their business’ success.

Fond Doux has alsohosted students for training in its various

“Hospitality is all about people’s relationships,” Eroline explains, “We’ve combined interesting surroundings and comfortable, luxurious accommodation with outstanding colonial architecture with the highest level of customer service and attention.”

Promoting local authentic culture with themed evenings

departments through internship programmess in conjunction with various colleges and schools.

FOND DOUX RESORT & PLANTATION

The predominant crop is cocoa beans, which are harvested

DAY TO DAY The big things, like the recommendations from the royal family, sterling reputation with guests new and old and accolades from international travel websites and newspapers are all reliant on the little things that occur beyond the sight of visitors at the resort.

Staff development is integral to Fond Doux and this is expressed through continuous staff training exercises with outside agencies which have a genuine interest in the progressive development of all employees. This interest in their development fosters loyalty, which in turn breeds an increase in productivity which is important in all businesses.

“Studies have shown that capable, ambitious young employees want training, mentoring and coaching as they want to gain skills and become versatile and valuable to a company.We help our employees achieve that,”Eroline reveals, “The resort understands that if this is developed, the payoff can in turn be substantial to Fond Doux Plantation and Resort.”

Presently, the core activities of the Fond Doux Plantation and Resort include guest accommodations, honeymoons, food and beverages, tours and lunches, spa services and the hosting of various functions such as weddings, seminars and private parties.

year round, green bananas, mangoes and other fruits from the 100% certified organic soil. Each cocoa bean harvest yields about 1000lbs of beans, which are sold to local producers and are also used to make cocoa sticks. The cocoa sticks are sold in the gift shop and are also used to prepare the signature chocolate tea, which is served at breakfast every morning. The fruits and vegetables that are harvested are used in the restaurants and sold to the associated company, Eroline Foods Supermarket in the town of Soufriere, which itself provides employment for an additional 60 staff.

The resort has two restaurants in operation; the Jardin Cacao Restaurant, which serves A La Carte meals and the Cocoa Pod Restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunches to day tours.

The Cocoa Pod Restaurant is sometimes used to host various functions such as wedding receptions and birthdays. In terms of accommodation, the cottages can accommodate 36 guests, 100 guests for wedding ceremonies and 150- 200 diners.

THE GUESTS Eroline explains that they believe that the welcome and personal attention that a guest receives during their stay can positively

International Purchasing Associates is a full-service distributor for all major brands of hotel/restaurant equipment, supplies, furniture, and is Electrolux’s official partner for the Caribbean. Since 1993, our mission has been to provide impeccable service along with the most competitive prices on the market. We help properties create a vision of excellence.

Consisting of knowledge and experience in the hotel/restaurant industry, our highlytrained staff specialize in turn-key projects. We offer foodservice layouts, bar plans, laundry design, and interior design service. Our technical staff can also maintain your property’s equipment.

IPA has built its reputation on being the very best in the industry for over twenty years.

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FOND DOUX RESORT & PLANTATION

impact their entire experience at the resort. So, to keep guests

require it. If a customer has feedback on something that needs

satisfied and happy, the staff are focused on their guests to ensure

improvement, in the form of a complaint or a suggestion, it gives

that each guest gets to enjoy an authentic St. Lucian experience.

them an area to target. Furthermore, a customer who has had an

An assurance of prompt introductions and welcomes come in the form of a Guest Liaison Officer, who meets with each guest to

issue and has been listened to and seen that issue resolved, will be likely to return.

plan the activities that the guest will partake in during their stay.

As such, after-sales and customer commitment is extremely

This officer is also responsible for finding out whether any of their

important to Fond Doux. Having a customer commit to them

guests are celebrating any special occasions, for example a birthday

means that they are looking at the possibility of a having a long

or anniversary, as a hallmark of a Fond Doux stay is to ensure that

term relationship with them. It means that what they have to say

the staff try to surpass the guest expectations and ensure that a

about the resort to others will be positive and they will refer other

celebration is made more special.

guests to the property. They aim to provide every guest with an

She reveals that each department is equally responsible, from the Front Office to the Grounds Team, for ensuring that guests are

exceptional and authentic experience, because they know that guest loyalty and commitment can be derived from that.

happy at all times and that they receive the best service possible.

A quarterly newsletter provides up to date information of

They solve problems quickly and efficiently and always go above

interest and social media is also an effective medium to keep in

and beyond to satisfy their guests.

touch with guests and strengthen linkages.

“We rely heavily on customer feedback,” Eroline relates, “So we

“In order to keep Fond Doux ahead of the competition, the

always ask guests to fill out a comment card upon their departure.

main focus is on the human touches and a personal and authentic

A vital lesson my husband and I have learnt is that you only learn

St. Lucian experience,” Eroline explains, “The resort closes annually

how to improve by dealing with a problem.”

for three weeks in order to renovate, refurbish and rejuvenate staff

To put this into context, Eroline explains that if a customer is

members and owners.”

happy with something they won’t say anything, which means that

Fond Doux researches current trends, with a primary focus on

improvement and developments may not occur in the areas that

Internet marketing. Bartering arrangements with travel writers,

80 | Endeavour Magazine

journalists and other media personnel is offered in exchange for

education standards for hotel departments including agriculture,

coverage in newspaper or magazines. It is mandatory that social

landscaping and maintenance in Saint Lucia, they are facing

networking pages are updated on a weekly basis (Facebook, Twitter,

shortages of professional chefs, plumbers and electricians.

Pinterest and LinkedIn).

A similar shortage of skill is being seen within middle

“Print advertisements in local and international magazines are

management through poor advertising of smaller properties by the

utilised, for example, La Belle Helene and Business Focus locally

SLTB St Lucia Tourist Board, which results in a sizeable portion of

and Endeavour Magazine internationally,” Eroline lists, kindly, “A

revenue being utilised on marketing.

yearly trade show with the St. Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association,

However, all of these issues have clear options to solve them

which also includes a Paris and UK workshop to meet overseas tour

and their greatest challenge comes from something completely out

operators is also taken advantage of.”

of their control.

The authenticity of the Fond Doux product, as well as the staff

“Climate change is the greatest challenge that Fond Doux

and owners, has given it a competitive edge above other small

Plantation is facing at the moment, as water resources in the

resorts in St. Lucia. In all things, Fond Doux always aspires to be

Soufriere region are becoming inadequate to sustain supplies,” she

better and greater and this is instilled in all employees as well.

explains, “Droughts experienced in the dry season are forcing the plantation to seek alternative methods of irrigation for plants and

DEALING WITH CHANGE So it seems that the Lamontagne’s have everything worked out, with a highly regarded and successful plantation, resort and affiliated supermarket and a fleet of loyal employees in a buoyant tourism industry that has been enjoying growth in recent years.

As with all businesses in growing industries, they face a number of challenges that are being solved one step at a time. One of these, as Eroline points out, is a shortage of skilled labour. Due to

fruit trees. As an eco-friendly hotel, weare aware that water is a basic necessity and extremely important and due to the current water shortages being experienced in St. Lucia, this has impacted on our effectiveness to supply efficient service to our international guests.”

2015 AND ONWARDS Nevertheless, improvements, change and development needs to continue and Fond Doux is always seeking to better itself.

Eroline points out a number of new initiatives they will be offering in 2015, including the opening of three honeymoon suites, the relocation and expansion of the reception/front office to offer a more personalised experience for their guests and an upgrading of the Wi-Fi connection and speed.

“One of the top questions we get from guests is whether we have wi-fi connectivity,” Eroline comments.

They are constructing a gym, opening a new hiking trail, extending the outdoor spa, renovating existing cottages and building five new ones, which will lead to employing and training new staff. They’ve also changed their marketing company.

“The addition of the three suites has allowed us to cater more to the honeymoon market,” Eroline explains, “The relocation of our reception has created a more relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for both employees and guests and has resulted in a boost in productivity by employees as well.”

Costing $1,000,000EC for the construction of the projects, it is clear that Fond Doux Plantation and Resort has a clear understanding of where their priorities lie.

“A happy guest is never an accident.”

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AFRITECH RESOURCES WWW.AFRITECHRESOURCES.COM 267 7331 7000

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

Starting its operations in 2007, Afritech Resources is a subsidiary of MM African Technology that has experienced rapid growth in the past few years. Endeavour Magazine spoke to MD Molebatsi Molebatsi to find out how Afritech Resources became one the most successful petroleum trading and distributing companies in Botswana.

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AFRITECH RESOURCES

The Botswana Government undertook a

review of citizen economic empowerment programmes in January 2007 as a way of enabling the country to compete on the global stage, and Afritech Resources was established to embrace the opportunities that arose from the economic transformation effected by these measures. Today, the company is wholly owned

by Mr Molebatsi, a citizen of the Republic of Botswana, and has built significant business interests in a range of energy and related services.

R

ight from the start Afritech Resources has been at the forefront of innovation, using its unique local knowledge to solve complex problems. In December 2007 the company

was contracted to bring 6,700 m3 of diesel from Mozambique to Botswana to replenish the Government of Botswana’s strategic stocks. Afritech Resources pioneered the use of a source and supply route other than South Africa.

“We brought fuel into Botswana by rail through the Mozambique-South Africa route,” Mr Molebatsi recalls, “This route that had never been used before to supply fuel into Botswana.”

Time and again Afritech Resources has proved its ability to overcome any challenges that come its way. During the December 2010 fuel disturbances in South Africa, the company engaged with other independent entities to supply strategic stocks of unleaded petrol and avert the looming fuel supply crisis that threatened the whole country. Afritech was the first to deliver the product within the shortest time, demonstrating its outstanding capabilities in product sourcing and supply logistics during a fuel emergency.

Committed to providing the highest quality solutions for all its clients in the petroleum industry, today Afritech Resources participates actively in power generation and transmission, oil and gas distribution, oil and gas infrastructure development, commodities trading, oil and gas refining, and dry and liquid bulk logistics. Involved in various long-term energy projects in Africa, Afritech Resources and its various international partners are currently focusing on developing power plants and fuel storage facilities, distributing petroleum products and providing transport 84 | Endeavour Magazine

Botswana Oil Limited (BOL) was established to assist the Government of Botswana to achieve two broad, national economic objectives - ensuring the security of fuel supply and promoting active citizen involvement in the petroleum industry.

BOL is wholly owned by the Government of Botswana, represented by Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources (MMEWR), and incorporated under the Companies Act of Botswana.

Mandate • Ensure security and efficiency of supply of petroleum products for Botswana • Manage state-owned strategic fuel reserve facilities, strategic stocks, bulk storage and distribution of petroleum products.

• Assist emerging companies in the petroleum sector to participate meaningfully in the industry.

• To achieve fuel self-sufficiency and diversification of the economy.

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AFRITECH RESOURCES

and logistics services. With an extensive knowledge of various

from the Mozambican ports of Beira and Matola. Afritech’s presence

markets, Afritech Resources can manage the key influences in the

in Mozambique is set to remain strong as the company has been

petroleum trading market: exchange rates, logistics planning and

offered to utilise the 80,000 m3 ullage space in Petromoc Storage

variable operational costs.

facilities, Matola, which the company started using in 2008, for

This high standard of service is supported by the company’s

another fifteen years.

mission, which underpins everything that Afritech Resources does.

To the west, Afritech has incorporated Afritech Oil and Gas

“We endeavour to market and distribute petroleum products

in Namibia, a company that was set up strategically to distribute

profitably, meeting and satisfying client requirements while

fuel into the North West district of Botswana. Afritech Oil and

observing the highest standards of environmental protection,” says

Gas supplies fuel to the mines and commercial customers around

Mr Molebatsi.

Ghanzi and Maun from the Namibian port of Walvis Bay through Gobabis, and is currently involved with feasibility studies to develop

The company’s values: teamwork, integrity, transparency,

an oil refinery in Walvis Bay. In addition to these developments,

respect, and customer focus, are a key part of the day-to-day

the company has been appointed to facilitate a government-to-

running of Afritech Resources. The company communicates clearly

government crude trading project between the Government of

and honestly with stakeholders and customers, valuing each one

Namibia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

of its clients and putting them first. Every success is a success for

Meanwhile, in South Africa Afritech Resources services a

the whole team, and the motivated workforce takes pride in what

number of customers from the Tarlton tank farm and Natref

they do. All of this fuels Afritech Resources’ ambition to be a global

(National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa) refinery, as well

energy solutions company dedicated to sustainable, long-term

as private customers, unbranded retail stations and wholesale

business in the petroleum distribution sector.

customers from Zimbabwe. Furthermore, Afritech Resources has

Afritech Resources’ head office is centrally located in Gaborone,

secured contracts with a number of councils such as a five-year

Botswana, but with sister companies Afritech Logistics, Afritech

supply contract with the Kgatleng and Palapye councils. Afritech

Oil and Gas, Afritech Retail and Marketing, and Afritech Trading,

Resources has a base in Cape Town through its joint venture

Afritech has a presence throughout Southern Africa.

partner Kepu Trading, and has recently entered into a joint venture

East of Afritech’s base in Botswana, Afritech Resources has

agreement with Kukaya Marketing, a BEE petroleum marketing

a contract with National Oil and Infrastructure Company of

company in South Africa with access to Sasol (Natref refinery) and

Zimbabwe to utilize 70,000 m3 ullage space in Feruka, Mavuka

PetroSA products.

and Msasa. The company has also signed a contract with NOIC to

Another joint venture agreement (with a Durban based company,

utilize the NOIC pipeline from Beira to Msasa, which gives Afritech

Grindrod Terminals) will see the construction of a 105,000 m3 tank

Resources a 30,000 m3 ullage space in the NOIC portion of the

farm in Radisele in the Eastern part of Botswana.

tank farm at the Inpetro storage facilities in Beira. The access to the

This Southern African network is impressive, but Afritech

pipeline and the storage facilities in Zimbabwe will assist Afritech

Resources has very definite ambitions to continue its growth. Mr

Resources to bring petroleum products through the established

Molebatsi says, “We aspire to be one of the largest petroleum

Beira-Msasa–Francistown route.

product distribution companies in Africa.”

In Mozambique, Afritech Oil and Gas LDA is positioned to be the trade partner of other Afritech Resources subsidiaries trading

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BAPCO WWW.BAPCO.NET 00973 1770 4040

ENGAGING THE OIL INDUSTRY WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

BAPCO (Bahrain Petroleum Company) is a wholly Government-owned entity of Bahrain, engaged in the oil industry sectors including exploration and prospecting for oil, drilling, production, refining, distribution and sales. We spoke with the Manager of Supply and Marine, Khalid Ebrahim Buhazza.

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BAPCO Oil is one of Bahrain’s main resources and has been since the 1930s.

Since then, it has made the country, which is known for its mild winters and hot humid summers, a highly modernised and functional country.

BAPCO owns a 250,000 barrel-a-day refinery, storage facilities for more than 14 million barrels, a marketing terminal and a marine terminal for its petroleum products.

“O

il was discovered in Bahrain in 1932, the first such find

the Middle East and the oldest in the GCC, refines over 250,000

on the Arabian side of the Gulf,” Khalid opens up, “And in

barrels of crude every day. About one-sixth of this crude originates

many way this has defined Bahrain to the international

from Bahrain Field and the remainder is pumped from Saudi Arabia

community. Since the late 20th century there have been attempts

in pipelines extending 27 kilometres over land and a further 27

to diversify our economy and become less dependent on oil by

kilometres under the sea before reaching the northwest of Bahrain.

investing in the banking and tourism sectors. However, Bahrain is

Marketing: BAPCO exports crude oil to world markets and sells

still an oil rich nation.”

the refined petroleum products both locally and internationally.

With a catalogue of customers for the crude oil and refined

It also supplies and sells aviation fuel at the Bahrain International

products based in the Middle East, India, the Far East, South East

Airport through its affiliate, The Bahrain Aviation Fuelling

Asia and Africa about 95% of refined products are exported beyond

Company (BAFCO), in which the company is a 60% shareholder.

their borders. In this regard, BAPCO’s main push is to collaborate

It also provides the full requirements of natural gas to the power

and engage in all aspects of the petroleum and related industries,

generating plants and other industries in the country.

with the aim of maximising its contribution to the national economy.

Training and Development: delivering an ambitious human

Handling such a vital resource for the country, BAPCO

resource development programme to ensure that the skills of

has pledged itself to be the pinnacle example of a business by

its workforce match the technological and business demands

creating value for their shareholders, customers and employees,

of this new century, BAPCO supports over 150 students in

while constantly striving for excellence, a key watchwords of the

higher education across Bahrain and abroad. The Training and

organisation.

Development department ensures that the present and future

“Our values define us,” Khalid explains, “We must all keep a business attitude, a deep respect for each other, a willingness

employees are at the level required to support the company’s future endeavours and ambitions.

for teamwork, integrity, innovation and personal accountability.

“One of our key areas is quality management which we have

Working like this, an individual may strengthen himself and thereby

taken very seriously,” he tells us, “This ensures our internal and

strengthen his company.”

external customers have high quality products that conform to the agreed specifications and applicable regulatory requirements. Our

HANDS ON APPROACH Today the oil industry is one of the most competitive sectors in

Quality Management System meets all ISO 9001 requirements and we meet all standards along the manufacturing process.”

the world and it does not forgive errors, so to promote excellence, BAPCO have taken the stance of separating the focusses of the company into different segments to offer a strong hands on approach.

Exploration and Development: BAPCO carries out extensive studies on a continuous basis to explore, making use of the latest technology, techniques and methods, for new oil and gas reserves and to obtain more accurate data on the existing reserves.

THE LUBE-BASED OIL PLANT PROJECT The winner of the Bahrain MEED Quality Awards for Projects, the $314 million Bahrain Bapco Lube Base Oil Plant has been operational since March 2012 and is one of the primary focusses for BAPCO. And for good reason.

Mr. Kyung-Tae Kim, Vice President of Samsung Engineering was quoted as saying that the Lube Base Oil Plant was one of the

Drilling and Production: To maintain production from Bahrain

largest of its type in the world and that the opening of the Lube

Field at the optimum levels, advanced drilling techniques are

Base Oil Plant provided a fresh impetus to business investments

applied to new wells as well as working over existing wells. As a

in the Kingdom of Bahrain, setting a new benchmark for the use

result of increased demand, from the growing industrial base in

of technology in the oil and gas industry. It also boosted local

Bahrain, BAPCO has expanded its gas facilities to increase the

employment, hiring 3000 new workers for the development phase,

natural gas production capacity.

including 200 Bahraini nationals.

Refining: The Bahrain Refinery, which is one of the largest in 90 | Endeavour Magazine

The production capacity of the Lube Base Oil Plant is 400,000

RAFFA CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE CO. W.L.L.

P.O. BOX. 5690, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain TEL. +973 17731475, FAX. +973 17731791 Email: rafco@batelco.com.bh

tonnes a year of Very High Viscosity Index (VHVI), Group III Lubricant Base Oils, which are products that are in increasing demand in Europe and North America to meet the requirements of the next generation of lubricant performance and environmental standards. The manufacture of Group III lubricant base oils from

LEADING MECHANICAL & CIVIL CONTRACTOR SERVING IN KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN SINCE 1975 Specialized in Oil & Gas Field Industry APPROVED BY BAHRAIN PETOLEUM CO. (BAPCO) TATWEER PETOLEUM CO. - BAHRAIN

the hydrocracker bottoms stream using catalytic iso-dewaxing technology had been found to be financially attractive to Bahrain.

A COMMUNITY COMPANY AT HEART An integrated oil company, BAPCO is committed to the protection of the environment and to the health and safety of its employees, contractors, customers and the surrounding community, believing that these are integral parts of its business and culture.

Services • Industrial & petrochemical construction • Commercial & industrial building construction • Industrial buried lines/sewer services • Steel fabrication, storage tank construction/ erection/repairing • Shutdown & maintenance services • Abrasive blasting, painting, specialist coating and fire proofing

Bahrain is rich in it’s natural heritage with the archipelago being home to more than 300 species of birds, mammals and sealife, all of which which BAPCO is heavily involved in protecting and relocating where necessary.

“We are a modern country but that does not mean we want to lose our natural heritage,”

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Endeavour Magazine | 91

92 | Endeavour Magazine

VOLTA RIVER AUTHORITY WWW.VRAGHANA.COM 233-30-2664941-9

POWER TO THE PEOPLE OF GHANA WRITTEN BY DAISY JONES

Established in 1961 by an Act of Parliament, the Volta River Authority is the largest power generation company in Ghana, contributing 75% of the 2,846.5MW produced by Ghana’s nine major operating facilities. Endeavour Magazine spoke to CEO Ing. Kirk Koffi, who worked with the Authority for over three decades before rising to the top in 2013, to find out how the VRA has changed over the course of half a century – and how it continues to evolve.

Endeavour Magazine | 93

VOLTA RIVER AUTHORITY

As the first arm of the recently restructured electricity

generation, transmission and distribution chain in Ghana, the VRA combines hydro, thermal and solar plants to generate electricity for supply to the local and export markets. The local market consists of the Electricity Company of Ghana (which counts for 61% of market consumption), the mines and industrial establishments who purchase electricity directly from VRA. The export market comprises of Communauté Electrique du Benin, which supplies the Republics of Togo and Benin and SONABEL, which supplies Burkina Faso.

T

he VRA reaches its customers and neighboring countries

discovered natural gas offshore, which enables Ghana to supply

through GRIDCo’s transmission system, which covers the

inexpensive gas fired power to its neighbours on a large scale.

entire country and is connected with the national electricity

In addition to its core business of power generation, the

grids of Compagnie Ivoirienne d’Electricité of La Cote d’lvoire,

VRA is engaged in other economic and social activities, including

CEB of Togo and Benin and SONABEL of Burkina Faso. These

the development of the Lake for Fish and Transport and the

interconnections now serve as part of the arrangement under the

development of Lakeside area for Health and Well Being. The VRA’s

West Africa Power Pool.

subsidaries, which include Akosombo Hotels Limited, Volta Lake

The VRA, hydroelectric power generation plants, the Akosombo

Transport Company and Kpong Farms Limited, as well as health

Hydroelectric Power Plant and Kpong Hydroelectric Power Plant

services, schools and real estate departments, are being developed

are situated in the Eastern region. The thermal plants are found

as self-financing strategic business units to allow the VRA to

mainly in Tema and Takoradi. In addition to those owned by the

concentrate its efforts on its core functions.

VRA, independent power producers support the electricity supply

The most important milestone in this endeavour so far is

market. Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo),

when NEDCo became an autonomous, self-sustaining commercial

a subsidiary of VRA, was developed as an integral part of the

enterprise in 2012, in recognition of the need to remove the

Northern Electrification & System Reinforcement Project to extend

distribution bottlenecks in the power sector. In order to attract the

the national electricity grid to northern Ghana. NEDCo undertakes

necessary resources to minimise the inefficiencies and distribution

the distribution function in northern Ghana, covering the Upper

losses in the sector and to make it a profitable endeavour, it remains

East, the Upper West, Northern and Brong Ahafo regions, as well

critical for the VRA to continue to work with NEDCo.

as parts of the Ashanti and Volta Regions.

The VRA also provides assistance for the socio-economic

Historically, the Electricity Supply Industry in Ghana has been

development of the Volta Basin. It operates as a local authority for

dominated by hydro power, which accounted for all generation

the Akosombo Township and exercises administrative responsibility

until the mid 90s, when the VRA commenced the diversification of

over its Akuse and Aboadze Estates. The VRA takes Corporate

its generation source beyond the Akosombo Hydro-electric plant.

Social Responsibility seriously; its Community Development

Since the end of 2010, Ghana’s total installed thermal generating

Programme supports the development of all communities affected

capacity has almost equalled the existing hydro generation capacity.

by the operations of the VRA and improves the existing Community

Crude oil and gas used in powering the VRA’s thermal plants are

Development Initiative framework. Focusing on water, health and

imported through various suppliers, but this is something Mr Koffi

agriculture, the Authority has sponsored a number of priority

wants to change.

programmes on rural electrification, health, education, water

“We can’t totally rely on others for constant gas supply to power

resources, capacity building, culture, community development

our plants,” he says, “We need Ghana’s own gas in order to generate

and democratic governance. The VRA has also committed the

cheap thermal power.”

cedi equivalent of US$500,000 to the VRA Resettlement Fund to

To stabilise not just the VRA’s operations but also the electricity

support projects for environmental improvement, social welfare,

supply of Ghana as a nation, gas supply has become one of the

public health, education, electricity, potable water supply and

VRA’s highest priorities. Stepping up their exploration of alternative

sanitation. In addition to its considerable CSR efforts, the VRA

sources with gas producers in Nigeria and Ghana, including ENI, the

implements environmental management programmes to mitigate

holders of the Sankofa Non-Associated Gas field, the VRA recently

the adverse impacts of its operations.

94 | Endeavour Magazine

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VOLTA RIVER AUTHORITY

Despite the VRA’s concern for the wider community, it isn’t an

accessibility in the short-to-medium term. These include renewable

easy time for the company. Ghana is in the grip of a power crisis,

energy (wind, hydro and solar) and combined cycle power plants.

even though significant investment has been made into power

Chief among them is the completion of the Kpone Thermal Power

solutions. Low water levels at the Akosombo, Bui and Kpong Dams,

Project, the retrofitting of the Kpong Generating Station, the

irregular gas supplies from Nigeria and the breakdown of generating

construction of two new hydroelectric dams in the Northern Region

plants have all worsened the problem. Last year, a section of the

and the installation of solar panels and wind turbines in designated

West Africa Gas Pipeline in Togo was damaged by the anchor of a

locations in the country. All of these efforts are designed to increase

ship, interrupting Ghana’s power supply – a situation Mr Koffi was

the energy mix, ensure constant production of power and achieve

personally involved with resolving.

the government’s 5000MW target in the shortest possible time.

Ghana’s power deficit is set to intensify. Approximately 72% of the Ghanaian population has access to electricity. With Ghana’s

The VRA’s commitment to this target means that they are willing to tackle the problem in new and different ways.

population growth at 2.3% per annum and GDP growth at 2.10%

“The VRA is prepared to add more power or enter into joint

per annum, electricity demand is projected to grow by more than

venture partnership agreements as part of our measures to

6% per annum over the next 10 years.

contribute to the solution of Ghana’s power deficit,” says Mr Koffi.

“We saw a 12% increase in electricity demand last year,” says

This isn’t a hollow promise as recently, the VRA signed an

Mr Koffi, “Investors are all welcome. The load is growing. VRA is

Engineering, Procurement and Construction agreement with

a public institution and cannot handle the demand all by itself. I

Tecnicas Reunidasof Spain for the construction of a combined

believe there are other priorities for the Government.”

cycle power plant that will generate around 186MW. The Takoradi

Under the Government of Ghana’s programme to increase

4 Thermal Power Project is expected to be completed within 30

access to electricity in the country and improve efficiency in energy

months and to cost $239 million, 15% of which will come from

use, the country’s current total installed generating capacity must

Ghana.

be increased to 5,175 MW by 2023. This will address the current

With these plans in place, the VRA is in a strong position to

power shortages, ensure an adequate supply of electricity, meet

support Ghana’s growing population and the country’s development.

the country’s forecast growth in demand requirements and improve

“I love engaging in fecund conversations about how to develop

the quality of service and reliability of the power system.

In this regard, the VRA is focusing on a number of power expansion projects designed to ensure electricity availability and

96 | Endeavour Magazine

this nation,” says Mr Koffi, “About how each and every one of us can contribute to making this country a better place to live in.”

98 | Endeavour Magazine

NASS MECHANICAL CONTRACTING CO. WLL WWW.NASSMECHANICAL.COM 973 1746 5477

RELIABLY THE BEST WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Commencing operations in 1972, Nass Mechanical Contracting Company, also known as Nass Industrial Services, has progressively emerged to become one of the major mechanical EPC contractors and the region’s preferred turnkey engineering solutions provider, having successfully accomplished prestigious projects thanks to extensive experience in oil and gas, power plant and petrochemical sectors in Bahrain and through the GCC. We spoke with General Manager Mr G K Roy regarding his company’s impressive success.

Endeavour Magazine | 99

NASS MECHANICAL CONTRACTING CO. WLL

“Nass Mechanical has an immaculate

reputation for delivering on time and adhering to the best industry practices in terms of technicalities,” he explains, “Our quality and customer service has a proven track record of excellence in construction quality, employee performance and health and safety.”

T

hese high standards extend through all facets of electro mechanical construction and heavy engineering products for a wide variety of industries and clientele and in an industry

where cost spillage and delays are frequently experienced, Nass Mechanical’s track record and solid strategic capabilities have ensured the company’s future.

“We work with suppliers in Bahrain as well as a few US and European suppliers,” Mr Roy explains, “and as we are part of the Nass Group, we have an enviable foundation from which to work.”

Indeed, the Nass Group is well known for its reach and reputation; Nass Mechanical has excelled in engineering, procurement and constructions, manufacturing and fabrication, operation and maintenance, blasting, painting, insulation and refractory systems and marine jetty operations.

“Most recently a $17m project has been completed for Aramco at their Sadara chemical complex and another $10m project for Reliance, one of the largest oil refineries in the world currently.”

He adds.

RELATIONSHIP FOCUS Nass Corporation was established and listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange in 2005. The strength of the corporation comes from a unique integration of the all-powerful sources for construction. Over five decades of solid experience, the company specialises directly and through a network of subsidiaries in 100 | Endeavour Magazine

Since 1961 Maua Italia have designed, manufactured and sold equipment and machinery for the production and maintenance of heat exchangers, condensers and boilers of chemical plants, oil refineries and power plants.

MAINTENANCE AND RE-TUBING • Tube bundle extractors • Tube bundle transporters • Tube bundle hydro-jet cleaners • Tube bundle saw machines • Internal single tube cutters • Tubes extractors • Tube rolling equipment • Tube expanders • TIG orbital welding • Accessories: • Tube internal gauges • Drills, reamers and grooving tools for tube-sheet holes • Tube insertion pilots • Tube-end facers • Mechanical drives • Tube rolling lubricators Please download the NEW “Products Overview” catalogue through our website: www.mausitalia.it Contact us: expo@mausitalia.it

NASS MECHANICAL CONTRACTING CO. WLL

construction, mechanical and electrical contracting, ready mix and

“We like a sense of ownership amongst our employees,” he says,

pre-cast concrete manufacturing, sand washing, ice production and

“and encourage our 1500 staff members to take pride in everything

landscaping.

they do.”

“There are eleven construction solutions companies combined

As such, their customer focusses are very strong, “We provide

under one group to deliver complete turnkey installations and

turnkey solutions to our clients,” Mr. Roy explains, “We need to

provide clients with a convenient single source of different

have an honest and open relationship wherein discussion is candid

construction disciplines. Each company boasts of a team of

and trusted. As we handle projects from inception to completion

specialists committed to meet individual client requirements.”

we need to have a clear and thorough understanding of what the

Examining how a company treats and looks after their employees is a sure-fire way to determine what importance is

client wants and needs and a confirmed agreement on what the outcome has to be.”

placed on customer relationships. Nass Mechanical, as part of

Thanks to this the company flaunts a proven track record

the group, has an excellent record when it comes to training,

of excellence in construction quality, health and safety and

education and life skills coaching. Mr Roy explains that it is not

performance in all facets of electro mechanical construction and

enough to merely have highly trained staff, as for them to achieve

heavy engineering products for a wide variety of industries and

the standards that are expected by the company, they also have to

clientele.

be motivated, educated and determined. It is also important that

“We are in an industry where cost spillage and delays are

every staff member knows and understands the importance of their

frequently experienced,” Mr Roy reveals, “and our superior track

role for the company as a whole and what a massive impact every

record and solid strategic capabilities have ensured our position

job they complete has upon the future of the business.

as one of the most trusted and sought-after contractors for Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC), Operations & Maintenance, Manufacturing, Manpower Supply, and Equipment Rental activities in the region.”

Fully accredited with ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004, and OHSAS 18001:2007 Management System, and certified with ‘ASME’, ‘U’, ‘U2’, ‘S’, ‘R’, and ‘NB’ stamps for selected activities, Nass Mechanical owns a specialised fabrication yard and multiple offices for engineering and procurement activities in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

“We have created a brand niche in the field of construction, industrial, manufacturing, marine, trading and services,” Mr. Roy says, “For decades our name has been trusted for the experience and quality and has successfully undertaken projects in virtually every sector of the country’s economy. Today, NASS is in a unique position to deliver turnkey installations and with a convenient single source of multiple services.”

The Nass Corporation, as a whole, believes that it represents the possibilities of what a company can become and offer. Uniquely positioned to offer turnkey installations and a convenient single source for multiple solutions with speed and ease in operations, it is something of an industry inspiration.

Through its various guises, which range from engineering and contracting services through to businesses dealing in concrete cement mixing, there is one thing that keeps Nass working towards its ultimate goal: “Our end objective is simply to deliver total customer satisfaction.”

102 | Endeavour Magazine

104 | Endeavour Magazine

ALMABANI GENERAL CONTRACTORS WWW.ALMABANI.CO 00966 12 614 7800

EXCELLENT PROFESSIONALISM WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Almabani was established in October 1972 in Jeddah amidst a prosperous economy fuelled by the oil boom and found themselves in the position to participate in the execution of some of the most prestigious and landmark projects in the kingdom, a habit that they have been happy to continue ever since.

Endeavour Magazine | 105

ALMABANI GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Since its inception in 1973, Almabani have been involved in a range

of projects that have dealt with the creation of major high rise buildings to sewage projects, sensitive laboratory set ups and research and development centres to roads, bridges, TBM constructed tunnels and major airport runways and facilities.

O

ne of the major projects, certainly one of the first to get them

Saudi construction company with international capabilities and

the international scope and experience that they deserved

this is something that Almabani stands committed to. Continually

and longed for, occurred in 1982 when they participated in

participating in large complex infrastructure projects they either

the upgrade of the road network in Lebanon. In 1991 the company

draw on their own strength or collaborate with foreign and local

opened a branch office in Musca, the capital of the Sultanate of

contracting firms.

Oman and from there Almabani played an important role in the

“Due to this Almabani continues to invest in quality end

delineation of the border between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

projects where we can offer our creative engineering solutions and

and the Sultanate of Oman.

pro-active approach to projects,” he says.

In 1993 and 1994 Almabani was actively participating in the reconstruction programme of Lebanon where they not only participated in several infrastructural projects but also invested in the first of its kind BOT project in the GSM network of Lebanon.

During 2001, they executed the delineation of the border between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabi and the Republic of Yemen and since then Almabani has successfully completed three other delinations in the region.

“With growth, expansion became ineventiable and to achieve this we had to increase our capital,” so says ADA Projects Director, Joseph Daher, “From the initial capital which was SR 500,000 or

ESSENTIAL LEADERSHIP Daher explains that it is the Management Team at Almabani who are the pillars of the company’s success and are the driving force behind its continued growth and steady expansion. With most members having been with the company for longer than thirty years according to him their dedication, experitise, professionalism and commitment form the drives of their management policy.

BUILDERS WITH VISION

about US$133,000 in 1972 the capitalization was increased twice

Led by a dynamic team of professionals with vision, from the

to bring it to the present level of SR 100 million or US$26.6 million,”

very beginning Almabani was set to become a company that would

He adds that today, Almabani is engaged in complex turnkey EPC

turn into a benchmark for the construction industry if for no other

projects worth several billion dollars and can rely on a long history

reason than their dedication for achieving the highest standards of

of broad and diverse experience to see these projects through,

excellence.

“With the constant support and dedication of an experienced

“Thanks to three decades of remarkable achievements by an

team of engineers and personnel, Almabani is participating in

ambitious and broad based construction team,” Daher says, “Gifted

internationally recognized mega projects such as the Riyadh metro

with a strong sense of entrepreneurial flair and professionalism,

project.”

Almabani is now a leading name that is setting new standards of

The sheer variety of the projects undertaken over the last three decades has enabled Almabani to be recognised as a leading 106 | Endeavour Magazine

excellence in projects management and quality construction.”

An enthusiastic team spirit tempered by the wisdom of

Togeth

er We Bu

Together

We Bui ld

The Futu

re

ild The

Future

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National Marketing Est. Co. Ltd. Has established more than 20 branches in the major Saudi cities and areas. For more information about our company and its branches, visit us on our social media portals.

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ALMABANI GENERAL CONTRACTORS

an enlightened leadership, ready and willing to face up to the challenges of the decades ahead is so important when it comes

HSE training, as well as safety inductions for new recruits, is ongoing for all projects and departments (HSE).

to achieving greatness and has created an atmosphere that encourages Almabani to look to the future with a great sense of optimism.

The company’s manpower is more than 10,000 employees, allocated to different projects spread all over the Kingdom.

Appreciating the fact that health and safety is a main line

MARKETING With maximum efficiency being their goal and the optimal usage of their resources being the plan, the company’s daily operations are coordinated from its head office in Jeddah. It is also from here where the company’s incredible marketing team operate from.

management function, which originates from the top layers of

“Almabani enjoys a prominent position as one of the top

management and descends through the organisation, Almabani’s

contractors in the Kingdom” Daher says, “This is due in no small

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Department has successfully

part to the dedication and efforts of its marketing team as well as a

orchestrated and delivered the IOSH Directing Safely Course for

professional and carefully planned out marketing approach.”

senior executives. The excellent attendance of senior executives

This planned approach to engaging the global market and new

showed the top management’s commitment, making a suitably

and potential clients is definitely working and has, over the years,

positive impact in the area of health, safety and environment.

earned Almabani several prestigious projects all over the Kingdom

The Directing Safely Course was conducted to ensure that the

and abroad.

top management personnel are aware of their legal duties, and stay informed of developments in legislation. This is regarded as the

FINANCE, LEGAL AND ADMIN

best practice to ensure compliance with said duties and will directly

Not the most glamorous of areas, however forming of the three

contribute to an inherent understanding of the principles of health

most important. Financial risk management is a key factor while

and safety management at the most senior level.

assessing and controlling any project. And, their finance personnel

108 | Endeavour Magazine

Adding Value to Nature

Pioneers in Landscape, Hardscape and Beautification

Artificial Grass - Clover Leaf

Lulu Hypermarkets

Artificial Lake

King Abdul Aziz Water Feature Fountain & Steel Works

Pitchmastic PMB Works

Steel Rib Cladding Work

MAJOR PRODUCT LINES Aluminium Composite Panel (ACP) Cladding Steel Works Wooden Works For Landscape Artificial Grass Waterproofing from PITCHMASTIC, UK Asphalt Paint Tactile Pavers Traffic Bollards

LEAD PROJECT AREAS Site Preparation & Land Development Road Construction & Building Works Irrigation, Water Features & others Survey & Topography Road Maintenance & Services with Saudi Aramco Cosmetic Changes to Existing Structure

Expertise offered through quality management system and professional staff to give the project an aesthetic look.

SOME MAJOR CLIENTS: ARAMCO - Dammam, Saudi Arabia SCECO - Dammam, Saudi Arabia MINISTRY OF HEALTH - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia MINISTRY OF EDUCATION - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia KING KHALID MILITARY CITY - Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia AR RIYADH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (ADA) - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

‘Our Core Values - Integrity, Commitment, Quality, Ethics’ Riyadh Villas Contracting Est. Post Box 22483 Riyadh 11495 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Tel: +966 14734879 Haroon: 00966547258494 Noby: 00966547258929 Fax: +966 14734891 email: riyadhvillas@gmail.com

ALMABANI GENERAL CONTRACTORS

are professionals in this area. This expertise determines the cost of

management team which insists upon the highest professional

risk management, the formulaion of investment strategies as well

standards and almost three thousand full time staff has enabled

as the preparation of budgets and financial reports.

the company to successfully prove its expertise in a number of

As the complexity of its projects increased and the company

challenging projects.

established a major national presence, the need for a strong legal

Time and again tight deadlights have been imposed and met,

department became paramount. Almabani’s legal department

also the most technically advanced and ambitious projects have

draws on the experience of a capable and talented team of lawyers.

been undertaken and successfully concluded.

Their responsibilities are central to the Group’s successes. They are involved in all aspects of contract preparation, from review of standard legal documents to negotiation of complex agreements with international outfits.

Almabani oversees its projects carried out all over Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East from its headquarters in Jeddah.

The administrative team at Jeddah is assisted by its offices in Riyadh and Beirut which provide technical support and follow-up negotiation, procurement and co-ordination of supplies.

EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING

APPROACH “Whenever we embark on a project an operations team springs into action, systematically analysing the needs of the project and proceeding to form all the task forces required,” he says, “One of the first important tasks is scheduling and planning. In addition a cost control team is mobilised to monitor the project from its inception to final completion.”

Almabani has a reputation not only for its engineering skills but also for the professional competence of its project managers, Daher explains, “Our managers are highly regarded for their ability

For a long time, Almabani has been playing a lead role in

to complete time bound projects in record time, without sacrificing

construction projects and infrastructure development programmes

quality in any way but it is not purely them by itself. Everything

of the region. Thanks to the experience and professional

must work together as a whole.”

112 | Endeavour Magazine

Minimalist sand dune in an urban context The planning of the Olaya Metro Station has entered the next stage In planning the Olaya Metro Station, Gerber Architekten are currently working on the most important infrarstructure project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Following the competition win in 2012, excavation work has now begun.

The groundbreaking-ceremony was celebrated on the 3rd of April 2014 in the presence of the Governor of Riyadh at that time, Prince Khalid bin Bandar. Now, the BACS Consortium comprised of Saudi Arabian Bechtel Company, Almabani, Consolidated Contractors Company and Siemens opened up the way for the next planning phase to commence and commissioned Professor Gerber and his team Gerber Architekten under the direction of Thomas LĂźcking in cooperation with BuroHappold Engineering with further planning for this major project. The planning work for the station should be completed in the next 18 months.

In order to improve the quality of life, a new metro system for the Saudi Arabian capital will be developped. Gerber Architekten won the competition for the Olaya Metro Station in 2012. The design of the station reinterprets the

Arabian desert landscape, recalls a minimalist dune and thus establishes a dialogue between tradition and future. This new oasis becomes a communicative meeting place in the city. The sculptural form creates a park which gradually rises upwards in gentle waves to become the roof of the Olaya Station. This dune park will answer the pressing need for more green urban space in Riyadh.

The main planning approaches are – beyond addressing the technical and functional complexity of an underground-station – to link the two crossing underground lines and combine them with a shopping mall. A further significant design objective is to ensure ease of access and orientation inside the building, which goes down to 30 metres below the ground, and to make the movement of people and trains inside the station clearly visible. The trains arrive through futuristic glass tubes and use the very latest in technology, developed and manufactured by Siemens. The completion of the Olaya Metro Station is being coordinated with the overall network and final completion date is scheduled for end of 2018.

ALMABANI GENERAL CONTRACTORS

In order to obtain the best possible materials at the most

transit systems and the civil infrastructure and working from

competitive prices, the company employs procurement specialists,

the

engineers and market researchers. It is their responsibility to track,

manufacture, furnish, install, test and commission all components

assess, schedule and plan the purchasing of materials, and keep

related to both the transit systems and the civil infrastructure.

updated with the latest market trends and innovations.

employers’

requirements,

the

BACS

consortium

will

Line 1 will stretch from north to south through the centre of Riyadh, along the Olaya-Batha corridor, covering 38 kilometres.

RIYADH METRO NETWORK Heavily involved in this major project Almabani have been given an awesome project, the consequences of which, when successfully completed, will be felt by thousands of businesses for many decades. The BACS consortium is responsible for the design and build of Lines 1 and 2 of the Riyadh metro network, which will form part of the six-line metro system that will run for a total length of 176 kilometres across the city and includes 85 stations.

“Our scope of work on Lines 1 and 2 encompasses detailed structural, architectural and transit system design together with construction, testing and commissioning works,” Daher tells us, “Our scope also includes the procurement of all products and materials necessary to support project delivery.”

Fully responsible for the design and integration of the

114 | Endeavour Magazine

The line will include 22 stations and 4 transfer stations where it will connect with other new metro lines. Much of Line 1 will be underground.

Line 2 will run east to west along King Abdullah Road and will be built mostly at grade (15km) with some elevated sections. This line will run east to west and will extend more than 25 kilometres with 13 stations and 3 transfer stations Daher highlights that consistency, clarity and steadiness of purpose are the cornerstones of their performance and that they inspire through leadership and shall always seek for innovation, growth and development of their own capabilities and he bravery to continue to accept new challenges, “Our mission is to treasure our rich heritage and transcend to new heights.”

CONCRETE STRENGTHENING

ROCKBOLTS ANCHORING

SHOTCRETING

FLOORING

STAMP CONCRETE

WATERPROOFING

CARBON FIBER REINFORCEMENT

INJECTION

GADGETS

Putting My Foot In It You have to be careful with boot reviews in case you put your foot in it.

My last pair of boots lasted me twelve years and when I cast them aside they were indistinguishable from crocs but ever

Walkers, hikers, campers and travellers, we’re really the only

so slightly more fashionable. Due to this the last four years I’ve

people who can really appreciate a good boot. If you’ve ever had to

been walking in boots that have provided me with zero amount of

tackle the Scottish highlands or the Cornwall hills you’ll understand

cushioning and wouldn’t have noticed until slipping my feet into

how a pair of boots are less about fashion and more functionality.

the Aku Boots. It’s like having clouds surgically grafted to my feet.

Assuming you’re not a fan of blisters the size and consistency of

My ankles are supported, there is space for my toes to spread,

tangerines.

my heel, ball and instep are supported in a balanced and smooth

A recent trip around the island of Britain to the most Easterly,

manner than gives me a much missed bounce in my stride.

Southerly, Westerly and Northerly part of the country has certainly

They’re also fashionable with a sporty-outdoor reference that

put these boots through their paces. As I am a size thirteen foot,

makes me happy to wear them in any circumstances and I can

with a shovel wide ball, high arches and a heavy heel as well as

report that not only they at home walking through the Scottish

being six foot five and 115 kilograms I am the very worst news

Highlands, but they’re equally as pleased in the cinema and have

for any boot manufacturer. Rising to the challenge Aku Boots were

been walking doing the rounds on my Twitter feed.

kind enough to hand craft these boots for me prior to my trek around the country.

116 | Endeavour Magazine

HAMMOCK Oh, the humble hammock. The very epitome of relaxation, peace

but well overdue. The ENO hammock is lightweight, made out

and alcoholic sunsets, a camping trip can be instantly improved by

of high strength woven nylon with triple interlocking stitching

the addition of a hammock, a bohemian apartment is not complete

holds. It uses lightweight aluminium wiregate caribeners that can

without one slung up next to the bookshelf. You have a range of

be clipped to any solid anchor points as well as straps to tie it

styles and motifs, from the cheap poolside net that’s guaranteed

around any available tree, column, sign post or wall (be careful

to leave fleshwounds, to carpet styles that scream sophistication

which walls you use some are not load bearing until you try).

and Turkish delights. However, as much as everyone enjoys the

The whole thing stuffs into a bag the size of a grapefruit and

hammock, as much as it is one of the first things that will depict

weighs about the same as a cricket ball so you could shove this

“holiday”… they can be bloody difficult to lug around.

thing amongst your socks and go camping to your heart’s content.

Seriously. As fond as my memories are of summer afternoons spent swaying gently in the shade of our South African garden under the avocado tree, wistfully considering how awesomely

Or string this up in your living room and pretend.

Best part? It says on their website, “…to use and abuse…” meaning this is a hammock meant to be used.

wonderful and relaxed my life was while in a hammock, I cannot

My suggestion? Take it into the woods, aim for a spot where

forget the awkwardness of having to haul and extra five kilograms

there is nobody about, like the highlands of Scotland. Get lost and

of rope everywhere with me, or trying to clean the fabric if it ever

know that at very least you’re going to have a cool place to stay.

fell onto the ground or, god forbid, your sibling tried to get into it

Leaving only one question.

and broke the thing.

What is the perfect hammock mount?

The arrival of the ENO hammock is not only much appreciated

Endeavour Magazine | 117

TRAVEL

ENLIGHTEN YOURSELF IN SRI LANKA

BY SHANNAH LAUREN

This month we’re talking about change and the significance of growth.

We’re speaking about enlightenment and a difference in perspective.

118 | Endeavour Magazine

W

e all have that empty feeling inside us, felt as a

fantastic location, relaxing beach scenery surrounding the

yearning for passion and emotion and with this

hotel and high quality rooms. Finally, if you are looking for

in mind, we advise travellers to put Sri Lanka on

a wild experience, we suggest you to look into the Jungle

their dream destination list. Between the islands natural

Beach Resort in Kuchchaveli. This jungle-surrounded hotel

beauty, individual spices, enchanting stones and spectacular

leaves you feeling completely refreshed thanks to being

elephants is two thousand years of history and it comes as

continuously bathed in nature, guaranteeing you the

no surprise that Sri Lanka contains an abundance of ruined

enlightenment you are searching for this year.

cities and religious monuments. This is the best time to travel

With a basecamp sorted, getting around couldn’t be

to Sri Lanka as the island is only just, finally, experiencing

easier. You have all the classic public transport options

peace for the first time, as it had been involved in Asia’s

available, such as bus, trains or taxis, however if you are

most destructive civil war for three full decades. Although

looking for a more convenient route, we suggest that you hire

the scars remain from the war, many Sri Lankans seem very

a car. Although the roads are considered to be in relatively

confident about their future.

good condition, you are destined to have crowds of people,

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. The southwestern

crazy drivers and suicidal dogs in the roads throughout your

monsoon brings rain to the southwest between May and

journey. Just be prepared to honk your horn a good amount,

September, with the region’s dry season running from from

and check your brakes before beginning any trip.

December to March. Always plan ahead and consider the

There is plenty to do that you don’t want to miss on your

weather before travelling, especially to a totally new location.

holiday, one of which being Adams Peak. Adams Peak is a

When looking for an airline that suits you best, we

tall mountain in central Sri Lanka and is also known to be

suggest that you look into Qatar Airways. Qatar is known

the Buddha’s own footprint. What could be more spiritual

for their affordable prices, while also being able to handle

and enlightening than a trip here? Another experience you

tight connection times very well. Depending on where you

can’t miss out on is the town of Galle, which is the best

plan on staying, we can advise you about some of the most

representation of a fortified city built during the Dutch

highly recommended hotels by frequent visitors. Jetwing Vil

colonial period of the 18th century. Architectural fans, this

Uyana in Sigiriya is a wonderful hotel for a family holiday, as

is the place for you!

it is set in a children-friendly background, with breathtaking

One of the best things about Sri Lanka is that you can

views. Another hotel suggestion is The Fortress in Koggala,

experience wildlife the way it should be, actually in the

which is brilliant for a group trip or even a solo expedition.

wild. You can go to Yala National Park, which is the home of

Although pricier, this hotel has been rated as one of the

birds, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants and leopards in their

best hotels in South Sri Lanka, which may be because of its

own natural habitat rather than being locked inside cages.

120 | Endeavour Magazine

Fotr those of you who have only ever seen wild animals in a

a greasy fast food burger, we recommend you try the Kottu,

classic zoo setting, this will be an incredible experience that

Sri Lanka’s version of a hamburger, but try to embrace the

you’ll never forget.

local delicacies and try as many dishes as you can, including

When the sun rests and the night descends, we suggest

Kiribath, which is a special type of sticky rice that’s cooked

that you travel over to Kataragama and join the crowd

in thick coconut milk. Wood Apple Juice, which is a thick

during their night celebrations. The town is sacred to

smoothie style drink, should definitely be tasted as it has

Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike and it is here that they

such a uniquely sweet and sour taste.

hold extravagantly colorful ceremonies. These experiences

Safety is always a concern when travelling to antoher

are not replicable, so while you are here, you must take the

country and Sri Lanka is no exception. The island is filled

time to enjoy them!

with wild elephants; therefore you must be aware that

If architecture is the way to your heart, go to

although many live in national parks, you will need to watch

Polonnaruwa, which is a town filled with some of the finest

out for them in general too. Although they aren’t naturally

ancient Sinhalese art and architecture. It is also known for

aggressive, you don’t want to startle an animal that is

being the cleanest and one of the most beautiful cities in

15,000 lbs. The island is also filled with the salesmen and

the country. There is so much to see in Sri Lanka, including

touts, which you must just ignore and walk away from. They

whale watching in Mirissa, magical caves in Dambulla and

usually are trying to scam tourists and if you cave in once,

traditional Sinhalese drumming in Kandyan that it would be

expect them to carry on pestering you throughout your trip.

difficult to see it all in one trip, but so many people make the

Finally, be aware that malaria can be deadly, so speak to your

mistake of just going to lay on the beautiful beaches. Always

local GP months in advance about relevant vaccinations and

try to see and enjoy the local culture as it could result in you

medications needed to visit the region.

finding a new favourite destination that you revisit time and time again.

Overall, Sri Lanka is a country filled with opportunities for personal growth through naturalistic attributes, wildlife

Sri Lanka is known for having some of the greatest

and extraordinary food. It is a trip that you as an individual or

curry dishes in the world, including Ambul Thiyal (a sour fish

your family won’t want to miss, as it can make an impact on

curry), Kukul mas curry (a chicken curry dish) and Parppu

who you are and how you see the world around you. What

(a dhal curry). May we also suggest that you try the Gotu

are you waiting for? Go onto www.qatarairways.com and

kola sambol, which is a fresh and crisp salad mixed with

book your flight to Sri Lanka today.

shallots, tomatoes, coconut and chili. If you are feeling like

TRANSAERO AIRLINES How you choose to travel to a destination is oftentimes as important as where you choose to go. Often the one thing that is less considered this can set your entire trip, be it for leisure or business, for a massive fall. I like to choose who I fly with very carefully because for me my holiday begins at the airport and I need to trust that the people I travel with have not only my best interests at heart but also are dedicated to ensuring my journey is as positive an experience as possible. An airline that continuously popped up on my Twitter feed with sterling reviews and happy tweets was the Russian airline Transaero.

F

rom its start in 1990 and its first flight in 1991, Transaero

communications and currently (2015), 33 aircraft in the airline’s

Airlines was a pioneer, becoming the first private passenger

fleet of over a hundred are fitted with the equipment to provide

airline in the post-Soviet area with its first flights from Moscow

Inflight Connectivity Services.

to Tel Aviv. Today they are Russia’s second largest carrier and ranks among the top 30 airlines in the world.

Today Transaero is Russia’s second-largest carrier. The company ranks among the top 30 airlines in the world and the top seven in Europe in terms of passenger turnover.

PIONEERING

A FULL SCOPE OF SERVICES Today the airline operates flights on more than 200 routes across Russia and in Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa.

Transaero’s key hubs are Moscow Domodedovo, Moscow Vnukovo and St Petersburg Pulkovo Airports. According to reports in 2013 Transaero carried over 13.2 million passengers on its flights.

Step by step Transaero Airlines has proved itself as a pioneer in

The geography of flights includes all key business and

the introduction of many products and services in the Russian air

leisure destinations in Russia and abroad. For instance, the list

transportation market. Having always been dedicated to integrating

of international destinations includes London, Paris, Berlin and

the highest safety and service standards into its operations it also

Frankfurt, Vienna, Rome, Milan, New York, Miami, Los Angeles,

combines it all with cutting edge technologies supported by a omni-

Toronto, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, Bangkok and many others.

present awareness of the industry.

Ekaterina Makarova of Transaero’s Corporate Communications

Looking back into the airline’s history, we see that Transaero

Department said, “A current trend we see is the growing transit

has set patterns in customer and aviation standards. In 1992 it was

passenger traffic on flights from Europe to Asia or from CIS

the first airline in Russia to offer business-class service on domestic

countries to the US. Passengers take advantage of connections via

routes. In 1993 it was the first in Russia to start operating US-

Vnukovo airport and convenient schedule of connecting flights.”

manufactured aircraft. In 1994 Transaero was the first in Russia

Transaero has a wide and expanding domestic flight network

to open its own private Aviation Training Center and in 1995 the

and passengers can choose from flights to the Russia’s Northern

airline launched Transaero Priviledge, the first loyalty programme in

capital St Petersburg, or discover Russia’s Far East with Transaero’s

the country. Then, in 1996 Transaero was the first Russian airline to

flights to Vladivostok, Khabarovsk. The Southern resorts of Russia,

receive the certificate of the US FAA for independent maintenance

which were significantly enhanced in the run-up to the Olympic

of aircraft.

Games hosted in Sochi in 2014, have become popular destinations

Through numerous outside influences, the company has always

for Russian and foreign tourists. “The airline also serves domestic

stayed true to its innovative approach. After a long line of firsts,

services to the key business destinations such as Novosibirsk,

in 2007 Transaero was the first full-service airline in Russia to

Yekaterinburg, Krasnoyarsk and many others,” Ekaterina adds.

introduce e-ticketing and the first Russian carrier to provide its passengers with online check-in service.

Passengers’ travel options are still even wider thanks to the airline code-sharing and partnership agreements with the world

Ahead of the Russian industry, in 2012 Transaero provided

airlines. For instance, the list of the airlines’ code sharing partners

inflight access to high-speed broadband internet and mobile

includes Aigle Azur, airBaltic, Austrian Airlines, Belavia, Virgin

122 | Endeavour Magazine

Atlantic, Singapore Airlines, China Airlines, easyJet (cooperation

in Discount class since its launch) make their choice for a more

with the UK low-cost carrier is based on the Commercial agreement

modest onboard services paying less in comparison with flights

on the principles of code-share). Partnership agreements allows the

with full services. However, passengers travelling in Discount still

airline’s clients to travel with comfort on nearly 700 routes.

can have meals (snacks or a hot meal depending on flight duration), drinks, luggage allowance from 10 to 20 kgs (it depends on fare

UNIQUE LUXURY Transaero has a five class service range, which includes Imperial class (the unique in Russia first class of service), Business Class, Premium Class (business class standard of onboard services), Economy Class and Discount Class. On a certain flight up to three classes of service could be available (except for flights with Discount class, which are carried out on aircraft in a monoclass configuration).

Transaero’s Imperial class is a product that stands for luxury and true Imperial experience of travel and Transaero are the only airline in Russia to offer first class services. Launched in 2008 Imperial became popular from the very beginning.

“Passengers appreciate VIP attendant services,” Ekaterina highlights, “Personal driver service to and from the airport, gourmet food, which on flights from Moscow served by the famous Café Pushkin restaurant, which is a part of Maison Dellos Air Service, as well as a wide selection of wines and beverages. Travel in Imperial is a real chic and luxury experience.”

In 2015 summer schedule Transaero offers Imperial class service on its flights to New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Tel Aviv, Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Almaty, Astana, Dubai, Paris and London.

Another product of the airline that may be the newest in its product range but certainly of high demand among the airline’s

purchased), and there are a selection of newspapers on board.

Discount Class is only served from Moscow Domodedovo airport and St Peterburg Pulkovo airports.

Known as a socially devoted airline Transaero is the only airline in Russia to be assigned with the top Corporate Social Responsibility ranking AAAs. They implement a comprehensive approach to its CSR programme, paying particular attention not just to achieving high operational results but to demonstrating a high degree of responsibility to clients, company employees and the general public.

“Transaero’s top priority is to provide reliable, safe, high quality and affordable air transportation services to passengers on both domestic and international routes,” she says, “The airline does its best to make air transport services more affordable to all categories of passengers, for instance, special flight programmes are offered for veterans, or special fares are available for residents of Russia’s Far East under the state programme of subsidised air travel.”

The company pays special attention to travel of passengers with disabilities. Since 2008 the airline in cooperation with “Perspectiva” fund has been implementing a programme of quality of life improvement and adaptation for disabled individuals. The company’s employees regularly attend special courses where they are trained to work with disabled passengers. The programme also includes an information campaign for passengers with disabilities.

clients is Discount class, launched in January 2014, a kind of low

The airline is committed to making flying with Transaero

cost service offered for passengers. Transaero has reconfigured

pleasant and comfortable, and has worked with the “Flying without

sixteen of its Boeing 737 into monoclass cabin aircraft to serve

Fear” centre to help passengers suffering from aerophobia.

flights with Discount. Passengers who travel in Discount class

Transaero is among the leading Russian companies in terms of

(and by the way, Transaero carried more than 2 million passengers

corporate charity giving. The airline’s social programmes include Endeavour Magazine | 123

providing air transportation within the airline’s work with Russia’s

only the access to high speed broadband Internet onboard, but also

leading charity funds, a special programme aimed at improving

mobile communications (the latter service used to be only provided

child healthcare for seriously ill children.

on the airline’s widebody aircraft earlier). These services have

However, among the most outstanding in the Russian aviation

become available due to the installation of the latest Panasonic

industry if the airline’s programme “Flight of Hope”. On the flights of

GCS satellite system. All seats have power outlets and USB-ports

Transaero’s special aircraft - Boeing 747 in a special livery covered

for charging portable electronic devices.

with colourful palm prints on the fuselage – passengers can donate

In addition, the equipment installed on the aircraft allows free

money in flight to Russia’s charity fund and contribute to saving

access to media content of IFES via Wi-Fi connection. With this

lives of seriously ill children.

system each passenger can use his or her mobile device to watch

The CSR programmes of the airline are constantly expanding

films downloaded from the server.

and developing offering assistance and support to more people.

The key to the airline’s success and reliability has always been its highly qualified staff. Today Transaero employs more than 11,000 people. This is a team of professionals who each day provide safe and reliable transportation and comfort for passengers.

A GROWING FLEET This year, the airline plans to receive six new narrow-body aircraft, which are the most demanded in the current market situation. So, in addition to the Boeing 737-800 that the airline received in the end of May, we expect another Boeing 737-800 and

A SPECIAL BRAND

four Airbus A321 to join the airline’s fleet later this year.

The new Boeing 737-800 aircraft in a new corporate identity

The airline also will withdraw from operations five Boeing 737

joined Transaero Airlines’ fleet on May 22, 2015 within the

aircraft and two Вoeing 747-400 and one Вoeing 767. Thus the

implementation of the aircraft fleet renewal plan.

airline will ensure the renewal of its fleet while optimising the

Ekaterina

explains that this new aircraft in new livery signifies a new chapter

passenger capacity.

in the company’s history. One that aims to reflect positive changes in all traveller touch points.

“There’s no doubt that the passenger experience will be significantly enhanced as all new aircraft joining the airline’s fleet are customised taking into account the passengers’ requests for comfortable travel as well as aiming to provide convenient conditions for work of cabin crew,” she says.

“For instance, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft features a Sky Interior cabin with passenger capacity of 158 seats. The aircraft is configured in two-class layout with 8 seats in business class and 150 seats in economy class. The rather big in terms of general industrial standards seat pitch and ergonomic seats by

B/E

Aerospace provide for comfortable travel.”

This is Transaero’s first narrow-body aircraft, which provides not 124 | Endeavour Magazine

THE HIGH FLYING MARKET While the airlines have to face economic headwinds, the overall market performance provides for cautious optimism. The market shrank significantly in the end of 2014 and the first months of 2015 due to the high turbulence of the Russian currency. However, after some stabilisation of the currency the tourist market demonstrates signs of recovery. For instance, in May Transaero carried 1.2 million passengers, a 7% increase over May 2014.

Some patterns in travel certainly have changed: travellers make their choice in favour of budget leisure destinations (such as Egypt or Turkey) avoiding high spending on long-haul destinations (for example to Caribbean resorts). However, demand for some international routes such as London and Paris sees a slow rise,

while to Austria, it is buoyant. We see the growing demand for

position of Russia’s second largest carrier and the development

domestic destinations. In the first four months of 2015 Transaero

the airline relies on several competitive advantages including, an

carried by 37% more passengers on domestic routes in comparison

extensive aviation experience and well-recognised brand, extensive

with the same period of 2014.

route network (as the airline’s own network, so the marketing

For international travellers the ruble depreciation has made

network is available due to the signed code-sharing agreements).

travel to Russia a bargain. This also contributes to the rise in transit

Flights operated from two Moscow airports are a unique product:

passenger flow.

five classes of services, top training, a flexibility to market changes

“We treat passengers as members of our family,” Ekaterina

and a priority to the development economically efficient international

says, “Transaero is committed to providing our clients with safety,

and tourist routes. “It’s mostly about knowing what the competition

comfort and high quality services. Customer-focused approach is

is doing and just being better,” Ekaterina points out.

one of the key values that is shared by all employees.”

The airline attracts its clients by offering high quality services, attentively listening to their requests, wishes and opinions and, if it is necessary, introducing changes. The work of every employee aims to make a client return again and again and to tell their friends and colleagues about the best services.

This connects with a strong after sales approach as they care about their customers’ opinion. All customers are welcome to fill in a survey to give their opinion of their flight. The airline also runs internal and independent audits of services to check that the services are provided in line with the standards.

To keep their loyal customers fully informed about the airline’s development and special offers, as well as to provide special benefits and rewards to their loyal passengers they carry out Transaero Privilege frequent-flyer reward program. The programme has been in operation since 1995. Transaero Privilege allows its members to earn and save points by flying with the company, using bank cards of partner-banks and also by purchasing goods and services of partner-companies (hotels, car rental companies and other companies). The points accumulated can be used for a reward ticket and travel class upgrade and for extra services at check-in.

FLYING AHEAD OF ALL OTHERS Keeping ahead of the competition is simple. Over more than 20 years of Transaero operations the airline has achieved the firm

WHAT TO EXPECT The new corporate identity presented to the public with the arrival of the new Boeing 737-800 opens a new page in the airline’s history. The decision on the visual brand renewal was made at the end of 2013 and was stipulated by the expected start of new aircraft deliveries in 2015 in accordance with the signed contracts.

StartJG, a UK well-known agency specialising in brand development and interactive design, was invited to work on the project. The new visual identity of Transaero’s aircraft was designed in the summer of 2014. The developers of the new style have preserved the colours of the well-known Transaero’s logo with a view to retain the identity of the brand, which has obtained a strong identity.

The company cares for its traditions and professional values.

Adhering to the traditions, Transaero modernises the image of the company. That’s why the company’s new slogan is “To the future together.”

Thus, in addition to restyling, Transaero plans to modernise the airline’s website and mobile app. Some service elements on boards will be updated, as well as the brand navigation signs at the airports. Aircraft interiors will be renovated in accordance with the current interior modernisation and aircraft MRO schedules.

When designing a new business lounge at Vnukovo airport, a new corporate identity will be reflected in the interiors.

Endeavour Magazine | 125

BOOK REVIEWS Office Politics: How to Thrive in a World of Lying, Backstabbing and Dirty Tricks

by Oliver James The modern working world is a dangerous place, where game-playing, duplicity and sheer malevolence are rife.

Do talent and hard work count for nothing? Is politics everything?

In this fascinating exposé, Oliver James reveals the murky underside of modern office life. With cutting-edge research and eye-opening interviews, he highlights the nasty practices that propel people to the top and shows how industries and cultures are fostering this behaviour.

He then divulges strategies and techniques for not only surviving but thriving in these difficult environments. With the right mindset, you can distinguish and deal with toxic and overpromoted colleagues, charm your way through interviews and use office politics to your advantage.

Office Politics will overthrow your perceptions of office life and set you on a new path to success.

Learn To Earn

by Peter Lynch

Peter Lynch came into prominence in the 1980s as the manager of the spectacularly performing Fidelity Magellan Fund. “Learn To Earn” is aimed at a younger audience and explains many business basics, “One Up On Wall Street” makes the case for the benefits of self-directed investing, and “Beating The Street” focuses on how Peter Lynch went about choosing winning stocks (or how he missed them) while running the famed Magellan Fund. All three of Lynch’s books follow his common sense approach, which insists that individual investors, if they take the time to do their homework, can perform just as well or even better than the experts.

126 | Endeavour Magazine

Finding a New Lease of Life After Bereavement and Cancer: A Daughter’s Literary Tribute to her Remarkable Mother

Love and War in the WRNS

by Vicky Unwin ‘A treasure chest of letters’ - Felicity Kendal CBE Love and War in the WRNS is no ordinary memoir, although that is how it started.

When her mother died, Vicky Unwin found

the work was interrupted by a series of catastrophes, starting with Vicky breaking her hip and being wheelchair-bound for nine weeks. This was followed a year later by the sudden death of her 21-year-old daughter, Louise, from an accidental overdose of the club drug ketamine.

black bin-liners full of letters that young Sheila

The book was abandoned as Vicky’s grief focused her on a national

Mills, a Wren officer, had written to her mother

campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of club drugs and legal

during WW2. She had faithfully recorded her

highs. An ambassador of the Angelus Foundation, she became the public

fascinating encounters, assignments, events

voice on Britain’s ketamine epidemic and appeared in both the national

and, of course, the many loves she found and

press and on radio and television programmes, including BBC Breakfast,

lost, while chronicling her important work with

Sunrise, Sky News, BBC News, Woman’s Hour and Channel 5 News. As a

Admiral Ramsay in planning the Sicily Invasions

result of Angelus’s campaign, the British Government is set to pass laws

and major events such as The Flap, the sinking

banning the sale of legal highs.

of the Medway and the Belsen Trials in postwar Germany.

Realising

A year after Louise’s death, Vicky’s husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer and, a year later, Vicky’s father died unexpectedly.

her

mother’s

extraordinary

Then she herself was diagnosed with a malignant sarcoma of the

legacy, Vicky determined to finish the book

calf and was in danger of not only losing her leg, but potentially her

her mother had always intended to write, but

life. She strongly believes in the link between bereavement and the development of cancer and has written extensively about it in her blog, healthylivingwithcancer.com.

A year into her recovery she is now diving, skiing, cycling and trekking.

“Writing this book has been very therapeutic following the spate of bereavements and illnesses we have suffered. I was determined not to dwell on my grief but to channel my energies into positive action. My mother would have been particularly delighted as she was always proud of her wartime career and she and Louise had a special relationship. This book has been a great healer.”

Vicky Unwin has had a long career in publishing. She was publisher of the African Writers Series and is a member of the Council for the Caine Prize for African Writing. Previously she was Enterprise Director for the Telegraph Group, Managing Director of PRNewswire and, most recently, Media Director for the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. She now lives inSingapore and writes regularly for platform505.com, in addition to her two other blogs, vickygoestravelling.com and vickyatthemovies.net.

Shelia Mills joined the WRNS in 1940 to escape the shackles of secretarial work and her unhappy childhood with her social-climbing mother. After completing her training in Scotland she was posted to Cairo and then to post-war Germany. After her marriage at the end of the war she travelled to Africa where she settled for many years.

Endeavour Magazine | 127

CENER

CENTRO NACIONAL DE ENERGĂ?AS RENOVABLES

The energy of Knowledge At CENER we are working on the development of the renewable energy.

Because we care about the world we live in.

Applied Research, Development and Innovation Carries out studies, energy audits, and resource (sun wind and biomass) assesment Highly-skilled services for testing and certifying components and systems Development and technological transfer Technical training It is member o International Standardisation Committees