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NOVEMBER 2015

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MODEC Meeting Demands Of The Energy Industry Lockheed Martin Aiming For The Stars Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement All Aboard

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EDITOR’S NOTE Heads of Departments Editor in Chief Daemon Sands daemonsands@littlegatepublishing.com Director General Don Campbell doncampbell@littlegatepublishing.com Editorial Research Manager Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Director Tyler Harrison tylerharrison@littlegatepublishing.com Sales Manager Emlyn Freeman emlynfreeman@littlegatepublishing.com Corporate Director Anthony Letchumaman anthonyl@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com

A

s the Chinese have recently discovered, bridges should be made of anything but glass. Bridging the gap between businesses, countries and people needs to also be made of something sturdier, with the focus being on durability

and safety, rather than egocentric showmanship.

Many businesses have started the process of bridge-building through

investments

and

crowdsourcing

into

start-up

businesses that are pioneering the fields of new technology and development. Bridges between industries that have never connected before are being forged due to the need for traffic and inter-industry-sharing of information and expertise. History will look back at this time as the period where businesses evolved beyond themselves; robotic 3D printing is entering the home and neurological mental mapping is entering in the oil and gas sector.

Take a look at mega-businesses like Lockheed Martin, who habitually invest and acquire in start-ups and new businesses

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

Littlegate Publishing Ltd does not accept responsibility for

with a keen obsession to be at the cutting edge of what is new.

Take a look at MODEC, who are expanding beyond their natural waters to take advantage of new sectors by liaising and working with businesses and industry leaders in different sectors. What about Tsakos Shipping who has dropped millions into new technologies previously unthought-of in its industry?

Human development is all about building new tools to make the impossible possible and if history has shown us anything it is that to learn something new, to discover a new tool and a new use for it means you have to expand beyond your boundaries

omissions or errors. The points of view expressed in articles

and make bridges. It has also taught a very important lesson,

by attributing writers and/or in advertisements included in this

a lesson that so few people, in business and out of it, take to

magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publisher.

heart and recall;

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy

You should never burn your bridges.

of the information contained within this magazine, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for loss arising from use of information published. All rights reserved. No part 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 Š Littlegate Publishing Ltd 2015

Endeavour Magazine | 3

CONTENTS

17

Nutri Feed

FEATURES

69

PNG POWER

4 | Endeavour Magazine

11

17

21

27

35

51

57

65

73

79

83

89

93

99

Swakop Uranium Being The Best In The Business Nutri Feeds The Hand That Feeds Botswana Telecommunications Corporation It’s Good To Talk COVER STORY Lockheed Martin Genuinely Aiming For The Stars COVER STORY MODEC The Demands Of The Energy Industry COVER STORY Tsakos Columbia Ship Management All Aboard MAJIS (Oman) Solutions On Tap MovieTowne Entertainment Redefined Asia Plantation Capital Sustainable Growth In Growing Sustainably Edan K Properties The Only Way Is Up TCM Invested On The Roadways Of The Nation Wang On Fibres Packaging Manufacturing PNG Power Keeping The Lights On Kenya Power Powering People For Better Lives

21 Botswana Telecommunicatuins

ARTICLES 3 6 46

108 110

Editor’s Note Business Headlines Automotives Fiat 500X: The First Cutesy Success Shopping For Cars On Regent Street Gadgets Book Reviews

59 TCM Endeavour Magazine | 5

BUSINESS HEADLINES

FIRST MANDARIN ORIENTAL BRANDED RESIDENCES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, ‘THE RESIDENCES AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK’, OPEN FOR BOOKINGS SIMULTANEOUSLY IN BANGKOK, HONG KONG AND LONDON

T

he ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Limited,

that is the Mandarin Oriental can now become a personal legacy

today announced simultaneously in Bangkok, Hong Kong, and

for the owners of residences in this extraordinary project that is set

London that Southeast Asia’s first ‘Mandarin Oriental’ branded

in one of Asia’s most exciting cities. Our brand promise includes an

residences, which are located in Bangkok, are now open for bookings.

unrivalled commitment to providing the finest property management

‘The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok’, comprise of

and hospitality services, which have made the Mandarin Oriental

146 super-luxury freehold riverside residences, situated diagonally

name synonymous with exceptional standards of luxury worldwide.”

across the Chao Phraya River from the legendary Mandarin Oriental,

Mr. Thanawan Chaiwatana, Managing Director of The ICONSIAM

Bangkok hotel. The 52-floor building is located on the 20-acre

Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., added, “Our target customers

ICONSIAM site that is a US$1.54-billion riverside national landmark

are people around the world who buy at the highest end of luxury

project in Thailand being developed by a joint-venture partnership

and know that special projects like ours are hard to replicate in a city

between Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited,

because of the location and the brand. They seek a rare, ‘collectible

Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and Charoen Pokphand Group. ICONSIAM

asset’ that gives them something special.”

also includes two glamorous retail complexes and a spectacular

Residences are priced from around US$10,000 per square metre,

waterfront promenade. The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok will provide

ranging in size from approximately 130 to 230 square metres and

management services for The Residences, as well as bespoke

the penthouses begin at US$16,000 per square metre and range

amenities for individual residents.

from 380 to 710 square metres.

Ms. Thippaporn Chearavanont Ahriyavraromp, Director of

“Privacy, a sense of space and expansive common areas are

The ICONSIAM Superlux Residence Corporation Ltd., said, “The

among the most important contributors to a sense of luxury, which

Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok are designed to the

is why each residence has its own, private lift entry, 3.20-metre

highest standards of luxury that, together with their enchanting

high ceilings and common areas that are around three times greater

location, make these residences among the best in the world, lifting

per unit than most grade-A rated condominiums in Bangkok,” Mr.

the prestige of a Bangkok residential address to a new level. No

Thanawan said.

expense is being spared. We are investing US$250 million and

A full range of facilities are provided across four floors and 3,000

spending over 30% more per saleable square metre than the best of

square metres and residences are fully fitted out, with owners having

any residential offering in the city.”

the option to choose complete interior decoration and furnishing by

“Every residence has an unobstructed view of the river and lush gardens and offers a feeling of being close to nature as well as a unique sense of Thai charm,” she added.

Mr. Richard Baker, Executive Vice President and Operations Director for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said, “The legend 6 | Endeavour Magazine

globally renowned interior designer Joyce Wang.

Residence owners are also enrolled in the Residences Elite programme from Mandarin Oriental, offering worldwide privileges when staying at any Mandarin Oriental hotel.

The project is scheduled for completion within 2018.

LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERS FIRST DANISH MH-60R HELICOPTER TO THE U.S. NAVY “MH-60R helicopters host the complete package of sensors and systems that address today’s increasing threats.”

T

he U.S. Navy accepted the first MH-60R helicopter from

zones.

In

2012,

Denmark

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in a ceremony today at the

announced it will acquire a

Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, New York.

total of nine MH-60R aircraft

“We are excited to accept this aircraft bound for Denmark,”

by 2018 to conduct missions

said Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, programme executive officer for air anti-

such as surveillance, search and

submarine warfare, assault and special mission programmes, which

rescue, anti-piracy and anti-

oversees the U.S. Navy’s H-60 programme office. “The Romeo is the

surface warfare.

U.S. Navy’s primary rotary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare

“MH-60R helicopters host

platform in operation and we’re proud to know these will be flying

the complete package of sensors

soon with the Royal Danish Air Force”

and

systems

that

address

Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft and provided with advanced

today’s increasing threats,” said

mission systems and sensors by Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R is

Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin

operational and deployed as the primary U.S. Navy anti-submarine

vice

and anti-surface warfare system for both open-ocean and littoral

and Unmanned Systems. “We

president

of

Aviation

are honoured to extend our international partnership with the Royal Danish Air Force to deliver these capabilities and the technology that will protect our allies around the globe.”

Prior to being delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force, these aircraft will enter a series of tests to validate Danish configuration modifications. The first aircraft will be delivered to Denmark in the second quarter of 2016 and the full fleet will be delivered by 2018.

AQERI SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH FINNISH DEFENSE COMPANY MILCON

A

qeri, a leading Swedish producer of

marketing of mil-application electromechanical

‘ruggedized’ computer and communication

materials.

equipment for extreme environments, has

consulting for their business partners, thanks

signed a distribution agreement with Finnish

to more than 10 years of experience in defence

defence company Milcon.

material projects. Main customers are the Finnish

Through the cooperation with Milcon,

Milcon

provides

support

and

defence force and defence industry.

Aqeri secures a close relationship with a team

The CEO commented; ”Being close to the

harbouring marketing presence and access to

Finnish market mean business opportunities can

the Finnish market. Milcons experience and

be explored much deeper, thanks to our new

close cooperation with the Finnish defence

partner. We look forward to meeting or exceeding

force and industry makes them a key player in

the stringent environmental requirements of the

Finland. Under this agreement, Milcon serves as

Finnish Armed Forces and I am confident that

the prime point of contact in Finland regarding

our cost-effective and technically advanced

business projects, service and support.

products will stand a good chance of market

Milcon specialises in the importing and

success in Finland.”

CAR REVIEW Fiat 500X

Endeavour Magazine | 7

PENCLIC REVAMPS THE PROFESSIONAL KEYBOARD FOR FAST SPEED AND ERGONOMICS

P

enclic Professional Typist

removes the numerical keypad, reducing the keyboard’s footprint so

MK1 combines high quality

your mouse is in closer reach.

Traditional

of all

Penclic

products, the MK1 provides

with

“We spend hours working each day on the computer, so

ergonomic “tenkeyless” design

ergonomics and speed are crucial to tackle work efficiently and

position. You don’t have to

for fast typing

comfortably,” says Olle Wahlqvist, CTO of Penclic. “Power users

reach far for your mouse and are

demand the best tools for work, without compromising design and

able to minimise movement for

we wanted to give that to them.”

greater comfort and less strain.

mechanical

keys

Penclic, creator of ergonomic yet sleekly designed computer

a

great

ergonomic

working

the

Penclic’s MK1 truly comes down to feel. It is comfortable and

The absence of the numeric

mechanical

will stand up to rigorous use even during late hours spent at the

pad in the “tenkeyless” deigns

keyboard that combines smart

office. Featuring brown mechanical keys, the MK1 is quieter, more

keeps you centred in position for

ergonomics, Scandinavian design

tactile and easier to trigger. The separate switch of each key allows

better ergonomics. The arm rest

and high-end functionality. This

for less typos when engulfed in endless emails and projects and as

will also improve your posture

latest addition to the Penclic

you quickly press each key, you see it registered immediately on

and even your reaction times,

line, it features spring-activated

your screen, making the chances of missing a letter is much smaller.

which all have an effect on your

keys, designed to enable users

Pressing multiple keys at once will actually show up, instead of

performance.

to type extremely fast, which is

‘ghosting’ or disappearing. While the MK1 boasts a compact size, it

Ideal for any professional

essential for high performance

also features a thicker build, making it more stable and prepared for

at the office, the MK1 offers

tasks. The “tenkeyless” design

longer use.

precision and productivity.

accessories, Penclic

MK1,

announces a

JEREH GO PLATFORM GOING ONLINE, TARGETING GLOBAL OIL AND GAS O2O MARKET

J

ereh Group today announced the launch of its English O2O

the Internet + and O2O business model. According to Mr. Cui,

platform, Jereh GO, in Yantai, with more than 1,000 types of

“At present, there are three significant changes in the global

oil and gas-related equipment. It is noted that this platform,

market; the privatisation of state-owned resources, such as

as part of Jereh’s O2O connection project, is currently the first in

energy reform in Mexico, Kazakhstan, Nigeria; the development

China for global oil and gas equipment promotion, aiming to help

of unconventional resources, such as the shale gas revolution in

manufacturing enterprises seize the market in a whole new way.

US; and the Belt and Road Initiative by the Chinese Government

“It can achieve one-stop procurement from direct inquiry to

to further energy cooperation. With this in mind, many mid-small

order placing, turnkey technical support, quick delivery of custom

oil service companies and contractors are rapidly emerging with

products and global agent procurement for unconventional

characters of small orders, strong market awareness and more

products. We integrate resources at home and abroad efficiently,

focus on advanced equipment to ensure their competitiveness.

reduce procurement costs and manufacturing cycle, to provide

Jereh GO platform will be the ideal channel.”

global customers with much better online experience,” Mr. Cui Yuzhu said, the project leader of Jereh GO.

Different from traditional B2C platforms, Jereh GO puts particular emphasis on service, i.e. the real value that the platform

As the industry leader, Jereh has clear market insight from

offers. As of now, Jereh equipment has been serving over 60

under the current downturn situation and the development of

countries and partnered with many international players including

8 | Endeavour Magazine

ACQUIRED OILFIELD TURNKEY SERVICE AGREEMENTS AMOUNTED APPROXIMATELY US$340 MILLION WITH VENEZUELA CLIENT

H

onghua Group Ltd. (“HH”) (Stock Code: 196.HK), a leading global land drilling rig manufacturer, is pleased to announce that Sichuan Honghua International Co.

Ltd (“Honghua International”), the indirect subsidiary of the Company, entered into three oil and gas engineering turnkey service agreements to an aggregate amount of approximately US$340 million (approximately HK$2,635 million) with PDVSA PETROLEO, S.A (“PDVSA”) on 22 October (Venezuela time). Pursuant to the agreements, HH will provide turnkey services to PDVSA in Lake Maracaibo area of Venezuela, including progressive cavity pump (“PCP”) upgrade project, electric submersible pump (“ESP”) upgrade project and pipe-laying project. These three projects are all reconstruction and stimulation projects for aging oilfields, to enhance and restore their oil well production level.

Mr. Zhang Mi, Chairman of HH commented, “The turnkey service agreements that HH signed with the old client PDVSA this time mark a great breakthrough in EPC service business of HH oilfield services. It not only enhanced our market position in South American markets, but also extended our unique advantages in related products/services, global procurement networks and customer networks. Meanwhile, in recent years, HH has been paying close attention to the business opportunities in oil production and transportation equipment, thus the signing of these agreements also marks HH’s great breakthrough in this field. HH will focus on R&D, manufacturing and trade of oil production and transportation equipment to well preparing themselves for the coming opportunities in this field.”

Shell, ExxonMobil and Rosneft.

Jereh engineers provide expert solutions and advice to help avoid dangers due to lack of experience. With 782 acres of industrial park support, shorter manufacturing

cycles

and

investment returns, together with 5,000 global suppliers, a one-stop service team and full life circle management, Jereh is very confident that its global O2O project and enhance the customer stickiness.

BOOK REVIEWS

10 | Endeavour Magazine

SWAKOP URANIUM WWW.SWAKOPURANIUM.COM 00264 64 410 9000

BEING THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS WITH THE BEST NAME WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

Swakop Uranium was established in 2006 to explore, evaluate, develop and produce uranium oxide (U3O8) as a source of fuel conversion for low-cost, environmentally friendly, nuclear power.

The Husab Project, which was officially kicked off on 18th April 2013, has been their main vehicle for their future success. We spoke with Corporate Director, Grant Marais, about it.

Endeavour Magazine | 11

SWAKOP URANIUM

There is a lot of interest surrounding the Husab Project, which is by far the largest venture Swakop Uranium has undertaken.

“T

he 8 km uranium mineralisation on the Swakop

employee, which means that through the affiliated industries,

Uranium Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) area has

including logistics, packaging, equipment manufacturing, hardware,

been confirmed as the highest-grade, granite-hosted

software, recruitment and health and safety to name but a few, up

uranium deposit in Namibia and one of the world’s most significant

to 16,000 permanent jobs will be created by and as a result of the

discoveries in decades,” Grant tells us, “The mine has a potential

Husab Project.

life of more than 20 years, with uranium reserves of at least 280

Even more impressively, Swakop Uranium has committed

million tonnes. There are furthermore opportunities to increase the

itself to social and empowerment aspects such as local

reserve base by adding the defined resources at Zones 3 to 5 and

procurement where possible, local recruitment, involvement in

through building on promising exploration results.”

social responsibility programmes, training, education and sound

Husab mine is located near the town of Swakopmund in

environmental management practices.

the Erongo region in western-central Namibia and once in full

The Swakop Uranium Foundation manifests its commitment to

production, Husab, which has the potential to produce 15 million

supporting the Erongo region and Namibia. The Foundation has,

pounds (6 800 tonnes) of uranium oxide per annum, will be the

among others, provided funding to Ellie’s Vegetable and Flower

second-largest uranium mine in the world. This is a mammoth

Garden, based in the town of Arandis near the Husab mine and

discovery as the world’s largest uranium mine, McArthur River in

pledged support towards the construction of a girls’ dormitory at

Canada, can produce up to 18 million pounds per annum.

the Tears of Hope orphanage in Swakopmund.

EMPLOYEES

Swakopmund Municipality for a new school that will open its doors

“Swakop Uranium also helped to acquire land from the “Given the potential of the Husab site,” Grant explains, “Swakop Uranium is poised to become a substantial contributor to the Namibian economy and its local communities.”

No argument there. With a spot price of US$ 65/lb, a production rate of 15.5 million pounds per annum and an exchange rate of N$10 to the US dollar, Swakop Uranium will have an annual turnover of US$1-billion. Furthermore, it will contribute 5% to the Namibian Gross Domestic Product, 20% to the country’s merchandise exports and generate up to N$1 700-million per year in Government revenue.

“The project will also create more than 6000 temporary jobs during construction and about 1800 permanent operational job opportunities,” Grant adds, “This will increase the number of people employed in the mining sector by approximately 17 percent,”

in Swakopmund in 2015,” Grant goes on to tell us, “Close to 500 hungry minds, waiting to absorb new knowledge, will now have a chance to benefit from some of the best education in the area.”

While the major contracts on the project will be with international companies, Swakop Uranium remains committed to encouraging spending with Namibian companies through a variety of means. In parallel with the construction of the Husab mine, the Swakop Uranium management team in Namibia have pledged to assemble and train the operational team to ensure that the company is ready to operate the mine once construction is completed and the mine is commissioned.

THE OWNERS Grant explains that until April 2012, Swakop Uranium was a 100% subsidiary of Extract Resources, an Australian company listed on the Australian, Canadian and Namibian stock exchanges. During

SWAKOP According to a socio-economic study done on the Husab Project, 8 to ten spin-off jobs will be created per permanent

12 | Endeavour Magazine

April 2012, Taurus Minerals Limited of Hong Kong became the new owners following a successful takeover of Extract Resource who have delisted since then.

SWAKOP URANIUM

Taurus, an entity owned by China General Nuclear Power

“We are proud to confirm that more than N$1-billion has

Company (CGNPC) Uranium Resources Co. Ltd. and the China-

already been spent to get the project to its current state. Our

Africa Development Fund, has been pursuing Swakop Uranium’s

budgets estimate a further N$20-billion will be required to bring

Husab orebody since 2011, first by successfully launching a

the project to fruition,” he said.

takeover bid for Extract’s majority shareholder, Kalahari Minerals plc, which owned 43% of Extract. This was followed by a US$2,2billion takeover offer for Extract, which the Extract independent directors recommended their shareholders to accept.

HUSAB PROJECT “The geological reasoning behind The Husab Project,” Grant explains, “Is that similar rock formations to those hosting the

CGNPC’s investment in Swakop Uranium not only marked the

Rössing Mine to the north were interpreted to be concealed

biggest in Namibia since the country’s independence, but also by

beneath the desert plain in the northern part of Swakop Uranium’s

far the single biggest investment by China in Africa. More than

EPL area.”

US$100-million (N$1-billion) was spent to get the project to the

The discovery holes were drilled in late 2007; the chemical

construction phase and a further US$2-billion (N$20-billion) will be

assay results for the three discovery holes were returned from the

required to bring the Husab Project to fruition.

laboratory in early 2008 and released to the market in February

In November 2012, the Namibian state-owned mining company,

2008.

Epangelo, and Swakop Uranium finalised an agreement for the

“These results prompted, Extract Resources who were Swakop

subscription of a 10% stake in Swakop Uranium in a deal valued

Uranium’s majority shareholders at the time, to commission a

at N$1,882-billion (US$226-million). At the signing ceremony, Mr

definitive feasibility study (DFS), which formally commenced in

Zheng Keping, CEO of Swakop Uranium, said the Husab Project

April 2009. The DFS process involved more than 20 specialist

has been brought to this stage of development in record time by a

international consulting groups who spent many thousands of hours

dedicated and professional management team, engineers and staff.

on the study. The DFS results were released to the market in April

Excellence in project delivery

The Husab Project Joint Venture (HPJV) is proud to be delivering the engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract for the Husab project in Namibia.

www.amecfw.com www.tenova.com

14 | Endeavour Magazine

2011. Extract also commissioned environmental impact assessment

age and diversity. The Namibian MET approved the project and

(EIA) studies on both the mine and the linear infrastructure, the

issued a research permit where after core samples were sent to a

latter of which comprised the roads to the mine, as well as the water

radiocarbon dating laboratory in the United States. Each sampled

pipeline, the power lines and the telecommunication network.�

tree was carefully documented and the drilled holes filled with polyurethane foam before being sealed with silicone. The results

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Swakop Uranium operates within the Namib Naukluft National Park and takes considerable care to preserve the fragile ecosystem that exists on the Husab site and along the infrastructure routes

were unexpected and very interesting; with scientific papers currently being published.

CONCLUSION

to site. The drought-tolerant Camelthorns (Vachellia erioloba)

Cementing its place as one of the largest resource drilling

and Welwitschias provide potentially useful long-term records of

projects globally, Swakop Uranium has completed almost 800,000

changes in the desert climate. Although reading the growth rings of

metres (or 800 km) of combined reverse circulation and diamond

old trees (dendochronology) can give much information regarding

core drilling from April 2006 when the drilling programme started.

climate and climatic trends during a time when these were not yet

The Husab mine is set to make Swakop Uranium one of the

scientifically recorded, this is not as easy to do on the soft-stemmed

household names in the industry and the commissioning activities

Welwitschia as on the extremely hard-wooded Camelthorn.

are planned to start towards the end of 2015.

Swakop Uranium supported a study to analyse the oldest part of the Camelthorns, the centre or heartwood, to have the material carbon-dated. Making use of Radiocarbon or carbon 14 dating of dead plant tissue is an excellent way to measure their age and therefor determine the scale and extent of the area’s

Endeavour Magazine | 15

16 | Endeavour Magazine

NUTRI FEEDS WWW.NUTRIFEEDS.CO.ZA 0027 56 344 2200

THE HAND THAT FEEDS WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

The South African animal feed industry leader, Nutri Feeds is also making a big impact globally, thanks to a focus on quality and steady, organic growth. Speaking with the company, Endeavour Magazine sought to discover the secret ingredient to their success.

Endeavour Magazine | 17

NUTRI FEEDS

With their head office in Potchefstroom and manufacturing

plants in Viljoenskroon, Mafikeng and Bloemfontein, NUTRI Feeds is the undisputed countrywide choice for animal feed. Catering for pigs, sheep, poultry, dairy and beef cattle, NUTRI Feeds (NF) products are not solely available in South Africa; as part of a growth initiative, it can also be found within Swaziland, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia and several other African countries, but this is no doubt soon to increase.

P

roud to be part of the Country Bird Holdings (CBH) family,

we encounter a company that genuinely seeks to benefit clients as

NF cites its success as being due to, “Nutri Feeds is a

well as themselves, but there can be no doubt that this is the case

manufacturer of world-class animal feed. We have excellent

with NF. Aiming to achieve “…mutual success through precision

technical knowledge at our disposal, which we utilise to bring

formulation and innovation in product solutions, and faultless

our customers technologically innovative solutions for evolved

customer support and service”, NF seeks out opportunities to

products and services. We understand our clients’ business and it

remind everyone just how committed they are to their industry and

is of the utmost importance to us to provide for their exact needs.”

the consistent improvement of their services. Unlike many other

While identifying, assessing and answering the needs of

large organisations, however, NF is unwilling to seek success at

clients is not a new initiative for commercial success, the level of

the detriment of local communities or the environment. With this

commitment that the NF team does so with is innovative, even

in mind, they have a comprehensive approach to corporate social

down to how they view the animals that will inevitably be enjoying

responsibility,

their products, “At Nutri Feeds we don’t believe that any animals are ‘standard’, however, we understand that various animal groups have specific nutritional requirements that must be met.”

“We are an ethical business striving for improvement of the quality of life of our workforce, their families, the local community and society at large.”

As part of the CBH family, NF has a clearly defined employment

Though not the clients, per se, animals are the end users and

strategy in place that seeks to bring disadvantaged locals potential

in farming, happy animals make for better profits, so it doesn’t

career opportunities. Once part of the NF family, employee can look

pay to disregard their preferences and needs. Because of this, NF

forward to detailed in-house training programmes and a upward

seeks to create scientifically advanced nutritional products that

trajectory into supervisory or even management positions, but this

result in client and user satisfaction, as well as company profit.

is not where employee support ends. Having introduced a proactive

This dual mission is reflected in the official vision statement of the

health and safety policy, CBH and all of its subsidiaries, including

organisation,

NF, aim to be the benchmark against which other organisations

“We aim to be the leading manufacturer of affordable, cuttingedge animal feed solutions for the enduring benefit of our customers and stakeholders.”

Call us cynical, but we are still pleasantly surprised whenever 18 | Endeavour Magazine

measure themselves in terms of safe operations.

They go on to reiterate that alongside the provision of top quality products and exemplar customer service, the main goals of NF are to be active stewards for the environment, natural

resources and the property that they inhabit. By adhering to strict

V-Tech has contributed to the poultry industry with the development and implementation of an antibiotic sensitivity monitoring program that has revolutionized the prudent use of antibiotics in the treatment of diseases in chickens.

guidelines for these goals, NF knows that honorable, responsible and respectful business practices are the norm and just another thing that makes them stand out from competitors. Speaking about their environmental concerns, CBH, for NF, commented, “At CBH, we recognise that our activities have an impact on the environment. To counter this, we regularly review our activities, adhering to legislation and constantly looking for ways to improve our environmental profile, maintaining awareness throughout our staff from management to all employees. We are quick to respond to concerns raised, working with the relevant environmental organisations and Government, and investing both effort and money in protecting our resources.”

What a refreshing attitude to social responsibility! Far from viewing it as a necessary evil that will inevitable eat into profits and operational costs; NF looks to identify new opportunities for responsible production. Its this proactive and genuine interest that

Customer Care Number: 0860 109 779

www.vtech.co.za

must impress current and potential clients and keep them coming back, surely? Speaking about client relationships, the NF team is clearly passionate about each and every contract tat it secures, “It is only through a close partnership with and commitment to our clients that we are able to assist them with their growth and development on the road to success. They see the difference in our guaranteed high quality products, our personal service and effective delivery systems.”

What clients may not realise, however, is what NF undertakes behind the scenes, “We continually strive to exceed the minimum required levels of quality by producing only the highest quality products. In line with the NUTRI Feeds vision as a responsible leader in the animal feed industry, with respect for the environment and humanity, we became the first Animal Feed Manufacturer in the world to be both

SA Premix solutions, alternatives, traceability

ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certified. NUTRI Feeds is also the first Animal Feed Manufacturer in South Africa to have attained OHSAS 18001 accreditation, to confirm us as the leader in animal feeds in the country.”

With this, it becomes clear that being heralded as the industry leader is not just a trite cliché, but a fully accredited and confirmed claim and we are not in the least surprised.

NF is part of an impressive legacy, but rather than simply riding the coat tails of the fantastically successful CBH, it is making great strides on its own, simply by following prescribed ethos’ and missions and seeking to improve upon them where possible. With a keen eye focused on staff, clients and end users, NF is showing the world exactly the levels of dedication that it takes to not only be an industry leader, but a global competitor.

Endeavour Magazine | 19

20 | Endeavour Magazine

BOTSWANA TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION WWW.BTC.BW 00267 3958000

IT’S GOOD TO TALK WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Providing telephone and internet services for customers throughout the country, Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Ltd has in excess of 100,000 lines in service, with the majority located in Gaborone and Francistown.

Endeavour Magazine spoke with company CEO, Paul Taylor, to find out where the company plans to go from here.

Endeavour Magazine | 21

BOTSWANA TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

Initially founded in 1980, as the result of an Act of Parliament to

provide Botswana with national and international telecommunications services, The Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC) enjoyed unrivalled market access until 1996, when other service providers were given permission to tender for contracts in the area. With improved efficiency and competitiveness established in the industry, BTC debuted its mobile network in 2008, called beMOBILE, before finally being converted from a statutory body into a public company in 2012, turning it into Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited (BTCL).

H

aving undergone such radical changes in just a small space of time, many other companies may have buckled under the strain of maintaining reliable, high quality services, but not

BTCL, who have consistently strived to carry on wit their vision and mission statements clearly in their mind. Paul Taylor, CEO of BTCL expanded on these statements, “Our vision is to be simply the best and we delight our customers by providing world-class communication, information and content

Through innovative thinking and creative gardening, we give our valued clients the most extraordinary and personalized gardens, designed and nurtured to reflect their personality.

services.”

It sounds easy enough, on the face of it, but customers can be notoriously hard to please and retain, so what factors does Taylor think really sets the company apart?

“We are one team, the success of one is the success of all and we take responsibility. It’s our problem to solve until someone else on the team accepts it as his or hers. We respect deadlines and ensure that our customer, whether internal or external is aware we are “on the case” and we get things done. Within the bounds of reasonable risk and relevant governance, we take action on our own initiative and use our knowledge, skills and judgment to resolve challenges.”

That all makes for a very forthright and defiantly professional company, but then Taylor adds something unexpected; a human touch, “Most importantly though, we are easy to do business with. We take complicated things and make them easy to understand and

(+267) 393 2774 greenafrica1@yahoo.co.uk www.greenafrica.co.bw 22 | Endeavour Magazine

act upon and take pride in what we do, who we work with and who we work for. We also manage to have fun, because a happy team makes for happy customers.”

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Can telecommunications really be a ‘fun’ industry to work in?

Well, if anyone should know, it’s Taylor himself, as with more than

This is how companies move forward, safe in the knowledge that they will always have a large and happy client base.

30 years experience in the sector, throughout various countries,

Looking to the future, there is one collaborative agreement

if he hasn’t seen something before, he will quickly develop a

that is particularly exciting for BTCL and that is a partner market

strategy to deal with it. His impressive CV aside, Taylor is extremely

agreement with Vodafone. Official statements reveal just how

personable, something we would like to think is necessary within

beneficial this partnership will be for both parties,

the industry, yet is demonstrably lacking in a number of competitor

“Under the non-equity partnership agreement, BTCL becomes

management structures. Perhaps it is this personable nature and

Vodafone’s preferred partner in Botswana and the two companies

expert knowledge of the industry that helps to retain a loyal and

will jointly offer business and consumer customers a range of

dedicated body of staff over at BTCL.

products and services. BTCL will benefit from access to Vodafone

Offering services to such a wide range of clients, there can be

best practice and will be able to enhance its customer proposition

little doubt that the team in place has been specifically selected in

in Botswana with Vodafone’s products and services. Vodafone’s

accordance with their abilities and genuine commitment. How else

multinational corporate customers will benefit from the addition

could one company seek to serve everyone from SMEs to large

of Botswana to their existing contracts for international managed

enterprises, all the way through to residential customers? That’s

services, while continuing to be serviced via a single point of

not the kind of pressure you place on the shoulders of an amateur

contact. As a preferred partner, BTCL will benefit from Vodafone’s

customers services structure, but thankfully, BTCL is at the top of

scale as the largest international voice carrier, with access to its

its game when it comes to ensuring client satisfaction.

global data reach and a competitive cost base for its customers’

Comprehensive

support

infrastructure

ensures

that

international calls.”

every client, regardless of classification, has a direct and easy

Unless you are ‘in the know’, it could be easy to assume

method of communicating concerns for a quick resolution.

that only BTCL will experience a significant benefit from the

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24 | Endeavour Magazine

arrangement, due to the gravitas that Vodafone holds within the global marketplace, but Vodafone Partner Markets Chief Executive, Stefano Gastaut, was quick to dismiss this notion and allude to what BTCL are bringing to the table, “This strategic partnership with BTCL for Botswana will enable us to expand the reach of our products and services within Africa and extends our footprint to 55 markets worldwide. It will also deliver enhanced roaming benefits for BTCL’s consumer and

MARCOM Telecomms & Consulting (MARCOM), is involved in the field of Distributor to Product / Project Management and Marketing of broadband (xDSL) Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), to Southern African TELCOs and ISPs, as well as customising the overall product to individual customer requirements, such as software, firmware implementation on the product and specific customised packaging criteria.

multinational corporate customers.”

Keen to make a similarly positive statement, Taylor, on behalf of BTCL commented that, “We are delighted to have entered into the non-equity strategic partnership with a global player of Vodafone’s standing. The partnership will allow us to better differentiate against competition, delivering innovative communications solutions for the benefit of our customers and visitors to Botswana. Vodafone, on the other hand, will draw on BTCL’s extensive network coverage.”

There can be no doubt that when two companies of such impressive stature combine, great things are on the horizon and

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for BTCL, this heralds a new era of growth and industry domination

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Endeavour Magazine | 25

26 | Endeavour Magazine

LOCKHEED MARTIN WWW.LMCO.COM 001 301 897 6230

GENUINELY AIMING FOR THE STARS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Straight off the bat, Lockheed Martin are helping mankind get to Mars, which gives you an idea of the range of determination and vision that this company possesses. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, they are a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 112,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Endeavour Magazine | 27

LOCKHEED MARTIN

A corporation of insane ambition,

their net sales were a staggering $45.6 billion in 2014 and while their business scope covers the entire globe, involving thousands, they are all united under the common goal of expanding their technology and capabilities into areas where others dare not tread.

I

ndeed, Lockheed Martin stands as one of the world’s premier companies in the aerospace, defence, security, and technologies industry; it is the world’s largest defence contractor, based on

revenue for fiscal year 2014.

In 2013, 78% of Lockheed Martin’s revenues came from military sales and it topped the list of US federal Government contractors and received nearly 10% of the funds paid out by the Pentagon.

Leading the way in Aeronautics, Information Systems and Global Solutions, Missiles and Fire Control, Mission Systems and Training, and Space Systems the company has received the Collier Trophy six times, including in 2001 for being part of developing the X-35/ F-35B LiftFan Propulsion System, and most recently in 2006 for leading the team that developed the F-22 Raptor fighter jet.

A GREAT STORY A company of this size and ability doesn’t get that way by being used to a smooth ride and over the years Lockheed Martin has overcome many sizeable hurdles.

During the mid to late 90s the company experienced a surge of growth from their initial creation. Merger talks between Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta began in March 1994, with the companies announcing their $10 billion planned merger on August 30, 1994. The deal was finalised on March 15, 1995, when the two companies’ shareholders approved the merger.

During a period of great demand for military technology expertise the timing could not have been better for such a collaboration between two companies who both contributed 28 | Endeavour Magazine

LOCKHEED MARTIN important products into their new portfolio. As an example,

internationally and into non-defence markets,”

Lockheed products included the Trident missile, P-3 Orion, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, C-130 Hercules, A-4AR Fightinghawk and the DSCS-3 satellite. And Martin Marietta products included Titan rockets, Sandia National Laboratories (management contract acquired in 1993), Space Shuttle External Tank, Viking 1 and Viking 2 landers, the Transfer Orbit Stage (under subcontract to Orbital Sciences Corporation) and various satellite models.

Continuing the trend for acquisition of experience and expertise, in April of the following year Lockheed Martin acquired the electronics and systems integration business Loral Corporation for a tidy sum of $9.1 billion. Some would say that their growth was hampered in 1998 when they were obliged to abandon plans for a $8.3 billion merger with Northrop Grumman in July 1998 due to Government concerns regarding the potential strength of the new group. When considered carefully a Lockheed/Northrop collaboration would have held control of 25% of the Department of Defence’s procurement budget!

The first decade of the 2000s was the company’s opportunity to shine. In 2001 they won the contract to build the F-35 Lightning II, which was the largest fighter aircraft procurement project since the F-16, with an initial order of 3,000 aircraft. And in August 2006, Lockheed Martin won a $3.9 billion contract from NASA to design and build the CEV capsule, later named Orion for the Ares I rocket in the Constellation Program.

As if to prove that they were at the very cutting edge of technology, Lockhead Martin took an active and decisive interest in the development of new super materials that were only just beginning to surface in the public’s eye. In 2008 they acquired the Government business unit of Nantero, Inc, who had developed methods and processes for incorporating carbon nanotubes in next-generation electronic devices. This was backed up in 2009 when they bought Unitech.

The 2010s were a tumultuous period for the company. Every business, no matter the size has to be shaken up periodically to see what works and what doesn’t. What began was a period where lesser efficient plants and branches of the company were shut down and replaced with acquisitions of more technology based companies. While the media frenzy that followed focussed heavily on the consequential unemployment of several hundred workers, what was generally ignored was the monumental achievements that the Lockheed Martin were able to make thanks to these tactical acquisitions and collaborations. As just an example; they purchased the first Quantum Computing System from D-Wave Systems, giving them a sizeable head start in the race to a working quantum computer system. They acquired the engine maintenance, repair and overhaul assets of company Aveos Fleet Performance in Montreal, Canada and partnered with DreamHammer to use the company’s software for integrated command and control of its unmanned aerial vehicles. In late 2013 they acquired Scotlandbased tech firm, Amor Group and Lockheed Chief Executive Marillyn Hewson stated, “The deal would aid its plans to expand 30 | Endeavour Magazine

INSANE PROJECTS The projects that Lockheed Martin involve themselves in are some of the most exciting and insane projects conceivable. For example, on June 2, 2014 Lockheed Martin received a Pentagon contract to build a space fence that would track debris floating currently in orbit around the planet. This project, which came with a contracted tag of $915 million, was to protect satellites and spacecraft from being damaged by this floating debris.

“Space is an unforgiving environment to operate in,” said General William L. Shelton, commander of Air Force Space Command, at the time, adding, “There are, in orbit, an estimated 500,000 objects at least one centimetre in size. Existing systems can track only about 23,000 of them.”

DEVELOPMENTS Lockheed Martin received a $76 million contract from the U.S. Air Force for follow-on production of PavewayTM II Plus Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) kits. The contract represents the majority share of fiscal year 2015 funding, as well as 100 percent of available funding for foreign military sales with deliveries set to begin in the second quarter of 2016 and include the guidance and tail assemblies for GBU-10 and GBU-12 LGBs. “Our high-efficiency production lines enabled us to offer the U.S. Air Force a best-value solution for their LGB kit requirements,” said Joe Serra, precision guided systems manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The Paveway II Plus guidance system significantly enhances overall system performance and precision, and provides the U.S. Air Force with a cost-effective capability.”

Lockheed Martin is a qualified provider of all three Paveway II MK-80 series LGB variants (GBU-10 MK-84 [2,000 lb.], GBU12 MK-82 [500 lb.] and GBU-16 MK-83 (1,000 lb.) and is the sole provider of the Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round and Dual Mode LGB kits. The company has delivered more than 140,000 training rounds, more than 70,000 Paveway II LGB kits and approximately 7,000 dual-mode systems to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and 20 international customers. The systems are designed and manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s 350,000-squarefoot production facility in Archbald, Pennsylvania.

SIXTH OPEN MISSION SYSTEMS FLIGHT Lockheed Martin successfully integrated and flight tested seven Open Mission Systems (OMS) payloads in a span of less than three months into a U-2 Dragon Lady, marking the corporation’s sixth demonstration flight in support of the U.S. Air Force’s OMS vision.

“This demonstration focused on communications relay capabilities and dynamic weapon retargeting within an OMS integration methodology,” said John Clark, director of Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development Programs (the Skunk Works®).

“This demonstration showed our ability to integrate mission capability rapidly and affordably while highlighting how the OMS standard provides the Air Force a mechanism to own the technical baseline for their future systems.”

A technician completes final pre-flight checks on a U-2 Dragon Lady before an Open Mission Systems demonstration flight in which fighter aircraft from multiple generations and services exchange penetrating

intelligence,

surveillance,

and

reconnaissance,

electronic warfare and signals intelligence data. (PRNewsFoto/ Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Comp) This

demonstration

focused

on

communications

relay

capabilities, dynamic weapon retargeting and methodology.

Multiple radios and associated waveforms were integrated with the U-2, which served as a communications gateway between an F-22, F-18s and a Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) surrogate platform. Furthermore, fifth and fourth generation fighter data and U-2 on-board intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and electronic warfare systems data were relayed to both a rover ground terminal and the common mission control centre, allowing the LRASM surrogate to be dynamically retargeted in mid-flight.

Additionally, the U.S. Air Force’s 76th Software Maintenance Group developed and flight tested a software application designed

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Since then PACLOCK has delivered more than 3.5 million padlocks with on-time delivery ratings exceeding 99%.

Our performance for LMC earned PACLOCK Lockheed’s 2014 Supplier of the Year award. From padlocks to Bluetooth-enabled solutions, you can count on PACLOCK!

Endeavour Magazine | 31

LOCKHEED MARTIN to operate in the Skunk Works® mission management software

be flying soon with the Royal Danish Air Force – our first Seahawks

suite.

in Europe.”

This flight test is part of a series of tests that demonstrate

Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft and provided with advanced

the power of the Lockheed Martin ‘Open Architecture’ approach

mission systems and sensors by Lockheed Martin, the MH-60R is

combined with the Air Force OMS standards. The stability of

operational and deployed as the primary U.S. Navy anti-submarine

the entire OMS mission package was proven, as no software or

and anti-surface warfare system for both open-ocean and littoral

subsystem resets were required during the flight. The flight’s

zones. In 2012, Denmark announced it will acquire a total of nine

success is a significant step toward risk reduction for future

MH-60R aircraft by 2018 to conduct missions such as surveillance,

system-of-systems hardware and software developed to follow

search and rescue, anti-piracy and anti-surface warfare.

OMS standards.

LOCKHEED MARTIN DELIVERS FIRST DANISH MH-60R HELICOPTER TO THE U.S. NAVY The U.S. Navy accepted the first MH-60R helicopter slated for Denmark from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) in a ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, New York.

“MH-60R helicopters host the complete package of sensors and systems that address today’s increasing threats,” said Dan Spoor, Lockheed Martin vice president of Aviation and Unmanned Systems. “We are honoured to extend our international partnership with the Royal Danish Air Force to deliver these capabilities and the technology that will protect our allies around the globe.”

Prior to being delivered to the Royal Danish Air Force, these

“We are excited to accept this aircraft bound for Denmark,”

aircraft will enter a phase of testing to validate Danish configuration

said Rear Adm. CJ Jaynes, programme executive officer for air anti-

modifications. The first aircraft will be delivered to Denmark in the

submarine warfare, assault and special mission programmes, which

second quarter of 2016, and the full fleet will be delivered by 2018.

oversees the U.S. Navy’s H-60 programme office. “The Romeo

Denmark is the second international partner in the MH-60R

is the U.S. Navy’s primary rotary anti-submarine and anti-surface

program, following the Royal Australian Navy. To date, Lockheed

warfare platform in operation and we’re proud to know these will

Martin has delivered a total of 14 of 24 Australian aircraft ahead of

32 | Endeavour Magazine

schedule. The remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered in 2016.

this galactically focussed company but Lockheed Martin firmly advocates recognising all the businesses supporting them. Recently,

ORION We’ve mentioned how Lockheed Martin were directly linked to NASA and have been aiding in the mission to get man to Mars with

two business areas of missiles and fire control and mission systems and training recognised 22 small business suppliers who have made extraordinary contributions to the company’s products and services.

the much spoken about ORION. A team of NASA, U.S. Navy and

For the past 20 years, Lockheed Martin have gone out of their

Lockheed Martin personnel, aboard the USS Anchorage, are in the

way to celebrate the small business suppliers supplying them goods

process of recovering Orion and will return it to U.S. Naval Base San

in an annual award that reflects their appreciation for all businesses

Diego in the coming days. Orion will then be delivered to NASA’s

helping them in their success.

Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, where it will be processed. The

“The challenges we face in the marketplace with our customers

crew module will be refurbished for use in Ascent Abort-2 in 2018,

require us to develop innovative solutions that meet our customers’

a test of Orion’s launch abort system.

expectations in both performance and affordability,” said Phil

As NASA’s prime contractor for Orion, Lockheed Martin began

Goslin, vice president of global supply chain at Lockheed Martin

manufacturing the Orion crew module in 2011 and delivered

Mission Systems and Training. “In doing so, it is essential that we

it in July 2012 to the Neil Armstrong operations & checkout

partner and collaborate with a diverse supply base to deliver these

facility at Kennedy, where final assembly, integration and testing

innovative solutions.”

were completed. More than 1,000 companies across the country manufactured or contributed elements to Orion.

SUPPLIERS RECOGNISED Thousands of companies feed services and supplies into

“Lockheed Martin’s small business partners are critical to manufacturing products used to support customer missions around the world,” said Pat Sunderlin, vice president of global supply chain at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We recognise and value our suppliers’ commitment to quality and accountability.”

Endeavour Magazine | 33

34 | Endeavour Magazine

MODEC WWW.MODEC.COM 0065 6496 4000

MEETING THE DEMANDS OF THE ENERGY INDUSTRY HEAD ON WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

There is no escaping the fact that to meet the increasing energy demand, oil and gas will continue to be the major source of the world’s energy well into the 21st century. Moreover, petroleum resources are plentiful, despite some speculation to the contrary.

Endeavour Magazine | 35

MODEC

The most troubling questions for the oil and gas industry relate to

deliverability rather than availability and this is surely where technology will play an increasingly important role - all of which bodes well for company MODEC. We spoke with company president, Sateesh Dev, regarding his company.

M

ODEC functions in a very diverse and rich industry.

Offshore production began in 1940s offshore Louisiana.

Advancements in technology have expanded the industry to

Chemical Injection

Modules/Packages • A

675 Metering/Proces

deeper water and over the last six decades, offshore production

Diaphragm Pumps •

has increased tremendously. Currently, approximately 30 percent

API674 Process Plung

of the world’s oil and gas production comes from offshore and it is expected to continue to increase in the future.

While fixed platforms were initially used for the offshore developments, as the fields have gone deeper, floating production facilities have become the main solution for the offshore production.

There are four main types of floating production facilities; Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels, Tension Leg Platforms (TLPs), Spars and Production Semi-Submersibles.

Currently, approximately 160 FPSOs, 20 TLPs, 20 Spars, 40 Production Semi-Submersibles and 100 Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels are in operation worldwide. Orders for floating production facilities have increased dramatically over the last decade and that trend is expected to continue as the world’s energy consumption continues to grow and advancements in technology provide the capability to extract more hydrocarbons in challenging environments.

Through all this Sateesh is very pleased be able to say that, “MODEC is the global leader in delivering and operating innovative and reliable floating production systems,” and adds, “We do this by developing our people so that we have skilled, proactive and committed teams focused on creating value.”

36 | Endeavour Magazine

Pumps • Water Injecti

Skids • Airflow (AODD

Having worked hand in hand with Apollo API610 Centrif • Engineered MODEC for over a decade as a supplierPumps Packages • After-Sales and a business partner LEWA Nikkiso Services • Firewater P Packages Singapore is a subsidiary of the LEWA Group that was established as a pump manufacturer and package specialist in March 1995. Our strength is in how we provide expert solutions for pumps and systems dealing with a range of liquids for the oil and gas, process, downstream and clean market industries. Being fully accredited and certified for excellence in Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health and safety management we are a clear choice in Creating Fluid Solutions.

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MODEC

Sateesh believes it is important for businesses to give back to

THEIR HISTORY Mitsui Ocean Development & Engineering Co., Ltd. (MODEC) was founded in 1968 and its first growth stage involved the design and construction of offshore construction vessels. By the mid 1970s, the company had branched out into the full construction of jack-up drilling rigs.The first contract for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel came in 1985 and in 1986 MODEC began operating the unit. Since that first FPSO contract the company has been awarded over 25 additional FPSO/Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) EPC projects and still provides operation and maintenance for FPSOs throughout the world.

In 1999, MODEC sold its first Tension Leg Platform (TLP) and has since been awarded contracts on four more, including the Marco Polo, which at the time of installation was the deepest TLP in the in the world. For their innovative and “always a solution” attitude, Sateesh’s company has been recognised many times for their project achievements, most recently in 2007 when, thanks to their work on the MOSES Self Stable Integrated Platform (SSIP) TLP, they were recognised at that year’s Offshore Technology Conference.

the communities they are involved with and have a direct influence on, as such MODEC is seen as a corporate citizen and values the world and the environment as a whole.

“We evaluate how we can minimise any harm to the environment while maximising the benefits to people throughout the world,” he says, “And so we have engaged with a number of community contributions, scholarship programmes and other charity events to do so.” These partnerships have led MODEC to play an invaluable and life changing role in a number of the worst tragedies to affect the world in recent times. In the Asia Pacific they donated and supported relief efforts following the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, while earlier, in 2009, they participated in the famous Blood Drive to support the Singapore Red Cross Society.

Not every victory is found in the grandiose gestures however.

Sateesh reveals that they have contributed to the building and cultivations of gardens at the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital in Singapore in 2009 and the support of an orphanage centre and home for the elderly in Vietnam.

It is common for the public to see monetary gestures such as this

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38 | Endeavour Magazine

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Our group’s dedication in delivering total solution has strengthen our position as a leading Pipe-Lay, FPSO and Drill Rig Deck equipment manufacturer in Asia.

PH’s total solution will guide you through every aspect of your equipment from detailed engineering design to fabricating, testing and commissioning. We have the engineering capability and experience to deliver complete packages for Pipe- Lay Vessels, FPSO and Jack-up Rigs.

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MODEC as frivolous when compared to the hands on businesses involved

has boomed, which is why MODEC is making efforts to expand

in direct relief, however MODEC recognises the importance

further afield.

of supporting professionals to do their jobs and so the list of

Industry experts have been watching Mexico with keen interest

charitable and relief-orientated expenditure is rather extensive,

as the country prepares to launch its first offshore licence round for

enough to say that whenever there has been a disaster or a need

over 70 years to capitalise on the wells that are known to be there.

for support, MODEC have been there to help. And this is not

Sateesh points out that Africa could be a hotspot for the near

exclusive to the Asia Pacific, with offices in America and in Brazil

future. With offshore capital expenditure up by 10% to 15%, which

MODEC has mirrored their focus on community development

has been led by developments in offshore Angola, he also expects

projects, including the sponsoring of the building of schools, blood

to see growth in West Africa, offshore Ghana and Congo.

clinics and laboratories in these countries with ongoing and long-

When you have such giants as Total’s Egina development

term benefits and results.

in offshore Nigeria, which is anticipated to be the most capital

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

intensive project to happen to West Africa, there is sure to be more

Sateesh is confident regarding his role in the industry. The

interest from other players to approach the same area, which is

industry at large has been primarily concerned with the falling

great news for those locations as long as they can keep hold of the

price of oil, which has dropped as much as 27% a barrel since

in-house contracts.

early summer and this has been the predominant focus since the

According to an International Energy Agency (IEA) special

latter half of 2014. He reveals that one of the major talking points

report published in October 2014, almost 30% of global oil and gas

is whether or not oil prices will rise in the future, relative to the

discoveries made over the last five years were in Sub-Saharan Africa,

continued growth of exploration and production (E&P) costs.

which reflects a growing global appetite for African resources. This

This year has also seen a softening of MODEC’S market caused,

also bodes well for the offshore market, Sateesh points out, which

in part, by an oversupply in the market and worsened by project

is one of the reasons he is so confident about the future, despite

delays; a result of the unsettled commodities price. Meanwhile,

the sloping prices of oil.

West Africa has seen increased activity and Brazil’s offshore market

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40 | Endeavour Magazine

The other exciting development is Mexico’s first licensing round.

EBE has been working on the Top Side Modules construction since 2010, when was contracted

by Petrobras to construct ten modules for the FPSO´s P-58 and P-62.

Until now we have performed the construction of 34 modules and more than 15.000 tons among steel structure, piping, E&I and commissioning.

On 2012, EBE was awarded by Modec for the first contract between the companies: FPSO MV-24 – Cidade de Mangaratiba which scope was around 4.000 tons and 14 modules.

In a demonstration of mutual confidence, EBE was awarded by Modec, on 2013, for more 10 modules, 4.000 tons, for the FPSO MV-26 Cidade de Itaguaí.

Demonstrating huge commitment and continuous enhancement, EBE has completed the construction of this last ten modules, around 4.000 tons, for FPSO MV-26 – Cidade de Itaguaí in approximately ten months which was recognized by Modec and Petrobras as the best performance ever reached by a Brazilian company in this segment.

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MODEC

This year Mexico’s Government passed a law that will allow foreign

Under the contract, MODEC will provide the engineering,

and private domestic energy companies to explore, produce and

procurement and construction (EPC) of the FSO, while its subsidiary

refine oil for the first time since 1938. The first licensing round is

SOFEC, Inc. will design and supply the internal turret mooring

scheduled for next year and will include both onshore and offshore

system. The FSO will be equipped to receive 25,000 barrels of

blocks. The licensing round is expected to prove popular with

condensate per day and store up to 350,000 barrels.

companies eager to get a share of the country’s 10.3 billion barrels

Delivery of the floating facility to Maersk Oil UK is targeted for

(bb) of oil and 17.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in offshore

the first half of 2018, when it will be deployed at the Culzean field

proven reserves.

approximately 145 miles (233 kilometres) off the coast of Aberdeen

Deepwater will be the main attraction for foreign companies however,

deepwater exploration

and

production

is

in water depth of around 295 feet (90 meters).

risky,

“We are very honoured to be awarded the contract for supply of

technologically challenging and capital intensive, requiring the kind

the FSO by Maersk Oil. This new contract represents a significant

of experience that MODEC can offer as increased deepwater oil and

milestone for MODEC in gaining entry into the important North

gas activities on offshore Mexico could also open up opportunities

Sea oil and gas industry,” Toshiro Miyazaki, president and CEO of

in the deepwater supply chain.

MODEC said in a press release.

Partners in the Culzean field are Maersk Oil UK (operator), JX Nippon Exploration & Production (UK) Limited and BP plc.

PROJECTS MODEC has signed a contract with Maersk Oil North Sea UK Limited to supply a Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel for the Culzean development project in the North Sea.

42 | Endeavour Magazine

THE OIL RIDE Despite MODEC’S confidence, there is a big question that needs to be asked: Is there further volatility on the horizon?

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MODEC

Sateesh explains that his company is a business focussed on completing tasks, with people who are in place to research, determine and speculate about the future, ultimately though, “You have to do the job that’s in front of you,”

He adds that changing fiscal regimes will also be a big challenge, as well as prioritising portfolio management.

“The offshore rig market has softened quite a lot this year and that was before oil prices were coming off,” he says. “For owners

This being said, oil analysts have downgraded their expectations somewhat: Earlier this year Deutsche Bank lowered its forecast for

of offshore rigs, in particular, we have seen lots of pessimistic comments for the next 18-20 months, in terms of day rates.”

Brent Crude, predicting an average price of $89 to $90 per barrel

According to the Financial Times, at the beginning of November

until 2018, but this was smashed out of the water when mid-year

Transocean told analysts the offshore oil and gas industry has gone

the price plummeted lower than has been seen in recent years.

into a cyclical downturn. Transocean had just reported its results for the third quarter, which included a $2.22bn loss following an asset write-down and a 7 % drop in revenues to $2.27bn.

CHALLENGES: SECURING THE SUPPLY CHAIN Looking to 2015, one of the challenges the industry faces is securing robustness of the supply chain, “With pressure driven by the commodity price on different parts of the supply chain,” he says.

“If the oil price falls, the only way the producers will make their

“Oil prices affect contract figures,” Sateesh explains, “But it is always important to remember that when times get tough, companies requiring services in this industry look for a business with a reputation. We’ve worked very hard on developing ours.”

margins is to put pressure on costs, and if there is cost pressure in the supply chain, how do you then make sure your supply chain is still robust enough to deliver services on long-life projects like offshore oil and gas?”

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44 | Endeavour Magazine

Building for Brazil

Keppel has been present in Brazil since 2000 when we started operating BrasFELS shipyard in Angra Dos Reis. As the most established yard in Latin America, BrasFELS has built up a strong track record of delivering milestone projects for the country.

BrasFELS’ projects include the construction, integration, upgrade and repair of Floating Production Units, Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessels, drillships, drilling semisubmersible rigs, platform supply vessels, and anchor handling tug/supply vessels.

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AUTOMOTIVES FIAT 500X THE FIRST CUTESY SUCCESS WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

The 500X is the first real success of this 500 styling working on a car, other than the 500.

A stylish and characterful addition to the crossover class it has an appeal to a wider range of buyers. We’d go for the 1.4-litre petrol because it’s a great all-rounder, it rides better and is more relaxing to drive than the diesel. What’s clear is that the 500X is that it’s arguably the most desirable in its class and provides stiff competition to the stylish Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and MINI Countryman.

KEY SPECS PRICE: £20,095 ENGINE: 1.6-litre 4cyl turbodiesel TRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive POWER/TORQUE: 118bhp/320Nm

T

he retro Fiat 500 has been an outstanding success for Fiat.

Last year, more than 44,000 500s were sold in Britain (the best year to date for 500 sales) and by the end of 2015, we

Brits will have snapped up a quarter of a million of them. With a success story like that, it’s no wonder Fiat is desperate to stretch the car’s appeal to more models. But while the 500L MPV is generally agreed to have been a little wide of the mark, Fiat hopes its new 500X will strike the right balance of being an up-scaled 500 but also a credible crossover in its own right. This is our first taste of the 500’s crossover cousin in the UK. Things get off to a good start with the styling. It’s fair to say the 500’s cutesy styling didn’t translate very well to the 500L MPV, but the five-door crossover wears the 500’s retro clothes well. At the front, the 500’s circular headlights are stretched into a more teardrop shape and the ‘moustache’ badge and chrome trim arrangement is pure 500. In profile, the 500X has a similar stance to the city car but the muscular rear wheel arches, swooping roofline and 162mm (179mm for all-wheel drive versions) ground clearance are all new. To give the 500X a broader appeal, there’s the choice of the city look for a more up-scaled 500 image, or Cross and Cross Plus models that have a more rugged feel.

Climb inside and it’s clear to see Fiat has carried over the ‘big 500’ approach into the cabin, too. The 500’s classically-styled dashboard has made way for a more grown up one that features

46 | Endeavour Magazine

a smart-looking 6.5-inch colour touchscreen. A chunkier steering

torque kicks in low down the rev range, making overtaking easy;

wheel is also new as are plusher soft-touch plastics, and while

it’s just a shame that the engine is a bit too noisy and, thanks to

there’s some scratchy trim further down the dashboard and cheap-

being heavier, makes the already hard ride even firmer. We’d opt for

feeling leather on the seats, it’s a far cry from patchy Fiats of old.

the 1.4 turbo petrol that is smoother and far quieter than the diesel

The 500’s boiled sweet-like buttons, quirky metal door handles,

even if it only returns 47.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km in

round headrests and pool ball gear knob are present too, as is a

comparison. It’s also £1,500 cheaper and would be more enjoyable

slab of body-coloured plastic across the dash.

to live with.

Thanks to a lower seating position, the 500’s annoying ‘perched’

Curiously, the 500X is most at home on fast-flowing country

driving experience is gone and there’s plenty of room up front. Rear

lanes. There’s taut body control, plenty of grip, accurate but

passengers up to six-foot won’t be too cramped either due to good

artificial-feeling steering and, unusually for a Fiat up to now, a

levels of knee and headroom, but the 500X is no load-lugger. The

smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox. Entry-level Pop cars get 16-

car’s curvy but bluff rear end puts the 500X behind rivals like the

inch wheels, Pop Star and Cross models gets 17s and 18-inch

Renault Captur, which has 100 litres more volume at 455, plus the

alloys come on Lounge and Cross Plus cars. Around town, the 500X

500’s rear seats don’t fold completely flat. Total boot space with the

crashes into bumps and jitters across surfaces that are anything

seats down rises to 1,000 –235 litres down on the Captur.

other than super-smooth, so the 17-inch wheels are a must.

Fiat is offering the 500X with a 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol and three diesels – a 93bhp 1.3, 118bhp 1.6 and a 138bhp 2.0-litre – three

Country roads and motorways give a refined ride though, so it’s a mixed bag.

transmissions including a nine-speed automatic and the choice of

Prices start at £14,595 but to get our test car’s rugged look,

front or four-wheel drive. We tested the front-wheel drive 1.6-litre

you’ll be looking at £18,595 for the 1.4-litre petrol or £20,095 for

diesel in Cross trim and with a combined fuel consumption of

the 1.6-litre diesel. While the Renault Captur is cheaper to buy

nearly 70mpg and CO2 emissions 109g/km, it’s this car that’ll be

and the Jeep Renegade (the sister car to the 500X) better off-road,

the biggest-selling diesel.

the 500X is arguably the most stylish in the class and successful

There’s plenty of power and the engine’s healthy 350Nm of

repackages the 500’s charm in an even more fashionable package.

Endeavour Magazine | 47

SHOPPING FOR CARS ON REGENT STREET’S ‘MILE OF STYLE’ Hundreds of veteran, classic, modern and futuristic electric vehicles will turn London’s premier shopping street into a unique free-to-view motor show for the day. A celebration of 125 years of motoring’s past, present and future awaits visitors to London’s Regent Street on Saturday, 31 October between 10.30am and 4pm.

T

he

annual

Regent

free-to-view

Street

Motor

Show promises something

for

everyone

thoroughfare

as is

the

busy

closed

to

through traffic for the entire day.

Among attractions

the will

show’s

be

displays

of cars from the dawn of motoring, glorious classic cars and moderns, with the story being brought right up to date with the latest ultra low emission electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. There will also be a stunt bike display, musical fun from the West End Kids and driving simulator experiences.

Its

centrepiece

will

be

a display of more than 100 veteran cars, all taking part in the prestigious EFG International Concours

d’Elegance.

Many

owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the 48 | Endeavour Magazine

famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets

Race Of Champions, the end of season motor sport spectacle,

off from near Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1

which is back in the UK at the former Olympic Stadium, Stratford

November). There will also be the chance for those present – as

on the 20-21 November, also has a presence. Visitors will be able

well as further afield – to vote online for their own favourite with

to find out more about the fast and furious action anticipated when

the Spectators Special Award, sponsored by Renault. Details will be

some of the world’s very best drivers race head-to-head in identical

confirmed in due course.

machinery to see who really is the fastest. Show goers will also be

Among the veterans on show – each and every one is at least

able to have their picture taken at in a ROC race car.

110 years old – will be a number for whom the phrase ‘Back to the

The two classic buses due to be driven by Radio 2 DJs Chris

Future’ might have been invented. The 1901 Waverley, owned by

Evans and Ken Bruce in the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran

the famous London store Harrods, for example, is a zero-emission

Car Run will also be on display. At daybreak on Sunday 1 November

battery-powered electric vehicle. It will be rubbing shoulders with

these buses will be packed with successful bidders from a BBC

its great grandchildren - cars like the zero emission Renault Zoe in

Children in Need auction for the trip from capital to coast.

a display of modern EVs and hybrids backed by two organisations

The West End Kids street theatre troop will be performing

helping to shape our motoring future - Go Ultra Low and Transport

songs from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang while motorcycle stunt rider

for London (TfL). There will also be a display of the Tesla Model S.

Steve ‘Showtime’ Colley will be defying gravity and anyone who

Other attractions include what will be a remarkable display of

fancies piloting a superfast Ariel Atom along Regent Street can

men at work. A team of four technicians from Caterham will build

do it ‘virtually’ in the Top Gear Experience simulator. There’s also

a brand new Seven sports car from a pile of parts with the aim of

the McLaren Honda F1 Experience. At £8 a ride, it’s the only time

driving the car off the stand at the end of the show. James Bond’s

visitors will need to pay for any entertainment during the day.

latest Aston Martin – the unique DB10 from the film Spectre –

Enticing over 350,000 enthusiasts, tourists and shoppers last

will turn a corner of Regent Street into Bond Street for the day

year, the Regent Street Motor Show offers plenty of family fun for

while another attraction will bring the high octane excitement of

everyone and that’s without considering the ‘mile of style’ pre-

the Silverstone Classic into the heart of London. Visitors to the

Christmas shopping opportunities promised by Regent Street’s

Regent Street Motor Show will have the chance to win tickets to

fabulous shops.

next year’s Silverstone Classic festival (29-31 July 2016) as they gaze at the glorious race winning Ferrari 250 GTO ‘breadvan’ and

The Regent Street Motor Show was first held in 2005 and takes place from 10.30am until 4pm on Saturday, 31 October.

the evocative RAF Village, a recreation of a bygone era.

Endeavour Magazine | 49

50 | Endeavour Magazine

TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT WWW.TCSM.GR 0030 210 94 74000

ALL ABOARD WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

Tsakos Columbia Ship Management Company is in a league of its own when it comes to the provision of crew and technical operations management services. So much so, in fact, that over 70 vessels are currently making use of their abilities, with many more set to join the fleet.

Endeavour Magazine spoke with Capt. Panagiotis Drosos to find out just how they are managing to stay nautical miles ahead of their competition.

Endeavour Magazine | 51

TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

One of the largest ship operators in Greece, Tsakos Columbia

Ship Management Company (TCM) is well versed in its industry, providing not only technical management but also operational support and crewing resources to a multitude of high profile vessels, which include tankers, dry cargo and container ships capable of transporting 7 million deadweight tons.

T

he question is, how did this company get off the ground and into the sea? Capt. Panagiotis Drosos offered to explain, “TCM was established in 2010 with principal offices in

Athens, Greece. The company constitutes a joint venture between the Tsakos and Schoeller Groups and combines the considerable management and operational expertise and professional skills of the two groups, both in ship management and client service.”

With impressive legacies standing at the back of TCM, it is no wonder that in a short time, they have come to be a principal leader in their industry.

“The company has been a frontrunner in building strong leverage from the alliance’s arising synergies. This allows us to build upon our competitive advantage, within the maritime industry, as a preferred partner of choice with a solid track record for providing reliable and quality transport services. We remain firm in our commitment to a quality client service with the utmost regard for safety and environmental compliance. Nothing has changed in this respect, ever, since the establishment of the company.”

It’s clear this is a company that is as focused, as it is expert, so with that in mind, we have to wonder if they ever have plans to diversify their service portfolio, or if they have already. We are told that TCM is explicitly involved in the technical management of a wide range of vessels, but that outside of the shipping core business itself, there is scope for more development,

52 | Endeavour Magazine

TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

“The Tsakos Group is diversified into other investment areas

range of activities starting from recruitment and selection to the

from shipbuilding, ship repair and ferry services to oil exploration

deployment, training and on-going management of officers. Finally,

and real estate, agriculture, forestry and renewable energy projects

commercial management services are handled too, with marketing

along with cultural, educational, philanthropic and charity activities.”

and accounts all brought under one roof.”

Suddenly, TCM’s stratospheric rise to prominence becomes a

Diversification aside, this is an organisation that clearly likes

little more understandable as it is clearly part of a larger group that

to busy. While lesser competitors may only seek to offer technical

not only seeks to impress with knowledge and expertise, but also an

management services, or crew provisions, TCM takes everything

undeniably ambitious thirst. How else could five short years have

in its stride and makes this one-stop approach look simple to

yielded such impressive success? The answer is simple; it couldn’t.

accomplish.

Day to day, we wanted to know what the core activities of this

With financial turbulence having plagued all industries for a

impressive industry giant are and Capt. Drosos was happy to oblige,

number of years, shipping has not been able to avoid the choppy

“Technical management and maintenance services are our first

waters of instability. In fact, maritime transportation has been hit

specialisms, which aim to maintain vessels in optimum operational

harder than many with countless blue chip companies being forced

efficiency and robust condition while ensuring full compliance

to close their doors. There is light at the end of the tunnel however,

with current and upcoming international and national rules and

as recent improvements in the tanker sector are bringing a little

regulations as well as owners and charterers’ requirements.

more buoyancy and helping to offset the depression in the bulk

Crew management is also key for us and relates to a broad

and container sectors. Though it’s sad to see so many companies

54 | Endeavour Magazine

suffering due to the worldwide economic crashes of recent years,

range of activities within education, research , industry awareness

one thing is for certain; those who have the will and experience to

& community support and the Maria Tsakos Fundacion, which was

survive, do and TCM has unequivocally.

founded in Montevideo more than 35 years ago, continues, with

Perhaps this ability to survive and thrive comes from the set up of the business itself, with clients recognising that there is something special about this firm. We asked Capt. Drosos what makes TCM unique from its competitors,

enormous success, to support the promotion of the Hellenic spirit in S. America.”

With this knowledge firmly in the front of our minds, we barely need to ask TCM how they feel about their staff, as we already

“Our industry is not a simple business. To us it’s a way of life and

know they will be thought of as so much more than just an

calls for commitment, consistency and quality around the clock,

efficient resource. With thousands of experienced and able crew

amid a highly competitive, cyclical and demanding global arena.

at their disposal, of various nationalities and cultures, the company

An industry of such characteristics demands alertness, continuous

describes its people as its most valuable asset.

improvement, agility and full commitment to excellence.

“The fundamental driving force for our company’s success is

What distinguishes us is that we have one firm belief; that

our people. Our company’s progress goes hand in hand with our

corporate responsibility is an integral part of our business and our

people. In this respect we always aim to attract, develop and sustain

culture. In this respect the Tsakos Group has established two non-

the best-qualified personnel available to manage and operate our

profit foundations. The Maria Tsakos Foundation – International

fleet and associated activities. To do this, we build on our people,

Center of Maritime Research & Tradition undertakes a diverse

committing to foster initiative and develop human potential.”

Endeavour Magazine | 55

TASKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT COMPANY TSAKOS

It’s so much more than just a policy that looks good on paper.

acknowledged to be a struggling industry full of competition?

TCM genuinely cares, nurtures and encourages its people, safe in

“Our challenge is to grow in a sustainable manner and to

the knowledge that when they thrive, so too will the company. That

abort complacency. Establishing a culture of awareness, alertness,

is why a training centre has recently been established, kitted out

competency and commitment to continual improvement requires

with the very latest technology designed to train the highest elite

constant training, thorough performance monitoring and the

of on-board and ashore personnel. How many companies make

appropriate procedures to be in place. At TCM, we have established

such a huge commitment to their teams?

a management system that is based on the principle of continual

A finely honed team of professionals in place, TCM is free to

improvement. The main overall objectives are to ensure flawless

turn its attention to the task of keeping clients happy, so we asked

operations with zero accidents and zero pollution. This is carried

what policies are in place,

out by instilling and maintaining a strong safety and compliance

“We would sum it up as follows; we give full commitment to

culture, maintaining a working environment where risk is properly

solid and consistent performance in providing reliable, safe and

managed and reducing our environmental impact by increasing the

environmentally conscious maritime transport services.”

energy efficiency of our operations.”

The rest is simple. When you offer and provide the best and

It’s not so much a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ as ‘when

most sustainable services around, you are guaranteed to win

it’s working well, just tweak it’. Already a hugely successful and

repeat clients and the lion share of available contracts. It seems

unique organisation, TCM doesn’t need to make drastic changes

like such a simple formula, but perhaps TCM are on of the few

to retain its prominent industry position, it simply needs to keep on

global organisations that are truly making it work, but what of the

sailing into the future.

future? How does TCM plan to stay ahead in what it has already

SETELHELLAS HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS MARITIME ICT SOLUTIONS ON TSAKOS COLUMBIA SHIP MANAGEMENT S.A. FLEET SetelHellas was formed in 2007, targeting in the continuous provision of novel Maritime ICT solutions. Today is an undisputed leader of sustainable innovation and technology, aimed at optimizing vessel’s performance and operational efficiency.

Utilising the latest technologies, the Company provides a suite of digital solutions able to create value from information, accelerating the “Smart-Ship” development. SetelHellas’ installed base constitutes the ultimate proof of success in providing a holistic approach. It is no coincidence that the most prominent companies, such as Tsakos Columbia Ship Management (TCSM), put their trust to our company.

TCSM, after an extended evaluation, has chosen SetelHellas to deploy to its fleet the Custom Tailored Intelligent Vessel™ Suite. The new technological set-up will be used to provide a Reliable and Robust Operation, as well as Remote Administration and Control through the award winning SmartBox-V™ Network Intelligent Device.

56 | Endeavour Magazine

58 | Endeavour Magazine

MAJIS (OMAN) 00 968 26852400 WWW.MAJISOMAN.COM

SOLUTIONS ON TAP WRITTEN BY MARY PARKER

Founded in response to a growing need for industrial port support, Majis Industrial Services has gone from strength to strength. We spoke with company CEO, Ahmed Al Mazrouy, to find out what he attributes this success to.

Endeavour Magazine | 59

MAJIS (OMAN)

Founded in 2006 as a wholly Government

owned company, Majis Industrial Services (Majis) was designed to create and look after every aspect of water utility services.

P

roviding infallible services to all industrial and other occupants

by industries at SIPA. This led Majis to a decision that it would

of Oman’s largest port and petrochemical estate, found at

need the technical support of a sound partner to facilitate such

the Sohar Industrial Port Area (SIPA), naturally required an

responsibility.”

organisation that was as knowledgeable as it was forward thinking

With such a firm grasp on the future requirements of the

and proactive, not to mention fiscally stable. Ahmed Al Mazrouy

industries that are reliant on a reliable and quality service from

quelled any fears about these elements,

Majis, the team is demonstrating wisdom far beyond its years and

“Building, operating, maintaining and providing uninterrupted,

a lasting commitment to ensuring all eventualities can be handled.

reliable and cost effective water utility services to the industrial

“The Government of Oman initially built, with our engineering

and port complex with over USD 15 billion in investment as a newly

support, a seawater intake and pumping station, portable water

created Omani company is a challenge the company took upon

distribution network and sewage collection network, which

itself. In several ways, it has been a challenging journey for Majis

Majis then took over but we did not stop there. We went on to

as there was no such model in Oman, of a one stop industrial water

identify other water utility infrastructure required to service SIPA

utility provider, to learn or replicate the experience from.”

and complete the entire water cycle requirements and so we built

Leaping in at the deep end, Majis were far from just treading

further assets through a combination of debt and equity financing.”

water and demonstrated not only a vision of excellence to operate

These assets included a common cooling water system, sewage

in accordance with, but also the tenacity and ability to remain

treatment plant, process water distribution network, irrigation

consistently fluid and adaptive to new innovations and ideas.

water distribution network and a reverse osmosis-based seawater

“Majis initially, and until 2010, operated its infrastructure

desalination plant. Not what you would call modest investments,

through a local contractor. This contract was essentially a manpower

these assets allowed for a degree of future proofing, not to mention

supply contract with no performance obligation on the contractor.

all important client confidence. Keen to keep building, Majis invited

The water utility services Majis provides to industries are

international water utility operators to tender for a position as its

critical, to the extent that an unplanned service outage could lead

strategic alliance partner. As you can imagine, the competition

to significant losses and create associated problems of re-start up,

for such a coveted role was fierce, but Veolia, France emerged

following the unplanned shutdown. There was an indication that

victorious in December 2010.

there will be a need for a central effluent treatment and recycling

“This contract is performance-based, whereby Veolia is

facility, in time, to handle effluents that could be complex with

incentivised for excellence and savings brought about and penalised

the refinery, petrochemical and metal businesses carried out

for operational failure. In the last three years this strategic alliance

60 | Endeavour Magazine

Sustainable water solutions from WABAG. As an international systems supplier, we have a wealth of experience in plant design, construction and operations. For over 90 years, through our technologies and services, we have been making a major contribution to the provision of secure water supplies and wastewater treatment in the interests of both humanity and the environment.

We offer sustainable solutions for: • Drinking water treatment • Industrial water treatment • Desalination • Water reuse & recycling • Wastewater treatment • Sludge treatment • Operations & Maintenance In our role as a technology leader, we offer state-ofthe-art processes that guarantee our municipal and industrial customers clear ecological and economic benefits. Vast experience in project management and the Operation & Maintenance of water treatment plants make us a very reliable partner.

Seawater Desalination Plant Al Ghubrah 190,932 m3/d drinking water for Muscat City.

Start-up: 2015

54,000 m3 /day MBR based sewage treatment plant at Al Ansab for Muscat City. Start-up 2009

sustainable solutions. for a better life.

Seawater Desalination Plant for Sohar Industrial Port Area (MAJIS), Muscat: 20,000 m3/d drinking and industrial water. O&M: 2013–2014. Start-up: 2013

Seawater Desalination Plant Duqm, 6,000 m3/d drinking and industrial water.

Operated by WABAG since 2010. Start-up: 2010

ancing – Design & Engineering – Construct lting – Fin ion – Com missioning mission nstruction – Com ering – Co ing – O & Engine perati has installed over 1,200 plants n G g A i B A s e W , D 5 ons & M worldwid – 199 e - clea aintenance – Consulting – Financing d 441 industrial facilities.

Since ning 5 people an 3 mill 1 million 6 1 ion m g n i t or ³ of wat er and wastewater per day - supp VA TECH WABAG Ltd. Consu

Flat No. 32, Building No. P/22, Azaiba, Muscat Sultanate of Oman PO Box 997, Postal Code 116 e-mail: k_srinivasan@wabag.in

www.wabag.com

MAJIS (OMAN)

partnership has brought about a number of improvements in the areas of asset maintenance and customer service, which resulted in the overall customer satisfaction rating for Majis’s services improving from 75% to 84%.

It has also offered training to Majis’s employees, through various initiatives including secondment to work at the various operational facilities of Veolia and shadow training at Majis’s own facilities.

A computerised maintenance management system has been integrated with Majis’s ERP system and the team has successfully obtained ISO 9000, 14001 and 18001 for the operational and management services being offered to Majis by Veolia. There has also been significant improvement in health and safety, thanks to adopting the best practices they implement worldwide.”

UEM GROUP ( as Toshiba Group Company) helps Majis achieve Environmental

Though alliance partnerships are commonplace in modern

Compliance and Deliver Recycled Water

business, it is an impressive organisation that can admit that they

for Sohar Industrial Port Area. Majis has

have benefitted, as a company, from the inclusion of external influences, but that is Majis all over. Never ones to ‘glory hunt’,

selected UEM to design and construct

they are always looking for the best solutions for the continued

innovative Central Effluent Treatment and

provision of perfect water utility services for one of the industrial hubs of Oman.

Moving forward, Majis is in the midst of some exciting projects, most notably the erection of a second seawater pumping station, a second desalination interest, a second industrial effluent recycling

Recycle Plants (CETRP) to comply with the new regulations.

plant the collection and recycling of treated industrial effluent.

UEM is providing engineering, procurement,

Naturally, these measures are a welcome addition to the services

and construction (EPC) services to Majis,

already on offer, not least from an environmental point of view, something that an astonishing number of large corporations still try

and is currently in the process of building

to avoid acknowledging. Mazrouy added,

CETRPs to collect treated industrial effluent

“We currently provide tanker-based process water supply to the Sohar Free Zone (SFZ). We are in discussion with stakeholders and are expecting to provide all water utility services to SFZ over the next two years or so.”

The sheer scale of attainable ambition being demonstrated by Majis is inspirational, so we enquired about the staffing support that will be utilised.

“We have 32 permanent and approximately 100 ad hoc staff

from the tenants of SIPA and to recycle and re-use this wastewater by producing water suitable for irrigation and for use as process water by the tenants of SIPA.

members, with all operating staff adhering to the ISO 9000, 14001

By adopting an innovative and sustainable

and 18001 standards. Staff development is the most important

design proposed by UEM that maximizes the

element of our strategy. We have a competency mapping based training program that is in effect for each employee and on an average they all attend between 30 and 40 hours of training per annum.”

We wouldn’t expect anything less than extraneous training, unyielding support and stringent competency standards from Majis and we can imagine that the staffing body is far more than a finely

use of existing assets, Majis will be able to comply with the revised MECA regulations while at the same time producing water suitable for use as process water for the tenants of SIPA.

62 | Endeavour Magazine

uemgroup.com UEM (a Toshiba Group company) is an international multi-disciplinary environmental services company that specializes in providing turnkey services in the water and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal. UEM group provides complete, single source services from engineering, design to construction-installation with full responsibility on a performance guaranteed, water, waste-water or domestic waste treatment facility.

UEM Group of companies had provided quality services to industries and municipalities since 1973 and encompasses over 395 projects in around forty countries including USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Kenya, Caribbean Islands, Taiwan, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Trinidad & Tobago, Oman, Ghana, Jamaica, Argentina and others.

Aerobic Biological Treatment Systems

Wastewater Reuse Systems

Raw Water Treatment Systems

•

Biofilters / Trickling Filters

•

Ion Exchange (IX)

•

Cascade Aeration

•

Conventional Activated Sludge (CAS)

•

Ultrafiltration (UF)

•

Primary Clarification (Conventional,

•

Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR)

•

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

•

Moving Bed Bioreactors (MBBR)

•

High Recovery RO

and Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge (IFAS)

Process Water and Ultrapure

•

Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR)

Water Systems

•

Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)

•

Two Pass RO

•

Aerobic Sludge Digesters

•

Demineralization (DM)

•

High Rejection RO

Solid Contact, Lamella) •

Gravity / Pressure Media Filtration

•

Activated Carbon Filtration

•

Disinfection (Chlorination, UV, Ozonation)

MAJIS (OMAN)

tuned machine geared towards success and quality. It is most likely

“We are looking to double product volume of cooling water from

an extremely satisfied team of individuals who feel appreciated

350,000m3/hr to 700,000m3/hr, expand desalination capacity to

and quantified every day. Talking about what sets Majis apart from

capture all available opportunities, treat effluent waste and recycle

competitors, Mazrouy explained,

to support the environment and generate value for customers and

“We deliver eco friendly, sustainable water solutions that satisfy

create a joint venture company with an internationally reputed

customers through committed and competent resources and well

partner. This joint venture will be designed to deliver world class

managed assets while remaining cost effective. Our continuous

water utility services to industrial areas in the region.”

focus on customer satisfaction means that we have delivered value to clients for over nine years.”

He continued on to explain how the Majis supply chain is selected with client satisfaction constantly in mind,

With plans to invest in the region of USD 50 million, over the next three years, Majis is on track to set itself apart as the premier supplier of water utility solutions for businesses in the region and we have no doubts that they will success in their endeavours. By

“We have a combination of strategies when it comes to

retaining a focus on client satisfaction and anticipating future

maintaining an effective supply chain. As a water utility provider we

needs, Majis is a fountain of industry expertise that looks set to

rely on competitive strategies in terms of infrastructure creation,

never run dry.

while we strive to maintain long-term relationships for operational outsourcing. We partner on a long-term basis to optimise cost and improve reliability, without compromising on the governance and competitive procurement strategy. This allows for exemplar customer service to continue, uninterrupted.”

Looking ahead, we asked what the most exciting upcoming initiatives are and in true Majis fashion, they are ambitious, largescale projects,

MENTIONABLE DEVELOPMENTS Majis have awarded company UEM a contract for the design, construction and operation of an industrial wastewater treatment and recycling plant in the Sultanate of Oman. The Project ‘CETRP Phase 1, Sohar Industrial Port’ is being constructed to serve the Sohar Industrial Port Area (SIPA) and will treat, recycle and reuse treated industrial effluent within the SIPA. “UEM will construct and operate a 10,000m3/d plant for a period of Five years with an option for Five year Extension,” Mazrouy explains, “This new design will also integrate a preexisting Sewage Treatment Plant of 3,000m3/d capacity already at the site. This plant had been built by UEM in association with a local construction company.”

UEM was the obvious choice, Mazrouy continues, “With its years of experience in effluent treatment and recycling and its prior experience of construction in the sultanate of Oman, it is fully equipped to take on this project and deliver as per the timelines.”

Majis Industrial Services SAOC is likely to award the contract for design, build and operate (DBO) phase 2 of the central effluent treatment and recycling plant (CETRP) at Sohar Industrial Port Area (SIPA), by the first week of November 2015, “We are in the final stage of evaluating bids and the contract will be awarded by first week of November 2015,” The tender, which was issued on May 13, 2015, had its submission deadline extended to August 5, 2015 and has five companies in the race to win it.

The scope of work includes design and construction of two phases of 10 million litres per day CETRP and new online monitoring stations for new tenants of SIPA. Phase 2 will be functional by the first quarter of 2017.

“Last year (2014), we awarded the phase 1 contract to Indiabased UEM Group to construct and operate a 10,000 cubic metres per day plant for a period of five years with an option for a five-year extension,” Mazrouy explains, “Of course, we can’t reveal who we have chosen until the ink is dried.”

64 | Endeavour Magazine

Endeavour Magazine | 65

66 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE WWW.MOVIETOWN.COM 001868 687 21 01

ENTERTAINMENT REDEFINED WRITTEN BY DAEMON SANDS

The MovieTowne brand is a cultural icon in the Caribbean and its name has become synonymous with the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. So far ahead of its time is this venture and so fierce is the drive of its CEO and founder, Derek Chin that it is set to become the standard of entertainment in The West Indies.

Endeavour Magazine | 67

MOVIETOWNE

A lush landscape, tempered with a prominent grace and a rich cultural heritage Trinidad and Tobago has formed the epitome of a welcoming Caribbean paradise.

I

n addition to its outstanding natural beauty, the archipelagic republic, which lies off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean is one of the wealthiest countries in the region and on paper

enjoys a per-capita income many times higher than a majority of the surrounding islands, not to mention the wider Latin American continent.

An untouched gem, Trinidad and Tobago enjoys an abundance of oil and gas reserves, a naturally tropical environment and a vibrant, life-loving people who are making and have made significant strides to develop their nation to the point where the rest of the world are looking at this region of West Indies as one of the fastest growing economies.

Via a combination of Government initiatives aimed at diversifying the national economy and ever-increasing investment from private enterprise, Trinidad and Tobago is laying dominance to its rightful place as the central tourist hotspot of the West Indies. Much of the credit for this must be given to one of the most visionary and eccentric businessmen to come from the islands, Derek Chin; founder of MovieTowne.

Derek Alexander Chin, entrepreneur extraordinaire, enjoys an extremely dynamic and illustrious career as the Chairman/CEO of MovieTowne (Multicinemas Trinidad Limited); Trinidad Commercial Development Company Limited; and Dachin Enterprises. Aswell as being a highly motivating force in business development he is also a keen intellect having attended Trinity College and St. Mary’s College. He then went on to the University of Western Ontario, where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

After a period serving as the Senior Auditor with KPMG, Canada, he returned to Trinidad in 1981, where he pioneered the Video Arcade Gaming Industry.

MOVIETOWNE MovieTowne is known as the premiere Cineplex, shopping 68 | Endeavour Magazine

MOVIETOWNE

and entertainment brand of the region and since the opening

to introduce people to a far higher level of customer service than

of its flagship complex at Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain in 2002,

they were accustomed to. MovieTowne was ahead of its time and

MovieTowne has successfully brought an authentic, high end silver

I believe we have really opened people’s eyes and changed their

screen experience to the Caribbean. It is no great surprise that

expectations.”

MovieTowne has become synonymous with Trinidad and Tobago in the minds of all Caribbean islanders.

Over the decade following this, MovieTowne has expanded considerably and alongside its flagship complex in Port-of-Spain

“The cinematic industry in Trinidad and Tobago was on its knees

which is comprised of a 10-screen multiplex cinema, 28 retail

before MovieTowne came into being,” Derek explains, “People

outlets, eight kiosks, a PriceSmart US style shopping warehouse and

preferred DVD’s, VHS and Betamax at home to going to the

exclusive hair salons, restaurants and cocktail bars, MovieTowne

cinema and considering the conditions of the old auditoriums it is

opened two further complexes. An eight-screen multiplex cinema

no surprise. There was little or no variety in choice, the bathroom

at Price Plaza, Chauganas, and a four-screen multiplex cinema

facilities were deplorable and it was a dowdy and intimidating

at Gulf City Mall in Tobago, also accompanied by a selection of

experience. Customer service was also far from polished.”

shopping centres, entertainment facilities, and restaurants are now

MovieTowne’s emphasis on providing a flamboyant thematic

open for business.

cinema experience, state-of-the-art facilities, a wide selection of

“Our Cineplex is themed along the lines of Hollywood with the

movies and exquisite customer service has quickly won over any

latest being a back drop of Jurassic Park with all the dinosaurs as an

sceptics who thought that this was perhaps an outlandish idea. But

attraction,” Derek describes, “Including various life size models of

it is often the outlandish ideas that have the best drive.

Batman , Chewbacca from Star Wars, the Joker, Gollum and Shrek….

“MovieTowne changed all this,” he continues, “I wanted to

these are just a part of our growing museum of film characters.”

bring the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood to movie fans here

The scale of MovieTowne’s success is such that the Trinidad

on the islands and give people a real experience. Also I wanted

and Tobago Newsday reported how MovieTowne has ‘contributed

18 Anne St., Simpson Lands, Cocoyea, San Fernando Tel: (868) 652 - 2929, Fax: (868) 653 - 7258 wmohamedagencyltd@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

Packaging & Disposables

All Styro Foam Food Containers, Cups, Plates &Trays.

Clear Plasticfood&Portion Containers. Paper Hott Cups.

All Sizes Of Paper Bags, Brown&White.

Brown, White, Handle, Bottle, Fries, Popcorn.

All Sizes Of Plastic Bags: White, Black, Clear,Frosted, Handle, Ad, Garment, Pharmacy.

All Sizes Of Garbage Bags: Black, Clear,Bulk,Retail, Security.

Napkins, Paper Hand Towels (Rolls&Interfold).

Boxes: Poly-Coated, Caiie, Bakery, Pizza, Wedding, Burger, Hot Dog, Open Trays.

Cake Boards, Greaseproof Paper, Plastic Wrap, Foil.

Plastic Forks, Spoons, Sporks, Combo Packaging, Soup Spoons Styrofoam Coolers.

Straws. Toothpicks. Skewers. Food Grade Gloves. Hair Nets.

70 | Endeavour Magazine

Food & Beverage

Cooking Oil: Box, Keg, Retail.

Margarines: Puff Pastry, Cake, Sofi' Spread, Bread & Pastry.

Salt & Sugar: Bulk & Retail.

Ketchup, Bar-B-Que Sauce, Mayo, Vinegar, Cheese, Flour, Vienna Sausages, Tuna.

Beverages: Lucozade, Vitalis, Sting.

Toiletries

Toilet Paper, Toilet Bowl Cleaner.

Scented Disinfectants.

Bleach, Kitchen Degreaser.

Dishwashing Liquid.

Liquid Hand Soap.

Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener.

Dispensers For: Toilet Paper, Liquid Soap And Paper Hand Towels

towards enhancing the social and national fabric’ of the country for a variety of different reasons. As it is, Derek Chin has become somewhat of a folk hero in Trinidad and Tobago, an icon for young business people to aspire to be like.

“MovieTowne is more than a business, and is now a cultural, educational and charitable institution on the islands.”

INFLUENCE IN OTHER AREAS A serial entrepreneur, over the years Derek has been intrinsic in the creation of a number of business including a Telecom Security Services, one of Trinidad’s leading security firms, Sign Tech Limited - a Caribbean electronic sign innovator and the Ruby Tuesday, Wok Hay and Texas de Brazil local restaurant franchises. A keen horse racing enthusiast he is also responsible for the first Trinidad and Tobago online gambling system, but one of the key attributes to this man’s greatness is his continuous investment in people.

“We promote and fund youth education through film,” he explains, “We founded the Secondary Schools Short Film competition which enables film students to not only get specialist support and tutoring but win scholarships into higher education courses and we engage in much charitable work while investing in

Endeavour Magazine | 71

MOVIETOWNE

communities.” Through access to its Fiesta Plaza, MovieTowne has

Trinidad. MovieTowne South will be 92,000sq feet of cinema and

also provided a platform for many emerging artists to showcase

retail space and is probably going to be the nicest Cineplex of the

and promote their talents, and for the last two years, MovieTowne

whole chain so far, fitted with eight state of the art cinemas, digital

has hosted the “Trinbago Kids Got Talent” competition. Through

and Dolby surround sound systems, 3D technology etc… thematic

this competition children from different age categories have been

lay outs and maybe even a VIP section. “

able to showcase their talents to thousands of patrons and receive

Since its inception in 2002, MovieTowne has achieved

constructive feedback on how they can hone their talents from local

consistent annual increases in attendance, which now total over 1

professional artists. MovieTowne has also been a lead collaborator

million patrons per year. Its world-class entertainment experiences

in promoting foreign cultures with film festivals and is involved in

are borne out of an attention to detail in executing its vision as

charitable activities.

well as a strict adherence to the highest standards of quality and

“MovieTowne has been a wonderful addition to the islands.”

the brand goes way beyond designed ambience, offering luxurious surroundings and welcoming service – all at a cost that is still less

NEW DEVELOPMENTS The spread of success continues, as Derek relates, “In Guyana we are opening six screens to accommodate approximately 2000 patrons. HiloFoods is our anchor tenant with 55000sq ft super store but we have interest from other tenants such as Wendy’s and Ruby Tuesday, including a bank FCB, First branch in Guyana.

Construction has started with the piling works… In San Fernando we are the anchor for the proposed c3 shopping mall, a project owned by the JT Allum and Carlton Mack family of South

72 | Endeavour Magazine

expensive than that of any movie outing in North America, offering citizens great value as an entertainment choice.

“The Guyana developed was initiated through efforts of the Government of Guyana to get me to invest there, and a 5th complex in South Trinidad is now in the final stages of planning and due to commence construction later this year,” says Derek Chin, “The Streets of the World project at Invaders Bay just behind the Port of Spain Movietowne is very important to me.”

As one of Derek’s daring projects, once completed, this will

change the attractiveness of Trinidad and Tobago making it a genuine tourist destination upon the same level as any found elsewhere. “Trinibagonians have a loud to be proud of and this venture will make Trinidad the gem of the Caribbean.� He concludes.

MovieTowne is not just about watching movies. Trinidad and Tobago’s premier entertainment destination offers a vast array of restaurants, kids-entertainment-areas, boutique-stores and home goods stores all within walking distance of each other. The perfect opportunity for the parents to get some shopping done while the kids can be entertained at the cinema and/or arcade and afterwards everyone can meet up again for a meal at one of a long list of restaurants offering a wide selection of cuisine from authentic Caribbean dishes to Chinese to American burgers.

Endeavour Magazine | 73

74 | Endeavour Magazine

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL WWW.ASIAPLANTATIONCAPITAL.COM 0065 6222 3386

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN GROWING SUSTAINABLY WRITTEN BY DON CAMPBELL

How do you save the world? You show businesses how to make profits by doing so. There is a kind of poetry in it.

Established officially in 2008, although operating privately since 2002, Asia Plantation Capital now has plantations and agricultural projects on four continents with operational projects at various stages from start-up to fully operational plantations and farms and reported revenue of US$64.7 million.

Endeavour Magazine | 75

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL

For over 10 years, the company has acted as owner and operator of a diverse range of commercial plantation and farming businesses globally by providing sustainable forestry and agricultural land acquisition and development services to the global forestry and agricultural sector.

A

ccording

to

the

“Forest

PriceWaterhouseCoopers,

Financing”

opportunities

report in

by

- close to a railway hub and deep sea port facilities - was carefully

forestry,

and painstakingly selected, with logistics very much at the forefront

agricultural and plantation ownership have changed over

of the decision making process.

the last decade, to become part of both large and small investors’

Illustrating the company’s careful and meticulous planning,

portfolios. There has also been a change in perception. Having

this facility is also strategically and conveniently located in close

previously been considered an alternative investment, they have

proximity to Singapore - a country currently ranked as one of Asia’s

become more mainstream and are now an essential component of

biggest Agarwood import and export centres - with more than

many institutional and pension growth funds.

US$1.2 billion in estimated trade per annum (according to official

With this in mind, Asia Plantation Capital is at a position that is

reports), which presented Asia Plantation Capital with a leading

stronger than most as it owns its freehold and long-term leasehold

competitive edge in terms of its access to a significant market on

plantations. As such, the wholly owned land portfolio is free from

its very ‘doorstep.’

bank debt and has been purchased by the company’s own funds.

The company is also heavily involved in the manufacturing

Speaking with Steve Watts, CEO of Asia Plantation Capital of

of structural construction boards and flooring produced from

Asia, he reveals that APC is one of the world’s fastest growing

the group’s bamboo plantations that are now being used in the

plantation management companies and that they are leading

construction of sustainable homes as part of the companies’ joint

the way in such areas as sapling cultivation and forestry growth

venture with EcoTechAsia.

while simultaneously pioneering inoculation methods, harvesting

Sustainable plantations and farms that create sustainable

techniques, distillation methods and product processing, “The

products for the rapidly expanding numbers of environmentally

scope of our activities allow many key skills and talents to rise to

conscious consumers worldwide drive these businesses and ensure

the surface,” he says, “Which allows us to not only turn a profit

that the group remains fully vertically integrated throughout the

for us and our partners but also to make a meaningful economic

product supply chain.

benefit to the local communities.”

Asia Plantation Capital offers plantation management services,

A key component to the fast and undeniable success of this

providing plantation owners the option of having their plantations

company is the strategy with which Asia Plantation Capital has

managed using the latest scientifically proven processes and

taken in tackling the industry. Steve explains that they have

techniques researched and developed by APC and its Global

strategically established a diverse range of stand-alone businesses

Scientific Advisory Board. Plantation and biological assets currently

through which they are able to best harness the strength of the

owned and/or under management on behalf of private clients, are

many sectors found within agriculture. These include the use of

in excess of US$600 million and are forecast to rise to more than

pure Oud oil from Agarwood trees to produce fine perfumes for

US$1 billion over the next decade.

the international fragrance industry; manufacturing products for

Steve makes it clear however that APC does not provide

the pharmaceutical sector; construction of sustainable homes;

investment advice and is not authorised to do so and that all parties

plantation and agricultural specialist management, and tree

considering entering into long term forestry and farming projects

nurseries for local communities to access.

seek independent advice from reputable advisors.

Earlier this year in fact, Asia Plantation Capital opened the largest Agarwood-processing factory in South East Asia. Occupying

LOOKING AFTER THE COMMUNITIES

a brand new 44,000 ft2 unit in the Masai Industrial Park, the multi-

Steve explains that it is APC’s mission is to become the leading

million US dollar investment is integral to their strategic expansion

provider and operator of sustainably managed forestry and

of its Malaysian plantations and production capacity. The location

agricultural plantations and this includes the whole project from

76 | Endeavour Magazine

ASIA PLANTATION CAPITAL

evaluation all the way through to specific plantation acquisition and development.

another major agricultural sector.

Their award-winning, vertically integrated business model and

“We believe that corporate responsibility is not simply about

its unique ‘From Soil, to Oil, to You’ story has been making waves in

securing profit for shareholders and clients, but also involves a

Europe and this comes as no surprise taking into account the rapidly

positive contribution to society and the environment,” he says,

rising number of groups travelling to Southeast Asia from Europe to

adding, “With local people at the heart of our operations, and

visit the company’s plantations, factories and retail outlets.

sustainable practices adopted throughout our agroforestry, we are

Steve says that over the past few months, Asia Plantation Capital

a positive example of the ‘people, planet, and profit’ concept that is

has had the privilege of welcoming and hosting some of Europe’s

inspiring modern, sound business practices today.”

most influential investment and fund managers, state officers and private bankers for a ‘show and tell’ at its Southeast Asian facilities.

DEVELOPMENTS Sustainability goes hand in hand with transparency and APC is always appearing in the news, with their name being mentioned on business feeds across Asia and Europe and always with remarkable projects that are changing communities, economies and industries. Whereas some businesses push forwards in a single straight line, Asia Plantation Capital are thrusting out in many different directions, leveraging the strength and capabilities of their associated businesses. Steve chose to highlight the latest project the company is involved with, which has bridged a gap between the East and West and strengthened the ties that APC share in Europe,

78 | Endeavour Magazine

One such group was the Geneva Economic Delegation, who visited Asia Plantation Capital’s Singapore office and its partner, Fragrance Du Bois’ flagship boutique at The Fullerton Hotel, on the 11th of October 2015.

Heading the Swiss group was Pierre Maudet, Chief of the Department of Economy and Security of Geneva Canton, Michael Kleiner, Economic Development Officer at State of Geneva, Pierre Poncet, President of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Geneva and Vincent Subilia, Deputy Director, Head of International Affairs, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Geneva, along with a group of 25 other distinguished guests.

The delegation was in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

and unique sustainable business opportunity.”

to identify potential opportunities and to better understand

He continued, “I believe that this visit is just the start of

the workings and dynamism of the Southeast Asian business

a budding relationship. On behalf of the Geneva Economic

environment, with a view to maintaining and further developing

Delegation, I would like to thank Asia Plantation Capital for a

favourable economic relations between the two countries.

wonderful experience. It was unfortunate that we have had such

Singapore is acknowledged to be Switzerland’s most important

a tight schedule,” he concluded, “but we are certain that we will be

trading partner in Southeast Asia, due to an existing agreement

back to visit the plantations in Thailand and the factory in Malaysia,

within the European Free Trade Association.

to encounter the full ‘From Soil, to Oil, to You’ story.”

In his welcome speech, Stephan Leterrier, Swiss Business

“Our usual plantation trips are mostly held with our Asian-based

Development Manager of Asia Plantation Capital, introduced the

plantation owners and clients,” Steve says, “But over the past few

company to the delegation with emphasis on the four P’s, namely;

months we have seen an exponential growth in hosting European

Population, Planet, Plantation Tour and Profit, the elements that

groups from countries such as France, Switzerland and Germany.

reflect Asia Plantation Capital’s ethos. Shortly after addressing his

We are extremely proud to say that this is a proven result of the

colleagues, Pierre Maudet concluded by suggesting the addition of

hard work that our global teams have contributed to the underlying

a fifth P, for Perfection, in Asia Plantation Capital’s business model.

success and growth of the company.”

“We were extremely impressed by the amount of knowledge

“I am also certain that we will be expecting more visitors from

and quality details Asia Plantation Capital presented to us,” said

all around the world, who will be eager to be part of our sustainable

Kleiner, “from the extensive industry expertise, to the sensual end

story.” Steve concludes.

product seen in the exquisite perfumes at the luxurious boutique, and ultimately, the on-going commitment to sustainability. It’s an unusual combination that makes it a genuine, vertically integrated

Endeavour Magazine | 79

80 | Endeavour Magazine

EDAN K PROPERTIES WWW.EDANKPROPERTIES.COM 001 868 658 3442

THE ONLY WAY IS UP WRITTEN BY AMY TOCKNELL

Edan K. Properties Ltd has sought to identify and exploit a gap in the industrialisation infrastructure market within Trinidad and with a string of hugely successful projects in its portfolio, Endeavour Magazine spoke with Nyal Khan, Executive Director of the company, to find out what drives the company forward.

Endeavour Magazine | 81

EDAN K PROPERTIES

As the title suggests, the only way is up when you are part of a

hugely successful organisation that has quickly become renowned for creating innovative developments and exciting real estate projects, such as Edan K. Properties Ltd (EKPL), but what has lead to such unprecedented success in such a short time?

F

ounded in 1998, as part of the Wazir Khan Group, EKPL started

construction and promotes industrial growth. The company is also

out with modest aspirations, as Nyal Khan tells us,

a contributor and sponsor of a number of charities throughout the

“The key area focussed on, initially, was the acquisition,

country. We are a regular sponsor of the Prime Minister’s Charity

development and construction of commercial properties. As the

Golf Classic, a number of community football and cricket teams and

company grew, it ventured into larger land development projects

a number of religious organisations.”

and the development of industrial estates.”

Being well known and respected not only for business reasons,

With such a fast and impressive upward trajectory, we asked

but also community support initiatives is something of a rarity,

if there was already a gap in the market for the services EKPL

but EKPL always seeks to make the time to give back to local

provides or if they actively created one,

communities, as without them, they would be unable to enjoy

“Trinidad is highly industrialised and there was a gap in the market to provide industrial infrastructure. Edan K, through its subsidiary 445 Ventures, is involved in restaurants and health clubs that add value to existing commercial projects.”

the success that they do, despite the property industry still being relatively buoyant, as Khan explained, “The real estate market, at this time, remains strong with prices holding steady. However, demand has slowed from the pace seen

Having moved into the fast-paced world of commercial real

over the last 10 years as the economy is slowly showing the effects

estate, the company clearly has a firm grasp on the changeable

of slowing trade and retail spending as a result of lower energy prices

marketplace and a deep understanding of what is necessary in

and fall in consumer confidence. As a long-standing developer, we

order to stay ahead of competitors. To date, EKPL has developed

see this as an opportunity for us to pick up deals in the market.

and manages in excess of 10 million square feet of real estate

Also, 2016 may be an ideal time for construction as global steel

that includes not only commercial shopping centres and buildings,

prices are showing a downward trend. Late 2017 may be the best

but also two industrial complexes. Though impressive feats, the

time to bring a completed project to the market. The main hurdles

question is, how does the company make itself unique in such a

being faced would be that the energy companies might be unwilling

competitive industry?

to commit to rentals or purchases of properties while the oil price

“The company has a history of developing somewhat iconic

remains low. Some projects depend on commitments from these

projects that add tremendous value to otherwise overlooked real

companies in order to get the green light to start construction.

estate. This in turn increases the value of surrounding properties,

Without the commitments from these potential tenants, some

which greatly benefits the communities in which we operate. This

projects may be delayed.”

also adds to employment opportunities both during and after 82 | Endeavour Magazine

Not a company to dwell on the ‘what ifs’, however, EKPL is

looking to the future and continuing to gear up for even more success, with a 60-strong team of dedicated and highly experienced professionals on board. Having a reputation for innovation and excellence, we were unsurprised to learn that employees are held in the highest esteem and given every opportunity possible to improves themselves, “Staff are normally recruited and trained by their line manager.

All staff must comply with basic standards of competency and qualifications for their position prior to recruitment, however, individual staff development is very important as it serves to motivate employees, improve performance, reduce turnover, build loyalty and create a family environment, particularly on projects where there is a small number of staff.”

Happy to offer people local to new developments employment opportunities, EKPL recognises that its people are not only the front-facing representation of the company as a whole, but also the backbone that will offer clients the levels of service that they have come to expect, “‘Customers’, for us, would be tenants and/or purchasers/ investors in development projects. To keep these people happy, it is most important that our Facility Management division maintains a safe and clean environment, thereby providing a first class facility and maintaining the value of the asset and with this in mind, aftersales is extremely important to us as. We have a small portfolio of customers that invest considerable amounts with us and as such, they expect the investment to be very successful and would no doubt continue to invest in future projects if we satisfy them from the start.”

Citing the acquisition of information and high value properties ahead of competitors as another key to the success of the company, Khan alludes to the expert knowledge that permeates every faction of EKPL, making the organisation al the more impressive for its relative modesty.

Looking ahead to the future, it seems as though EKPL has a number of exciting projects in the developmental pipeline, all of which look set to raise their profile even further. Including two business parks and a comprehensive office and conference complex, the projects are undoubtedly going to have a huge impact on the Trinidad real estate market, but how will they impact on the company itself?

“These are projects that more or less fall in line with what we already do at the moment, so not much, in terms of operations, will change. More staff will be hired to manage these projects during and post-completion though. In total, these developments represent a US$60M investment, spread over the next two years.”

There is no doubt that EKPL is well equipped and prepared to handle whatever these projects bring, but we feel sure that the disruptions will be minimal, as when you are already at the top of the development industry there is only one thing to do; start building even higher!

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84 | Endeavour Magazine

TCM WWW.TOTALCM.COM 001 868-622-4826

INVESTED ON THE ROADWAYS OF THE NATION WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

When we first spoke with the managing director of Total CM Robert Visser in 2013, we were very impressed by the shine of functionality of his company and the kind of teamwork he had established within his empire, “This company depends upon the people working for it,” he said.

And nothing has changed.

Endeavour Magazine | 85

TCM

In Trinidad and Tobago, if you own a car you’ve probably heard

about the TCM Group of Companies, they are one of the success stories within the region and their Managing Director Robert Visser is often requested to speak at seminars and events and represents the very spirit of entrepreneurial ship and people orientated management. From set up as a small concierge and vehicle detailing business to its current position as a standard-setting, industry shaping group of companies with activities in concierge, vehicle leasing and roadside assistance Robert has been there nurturing the company’s growth one person at a time.

W

ith a leasing and rental vehicle background, Robert Visser

transport for things like airport shuttles, large scale and after-hours

moved to Trinidad and Tobago in 1998 and moved through

transport of staff. Even with most of the customers coming from

a number of management roles when he had a chance

the corporate sector the company’s twenty four/seven dispatch

meeting with his business partner Kirk Waithe.

service still underpins everything it does.

The opportunity was that BPTT was looking for services on

“We recognized that diversification was important,” Robert

both internal and external fleets, a concierge service with their

explains, “And GPS technology has been a natural thread that ties

internal fleets and a leasing and rental approach with the external.

together everything that we do with transport, rental and roadside

BPTT contacted Kirk and asked if he could arrange this all by the

assistance. It allows us to monitor maintenance points for our rental

next day and he contacted Robert and asked if he could put it

vehicles, departure and arrival times for transport, and in terms of

together and Robert’s reply was, “Sure no problem,”

monitoring driver behaviour it’s a critical aspect of HHSE and the

Nothing like a sense of urgency to create results.

technology is designed to suit the client’s needs in all cases.”

“That’s how the partnership developed,” Robert explains, “During the intervening years I’ve become the managing partner of the organization with what started as a company with three

THE TCM FAMILY

employees on our side, and a strong start-up attitude has grown

This focus on people is what sets TCM apart from the

since. The banks backed us because we brought a level of service

competition with their internal customers being just as important

that had simply not been seen in Trinidad.”

as their external ones.

It was a quest to set the standard of customer service as high as

“Our success is based 100% on the commitment of our people,”

possible and the opportunities presented to them early on to offer

Robert details emphatically, “They are the face of the organization

Road Side assistance as an aspect of their package. This was simply

in interacting with our clients and we have a strong team building

something that was not seen in Trinidad and Tobago.

atmosphere and we incentivize much of what we do for our people.”

“When we started our roadside assistance it really startled

TCM also walks the talk, thanks to Arrive Alive which advocates

people,” Robert says, “We were the first to be on the scene it was

for road safety and better transport management systems in

really unprecedented level of service and we were often there

Trinidad and Tobago.

within ten minutes in the event of an emergency or a breakdown and that hadn’t occurred before in the Trinidad market.”

TCM then branched out even further into the area of executive 86 | Endeavour Magazine

“All that we do at TCM is invested on the roadways of the nation,” he continues, “So we felt it was important that we advocate for road safety ourselves and that was how arrive alive was born. It

TCM

has played a bit part in having the breathalyser past in the country

door policy. If there is a particular degree or certification that

because in the end it’s all about people.”

will benefit a person’s career we will support their education and

This person-to-person attitude has set a high level of customer service that remains at the heart of TCM and helped create a new

training with a 50% loan upfront to help pay for it, and a following 50% once the certificate is earned.”

industry standard from the very moment the company began

Expecting the best from you staff, expecting them to uphold

operations in 2001. Thanks to them a number of the innovations

the name of your company is much easier when you’ve given so

they had over ten years ago are now the norms of the industry.

much to them first. When people enjoy working somewhere they

“We’ve shown that excellent customer service can exist in Trinidad and Tobago and that message needs to get out and our

want to do their best. And this is what Robert Visser and TCM have epitomized.

business has grown through unsolicited customer to customer

“One of the things we offered our staff was an eight week self-

testimonials and our people understand that. It’s everything that

defence course for them and their family. Something close to my

drives our success and continues to drive our success in the future.”

heart as I’m a blackbelt in karate and know how good it is as a tool to engage them with,”

WORKING WITH PEOPLE Robert is a man who recognizes that business is all about

BIGGEST DEVELOPMENTS

working with people and has set himself the task of not only being

“Two of the largest developments that have taken place recently

the best leader and employer as possible but also as an example

is that we have formed incredibly strong partnerships with BGTT

to other entrepreneurs and owners of small to medium sized

(British Gas Trinidad and Tobago) and ALNG (Atlantic LNG),” Robert

enterprises.

reveals, “These two business partnerships are the main reason that

“As an entrepreneur you do go through your ups and downs and we’ve always grown through word of mouth,” he says, “Early on we grew too rapidly, where in 05, 06 and 07 we had to downsize.

But we’ve always recognized our reputation is our greatest asset and that’s key, no matter how hard the times are, you must stand behind your core values and your reputation as a service provider in whatever industry you’ve chosen. That was what sustained us through difficult times.”

TCM is a service company and Robert recognizes that their reputation is the greatest asset and that the people working there are the most important people they have. For the service industry, the first key, is you have to know and interact with your people and TCM employs over seventy-five people including executive transport representatives, field agents, a technical division and a leasing and a rental feet in excess of 500 vehicles. In all the activities the face to face and interaction of a professional level stands out, to get getting your people to perform at their peak you have to understand their motivations and there are different motivations for their generations.

“You have to understand that some people are looking at just a job and others are looking at a career,” Robert explains, “Three important keys come to face when speaking about personnel; you have to have a family focus, a family feel, especially in small to medium sized enterprises, we like to have our people engaged on multiple levels, we go above and beyond.”

One of the ways is that TCM offers their staff internal interest free loans, while this has caused some problems in the past it is something that Robert believes is important.

“We promote beyond internal training, we promote education across a broad range of areas and keep communication in an open88 | Endeavour Magazine

our total rental and lease fleet has grown to over 500 vehicles over the past two years.”

Robert goes on to tell us, “We handle the entirety of BGTT’s

BGTT, ALNG, and BPTTs operating in T&T.

corporate lease and short-term rental vehicles with approximately

TCM is the one of the few vehicle services providers who have

210 total vehicles engaged and we handle the majority of ALNG

survived the gruelling process of being successfully audited and

executive transport requirements.”

STOW Certified as a “High Risk” compliant entity for two full years.

Atlantic provides a shuttle to work service for all of their

“The reason that this is so critical is that TCM was only required

personnel into and out of Southern Trinidad on a daily basis as a

to achieve “Low Risk” certification in our specific field of vehicle

strong human resources and safety focus and this incorporates as

services but we chose to push ourselves to achieve High Risk and

many as nine, thirty seater buses operating on any given business

only if your company grades out during the audit process at over

day.

85% are you certified for 2 years – anything less than 85% in any

Together, British Gas Trinidad and Tobago and Atlantic LNG are two key partners who are directly responsible for the reputation and success of TCM Group.

category would only allow for a 1 Year certification. “ In conclusion, over achievement in business is wonderful.

The drive to do more than is necessary to create something that

“Their influence has been crucial,” Robert tells us, “For example,

will always be better tomorrow than it was today is something

their on-going commitment to helping small companies in raising

that identifies the best companies to watch out for. Historically

their level of safety delivery to globally recognizable benchmark

these are the businesses that not only create distance between

standards can be seen through the local initiative called Safe To

themselves and the next level of competitors, but they shape their

Work (“STOW”),”

industries around them and change the world.

This has been a highly publicised safety and management system requirement instituted by the Energy Chamber of T&T whereby all energy (multi-national) sector sub-contractors have been required to be STOW certified in order to be accepted as contractors by the

Endeavour Magazine | 89

90 | Endeavour Magazine

WANG ON FIBRES 0027 11 9081792

PACKAGING MANUFACTURING WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

As is the case with many sectors, the South African packaging industry is facing challenges, however, it is still capable of successfully competing in global markets and is encouraging the companies and businesses within it to aim to turn these challenges into opportunities. This is the philosophy behind Wang On Shipping, who specialise in fibre packaging bags for the shipping industry.

Endeavour Magazine | 91

WANG ON FIBRES

In no way is South Africa to be considered second rate

with regard to the design and application of packaging, in fact it is a high demand country for exports and imports of food, produce and manufactured goods and as such, the packaging industry has had to grow and develop to support this.

ang On has worked consistently and with great persistence

W

The Gross domestic product (GDP) has, to a large extent, been

to structure themselves as a reliable and forthright

driven by services in the recent past, rather than by manufacturing.

company in an industry sometimes overshadowed by

A discussion with Wang On’s director reveals that the total value of

companies such as Nampak, Uniprint and Mpact. However, they

South Africa’s packaging industry is around R43-billion, contributing

have come to shine in the industry thanks to their level of customer

about 1.5% to South Africa’s GDP. Plastic packaging contributes

service and personalised approach to business, which is often lost

approximately R20-billion a year and paper packaging R12-billion a

in the bigger companies.

year, with the balance made up by glass and metal packaging. Not

This being said, as a SME, Wang On is facing many challenges.

These include the high cost of administered services such as

only is the packaging industry a significant employer, it also assists in the beneficiation of the country’s natural resources.

electricity and municipal services, as well as the shortage of

Packaging materials are produced and manufactured locally,

skilled labour, a vex that has followed South African businesses

from local materials, which is a tremendous benefit to South Africa

for decades. Another challenge is the export market. While foreign

in terms of economic growth and job creation. Also to consider

companies, which export packaging products to South Africa pay

is that in the absence of adequate packaging, countries will face

no duties, countries such as Brazil, among others, impose duties on

product waste that negatively impacts on economies.

South African packaging exports.

In developed countries, such as the UK, about 3% of the

As a united front, the packaging industry is continuously

produce that is grown or produced in the field is lost between

engaging with the Government regarding this, asking not for

the point of production and the point of consumption. This is in

protection against it but for fair play. Slowly but surely the

comparison with developing countries, where product waste can

Government is realising the significance of this challenge and are

be as high as 40% as a result of inadequate packaging materials and

attempting to make changes, however, it is no secret that in South

poor infrastructure.

Africa the actions of the Government do not always benefit those it should.

Indeed, it can be argued that packaging has a critical role to play across the entire value chain and in establishing food security,

It is the opinion of many in the industry that the packaging

which is a global issue and one type of packaging cannot be

industry should look to skills development as a way to bridge the

considered as uniformly better than another, as each type has

skills gap. Furthermore, for South Africa to reduce its unemployment

different applications and fills a different need in the market.

rate and create more jobs, it needs to develop its manufacturing sector.

92 | Endeavour Magazine

There is a constant migration from one type of packaging to another over time, such as from glass to poly-ethylene terephthalate

(PET). This migration is driven by several factors, including cost, the effects that a certain type of packaging has on the environment with regard to its recyclability and its carbon footprint, the application of the packaging material and the safety it offers consumers.

PET packaging has come a long way over the last 20 years, as the technology to mould PET into a suitable packaging form was not available at its conception and as a packaging material, PET has the advantage of being lightweight. For example, a 500 ml glass bottle weighs 400 g, whereas a 500 ml plastic bottle weighs only 40 g.

While Wang On is less involved in the PERT recycling projects, it is more focussed on fibres, as it is still part of the industry that is facing this opportunity to turn challenge to causality. To do this it has to be highly selective of the companies it works with, such as Constantia Press Ink, who have been working with Wang On Fibres for the past five months as a procurement company that secures packaging and other related needs such as needles for Wang On’s bag making machines.

Advanced product technology, R&D facilities and a level of service second to none among ink companies

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94 | Endeavour Magazine

PNG POWER WWW.PNGPOWER.COM.PG 00675 324 3200

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Papua New Guinea relies largely on hydro-electric power and PNG Power Limited (PPL) supply over 74,000 people in the country, relying heavily on both thermal and hydro plants for their power generation. However, with a stronger than ever El Nino effect, the area has been struck hard putting the region into the worst drought in two decades.

Endeavour Magazine | 95

PNG POWER

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill warned of an escalation of unfavourable

conditions across the rest of Papua New Guinea as the El Nino strengthens over the next few months and said, “This drought has the potential to be worse than 1997 and 1998,”

T

his has not only placed a dire threat to the agricultural sector

for the reforms in the electricity sector and the restructure of PPL

but a huge responsibility onto the shoulders of PPL, who are

(PNG Power) is to introduce reliable and affordable power supply

the main power utility of the country who supply energy to 19

to at least 90 per cent of the population, consistent with the goals

provinces.

of Vision 2050.”

In January 2015, a state of emergency was declared for the

PPL has hydro and thermal electricity generating plants in 19

utility, a result of a number of mitigating circumstances through

provinces of Papua New Guinea all and apart from the 7 connected

which El Nino was only one part and as the first major move

by the Ramu Network, they work in isolation as individual cells.

since this happened, Papua New Guinea’s electricity sector made

According to the Asian Development Bank, Papua New Guinea

a number of key appointments at PNG Power, which included

currently has power generation capacity of around 580MW, but

appointing John Mangos, who was the former Digicel PNG Chief

will need an estimated 2000MW of installed capacity by 2030 to

Executive officer to Executive Director of PNG Power.

keep pace with Government targets.

John, who was Government appointed due to his impressive

Minister Micah also stated that approval had been given for new

record in bringing Digicel from ground zero to holding 90% of the

hydropower stations to be built at Edevua (Brown River), Gembogl,

mobile communication market in Papua New Guinea, explains that

Kiburu, Tua River, Wara Simbu, Daewoo Lae, Hela and Puanda.

his role is to assist the PPL executive management in its executive

The Papua New Guinea Government signed an agreement

duties and responsibilities, “Providing a mentorship role to bring in

with Italian construction firm, Salini-Impregilo, to jointly develop

modern management practises working together with the board.”

the 1800MW Karamui dam project in Simbu Province. This follows

“The state of emergency was announced in January this year

a recent deal with ExxonMobil to buy gas from the PNG LNG

in a bid to fix a list of concerns, one of which is to fix the revenue

project for local power generation. The PNG Government has also

problems faced by PNG Power,”

announced a 10-year electricity infrastructure development plan.

It is a compound problem that affects PNG Power. Lacklustre

In another move, the Government has made a significant

management from previous directors when it came to revenue

change at the top of the Independent Public Business Corporation

collection together with a the worst drought in years and a

(IPBC), which oversees all state-owned enterprises, including PNG

heavy reliance on hydro generated power means the company

Power. Garry Hersey is to replace Managing Director Wasantha

is in a position where it has large obligations to fulfil and needs

Kumarasiri, who has headed the IPBC since early 2013.

a management leader who is able to take the reins and steer the beast in the right direction.

For a 60-day period, Micah had extraordinary powers to take companies and individuals to court for non-payment of bills and illegal use of electricity. He said that a major recommendation of the report was the restructure of PPL, which was viewed ‘as a wholesome approach to improving and strengthening of the provision of electricity services’.

“The SOE [State of Emergency] Report also recommended and was approved by cabinet of major projects that will progress the development of electricity in PNG,” Micah said, “The ultimate goal 96 | Endeavour Magazine

THE SITUATION Despite remarkable economic growth that the country has achieved in recent years, Papua New Guinea is faced with a chronic shortage of electricity, to which the aggressive drought is significantly aggravating.

“Power demand outweighs power supply in growth rate,” John reveals, “According to our research, the country’s peak power demand is expected to increase to 347 MW in 2025,” (to lend some perspective, in 2012 the demand was 210 MW), he continues, “Under the given circumstance, it is critical to implement measures

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For over 30 years now, Greg Sewell Forgings has been manufacturing and supplying quality steel forged & fabricated products to the Australasian market.

For all of your fastener and line hardware accessory requirements or to find out more about Greg Sewell Forgings, please contact our National Sales Manager – Mr Robert Borg on +61 400 363 600 or email: rborg@gsforgings.com

‘Experience in forging’ www.gsforgings.com

PNG POWER

to cope with the increasing power demand to promote investment,

improved power stability that can boost economic activities as well

economic growth and ultimately to achieve poverty reduction

as people’s welfare and livelihoods in the region,” John attests.

through economic growth.”

Hydro accounts for more than 40% of the energy output, with 38% coming from thermal as in diesel fire power stations. The remaining installed capacity was constituted by geothermal and natural gas power plants. Of this total installed capacity nationwide, 295 MW belongs to PNG Power Limited, comprising 148 MW of hydro (50%) and 137 MW of thermal (47%) power plants. The remaining installed capacity belongs to mining and manufacturing industries, as well as 150 to 200 small rural electricity systems (called “C-Centres”) that are operated by local Government authorities.

According to the PPL Annual Report 2009, hydropower serves base load in the Port Moresby, Ramu and Gazelle Systems. However, most of these hydropower plants are more than 30 years old and have not been properly maintained due to the previously poor financial situation of PPL. As a result, power outages have been prevalent and increasing for many years and the total hydropower generations are estimated to be lower than 30% of the total annual electricity generation in PNG. There are two major power systems in operation in PNG generating as much as 90% of the country’s electricity. One of which is the Ramu System covering much of the Momase and Highlands Region. The Ramu system, however, is said to have serious problems with its power transmission lines. According to John, the Ramu transmission lines fail to meet the N-1 criteria, one of the international standards for quality transmission lines.

And as such, PPL advised that majority of the 1,706 unserved energy incidents that occurred in 2010 is attributed to this power transmission lines.

“The Ramu transmission lines are literally lifelines indispensable for the city of Lae, which is the commercial capital of Papua New Guinea,” John highlights, “And in this respect, they have a vital role to play to keep major industrial and manufacturing activities alive there.”

Therefore, the Ramu Transmission System Reinforcement Project aims at stabilising the electric supply to Lae and its neighbouring areas. The project is composed of the transmission line component and the substation component. For the transmission line component, more than 130 km overhead 132 kV transmission line will be installed from Taraka to Singsing Substation. For the substation component, rehabilitation of Ramu1 switchyard, Singsing, Erap, and Taraka substations, and installation of telecommunication system connecting substations will be carried out.

“Upon completion of the project, the Ramu system will have

98 | Endeavour Magazine

SUPPLY Papua New Guinea’s topography offers another challenge, which has hampered the development of a national grid system as well as considerable distances between various towns and load centres. PPL operate three separate urban grids and 14 other independent provincial systems. In addition, there are a number of C-Centres and privately owned facilities in rural areas. The three separate urban grids operated by PPL include Port Moresby System which serves the National Capital District, the commercial, industrial and administrative centre of Papua New Guinea as well as the surrounding areas in the Central Province with a total capacity under the Port Moresby System of 116.2 MW, comprised of the Rouna Hydro Power Stations, Moitaka thermal power station and Kanudi Power Station, which is diesel and privately owned.

There is the Ramu System as discussed above which serves the load centres of Lae, Madang and Gusap in the Momase Region and the Highlands centres of Wabag, Mendi, Mt Hagen, Kundiawa, Goroka, Kainantu and Yonki. Economies based on mining, oil, gas,

coffee, tea, timber and industrial productions. The main source of generation is the Ramu Hydro Power Station with an installed capacity of 75 MW, and a run-of-river Pauanda station in the Western Highlands Province with 12MW installed capacity. Power is also purchased when required from the privately owned Baiune Hydro Power Station at Bulolo in Morobe Province and varies between 1 to 2 MW depending on availability. Transmission line outages, energy and peak demands are met by diesel plants at Madang, Lae, Mendi and Wabag, which serve as stand-by units.

Then there is the Gazelle Peninsula System, which serves the townships of Rabaul, Kokopo and Keravat to service Gazelle’s economy based on copra, coconut oil, cocoa, timber and fishing.

The Gazelle Peninsula system is powered by a 10MW hydro power system at Warangoi, Ulagunan Diesel Power Station with 8.4MW, and 0.5MW from Kerevat Diesel Power Station.

“PNG Power Limited has a history that goes back to the colonial days under the Australian Government,” John says, “Its predecessor, the Electricity Commission was set up in the sixties, so there is a historic reason to keep supplying.”

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100 | Endeavour Magazine

KENYA POWER WWW.KPLC.CO.KE 00254 703070707

POWERING PEOPLE FOR BETTER LIVES WRITTEN BY JACK SLATER

Power doesn’t come without time and effort; the electricity that we take for granted is sourced through the hard work of the professionals working tirelessly in this industry. Kenya has faced many issues in the quest to develop its power generation and the future is heady with potential.

The future of Kenya Power is one filled with light and we liaised with Ben Chumo regarding what his company is doing.

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KENYA POWER

Supply and demand are keywords in power generation and knowing

how much power can be generated safely and efficiently is very important.

In addition, a power system requires sufficient reserve capacity to cover planned and unplanned outages, with part of this reserve being online, as in active, which is referred to as spinning reserve, so as to be able to cover up for any sudden loss of generation capacity due to a machine or a transmission outage.

“I

t’s easy to forget that power generation relies on working machinery,” Ben indicates, “People take their power for granted but the machinery needs to be updated and

maintained.”

The current interconnected system capacity stands at 1,764 MW which includes 821 MW of hydro, 565 MW of medium speed diesel plants, 54 MW Gas Turbine, 293 MW of geothermal, 26 MW cogeneration, 5.1 MW of wind and 30 MW of rental diesel power.

The effective interconnected capacity under normal hydrology is 1,707 MW. The Interconnected system peak demand is 1,468 MW as recorded on 10th June 2014.

What this means is that hydropower provides close to half of the generation capacity. However, the catchment areas for seven forks have continued to receive depressed rainfall since June 2013, which has had a detrimental effect on the amount of hydropower generated.

Ben reveals that comparing the rainfall received at Masinga during the months of January to April, 513.00mm and 309.20mm were received, in total, during 2013 and 2014 respectively translating to 142% and 86% of long term average (360.11mm).

The latter was poorly distributed and this resulted into poor inflows in the hydropower dams. Turkwel and Sondu catchments received normal rainfall up to October 2013 after which the rainfall became depressed and has remained as such.

“Reduced rainfall across the country means that the system has had reduced hydropower capacity in the seven forks and western Kenya,” Ben explains. Meanwhile, power demand from a

102 | Endeavour Magazine

KENYA POWER

burgeoning country has been on the rise, “Growth of eight and a

Company Limited and has solicited power support of 50MW (up

half percent peak demand and over nine percent energy demand

from the previous 30 MW support).

was recorded just last year. The unavailability of adequate reserve

“This has significantly reduced the shortfall by 20 megawatts,

capacity has therefore made the system vulnerable so that any

leaving a net shortfall of only 15 megawatts during the evening

sudden loss of generation capacity results in adverse system

peak,” Ben says, “This shortfall necessitates load management

instability and consequent loss of load, which then affects our

during the peak in order to maintain the rest of the system in a stable

electricity customers.”

condition and the area affected by the load management due to the

Location is also an issue. When the generators are too far from

15 megawatts deficiency is Nairobi industrial area. Some areas in

load centresm this can severely affect the available voltages and

West Kenya are also affected by the load management measures

this is why Nairobi and West Kenya experience poor voltages as

instituted to cater for the low voltages during peak hours.”

they are supplied from distant locations, “The low voltages lead

Now, ongoing capacity addition projects are to be commissioned

to load shedding in order to avoid associated system collapse and

between June and September 2014 that will mitigate the current

poor quality of power to customers,”

shortfall, while the committed generation projects will ensure

This has become the main hurdle to overcome as the system is

sufficient system capacity is sustained in the future. The Kenyan

experiencing a capacity deficit of up to 35MW during the evening

Government has also initiated a plan for 5,098 MW of new power

peak due to the low hydrology and also intermittent supply from

generation capacity to be developed in a 40-month period between

Mumias Sugar cogeneration plant, which has shortages in bagasse

2013 and 2017.

fuel.

To find a solution, first Kenya Power had to fully understand the

There are a few possible initiatives that could help. For

magnitude of the problem. The Kenyan power transmission system

example, to alleviate the impact of the capacity shortfalls in the

is made up of four main electrical areas Nairobi, Mount Kenya,

interim, Kenya Power has engaged Uganda Electricity Transmission

Coastal and Westerly regions. Of these four, Nairobi is the main

104 | Endeavour Magazine

load centre, making up approximately 55% of the demand and all the regions are weakly connected with 220/132 kV lines, which were sufficient when they were first installed, 50 years ago, but have been almost redundant and inefficient since the 1990s.

According to Ben, in the existing power system many of the substations are supplied through single radial 220 kV and 132kV circuits, thus breaching the N-1 system security criteria, which requires an alternative line for every existing one, capable of taking up the entire load carried by the initial line, in order to avoid system instability.

With this in mind, the system faces challenges whenever lines

“

carrying considerable generation suffer unplanned outage and no alternative lines are available to take up the lost transmission capacity. Such situations easily lead to partial or total system collapse, which may seem like a merely irksome inconvenience for people at home and in the office, but can spell disaster for hospitals and businesses relying on power to stay operational.

A number of projects are being implemented to address these

Major rehabilitation and refurbishment works on distribution substations are underway in the country to reduce supply interruptions and to provide contingencies.

Several projects have been completed in the recent past, across the country, to address the problem.”

transmission constraints, which include such things as the formation of 220 kV Nairobi Ring and NairobiCoast 400/220 kV ring at Mt. Kenya, a series of new substations being planned, a Mombasa-

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Endeavour Magazine | 105 09/11/2015 14:56

KENYA POWER

Nairobi Coast 400 kV transmission line, Suswa-Nairobi 400 kV

dedicated feeders that will create redundancy and hence, minimise

transmission line and reactive power compensation equipment

interruptions.

installed in Embakasi, Juja Road, Ruaraka and Nairobi North.

The distribution system is also being restored, having

“Presently, 66 designs estimated at 1,116M have been completed,” Ben tells us.

deteriorated as a result of historical challenges dating back to the

While present distribution transformation capacity has

period when the country experienced funding challenges under

about 1,500Mva spare capacity, this capacity will be upgraded

donor embargos. This lack of financing led to underinvestment

in anticipation of the additional 5000MW and ongoing schemes

in the distribution system, which ordinarily requires replacement

presently being executed by Kenya Power will bridge this gap, while

of the aging parts and continual expansion to meet demand and

at the same time creating shorter feeders and de-loading lines that

to also have in place adequate system redundancies for improved

are presently overloaded

security and reliability.

Some of the projects are focussed externally, for example,

“Major rehabilitation and refurbishment works on distribution

targeting the 100 top and essential customers to be focussed

substations are underway in the country to reduce supply

on during outages, this triage approach has been taken so that

interruptions and to provide contingencies,” Ben highlights,

important customers such as hospitals, schools, municipal buildings

“Several projects have been completed in the recent past, across

and the largest manufacturers can be given priority over those

the country, to address the problem.”

customers that can realistically do without for a period.

Planned across the system, they include a range of development and repair projects such as the strengthening of the low, medium

“This is obviously not a preferred situation,” Ben emphases, “But it is necessary.”

and high voltage lines, the introduction of a smart grid to improve

In addition to all the above, which is ongoing and intensive,

transmission and sub-transmission substations and a replacement

Kenya Power has initiated a specific project named Operation

of ordinary (air break) switches with high capacity (load break)

Boresha Stima Viwandani for industrial customers.

switches, which is currently in progress as is the automation of equipment at primary substations for faster supply restoration.

BORESHA STIMA VIWANDANI

involves

the

intensive

maintenance that is presently in progress and has involved focused

“Some of the disruption experience comes in the form of theft,”

shutdowns, such as the ones recently undertaken in industrial areas

Ben explains, “People steal the wiring to resell the metal and to

in Nairobi and then employing all teams to work on that area that

stop this we’re instigating a project to underground the overhead

has been shut down for the day to optimise the time and ensure all

HV, MV + LV network, to eliminate third party interference with

works are completed.

the lines.”

Finally, while it cannot be argued that there are obstacles ahead,

This will coincide with a refurbishment of substations and

the future is still bright for Kenya Power and with such focusses

enhancement of capacity, reactive power compensation in west,

being placed on the development and refurbishment of baseline

coast and Mt. Kenya regions and the trace clearance both on MV

features that have been neglected in the past, the scale of future

and LV Lines that will increase the total cover to 45700km.

projects can only grow.

“Not all the projects are glamourous or seemingly technical,” Ben says, “We can’t overlook anything when it comes to the distribution of power and some of the projects are more a case of maintenance, such as the replacement of 74,000 wooden poles with concrete main lines and refurbishing the LV lines, correcting lines that may have sagged and load balancing in 6,415 substations!”

Kenya Power has identified 100 installations and the process of designing alternative supplies is in progress to come up with

106 | Endeavour Magazine

“It’s good to be the light at the end of the tunnel,” Ben concludes.

GADGETS

NEW US BASED COMPANY MAKES LIFE EASIER WITH WIRELESS HEADPHONES INSPIRED BY ANCIENT GREECE A new brand, dedicated to enhancing the lives of electronic device users, has exploded onto the digital market, providing thrill seekers and outdoor enthusiasts with headphones designed for an active life.

RadGadget Labs provides quality merchandise to US customers across a number of Internet sites including Amazon.com and Buyshop. The new range of Tykhe headphones draws from its

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO TIMEPIECES LAUNCH 1898 SPORTS COLLECTION

namesake, Tykhe the Greek goddess of chance and good fortune,

Tapping into the ongoing sports luxe trend, Salvatore Ferragamo

to bring good luck to those who need it, when living life to the

Timepieces has announced the launch of the new 1898 Sports

fullest.

collection for autumn/winter 2015.

Richard Brant, Founder of RadGadget Labs said, “We are

Celebrating the renowned shoemaker’s year of birth the 1898

excited that our range of headphones is available to buy from

Sports collection is inspired by the Maison’s unique interpretation

some of the biggest Internet shopping providers. They are perfect

of the classic diving watch.

for everyone who lives life to its full potential. Compatible with

Featuring the brand’s iconic logo at 12pm and luminescent

some of the most popular mobile technology, including Apple and

indexes and hands, the Swiss Quartz movement ensures you’ll

Android smartphones and tablets such as the iPad, our Bluetooth

always be on time while the sleek date window, situated at 3pm,

headphones give listeners clear sound, deep bass and a life free

will help with counting down to the weekend.

from tangled wires.”

Available in two different styles, the navy and deep forest

Available in with three different sized earbuds and two pairs

green watches have a hard wearing yet stylish nylon strap and

of soft inner ear stabilisers to keep buds in your ear, RadGadget

Ferragamo’s signature Gancino shaped case, while the black and

Labs’ headphones are ideal for the most rigorous activities such as

silver timepiece backs the monochrome caoutchouc strap with a

running and biking.

vibrant shade of red.

On-earphone buttons allow for complete usability and users to change volume, pause, play, fast forward and rewind calls. Users

Ready for all adventures, the collection is water resistant up to 200m, making it perfect for the modern day action man.

can also speak to their friends and family through the in-built microphone.

About Ferragamo Timepieces

With five hours of music playtime, seven hours of talk-time,

First launching at Baselworld in 2008, Ferragamo Timepieces

a 60-minute recharge time and a six-month guarantee, the Tykhe

combines the iconic style and design of the mainline brand with

headphones give users the chance to embrace life with crystal clear

a contemporary edge, creating unique, Swiss made watches for

sound.

both men and women. Available in over 600 boutiques worldwide,

To find out more about RadGadget Labs’ new range of Bluetooth headphones visit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V9IRJJ2 108 | Endeavour Magazine

the timepieces reflect the allure and appeal of the brand and the renowned strong personality of Salvatore Ferragamo himself.

OPSH LAUNCHES IN THE UK Ground-breaking online shopping platform Opsh has just launched in the UK and aims to shake up the online retail sector forever. Opsh provides shoppers with a single destination to shop across their favourite High Street brands with a single account and checkout.

For the retailer, it is a super affiliate channel with end-toend sales point and while a three-day non-technical integration is provided, there is no disruption to retailer’s online payments, supply chain management and transactional flow.

The site takes a retailer’s marketing feed and enriches it with deeper information, product imagery and real-time stock information. Users are able to check-out a multi-brand account, creating instant purchases across each retailer in real-time.

Unlike other shopping platforms, Opsh does not hold stock, but facilitates the transaction between shopper and retailer, offering the freedom to explore entire product ranges and the retailer to

THE MTV AMPFLY PHONE CASE Considering the case is pretty chunky, I was impressed with how practical it is. You might not want to use it all the time, but it doesn’t get in your way as much as you might think- just don’t wear skinny jeans. Being a biker, I was quite astounded that I could still manage my volume controls through my leather gloves and waterproof trousers (don’t wear earphones on a motorcycle kids, it’s dangerous!). It’s also very easy to connect your earphones and phone charger, so thumbs up for that.

There are countless phone cases out there, so what makes this one so special? Well, being music-oriented and developed from a love and inspiration of acoustic sound, this phone case claims to amplify the sound coming from your phone, without the need for batteries. Playing Ludovico Einaudi’s “Le Onde,” there’s a noticeable difference in sound level, but it certainly doesn’t amplify the sound to three times the normal level, as the packaging claims, just ask the decibel meter.

Build quality? I won’t lie, it does feel quite cheaply made, but then how much would you want to spend on producing a phone case? That being said, it didn’t break when I dropped it from a normal height (sorry, Ampfly), so you’re pretty safe on that front.

Price-wise, there are one or two more expensive sound-amplifying

sell, unrestricted. Curation is at the heart of all that Opsh does for the shopper. Once signed up, Opsh creates tagging algorithms across products and content to deliver results in accordance with interests and buying behaviour. Unlike other fashion apps, Opsh offers a fun shopping experience, but critically, is focused on the purchasing experience.

Opsh was founded by three sisters - Jennie, Sarah and Grace McGinn - who felt compelled to create a better shopping experience online for women.

“Opsh is all about taking the hassle out of shopping. We’re all avid online shoppers and created Opsh because we were sick of how time-consuming online shopping was becoming,” explains Sarah, co-founder and Head of Marketing.

The McGinns are at the forefront of Ireland’s booming tech start-up scene, which is rich with a generation of young entrepreneurs bursting out of the recession with new ideas, backed by international investors.

Opsh has established a strong customer base in Ireland and is now set to take on the UK market.

“Big picture? In five years’ time,” says Jennie, “we’d like to be one of the top five shopping destinations for women. That’s a global goal and the UK market is the perfect place for us to start.”

phone cases out there, but most are actually cheaper than the MTV

Brands currently available on OPSH include:

Ampfly.

Reiss

All Saints

New Look Forever 21

Overall, I think this is an average product, but don’t let

Jaeger

Uniqlo

appearances fool you, it’s definitely more practical than you’d think.

Urban Outfitters

House of Fraser

www.ampflysound.com

Wolf & Badger

Warehouse Endeavour Magazine | 109

BOOK REVIEWS

The Keepers

By Rae Rivers

The Keepers is an exciting new paranormal romance series about three warrior brothers destined to defend a powerful witch.

They are her fierce protectors, friends and allies in maintaining the balance of nature. Three brothers, four stories and hot romance!

Pay It Forward

By Catherine Ryan Hyde

It all started with the social studies teacher’s extra-credit project: Think of an idea for world change, and put it into action.

Whilst this proved a little ambitious for most of his classmates, twelve-year-old Trevor thought he would start by doing something

The Keepers: Sienna is the free Prequel to the series, followed

good for three people. But instead of paying him back, he would ask

by The Keepers: Archer. These first two books are about Sienna

them to “pay it forward” by doing a favour for three more people.

(the witch) and her keepers and focuses on the blossoming but

If it all went to plan, Trevor thought, it would be the start of a long

forbidden love between Sienna and her oldest Keeper, Archer

chain of human kindness . . .

Bennett. When two evil warlock brothers return to their small town

Sound unlikely to you? Well a lot of other people had their

of Rapid Falls, trouble starts to brew. Will their love survive the

doubts too – Trevor’s teacher, his classmates, his mother, in fact

ultimate war?

everyone in his small California town. It could never really work. . . could it?

110 | Endeavour Magazine

Troy: Fall Of The Kings

By David Gemmel Troy: Fall of Kings is a historical fantasy novel by British fantasy writer David Gemmell, forming the final part of the Troy Series. It was finished by his wife, Stella Gemmell, following his death on July 28, 2006 and released under the joint authorship of David and Stella Gemmell.

Not to give the game away on the final work of the world’s greatest historic/fantasy series but this book ties in the known history of the period and the legendary stories we all learnt about at school with a deeply satisfying storyboard that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat to the very last page.

Written in David’s usual, deeply romanticised fashion, he draws upon well-developed characters who stand for something far greater than themselves; anvil of the fantasy genre. The heroes are heroic, the heroines are beautiful and strong and the villains are evil.

Endeavour Magazine | 111