Shipping & Freighting by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

2. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014. MIDWEEK NATION SPECIAL FROM THE CHAIR you’re sitting on, the raw materials used to produce this publication you are reading; the coffee, tea or beverage you drank this morning, the clothes on your back, to the very vehicle you drive were all made possible for you to enjoy and utiilise thanks to the shipping industry. The truth is, we live in a global society where we depend heavily on each other. This global society is supported by a global economy, and that economy would never be able to function if it were not for ships and the shipping sector. Both cargo and cruise ships play a significant role in the kind of lifestyles we live and how we perform our daily tasks and roles. Therefore, the importance of the shipping and freighting industry can never be downplayed or overlooked. When one considers that Barbados’ food bill is in excess of a whopping $700 million and that the fuel import bill is over $800 million, we get a clear picture of the island’s overall import bill and the role shipping plays in the provision of food and services. Up to 2008, the importation of merchandise was over US$1.6 billion (BDS$3.2 billion) and that of commercial services was over US$636 million (BDS$1.27 billion). Exports were US$359 million (BDS$718 million) for merchandise and US$1.41 billion (BDS$2.82 billion) for commercial services. These figures have risen steadily over the past six years. The Bridgetown Port is the major port of entry for approximately 90 per cent of the

Carmichael House, Carmichael, St. George, Barbados, W.I.

Tel: (246) 426-2417 I Fax: (246) 435-1847 Email: info@mgassociates.net I Website: www.mgassociates.net

goods used in the manufacturing and retail sectors in Barbados. A major part of its responsibility is dedicated to supporting businesses in the import/export trade via the handling of cargo within the Deep Water Harbour, processing and storage of associated data and documentation, and statistical reporting. The Barbados Port Inc. also provides a number of services, including the receipt and delivery of cargo, the utilising of a variety of cargo handling equipment, the storage of cargo, the packing and unpacking of containers; the rental of cargo handling equipment and the sorting of cargo according to special requirements of the consignee. In addition, the Bridgetown Port is the home porting hub for several vessels conducting full and partial exchanges of passengers. The Terminal Operations Department provides labour for the handling of luggage and ship stores. In this 16-Page feature we take a broad look at the shipping and freighting industry, both globally and nationally.

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MODERN CONTAINER shipping celebrates its 58th anniversary this year. Almost from the first voyage, the use of this method of transport for goods grew steadily and in just close to six decades, container ships now carry over 65 per cent of the value of goods shipped via sea. According to the World Shipping Council, the idea of using some type of shipping container was not completely novel. Boxes similar to modern containers had been used for combined rail- and horsedrawn transport in England as early as 1792. History also shows that the United States government used small standard-sized containers during the Second World War, which proved a means of quickly and efficiently unloading and distributing supplies. However, in 1955, Malcom P. McLean, a trucking entrepreneur from North Carolina, in the United States, bought a steamship company with the idea of transporting entire truck trailers with their cargo still inside. He realised it would be much simpler and quicker to have one container that could be lifted from a vehicle directly on to a ship without first having to unload its contents. His ideas were based on the theory that efficiency could be vastly improved through a system of “inter-modalism”, in which the same container, with the same cargo, could be transported with minimum interruption via different transport modes during its journey. Containers could be moved seamlessly between ships, trucks and trains. This would simplify the whole logistical process. Over the next close to 60 years, the implementing of this idea led to a revolution in cargo transportation and international trade. People have been trading with each other, even between nations and across oceans, for thousands of years – long before containerisation. Think of the great seafaring peoples the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Portuguese, Spanish, British and many more, who sailed the world looking for new treasures. They brought home and traded food, jewels and materials that their countrymen had never before seen but the process was never easy. The loading and unloading of individual goods in barrels, sacks and wooden crates from land transport to ship and back

again on arrival was slow and cumbersome. Nevertheless, this process, referred to as break-bulk shipping, was the only known way to transport goods via ship up until the second half of the 20th century. The loading and unloading of the ship was very labour intensive. A ship could easily spend more time in port than at sea while dockworkers manhandled cargo into and out of tight spaces below decks. There was also high risk of accident, loss and theft. There were some basic systems in place to make the process more efficient, such as the use of rope for bundling timber, sacks for carrying coffee beans, and pallets for stacking and transporting bags or sacks. However, industrial and technological advances, such as the spread of the railways in the 18th century, highlighted the inadequacies of the cargo shipping system. The transfer of cargo from trains to ships and vice versa became a real problem. Before the container shipping industry emerged, boxes of various types and sizes had often been used in transporting cargo simply because they were the logical way to move things en masse from one location to another. Today, thanks to modern technology which also allows one to track their containerised goods and items, containerised shipping has become a much easier and faster way of moving bulk items from one location to the other in a more efficient and effective way.

Email: sales@premierworldcargo.com

HORSES are not needed as a means for shipping. (GP)

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THE ROLE OF A shipping agent is crucial to the operations of any cargo vessel or cruise liner docking at any port around the world. A shipping agenct or shipping agency is the designated person or agency held responsible for handling shipments and cargo at ports and harbours worldwide on behalf of shipping companies. The appointment of an agent in every foreign port is therefore essential to ensuring that the visit to the port will go smoothly. Prior to a ship’s arrival in port, the shipping agent’s duties begin with pre-arrival planning for the ship’s port call. These arrangements begin when the agent notifies the port of the ship’s pending arrival. Other arrangements centre on the ship’s cargo manifest, with particular attention to the goods to be offloaded during the port call if it is a cargo ship. The ship’s agent notifies consignees of the date and time that the ship will discharge cargo or bring cruise ship passengers, and if the shipping contract requires notice. The ship’s agent notifies or advises the captain on conditions and local requirements. He or she also arranges for tugs to assist with docking and undocking. It is also the duty of a shipping agent to advise local customs personnel of the arrival of freight, so the freight can clear customs with dispatch. The shipping agent also arranges for booked services such as longshoremen to unload cargo and for trucks to move containerised freight from the port to the next mode of transportation or the final destination. If the ship has inspections or certifications due when the ship is in port, the shipping agent notifies the local

government authority or schedules the inspection. The shipping agent also arranges any required repairs. When the ship has cargo to be reloaded following cargo discharge, the shipping agent ensures the cargo is present at the port and, insofar as possible, ensures it’s as described on the cargo manifest. He or she checks the conditions of transportation specified on the bill of lading to guarantee the cargo reaches its destination by this method of travel, and that the cargo is to travel on a particular ship. The ship’s agent also verifies the condition of the cargo and the projected date of arrival at the final destination. Following the completion of cargo and port operations, the agent confers with the ship’s master to arrange for departure from the port. The agent makes departure arrangements with the ship’s master to obtain pilots and exchange the results of inspections and certifications with the ship management company. Following departure, the agent collects and disburses funds due from consignees who received freight and any penalties from the ship management company for damage or late delivery.

• Ensuring a berth for the incoming ship • Arranging for the pilot and the tugs if necessary • Drawing up the documents for the customs and harbour services • Arranging for the necessary ship fresh water and provisions • Arranging for the necessary doctor for the crew if there is need for medical assistance • Arranging for storage bunkers if these are needed • Arranging for the necessary repairs • Conveying instructions to and from the ship’s owner • Organising the supply, transport and the handling of the goods • Organising the necessary contacts with the stevedores • Collecting freights, cargoes • Contacting shippers and the receivers of the goods In the case of damage to cargo or the ship, the shipping agent also makes the necessary arrangements (at the request of the ship’s master or owner) with the insurance company, and for nautical inspections and the services of experts or surveyors.

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INTERNATIONAL LINER SHIPPING is today a sophisticated network of regularly scheduled services that transports goods from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world at low cost and with greater energy efficiency than any other form of international transportation. According to a leading financial services company: “Advancing globalisation, more flexible tax regimes and an increasingly mobile workforce are creating opportunities and challenges for the shipping industry. New corporate strategies and processes are required to deal with an industry which is being reshaped through market consolidation and shifts in the balance of world trade. “Sustained profitability in many sectors, increasingly international operations and ever more sophisticated tax authorities are leading shipping companies to look at effective ways to align their corporate, operational and tax structures. “Still considered the most efficient mode of transport for goods, liner shipping continues to be the preferred mode of transport for goods – from vehicles to building equipment, furniture, large appliances and more.” In one year, a single large container ship might carry over 200 000 container loads of cargo. While individual ships vary in size and carrying capacity, many container ships can transport up to 8 000 containers of goods and products on a single voyage. Similarly, on a single voyage, some car carrier ships can handle 7 600 cars. It would require hundreds of freight aircraft, many miles of rail cars, and fleets of trucks to carry the goods that can fit on one large liner ship. Recently, two independent sources looked at the economic contribution of the liner shipping industry and concluded that it is indeed a global economic engine for two reasons: the significant amount the industry contributes directly to the global economy, and the role of the industry as a facilitator of economic growth for other industries. Liner shipping connects countries, markets, businesses and people, allowing them to buy and sell goods on a scale not previously possible. Today, the liner shipping industry transports goods representing approximately one-third of the total value of global trade. Additionally, as a major global enterprise in its own right, the international shipping industry is responsible for millions of existing jobs and plays a crucial role in stimulating new jobs. It contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the global economy annually thereby increasing the gross domestic product in countries throughout the world. Moreover, as the lifeblood of global economic vitality, ocean shipping contributes significantly to international stability and security. In 2006, former finance and economics editor for the Economist, Marc Levinson released a book which made the case that the modern global economy would not exist were it not for the introduction of the container and the liner shipping industry that moves them. Some of his notable observations were as follows: • The container made shipping cheap and changed the shape of the world economy. • Consumers enjoy infinitely more choices thanks to the global trade the container has stimulated. • The ready availability of inexpensive imported consumer goods has boosted living standards around the world. • The emergence of the logistics industry has led to the creation of new and often better-paying jobs in warehousing and transportation. • The container not only lowered freight bills but saved time.

LINER SHIPPING CONNECTS countries, markets, businesses and people, allowing them to buy and sell goods on a scale not previously possible. (GP)

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THE BRIDGETOWN HARBOUR, on the north-western side of Carlisle Bay, was completed in 1961 and since then it has been substantially modernised. The harbour can accommodate vessels with a draught of 9.6 metres. It also provides 702 metres of quay space, approximately 829 metres of breakwater, and the berthing facilities for eight vessels of which up to five may be tourist vessels. Pilotage is compulsory for all vessels over 1 000 tons entering the harbour. There are two tugs. Tugs are compulsory for vessels over 1 000 tons or 16.8 metres in length. A 24-hour service is provided for marine as well as cargo handling particularly for container vessels. Facilities at the harbour include a container park which can accommodate 3 000 containers. The port has modern container handling equipment including seven straddle carriers and one gantry crane with a lifting capacity of 40 tons. There are plans to add a mobile crane to increase and improve the handling of containers. There is also an incinerator for the disposal of ship generated waste. Bulk facilities are provided for sugar

– 81 248 ton – and a bulk unloading facility for grain – primarily wheat, corn, soya bean meal – which is capable of receiving and storing 2 400 tons.

Sixteen refuelling points are provided along the berth. In January 1994, the newly refurbished and exclusive passenger terminal was

officially opened. There are 20 large duty-free shops with an additional 12 small carts and a chattel house village for small vendors, customs, immigration, health, security and the tourism authority offices are located in the terminal as well as an efficient and modern telephone system which can link passengers to anywhere in the world.

Shallow Draught

PROVISION HAS BEEN made for a coastal cruise facility and a boat park and haul-out facility at the Shallow Draught area. (FP)

Provision has also been made for a coastal cruise facility and a boat park and haul-out facility at the Shallow Draught area. An auxiliary schooner and motor vessel runs between Barbados, the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands and Guyana. Vessels operate from the Shallow Draught facility which is 156 metres long with an apron of 15.2 metres and a maximum draught of 6.8 metres. In its progressive approach to the environmental problem facing the region and the world in general, the port has installed a Hoskinson Pyrolytic Smokeless incinerator for the handling of all garbage from ships in an environmentally acceptable manner.

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REMEMBER TO CARRY all necessary documents to acquire your goods when they arrive, so as to avoid any back and forth. (GP) WITH CHRISTMAS just over four months away, the Personal Effects Shed at the Barbados Port Inc. (BPI) will move into high gear as thousands of Barbadians visit this facility to clear and collect personal barrels and items. Not everyone is aware of the process involved in collecting barrels. For instance, it is twofold, involving interaction with officials of the BPI and the Customs and Excise Department. As a word of caution, individuals are reminded that the possession of documents from the relevant shipping agent does not mean your barrels or personal effects are ready for delivery. A call to the BPI should first be made to ascertain their readiness. Below are steps provided by the BPI to help make the process easy and smooth: STEP 1: • PORT CUSTOMER SERVICE BOOTH – CARGO GATE Present photo identification and fill in an application for a port pass form. This will be issued as long as your personal effects are ready for delivery. • Only one adult will be allowed to proceed to shed 2 to clear your personal effects/barrels. STEP 2: • BOOTH (A) – CUSTOMS DOCUMENTATION Present your documents to the customs officer who will determine if your documents are in order and designate your personal effects for examination. STEP 3: • BOOTH (B) – PORT: BARREL RETRIEVAL Present those documents at Booth (B) to a member of the BPI’s staff, who will identify the location of your barrel and issue an order of retrieval from storage.Your barrel will then be transferred to the Customs Examination Area. STEP 4: • BOOTH (C) – CUSTOMS EXAMINATION You will be called to proceed to the Examination Booth, where the customs officer will conduct the inspection of your barrel or personal effects. There are two forms of customs examination for personal effects – the Enforcement Division examination and the regular examination. These two examination processes change the first come, first served system, as the Enforcement Division examination requires a longer time period. The customs officer designates the type of examination for each customer. STEP 5: • BOOTH (D) – CUSTOMS ASSESSMENT After the examination of your barrel, your stamped documents must be taken to the Assessment Booth at Customs Booth (D), where the relevant duties will be tallied by the attending customs officer. STEP 6: • BOOTH (E) – CUSTOMS CASHIER Customers then proceed to the Cashier’s Booth at the Customs Booth (E), where the assessed duties are paid. STEP 7: • BOOTH (A) – CUSTOMS DOCUMENTATION Your documents must now be presented again to the customs officer at Booth (A) who will issue an “Exit Note” which denotes compliance with all regulations and completion of the clearance process. Your barrel is now cleared for delivery. STEP 8: • BOOTH (F) – PORT: GATE PASS Customers should then proceed to Booth (F) where BPI staff will issue a gate pass to enable you and your personal effects to exit the port through the cargo gate.

Tel: 435-2826 | 435-2827 | 435-5165 Email: nordical@caribsurf.com Email: sesash@caribsurf.com Web: www.calvinalkins.com Web: calkins@kestrel.com Gladstonia Building, Fontabelle, St. Michael BB11149

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8. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014. MIDWEEK NATION SPECIAL DEPENDING ON the final destination and the nature of the items shipped, there may be many transportation companies involved in the movement of the items from the supplier to the customer. (GP)

WHEN A BUSINESS decides to export its products it soon realises it has to deal with the numerous barriers that have to be overcome to ship the product to the customer. In many cases a business will look to a freight forwarder, that can manage these obstacles. The services of a freight forwarder can vary between different companies but the main function of the freight forwarder is to act as an intermediary between the client who is hiring it and various transportation services that are involved in getting the product overseas to the customer. Depending on the final destination and the nature of the items shipped, there may be many transportation companies involved in the movement of the items from the supplier to the customer. The freight forwarder may have to deal with many export and import issues that could be involved in the movement of the goods. The freight forwarder is hired to get the product to the customer by a specific date and in an undamaged state. The freight forwarder will provide the client insurance services to ensure that if the items do arrive damaged, they will be reimbursed and not liable for the damages. Helping clients to package their products for export, providing the correct labelling and storage space are roles the freight forwarder will also perform. Documentation is important for the shipment of an item being sent overseas. There are a number of documents that the freight forwarder needs to prepare for the shipment that requires specialist knowledge, including: • The bill of lading (BOL) – The BOL is a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier. There are two types of BOL: a straight bill of lading which is non-negotiable and, a negotiable or shipper’s order bill of lading. The negotiable BOL can be bought, sold, or traded while the goods are in transit. The customer will usually need an original as proof of ownership to take possession of the goods. • Commercial invoice – The invoice is the bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. It can be used to determine the true value of goods when assessing the amount of customs duty. • Certificate of origin (COO) – The COO is a signed statement which identifies the origin of the export item. • Inspection certificate – This document may be required by the customer to certify the goods have been inspected or tested and the quality of the goods is acceptable. CRANES play a major role in • The export licence is a government the movement of goods from document that authorises the export of one destination to a next. (GP) goods in specific quantities to a specific destination. Companies looking to export items can use freight forwarders to not only save time and effort but to ensure that the goods arrive at the customer’s site on time and without incident. A freight forwarder can provide the exporter with all the necessary documentation as well as liaise with the transportation companies required to get the items to the customer. Likewise the customs broker is primarily the agent for the importer who employs him. He is frequently the importer’s only point of contact with the Customs and Excise Department and advises on the technical requirements of importing, preparing and filing entry documents, obtaining the necessary bonds, depositing import duties, securing release of the goods and arranging delivery to the importer’s premises or warehouse. The broker often consults with the Customs Department to determine the proper rate of duty or basis of appraisement, and on many occasions, if he is dissatisfied with either rate or value, he will pursue appropriate administrative remedies on behalf of his importer.

THE FREIGHT FORWARDER may have to deal with many export and import issues involved in the movement of goods. (GP)

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THE FREIGHT FORWARDER may have to deal with many export and import issues involved in the movement of goods. (GP)

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BARBADOS continues to be a popular destination, attracting more than half a million cruise ship passengers yearly. Some 517 436 cruise passengers visited the island in 2012, with many making their way through the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal. This facility, which was officially open on January 14, 1993, represents a unique structure in private and public sector cooperation. The Government of Barbados through its representative, the Barbados Port Inc., is the largest shareholder in the company, holding 30 per cent of the shares. The private companies, Goddard Enterprises Limited, Cave Shepherd and Company Limited, each hold 20 per cent of the shares, while the remaining 30 per cent are held by the Barbadian public, who subscribed to the public offering at the initial stage of the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal. Bridgetown Cruise Terminal is the centre for all services provided for the use of cruise passengers and crew members visiting the island. It offers 60 000 square feet of space, with 20 000 square feet allocated to shops, the remainder comprises space for the office of Customs, Immigration, Port Health, Plant and Animal Quarantine, Post Office and the Barbados Tourism Authority. With plans in the pipeline to construct a new multimillion-dollar cruise ship facility called the Sugar Point Cruise Development, Barbados is expected to be better positioned as a hub for cruise ship tourism. According to Government, this project would facilitate the expansion of Barbadosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home porting activities and open additional opportunities for the provisioning of goods and services by local manufacturing and agro-processing businesses. With millions of dollars in local produce being sold to cruise ships annually, Government officials hold the view that there is great potential to expand this activity to earn more. Over the past 30-plus years, the cruise industry has been one of the fastest growing areas in the leisure travel market, with an average growth of 7.2 per cent being recorded. BARBADOS is attracting more visitors to its shores via cruises. (GP)

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WITHIN THE freighting and shipping industry are a number of terms which are often used. Whether you are new to the industry or want to familiarise yourself on shipping terminology, the words below cover the terms you ought to know about shipping: Adjustment – Any discrepancies between the actual shipment and what is stated on the bill of lading. These can result in additional charges from freight carriers. Agent – A person who transacts business on behalf of another person or company with full or limited decision-making authority. Axle load – Each freight shipping transport has a weight limit. The axle load refers to the weight limit permitted for each axle over the nation’s highways. Back haul – The second half of a carrier’s round trip in which the freight shipping cost is less than the first half. The second half can be referred to as the back haul rate. Beneficial owner – This is a rail term that refers to the actual owner of the lading being shipped. Bill of lading (BOL) – The bill of

lading or BOL is the contract between shipper and carrier, broker or agent, that binds the parties together and defines all aspects of the freight shipping arrangement, including what is being shipped, to whom and more. Blocking – Also known as bracing, refers to wood or other supports used to keep shipments in place on trailers or in containers. Blind shipment – When the shipper and receiver are not aware of one another,

the freight shipment is called a blind shipment. In such cases, the bill of lading lists the party that paid for the shipment as the shipper or receiver of the freight shipment. Bogie – This is a rail term that refers to a frame with wheels on which a container is mounted for over-the-road transport. Brokerage licence – A broker gains this in order to have the ability to make land, sea and air freight shipping arrangements.

Bulk freight – Freight that is not contained within packages or containers is referred to as bulk freight. Carrier – A person or company that transports freight for a fee. Cartage – A trucking term that refers to shipping freight within the same city or area. Chassis – A rail term that refers to a frame with wheels and locking devices to secure a container during shipping. Classification – A freight classification assigned to an article for the purpose of applying transportation charges. This is used for less than truckload shipments. Common carrier – A carrier that can be hired by anyone to transport goods. Concealed loss – When the recipient of a package is not able to see damage to the item(s) until the package is opened. The damage was not visible at the time of delivery Consignee – The receiver of a freight shipment. Consolidation – When two or more shipments are combined to save money on freight shipping costs. • Continued on next page.

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• From Page 12. Container – A container looks like a truck trailer with no wheels and is now among the most common freight shipping methods in the United States and abroad. Containers are used for intermodalshipping and come in standard sizes to ensure they fit on standard trucks, rail cars and container ships. Cross-town – When a container or trailer is delivered from one railroad as part of the shipping route, the move is called cross-town shipping. Cubic capacity – The total freight load capacity of any truck, train or ship is measured in cubic feet, and therefore the carrying capacity is known in the industry as cubic capacity. Customs broker – A person or company who is licensed by the United States Treasury Department to act on behalf of freight importers and exporters with respect to United States Customs transactions. Embargo – An embargo is any event that prevents the freight from being accepted or handled. Embargo events include floods, tornadoes or congested highways. Exceptions – When a problem such as shortage or damage is noted at the time of delivery, an exception is noted on the delivery sheet before it is signed to designate there was a problem with the shipment. Gross vehicle weight – The total weight of the transport and its cargo is called the gross vehicle weight Inbound freight – Shipments coming from vendors to a storage facility. Interchange of interline – The transfer of freight from one carrier to another. Intermodal transportation – When freight is shipped using two or more modes of transportation. This typically refers to truck-rail-truck shipments. Nested – A term used in less than truckload shipping in which materials are stacked so that one item goes inside another. Nested freight reduces the amount of space taken up by the combined freight and makes LTL shipping more efficient as a result. Not otherwise indicated – A general class rate or NOI is assigned to any freight that has no rate listed in the National Motor Freight Classification. Tariff – A tariff establishes the cost and contract of freight shipment for the shipper and the carrier. Through rate – A through rate applies to the distance between the point of origin and the delivery destination. Time critical – When a freight shipment delivery is set to the earliest possible time. Time definite – Time-definite deliveries guarantee that the delivery will occur on a specific day or time of day. Transit time – The total time from pick up to delivery. Truckload – A truckload is defined as freight weighing 23 000 pounds or more or that occupies half or more than the trailer’s capacity. Volume rate – A less than truckload term for rates that are made subject to a minimum weight of 7 000 pounds or more, or cubic volume exceeding 750 cubic feet. Warehousing – Warehousing refers to the storage of goods for a specified period of time.

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WITH THE ABILITY to monitor the progress of your belongings over the Internet, it provides a great sense of ease. (GP) THANKS TO THE Barbados Port Inc’s (BPI) new web portal, commercial shippers now have the ability to track their shipments in real time. Launched last September, the new portal provides a user-friendly, in-depth look at the services and operations of the BPI.Visitors can easily search for information on clearing barrels, applying for a port pass and how to be safe and secure while on site. In addition, the web portal incorporates an area for feedback and links to the various social media channels that the BPI utilises. This new service is just one of many being offered by the BPI as part of its ongoing plans to streamline operations and ensure effective and efficient customer care service. In addition to enabling individuals to track incoming barrels (personal effects), commercial customers such as shipping agents can also track their shipments online, as well as securely access information specific to their needs in real time. At present, interested agents and other commercial users can apply for login credentials by contacting the BPI’s Management Information Systems Department. To complete the process, the following must be carried out: An email should be sent to one of the following addresses requesting access:redwards@barbadosport.com;lcbrewster@ba rbadosport.com or kbranch@barbadosport.com. On receiving your credentials, you can follow the instructions provided to change your password. This serves to enhance the security measures already in place. • The next step is to visit www.barbadosport.com and look for E-Services, located on the far right within the yellow navigation bar. • Click on Cargo and Container Tracking within the E-Services drop down menu. This directs your browser to the services portal. • As advised, familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions and privacy policy prior to continuing. • Once you have clicked Container Tracking, you will be asked to sign in using a username and password. • Submitting your personal username and password will allow you to view all information relevant to you. As a commercial user, you will see all activity related to your containers, including arrival times, status, updates, and when the containers leave the port. You will also be given the option within this secure area to generate reports and view only your database of information. With the introduction of the web portal, the process of doing business with the BPI has become more time-efficient, while supporting the port’s aim to find more sustainable ways of operating. The E-Services area of the web portal is multi-purpose and has already demonstrated benefits for both individual and commercial users. While there will eventually be an operational cost for commercial users, this premium service is presently being offered complimentary while it is still in its introductory phase.

customerservice@windward.com.bb

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THERE IS LITTLE, if any, dispute about the fact that shipping is the most carbonefficient mode of transportation. According to a recent report, international maritime shipping accounts for 2.7 per cent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Shipping also produces fewer exhaust gas emissions – including nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, particulates, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide – than air or road transport. Here are some other facts: • A ton of goods can be shipped a distance of 1 598 miles – from Miami to Barbados – while generating fewer carbon dioxide emissions than are generated when transporting the same cargo inland using a truck. • Similarly, a ton of goods can be moved from the port of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Tianjin, China, a distance of 3 327 kilometres (2 067 miles), generating fewer carbon dioxide emissions than would be generated if the same goods were trucked from Wuhan in Central China to Tianjin, a distance of just 988 kilometres (614 miles). • The wine industry recently found that a bottle of French wine served in a New York restaurant had a lower carbon transportation footprint than a bottle of California wine served in that restaurant.

• A White Paper released for the Transport Intelligence Europe Conference stated that researchers conducting an evaluation for the World Economic Forum found that the entire container voyage from China to Europe is equalled in carbon dioxide emissions by about 200 kilometres of long-haul trucking in Europe. • There has been a substantial reduction in marine pollution over the last 15 years, especially with regard to the amount of oil spilled into the sea, despite a massive increase in world seaborne trade. The size and global nature of the shipping industry makes it important for the industry to continuously work to reduce its environmental impact, and there is evidence that the industry has made significant progress. A study conducted eight years ago found that the fuel efficiency of container ships (4 500 TEU capacity) improved 35 per cent between 1985 and 2008. Comparison between a modern 12 000 TEU ship built in 2007 and a 1 500 TEU container in 1976 showed the carbon efficiency on a per-mile cargo volume basis had improved by 75 per cent. Facts made possible by the World Shipping Council.

Crowley is Your One-Stop Shipping Solution From Miami and Puerto Rico to Barbados Whether you’re shopping at retailers – online or in person – or ordering inventory from your trusted suppliers, count on Crowley to deliver for you. No matter what you have to ship, big or small, all it takes is one call to get your shipment moving. We ship barrels, boxes of all sizes, palletized cargo, furniture, appliances, building materials and more, up to full containerloads. For exceptional service, competitive pricing and a hassle-free experience, including easy payment by credit card, contact Crowley today.

Miami: 305-842-2649 Puerto Rico: 787-945-7095 Barbados: 246-436-6094

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16. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014. MIDWEEK NATION SPECIAL

EXERCISING CAUTION when at the sea is imperative, no matter what the purpose of the visit. (FP) SAFETY at sea is crucial to reducing accidents when using the sea either for business or pleasure. Shipping superintendent at the Ministry of International Transport, Walter Best, recently explained that the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea outlined seven basic guidelines to ensure the safety of people using the sea either for business, pleasure or generally. Below are the guidelines: • When at sea, people should pay attention to the general direction in which boats are going to determine if they might collide. Best said: “If you cannot determine if it is safe, just assume that there might be a collision.” • When two boats are on the same tack, or same general direction and continued sailing may lead to a possible collision, the windward boat should keep clear of the leeward boat.

• When two boats are on the opposite tacks or opposite directions and continued sailing may lead to a possible collision, the boat on the port tack (left) should keep clear of the one on starboard tack (right). • When one boat is overtaking another, the faster boat must keep clear of the one being overtaken. • Powerboats should give way to boats driven by wind (by sail), or manual force (oars). The latter should give way to vessels out of control, those with limited control, and all fishing boats. • The boat that has the priority for continued sailing should keep its course and speed, but be prepared to give way to avoid collision with another boat if it does not alter its course in time. • If in doubt, always be the first to give way for the sake of safety.

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