his is the second time we address the European -and global- Supply Chain Market through our participation in “transport-logistic” trade fair 2019, in the Greek National Pavilion (No223/326, HallA4). We introduced ourselves back in 2017 with the special edition, entitled “Discover Greek Logistics”, and at this time we invite you to find out more about “Greece: The new Gateway to Europe”.
SC&L magazine is a bimonthly edition specialized in supply management, logistics (warehousing & transports) as well as customer service, providing with useful information more than 9.000 professionals of Greek industry and commerce, as well as 3rd Party Logistics and Freight Transport sectors, since 2006.
SC&L magazine will also be media partner of the “transport-logistic” exhibition as the only Greek media present, giving the opportunity to those who participate in the issue no 102 to access all the other European media that will get to know them and promote them respectively.
We strongly believe in the dynamic pulse of the Greek market, in its growth and development, and in its capability to create strong synergies with foreign “players”, in order to maintain larger business clusters. That is why we once again “travel” through our magazine, Greek logistics abroad!
Theodoros Dimitriadis CEO o.mind Creatives Publisher of SC&L magazine
ENGLISH SECTIONGREEK SECTION
16. The Greek Logistics Sector Structure_ SURVEY held by IB.HS
34. The “Supply Chain & Logistics” Trade Fair in Athens 9-10-11 NOVEMBER 2019
36. FACE TO FACE with Dr. George Xirogiannis, Director /Industry, Growth, Infrastructure and Regional Policy SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises
40. OPINIONS_ Your new logistics business model via Greece. Competitive advantages, costs & benchmarks
44. OPINIONS_ Calls, connectivity, liners and alliances at Thessaloniki container port
46. OPINIONS_ A decisive moment for international trade, by IRC
48. OPINIONS_ Logistics 4.0: Opportunities and challenges
52-62. Hellenic Associations of Logistics & Freight Market
64. ARTICLE_ British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce: Extrovert Growth Model And The Potential Of The Greek Economy
66-70 European Projects
70. LOGISTICS FUNCTION_ Interview with the CEO of APM TRANSPORT
76-106. BUSINESS DIRECTORY
144. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
PUBLISHER
Theodoros Dimitriadis
CHIEF EDITOR
Mary Efthymiatou editor@supply-chain.gr
EDITOR Christina Vladimirou
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Antonis Moschonides
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Fotis Daousis
SALES MANAGER
Manos Georgoulakis
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Sofia Katsardi
George Glynos
108. GREEK SECTION /
110. SCANNER NEWS_
112. AUTO NEWS_
114. SCANNER NEW ENTRIES
116. EVENT_ EUROLOG 2019 - To 25ο
Logistics
118. EVENT_ Human Asset Management in Logistics.
Supply Chain Institute
120. EVENT_ End-to-end Supply Chain Technology Day
Operations Center
122. LOGISTICS SPECIAL_ H RPM Community της Heineken
124. CARGO PLUS_
144. FOOD FOR THOUGHT
CREATIVE & ART DIRECTORS
Yiannis Ntrigios Leni Tsoureli
PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Aggelos Anastasopoulos
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Eleni Vagionaki
MEDIA & MARKETING ASSISTANT
Irene Mitsi
EVENTS CLIENT SERVICE
Anastasia Kolovou
ACCOUNT OFFICE
Katerina Cossiva
SECRETARY
Maria Michalochrista info@supply-chain.gr
Dimitriadis Th. & Co PC 187, A. Syngrou Avenue, 171 21 Nea Smyrni, Athens Greece Τ. +30 210-9010040 • F. +30 210-9010041 www.omind.gr • info@omind.gr
THE GREEK LOGISTICS SECTOR STRUCTURE by
The Logistics Services sector is especially important both for the financial activities of Greece and for the global economy, overall. It is considered one of the most important financial factors that influences the transactions market, while it is also responsible for the seamless flow of basic or less basic products in the markets.
Indeed, according to a recent survey conducted by the University of the Aegean, the contribution of logistics services in 2016 corresponded to 9.02% of Greece’s GDP. It is a sector that has shown great resilience in the years of the financial crisis and the signs in the market for improvement are promising.
MAPPING GREEK LOGISTICS overview of the market
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) gives the following definition: ‘Supply chain management encompasses the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing and procurement, conversion and all logistics management activities. Importantly, it also includes coordination and collaboration with channel partners, which can be suppliers, intermediaries, third party service providers, and customers.’ (CSCMP, 1986).
Logistics services pertain to the stages that precede and follow the production of a product. More specifically, they include storage of raw materials or of final products, the organizing and monitoring of stock, the packaging and dispatch of orders to the end client.
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW OF THE SECTOR
• The services assigned to third parties are mainly storage, distribution, national or international transports, and the organization of forwarding. These are followed by unpacking, repackaging, labeling, managing and dispatching orders, and other added value services. It is estimated that storage and distribution services account to more than 90% of the market’s value.
• Logistics services are provided by specific companies, the Third Party Logistics Providers (3PL). They undertake to manage the merchandise of third companies having as their main objective to receive, store, prepare, and forward products to the end clients. What’s more, many businesses offer additional services as customs clearance, ship and aircraft brokering, and more.
• In most cases, clients assign 3PL Providers with the task to handle their broader supply chain processes (storage and distribution) in order for them to focus more on organizing, e.g. to manage their warehouse, design their supply chain etc.
• Freight Forwarding companies have a strong presence in the market. Their main activity is to intermediate between the sender and the receiver of freights. However, in recent years it is notable that they have also expanded their activities into the field of logistics.
• The companies of this specific sector are either clearly 3PL Providers or forwarders. In their majority they are small or medium-sized, a fact resulting to strong competition. Indeed, a Eurostat survey in 2015 revealed that 44% of the companies of this sector are small, 3% very small and 13% mediumsized, while the participation of large companies amounts to 40%.
• The large companies active in the sector serve a significant part of the Greek market having at their disposal facilities in strategic areas as Attica, Thessaloniki and other major regional cities. The smaller regional markets are covered through partnerships with local agents. These agents offer a full range of services so as to accommodate important clients.
• Major 3PL Providers are either multinational corporations (as Kuehne + Nagel and DB Schenker) or domestic businesses, affiliated to foreign companies. The demand for 3PL Provider services depends on clients’ decisions made by their parent group of companies which shapes their special needs regarding the way their products should be stored and managed.
• In contrast, the large number of SMEs create a low degree of market concentration. Their facilities are clearly smaller in size and they offer a limited range of services since they lack behind in fields as technology and organization. Their client base consists mainly of small-sized customers who are interested mainly for basic services as transport and storage.
• A recent survey conducted by the University of the Aegean reveals that 41% of the warehouses of logistics services providers have a size up to 10,000 m², while just 13.6% have facilities larger than 45,000 m² and which are usually segmented. Moreover, a 12.5% doesn’t have warehouses, only limited cross docking facilities. In conclusion, more than half of the sector’s businesses restrict themselves in offering a limited range of services and attract a small number of clients due to their facilities.
• The majority of the businesses offering logistics services store and handle dry cargo (approx. 60%), while only 33% handles refrigerated goods.
• The majority of the companies of Attica have facilities in two broader areas: Thriassion Plain-Aspropyrgos-Magoula-Elefsina or ΑvlonasOinofyta-Thiva. On the other hand, the facilities of companies seated in Thessaloniki are situated mainly in the areas of Kalochori and Sindos.
• The table below records the geographical distribution of warehouses according to a survey of the University of the Aegean. Note: the percentage points do not add up to 100% since the same company may have facilities in several regions.
• The majority of the businesses of the sector do not specialize in handling specific products since most of them distribute and manage all kinds of goods. An exception to the rule are some isolated cases of specializing in handling one product or offering one service (e.g. refrigeration storage, vehicles’ transportation, household appliances etc.) or in the context of a partnership with one specific major client.
• Competition has intensified over time due to the increase in the number of active businesses; this pertains mostly to billing rates, the range of services, the quality of services, and response time. Nevertheless, prices remain stable to a great extent due to pre-agreed contracts, while the quality of services is reassured through investments in warehouse technology and the update of software, along with diversification offered depending, of course, on the clients’ needs.
• According to one more survey of the University of the Aegean, 64.8% of the client base of the sector comprises mainly of food and beverages companies. The next two positions are held by companies in the field of industrial products and household appliances. Note: The percentage points do not add up to 100%, since one company may store more than one categories of products.
• Up to 2008, the domestic sector showed significant growth, fueled by the favorable financial environment of the period. In parallel, other factors that favored the reinforcement of the market for an extended period were:
> investments in building warehouse facilities during the previous decade (a fact, however, that also lead to urban sprawl) a large number of which were funded by the Investment Incentives Law 3299/2004,
> the dissemination of outsourcing (i.e. to assign the management of the company’s supply chain to a third party),
> the pivotal role of an efficient supply chain in a competitive environment,
> the ongoing technological advances relevant to the distribution and storage of stock.
• Beyond doubt, this growth trajectory in the recent past was hampered due to the generalized recession in Greece and the Eurozone. This lead to a trend of market concentration for the large corporations, while many smaller ones were forced to cease operations.
• However, the sector proved to be resilient during the financial crisis, contributing significantly to the domestic economy. Indeed, this resilience is even greater considering the job positions it offers. According to a survey conducted by the University of the Aegean, the logistics sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP in 2013 and 2016 is near stable.
The Sector’s Performance
• The Logistics Performance Index (LPI) configured by the World Bank evaluates logistics services offered in each country in relevance to quality
Direct contribution of logistics to Greece’s GDP in 2016
Source: University of the Aegean
Allocation of logistics services companies according to the size of their warehouses
Source: University of the Aegean
and efficiency, infrastructures, competitiveness etc. According to the most recent survey, in 2018, Greece ranked at the 42nd position among 160 countries; its performance was 3.2 units, while two years ago it ranked 47th.
• This performance, although improved in comparison to 2016, signifies a shortfall of the country in customs clearance procedures and state of the art facilities. Moreover, there is room for improvement as far as competitiveness and the quality of services offered are concerned.
•However, it is noteworthy that Greece holds the most improved position in comparison to its neighbours, but also in relation to the other Balkan countries.
LEGISLATION
• In October 2014, Law 4302/2014, ‘Regulation of supply chain issues and other provisions’ passed in parliament to establish the new regulations for the logistics sector. The Law is part of a strategy to develop the market and includes provisions aiming at improving the efficiency of the supply chain, enhancing competition, and removing barriers to entry, so as to upgrade the role of Greece in the transshipment of goods in Southeastern Europe. In detail:
> The definition of logistics services is established. Specifically, according to Article 1: ‘Logistics are defined as all the processes necessary in order to plan, materialize and monitor the flow (transport, transshipment and storage) of goods and merchandise from any given place of origin to any given place of destination and vice versa, as well as to plan, materialize and monitor the rendering of relevant services and all the information involved’.
> Moreover, it establishes the definition of 3PL Providers and clarifies their operational framework. More specifically: ‘A third party logistics provider (3PL) is the company active in the field of supply chain and which has the objective to offer logistics services to third parties through rendering at least one or more than one of the main activities of transport,
transshipment and storage of goods and merchandise’.
> In addition, the legislation allows companies to assume one or more than one logistics activities, tackling thus various legal issues and aiming to achieve economies of scale. For example, a company managing a warehouse can also undertake transport tasks.
> The regulations controlling the building of Storage and Distribution Centers are made equal to those for industrial buildings, while the division into industrial and commercial warehouses is eradicated. This was a market demand that was met and lead to the erection of new warehouses and to the operation of existing ones under the regulations in force for industrial buildings.
> The procedure to establish Storage and Distribution Centers is simplified and becomes more swift. In the majority of cases, a solemn declaration of pursuance is demanded, or alternatively, the certification of a third party, while the role of public administration is restricted.
> The regulations for the urban transport and distribution of goods (Urban Logistics) is introduced, offering the municipalities the ability to designate parking spaces for trucks and areas for the temporary stocking of goods to be distributed. This provision aims at limiting the stop over of large trucks on main city roads.
> Also, Green Logistics are promoted through a provision establishing a system that records carbon footprints.
> A new form of corporate parks is defined, the National Corporate Supply Chain Park. These parks shall house businesses active in Logistics and they will be established in spaces of at least 123.5 acres, securing thus mandatory access to combined transports (fast track procedures), so as to facilitate and attract important investors. This provision offers the opportunity to develop Corporate Parks in the area of the Thriassion Plain, Attica, and in Thessaloniki, at the former Gonos military camp.
> The procedure of standardization and prototyping of logistics services by the National Quality Infrastructure System is promoted as e.g. in issues of unit loads, load labeling, specifications for storage means during transport, exchange of information etc. This provision is considered necessary for reasons of quality control and quality assurance.
> Lastly, the warehouse and distribution
facilities operating now within the context of the previous legislation (PD 79/2004 and Law 3982/2011) are deemed as already compliant. The facilities, though, that have not been awarded with a license yet, have to comply within 2 years.
• The goal of this specific law is to render Greece more attractive for transit freights at its ports, but also via road and rail infrastructure to the markets of the Balkans and Central Europe. What’s more, it also offers tools to overcome barriers that have made the sector dysfunctional.
TRANSPORT INFRUSTRUCTURE
Road network
• In the last decade, the Greek road network has improved significantly through many works that upgraded the main motorway Ε75 connecting the port of Patras with Athens, Thessaloniki and subsequently with the European motorway Ε79. Moreover, Egnatia Odos (Ε90) having a length of 670 km, traverses through the northern part of the country and connects the port of Igoumenitsa at the west with the city of Alexandroupolis at the north and the Greek-Turkish borders in the Evros region.
• A development of crucial importance was the completion of 4 main motorways (Olympia Odos, Ιοnia Odos, Aegean Motorway and the central part of Ε65); at the same time, the Moreas Motorway was recently inaugurated. These works were completed after constant delays, while the budgets were exceeded, total cost amounting to €6.43 bn. Joint ventures constructed them and will operate them for the next 30 years on the grounds of concession agreements.
• The completion of these projects improved road transport considerably, while they also decreased the cost and time of transport, increasing safety at the same time.
Airports
• Greece has 45 airports of which 15 offer both international and domestic flights, 26 mainly domestic flights, and the remaining 4 (municipal airports) carry out exclusively domestic flights.
• The Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ is the largest aviation facility of the country offering direct connections with both the road and railway networks, whereas most of the regional airports lack the infrastructures making it difficult for them to support large cargo tasks.
• The concession agreement, though, with the German Fraport Greece to operate 14 airports has generated waves of optimism. The company’s plans include immediate but also long-term projects aiming at developing and improving the airports’ infrastructure, contributing in this way to the quality of services offered.
• Aviation transport shall be further reinforced after the completion of the investment in the airport in Kasteli, Crete (it has been postponed for 13 years after many announcements and pledges) which aims to replace the congested ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ Airport. The project, of a budget of €850 m, will be materialized as a PPP through concession agreements, while the concession period was agreed to 37 years. The joint venture ΤΕRΝΑ-GMR Airports has submitted a bid which has been approved by the Ministry of Infrastructure.
Ports
• Greece has 140 ports which handle the transport of both passengers and freights, 16 of which are international. Piraeus and Thessaloniki
Allocation of logistics services companies
handle the largest portion of the transported freight, constituting pivotal hubs for sea transport development; the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa also handle large quantities.
• In recent years, significant investments were made to upgrade port infrastructures, facilitating thus the carrying out of sea commerce. The main project was the investment of the Chinese group Cosco at Pier ΙΙ of the port of Piraeus amounting to €380 m. Today, PCT, Cosco’s Greek subsidiary, manages Piers ΙΙ and ΙΙΙ, while in 2017 it transported 3.7 m containers in total, in comparison to 3.5 m in 2016. Indeed, the widespread notion is that in 2018 the containers transported will exceed 4 m, since in the first semester they reached 2.1 m.
• The significant volume of transported freight lead to the decision to expand the infrastructure. Thus, in early 2015, the project to build the western section of Pier ΙΙΙ begun, with a budget of €230 m; recent estimations predict that it will be completed in the first two months of 2019. After the construction of Pier ΙΙΙ is over, the full capacity of Piers ΙΙ and ΙΙΙ will increase from 5.5 to 6.2 m containers annually. With the addition of Pier Ι, capacity will reach 7.2 m TEUs.
• The new gantry cranes to be used will serve ships exceeding 18,000 TEUs, while the other ports of the Eastern Mediterranean region are unable to serve ships that exceed 14,000 TEUs.
• Moreover, plans also include the construction (under contract with Piraeus Port Authority) of the new Oil Terminal, along with the upgrade of Pier ΙΙ, so as to serve ships of a larger capacity. The new facilities will render Piraeus the largest port in the Mediterranean and one of the largest in the world.
• Indeed, the competitiveness of Piraeus shall be further reinforced by the completion of the railway connection with the Thriassion Plain that will enhance the carrying out of interconnected transport and bring a higher added value to the port’s transport services.
• It is noted that in 2016, the government privatized the port through a concession of the 67% of the capital share of PPA to Cosco. Initially, the 51% was transferred, while the remaining 16% shall be transferred in the next five years after the investments of the Chinese group are completed. The Greek State owns now 23% of the capital share, while after the second transfer, its percentage of participation shall drop to 7%.
• The port of Thessaloniki is Greece’s natural gateway to its neighbouring countries (Bulgaria, Rumania, FYROM). The facility has an annual capacity of 600,000 – 800,000 TEUs, while grave importance is given to transit freight, a fact that translates
into revenues of €1.5 - €2.5 bn receivable by the Regional Unit of Central Macedonia. In December 2017, 67% of the Thessaloniki Port Authority (THPA) was sold to the investment consortium South Europe Gateway Thessaloniki Ltd, comprised of the companies Deutsche Invest Equity Partners GmbH, Terminal Link SAS, and Belterra Investments Ltd (the latter, owned by I. Savvidis).
• The contract value amounts to €1.1 bn and provides a consideration of €231.926 m, mandatory investments of €180 m over the next seven years, and the expected revenues for the Greek State from the concession contract (at a percentage of 3.5% of the port’s turnover) expected to exceed €170M. The total sum also includes the expected dividends receivable by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund for the remaining 7.22% shareholding, as well as the estimated investments (on top of the mandatory) during the concession period that runs until 2051.
• With this specific deal, the port is expected to regain its lost domestic market share and maintain its stability in the following years, since it will modernize its equipment and infrastructure through capital investments.
Railway network
• The main railway network of the country connects Patras to Athens and Thessaloniki. In recent years upgrading projects have been realized (telecommand, signalling) and the railway tracks have been optimized in order to improve times of service.
• The railway network of Greece is expected to improve even more in the years to come since stateowned TRAINOSE SA was sold to Ferrovie Dello Stato Italiane S.p.A., but also due to the interest demonstrated by other companies which wish to obtain licenses to carry goods with privately owned trains.
• Already, the companies Rail Cargo LogisticsGoldair and Piraeus Europe Asia Rail Logistics have been awarded licenses to carry out railroad projects and aim to perform railroad freight transports.
• Greece can considerably improve the volumes transported by rail (since it ranks at the last positions in the EU) by materializing actions such as developing freight handling centers in Attica and Thessaloniki, expanding to a double railway track and realizing the electrification of the network.
• A new breeze in railroad transports will certainly blow with Egnatia Railway. This is a major project planned to operate in 2028 that will connect the ports of Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Alexandroupolis
with Bulgarian ports in Varna, Burgas and the Danube. For the time being, it is being evaluated, nevertheless, it generates optimism for Greece’s place in railway transport in the years to come.
Attica – Thriassion Plain
• Freight transport in Attica has considerably improved after the completion of Attiki Odos, which connected the airport with logistics centers, the port of Piraeus and the railway.
• Another important project was the completion, in 2013, of the 17 km-long railway line that connects the container terminal in Piraeus (Neo Ikonio) with Cosco’s facilities in the Thriassion Plain. This €143 m investment significantly reduces the time required to transport cargo that arrives from the Mediterranean and Asia to Central Europe, while it handles 350,000 – 420,000 TEUs annually.
• What’s more, this project will create significant synergies after the completion of the logistics center in Thriassion Plain, of a budget of €250 m, covering an area of 145.3 acres, owned by GAIAOSE SA. The sorting and freight transshipment station of approximately 358.30 acres, property of OSE, is also included. A sizeable part of the freight arriving in Piraeus will be channeled to this area where it will be either stored, directed to manufacturing or forwarded abroad. The logistics center will eventually house buildings of a surface of 235,000 m², warehouses of 210,000 m² with a 250,000 pallets capacity, 4000 parking spaces for cars and 120 parking spaces for trucks, while it is also connected to Attiki Odos and NATO Avenue and linked via railway to the national network and the port of Piraeus.
• Two tenders for the concession, development, and exploitation of the area were conducted in the past (2008 and 2010) and were declared unproductive, while a new one was launched a short time ago by GAIAOSE. The contractor will establish a special purpose company that will assume the study, construction, financing, operation, maintenance and exploitation of the logistics center for a 60year period against a payment made to GAIAOSE.
• In the tender, the joint venture Goldair-ETVA VIPE submitted a financial offer and was declared contractor, while Cosco didn’t show up in the end, despite its initial interest in cooperating with NBG Pangaea and Grivalia. The total investment will rise to €250 m, €180 m of which will be invested at a first stage. Initially, the contractors’ agreement included the realization of technical works by the company Archikon SA but, after the latter stated inability to proceed, the joint venture assigned the big private project of €120 m to Mytilineos SA.
Germany
Sweden
Belgium
Austria
Japan
The Netherlands
Singapore
Denmark
United Kingdom
Finland
China
Greece
Cyprus
Turkey
Rumania
Bulgaria
Russia
FYROM
Albania
Afganistan
• Lastly, the plan of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and GAIAOSE includes the construction of 3 additional logistics centers, with the aim of making Greece a Logistics Hub in Southeastern Europe. The plan pertains to the concession, through tenders, of logistics centers in Thessaloniki (Gonos military camp), Alexandroupolis and Larissa (Girtoni).
• Priority has been given to the tender for the logistics center in Thessaloniki, where the socalled ‘competitive dialogue’ with the candidate investors is expected to be completed by the end of January 2019 the latest, in order for the submission procedure of binding offers to start. As regards to the logistics center in Alexandroupolis, a call for tenders is due in the second semester of 2019.
• In Thessaloniki, synergies can be created between the 166-acre military camp and Thessaloniki Port Authority. In Alexandroupolis, the municipality owns a 123.5-acre area that can be used for the construction of the center, while in Larissa, synergies have been identified for the development of a center for agricultural products in a 74-acre area.
• It is worth noting that the budget for all the aforementioned logistics centers amounts to approximately €700 m.
ROAD & SEA FREIGHT TRANSPORT Road transport
• According to a recent study conducted by the University of the Aegean, road transport constitutes the main means of domestic freight transport accounting for 98.7% of the overall land transport, while the respective percentage in Europe is 76.4%. This high percentage is mainly due to the country’s landscape, the short distances between the big urban centers, and the lack of suitable railway infrastructure.
Ranking
• Moreover, data of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) show that road transport constitutes the main means of transporting goods in Greece with a percentage of 74%. Sea transport comes second with a percentage of 25.8% and last in the classification are railway and air transport.
• The trucks used in road transport are either Commercial Vehicles (CVs) or Private Vehicles (PVs):
> The owners of commercial trucks may offer their services to any freight forwarding and logistics business.
> The private vehicles belong to commercial and industrial businesses that have been vertically integrated and organize their supply chain themselves, transporting goods only on behalf of the owing companies. Freight forwarding and logistic business are not allowed to use these means of transportation.
• According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, in the end of 2017, there were 1.34 million light and heavy vehicles in circulation in Greece, 97.2% of which were private. In the last decade, the total number of private vehicles increased by 7.2%, while the number of commercial trucks remained stable at just 36,495 due to the – until recently – closed market of road transport.
• Approximately 80% of the tons transported by road in our country are handled by private trucks and only 20% by commercial trucks.
• The biggest part of trucks belongs to companies and motorists established in Central Greece. More specifically, the trucks that were in circulation in this region until the end of 2017 were 442,317, the equivalent of 1/3 of the total. The region of Macedonia comes second with 306,761 recorded trucks, followed by the Peloponnese with 166,751.
• Most carrier companies are of a very small size (sole proprietor or family businesses) that own one or two commercial trucks, meaning they don’t have the capacity to take advantage of economies of scale or claim big volume orders.
• Road transport is organized by forwarding businesses. In Athens, the forwarders are located mainly in Votanikos area, where an informal logistics center has been operating for the last 20 years.
• The stagnated number of commercial vehicles is due – as already mentioned – to the closed market and the restrictive institutional framework in place until recently, which prohibited the issuance of licenses from the 1970s until 2010, while even the liberalization of the market (Law 3887/2010) did not yield the expected results. According to the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises, the main reason behind its unsuccessful implementation were the
subsequent amendments and ministerial decisions that significantly altered the initial nature of Law 3887, while the special category of holders of old licenses remained unaffected and will continue to enjoy more favorable terms of operation until 2022.
• The aforementioned characteristics (stagnated number of commercial trucks, high participation of private trucks) lead to the following:
> big barriers of entry in the carrier profession,
> creation of a secondary market for licenses, with an intangible value of approximately €15,000 today, down from €300,000 before 2010,
> a strong presence of small and second-hand trucks in the sector because of their low price and,
> a high average age of the heavy vehicles’ fleet.
• More specifically, it is estimated that in Greece the percentage of old trucks (over 15 years old) in the overall fleet is 30% compared to just 5% in the EU; this is a result of the aged fleet of private trucks. Furthermore, the percentage of trucks with a capacity bigger than 25.5 tons is 10% in our country, compared to 36% in the EU.
• According to Eurostat data, in 2015, 59% of road transport in our country was carried out by vehicles that were over 10 years old. Impressive is the fact that the same percentage of transports in the EU was carried out by new fleet, meaning that the vehicles used were less than 5 years old. This percentage led to our country ranking at the last place among EU countries, having the oldest fleet of vehicles.
• Moreover, in 2015 the average age of heavy trucks in the EU was 11.7 years, while in Greece the respective average was 18.7 years. On top of that, there was also a considerable difference in the age of light trucks given that the EU average was 10.7 years while in Greece, 16.8 years.
• At the same time, the failure of the liberalization of licenses can be attributed to the negative economic conjuncture, since the motorists and the transport companies don’t have the means to invest and renew their fleet due to lack of funds, while the big players are discouraged from entering the sector.
• The recession had a negative impact on the transport sector, since in the period 2008-2016 the sum of freight transported was cumulatively reduced by 25%. This decline was attributed to the sector of national transports where a 33% reduction was recorded due to the drop in retail sales. These losses were compensated, to a certain extent, by an increase in international transports (+16% during the same period) fueled by the sector of exports, mainly of foodstuffs. This improvement
was not enough to positively influence the total volume, since the contribution of international transport represents 25% of the total (compared to 35% in the EU).
• According to the Hellenic Syndicate of Land Goods Transport, the sector is facing unfair competition by numerous trucks with registration plates from Balkan countries (mainly Bulgaria) that offer carrier services in Greece. The combination of this fact with the decline of road freight transport in the last few years has aggravated the negative climate in the market.
• It is estimated that today over 60% of the domestic road transports (with commercial trucks) is realized by foreign carriers or by Greek carriers who have moved their seat to another country in order to take advantage of the lower tax rates. The liberalization of the market intensified competition, since the said vehicles can now offer cabotage services without being subject to any control.
• Indeed, out of the total number of commercial trucks, less than 20,000 are currently in circulation, since a large number of motorists have returned their registration plates but continue to work with Bulgarian vehicles, while many are those who have left the profession. More specifically, trucks of Greek interest with Bulgarian plates are more than 10,000 and along with trucks from FYROM and Serbia they account for the biggest share of transports from and to the Greek ports.
• Yet, a big part of these transports is illegal, since motorists hold falsified documents, use double invoicing methods, do not abide to safety rules etc., causing thus an important loss of revenues in taxes and social security contributions.
• It is also noted that international transport services become increasingly harder for Greek trucks due to the lack of competitiveness.
• Furthermore, last year the Greek Parliament passed a multi-bill (Article 104) that fully liberalizes the market and includes provisions which – according to the Hellenic Federation of Road Transports – will affect Greek motorists negatively since they favor big size vehicles (forwarders, commercial businesses etc.). In more detail:
> The limit of 3.5 tons mixed weight for commercial trucks performing international road freight transports is abolished.
> The obligation to perform domestic freight transports with commercial vehicles is abolished.
> Unlimited permission to perform commercial transport with private trucks is granted; these can be leased without any terms or conditions regarding the mixed weight, the fare, or the drivers’ payments
and working terms.
> The limitation concerning the number of trailers and semi-trailers that each truck can use is abolished (until today two per towing vehicle were allowed).
• The Hellenic Federation of Road Transports emphasizes that the said multi-bill, combined with the privatization of the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, will gradually lead to the predominance of oligopoly conditions that will benefit multinational carrier groups and big corporations in general. Consequently, the share of foreign trucks – be it Greek owned or not – will further increase, shrinking thus even more the field Greek carriers can operate in.
Sea
transport
• Greece attracts an important share of cargo traffic from Asian countries into Europe, especially after the completion of Cosco’s investment in the port of Piraeus. As shown in the table below, the quantity of goods handled in the Greek ports has significantly increased during the last few years reaching 148.8 million tons in 2017, increased by 4% compared to 2016.
• Over time, shipping traffic from abroad represents approximately 78% of the total handled quantity. In 2017, it amounted to 116.5 million tons (total of unloaded and loaded goods), increased by 4.8% compared to the previous year.
• In the last year, inland traffic presented a small increase of 1.3% reaching 32.4 million tons (21.7% of the total).
• As regards the traffic in individual ports, Piraeus accounts for the biggest part of handled goods from abroad. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, in 2017 the volume of handled goods was 38.4 million tons, increased by 11.4% compared to 2016. This quantity represented 33% of the total volume.
Freight traffic in Piraeus and Thessaloniki in TEUs
• Beyond doubt, the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki play an important role in the country’s freight transport. Actually, many believe that the two ports have bright prospects of becoming international logistics hubs. A special presentation of the freight traffic in these two ports in TEUs shall follow herein.
• Over the course of last year, the total quantity of TEUs handled in the port of Piraeus was 4.1 million, increased by 11.7% compared to 2016. This increase was the result of the activity of Piers II and III, operated by Cosco, which handled 3.69 million TEUs marking an increase of 6.3% compared
Source: ELSTAT
Transport of domestic and foreign cargo in Greek ports (in thousand tons): 2015-2017
to the previous year. In contrast, the cargo handled by PPA at Pier 1 was estimated to be 410,000 TEUs, compared to 200,000 TEUs in 2016.
• The reason behind this consistent increase of cargo handled by the Chinese group is threefold: a) the decline of traffic in the commercial ports of the Eastern Mediterranean as a result of the adverse developments in the Arab countries, b) the strategic location of Piraeus within the wider region (through Piraeus the handling time from and to the Far East is reduced by at least 4 days) and c) the improved quality of services provided.
• In 2017, the freight traffic at the Port of Thessaloniki increased significantly by 16.7% reaching 401,947 TEUs, with the biggest part of the volume being full TEUs.
• According to THPA, in the last year, the volume of unloaded goods was marginally higher than the volume of loaded goods. Furthermore, the biggest part of the volume pertained primarily to goods from abroad (169,505 unloaded TEUs and 178,998 loaded TEUs) and secondly to transit freight.
EVALUATION FOR DEMAND OF LOGISTICS SERVICES
The economic downturn that begun at the end of 2008, in combination with the fiscal adjustment measures in place ever since, considerably reduced the domestic industrial and commercial activity.
As a consequence, freight transport and the provision of logistics services also dwindled, since the handled stocks and the quantities per delivery of Greek companies-customers of the sector were substantially diminished. Based on the market’s estimates, the cumulative reduction of total revenues during the period 2008-2014 was over 20%, with a trend, however, of gradual normalization.
In 2016, the freight and logistics market was revived as a result of the stabilization of the economic conditions and the gradual decline of the uncertainty that had been caused by capital controls. Thus, most businesses increased their turnover thanks to the increase of the volumes handled. Indicatively, as it has already been mentioned, in
2017 the commercial activity of the Greek ports increased by 4% compared to 2016, reflecting the positive impact of Cosco’s investment and the increased volume of transported/handled cargo.
Lastly, the Supply Chain sector has shown great resilience during the last couple of years and has prospects for further growth. More specifically, the increased demand for storage spaces, the improvement of railway infrastructure, and the upward trend of road transport are some of the market’s indications that create optimism for the future of the logistics sector.
Two important elements that always influence the course of logistics services are the evolution of imports and exports of goods and the volumes of retail and wholesale trade.
Evolution of commercial activity
In 2017, the retail trade sector, which constitutes one of the most important customers of transport, showed signs of improvement as is also testified by the relevant turnover index of the Hellenic Statistical Authority (increase of 1.7%). Most of the business categories rebounded, with the businesses of car fuels and lubricants staging the biggest increase of 6.9%. Overall, after 2015, retail trade activity is slightly reduced by 0.4%.
Recovery was also marked in the wholesale trade sector where the relevant general turnover index increased by 3.7% in 2017. It is obvious that the effect of the recession that had been observed in the previous years, has started to subside, since it is expected that in 2017 there will be a 2% increase of the general index compared to 2015.
This year, the climate in retail trade continues to improve, since the relevant index for the first 8 months further increased by 2.3% on a year to year basis. Even more encouraging is the data for the wholesale trade index for the first nine months, which is increased by 7.2%.
Demand for warehouse spaces and rental rates
• The surge in demand for logistics services in figures higher than the existing supply lead to the recovery of demand for warehouse facilities, both by domestic and international investors; this rendered industrial properties one of the sectors of real estate with the highest potential. In fact, the majority of interest is located in the area of the Thriassion Plain due to the investments of Cosco in the port of Piraeus. The market, however, is moving in a slower pace in relation to the years prior to the financial crisis, though it is now on a steady course of improvement.
• Nonetheless, the demand cannot be met
Source: THPA
sufficiently due to the lack of category A warehouses, capable to meet the needs and requirements of the stakeholders in quality and size, since in recent years new development projects were absent due to the recession. Therefore, the demand is increasing mainly for smaller spaces of a surface of approx. 3,000 m².
• As regards to the evolution of rental rates over time, prior to the crisis, a significant increase was observed that surged to €6 per m² per month for category Α properties in certain areas. Later on, a decline was evident since it dropped to €4 per m² in 2013 and since then, the market is stagnant. A report by the real estate firm ΝΑΙ Hellas states that in 2017, rentals were stable, while in some cases their increase was marginal, with returns on investments fluctuating between 10.5% and 10.75%.
• In more detail, in the north suburbs of Athens rents fluctuated between €3 to €4.5 per m² for properties belonging to category Α, while less expensive ones reached €1 to €2.5 per m². The same range of prices was observed in West Attica, while in other areas the rents were lower.
• In Sindos of Thessaloniki the rates of the expensive category did not exceed €3 per m², while in category Β, the highest rents reached €2.5 per m².
• This year, we expect a significant increase of transactions in industrial real estate, since the market is watching with interest the plans and activities of Cosco at the port of Piraeus but also in the Thriassion Plain where the company shall expand its storage facilities.
• The market trend is expected to remain upward in the years to come, due to the acquisition of the majority share of PPA by Cosco, but also to the acquisition of TRAINOSE by the Italian company Trenitalia. The said groups will realize significant investments so as to increase the quantity of goods travelling through Greece, increasing thus the needs for new storage space. Furthermore, another factor is the expected launch of the construction of a logistics center in the Thriassion Plain which –as already mentioned– will house 210,000 m² of warehouses.
• Moreover, the prospects are positive also in the field of e-commerce, since many companies will rush
to change the way they distribute their products.
• As regards to the allocation of facilities in Attica, the majority of spaces are located in the west and north entrances of Athens, with both these areas concentrating 2 million m² of logistics spaces (many of which belong to category A). The downside, however, is the difficulty of access and the ambiguity in land uses, which has lead to the existence of residential, commercial, and industrial properties in the same area.
• What’s more, the east entrance has shown an increase in the supply of modern warehouse facilities, since the operation of the new airport at Spata attracted a strong interest from investors.
• In Thessaloniki, the increased concentration of real estate is observed at the industrial park of Sindos in the area of Agios Athanasios and in other locations that offer direct access to the port and to the international motorways Ε79 and Ε75.
PROBLEMS & DISADVANTAGES
• The severity of the financial crisis
• Despite the significant progress, the percentage of freight handled by land transport carried out by logistics companies in our country is relatively low (21%) in relation to the EU average (70%),
• The country lacks behind in infrastructures (problematic connection of the ports with the railway network),
• The absence of the necessary infrastructure to enable combined transports leads to the increase of transport costs,
• The market has not reached the desired level due to institutional rigidness. Consequently, an extensive fleet with a large number of old and small private vehicles was established.
• Greece cannot fully benefit from the significant volumes of transit freight from Asian countries, since the majority of them use the country as a gateway to enter Europe. It is typical that 80% of the freight that arrives at Piraeus through Cosco is related to transshipment and is forwarded to other destinations, while only 20% enters the Greek market.
• Greece does not have large, high rise warehouses due to urban planning restrictions.
FUTURE PROSPECTS – CHALLENGES
• The transport and logistics services sector is directly connected to the financial activity of the country. A prerequisite for its return to a course of growth is to assure a stable economic environment which will foster the revival of consumption and reinforce import and export commerce.
• Besides, the low penetration of logistics services in the supply chain of Greek businesses demonstrates important perspectives for further growth which was hindered in the previous years due to the financial crisis. Thus, demand is expected to increase dramatically the following five years due to the expected return of the GDP to positive figures, but also due to the will of more and more businesses to outsource their logistics services. In essence, the potential that the geographic position of the country offers has not been utilized, mainly because of the lacking behind in infrastructure and competitiveness.
• The sector will be favoured by the financial growth of the Asian countries, especially of China and India, which will seek for efficient gateways to introduce their products to the European market (it is estimated that in 2030 China shall account for the 30% of the global GDP with high performance rates in the next two decades).
• In order though for Greece to benefit, it must
increase significantly its reassembly or processing services for transit freights, in order to enjoy a share of their goodwill, since up to now, the largest portion of flows from Asia use only the transport infrastructure of the country, while their freights are then directed to other European markets.
• Another important factor will be the development of transport infrastructure of the country, a sector that demonstrated significant delays in the past years (expansion and upgrade of the road network, modernization of ports, refurbishing of railroad tracks, connection of basic ports with the railroad grid etc.). Besides, the insufficient infrastructures of the neighbouring countries offer Greece a competitive advantage.
• The privatization of the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki, as well as of TRAINOSE, shall attract upgrading investments deemed necessary in order to reinforce the trade flows. In this context, a significant push of freight originating from Asian countries shall be realized through the commencement of operations on Pier ΙΙΙ of PPA managed by Cosco, along with future investments planned by the Chinese group.
• Above all though, the establishment of state of the art logistic centers is required; these shall contribute to the development of combined
Source: NAI Hellas
transports and reinforce Greece’s standing as a gateway of transshipment commerce, by concentrating all the services in one area These facilities shall bring benefits such as:
> the reduction of the cost of transport and goods management, since they shall be connected to the railway network,
> the decongestion of the road network of the country, an element that also entails significant financial and environmental benefits,
> the transport capacity of the railway infrastructure shall be utilized,
> jobs will be created
• Towards this goal, a defining role will be that of the planned project in the Thriassion Plain and its railroad connection to the port of Neo Ikonio which operates a container terminal. Furthermore, studies have been carried out that stress the role of creating relevant infrastructures in Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa, Volos, and Alexandoupolis. Indeed, in Thessaloniki, the establishment of a center in an area of approx. 148.2 acres at the idle Gonos military camp owned by GAIAOSE is under investigation; it will be connected to the port via railroad. At the same time, Patras must also become a basic hub, since up to now it is restricted to combined RO-RO (ROPAX) transports.
• Moreover, further strengthening of transport via the railway is required, an element that will be achieved by the establishment of logistics centers, but also through: a) the expansion of the double track and the electrified network so as to improve the connection of Greece to its neighbouring countries, b) the completion of telecommand and signalling projects, and c) signing agreements with international groups to realize transports from Piraeus towards Southeastern Europe.
• As regards to storage facilities, the sector is expected to move towards the direction of developing major hubs, in replacement of today’s situation of numerous and dispersed small storage and distribution centers. This transition shall occur due to two factors:
> The creation of a logistics center in the Thriassion Plain. During the first stage of its development, new warehouse spaces of 210,000 m² shall be built. The completion of the privatization of PPA and Cosco’s planned investments in the port are considered the first step towards this direction.
> The on-going growth of e-commerce, which shall require greater flexibility in storage and distribution, since the volume of products delivered daily to the end customers has significantly increased. In general, the challenge for the
companies of the sector is to meet the demand to deliver goods the same or the next day, promoting thus the warehouse and the logistics center to the crucial factors for a successful operation.
> Logistics companies can survive in the current competitive environment if and when they offer a wide-ranged portfolio of services with emphasis on the provision of integrated solutions, on achieving higher added value, and on establishing competitive prices.
> At the same time, the technological upgrade (internal organization systems, participation in 4PL, Cloud applications and more) must become a strategic priority since it offers 3PL providers a competitive advantage against businesses that cannot, or hesitate to invest towards this goal by assuring swifter service times and automations that minimise operational costs.
> The sector needs a clear and simplified legislative framework of operation that will regulate the market since the scattered here and there provisions on logistics services create in most cases ambiguity. Law 4302/2014 aspires to remove the bureaucratic encumbrances at the stage of licensing storage facilities and logistics centers, while it does not separate warehouses into commercial and industrial. At the same time, it allows the erection of high-rise warehouses which can be incorporated within logistics parks.
> However, institutional interventions are deemed necessary with regards to:
> the siting of storage facilities aiming at ending their operation in a scattered fashion which creates difficulties to transport tasks,
> the ability of logistics companies to own their own trucks without being forced to establish carrier companies and,
> simplifying customs clearance procedures.
> In relation to the institutional framework of road transport, an important demand is to simplify and unify it as far as old and new commercial vehicle licenses are concerned. Moreover, the renewal of the fleet could be materialized through European programmes that offer incentives for: a) truck drivers to upgrade their commercial fleet, and b) companies to renew their privately-owned trucks.
• Positive impacts (economies of scale) may occur through mergers/synergies and the participation in logistics clusters.
• The sector can be reinforced though funding from investments pursuant to the Investor Incentives Law 4399/2016 (supply chain is one of the most strategic fields of growth), but also by NSRF programmes.
Thessaloniki
PANTONE COOL GRAY 8 C
PANTONE 356 C
THE 7th FAIR MORE COMPREHENSIVE THAN EVER!
SECTORS & EXHIBITS OF THE FAIR
LOGISTICS, CARGO & FREIGHT SERVICES
• Storage, Logistics services, 3PL, 4PL
• Transport and Distribution services
• Road Transport (international & national) and Distribution
• Cargo maritime transport, Shipping Companies
• Air transport
• Rail transport
• Freight Forwarders
• Courier companies
• Real Estate Logistics
• Container Sale and Lease
• Consultants in logistics organization
PROFESSIONAL VEHICLESCARGO TRUCK & VAN Expo
• Professional transport and distribution vehicles
We, at o.mind Creatives aim to offer you comprehensive solutions, spanning the full spectrum of developments in the market while facilitating businesses and at the same time filling the gaps existed in the past. We are glad to formally announce the organization of the 2019 "Supply Chain & Logistics" Business Fair to be held at the Metropolitan Expo Centre on 9, 10, and 11 of November 2019, anticipating that you will embrace it and will project onto it the positive messages you wish to communicate to the market.
FAIR SECTORS & EXHIBITS of
LOGISTICS, CARGO & FREIGHT SERVICES
WAREHOUSE EQUIPMENT - MATERIAL HANDLING
PACKAGING FOR TRANSPORTATION AND HANDLING
PROFESSIONAL VEHICLES & FLEET MANAGEMENT SERVICES
300 EXHIBITORS - 20.000 VISITORS
Visitors of the Fair are business leaders and managers from all the sectors of the Industry, and Commerce as well as from the sector of Freight Transportation from Greece and abroad. More specifically, they come from the following business categories:
• Commercial companies from all sectors • Wholesale and retail • Industries from all the manufacturing sectors
• Industry & Food Trade, Super Market chains, Pharmaceutical industries, Clothing and Footwear industries, Building materials & accessories, spare part warehouses, Agricultural produce, Fertilizers • Transportation, logistics, distribution, courier and storage companies • Motorists and forwarding agencies • Warehouse organization and equipment
• Banks, Public sector and Institutional bodies • Professors, Business consultants, university students
The 7th "Supply Chain & Logistics" Trade Fair in 2019 will be held in the state-of-the-art METROPOLITAN EXPO Exhibition Centre at the "El. Venizelos" Athens International Airport (at the end of Attiki Road). The Fair is upgraded and enriched by the facilities offered to exhibitors and visitors by the Exhibition Centre. www.metropolitanexpo.gr
Professional vehicles for road transportation are here! International transportation haulers, distribution trucks, public transportation vans and pickups will impress visitors to the Metropolitan expo and Hall 4. Also, bodywork, superstructure, refrigerated storage rooms, tachographs, telematics and truck parts and supplies will be included in CARGO Truck & Van, in it's second parallel organization along with "Supply Chain & Logistics".
Fair visiting Days and times
Saturday 9th November
Sunday 10th November
Monday 11th November
“Your Container Logistics Partner” Since 1978
• Container transports ( Piraeus - Thessaloniki )
• 4 Container terminals
• ADR transports
• Liquid transport
• Dry bulk container transport (Compressor – rotary valve)
• Oversized / Heavy transport
• Project cargo
• Bonded warehouse (customs)
• Fiscal representation
• Metals and machinery storage and transport
• Container repairs
• Tank container heating and repairs
• Crane services
• Licensed waste transport
Dr. George Xirogiannis/ Director /Industry, Growth, Infrastructure and Regional Policy SEV Hellenic Federation
of Enterprises
The suspended step in investments can be restored
C&L: Please provide a short update on investments in Greece.
Investments are a prerequisite for growth. Key sectors of the economy like manufacturing depend heavily on fresh capital expenditure in order to increase their contribution to GDP to 12% within three years. The same holds for added value services like logistics, currently at 10% of GDP with the potential to reach 15% within three to five years. Both sectors must also adapt to Industry 4.0 changes in order to increase their competitive advantage without engaging to low-cost strategies. SEV continues to present the urgency of bridging the investment gap of €100bil. Investments coupled with tradable products and services remain key to support GDP growth well beyond the current threshold of
1,9% per year. It is fair to say that certain investment categories like machinery and ICT have showed a promising growth since 2017 (15,9% and 16,8% respectively). However, a significant decline (-43.5%) has been reported for transport equipment despite a recovery during 2016 and 2017. The construction sector also experienced a decline since 2017 as soon as overdue infrastructure projects completed. As a result, fixed asset investments declined by -12.2% (€2,96b) in total in 2018 (figure 1).
SC&L: Is there any change in FDIs as well as large projects in logistics?
FDI in Greece has been growing consistently since 2010. Currently it amounts to €3,6b (1,9% of GDP) in contrast to €0,2b (0,1% of GDP) in 2010. It seems that confidence
to the Greek economy is slowly returning (figure 2).
Logistics remain a prominent contributor to GDP growth. Large scale logistics projects contribute positively in restoring confidence in the Greek economy. The first part of Thriasio logistics park has been assigned to the “GoldAir – ETVA” consortium. Their combined skills guarantee the timely set up and efficient operation of such a complex and large scale project. “Mytilineos” has been selected to deliver construction work. Thriasio will be effectively the first large scale Logistics Park in Greece able to provide world class services to major international freight flows.
World class 3PL providers coupled with modern road and port infrastructure may prove a valuable asset when competing internationally. Very soon Greece will rise as the key trade gate of Europe.
SC&L: Is there any recent legislation which may contribute to attracting investments in Greece. Does it concern investment on logistics as well?
One should expect that the investment environment would rapidly improve as a counter measure to the ongoing overtaxation. In addition to EU competition, Greece faces increasing competition for FDIs as a result of contemporary international trade and investment trends. The US trade policy, Brexit, the “one-belt-one-road” initiative, the return of production to north Africa, etc. are typical examples of changes in global value chains that create an additional competitive squeeze. It is evident that a new reform objective
INTERVIEW TO MARY EFTHYMIATOU
for Greece should be the rapid convergence with the EU’s investment competitiveness, with emphasis on manufacturing and supply chain sectors.
Recent investment legislation adopts policy recommendation by SEV to help sectors like manufacturing and logistics
grow much faster. Such reforms include the simplification of state-aid allocation, super-depreciations 200% for energy efficiency investments, super-deduction 150% on R&D expenses, tax exemptions on IP utilization, tax exemptions on capital directed to R&D, reduced tax on dividends,
tax incentives for shared service centers, super-deduction 150% on new hirings, business parks’ licensing, coast line, etc. They contribute to a positive investment environment and may be utilized by supply chain companies as well.
Even though they do not outweigh overtaxation and have a limited scope, they show the way for public – private agreements in favor of an attractive investment environment.
Similarly, the legislation for strategic investments boldly adopts SEV proposals on tax incentives (super and accelerated depreciations). However, environmental licensing remains outside the scope of fast track licensing. Logistics may also benefit from this legislation.
SC&L: What is your view on the recent reforms on 3PL investment licensing?
With regards to logistics, SEV constantly pursues the reduction of red tape. A recent legislative change that unblocks
Figure 1: Fixed assets capital formation in Greece, Eurostat
3PL licensing on areas that have not been formally characterized as business parks is the latest success of SEV recommendations. An addendum to L4302 /14 provides that 3PL may be properly licensed in areas where commercial warehouses are legal. Such a license allows 3PLs to host within commercial warehouses their core logistics services, their supplementary added value services and any refrigeration services apart from any operation classified as manufacturing.
SEV together with sectoral associations agree that the reform responds to a long-standing licensing barrier. Until the addendum, 3PL installations could only use industrial buildings to host their operations. The addendum increases the flexibility of 3PL installations by allowing the use of either commercial warehouses or industrial buildings as applicable in different areas. Aspropirgos, in the outskirts of Athens, is a typical example of such a case. Almost
WHO IS WHO
«3PL licensing within informal business parks increases flexibility and provides uniform rule of law»
45% of the sector is currently located there. Commercial warehouses are permitted at that area for decades but not industrial buildings. As a result, 3PL could not use existing buildings to host their operations even though the buildings themselves have been built legally.
The reform maintains the initial concept of L4302/14 where 3PL can use a variety of
Dr. George Xirogiannis is Director for Industry, Growth, Infrastructure and Regional Policy at SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises. His portfolio includes private investments, growth strategies, industrial development, innovation, digital economy, regional development as well as international trade and market access. He is also the Vice-Chair at the Business EuropeInternational Relations Committee since 2017 in charge for international trade agreements and foreign direct investments.
available buildings to host their operations, if the construction can sustain such operations. It is also positive that the sector uses the same provisions of L4302/14 uniformly throughout Greece. In addition, it sets the foundation of creating large logistics ecosystems around the Thriasio logistics park.
SC&L: How did the public sector respond to the request during the consultation?
The consultation with the Secretariat for Industry and the Secretariat for Regional Planning & Urban Development under the coordination of the alternate Minister for Industry has resulted in a big success for both sides. The sector may continue to invest in new 3PL operations while the state will continue to maintain uniform licensing standards across the country.
On the other hand the investment bureaucracy still delays investments at the port of Piraeus. Such delays overturn the potential to create new jobs and allow the port to take maximum advantage of its geostrategic location. The Hellinicon Project is a second example of how bureaucracy hinders investments.
SC&L: Are there any other reforms that may attract investments on international freight? There are a few legislative changes with regards to tax warehouses and taxfree freight zones. Recent changes in licensing result to a significant reduction in bureaucracy and operating costs. They follow SEV recommendations to reduce
Figure 2: FDI evolution in Greece, 2007 – 2018, Eurostat.
red tape at international supply chain and exports operations, either managed within industrial companies or through 3PLs.
The arrangements allow for VAT exemption, inclusion of domestic goods into customs storage regime, simplification of customs procedures and licensing with similar criteria to other EU companies.
VAT exemptions and customs duties elimination are expected to benefit greatly importers / exporters that operate tax warehouses and distribute products outside the EU. Also, VAT simplification improves the cash flow of companies without any fiscal impact. Licensing is also made simpler, resulting to 50% reduced LoG cost, better utilization of AEO regime, electronic data exchange and simplified controls.
Such regulatory improvements contribute to the international competitiveness of Greece and may capitalize better its geolocation. Additionally, they align the setup costs and licensing procedures to those already in force in many EU competitors.
SEV – Hellenic Federation of Enterprises has consistently fostered business development in Greece since 1907. It is the independent voice of businesses, representing a broad spectrum of the country’s economic activity, including manufacturing and services.
A transformation leader
As the largest business network in Greece, SEV plays a leading role in the country’s transformation into a productive, outwardlooking and competitive economy. Our broad membership, including 400 of the largest corporations in Greece, gives us the advantage of broad and informed perspective coupled with the power to be proactive and responsive.
A key partner in the social dialogue
As a social partner dedicated to good governance and competitiveness as springboards for economic growth and social progress, SEV participates in the national and European social dialogue and represents the interests of organized business. SEV works with government, social partners and policy makers to shape conditions that foster entrepreneurship, advance business and drive economic growth.
Your new logistics business model via Greece
Competitive advantages, costs & benchmarks
Supply chains and in particular logistics systems are indispensable to integrate production, trade and consumption, and therefore constitute a key source to economic prosperity and a key competitive force for businesses, especially for multinational manufacturing companies and traders.
The supply chain, i.e. the materials flow through a number of nodes, manufacturing, warehouses and distribution centres, is increasingly affecting a company’s competitiveness. The design, organisation and control of supply, production and distribution networks influence not only the total logistics cost, but also the impact of both production and transport on customer service.
The current European economic circumstances, the ongoing globalization trends and the transformations that are in place exert a strong impact on the goods mobility patterns. Transport and supply chain processes need to converge into well aligned systems. Whereas in the past, transport could be seen separately from manufacturing and distribution, now this is no longer the case.
Dematerialization, 3D-printing, e-commerce, postponement of final product assembly, re-shoring of production and local sourcing may all have a profound effect on the demand for transport. In this framework, leading multinational manufacturers, traders and retailers have formulated a clear network strategy in the development of their main transport connectors to several world regions, including Central Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
To this end, Greece can become a critical differentiating factor for the majority of the large and multinational enterprises that aim to optimize their European supply chain network in the East Mediterranean region. Being located in the southernmost point
of Europe and standing on the crossroad of three continents Greece, holds a unique geographical position in the international maritime routes and may become the key logistics hub in three different scenarios.
1. As the main European gateway linking routes from Far and Middle East Asia countries with the major logistics, production and economic centres in Central and South East Europe.
2. As a regional fulfilment centre or/and agro-logistics hub in the whole Eastern Mediterranean Basin, spanning from Balkans Countries to Turkey and from North Africa to Israel and other Asian-Mediterranean countries.
3. As an important European manufacturing and assembly hub for non-EU products before their free circulation in Europe.
The role of Greece in leading supply chain business models
As maritime transport remains the backbone of globalization and as trade flows between Asia and Europe are constantly growing, traffic through the Mediterranean ports is increasing and Greece’s role as a major maritime interface for Europe is becoming more apparent.
In recent years the logistics sector in Greece has invested heavily on developing appropriate physical connections and intermodal logistics services for rail and short sea shipping in addition to roadonly transport options. All transport options are offered alongside one another at Greek ports and other intermodal transport hubs and can be appropriately selected according to destination, required turnaround time and sustainability concerns.
Greece logistics companies have developed modern and highly sophisticated end-to-end intermodal services and maritime logistics services in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. Feeder vessels are
constantly serving maritime ports in North-West Africa, the Middle East and the Black Sea, while at the same time daily block trains connect Piraeus Port with the major logistics hubs in the Czech Republic and Germany.
In this context, the two largest international Greek ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki offer a highly competitive end-to-end alternative connection to Far East trade routes. If compared with their NorthEuropean counterparts, Greek ports offer to shippers and consignees significant advantages in terms of transport duration, frequency of service and price.
Piraeus links Asia ports to the major central-European logistics centres in significantly less time when compared to the large North European Ports. An end-to-end trip from China to Czech Republic is estimated to be 8 to 10 days shorter when compared to the same trip via Rotterdam or Hamburg. The opportunities for shippers and manufacturers in terms of route-to-market lead times and total logistics cost appear enormous. Especially for high-tech and highvalue goods, the ability to optimize lead time from production to market has become a critical success factor.
Shipping liners’ cost and revenue opportunities should also be taken
into consideration. Shorter transit times can easily be translated into lower fuel and vessel operating costs and most importantly in more trips per year. A trip from Hong Kong to Rotterdam or Hamburg may take more than 32 days to complete, whereas the same trip to Piraeus will have been completed in less than 21 days, allowing the shipping line to organize three more trips per year in the same maritime route.
Disruptions to supply chains can prove costly, and continue to grow at an alarming rate during 2018, as reported by Resilinc. According to research conducted by Accenture, significant supply chain disruptions have been found to cut the share price of impacted companies by 7% on average. By taking the shorter route via Greece, global supply chains will be less vulnerable to severe events and operational risks including extreme weather, fires, tariffs, price fluctuations, security breaches and cyber attacks.
Opportunities beyond the mere exploitation of modern logistics infrastructure
The design of modern logistic systems does not just depend on infrastructure capabilities, but it also crucially depends on decisions made by shippers and manufacturers (local versus global, product
modularity, re-use of materials and components, item and package integrity). Modern manufacturers have to tackle different challenges along the supply chain like product size, shape and packaging, modularisation and postponements of product customization.
The latter will result in a flow of components instead of finished products and when the final product configuration is postponed until close to the customer. Such a decision clearly contributes to sustainability in a broad sense, by reducing cost and environmental impact as well as increasing service due to less inventory investments, and increased transport efficiency used due to higher packing density.
Tightly coupling production with their distribution and transport systems is expected to provide significant additional benefits to multinational manufacturers that aim to use Greece as their European logistics centre. The development of light-manufacturing and assembly operations within a logistics centre in Greece will be extremely beneficial especially for non-EU imported goods during the final processing stage before entering into circulation (inward processing phase). Moreover, if these operations take place in a free zone, then all import duties and commercial policy measures are suspended.
Significant benefits for manufacturers and traders can also be recognized in terms of inventory costs. Considering the aforementioned trip of a 40’ container filled with goods valued at €500.000, and taking into account a 3,65% cost of money, the inventory costs will be approximately €50 per TEU per day, resulting in a total inventory cost of €250 per TEU.
A further challenge that needs to be highlighted is the rapid rise of e-commerce, and the resulting pressure on logistics systems. Supply
chains needs to take the development of e-commerce opportunities into account, but e-commerce itself will also influence the logistics networks that perform the physical activities related to e-commerce. These two challenges are more and more felt in cross border logistics operations. There is a poor match between requirements of door-to-door freight services in Eastern and South Eastern Europe and the supporting pan-European infrastructure. Existing logistics networks which are mainly organized around the major Northern European ports and inland corridors are no longer suited for the
much larger volumes of e-commerce related packages that are generated in Asian and Eastern Mediterranean Countries. E-commerce supply chains are fundamentally different from conventional brick and mortar ones. The distribution of ecommerceborn small sized packets fast and in short distances requires more complex, faster and agile logistics networks and hubs that are in close proximity to the final consumer. The unique geographical position of Greece in the entry of the Mediterranean Sea and the ability of the Greek logistics industry to serve a series of nearby countries in the Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East present enormous opportunities for manufacturers, distributors and the wholesale sector to optimize their e-commerce supply chain network in the r3gion.
Time to assess the benefits of Greece as a major European logistics hub
By taking all the aforementioned intelligence into consideration, it comes with no surprise that in the last 6 years the Port of Piraeus has emerged as the 4th largest port in the Mediterranean Sea, in terms of container throughput following only Valencia, Algeciras and Port Said. Piraeus growth in container throughput has been outstanding.
Moreover, during the past 5 years Greek ports and other major transportation infrastructure facilities and logistics operations in Greece have been considered as attractive investment opportunities for multinational shipping companies, as well as for multinational manufacturers and shippers.
Freight customer needs constantly evolve, changing their priorities. Reliability, speed, flexibility and resilience are assumed as the most perceived value that customers seek for. It is critical that cargo is delivered efficiently, both on time and intact. Comprehensive and accurate logistics information is necessary to enable the identification and recording of potential problems sooner and adjust plans proactively, minimising the impact of deviations or other exceptions and simultaneously maximising commercial opportunities.
It is widely believed that as shippers seek for quality services, flexible supply chains, smart hubs and efficient operations, the Greek South Gate to Europe can be established and recognised as the backbone of their new business logistics model in the region.
by Stamatis Andrianopoulos Executive Consultant PLANNING A.E.
Calls, connectivity, liners and alliances at Thessaloniki container port
by George Vaggelas & Thanos Pallis
Thessaloniki stands as the second biggest container port in Greece and a peripheral port aiming to serve the Balkans and further regions in Southeast Europe.
It is almost a year since the privatization of the Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A., via the selling of the majority of the shares of the Port Authority that also acts as the single operator of the port of Thessaloniki*. The new owner has committed to invest €180 million, with the majority to be invested in the tripling of the container terminal’s capacity.
We collected data for a period of two (2) months, aiming to analyse the current status of the port and realize the level of its embeddedness in the maritime transport systems as well as its direct connectivity with other ports system of Southeast Europe – an analysis providing the background for a future comparison and further conclusions once the port expansion materializes and the new governance model of the port evolves.
We recorded a total of 79 container ship calls (Table 1), with the average capacity of these ships being 1.579 TEUs. The smaller container ships called at the port had a capacity of 374 TEUs and the biggest one had a capacity of 5.060 TEUs – the need for dredging (current max. 12 meters) is an essential step towards the elimination of the serious limitation present.
Thessaloniki acts as a peripheral port, relying strongly on feedering services. 87,3% of the calls performed by feeder vessels with a capacity of less than 3.000 TEUs, and only 10 calls out of 79 were vessels with a capacity of more than 3.000 TEUs.
This outcome is further exposed by the analysis of the ports that container ships call prior or after the port of Thessaloniki. In total the port is connected with 15 ports located in eight different countries. With only one call register in two of these countries, it is safe to conclude that these have been extraordinary (rather than periodical) calls.
Most of the direct linkages are with other ports in the Greece (46,5% of the calls) with Turkish ports standing second in terms of number of linkages (32,5%).
Table 1. Breakdown of ship calls based on the capacity
With more than half of the calls at the port of Thessaloniki performed by container ships coming from the port of Piraeus the dependency of the former port by the latter. The biggest container port in Greece, and the second biggest in the Mediterranean sea is the major trading “partner” for the port of Thessaloniki, with 55,1% of the calls reaching Thessaloniki Piraeus and 29,11% of the calls depart Thessaloniki heading to the COSCO owned and operated Piraeus (Table 2), which maintains a better connectivity with major container ports in the Far East and the Chinese markets. Other container port hubs in the area – such as Izmir, Gemlik, Ambarli and Asyaport in Turkey or Marsaxlokk in Malta – are also well connected with the port of Thessaloniki.
Table 2. Connectivity of Port of Thessaloniki (direct links; 2018)
Which Liner?
With regards to the major three shipping alliances, 2M vessels correspond to the 35,9% of the total number calls. Ocean Alliance calls represent 25,7%, with none of “THE ALLIANCE members using the port of Thessaloniki.
The major client of the port (PortGraphic 1) is MSC, the only 2M member calling Thessaloniki. Three of the four members of Ocean Alliance that brings together China Cosco Shipping, with Evergreen Line, CMA CGM, and OOCL in a vessel- and slot-sharing agreement, call at the port. COSCO and Evergreen represent 9% of the total calls each. CMA-CGM accounts for 6% of the total calls. With one of the major partners in the consortium that took
control of the port of Thessaloniki being Terminal Link, a company dealing with the operation of port terminals in which CMA-CGM holds a significant share, it is interesting to monitor the extent that this percentage, but also the respective absolute number of calls will change. The rest 38% of the calls are calls of different feeder shipping companies.
PortGraphic 1. ThPA major clients
The average size of the operated by the Ocean Alliance container ships calling at the port of Thessaloniki is 1.571 TEUs and the respective size for the “2M” is 2.416 TEUs. The bigger average size of the vessels operated by 2M is due to the fact that the alliance operates a weekly service connecting Thessaloniki with other major European container ports except Piraeus such as London Gateway (UK), Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium).
With Thessaloniki being a port having a peripheral role in the maritime container market, well connected with transshipment hubs in Greece and Turkey, and heavily serving feeder services from/to Piraeus, the new ownership has to proceed to the essential steps that upgrade the current role of the port. The presence of an international terminal operator (Terminal Link), that is strongly connected with a major container shipping company (CMA-CGM) might be a value added for the port in an effort to attract deep sea services directly from the Far East. Time will tell.
Dr. George Vaggelas is a Partner and Consultant at “Ports and Shipping Advisory” and a Research Fellow at the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport of the University of the Aegean (Greece).
Dr. Thanos Pallis is Professor of Port Economics & Policy & the scientific coordinator of the Jean Monnet Action on European Port Policy at the Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport (STT), University of the Aegean, Greece. He is currently the President of the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), and has served as secretary general of MedCruise, the association of cruise ports in the Med.
A decisive moment for international trade+
By Niklas Bergstrom
International trade and investments matter for growth and new jobs. 1 in 7 jobs depend on exports. Export-related jobs are 12% better paid than other jobs in the rest of the economy. In Greece 450.000 jobs depend on Exports. Business needs open trade and global markets with good and modern rules. EU competitors are not always fair and EU companies’ interests need to be effectively safeguarded.
IRC discussed in Athens how the new trade and investment strategy can promote the international competitiveness of EU industry. The EU industry asks for less red-tape and an investment friendly environment to boost growth and create more jobs.
The EU has brought peace and prosperity to the continent of Europe. Free and fair trade and an embrace of globalization, its internal market, the world’s largest even after Brexit, the single currency and Schengen are core achievements, valued by its citizens. However, we cannot rest on our laurels and business has an important role to play in order for that trust in our European project is maintained and developed. From economic inequalities, security, disenchantment with political elites and rising populism, to an increasing fragmented global context, with China on the rise, the US disengaging and Russia’s assertiveness, the EU is faced with serious challenges, which put at risk what it has achieved.
We are definitively at a crossroad between creating a trade and investment environment that is more modern, more fit for
companies and citizens’ needs, and increasing protectionism and market disruption. Our economic model for the last decades has been build around global value chains since we cannot produce everything in one country. To stay competitive companies need to import to be able to export which means the old-fashioned mercantilistic mindset has to be replaced by a 21st Century one that reflects realities on the ground.
Companies are also investing more abroad as a way to overcome barriers at the border. This does not mean they will not create jobs in their home country but some jobs are also being created in other countries.
Today we see protectionism rising and instead of opening markets some are deciding to increase duties on imports. At the end companies and citizens will be paying the bill.
Increasing duties is increasing costs for companies and citizens
We are also at an important moment for the EU as we will have European Elections in May. Predictions are that this assembly will be more divided and extreme on issues such as trade and investment. This poses an even greater challenge for business. So for BusinessEurope, the Europe-wide elections in May will be an excellent opportunity to show that we do not believe in protectionism or populism. We have to demonstrate that complex problems instead demand constructive dialogue and lucid decisions. This is the only way to create the
foundations for competitiveness and thus for the ability to create growth and jobs for continued well-being and welfare.
One important task for the International Relations Committee of BusinessEurope meeting in Athens is what our companies want from the new European Commission in the area of trade and investments. We will reaffirm the importance of free but rulesbased trade. Not everyone plays by the rules and Europe needs to have ways of protecting its interests and those of its companies. This does not imply going down the protectionist route or encouraging our legislators to play tit-for-tat.
Greece is making tremendous efforts in order to increase competitiveness and this also means promoting Greek products and services abroad. Greek top exports include aluminum, coper and steel products, pharmaceuticals and refined oil products, as well as the world class olive oil and dairy products. The EU trade policy can help Greek exporters by eliminating barriers to trade industrial products and also ensuring that geographical indications in agro-products like Feta cheese are effectively protected in markets like Japan or Canada.
As European business we need to ensure that our companies remain competitive in Europe while increasing their possibilities to take advantage of business opportunities abroad. We should be proud of our European values and diversity and build upon our strengths whilst continuing to reap the benefits of globalization and openness in a hopefully fairer and more equitable world.
* On 29-30 January 2018, SEV Hellenic Federation of Enterprises hosted the BusinessEurope Industrial Affairs Committee in Athens. The Committee discussed the importance and key features of an industry policy strategy both at EU level and in Greece. The article is part of mr. Bergstrom’s speech, which was published first at “BusinessEurope Headlines”
Bergstrom IRC Chairman
Niklas
Logistics 4.0: Opportunities and challenges
Article by Dr. V. Zeimpekis, A. Gialos, and I. Fragkiadaki*
Digital transformation is significant for modern businesses since it is the most promising way for them to assure their future existence and development. The use of digital technology and its innovative applications in all operations of a business unit has many benefits since emerging technologies contribute considerably both to the competitiveness as well as to the sustainability of corporations. Despite the significant benefits, the full digitation of a business unit is particularly time-consuming as it takes place in two parts. The first part involves the horizontal transformation, which is related to the transformation of all internal processes of a company, while the second part is related to the vertical transformation, which includes the transformation of suppliers and customers’ network.
A successful digital transformation depends on the information, which accompanies products and services at all stages of their life cycle; a company collects, analyzes and uses efficiently this information in order to achieve a successful digitization. It is very important, the information that is used by a company to be instant and real-time. In order to achieve the above, it is crucial for a business unit to adopt emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, UAVs, etc. Such technologies are part of the 4th evolution in Industry (Industry 4.0) and consequently in the Logistics operations (Logistics 4.0).
1. Logistics 4.0 in practice
1.1 Autonomous vehicles for city logistics
The existence of autonomous vehicles or robotic systems that are used for the delivery of parcels in urban areas is one of the most innovative applications of last mile logistics. Autonomous vehicles, which are able to transfer products under controlled temperature and humidity conditions, are capable of distributing products to final recipients. More specifically, each vehicle transfers parcels autonomously by using electric power,
to the final customer and embraces various technologies such as GPS for navigation and anti-tampering. By delivering parcels to predefined addresses, end customers may confirm the receipt of the parcels (Proofof-delivery) and send the vehicle back to its base by using an application on a smartphone.
1.2 Unmanned aerial vehicles for intra-logistics & lastmile delivery
Intra-logistics operations
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could play a vital role in intralogistics. For instance, consider the automotive industry which has massive production sites that UAVs could support by interplant transferring which is typically performed by helicopter today. UAVs are easy to monitor and so there is no need for trained employees to launch and fly them.
As long as UAVs are limited to private premises only, the corporation has to deal with minimal regulatory boundaries and privacy concerns, but it is important to mention that the most significant limitation for intralogistics is probably the payload issue. The UAVs are still
Source: Ivy Mobility Starship technologies
OPINIONS
disappointingly expensive and in many cases much more expensive than manned helicopters in terms of cost, maintenance, and infrastructure requirements, eliminating their major advantages.
Another intralogistics application of UAVs is inside a warehouse for more flexible storage. For example, a Fraunhofer IML research project investigates the use of a UAV platform for indoor and outdoor flights. This concept is based on the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing on selforganization of machines and interaction among systems. The UAV is equipped with several sensors and 3D cameras that allow the system to observe and analyze the interior of the warehouse, as well as GPS which enables the UAV to navigate in outdoor spaces. As a result, the UAV flies autonomously and independently and perceive their environment dynamically. Also, it is able to navigate through a warehouse, find objects and carry out an inventory check. While flying the information collected is transmitted to other systems in the warehouse via intelligent interfaces.
Last-mile delivery
Rapid urbanization and evolution of e-commerce are the key features of recent years and the near future. Part of the problem is the delivery of the last mile to the city and the demand for it due to these trends. UAVs could relieve the problem for inner cities, taking traffic off the roads and into the sky. Although payloads are limited, a UAVs’ network could support last-mile logistics.
A last mile airborne network could look as follows:
• Shipments that arrive from outside the city limits are sorted in existing facilities
• Shipments that meet certain criteria, such as size, weight, air pollution etc., are separated automatically
• UAVs automatically pick up assigned shipments from a conveyer belt and take off
• Routing decisions would always be dynamic. For instance, when an emergency shipment arrives, this is given priority and all resources are redistributed in real-time
• Final customers download an application that allows them to view nearby UAVs and order a dynamic pick up. This system would use GPS data from the customer's smartphone to meet them wherever they are, even if they move to a different location after placing the order
• Also, the UAVs would be placed on the top of a delivery truck, waiting for a parcel from the driver
• When the parcel is loaded, the barcode on the parcel would be scanned and the route to the delivery point would be planned via GPS
• In the meantime, the truck will continue on its rounds
• After a successful delivery, the UAV will fly back to the truck for the next delivery route, where it can also recharge its battery wirelessly
Source: Egi
1.3 Internet of Things (IoT) in warehouse operations
Focusing on the logistics sector and investigating the capabilities of implementing IoT technology, it is obvious that there are significant benefits and opportunities for companies that own and manage warehouses. Innovative applications and interactions (Human-to-Machine and Machine-to-Machine) in all the activities of a warehouse, combined with the exploitation of instant real-time information can lead to cost savings, traceability levels, reduction of errors, increased levels of flexibility and efficiency.
Two indicative IoT applications inside a warehouse are described as follows.
Inventory management: Nowadays, inventory management in most warehouses is time-consuming with an increased chance of errors, as workers are required to scan all objects one by one (by using an RFscanner). Indeed, product tracking in a warehouse is a very complex and expensive operation due to complexity and increased time needed. By taking advantage of IoT technologies, companies can use unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with RFID readers that are able to read RFID tags on products and so can help significantly to improve operational
Source: Kenco Innovation Labs
Source: ZDNet
and inventory efficiency. The use of sensors allows unmanned aerial vehicles to move securely inside the warehouse in order to perform stock count of the products and identify their location.
Monitoring of material handling equipment: In addition to handling goods, IoT can contribute to an optimal management of a company’s assets too. By connecting all machines and vehicles of a warehouse with a central system, the warehouse manager has the opportunity to monitor them in real time by receiving information about their performance and maintenance status. Indeed, through such system, a warehouse manager may receive notifications about the rate of use of vehicles and can also know which machines are being used too much or what machines are idle, as well as information related to the maintenance of these machines.
Challenges and inefficiencies towards logistics 4.0 transformation
The rapid technological evolution has significant benefits and opportunities, as it has already been described above. However, there are major drawbacks and challenges that need to be tackled by the stakeholders, who plan to adopt these emerging, over the next few years.
Modern corporations process a large amount of information, which is a key feature of their development. However, some major concerns are raised about safety gaps. This particular gap is covered by the new European Union GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) regulation, via which all corporate data management and protection procedures can be reviewed or revised.
Furthermore, the technological fragmentation and the plethora of technologies and systems should also be taken into account by stakeholders, since their choice should be made on the basis of specific criteria which reflect the real needs of the company.
The training of employees and associates about new technologies and the investment cost required for the complete transformation are an important challenge too, that requires be taken into consideration. Finally, as far as the current digital transformation status in Greece is concerned, it is worth mentioned that all related investments have declined significantly over the past few years. However, it is important to note that as Greek businesses do not invest in their digital transformation, it is almost certain that in the forthcoming years they will face serious problems with the competitiveness of their products and services.
Dipl. Ing. Ioanna Fragkiadaki (ifragkiadaki@optilog.gr) is Junior Consultant at OPTILOG Advisory Services
Dr. Vasilis Zeimpekis (vzeimp@ optilog.gr) is Executive Advisor at OPTILOG Advisory Services and Vice-President of Administration in Hellenic Logistics Association.
Dipl. Ing. Anastasios Gialos (agialos@optilog.gr) is Supply Chain & Logistics Consultant at OPTILOG Advisory Services
By Dionisis Grigoropoulos Director of GCSLA President GCSLA
Greek Cold Storage & Logistics Association
WE WORK IN THE COLD
The Greek Cold Storage & Logistics Association Industries, founded in 1957, is the oldest professional association in the Supply Chain area and at the same time a unique institutional body in Greece for the storage and distribution of food at controlled temperatures, both nationally and internationally.
It is also the only association with direct representation in the decision-making center in Brussels, a member of the European Cold Storage & Logistics Association (ECSLA).
The aim of the association is to offer its expertise and to contribute to the development of the economy through:
– Defending the highest standards for the development of the profession and industry.
– Ensure that Greece is competitive on an international level in all aspects of the Cold Supply Chain and Logistics.
– Possibility to achieve career development of members and enhance their credibility through access to the latest information and networking with other professionals.
Its key role is to ensure that the food supply chain is making a significant contribution to the social and economic life of Greece, as it produces national wealth, creates jobs and stimulates new business activities.
Recently, our Organization has been authorized to implement the largest training program in the Supply Chain through NSRF.
The implementation of the action plan GCSLA aims into an integrated, innovative and horizontal process of human resource development in priority areas, including the diagnosis of educational needs, the documented selection of trainees, educational processes and materials, as well as the
certification of employees, in issues that increase their employability and contribute to improving the competitiveness of the economy.
The Action Plan concerns the training and certification of 1200 employees in the supply chain sector in the 13 regions of Greece in the following educational subjects:
1. Chief of Supply Chain Management
2. Warehouse Management Officer
3. Transporter Company Executive
4. Project Machine Operator
Our vision, therefore, is to try to change the way the Union operates not only by developing its outward-looking approach to all directions of the country’s productive units but also at a pan-European level, to all public bodies and organizations by creating Clusters, with a view to informing the importance of our existence as a Union. A parallel objective will be for the Union to take its place in decision-making centers on the issues of the industry.
An additional objective of our newest and very active Board of Directors is to generate working groups consisting not only by the members of our BoD and our member companies but also by others entities, active in our sector, coming from domestic and global market. The aim of this initiative will be to develop four key areas:
– Institutional framework
– Technology
– Energy – Environment
– Education
We hope that Transport Logistics European event will act as a key- sector that will determine the quality assurance with ultimate consumer destination as well as the global economy.
By George Raounas, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hellenic Association of Management Consulting Firms - SESMA
Hellenic Association of Management Consulting (SESMA)
THE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS IN GREECE
Τ
he Hellenic Association of Management Consulting Firms (SESMA) was founded in January 1991 and represents the management consulting firms in Greece. SESMA’s member–firms are 46, including the large Greek firms and the international firms that operate in Greece. SESMA members represent more than 70% of the total turnover of the consulting market in Greece and employ more than 2,000 highly skilled and experienced consultants.
Main objectives of SESMA are the development of the management consulting market in Greece and abroad, and the increase of employment in the profession. SESMA has extensive experience in organizing conferences/forums, networking events and training for members as well as for consultants from other countries. In addition, SESMA promotes the interests of Management Consultancy with public authorities by participating in working groups and committees, drafting position papers, preparing studies, assisting in legislation issues, in order to ensure awareness of professional interests.
SESMA is a member of the European Federation of Management Consultancies Associations (FEACO), the Federation of Greek Enterprises (SEV) and the Federation of Industries of Greece (SBE).
SESMA member firms’ fields of activity vary and cover a wide range of areas. In particular:
– Corporate Strategy Consulting and Business Planning
– Organisation/Operations Management
– Human Resource Organisation and Development
– Design and Support Services for the implementation of Developmental –Operational Programmes and Projects
– Μarketing and Corporate Communication
– Information Technology Consulting
– Financial Advisory
– Design and Implementation of Digital Transformation and Innovation
– Economic Studies
– Environmental Studies
Logistics is a sector of strategic importance and with a great potential for Greece, since its geographical position gives a unique opportunity to operate as a hub for European entry/exit.
The Logistics sector has been in the receiving end of Greek state strategic plans that aim to boost investments in the area.
SESMA considers the supply chain sector of paramount importance for the Greek economy. Member companies of SESMA are experts in the field of supply chain, have identified the current market needs and provide top level consulting services in Greece and abroad related to operational excellence, supply chain transformation, operations efficiency, change management, network optimization, Master Layout and Detailed Warehouse Design, inventory and planning optimization among others.
www. om www.solarisbus.com
Hellenic Federation of Road Transports (OFAE)
WE FACILITATE NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT
The Hellenic Federation of Road Transports (OFAE) is a second-level professional organization, which represents road goods & passenger transport operators.
Since its establishment in 1936, it has been by the side of the Greek road transport operators, safeguarding their professional interests and providing them with information, training, guidance and legal aid, among other things.
OFAE has developed a large variety of activities in all sectors involved in and affecting road transport.
As the official representative of all Greek Road Goods & Passenger Transport Operators in international and national organisations, it promotes and supports their positions in all sectors. It participates in national and international initiatives to study problems and plans in order to facilitate national and international transport, and it represents the industry in national or international negotiations to support and promote professional and technical proposals aimed at promoting national and international combined or single transport.
The Hellenic Federation of Road Transports (OFAE)
OFAE is the voice of road passenger and freight transport operators throughout Greece and, as such, it works to facilitate road transport and to represent the rights of Greek hauliers in Greece and abroad. Road transports are a vital industry for the Greek economy and represent a significant
part of the GDP and jobs in Greece. In Greece, 98% of national freight services are provided by road. The transport of goods by road in Greece is particularly important, since it dominates Greek freight services, and it is a crucial factor in achieving the objective set by Greece to become a logistics hub for the Balkans, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
OFAE is involved in the following main activities:
• Active Member of the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
• National Guaranteeing Association for the TIR system, the easiest, safest and most reliable way to move goods across international borders, saving time and money for transport operators and customs authorities.
• Safeguarding and promoting the mutual financial, social and professional interests of road passenger or freight transport operators, while serving the interests of the public.
• Studying and resolving any problem directly or indirectly linked to road passenger or freight transports.
• Contributing to the shaping, supplementation, modification, simplification, unification and improvement of legislation, regulations and practices that pertain to land freight transport, customs procedures, road safety etc.
• Providing education and vocational training to eligible road passenger or freight transport operators by establishing and operating Transport Operator Vocational Training Centre.
By Konstantinos Haniotis, Vice President of the Hellenic Institute for Logistics Management HILME
Hellenic Institute for Logistics Management HILME
PROMOTING GREEK LOGISTICS
Τ
he Hellenic Institute for Logistics Management – HILME, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the logistic profession as one of the most crucial factors in any business. Back in 90’s, when HILME was founded, logistics was a backyard operation, having no budget for R&D and unable to attract talented professionals. Through globalization and the shift to digital economy, logistics became the driving force of any business. Today talent is attracted to logistics, R&D in logistics is thriving, and new disruptive technologies are emerging together with new business models.
In this Global Supply Chain, Greece is a significant part.
It is a major hub in the South East of Europe, connecting Asia and Africa with EU. Ports infrastructure is improving while its road networks are one of the best in Europe, connecting all major ports and cities. Good communication supports connected vehicles and infrastructure. In addition, the railway infrastructure is improving lately, providing another reliable network, particularly for long distance transportation.
Human Capital is also an advantage for Greece, with many talented University graduates entering the Supply Chain labor market each year.
Finally, there is an increasing number of reliable service providers for stocking, packaging, handling, picking and transporting,
invoicing, collecting, and reverse logistics, of all kind of goods.
We, in HILME, are doing our best to promote and support both companies and individuals, through a number of initiatives:
– We have introduced in cooperation with the European Logistics Association
– ELA the Certification for LogisticiansELA Certification, a program that gains recognition in the Greek market, with more than 50 managers of various levels participating each year.
– We promote accomplished professionals and innovative projects by introducing the annual Greek Logistics awards ‘Alexander the Great’, which lead to the ELA awards, with excellent results so far. Greek Logisticians received 3 times the European Logistics Award for the Professional of the Year.
– We promote new technologies for logistics by organizing international conferences and workshops.
– We conduct research studies focusing on the trends of the Greek logistics and the use of new technologies, and we provide to our members networking opportunities both in local and international level.
– And we plan many more actions, with the help and for the benefit of our ecosystem in logistics.
Our message to you, dear reader, is “contact us”. If you need any kind of information about Greek Logistics, we are at your disposal. Be part of our ecosystem!
COOPERATIONS
COMPANY SERVICES
Research
Construction
Buildings
By Nikolaos Rodopoulos, Chairman of the Board of Hellenic Logistics Association
Hellenic Logistics Association (EEL)
GREECE, THE SUPPLY CHAIN COUNTRY
We are proud of our country’s transformation as a significant European logistics hub which can now serve every existing and rising need. This transformation may have been difficult, but it has certainly been successful. Today the two main ports of the country have been privatized. Piraeus stands in the top five of the ports of Europe, while the port of Thessaloniki is growing rapidly. The “Sea Silk Road” passes through Greece and this cannot be changed.
In the same context, the road axes have been completed, giving significant momentum to road transport. The railway infrastructure is in the final phase of implementation, seeking an important position in the frame of the European supply chains.
At the same time the significant growth of Greek Logistics (9.02% GDP) has formed a culture and know-how that can support equal quality and integrated services. Continuous investments by the private supply chain companies have developed new activities that can contribute to manufacturing and
other operations in freight flows.
The Asian countries focusing on China, have found a valued partner, on which they can rely. The light processing, the assembly, the qualitative evaluation, the packaging and the branding, are elementary functions that can be served by established Logistics companies in Greece. The Balkans and Eastern Europe have the main outlet for their freight flows in Greece.
The Hellenic Logistics Association is a scientific organization that simultaneously represents the sector, as an institutional representative in the respective Governments while directly collaborating with university institutes and educational organizations aiming at transmigrating market knowledge into the new generation of logisticians in Greece. We have done important work and we continue to be consulted for the benefit of Greece, believing in the European perspective and unity of European countries. The composition and synergies that can be done will create an integrated European perspective. Greece is the seaport of Europe and as a strong operational power will help support growth and perspective.
IFFAG&L
ASSOCIATION OF INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDERS
& LOGISTICS ENTERPRISES OF GREECE
Following a prolonged crisis period of almost 10 years and despite the progress made over the past years, the economy is trapped in low growth. Domestic consumption remains stagnant, employment opportunities are limited, the investment gap remains large and the low increase in exports is not enough to fuel the growth potential. As a result of all above the trade balance is still negative. Greek entrepreneurship as well as the entire Supply Chain still have limited access to the banking system and ability to get supplies despite the exit from the successive memoranda. However, worldwide Supply Chain expansion is recognized as more important than boosting trade for the future of global growth (Bain Capital). At the same time, Greek State, World Bank and other international organizations have recognized that Supply Chain is one of the main pillars of Greek Economy along with Tourism industry, which can offer a lot to the country’s development.
In a country where Logistics industry contributes around 9.5% to GDP, and employs about 4.7% of employees it is easy to understand its importance to the Economy. Greece has the potential to be the most cost efficiency Europe’s southeast gateway, as the geographical location of its continent, classifies it, in a very important hub connecting Asia and Europe.
However it is also very important to follow a national strategy and it is worth mentioning that Greek Logistics industry is perhaps the only one in Greece that has a national strategy plan approved and updated by two successive governments. Greek Supply Chain now has a very modern regulatory framework (simplified business licensing, streamlining legislation, executives training) which contributes significantly in attracting new loads and rationalize operating costs and properly use the Greek Logistics advantages.
Over the last two years, a large part of the business community, but especially Greek State has understood the need to complete
all infrastructures in terms of roads, ports and electrification on trains, which will greatly boost private investment already, made in Greek territory by foreign investors and will attract young people as well.
In figures Greece has 45 airports, about 140 ports for passengers and cargo, an already improved, road Network and a full electrification of Athens - Thessaloniki railway connecting Piraeus port – Thriasio Pedio freight and logistics hub to northern Greece. This means that Greek railway will be part of the European Rail Freight Corridor 7 aiming to increase transportation volumes from Piraeus port to all central European countries in reliable, cost efficient and short period of time. Back to the airports with flagship Athens International Airport and the privatization of 14 regional airports, Greece will become a major player in the area. Finally, it is worth mentioning that 16 international ports, with their backbone being Piraeus and Thessaloniki ports, the investments of the private sector the past recent years have already significantly contributed in the development of the logistics sector.
All above mentioned figures and infrastructures make Greece as a main and very competitive player in the Supply Chain in the Balkan region as well as in Europe in general.
The goal for Greece is to become more attractive to international Supply-Chain operators as a connection between land and sea, and between East and West.
The Association of International Freight Forwarders & Logistics Enterprises of Greece participates in many working groups of the Logistics sector as well as in the Council for development and competiveness of Supply Chain which is under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism Infrastructure, Transport and Networks. Bearing all the knowledge and experience of the Logistics Market we advise and constantly contribute in creating new ideas and sharing views that help in the general upgrading of the Logistics Industry.
By Anna Kalliani, Greek President of the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (BHCC)
BRITISH HELLENIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
UK AND GREEK BUSINESS RELATIONS ARE STRONG EXTROVERT
GROWTH MODEL AND THE POTENTIAL OF THE GREEK ECONOMY
The British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (BHCC) is an independent non-profit organisation, established in 1945, whose main purpose and objective is the promotion of the bilateral business and investment relations between the UK and Greece. Greece and the UK have strong and long-term business and friendship ties. These ties are directly reflected in the trade relationship between the two countries, as well as in the increased weight of the tourist inflows from the UK to Greece.
More specifically:
The UK is the 11th trade partner of Greece (9th excluding petroleum products), while Greece is the 35th trade partner of the UK.
Total bilateral trade of goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Greece was approximately 6.4 billion pounds in 2018, increasing by about 6% compared to 2017.
Of all UK exports to Greece, £1.0bn (41.5%) were goods and £1.5bn (58.5%) were services.
Exports of goods from Greece to the UK amounted to about 816 million pounds in 2018 –showing an approximate 4% increase compared to 2017), while 3 billion pounds were the exports for services (primarily inflows to Greece from UK tourists).
Main exporting goods from Greece to the UK are: oil & petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, vegetables & fruits preparations, electrical machinery & equipment, aluminum products, apparel and beauty products.
The improvement of Greece’s economic indicators in combination to the implementation of structural reforms have created the conditions for further strengthening of the bilateral investment and trade relations between the two countries. The progress made since the beginning of the debt crisis in 2009 is remarkable and unprecedented.
Greece shifts to a new outward looking and sustainable growth model.
Greek companies, smaller or larger, have highly educated personnel, younger generations (many of them who have studied abroad) combine the new technologies with innovation, creativity, passion.
They dare trying to compete in the international arena, as they have exceptional products or provide services that deserve attracting the attention of international business customers and consumers.
Within this context, the British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce’s objective is to contribute in this effort and strengthen the already strong business relations between the UK and Greece in a variety of sectors, with emphasis in exports, shipping, technology – innovation, education.
BHCC contributes in the extrovert orientation of the Greek companies by supporting actively specific trade fairs in the UK, in cooperation with Enterprise Greece, the Greek Embassy in London and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs. BHCC’s objective is to further promote the Greek brand name and the exports of the Greek companies through also the organisation of targeted events, information sessions, and connection with other commercial chambers in the UK.
Furthermore, BHCC’s objective is to also encourage UK companies to expand in the Greek market; in cooperation with the British Embassy in Greece, BHCC provides information to UK companies about the Greek market in order to maximize their potential benefit.
It should also be mentioned that the City of London is the biggest financial centre and is seen as a one-stop-shop for financial services by many Greek companies in their effort to expand internationally. We believe in the dynamics and the prospects of the UK market in the long-term.
We understand the concerns and the risks related to Brexit. We do hope that the negotiations between the EU and the UK will lead to a mutually acceptable agreement that will not hurt current business relations but will also provide additional opportunities to Greek companies. BHCC has been playing a substantial role in addressing and conveying the Greek companies’ concerns, challenges, risks, proposals related to Brexit and the future trade relationship with the UK. Overall, the role of the bilateral international chambers is significant in building strong business and investment relationships between countries.
H DE LATOLAS EXPRES S CARG O
12 Υποκαταστήματα - Hubs
20+ Easy Parcel/E-commerce points
Delatolas Express
By Sdoukopoulos Eleftherios, Perra Vasiliki-Maria, Tsafonias George, Boile Maria
MATES
MARITIME ALLIANCE FOR FOSTERING THE EUROPEAN BLUE ECONOMY BY A MARINE TECHNOLOGY SKILLING STRATEGY
I
n a fast-changing global economy, skills are increasingly determining competitiveness and the ability to drive innovation. They serve as a pull factor for investment and account as the main catalyst for growth, thus are key to social cohesion.
For addressing skills gaps and mismatches that prove to be increasingly striking today in Europe, the European Commission adopted a new Skills Agenda that sets 10 concrete actions for making the right training, skills and support available to European citizens. One of those actions focuses on improving skills intelligence and addressing skills shortages in key economic sectors, among which sectors of the Blue Economy hold an important role.
Within this context, and specifically addressing the maritime technology sector, the ‘Maritime Alliance for fostering the European Blue Economy through a Marine Technology Skilling Strategy’ –MATES research project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, considers the evolution of the maritime industry, and more specifically of the shipbuilding and offshore renewable energy sector, for developing a skilling strategy that will contribute towards a more resilient labor market capable of timely and properly adapting to emerging trends, innovative technologies and new business practices.
For achieving this goal, MATES follows a carefully-devised methodological approach structured around the Plan-Do-CheckAct (PDCA) cycle (Figure 1).
More specifically, within the PLAN phase:
• An extended identification and mobilization process of relevant stakeholders and experts in both sectors took place (176 experts are supporting the project today), and 8 thematic groups of experts were established (i.e. Shipbuilding, Offshore renewable energy, Digital skills, Green Technologies, Innovation management, Gender balance, Ocean literacy and VET standards and governance) formalizing a continuous and long-lasting consultation process for collecting expert feedback at various stages of the project
• A comprehensive information repository was constructed, comprising today of 220 relevant publications, reports and articles as well as of 147 project deliverables
• Based on the above, a detailed overview of the characteristics
and current status of both sectors in Europe was set, serving as a basis for the preparation of a baseline strategy which (a) identifies key occupational profiles involved in each sector, following a valuechain approach and considering the classification the European Skills / Competences, qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) system has adopted, (b) presents an extensive mapping of 986 education and training programs offered in 16 European countries assessing the occupational profiles they target and the relevant qualifications they provide, (c) puts forward the gaps that exist in education and training and, building upon expert feedback, highlights current shortages in skills (hard and soft) that need to be addressed for supplying the market with highly-qualified and well-trained personnel.
• As a next step, paradigm shifters expected to impose a significant impact on both sectors were defined and their effects on skills development was assessed in the short (2020), medium (2025) and long-term (2030).
• For addressing the above, proper lines of action were defined next and respective priorities were provided following expert consultation.
Within the DO phase, where the project currently stands:
• 11 Pilot experiences, addressing the aforementioned key priorities, are to be properly designed and implemented. These will include training courses and material, summer schools, student exchanges, a maritime hackathon, etc. Once completed, their relative impact will be carefully assessed and the main lessons learnt will be reported in detail.
Within the CHECK phase:
• The initial strategy will be properly refined following the lessons learnt from the pilot experiences.
Within the ACT phase:
• A sustainability roadmap will be developed comprising of actionable policy recommendations as well as of curricula reform recommendations to be provided to education and professional training organizations.
• A long-term action plan, estimating required resources and suggesting potential funding opportunities, will complement the roadmap, ensuring also its effective future implementation Through this approach, and by placing within it particular emphasis on the role and impact of ocean literary, the MATES project expects (a) both sectors to become more attractive to students and young professionals coming from multiple disciplines, (b) educational and training programs better integrating and addressing current and emerging industry needs, and (c) the European market to be supplied with highly-qualified and well-personnel that can support further developments and growth in the sector, drive investments and strengthen, overall, the global competitiveness of the European industry.
For further information on MATES project, visit its official website at www.projectmates.eu
CERTH/HIT
• H.I.T. is a highly recognized research body since its establishment in 2000 and it has been a leading research institution in Greece, offering specialized basic and applied research and highly technical services to the stakeholders in all fields of transport.
Authors: Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou, MSc Sofia Raptopoulou, MSc Leonidas Parodos*
DATA SHARING NETWORK FOR LOGISTICS
n the recent years the field of logistics and supply chain management has seen a tremendous paradigm shift. The trend towards the supply chain integration through digitalization is enabled by information systems and online platforms which support the data sharing and the exchange of information.
Electronic data flow seamlessly through supply chains including the exchange of data with public authorities and between commercial companies. AEOLIX - “Architecture for EurOpean Logistics Information eXchange”- project vision is exactly this, to develop European Logistics Information exchange platform which will transform the digital logistics ecosystem. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program and aims to move a critical step forward for supply chain visibility and interoperability through the decentralization of information sharing.
The main objectives of the AEOLIX project are the following:
– Gain a thorough insight in the lessons learned, needs and requirements in the domain of ICT applications for logistics
– Design an architecture for a collaborative IT infrastructure for operational connection of logistics information systems
– Implement an appropriate data access management model
– Build a common but user-tailored interface and tools to enable the IT infrastructure
– Test, validate and implement the AEOLIX prototype in 12 living labs of logistics business communities across Europe
– Monitor the impacts of AEOLIX based on environmental, economic and social impacts
– Develop an exploitation business model to enable roll-out and deployment of the concept across Europe, and possibly rest of the world
The total benefits of the AEOLIX ecosystem that facilitates the automation of data flow and interoperability with are presented in the below figure1.
AEOLIX Dashboard
An intelligent, user configurable web application that manages and enables access to end to end logistics visibility by sharing data among the logistics partners through the connectivity engine (CE).
AEOIX Toolkit
This represents the core logistics services to support the business
Figure 1: AEOLIX Benefits
needs. These services include the following: e-CMR, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), CO2 monitoring, dangerous goods transport management etc.
AEOLIX Connectivity engine
This component provides the connectivity and interoperability services supporting seamless data exchanges between organizations and services.
AEOLIX tested, validated and demonstrated the collaborative logistics ecosystem in 12 living labs. The selected living labs cover all the nine TEN-T corridors.
One of these Living Labs is the “Thessaloniki Intelligent Logistics hub” which bring together an ecosystem of logistics service providers and production companies with the aim to offer digital transport and logistics services that meet the ecosystem requirements.
Two services have been developed for matching logistics demand to available capacity and offering efficient solutions through data exchange:
a) The first service refers to the development of a Virtual Freight Center (VFC) providing warehouse sharing capabilities and increasing awareness for new logistics options, strategic opportunities and new business models. In this service, the Logistics Service Providers publish their warehouse availability through the AEOLIX platform, achieving better asset management and increasing the warehouse utilization rate. The manufacturing/commercial companies find available space faster and more economically by eliminating the agency fees and by comparing warehousing costs among different options according to our needs.
Figure 3: AEOLIX Platform view
b) The second service focuses on B2B online tool for cargo bundling, matching supply and demand between exporters and forwarders/ truck owners. On one hand, manufacturers - exporting companies reduce the transportation cost through shared cargo functionality and on the other hand, road transport operators identify improved methods to use their available transport capacity by avoiding empty or half-empty trips.
Both services developed and provided by TREDIT S.A. with the scientific support of HIT.
The target group is all the industrial stakeholders of the supply chain with primary focus on export and import companies (freight forwarders and consignees).
The consortium of the “Thessaloniki Intelligent Logistics hub” is the following:
- The Greek Exporters Association (SEVE)
- The Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI)
- The Hellenic Federation of Road Transports (OFAE)
- a business partner TREDIT S.A., which provides services for Planning and Management Studies in all the transport sectors, as well as System Analysis and IT Applications Development, with emphasis in the Transport Sector
- the Hellenic Institute of Transport (HIT) from Center of Research and Technology (CERTH)
The AEOLIX project will end in August 2019 and it will be a proofof-concept demonstrating features that support new ways of enhancing supply chain visibility and interoperability.
* Dr. Georgia Ayfantopoulou, Civil - Transport engineer, Head of Research at HIT, MSc. Sofia Raptopoulou, Industrial Management – Logistics, research associate at HIT ΜSc. Leonidas Parodos, Marit. Logistics & Supply Chain Management, research associate at HIT
CERTH/HIT
• H.I.T. is a highly recognized research body since its establishment in 2000 and it has been a leading research institution in Greece, offering specialized basic and applied research and highly technical services to the stakeholders in all fields of transport.
Figure 3: example of the Virtual Freight Center
Figure 4: Example of cargo bundling
APM TRANSPORT_ THE PHARMA TRANSPORT EXPERTS
«Certified transport solutions for Life Science and High Value sectors»
APM Transport is not a new company and for sure, is well recognised by the Greek Logistics market as the reliable, highly specialised road freight provider to and from Europe…..
By Mary Efthymiatou
PM Transport SA established in Attica, Greece in 1995 and for almost 25 years is providing Road transport solutions of the highest quality and security standards. In partnership with major forwarding companies in Greece and abroad, turned out to be one of the leading International overland carriers. To support its growth and meet customers’ increasing requirements, APM Group established two more affiliate companies in Germany. APM operates a modern, latest technology, privately owned fleet and is providing reliable road freight transport to European markets.
Talking to the owner and Managing Director Mr. Michalis Papas, it is evident that we deal with a dynamic company that “listens” to the market changes and adopts itself to the growing requirements of its customers in Greece and abroad.
The Strategic Choice
As Mr. Papas explained “Back in 2005, we took the strategic decision to focus on the international transport of Temperature Controlled Life Science and High Value (HVTT) sectors. As it is characteristically stated “14 years later, this strategic choice was fully justified. Today we are proud to be considered as one of the leading road freight carriers for the certified transport of Pharma, High Value and Perishable sectors”.
One of the largest investments we have realized is the complete renewal and upgrade of our fleet, which today accounts more than 70 trucks, of Euro5 & Euro6 standards. APM’s fleet, is continuously growing and renewed, with equipment (tractors and trailers) of the latest specifications, so as to fully cover the ever-increasing growing demands of our customers. The average age of our fleet is well below 5 years.
We also invest in the continuous training and specialization of our staff, the installation of modern Telematics systems and of course the application and use of the most modern security systems.
As Mr. Papas puts it “APM Transport SA is operating a modern, -state-of-the-art- privately owned fleet which combined with the established know-how, expertise and dedication of our team and the use of latest Information Technology systems, is allowing us to provide leading edge transport solutions at optimum cost
Photo: SC&L & APM Transportß
level”. Today APM Transport SA is considered one of the leading, certified carriers for the transport of Pharmaceutical, High Value (HVTT) and Perishable products in Europe.
APM Transport SA specialises in:
• transport of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in full compliance to GDP requirements
• secure transportation of high value goods with enhanced
visibility and proactivity features - TAPA TSR-1 Certified • overland transport of temperature sensitive and perishable goods within Europe
The specialist in Pharmaceutical Transport
APM Transport SA is all about pharma. For years, we have been providing transport services to the Life Science & Healthcare sector throughout Europe. We are committed to safeguard product integrity by operating in full compliance to GDP guidelines and at uncompromised security levels (TAPA TSR1). Your products reach destination secured, on time and within the specified temperature conditions.
APM constantly invests in privately owned, ATP/FRC, “Pharmaserv” certified trailers that are specifically manufactured for the transport of pharma products in full compliance to EU GDP directive. All vehicles are equipped with latest technology GPRS / Telematics systems that enable remote, real time monitoring of the temperature conditions and exact location of the truck. On request, web access can be provided to our customers to monitor their specific
KNAPP provides the ideal concept for processing complex transport orders within your warehouse. The integration of Open Shuttles into your system is as easy as ABC. This solution offers maximum
At the same time, safety is of the utmost importance: the unique, dynamic and autonomous navigation technology quickly reacts to people and other obstacles planning alternative routes independently, the Open Shuttle will always safely
transports. The temperature conditions are constantly monitored and recorded. We operate a wide range of GDP compliant Thermo trailers (mono Thermo, Bi-Thermo with partition, single or double deck) which provide us with operational flexibility and capacity to meet even the most demanding transportation needs of the Pharma industry at optimum cost levels.
The specialist in High Value Transport APM is able to provide the highest level of security for the transport of HVTT (High Value Theft Targeted) products. Our fleet is equipped with latest technology security systems (GPRS Telematics, GEO fence, electronic remote locks etc.) and is constantly monitored 24/7 (passive / active) by our qualified staff. Third party monitor center (AMIC) is also used depending on the security requirements. Our commitment to the highest security standards has been certified by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), to the highest level of the standard TSR1 - 2017, that verifies the security measures applied by APM for the transport of HVTT products.
Quality Certifications
Quality certification of processes and services offered is a strategic priority for APM Management. According to Michalis Papas «Quality certification of our services is essential to our customers. The process of certification itself and the continuous reassessment of the system is also a great opportunity for us to constantly challenge our processes, knowledge and expertise. It allows us to identify areas for improvement
and take all necessary corrective actions to ensure that we maintain the highest level of service in all areas”.
APM TRANSPORT SA is certified to comply with the following standards:
• ISO 9001: 2015
• ISO 39001: 2012
• GDP EU 2013/C 343/01
• TAPA TSR-1 (2017)
SOME OF THE MOST FAST GROWING GREEK COMPANIES PRESENT THEMSELVES
9 -10-1 1 NOVEMBER 2019
Find your partner DISTRIBUTOR
Equip your WAREHOUSE
Expand your EXPORTS
Organize your LOGISTICS Get proposals for PROFESSIONAL VEHICLES
ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Cargo Development team cargo@aia.gr
Alexis Sioris
Ground Handling & Cargo Development Manager siorisa@aia.gr
Lina Palli
Senior Account Supervisor Cargo Development pallia@aia.gr
Panagiotis Zagkas Cargo Specialist zagasp@aia.gr
WE MAKE THINGS FIT AS WE FIT TOGETHER ATHENS CARGO IN A NUTSHELL
Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA) and its cargo partners invite airlines, forwarders and other customers to further develop their business through Athens by taking advantage of its strategic location, functional environment, multimodal services and one-stop-shop potential provided on 24-hr basis.
There are also several other good reasons for flying your cargo through Athens:
The strategic position
• Southeastern gateway to Europe
• Proximity to major seaport (Port of Piraeus)
• Fast access to the Balkans
• Multimodal transport potential
The functional environment
• 24-hour airport operation, no slot & night constraints
• Two independent runways
• New flexible infrastructure, modern technology & equipment
• Extended Customs working hours
• High standards of safety & security
• EU Border Inspection Post for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control
Company’s history
• Simplified customs procedure for sea-air cargo in place
• In process of being IATA CEIV Pharma certified within 2019
The collaborative community approach
• Airport Cargo Community Committee (ACCC) as a communication & development platform
• AIA acting as communicator, integrator and facilitator of new cargo-relevant projects
• Close cooperation with Hellenic Customs for seamless and fast cargo flows
The extroversion
• Joint participation at international events
• Synergies with off-airport partners to boost exports and multimodal traffic
The attractive incentives for airlines
• Competitive handling fees
• Incentive scheme for new or additional cargo flights
• Multiple incentive programs for airlines operating passenger aircraft
Contact us at Athens International Airport to make things fit as we all fit together.
Athens International Airport S.A. (“AIA”), a joint venture between the Greek State and a consortium of private shareholders, was established in 1996, its aim being to construct, operate and further develop the new Athens Airport. Having outsourced cargo handling to expert handling companies, AIA acts as the communicator, facilitator and integrator of the local cargo community, aiming at continuous synergies among its members, including Customs, and furthermore off-Airport business partners such as Piraeus seaport and various exporting agencies.
Members of the Airport Cargo Community Committee
Central Cargo Reservations Office:
24, Akti Kondili Str., 185 45 Piraeus, Greece
Domestic Reservations:
Tel.: +30 210 4197540-1
e-mail: cargo@anek.gr
International Reservations: Tel.: +30 210 4197542-4
YOUR VALUABLE PARTNER IN MARITIME TRANSPORT ANEK LINES
ANEK LINES, a leading company in the Greek passenger and cargo shipping sector, has been traveling to Aegean, Ionian and Adriatic destinations for over 50 years, creating value for all those who trust its fleet for their transportation. ANEK LINES friendly staff, provides high level of services, reflecting the Greek hospitality spirit and is always ready to meet up with passengers` needs on board while the company`s specialized cargo department team provides complete services, handling the transference of all goods’ categories. Acknowledging cargo transportation demands, ANEK LINES takes it one step further providing advantageous solutions that offer companies of all sizes the opportunity to a constructive co-operation in the maritime transport sector. Completing frequent sailing schedules and reliable liner services, in combination with tailored made budget packets, that respond to every company`s needs, ANEK LINES consists the ideal partner and the best choice in the maritime route between Greece and Italy. Modern and high-capacity garages, certified
ANEK LINES History
with international safety and quality standards, ensure easy and fast transfers, saving valuable time while transporting vehicles.Υour reliable maritime transport partner, offering competitive and regular services with surprising comfort and hospitality.
At the same time, fully undertaking the supervision of cargo transportation and following all suggested procedures, ANEK LINES ensures that every professional enjoys a comfortable and pleasant trip that includes relaxing in spacious luxury cabins and salons of high aesthetics, shopping on board for themselves or friends, while having internet access to communicate and work online!
In every ship`s restaurant, ANEK LINES specialized chefs, prepare a variety of delicious dishes, inspired from the Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine and modern bars and cafes, offer different kind of coffees, tasty snacks and drinks options. The company`s high speed and comfortable fleet, in combination with special prices and various services, totally transform every professional trip to a differentiated experience.
ANEK LINES began its journey over fifty years ago, in April 1967. Established by Cretans, the company has been setting sail all these years, bridging the distance across the seas and bringing people closer. Maintaining its Greek identity at the core of its operation, ANEK LINES focuses on its customers’ needs, offering high quality services to thousands of passengers who choose its modern fleet.
Furthermore, ANEK LINES strong bonded to the Cretan community in which it remains deeply rooted, holds its responsible role , supporting initiatives that actively create value for the society. Consistently transporting thousands of passengers from both Greece and abroad, the company is continuously enhancing the Greek tourism and economy, while providing excellent services, thoroughly investing in upgrading its services on board and the renewal of its fleet.
ANEK CARGO
HEAD OFFICE
1-7 Lysikratous & Evripidou str. Kallithea, GR – 17674, Athens, Greece
ONE GROUP, 4 COUNTRIES, 60 DESTINATIONS ATTICA GROUP
Attica Group is a leader in the provision of ferry services for passengers and cargo in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and listed on Athens Stock Exchange.
Attica Group serves 60 destinations, connecting 71 ports, in 4 countries. In particular, it operates on the domestic lines (Cyclades, Dodecanese, North Aegean Islands, Saronic Islands, Sporades and Crete) and on the international routes between Greece and Italy as well as Morocco and Spain. The Italy – Greece and Crete routes are jointly operated with ANEK Lines.
Attica Group’s brand names, Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Africa Morocco Link and the newly acquired Hellenic Seaways are established in the European maritime transport industry as synonyms of highend quality ferry services.
The Attica Group fleet consists of 30 modern and technologically advanced vessels as well as high-speed vessels, providing high quality transportation services for passengers, trucks and private vehicles. Most of Attica’s vessels are certified to transport hazardous materials and livestock. While on board the comfortable accommodation will allow professional drivers to relax and prepare them
for a full day drive upon the ship’s arrival at port. The expertise and the professionalism of the carefully selected staff contribute in offering passengers and professional drivers an exceptional and standardized on board experience throughout the journey.
Attica Group is the largest Group in its sector in Greece, the 3rd largest in the Mediterranean and among the 10 largest in Europe.
Attica Group maintains an extensive Sales Network that expands across the world through 32 Premium Sales Agents and 83 Port agents at every port of departure in Europe, Africa and USA. In addition, its 2 central reservation systems are linked to more than 10,000 travel agencies around the world.
Furthermore Attica Group is a full member of the management and commercial bodies of the International Union of Railways (UIC). Today the International Union of Railways (UIC) has 201 members from 100 countries in all 5 continents, through which Attica’s services are available.
For more information please visit the corporate websites www.superfast.com, www.bluestarferries.com, www.hsw.gr and www.aml.ma.
ALGECIRAS - PORT FERRY SERVICES (PFS)
Estacion Mar tima, Local F-12 - 2 Planta. Puerto de Algeciras, 11201 Algeciras
Tel.: 00 34 956 63 15 15
Cargo office: carga@portferryservices.es
Elias Economou
Managing director
Tel. ++ 30 210 5555 000
Fax. ++30 2262 0 22819
elias@economoutransport.gr
info@economoutransport.gr
RELIABLE YET COMPETITIVE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS ECONOMOU TRANSPORT LTD
ECONOMOU TRANSPORT LTD offers flexible, complete, reliable and high quality services in the area of Logistics Services, International Transports & Freight Forwarding. The company is certified with ISO 9001 & ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management) and its competitive advantage is the impeccable customers’ service, which is a result of many years of knowledge and experience, proper organization and state-of-the-art equipment. Τhe team’s most recent achievement is acquiring the GDP certification, regarding the transportation and handling of pharmaceutical products.
Logistics
Providing complete supply chain services, Economou Transport covers Transportation, Storage, Cross-docking, Stock management, Distribution and Reverse Logistics. Distribution by Economou guarantees consistency and profit, as they have built a wide distribution network all over Greece.
The company has owned warehouse facilities, 10.000 pallet spaces in Thiva (322 00 post code) and 6.000 pallet spaces in Mandra (196 00 postcode). Economou also provide bonded warehouse facilities, and Customs clearance services.
Economou have invested in Logistics solutions with potential, with Advanced Warehouse Management System (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Transport Management System (TMS), with features such as:
• Route Scheduling • Wireless Function of Portable Terminals (RF) • import/export management • Invoicing Analysis based on the client’s needs • Οn Line Stock monitoring • KPI Reporting • Automatic POD • EDI
Repackaging
Repackaging in Economou saves time and money! The company covers all of its customers’ needs having invested on high technology equipment and providing a wide variety of services in the area of repackaging, including shrinking, labelling, airtight packaging, making promo packages etc,.
Freight forwarding & International Transports
A wide variety of transportation solutions are offered for full or part loads all over Europe with guaranteed transit time. The company has been active for more than 20 years in cargo forwarding, serving international Transports by road, air, or sea depending on each consignment’s requirements, supported by its wide European distribution network, which ensures door to door deliveries.The company undertakes both ambient and temperature controlled (chilled and frozen) shipments including pharmaceuticals, since it is GDP certified. Economou Transport own their fleet, which consists of curtain sider trailers, as well as fridge trailers, equipped with FRC certified cooling systems and calibrated thermographs, offering their customers the option of bi- temperature transportations. The vehicles are equipped with state-of-theart telematics system, offering immediate information to the forwarding department as well as to the customer.
Mission & Vision
www.economoutransport.gr The forces behind ECONOMOU TRANSPORT are the siblings Dimitris Economou (CEO) and Elias Economou (Managing Director), who have been in charge of the company since 1990, continuing in that way the long family tradition in transports.
Economou transport team are dedicated to offering the best service to their customers by constantly developing and improving the services provided, by constantly investing in human resources, equipment, strategic cooperations and long-term partnerships. A properly qualified sales team is dedicated to business development, with company moto being “Reliable yet Affordable”.
Repackaging
Warehousing
Stock
Returns
Bonded
Distributions
Distribution
Cross
Loukas Papacharalampous
CEO- Managing Director
+30 22610-27031
Fax: +30 22610-81511
info@elikontransport.gr
Elikon Transport & Logistics
ONE STOP SHOP IN SUPPLY CHAIN
Elikon Transport & Logistics with over 20 years of experience now, is your established partner in the sector of transports & logistics. Based in its owned offices, in Levadia, in Central Greece, has expanded its operations around Greece & across the whole Europe offering solutions on road and marine network with prospective for Intermodal also.
Elikon Transport & Logistics operates a fleet of trucks including trailers Jumbo, Mega, Normal Taut liners & Refrigerators allowing to service various types of goods & volumes on import/export. Moreover, through the sufficient number of its premises in Attiki, and specifically in Aspropyrgos, provides inventory solutions for the delivery and distribution of goods, covering the needs of the modern Supply chain. Furthermore, provides Pan European FTL & LTL traffic between EU members as it is strongly positioned in Italy towards various destinations.
With a European network of dedicated
partners [transporters, correspondents, warehouses] our company provides solutions for international logistics, from one package to full loads [dry and temperature controlled], such as distributions abroad, end to end deliveries in Greece, insurances and other value-added services.
The continuous invest in hardware/ software and adaptation to the changing demands of the digital era, enables Elikon Transport & Logistics to raise its technological capabilities to an integrated logistics operator in order to develop and establish itself as a reliable partner for its customers.
Our success is based on the technological skills of the staff, in matters of organization and administration, and furthermore, on the investment in cutting-edge technology. The result is an efficient team, able to give timely responses to every customer request. Nowadays, Elikon Transport & Logistics, in accordance with its vision and values, successfully delivers what it promises, and continues in the digital age.
TRANSPORT – DRY CARGO OPERATIONS
REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT
DISTRIBUTION – LOGISTICS
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
FREIGHT MANAGEMENT –PAN EUROPEAN TRAFFIC
SUPPORT & VALUE ADDED SERVICES TO CLIENTS AND CARRIERS
CONTAINER SERVICES SOLUTIONS
Corrado Dal Molin International Forwarding Director Velos Trans (member of FDL Group)
Ariana Exomanidou Sales Director FDL GROUP
Dragona Ioanna Marketing & P.R Manager FDL GROUP
T: +30 210 5517700 E: info@fdlgroup.gr
THE FASTEST GROWING LOGISTICS GROUP IN GREECE AND CYPRUS FDL Group
FDL GROUP, as of 1997, offers fully integrated logistics services providing end to end Supply Chain solutions to all customers and consumers we partner now and in the future.
Armed with readiness, flexibility and adoptability to our markets & future needs, we will become the benchmark providers for high level logistics services.
The parent company of the Group, FOODLINK S.A, is currently the sole logistics company trading on the Athens Stock Exchange Market.
The company’s relentless’ drive to form a highly skilled managerial team has yielded to successful partnerships with key multinational companies.
Through specialized processes and customercentric approach methods, we expanded quickly our businesses, as well the number of our clients rose sharply.
FDL Group serves its customers in Greece through 13 distribution centers, covering all mainland and the hundred islands. We also operate in Cyprus through 4 distribution centers.
FDL Group’s reputation is driven by its stable and dynamic presence in the Greek, Cyprus and global market, with dependable correspondents worldwide and experienced personnel.
FDL Group Portfolio
We have strong partnerships and networks in France, Spain, Portugal, UK, Germany, Benelux, Italy and Eastern Europe.
FDL group offers full and groupage loads services via road, sea and air transport solutions under ambient and temperature control conditions. We differentiate our competitiveness via our cross-docking capabilities, E-commerce full pack services, Added value and special tailor-made solution to our customers.
Services:
Warehousing (all temperature ranges)
• RF, Voice directed picking • Co-packing
• Crossdocking • Distribution • Transportation/ International Forwarding • IT/IS services (LMS, TMS, RTMTO) • E-commerce • Fully Integrated Logistics Management System • Transportation Fleet Management • Real Time Monitoring On Time (Android OS)/Order Delivery Status
Added Value Services:
Commercial Services • End to end Logistics Consulting (minimizing logistics costsmaximizing quality, traceability, visibility) • Change Management • Logistics Engineering.
Indicative partnerships from all sectors of the market with companies such as: Mondelez, Unilever, Phillip Morris, IQOS, Arla, Danone, Mars, The Mart, Public, Wind, CSM, Rolco, GAP, GSK, Colgate, Athenian Brewery, General Mills, Tasty, Orchestra, Sephora, Leroy Merlin, Sunlight, Sika, Pharmaten, JDE, Lanitis Bros (Coca-Cola Hellenic Group).
George Stamnos
Roadfreight Network
Development Manager
Thesi Rikia ,GR 19300
Aspropirgos T. +30 211 1804218
E. gstamnos@goldair.gr
Goldair Cargo
ALWAYS AHEAD OF ITS TIME
Goldair Cargo, member of Goldair Group, founded in 1987, always ahead of its time in innovative solutions, succeeded through steady and considered steps, to become a strong group, synonym of high-quality services in the field of international forwarding and logistics.
Nowadays, the company maintains more than 75.000 sq.m of privatelyowned covered warehouses, offering full range logistics services and handles over 35.000.000 pickings annually, distributing them throughout Greece and all neighbor countries, including Cyprus.
In addition, the company provides complete adding value services, like package design, blistering, repackaging, heat shrinking, flow pack and labeling, all supported by an in-house computerized system, specialized in handling multiple barcodes and different clients, with great expertize in cosmetics, clothing, footwear, food products and spare parts.
The company also provides fully integrated solutions for the storage and management of documents, archives and records in any form like physical, electronic, magnetic, micro films etc. offering unlimited and direct access to all information anytime. Goldair Cargo, pioneer in the field of international forwarding, carries a pan European freight distribution network for 48 cities with daily and weekly departures, for dry as well as controlled temperature cargo, through a fleet of approximately 320 International trailers.
The company has also developed exclusive co operations with companies that carry
worldwide transport networks, covering through air and sea lines, intermodal container transports, consolidated airfreight consignments as well as any transport need, from and to all around the world, emphasizing in the countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
During the period of crisis in Greece, the company not only did not shrink but managed to gain the largest market segment and continued to offer stable and high-level services. In cooperation with the Austrian Railways (OBB), established the first private railway company in Greece and has already started a route with block trains. Finally, the Join Venture between Goldair Cargo SA and ETVA VIPE became concessionaire in construction and management of the largest Logistics Centre in Greece and the Balkans.
TLC ( Thriasio Logistics Centre ) will be the first logistics terminal in the country, that provides full intermodal connectivity, connecting port of Piraeus, national railway and motorway network. The area of plot approximately 600 acres, owned by the public-sector company GAIAOSE S.A., awarded to concessionaire for 60 years (concession contract). It will be constructed 240.000 sq.m of covered warehouses, all necessary infrastructure (electricity, renewable energy sources, communication, water, recycling, sewage, etc.), connections to railway and motorways, also additional supporting facilities like parking places, garage, restaurant, bank, customs, etc.
In full operation TL will create about 5000 jobs and will be able to handle about 400 trucks and 50 wagons daily.
INTERNATIONAL FORWARDERS AND LOGISTICS SERVICES HAIKALIS TRANS SA
HAIKALIS TRANS SA , a purely Hellenic Company, has been established in Athens since 1992 and is among the most competitive companies in the international transport and logistics sector.
Based on its many years of experience in transportation, it is certified with EN ISO 9001: 2015 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM as well as with the AEO.F - certified ECO certificate of the European Union - which is a certificate of transactional creditworthiness and reliability - aiming at the full satisfaction of the customer building a strong, faithful and ever expanding customer base, is able to offer the most complete, secure, cost-effective and faster solutions.
The company’s activity extends beyond international road transport to maritime, air, customs, warehousing and freight forwarding services throughout Greece.
The company owns newly built storage facilities at the Industrial Area of Crete. of Avlona Attica at 44km. Of Athens Lamia, with a warehouse space of 4,500 square meters, a complete warehouse management system capable of delivering Logistics Solutions (3PL Solutions), covering the supply chain , always aiming at the best customer satisfaction.
A land transport network with scheduled services for full and partial loads covers the
whole of Europe at import and export level. The network of our agents ksupports our activities and is constantly expanding in Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Great Britain, Austria
We cover weekly routes from most of the European Union countries, and also from Eastern Europe, Northern countries and Turkey.
Transport capabilities for products under controlled temperature or freezing conditions, but also for any kind of dry load loading in food, industrial and any form of commodity.
The department of sea transports covers all the needs of our customers through the collaboration with the most reliable shipping companies. We constantly monitor shipping that will need shipping with containers as imports and exports are shipped to all destinations worldwide by combining knowhow and certified services.
Our company has the ability and flexibility to handle all kinds of loads either large quantities or smaller batches but even on pallet level.
The mode of transport is always determined in cooperation with the customer and the required specifications of each case with the prospect of the best result of quality, time, cost.
We believe that this way of managing gives the advantage beyond large customers and
John Kalantzis Tranport Operation Manager
with larger volumes of traffic in contributing to and favoring smaller units in the lower-end trading chain but with the prospect of continued growth.
We are constantly investing in the dynamics of smaller loads, wanting to support small quantities even last minute.
Let us not forget that the general economic crisis has created disfunctions, delays and changes for customers, so the need for servicing often reaches. We contribute to this by trying to win the lost ground and time for customers by being next to them.
We compete with any transport need, we can serve varied across the breadth of the supply chain, we follow the customer’s needs and the peculiarities that are shaped within a difficult environment that imposes speed, readiness and service.
The customs department is staffed by suitably qualified and experienced staff guaranteeing fast, secure, complete and efficient customs clearance procedures. All aspects of customs clearance on imports and exports, as well as processing, transshipment, savings, are involved in the range of operations.
As far as the storage and distribution services are concerned, HAKLIS TRANS SA is able to offer Logistics Solutions (3PL Solutions) covering the supply chain, always aiming at customer satisfaction. Its operation as a customs warehouse with the license of an authorized AEOF operator gives additional advantages to: storage of goods from third countries under the BONDED WAREHOUSE scheme with significant advantages such assuspension of duties and taxes - lower cost of storage and stay compared to other carriers
Our company’s goal is to develop the network in the most remote locations where loading conditions will occur and new goods will be tested. Our endeavor is to be where each customer will seek co-operation to explore the new one will ask for something else that will give him added value to what he is already doing.
We are constantly looking at new feedstocks to appear on the market where one has to try to market them and someone to carry them.
INTERTRANS SA
Agiou Dimitriou 41 GR-18546
Piraeus
TEL. +30-210-422 77 50
FAX +30-210-422 77 56
info@intertrans.gr www.intertrans.gr
INTERTRANS SA
WE KNOW THE WAY!
Intertrans S.A., which specializes in European road transportation, has been active in the area of imports and exports since 1981, providing services which stand out for their certified qualified, reliability and speed.
From its offices in Piraeus and Thessaloniki, the two largest commercial hubs in Greece, our company responds immediately and methodically to the customer’s every needs. Indeed we have been certified since 2005 with the Quality Management System standard EN ISO 9001:2015 from TUV NORD.
It ensures excellent communication and promptly covers the requirements of its customers with :
• On line interconnection between the Company’s operational units (headquarter, branches, loading terminals, etc.)
• ‘Cargo Track & Trace’: online monitoring of cargoes.
• Advanced Electronic Data Interchange IT system ( EDI ) with the European partners and the Company’s terminals in Athens and Thessaloniki.
• E-signature during delivery of freight and dispatch of electronic Proof of Delivery (e-POD) to our network’s Correspondents.
• Electronic Data Interchange of shipments tracking statuses with our network’s Correspondents.
• Capability of monitoring high-value goods via satellite, using advanced equipment.
Insurance cover
In cooperation with its agents throughout Europe and via the exclusive collaborations it has formed over its many years of operation, Intertrans with its permanent fleet of vehicles comprising 70 round-trip vehicles, all equipped with GPS, and 20 of which hold the ADR transportation license, aims to become an integral part of the supply chain of every professional.
Groupage and complete cargo road transportation
• Daily departures from: Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium , Italy
• Weekly departures from: Poland, France, Spain, Austria, England & Bulgaria
• Weekly departures to: Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Italy, France, Poland & Bulgaria
Special transportations – oversized & overweight cargos
The transportation of oversize and overweight goods is undertaken under the surveillance and arrangement of our especially trained personnel. We strictly maintain the safety regulations based on the particular nature of the project.
Distribution and collection of goods
This is carried out by small trucks with tail lifts and according to arrangements with the final recipients or dispatchers.
The undertaking of transportation is insured by our company against civil liability for material damage or loss relating to the goods being transported, as well as during the time they remain in a state of transit at our premises, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the ‘CMR’.
Intertrans is consistent, reliable and knows the value of time. We stand by our customers with full respect adapting their targets, needs and improving their expectations because “we know the way”!
O.MIND CREATIVES
THE LOGISTICS MEDIA SPECIALISTS
Omind Creatives, a company with an open minded approach to media productions, has in its portfolio the editions of four trade magazines, MEAT PLACE, DAIRY NEWS, THE GRILL MAGAZINE and SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS, read by 20,000+ professionals each month.
“Supply Chain & Logistics Magazine” is a bimonthly edition specialized in supply management, logistics (warehousing & transports) as well as customer service. It provides more than 9.000 professionals of Greek industry and commerce, as well as 3rd Party Logistics and Freight Transport sectors, with useful information, since 2007.
“Supply Chain & Logistics” magazine circulates to industrial and commercial companies all over Greece and Cyprus, to the ministries of Transport, Maritime Policy, National Economy, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Health, all institutions related to the subject as well as to universities.
o.mind Creatives can be your expertise media partner in Greece. Our artistic team can serve your Advertisements, your company newsletters, or/and marketing campaigns (leaflets, posters, advertorials etc.).
Address: 187 A. Syngrou Avenue, Nea Smyrni, 17121, Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 9010040
Fax: +30 210 9010041
E-mail: info@omind.gr Website: www.omind.gr
Apart from CEO’s and general directors, the magazine addresses also to managers charged with supply chain scheduling, logistics, warehouse operations, IT, procurement, exports/imports, packaging, marketing & sales etc. “Supply Chain & Logistics” magazine is produced by an experienced team of journalists as well as supply chain and logistics scientists, who present new trends in the field of supply chain planning, logistics operations, warehouse construction, equipment & automations, freight transports, IT technologies, transport packaging, fleet management, safety & security, procurement, customer service, international supply chains etc.
o.mind Creatives, also organizes five professional exhibitions: INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN & LOGISTICS EXPO which is organized every two years in Athens since 2007, CARGO TRUCK & VAN, MEAT DAYS, FROZEN FOOD EXPO, and DAIRY EXPO. O.mind Creatives along with Supply Chain & Logistics’ magazine team, organizes yearly the Expert Logistics Conferences “LOGI.C”.
Having more than 15 years of experience and with an expert team of executives and business partners, o.mind Creatives guarantees the exhibitions’ successful outcome and future prospects. All events are taking place at the Metropolitan Expo, a venue considered to be one of the best exhibition centres of SouthEast Europe.
o.mind Creatives
OPTILOG Advisory Services
59-61 Ag. Konstantinou Str., Green plaza, Building C “SPACES” Marousi, Attica, GR-15124
T. +30-216-2005268
E. info@optilog.gr www.optilog.gr
OPTILOG Advisory Services
TOGETHER WE REACH THE GOAL
OPTILOG Advisory Services is established in Greece and provides consulting services in the area of supply chain management and logistics. OPTILOG is a leader in the advisory sector and works closely with International and European clients supporting them to improve their competitiveness, productivity and performance.
OPTILOG’s aim is to help its clients make lasting improvements to their performance and realize their most important goals. Over nearly a decade, we’ve built a firm uniquely equipped to this task.
What we do
OPTILOG serves clients at every level of their organization, in whatever capacity it can be most useful. For every project, we formulate a team with the most appropriate experience and expertise. We focus on delivering practical and enduring results, and equipping our clients to grow and lead. We partner with clients to put recommendations into practice. Our team works directly with clients to help develop workforce skills, drive operational improvement, and apply new techniques and methods. This is the best advantage for our clients. We deliver value and we enjoy our clients’ success stories.
Company’s history
Our team
OPTILOG’s team combines theory and practice equally, balancing the deep academic and industrial knowledge that has been acquired during the successful completion of a significant number of industrial and research projects. We are also active in academic activities such as lecturing in various Universities as well as publishing in prestigious academic journals and conferences.
Social impact
Every organization has an impact on society and the way that people live their lives, from the products and services they deliver to the way they operate. As advisors to leading companies, governments, associations, and nonprofits organisations, our principal contribution to society is through our work with them.
The core of our mission is to help our clients succeed.
When we support them to make lasting improvements to their performance, we also help them to scale their contribution to society—including the goods and services they deliver, the jobs they create and the economic growth they drive.
OPTILOG Advisory Services provides value-added advisory services in supply chain and logistics sector. Our competences in logistics operations, as well as the optimization techniques we use to tackle complex problems, are the main reasons for attracting global clients.
Our services
• Warehouse and Transport cost control and measurement (Activity-Based Costing)
• Warehouse design, re-engineering and performance measurement
THE FIRST CHOICE FOR INTEGRATED LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS
SARMED group is active for more than 25 years in four main categories: general cargo integrated logistics services (3rd party contract logistics, approx. 7% market share), integrated logistics services of finished and after market vehicles (fleet management, almost 50% of the market share), customs clearance services (the oldest and largest firm in Greece) and development of warehouse buildings. The product categories in which it specializes is food (dry cargo and all kinds of refrigerated up to deep freeze products), beverages (soft drinks and spirits in tax & customs bonded warehouses), consumer goods (FMCG), retail chains, black & white appliances, industrial products, medical devices, pharmaceuticals & cosmetics and vehicles (two-wheeled and four-wheeled). It should be noted that SARMED was the first company to launch private customs bonded warehouses in Greece.
Infrastructure, consisting of approximately 160,000 m2 of roofed warehouse facilities and more than 500,000 m2 of open space in total, ranks SARMED 1st in its sector in SE Europe region in terms of private facilities (Thriasio, Thebes, Sindos/Thessaloniki Industrial Area, Patras & regional hubs in Heraklion, Larissa, Ioannina, Alexandroupoli). The transportation fleet network consists of more than 330 trucks of every size, temperature and specification.
SARMED
Professor F. Tsalidis CEO TRAINOSE S.A.
Contact Details:
• Athens - 2130 121269
• Thessaloniki - 2310 598237
• iCS - 2130 121111
www.trainose.gr
BORDERLESS FREIGHT TRANSPORT BY RAIL
Τ
RAINOSE’s freight transportation sector is in charge of transporting any cargo with safety, reliability, at competitive prices, in a friendly customer service environment. The service TRAINOSE offers to its customers is not limited to freight transportation in Greece. In cooperation with other European railway companies, it is able to serve every need in freight transportation to and from European countries, Near East countries, as well as transit via Greece.
By focusing on intermodal transport, concerning the railroad transport services in conjunction with sea transport services, thanks to strategic agreements with the main sea ports to and from the mainland as well as in cooperation with major global freight forwarders and key industrial enterprises, TRAINOSE contributes crucially to turn Greece into a dynamic and modern transit hub of South-East Europe.
About TRAINOSE
The completion of new infrastructure works, the renovation of existing tracks, the completion of the electrification of the main Athens-Thessaloniki rail axis, the improvement of rolling stock, and the increase of qualified personnel, enable TRAINOSE to continually improve the quality of the services offered to its customers and expand its scope of activities.
As new prospects for the dynamic development of rail transport in Greece are offered, TRAINOSE is constantly expanding its services to its customers in the field of freight forwarding and logistics services. In cooperation with reliable partners, TRAINOSE organizes the operation of a state-of-the-art distribution and logistics center of intermodal transport in the Thriasio Area (Athens).
TRAINOSE also extends activities to new facilities along the railway line, contributing to the development of freight transport by rail.
On 14th of September 2017, TRAINOSE became a member of “Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FSI)” Group, the third largest rail company in Europe. The FSI Group has more than 75.000 employees and is intensely active in other European countries both in the passenger and in the freight sector, thus creating new perspectives for a dynamic development of TRAINOSE, and also offering new opportunities for further development of the supply chain and the logistics sector in Greece.
TRAINOSE, by adopting a new operational model, develops new freight transportation services that take full advantage of the existing railroad connections. By providing these services TRAINOSE will strengthen its competitiveness and its position in the domestic transport market as well as its position as the main rail service provider to and from South-East Europe.
TRAINOSE, by focusing on the optimal service of its customers, remains the main rail service provider in Greece.
Services provided by TRAINOSE
• freight transport with Intermodal Transport Units (UTI)
• conventional transport by rail
• intermodal Cargo Shuttle (iCS) service
Arpa Incorporated Company Kalochori, 57009 ,Thessaloniki, Greece
Tel.: +30 2310 752852
+30 2310752452
+30 2310752252
arpa@arpa.gr
marketing@arpa.gr
www.arpa.gr
www.sakia.gr
ARPA LOGISTICS
YOUR RELIABLE PARTNER MULTIPLIES YOUR POWER WITH 3PL SERVICES -WAREHOUSE STORAGE-DISTRIBUTION SERVICES IN THESSALONIKI, NORTH GREECE
Arpa Logistics with persistence pursuits for more than 25 years to provide its customers with: Quality service, Competitive cost and Reliability With modern infrastructure and investments in technology, motivated and well-trained employees are the basis of how we can satisfy our customers’ needs in order to provide reliable solutions tailored to your own requirements. The purpose of ARPA Logistics is to multiply your “power” in order to reduce cost.
We offer Third-Party-Logistics with a fully integrated WMS which allows real time follow up of all storage and handling activities. ABC analysis of stock and paper free stock location are supported to ensure total transparency. Through its WMS we issue daily/monthly the following reports: Number of receipts and lines/day, units Executed order lines and orders Average time of receipt of import unit Average time of order execution (Order cycle time) Management of Customer complaints Time to resolve Customer complaints
We offer both short-term and longterm storage options as our facilities always contain available extra space to allow us to quickly integrate new customers or meet the
Quality Control
expansion needs of current customers. We are ideally suited at Kalochori, Thessaloniki to meet the ongoing storage requirements of our customers as well as the seasonal needs which face many industries. Our warehousing and storage facilities meet the highest standards and have been inspected and approved by the prevailing regulatory and licensing bodies. We service both domestic and international shipments from our warehouse locations in Greece.
We offer distribution services operating a fleet of permanent contracted associates for our distribution activity in Athens, Thessaloniki and Bulgaria as well as in the province and islands, to cover distribution in the various prefectures of Greece. We have selected the most reliable associates-partners, while selection is based on specific procedures and on their recorded performance, to manage distribution through a national network, both shared and dedicated for specific project requirements. Distribution takes place using an adequate number of trucks of a size and capacity corresponding to the demands of each order. The trucks are in compliance with current legislation and regulations in particular those regarding road safety and insurance coverage.
We offer Quality Control on both, picking and carton packing. Quality check of goods, storage per ISO 2200:2005, packing of loose cargo on pallets and stacking properly, packaging, re- packaging of stored goods, and timely reporting. We are dedicated in providing intensive personnel training on the agreed processes and standard operating procedures. Through regular and ad hoc training sessions absolute alignment with Customer expectations is targeted. Internal procedures allow for all personnel involved to identify problem areas and propose solutions in order to initiate change processes to improve quality and reduce costs. All staff is trained to perform their functions, specifically on safety and quality assurance matters.
ORPHEE BEINOGLOU INTERNATIONAL FORWARDERS S.A.
Athens, Greece
Direct +30 210 9466100
F. +30 210 5541035
E. orphee@beinoglou.gr
W. www.beinoglou.gr
ORPHEE BEINOGLOU - ORBIT GROUP OF COMPANIES
DELIVERING VALUE IN LOGISTICS
Orphee Beinoglou - ORBIT Group of Companies (OB), is the leader in freight forwarding and 3rd party logistics in Greece, with subsidiaries in South East Europe. Through our 96 years of experience we provide 360° range solutions in Supply Chain Management & Freight Forwarding, (offering multimodal services on Road, Sea, Air & Rail transportation), including but not limited to; Transit cargo, 3PL, Supply chain optimization, Last mile and e-commerce services with full commitment to customers’ needs.
We design tailor-made processes and procedures, using the most advanced logistics techniques and tools for our multinational clientele. Our internal sophisticated IT department, using integrated EDI processes, guarantees 100% compatibility with our customers’ ERP interfaces globally.
Having recently acquired the Greek branch of a multinational 3PL company we now operate in 120.000 sq. meters state-of-the-art owned warehouses that are strategically located and easily accessible, covering all storage types (b2b, live storage, mezzanine) we provide flexible solutions for 3PL services, temperature-humidity control, bonded warehouses, art facilities and custom-made storage solutions.
OB’s business development team delivers advanced logistics solutions, supported by innovative applications and tools (2d/3d scanning, pick to light, pick to cart), Value added services, Reverse Logistics, Customer Invoicing, SLAs, KPIs and reporting. We support complex Last Mile and Cross Docking processes, using fully or semi-automated techniques achieving cost
optimization, next day deliveries and ensuring high throughput volumes.
OB‘s distribution network throughout Europe serves B2B and B2C consignments (fully monitored and traceable) covering specialties on site such as Cash On Delivery, packing/unpacking, labor, machinery etc.
We adopt the most advanced and up-to-date safety & security systems - operations control center, 24/7/52 manned security, CCTV, burglar alarm, 24h on fire exits, access control, proximity badges, secured areas for high value products (Certified TAPA Member).
Greece is located at the crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia & Africa – connecting people, commerce and cultures, holding a vital position for freight forwarding and logistics services. The OB Group having branches in GREECE, BULGARIA, ROMANIA, NORTHERN MACEDONIA, CYPRUS, LEBANON, and recently SERBIA is your reliable partner at the southern gateway of Europe. Our experience to manage a great variety of products provides us with the ability to adapt to any industry.
In view of our continuous growth, we plan to invest more than €30M in order to expand our logistics hubs and fleet, as well as upgrade our I.T. systems in order to carry us into the Logistics 4.0 era. Additionally, we aim to optimize our Green Policy in conjunction with the sustainability of the organization.
Consistently performing to the highest standards of quality services, with full commitment to our customers’ needs, we offer the best service and know-how available today in all aspects of forwarding and logistics.
THEK SA
Thriasio Logistics Centre
Vasilissis Sofias 75
115 21 Athens, Greece
Tel. +30 210 9540000
E: info@thriasiologistics.gr
URL: www.thriasiologistics.gr
LOGISTICS CENTRE
WE REPOSITION GREECE AT THE CENTRE OF EUROPE’S LOGISTICS MAP! THRIASIO
Greece’s newest, largest and most modern Logistics Centre will be operational in 2021: 210.000 sq. m of warehouses -which can be built according to your company’s particular needs- will directly connect your business to three continents. Be quick to take advantage of this great new opportunity to grow your company and better serve your customers.
• Distance from Piraeus commercial port: 23 km (railway connection)
• Distance from Athens International Airport: 44 km.
• Direct connection to the railway network
• Direct connection to the motorway network (Attiki Odos)
Company profile
Additional services
Customs | Bank branch | Parking spaces for 1.000 cars and 150 heavy-duty vehicles | Gas station | Truck service station | Restaurant | Cleaning and storage of containers | Security | Waste management and recycling | Renewable energy production.
The Thriasio Logistics Centre is developed by THEK SA, a joint venture between ETVA VI.PE. SA (80%) and Goldair Cargo SA (20%). ETVA VI.PE. (1962) is Greece’s largest industrial landowner, developer and manager; the company currently has 27 Industrial Areas under management. Goldair Cargo (1987) operates in the freight forwarding and logistics sector; its departments of road, air and sea freights cover every type of delivery.
Logistics processes Inhouse or Outsourced? Dilemma revisited
Studies have shown that the penetration of the outsourced logistics operations culture in Greek commercial companies is at about half of the European average. That means that there is a large opportunity for 3PL growth in undertaking the full logistics processes of commercial companies from various industry sectors. The question to keep inhouse or outsource is not simple to answer by the supply chain executive. Lots of parameters have to be considered and thoroughly investigated in order to minimize risk of lowering current service level offered, customer relations, human resource issues, not to mention the actual new cost involved. The 7th international Supply Chain and Logistics exhibition presents an excellent opportunity for the logistics professional from the shipper’s side to evaluate the current trends of the 3PL industry. Since the exhibition is mainly focused on logistics professionals, that know their needs – even at data level – by heart, it would be a matter of a few visits to 3PL stands to get all information required to relinquish the dilemma from their concerns.
