THE FINAL WORD

To round off each issue, we ask our contributing business leaders for their views on the same question

What is your greatest motivator at work?

Marco Herpers

General Manager, Olenex

“What drives me every single day is #TeamOlenex, helping colleagues to get the best out of themselves and the company. In that process, it’s okay if something happens that could be better, as long as we learn from it and come back stronger. It is a thrill to be guiding a team with so much energy and the will to succeed. I also love to go to work and produce products that we all buy in the supermarket or anywhere else. We see them popping up everywhere we go, and to know that we are part of an invisible engine driving so many different industries a HealthTech product or service. It’s hard not to be excited about working in an industry that has that impact.”

is exciting. As a consumer, we take all these products for granted, but edible oils and fats are essential to diets across the world. It’s exciting to be a part of that!”

Jonathan Evans

Associate Director, Communications, ABHI

“It’s an industry that saves and enhances people’s lives every day. It’s cutting edge and led by science and innovation, but it’s also fundamental to well-functioning healthcare systems. From wound dressings to hip implants, MRI machines to surgical robots, every one of us in our lives will engage with Are you a CEO or Director with a company story to tell? Contact EME Outlook now!

Peter Huntley

General Manager, Medicoindustrien

“It is how we are constantly seeing technology changing the way we do things today that never would have been possible 10 years ago.”

Examining the growing burden of modern port operations...

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT ON UK PORTS AND LOGISTICS

Ports across the UK are riding uncertain waters in the maritime logistics sector. We take a deep dive into an industry at the nexus of trade and development

Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Deane Anderton

The British Isles are steeped in a long and rich maritime history. The UK’s ports sector is the second largest in Europe boasting 125 cargo-handling ports and terminals, with operations including ferry and cruise terminals, container ports, oil terminals and all-purpose facilities.

With roughly 95 percent of all import and export trade entering the country through its ports, the importance of these logistical gateways cannot be underplayed. In addition to the 500 million tonnes of freight handled on an annual basis, UK ports are also responsible for transporting 60 million passengers a year. The two main markets for ports are unitised,

30 | EME Outlook issue 48 comprising container and roll-on roll-off traffic, and bulk trade, most of which includes oil, liquid products and dry cargo such as aggregates.

Proving itself as a critical economic driver, the UK Government has a market-led policy, allowing a variety of ownership and business models to flourish. Nevertheless, a complicated relationship between the Government and the industry persists, as the expectations and burdens placed on the nation’s ports escalate in the wake of topical global issues, from sanctions to environmental concerns. Despite the entrepreneurial nature of the industry, investing in infrastructure, equipment and its workforce with no cost to the Government, it is the responsibility of the latter to ensure that the regulatory frameworks are in place to allow the UK’s ports to thrive, heightening both their competitiveness and connectivity.

Now, the role and relevance of ports has become an ever-shifting phenomenon. Increasingly, ports are expected to surpass their fundamental role of transporting cargo and loading volumes on and off ships. In the age of the great energy transition, ports fulfil a vital duty in functioning as the base for offshore wind projects. Adjacent to this, all ports are facing the call for decarbonisation, with transport operations being rethought and reinvented to address the fight against climate change with reduced carbon emissions. With timelines to meet various targets extremely tight, the time to act is now.

Alongside the challenging nature of the energy dilemma, UK ports continue to grapple with global supply chain issues, as container ports around the world deal with significant backlogs in containers. Although challenges abound, the resilience of the UK’s ports will persist as the industry continues to chart promising waters into the future, working hand in hand with the country’s socio-economic development. BRITISH PORTS ASSOCIATION

See page 26 00

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

British Ports Association (BPA)

Representing the interests of over 100 port members, the British INTRODUCTION Ports Association is tackling a challenging decade head-on. Director of Policy and External Affairs, Mark Simmonds, tells us more Mark Simmonds Director of Policy & External Affairs EME Outlook (EO): Can you talk us through the origins of the British Ports Association, how it came about and its initial vision? Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy & External Affairs (MS): We were created in 1992 out of the old British Ports Federation after some reforms in the ports industry. We are a trade association for ports, primarily harbour authorities but also terminals and port facilities. We are inclusive, so if you are an authority or operating a port and marine terminal, you’re welcome in our network – there are no barriers to entry other than that. Our role is to speak for the industry and represent it to various governments and regulators – the UK Government, innumerable regulators and international bodies. We’re here EME Outlookto champion the industry and stand up for it. We also lobby on its behalf, informing and educating issue 48 | 31 Government and politicians about the strengths and the role of our industry.

EO: Since inception, how has the association developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

MS: I’ve been with BPA for six years, and within that period we have grown quite significantly. When I joined, there were just three members of staff at BPA, and we have doubled that now. We’re still very small and lean, but I think that reflects the changing policy picture for the industry. This is a sector that has traditionally been lightly regulated - certainly for the

36 | EME Outlook issue 48 BRITISH PORTS ASSOCIATION

last 30 years or so, the Government has been very hands off and happy to let the industry get on with things and deliver the infrastructure and services necessary to keep the country supplied.

However, in the past five years, ports have been much more at the forefront of policy, from Brexit and new border processes to free ports or the environment – whether that’s air quality or marine ecosystems and so on. Government increasingly looks to ports as a solution for a lot of problems, which can be challenging for us at times. The amount of work that we’ve had to do and the challenges that have been coming down the tracks towards the industry have grown massively, even just within the past five years. We’ve had to step up and do a lot more for the industry and make sure that we’re being as effective as we can be in protecting and advancing its interests as much as possible.

EO: What do you find most exciting about working with ports across the UK?

MS: Decarbonisation is a huge driver of innovation at the moment and an exciting area of policy – it’s where the biggest burden in regulation comes from and where the most amount of innovation is going to need to take place. This is so we can continue to do what we do, but in a more environmentally friendly way - whether that means protecting and enhancing habitats, lowering air pollutant emissions, or helping ships to lower their greenhouse gas emissions. These

EME Outlook issue 48 | 37

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www.scaniabe.com

centrally for further distribution to Europe. “Shippers are now storing more safety stocks in strategic locations such as Antwerp to ensure they can deliver on and CEO of Van Moer Logistics, highlights the dramatic shift in pace for the European supply chain following the complete reopening of companies and kickstart of activity intermodal logistics, and bulk and tank container logistics. On top of this, the company’s supporting services include cargo forwarding, customs solutions (such as import/ in-house logistics chain from A to Z, from forwarding to transport and storage. Our own assets within inland shipping are also very strong. We are unique thanks to Moer, CEO of Van Moer Logistics. 13-litre Super as the most sustainable power source Investing in trucks with the latest technologies is one of the ways in which Van Moer Logistics is committed to sustainability. It does so, not only by using alternative fuels such as natural gas which is used for 10% of the fleet, but also with the most modern powertrains. The decision to order 60 new 460 R trucks with the economical 13-litre Super powertrain is then a logical step. Jo Van Moer: “These models Growth strategy Thanks to partnerships for transport and logistics services with big names such as Umicore, Caterpillar, BASF and Delhaize, Van Moer Logistics is an important part of economic life in our country and beyond. Van Moer wants to further strengthen this position in the coming years. An ambitious goal for which it entered into a participation last year with the industrial investment holding company Ackermans en Van Haaren. Scania is especially happy about being able to support this growth in a sustainable way. British Ports Association has told its story. peak volumes coming in, with everything being stored here The introductory statement from Jo Van Moer, founder warehousing and value-added logistics, port and “Van Moer Logistics is a one-stop-shop; we offer the sustainability and driving comfort,” states Jo Van the port of Antwerp (Belgium) and there are now storage, handling and even value-added logistics.” logistics giant that specialises in transport and distribution, systems to meet customer standards).

It continues to optimise its trucks, with a view to has been a trusted supplier for us for many years. conditions. ergonomics in mind, thus optimizing drivers’ working

catch up. We have been seeing higher volumes in The economy is now running at full speed playing As a result, we are also experiencing higher demands in time due to the major hiccups in the global supply chain.

Van Moer Logistics is a Belgian-based inter-European across the continent. and lastly IT and automation (integrating and deploying export declarations and inspections), on-site logistics,

that the company works closely with Scania. “Scania the entire operation. And that is one of the reasons these trucks partly determines the sustainability of contribute to the necessary flexibility. The choice of Scania R cab has been designed with comfort and satisfied employees, in addition to sustainability.” The also taking their preferences into account, we ensure our own drivers are asking for the brand’s trucks. By

intermodal transportation, also efficient trucks that “We are increasingly focusing on Scania, because

fully committed to sustainability, with, in addition to

Marketing & Communication Manager at Van Moer: GREEN CARGO LAND AND SEA ecological and social considerations. Van Moer Logistics is committed to collaborating with various partners to realise the multimodal shift collectively. how the company actively boosts the modal shift through inland waterways. BULK AND TANK CONTAINER LOGISTICS One-stop-shop depot providing a wide range of services concerning bulk and tank container logistics. Offering customers a complete service level within the same facility for optimal handling and storage efficiency. strategy of the logistics player based in Zwijndrecht. With some 500 of its own trucks, 480,000 m2 of warehouses, its own port terminals and equipment for transport by water and rail, Van Moer Logistics is one of the big names in the Supply Chain at Belgian, and by extension, also at European level. Van Moer is The 60 new trucks will be used to replace older models, in order to make the fleet even greener. Exponential growth of the fleet is out of the question, partly because it is difficult to find extra drivers. But the comfort and appearance of Scania also offer opportunities in that area, says Felien Van Oost, Now, why not tell yours? Our bi-monthly magazine EME Outlook is essential reading for with its customers, to advise them on the perfect multimodal alternative. This is for a balance between economic, new vehicles fit perfectly into the sustainability many years.” As a multimodal logistics chain, Van Moer Logistics seeks to fully relieve its customers in their increasingly complex and circular supply chains. In doing so, the company strives commodities. Providing storage for palletised and break bulk goods, the company strives to offer customers the best quality service at all times. PORT AND INTERMODAL LOGISTICS Van Moer Logistics always performs a thorough transport analysis in consultation After 40 taking Scania trucks in the spring of last year, Van Moer Logistics is now ordering another 60 460 R Super A4X2NBs. These emerged as the most sustainable and cost-efficient diesel truck. Moreover, Scania also offers an excellent service that has resulted in close cooperation for business executives wanting to keep up with the latest in global news and trends affecting WAREHOUSING AND VALUE-ADDED LOGISTICS Van Moer Logistics specialises in the storage and handling of various OPTIMISING OPERATIONS Another 60 Scania trucks for Van Moer Logistics operations. ensures a high-quality standard.” pioneers in sustainability, not only because of our unique approach to inland navigation, but also because of constant investment in the latest technologies and developments in our equipment and IT systems, which TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION Offering a variety of transport services to fully support customer supply chains, creating an interchange within planning and operations. Van Moer Logistics’ customised service level will help customers to further develop their logistical European and Middle Eastern businesses across all industries. VAN MOER LOGISTICS – PRIMARY SERVICES clients, including abroad. We are also

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To share in this unrivalled opportunity, contact one of our project managers today!

tells us. water-bound warehouses,” Van Moer and last mile and combined with terminals, barges, truck fleet for first the combination of our own barge making process, and we continue to we have a very short decisionsector. As a young family business, manoeuvrability stand us apart in the

“On top of this, our flexibility and and new locations that follow our launch new business developments the needs of our customers that we our customers. It is often by following opportunities and follow the needs of invest. We can act quickly on market

SUPPLY CHAIN

VAN MOER LOGISTICS

Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Eddie Clinton

SUPPLY CHAIN

VAN MOER LOGISTICS

around helping people and the planet developments in the space centred CEO, Jo Van Moer, discusses the latest of European logistics. Founder and Van Moer Logistics is changing the face MEDICOINDUSTRIEN

www.emeoutlookmag.com HOLLIS Providing services for the European real estate market

ABHI Committed to unlocking technology to advance modern healthcare

Issue 48

www.emeoutlookmag.com/work-with-us BRITISH PORTS ASSOCIATION Ports across the UK are riding uncertain waters in the maritime logistics sector. We take a deep dive into an industry at the nexus of trade and development A specialist in edible oils, Olenex is broadening its one-stop shop concept and reaching out to new markets. General Manager, Marco Herpers, reveals all