LEADINGEDGE PROPELLER CLUB LIVERPOOL
05/16 D'YE KEN JIM ON PEEL PORTS
WHAT SEAFARERS REALLY WANT
THE LATEST LUNCH MEETING REPORT
MEETING THE HISTORY BUOYS
Our President looks at the revolution shaping our city
KVH has been looking into what seafarers want and need.
Looking back on the latest in our Lunch series of industry talks.
We look at our maritime heritage and how to save it.
CORD TIME
YOUR CLUB - SO GET INVOLVED, SPREAD THE WORD AND USE IT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE... Our President Jim Bellew has many favourite phrases, but when it comes to the Propeller Club he often likens it to "playing squash without a wall"...so it seems clear we need to do more to engage and interact. .. You might not immediately guess it, but even a small local club such as ours can be a hot bed of intrigue, passion and strategic maneuvring. Yes - the politics of the Propeller Club are a thing to behold, and while the Borgias may get the books and film deals, we have had our own issues to deal with. When we took the Field of Dreams, "build it and they will come" approach, it seemed like a sensible route foward. Indeed, it made us the fastest Propeller Club ever to go from the drawing board to the board room. Yay us... However, what that now means is a form of growing pains - we need to ensure that we exist in the right way, that we operate properly and that we deliver for you - our dear members. With that in mind we have been developing a strategic plan, and we need the input of members to ensure we are doing things as you would wish us too. The planning thus far has been interesting to say the least, it is not easy to plot a path through so many challenges - not least when there is real work to be done - the day job pays the rent after all, and this is meant to be fun. So, we urge you to get involved - help us to help you. Send us your news for Leading Edge, get involved, roll your sleeves up and take the many ideas we have and turn them into reality. More horsepower in the organisation is always needed - so we look to you to support us. Without you we couldn't exist, and we can do so much together - for the Propeller Club, but so too the many other maritime organisations locally. If you want to know how you can help us, drop us a line and Sue Henney our Port Secretary would love to give you something to do... PROPELLER CLUB LIVERPOOL propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com www.propellerclub.co.uk @propellerists PROPELLERCLUB
FUN ON FIRST THURSDAY
ALL THE FUN OF FIRST THURSDAYS First Thursdays remain the absolute lifeblood of Propeller Club Liverpool, so thank you to all those who have attended our recent events, and especially our sponsors who do so much to make them a success. We have even taken the concept out across the city, we went downstairs downtown, as we visited the newly spruced and titivated Ma' Boyles. The jury was out on the wisdom of descending into the dark on one of the hottest nights the year had seen, but hey ho, you live and learn. We hope to be back safely ensconsed in our Rococo home for June - and we look forward to seeing you there. Anneley Pickles, who does so much hard work to keep First Thursdays going, and to make sure people are fed, watered and welcomed is so pleased that people continue to support the events. Plus we get new people coming along all the time. Speaking at the last event she said, "Without the support of all our members we simply couldn't go on - so thank you all so much". She added, "First Thursdays are your nights, to network, to enjoy - but also to bring your contacts along. We want you to feel as proud of the events as we do - so bring your colleagues or clients, and introduce them to the Club". First Thursdays are not just a great networking opportunity, they also exist for the Club to grow its database and membership too. So if you are speaking to new visitors please tell them of the benefits of membership, and encourage them to sign up. If you are in doubt or feel awkward giving it the hard sell, feel free to call in the cavalry - Anneley, Sue, Holly and Linda are always on hand to tell people more. And what Ms Cotton lacks in facts, she more than makes up for in enthusiam and menace. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are always available, and we welcome talking to any companies who would like to support us. Thank you again - and see you in June...
LEADINGEDGE
If you needed proof that First Thursday actually works - we were pleased to receive a testimonial from Conon O’Driscoll of Brookes Bell - for one of our other corporate members, InXpress. Conon takes up the tale, "I recently attended a First Thursday event and got talking to Bill Carter of InXpress. Bill spoke of the service that InXpress offers to their clients in the form of assisting them with any form of transportation/courier requirements anywhere in the world, of which InXpress has a Global network of couriers and agreements. I was most impressed with the level of personal service that they offer to their clients. Only a couple of days passed when I found myself in Spain and had to transport items urgently from Valencia to Brookes Bell’s Metallurgical Laboratory in the UK. I thought I would give Bill a call to see if he could assist. Later that same day, Bill helped to arrange for the items (5 pallets weighing approximately 1,500 kgs) to be loaded onto a truck and whisked back to the UK. At all times Bill was available with updates as to the drivers’ location times, etc. I can only say InXpress offers a great service and that First Thursday is a great forum for marine business!!" Thank you Conan, high praise indeed.
SEAFARER'S WANT....
Our good friends at KVH Media Group, through their seafarers social network Crewtoo have been gauging what it takes to make seafarers happy. In the annual report of their Seafarers Happiness Index, there were a series of "wants" which emerged. Recently our very own Spice Girl Sue Henney took to the stage at the CMA conference in the US, to tell the industry exactly what seafarers really, really want...
JIM ON THE PEEL REVOLUTION
Propeller Club Liverpool President Jim Bellew has been taking a look at the goings on either side of the river, and up the canal. Here he shares his own thoughts on the Peel Ports revolution which is shaping our city and shaking shipping. From the past, Jim looks to the present and ponders the future....
PEELPORTS: THE REVOLUTION SHAPING OUR CITY
Last year saw Liverpool celebrate the 300th anniversary of the world’s oldest enclosed commercial wet dock. It opened for business on 31 August 1715, providing a blueprint for the development of other trading ports around the world. Since then the port has seen its fortunes pinnacle with world heritage acclaim and decline with massive consequences for the city, region and the nation. Following the cumulative effect of containerisation, deindustrialization and the post Thatcher collapse of the Northern economy the port and its infrastructure was in dire straits. Questions were being asked such as “what is the place for?” “Is there a future?” and in the eighties behind the closed door of 10 Downing St. conversations focused on “managing the decline of Liverpool”. Now in the same location the political descendants of those high officials are now promulgating the so called Northern Powerhouse. From the turn of the century driven principally by local initiatives regeneration focused on heritage, culture, retail and the visitor economy while the port, on the wrong side of the country, continued to slip behind its competitors. In 2005 Peel Holdings acquired the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company and a small light went on at the other-end of a long dark tunnel. “Who were these people?” “What is their game?” “Where are they going to take us?” Peel is after all somewhat LEADINGEDGE
of complex company with a business structure comprising 320 registered companies and subsidiaries in the UK with its ultimate parent company based “off-shore” in the Isle of Man controlled by Chairman John Whittaker. Whittaker has been described as a publicity-shy property mogul who rarely gives interviews which in today's media frenzied environment leave plenty of space for mischief and conspiratorial opportunists. So what is the truth? Where are we going? If you mention Peel amongst the Liverpool business cognoscenti you always get a response! “It’s the future!” “The only game in town!” “A monopolistic land banker!” “The villain of the peace!” With its fingers in many pies (ports, airports, infrastructure projects, etc.) Peel is necessarily controversial pursuing large-scale investments and long-term strategies. The Independent called it “The biggest company you've never heard of” Peel acquired the Manchester Ship Canal with extensive land in Salford after an acrimonious three year battle with Manchester Council. It went on to deliver the Trafford Centre and provided the land for the development of Salford Quays. Its vision for Liverpool is wrapped up in the Ocean Gateway concept of developing a logistics hub that includes new ports in Warrington and Salford by resurrecting the Manchester Ship Canal as one of the conduits for onward distribution.
JIM SAYS...
Anyone with an understanding of maritime affairs will appreciate that this is a gamble based on geopolitics, macroeconomics and unknown technological developments. It begins with the widening of the Panama Canal, embraces the entry into service of mega post-Panamax container ships and bets on Liverpool's location providing an advantage over other ports (most with excess capacities). In a country where the national government is tactically-focused on the next election and strategic vision the luxury of column writers and academics, it is rare to find someone prepared to invest in the future rather than speculate on the short-term. There are no certainties in the future and Peels projections are so far ahead it’s difficult even to identify the questions - which may explain its reluctance to give answers to the press. As for local opinion; maybe the questions should be “Is Peel a modern 19th Century visionary!” “Can we trust the vision?” and “What other options are there?” Well, rather than opinion, rumour and conjecture maybe we should look at the happenings of the last 12 months – most Peel related (Peel is a major shareholder in Cammell Laird) Liverpool 2 - £300m invested with 17 hectacres of newly created land, an 854 metre long quay wall constructed with a berthing pocket 16.5 metres deep and 62 metres wide. Eight ship-to-shore cranes each 132 metres high weighing around 1600 tonnes and 22 modern cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes plus extensive infrastructure work ongoing.
Port Upgrades Two massive VIGAN ship unloader units have been transferred from Tilbury Power Station to Canada Dock in Liverpool by Ellesmere Port logistics specialist Quality Freight UK
Newport Industries a global importer of specialist chemicals is investing £7m in a new bulk handling facility at Canada Branch Dock to meet increased demand from its North West customer base. ACL & Atlantic Star – ACL are in the final stages of completing its new head office in Duke St and the first of five newly built vessels “Atlantic Star” has visited its home port at Seaforth Dock. This is the first shipping company head office to be built in Liverpool for over 50years. https://youtu.be/ flH8pIoZECE
Biomass Terminal Opens - Shipments from the £100m biomass handling facility on the Port of Liverpool have created almost 50 jobs. The facility will process up to 3m tonnes of wood pellets a year imported from North America which will be transported by train every day to power the huge Drax power station in Yorkshire. In addition to the increase in ship arrivals up to 10 train loads of pellets will be sent each day to Drax. Seatruck Ferries has added a third vessel to its growing Liverpool - Dublin route from November 2015 the additional midweek departures will provide much needed peak capacity on a route which is attracting increasing support from unaccompanied traffic. Peel Ports has also signed a deal with shipping operator BG Freight Line for a new freight route that will connect Port of Liverpool with Greenock, Belfast and Rotterdam. . The route will open up global opportunities for Scottish exporters, particularly in the food and drink, chemical and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Atlantis Project The ‘Atlantic Intermodal Services’ (ATLANTIS) project aims at preparing the launch in early January 2017 of new Motorways of the Sea (MoS) services in the Atlantic Arc between the three ports of Brest, Leixões and Liverpool. http:// www.superport.co.uk/atlantis-a-motorways-of-the-sea-project/ Cammell Laird to Build NERC’s New £200Million Polar
Research Ship the RRS Sir David Attenborough...or yes, Boaty McBoatface if you will.
Dong signs for Birkenhead construction base Dong Energy has taken a lease on 6.5-acres of land for construction facilities at Cammell Laird’s 150-acre site in Birkenhead from Peel Land & Property, as part of its contract to build the Burbo Bank offshore wind farm extension in Liverpool Bay. - See more at: http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/dong-signs-forbirkenhead-construction-base/#sthash.swZ0VVDE.VjhYGEYY. dpuf Maersk returns to Liverpool after more than a decade and launches its first ever direct service to Dublin. Operated by Seago Line, the Intra-European shipping expert and part of the Maersk Group, this service is considered by some as a precursor to its Post-Panamax introduction. Somebody once said, “Don't listen to what people say watch what they do” Maybe this could be the far-distant light! PROPELLERCLUB
YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US TODAY... The Propeller Club Liverpool is your readymade maritime network in the region. We welcome all who work in shipping, or who have a passion for promoting it. Membership links you to am amazing group of professionals - not just in Liverpool, but the world over. So join us today - it costs just ÂŁ45 per year, and you will help us to deliver even more for the maritime community locally. Enjoy our First Thursday evenings, golf days, tall ship visits and lunches. There is so much going on, and we want you to be part of it.
http://propellerclub.co.uk/joining/
PROUD MARITIME HERITAGE
THE HISTORY BUOYS KEEPING MARITIME HERITAGE ALIVE... Scratch the surface of Liverpool, and you will find the real life blood of a fine global city. Down you go through football and triumphant searches for justice and truth, through the jokes and amazing people, past the Beatles and vast growth prompted by immigrants, down, down through innovation, world firsts and wonder – then you will come to the river. You will see the sea and the shining path taken by so many people, so much cargo in the relentless search for trade and success. The whole lot, one of the greatest cities on earth has water as its foundation. We are a city based on shipping and of embracing the marine adventure, and its perils. Our President has written in this issue about the future, the growth of Peel Ports, the ideas, vision and investment which are recapturing the city and region’s preeminence – a future which stands as proud as the new container cranes which have captured so much attention. But what of remembering the past, and of holding on to the heritage that we have. We are all so LEADINGEDGE
busy looking ahead, let’s not neglect a look over our collective shoulders astern – to see the wake of our past, and the glorious buildings, monuments and ships which have shaped us as people, professionals and as a community. Liverpool has UNESCO World Heritage standing for its waterfront, something which no doubt contributes much to the burgeoning tourist trade. Whether it does as much as John, Paul, George and Jurgen is a moot point, but it shows the place that our city has in the world stage. Away from the Graces, the mammoth monuments of merchants, there is a danger that we will overlook some of the smaller, but no less important elements of our history, heritage and proud past. These are the ships themselves – the vessels which carried our people, cargoes and hopes too. The amazing job the Daniel Adamson Preservation Society has done in rescuing and then restoring their incredible steam powered vessel is testament to the powers of will,
PROUD MARITIME HERITAGE
determination and enthusiasm. They also show what expertise still exists in our area. Even if much of it is now in old people's homes. But saving a ship is only a very small part of the story – real heritage is about so much more, it is about building on the beams, keel and plates of a sound vessel, but by bringing the stories and history to life. It is about making it relevant, visible and something which resonates and engages with others who should know, understand and appreciate the role of ships and boats in history. The French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea”. Very wise words, as you might expect – but they can be translated into the heritage context too. So, perhaps if wewant to save a ship, we shouldn't drum up people to chip the steel or assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for their history on the endless immensity of the sea. That is what we are keen to do as the Propeller Club Liverpool. We want to reach out to the community, to share the stories of the past, but to make them realise the importance of the ships around them, the ones that have been saved and the ones which are still under threat. A number of Propeller Club Liverpool members have become involved in the Kathleen and May Heritage Trust – a fine, beautiful vessel as many of you know. However, it is one which needs to be secured for the future. Cindy and Jeff, great friends of the club have done an amazing job over the past years of keeping the ship in shape – but tide and tide waiteth for no grandparents, and the lure of spending time with their kith and kin is calling them away from the ship. This means that its future needs to be safeguarded, and as the current owners look to move the vessel into a charitable Trust, we hope that we can play a role in not just ensuring she survives, but that she thrives long into the future. We would love your support, enthusiasm and involvement to help move this project forward. The future of Kathleen and May looks set to be bright, if we can get it right. The fact that she has already been through her hopefully darkest days in the mud of Gloucester Docks, before being saved means that we have a chance to build on the legacy of those who have saved her, of those who have put so much of their lives into the polishing, painting, repairing and caring. The process of developing the Kathleen and May Heritage Trust is ongoing, and the aim is to purchase the ship, and to place it into the control of the charity. Then we can move forward, taking the baton from Cindy and Jeff, and building on their incredible work. The situation is a little different from the norm, usually enthusiasm comes from the jeopardy of saving a vessel – as it has with the Daniel Adamson – but here as the ship is already in fine fettle, the challenges are different, but the rewards no less great. Those of us who are involved are planning for the ultimate objective of ensuring the ship provides a wider good to the public, that we engage with those in our community who would benefit so much from being onboard, and to keeping maritime skills alive. More even than those laudable aims – we are seeking to keep our maritime heritage front and centre of the city. We are want to keep the deck swabbed, the hull blacked, and the main brace spliced – but so too we are seeking to build a sustainable future for this most historic of national treasures, a ship we all know and which we want others to love too. If you wish to be involved in this adventure, please contact us and we will be happy to tell you more. PROPELLERCLUB
LIVERPOOL IFB2016
The International Festival for Business is being held in Liverpool from 13 June to 1 July 2016. The maritime related event “Investinblue” is on 15th & 16th June 2016. This is a partnership between the UKTI/BIS, National Maritime (NMDG) and Jobs In Maritime. It will showcase the maritime sector to UK and overseas investors. It will include capabilities in design and advanced engineering, manufacturing, and cover why maritime infrastructure projects are essential for economic growth. The speakers will be: Day One : Guy Platten, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping Anita Bradshaw, COO, Green Sea Guard Ltd Roger Bailey, Asset Management Director, Tideway Debate : ‘This house believes that the UK and other countries are meeting the economic resilience requirements to address increasing storms’ Day Two: Mark Whitworth, CEO, Peel Ports Martin Murphy, Managing Director, Tidal Energy Ltd and Immediate Past President, IMarEST Andy White, CEO & Managing Director, CTruk Group Kevin Forshaw, Associate Director, Innovation and Enterprise, National Oceanography Centre Associated event sponsors: Arup, Mazars UK and VolkerWessels UK. MEET THE BUYER As a registered Investinblue delegate, you will become a member of the world largest business club and can take part in ‘Meet Your Future Deal’ the biggest ‘meet the buyer’ programme in the world this year, with 6,000 completely
free appointments with buyers, investors, suppliers and technology and innovation partners on offer to you Tell us what your business is looking for and the digital matching service will match your profile to those of organisations that are aligned with your commercial needs. You can then meet these businesses and develop commercial relationships compatible with your growth plans. INVESTINBLUE DELEGATES TO BENEFIT FROM GOOGLE’S DIGITAL GARAGE Delegates will be able to access Google’s Digital Garage, part of the event programme, to bring you a range of benefits. The Digital Garage is Google’s initiative, focused on helping businesses interested in a ‘digital tune-up’ to develop the skills needed to make the most of the web and grow commercially. It focuses on equipping you with the knowledge you need to turbocharge growth, with the workshops acting as one-stop shops to accelerate business success. The core training proposition focuses on two main themes: ‘Telling Your Story Online’, which helps improve digital presence and ‘Reaching New Customers’, which is focused on increasing customer visibility. The Digital Garage will offer a one-to-one mentoring and workshops to registered Investinblue delegates. With 6,000 delegates projected to attend on each of these days, we would be pleased to speak to you about how you can participate in the event either as an exhibitor, sponsor or delegate More details are available here: http://goo.gl/2a6qLk Propeller Club members qualify for 30% discount! PROPELLERCLUB
PROPELLER CLUB LUNCH
THE LUNCH CLUB
SECURITY, SEAFARERS AND CRIMINALISATION... Propeller Club Liverpool hosted its annual "Charter" Party lunch in April - and we had a great turn out in the splendid surroundings of the Racquet Club. Speaking was one of shipping's most experienced lawyers, Stephen Askins of Tatham Macinnes. Stehen spoke of his experiences in dealing with pirates, hijackings, abandoned seafarers and the case of the British armed guards held in India. One of the proudest roles for Propeller Club Liverpool is as a facilitator, bringing the shipping industry together - and we have even managed to start bridging the gap between London and our fair city.
kidnap, ransom demands and innocent deaths is once more enveloping shipping. There are seafarers being taken hostage once again, and it may seem that Somalia was an easier fix than some of the problems we are seeing arise now.
For our Annual "Charter" lunch we were so pleased to welcome a number of guests from all over the UK, and our speaker was one of the most experienced maritime lawyers around, Stephen Askins.
Of course one of the more successful aspects of the fight to contain piracy off Somalia was the use of armed guards on commercial vessels. This is perhaps ironic given that five British ex-servicemen are now languishing in an Indian jail. They face 5 years of hard labour after being found guilty of fire arms offences.
We asked Stephen to speak about some of the most pressing issues facing the shipping industry today - those of security, piracy, and seafarer criminalisation. The past months have seen incredibly concerning spikes in pirate activity – both off West Africa and in SE Asia. With terrorist groups seemingly setting up their own piracy divisions, a rising tide of
LEADINGEDGE
The group were guards working for a US company, and the vessel they were on strayed into Indian waters - upon which they were arrested - and to the bemusement, anger and frustration of many, they have been found guilty after a tortuous series of trials and re-trials.
PROPELLER CLUB LUNCH
The families are fighting hard to get them freed, and Stephen has been working with them, and the Mission to Seafarers to free the men - who are innocent victims of a seeming political witchhunt. The fight to free the British guards in India is ongoing, and we hope that justice can be arrived at, and that they can be brought back home. Sadly for all the pressure and publicity in the UK, over in India the narrative is somewhat different. There these poor innocents have become embroiled in a political mess, which has seen them become caught up in arguments about terrorism and India's vulnerability to attack from the sea. Now even being forced to admit guilt if they want to have their sentences served out in the UK. The issue of seafarer criminalisation is a serious, difficult and complex issue. When bad things happen at sea it can have a major impact ashore – and when the courts get involved, there can be a negative view of the seafarers involved. Working at sea is tough and demanding and while seafarers do all they can to avoid causing pollution of the marine environment, sometimes things go wrong. Sadly when the worst does happen, and especially when there is damage to the environment, whether intentional or by accident, this can all too often lead to seafarers taking the blame and being treated as criminals. Far from home, dealing with different legal systems, in a foreign language – under hostile and challenging conditions – when already distressed about a spill, accident or collision. Seafarers can slip into ever deeper legal hot water…and that is wrong. The shipping industry is united in a belief that not only is criminalisation wrong – but that it risks the very future of the profession. It is felt the unfair treatment of seafarers poses a threat to the future sustainability of merchant shipping, as it damages the image and ability to attract and retain qualified seafarers. Around the world there are increasingly severe liability regimes, and places which presume guilt rather than innocence of seafarers. The fair treatment of seafarers should be upheld as a fundamental right in all incidents – whatever the initial assessment of the circumstances. The 2006 IMO/ILO Guidelines on fair treatment of seafarers and the 2010 IMO Casualty Investigation Code, contain mandatory provisions to observe when obtaining evidence from seafarers. These are being wilfully ignored or overlooked – but they continue to be essential and must be upheld. The industry needs to shout loud about how seafarers have to be treated. Seafarers are often scapegoats – whatever the facts of the case, if there is environmental damage, then you can expect criminalisation too. We are pleased that the Charter Lunch was a chance to enjoy the company of friends and members, but also to reflect on the negatives within the industry. We may not be able to fix all the ills, but it is important to discuss them, and to at least hope that progress can be made. Thank you to all who attended, and to Fort Recruitment for their generous sponsorship. www.fortrecruitment.co.uk
PROPELLERCLUB
MERSEYPARADISE
IN OUR MERSEY PARADISE The Stone Roses got one thing right about the Mersey, the river does indeed splash against the rocks - even our jury is out on the "paradise" bit...but you would be surprised by some recent visitors to the "Pool of Life"...
ice ice boaty...
mersey dam costly idea
In the last issue we featured a dolphin who had found himself off Connah's Quay and Deeside. Well since then things have taken an even more surreal twist. The local RNLI were called to attend an incident in which a man had taken to the river in a fridge. Yes...a refrigerator for a boat. Such stupidity. leaves us cold. Honk. Who knows what the River Dee will throw up next time round.
A Mersey barrage to generate power for hundreds of thousands of homes was one of the projects put forward by Labour in Liverpool as part of the 2016 local elections. Five years ago ambitious ÂŁ3.5bn plans to build a tidal barrage across the Mersey estuary to generate renewable electricity were put on hold over cost concerns, but last new cheaper designs emerged.
Closer my cod to thee Massive cod were caught by anglers fishing by the ECHO Arena last month. Three cod were pulled from the waters of the Mersey by Sam Foley, 19, and his pal Cameron Rodgers, 20, from Melling. The fish, caught at high tide, weighed a whopping 16, 14.8 and 12lbs. Mr Foley, from Fazakerley, said: “The fish are the biggest I have ever caught.
building GAteway to heaven The Mersey Gateway Project achieved another milestone as the first deck span for the elevated north approach viaduct was completed recently. Work started on site in May 2014 to build a six-lane toll bridge over the Mersey River between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes and opening is set for the autumn of 2017.
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We would love to have any photos or thoughts of events you have seen or attended locally. We are proud to live and work in such a vibrant maritime community and look forward to featuring some of the goings on here.
youll never bulwark alone HMS Bulwark arrived on the River Mersey recently and berthed at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Fleet Amphibious Flagship HMS Bulwark, last visited the city in 2013, and hosted visits from groups while here and the crew played rugby and football fixtures against Merseyside teams. She is the premier amphibious warship in the Royal Navy and a most welcome guest.
HUMAN RIGHTS... MARITIME WRONGS Propeller Club Liverpool has strong links to the maritime charity Human Rights at Sea, and we are very pleased and proud to support the organisation's amazing efforts to tackle problems which have lain unanswered for too long in shipping and out at sea. September sees the International Maritime Human Rights conference - and we hope members can attend. Ensign Events together with Human Rights at Sea announce the launch of the International Maritime Human Rights Conference and Gala Dinner 2016. Taking place in London on September 14th 2016, the event will focus on explicitly addressing the issue of maritime human rights and associated welfare issues throughout the maritime environment. Bringing together industry, civil society and government-level leaders for discussion and debate, the conference will offer an objective view point on issues currently affecting the human element at sea. It will explore topical and emerging matters, and investigate human rights protections and available remedies for abuse. Undertaken by both national and international experts, the event will deliver incisive commentary and concepts to the audience for consideration and debate. Addressing commercial, government, academic and civil society positions on the issue of human rights, the speaker line up will discuss and debate the following topics: • •
The need for explicit engagement with maritime human rights. Seafarer welfare – challenges,
• •
• •
responsibilities and the future. The fishing community – challenges and development. Corporate Social Responsibility and application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Refugees, migrants, immigration and shipping. Investigation of human rights abuses at sea.
Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes, Director of Ensign Events, Managing Director of Petrospot, and Director of Shipping Innovation, said: “All too often the commercial, political and technical side of the global shipping sector is allowed to overshadow the real, living human side of the industry. This event will readdress the balance and put the seafarers and their welfare at the forefront.”
from across the maritime sector has been significant.” Jean Gowin, Director of Ensign Events and Managing Director of Jeanius Consulting, added: “We are excited to be bringing a world-first human rights conference to the maritime sector, especially at a time when shipping faces a myriad of welfare issues and global human rights concerns. The conference will be all encompassing and objective to allow an open and honest exchange of opinions and aims to unite the industry as one voice to create a better environment for the human element at sea.” The conference will be followed by an evening black tie gala dinner & networking evening.
CEO of Human Rights at Sea, David Hammond said: “The opportunity to be part of a globally-focused International Maritime Human Rights Conference, bringing people together from across the maritime environment to listen to subject matter experts and leaders in their fields discuss the current issues facing the international community relating to human rights and the human element is not to be missed. Already, interest and engagement in this conference PROPELLERCLUB
OUR VERY OWN: SAT COMMS GIANT
SUPER SAT SUCCESS Propeller Club corporate member, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), recently announced that as of the end of 2015, it had shipped more than 6,000 TracPhone satellite communications antenna systems for the mini-VSAT Broadband network. This milestone reaffirms the company’s top market share position in the maritime VSAT industry by vessels in service, a benchmark noted in the COMSYS Maritime VSAT Report, 4th Edition, March 2015. The company also announced that it recently expanded the capacity on its global mini-VSAT Broadband network, which provides essential connectivity to vessels around the world. “Our solution has been widely adopted because it brings simplicity and value to ship owners and operators, fleet IT managers, operations professionals, officers, and captains operating in a highly competitive global environment,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer. “When we entered the market in 2007, our goal was to win a leadership position through market disruption, changing the way mariners thought about satellite communications by offering a complete solution encompassing small, simple, easy-to-install equipment, fast data speeds, and cost-effective airtime.” Since that early market introduction, the company has ramped up to an average of nearly 1,000 systems per year for five consecutive years, 2011-2015, as reliance on fast and reliable satellite broadband connectivity has spread throughout the maritime industry. In 2012, the mini-VSAT Broadband service became the maritime VSAT market share leader according to leading market research reports, a position that has been repeatedly re-confirmed in report updates. To provide the most robust coverage possible, the company continually monitors and upgrades its mini-VSAT Broadband service, and recently expanded its network via an additional Ku-band service beam that provides Pacific Northwest U.S. coverage, where fishing fleets operate and rely on connectivity from KVH.
LEADINGEDGE
“Operating our own network provides us with unique opportunities to offer creative solutions to our customers’ problems,” says Mr. Kits van Heyningen. “Already, more ships rely on KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband network than the next two maritime VSAT providers combined, and our growing customer base and satellite capacity are testimony to our forward thinking approach to technology and services.” These announcements follow last fall’s successful launch of KVH’s expanded maritime solution, mini-VSAT Broadband 2.0. This solution includes: • Compact yet powerful TracPhone V-IP series systems designed exclusively for the mini-VSAT Broadband network • A wide range of options for affordable airtime plans that deliver top data speeds on the network at every price point • Global connectivity from the maritime industry’s most extensive C/ Ku-band satellite network A global private terrestrial and MPLS network for enhanced data • security • The myKVH portal for proactive data management • KVH OneCare comprehensive global support options • e-Learning maritime training programs from Videotel, part of KVH • Affordable delivery of gigabytes of the content needed onboard vessels today via IP-MobileCast, KVH’s unique content delivery service • Commercially licensed content from KVH Media Group, delivered via its many services to the maritime industry, including NEWSlink, MOVIElink, and TVlink Taken together, the company refers to the complete solution under the Power of One banner. KVH, Videotel, and KVH Media Group conduct global sales and support activities from offices around the world, including 24/7/365 network monitoring and technical support to mini-VSAT Broadband vessels. The global satellite network utilizes capacity from 26 transponders on 19 satellites.
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
MEMBER NEWS... Industry award winners
Port 2 Port Merger
Brookes Bell Group, is delighted to have won the SME Business of the Year Award 2016 at the Mersey Maritime Industry Awards ceremony held in March. This is their second consecutive year of winning an award at this event, having taken home the Global Reach Award in 2015. Having been in business for some 113 years and with their roots firmly in Liverpool, today Brookes Bell leads the market in professional expertise and experience across all the major maritime and scientific disciplines. Colin Kershaw, Managing Partner commented "We are delighted to be honoured with the Group’s second industry award at the Mersey Maritime ceremony. This is a wonderful occasion and one that recognises all those in the industry who play such a significant part in making Liverpool and the North West a fantastic region to do business. We are so proud of all of the team involved in achieving such a prestigious accolade."
Port2Port Maritime Security and Neptune Maritime Security, two of the leading global maritime security risk management providers, announced last month they have agreed to merge. The combined group will provide significant scale and service advantages to the shipping and offshore industries, as well as improving the global reach of both companies. We wish them well.
Brookes Bell in Piraeus In April this year, the Brookes Bell business headed out to Athens to meet with a range of lawyers, P&I clubs, ship owners and operators to host an evening of presentations and networking. A drinks reception took place to welcome the guests at the prestigious Yacht Club of Greece, in the Piraeus port, with guests then being entertained by their specialists, listening to a series of presentations on the services and abilities within their own business and the sector. Colin Kershaw, Managing Partner, kicked off the evening, with an introduction to the business and the importance of hosting such an event. The Brookes Bell team will be heading back out to Athens to attend the Posidonia event in June, an event that is certain to be one where a lot of business gets done!
Armitt's London Growth UK shipping agent Armitt Group has signed a heads of terms agreement with Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) to build a new multimodal terminal at London Thamesport. The Liverpool-based company aims to begin construction of the new 120,000 cu ft (approx. 4,000 cu m) terminal and warehouse, dubbed Armitt Multimodal Terminal South, this month. The company aims to start moving its first freight shipments as early as Q3 2016.
Liverpool Triathlon A number of Propeller Club members are competing in the Liverpool Triathlon on August 14th as a relay team to raise funds for the RNLI. The team consists of Swim - Chris Wainwright (MD of Beech Group) Bike - Charles Gray (MD of Armitt Group) Run - Rob McKay (MD of Sherrington Associates) Their Just Giving page can be found at https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/TheShipShapes? PROPELLERCLUB
WHATSON
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SUMMER 2016
2 JUN
6-10 JUN
First Thursday Rococo, Lord Street Hosts: Propeller Club
Posidonia Athens
You know the drill by now - its 1730 onwards, the usual wet networking and happy people. Back to our usual Rococo haunt to kick off the Summer season in style. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Posidonia exhibition in Athens is about the biggest maritime gathering on earth. However, enough Propellerists will be there to make you feel at home. KVH and Sue Henney will be on Stand 1.218 so why not pop by to say kalimera.
4 JUL
7 JULY
Committee Meeting TBC
First Thursday TBC
The wheels of governance keep turning and so we have to gather our noble committee for another meeting. This time round were meeting on US Independence Day - burgers and beers anyone?
Another chance to gather and network - possibly in the sunshine onboard Kathleen and May - keep an eye on Propeller Club emails to find out where we will all be gathering. Let's hope it will be a wonderful summer spectacular.
16 JUN IFB Drinks Location TBC The International Festival of Business (IFB) returns to Liverpool this year - and we are marking the occasion with a special reception. This will be in partnership with one of our corportate supporters, and we are finalising now.
4 AUG
2nd Annual Golf Day Formby Hall. Tee off 10:04 The golferists amongst us are organising another golf day - if you wish to play a round with Bill Carter and Chris Farrell (who are kindly organising) let us know. Fore...etc, Play etc...its bound to be great fun. Port 2 Port won last year - you can stop them!
T R O P P U H S V K M A TE LEADING EDGE
WHISKEY & WOMEN, BUT WASTED MONEY TOO... Our Vice President, Steven Jones was asked to address the AGM dinner of the North West and North Wales branch of IMarEST recently. He was asked to speak about his career in shipping, and to also share information on the Propeller Club and its role in the industry. Despite some hesitaton, given that he admitted usually only speaking to engineers when he's broken something, he used the opportunity to talk about some of the inspirations behind going to sea. As an eighth generation seafarer, it was perhaps inevitable that Steven was going to head to sea. He spoke of two of his great grandfathers who both served as Chief Engineers – one was killed in the Battle of the Atlantic – the other made his name there in the icy waters facing down the perils of the U Boats. Donald Pinnington OBE, was quite a man – a hero in many ways, and certainly a legend in Steven's life growing up. Steven recalled actually meeting him, and remembered clearly that Donald, even in his 90s, had a sparkle in his eye whenever the subject came to ships and, ahem, Germans. Donald earned the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Lloyd’s Medal for Bravery at sea, for his part in saving the crew of the tanker “Athelcrown”. In January 1942, the ship was torpedoed and sank – they took to the lifeboats, and spent 6 days at sea. This was until they came across the floating wreck of another torpedoed and abandoned tanker.
backwards. They made tortuously slow progress, but far from the shipping lanes they remained unmolested by U Boats, until they were miraculously found by the Swedish Navy.
Four from the lifeboat managed to scramble onboard the tanker “Dalia” – it had itself been hit and sadly some 57 people died onboard.
The crew were then taken to the Faroe Islands – where they rested up until being strong enough to br repatriated, with tales to last a lifetime.
Despite the hull being blown off, Donald decided that they could get the vessel going, and could even make it to land – going astern!
Donald was summoned to the Palace to receive his OBE – but was most proud of his Lloyd’s Medal. He pointed out that any Tom, Dick or Harriet could receive an OBE – but you at least had to get your feet wet to get the recognition of Lloyd’s for exceptional courage.
With the help of the others he found what he needed for the task ahead – whiskey. Fortified, they managed to get the engines going and were actually making way, just
He actually sold the film rights after the war, making a pretty penny in the process .
Which he spent on whisky and women. But ended up wasting the rest. The talk then focused on the Propeller Club, its history, aims and goals - and of the work in Liverpool to embrace all parts of the shipping industry. IMarEST generously made a donation of £50 to Propeller Club Liverpool - and we are hugely thankfiul for their generosity -both financially and in spirit. John Mace has been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive of our Club, and we owe him a debt of thanks. The donation will be used to help fund our plans to develop a maritime calender for the city and region - so that all groups and stakeholders can find out what events, talks and gatherings are going on. PROPELLERCLUB
THE THINGS PEOPLE DO
CELEBRATE LAUCH OF PORT ACADEMY LIVERPOOL On Thursday 23rd June between 2pm and 4pm Hugh Baird College will be joined by industry guests to celebrate the official launch of their Port Academy Liverpool right at the heart of Bootle’s maritime community. The creation of a home for Port Academy Liverpool has been made possible through over £2m of growth deal funding delivered through the Liverpool City Region LEP. LEP members are invited to join us at this event to help celebrate the occasion.
SPECIAL BY NAME...AND DEED. CONGRATULATIONS One of our members has been recognised for their positive industry role and the inspiration they provide for others. Officer Cadet and Propellerist, Sarah Stevens, was shortlisted as ‘One to Watch’ at the inaugural Northern Power Women (NPW) Awards held on March 3rd. More than 400 people enjoyed the awards held at the Manchester Hilton Hotel, which saw 51 people shortlisted across nine categories from a massive 700 nominees. The NPW awards evening were hosted by BBC Newsround presenter, Leah Boleto and were open to both men and women. They were launched to recognise and celebrate the positive role models who are supporting gender equality across the Northern Powerhouse region. Sarah has been an Officer Cadet in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) for 2.5 years and is currently undertaking the final phase of
her training at sea before sitting her oral board at the end of the year. In addition to representing the RFA in both the RN COMPASS and Naval Servicewomen committees, she regularly writes articles for Nautilus International, the Defence Intranet and the charity Human Rights at Sea. Sarah is an enthusiastic support of the Propeller Club Liverpool - you may have seen her on Twitter @specialbyname. We are thrilled to hear of her continued success, and it speaks volumes for our local maritime community that we are able to bring so many parts of our amazing industry together. If you have a personal success story you would like to share we would be so pleased to hear from you. Email propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com
The event will also see the dedication of a 7.5 ton anchor from "RFA Fort Victoria" donated by the Royal Navy with the support of Cammell Laird to seafarers past, present and future. To register your interest please email Shulah Jones with your name and contact details shulah.jones@ hughbaird.ac.uk The Port Academy Liverpool programme will prepare youngsters aged 14 and upwards for job opportunities in maritime operations and logistics created by the development of the Port of Liverpool. The issues of port and industry development, as well as providing opportunities for young people to gain experience and training is something that is obviously close to our hearts in Propeller Club Liverpool. We hope that many of us can rally to the cause, and will be on hand to celebrate what is a momentous and wonderful achievement. The young people of Bootle are being given a great opportunity, and it is fantastic that the port will have a future throughput of talent, which makes all the difference for any business - no matter its size. LEADING EDGE
OFFICERS President: Jim Bellew Port Secretary: Sue Henney Vice President: Steven Jones Vice President: Paul Georgeson Treasurer: Anneley Pickles COMMITTEE MEMBERS Bill Carter, InXpress Terry Ogg, OGG Expert Adam Whittle, Brookes Bell Andrew Barlow, Independent David Corkish, Colossal Training Colin Kershaw, Brookes Bell Chris Farrell, Port2Port Linda Cotton, Independent Holly Savage, KVH Media Group LEADING EDGE PRODUCTION Content, Editor, Design: Steven Jones CORRESPONDENCE Correspondence Address: C/O KVH Media Group One Derby Square, Liverpool, L2 9XX United KIngdom Email: propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com
PROPELLER CLUB LIVERPOOL IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:
The International Propeller Club of the United States Liverpool & North West A global business network dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, comerce and global trade. www.propellerclub.co.uk @propellerists