lighthouse - CSS Bahrain
CSS BAHRAIN TAKES PART IN THE PROJECT LOGISTICS ALLIANCE MEETING IN ESTONIA
CSS Bahrain took part in the Project Logistics Alliance Meeting, which was held at the Hilton Tallinn Park in Tallinn, Estonia, from the 9th to the 12th of October, 2022. At the 5th Annual Meeting of the Project Logistics Alliance, Amal Hareendran represented CSS at this prestigious event.
This year’s Project Logistics Alliance (PLA) conference had over 70 delegates from 50 companies. The platform brings together PLA network members from various countries under one roof and provides immense networking opportunities. The discussions touched upon the various projects handled by the PLA network members during the past year and the future project opportunities across the worldwide network.
Project Logistics Alliance
The Project Logistics Alliance (PLA) was founded in 2016 by industry experts around the globe to address the special demands of project freight forwarding for small and mid-sized enterprises. An independent network designed to form a global alliance of project cargo experts, the Project Logistics Alliance, connects the best people, agents, and companies in the industry in one network. PLA works with a mission to build on the expertise possessed jointly by its members, thereby focusing on maintaining high-quality service and furthering the unique knowledge required to service the project forwarding industry appropriately.
By creating a platform on which solely industry experts can communicate and collaborate, PLA aims to be the pinnacle towards which the industry aspires. Other attempts to form networks like this have encountered issues with knowledge and expertise diluting due to a lack of entry requirements. Many networks are pay-to-join with uncapped numbers on membership which may result in exceedingly high memberships of unproven quality.
The Project Logistics Alliance aims to mitigate this by enforcing strict entry barriers and qualification requirements to join. Membership applications are subject to a rigorous application process. The PLA requires applicants to demonstrate a track record of projects and prove that they are financially sound. By enforcing strict application requirements, the Project Logistics Alliance ensures its community consists of a global network of approved and qualified members. PLA membership is limited to two members per country; however, larger markets are allowed more representation to ensure sufficient coverage. The members can offer a wide range of project-logistical services.
Hareedran had a tightly packed schedule with meetings with numerous PLA network members, inlcuding Aditi Ailavajhala from Germany, Cristina Molina (AC Project & Forwarding, SL from Spain, Roberto Santarossa from FCL Argentina, George Kwakwa-Sarpong from OMA Logistics Ghana, Rok Strukelj from Centralog Croatia and Slovenia. On the second day, he had discussions with other agents, including Margus Rool from Transocean Eesti Oü, Estonia, Mustafa Özcan from Logistics Plus, Turkey, and others like Abhijeet Vikram Singh of Pt Total Movements International, Indonesia. On the last day, several strategic meetings were lined up with agents like Brett Malcolm from CEA Projects Co. Ltd, Paolo Franco from Partnerships Manager United States, Coadou Philippe of Philco International, France, and several other agents.
A perfect networking platform to build synergies
The guests kicked off the event with a cocktail reception. The next day was a long one with 1 : 1 meetings. CSS met with other PLA members across various regions during this excellently organized conference. The three days were choc-a-block with meetings with agents from across the world. CSS established relationships with PLA members of other regions to engage in project opportunities in the Middle East region and beyond
AMAL LEADS CSS BAHRAIN WITH A RENEWED VISION
Have started with CSS in the year 2010 as Coordinator in Projects, Oil & Energy Department, I have seen my career progress. I later moved on to become the Operations Manager at CSS Abu Dhabi. Currently functioning as the Branch Manager of Console Shipping Services W.L.L, the Bahrain branch of CSS, my 11-year career at CSS has awarded me with opportunities galore.
I was privileged to work at CSS locations across the region and beyond. From Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Oman and Kochi, I have been entrusted with various responsibilities and roles, which has enhanced my skills and experience in all aspects of Logistics.
Surmounting the Odds at CSS Bahrain
CSS Bahrain branch was restructured and launched as a new branch in October 2019. The challenges ahead are many – we need to bring in new clients and raise and build up a whole new team. The limitation of being a small market with increasingly high competition, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ensuing problems have added to our challenges.
But despite these concerns, the Bahrain branch has shown stellar performance above expectation in the year 2020. It was indeed a remarkable year for CSS Bahrain. My heart swells with pride as I lead a dedicated team along with the full support from the top management, the wind beneath our wings.
Strategies Ahead
The way forward for CSS Bahrain is simple and straightforward.
First and foremost on our strategic plan, we aim to increase the reach of CSS Bahrain to new customers every day, without compromising the services we extend to our existing customer base in the island nation. We will strive hard to maintain the high standards of excellence in service levels. Continuing the CSS Group’s legacy, we have committed to doing business with utmost dedication to Fair Business Ethics.
Last but not least, we will work together to keep up the morale of all the employees and team members at CSS Bahrain
Looking Past 2020
The year 2020 brought a downturn to every industry and affected general trade the world over. But with the vaccination drives being rolled out across every nation, we can expect a resurgence in the market in 2021. CSS Bahrain intends to venture into upcoming project movements and tap into the potential clients amongst government entities in Bahrain.
Our five-year plan includes our vision to be an NVOCC market leader in Bahrain, providing competitive rates and excellent service by maintaining Fair Policy Business Ethics. We also see ourselves as a Freight Forwarder par excellence with the capacity to handle general forwarding and project movements in the region.
Onward and Ahead
Though we face the imminent threat of targeted competition, underquoting, volatility, and rate increase due to the impact of COVID-19, there is plenty of opportunities as well. A huge untapped market is actively on the lookout for a freight forwarder with market-leading logistics solutions.
Maintaining good relationships with our existing client base will enable us to get accurate feedback. We have also decided to go by the fair policy. No matter what, we will adhere to not under quoting whatever the competitor strategy might be.
With the CSS Group’s focus on the GCC region, the newly started Bahrain branch will contribute to the NVOCC and Forwarding business of the CSS Group by building on the network partners. Our aim remains to:
- Ensure 100% customer satisfaction
- Ensure 100% employee satisfaction
- Achieve the company targets
We look forward to finishing the year in flying colors by repeating and outperforming the excellent performance we displayed as we opened our innings at Bahrain.
NEPTUNE CARGO EVENT
CSS GROUP ATTENDS THE 4-DAY EVENT IN MANILA
CSS Group attended the 3rd annual partnership meeting of the Neptune Cargo Network. The first and the biggest Global NVOCC and LCL Cargo Alliance, Neptune Cargo Network has successfully brought more than 230 sea freight consolidators & LCL forwarders from across the globe under one roof in a 4-day conference being held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Manila, Philippines on February 25 to 28, 2019. CSS Group was represented by Ajay Krishnan COO, Freight forwarding, Chandrakala, COO, NVOCC, CSS Group and Midhun George Asst. General Manager, CSS Abu Dhabi.
Marking its 3rd year in the industry, NEPTUNE has chosen to host its Annual Partnership Meeting in the Pearl of the Orient Seas, Philippines. Consolidators and LCL forwarders that have attended came from 45 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Istanbul, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lithuania, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia among others. “In a constantly changing business atmosphere, especially in the Freight forwarding industry, it is vital to have live chats with industry professionals to sharpen our own skills. Neptune Cargo event provided one such opportunity” mentioned Ajay Krishnan.
The 4-day conference started with a welcome cocktail inspired by the tropical climate of the country host. The annual meeting was officially opened with a Samba performance followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony led by the Neptune Cargo Network Directors Christian Raeuber and Nils Walle with the event sponsors. It was then followed by the Network Management Updates, Open Community Mic, Keynote speeches and Face to Face Meeting sessions in the afternoon. A city sight-seeing tour accompanied the Day 3 activities of the meet. “This event introduced us to some new faces from within our industry. The information you gather from such events are enormous and greatly influence your professional side of life. The event also opened up a chance to look into your product placing in the global market and an insight on how to enhance your consolidation business” Commented Chandrakala (CK)
Neptune Consol is dedicated to partnering with sea freight forwarders and consolidators. Its powerful and highly specialized global network comprises only the best local independent sea freight consolidators from their region. Neptune Consol enables every member to offer fully-integrated sea freight solutions and services to customers on a regional and global basis. By solving the expertise, power and reach of the network, which will open the door to a world of new opportunities.
Strengthening Relationships
IFS SPAIN VISITS CSS GROUP RECENTLY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
CSS Group recently received Ms. Lilia Garcia, Foreign Sales Manager of IFS Spain at the Regional Headquarters of CSS Group in Dubai. Her visit was as part of a strategic sales campaign initiative to CSS Offices in the Middle East. Along with the subjects of mutual interests and business development, the current market scenario -too- was brought in to the discussion table by both companies. It was mutually agreed to work more closely to enhance business in 2019 through the trade lanes which are already open.
“It was our pleasure to host Ms. Lilia in our Dubai office and show our facilities to her. We would be extremely delighted to work closely to further develop our customer-focused business initiatives and personal relationships with IFS Spain” commented Chandrakala (CK) COO, NVOCC, CSS Group, during the occasion.
During her Middle East tour, Ms. Lilia visited the CSS Group Offices in Sharjah and Bahrain as well. CSS team members from the respective regions conducted joint sales visits with IFS representative, so that the Middle East customers could directly interact with the Spanish agent. CSS sales staff had an interactive session with Ms. Lilia and discussed many matters which needed close attention.
“In IFS, we believe that the close and continued contact with our partners is the way to improve our common service to the freight forwarders and to understand their needs” mentioned Lilia to Lighthouse.
IFS Spain started in 1985 in Valencia as NVOCC with a firm commitment to provide quality services to industry professionals on the principle of strict neutrality. Since then they expanded in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Sevilla and Alicante) and then opened borders to Portugal, the USA, Mexico, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and France.
Consolidated Shipping Group, established in the year 1995 in Dubai, UAE is one of the fastest growing NVOCCs. Being a prominent name in the field of freight forwarding in the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent, CSS Group has to its credit an enviable list of Global Network Partners.
GPLN AGM
CSS attends GPLN AGM in Bremen
CSS group participated in the 15th annual general meeting of Global Project Logistics Network (GPLN) in Bremen, Germany. CSS Group was represented by Raj George, Senior Vice President, Projects Oil & Energy division and Narayan Tagore, General Manager CSS Bahrain & Qatar.
“GPLN is a wonderful assembly of Project Logistics professionals that provides great opportunities to discuss and formulize new ideas. We have pleasure in being a part of this network and gain a lot of mileage from attending the annual meet regularly,” commented Raj George.
This meeting gave CSS the opportunity to meet the GPLN members face to face and efficiently build professional relationships, to discuss past, current and future business, and develop a range of business possibilities. This partnership brings together project cargo experts and independent project logistics specialist companies from around the world, all of whom have an expert focus on project logistics.
“Being an active Project Logistics company CSS gain a lot from being here. GPLN goes beyond networking, offering visibility on the current biz trends and practices in project logistics” mentioned Narayan
Break bulk Europe is the continent’s largest exhibition designed for the break-bulk and project cargo industry. It is bringing together EPCs, ports, forwarders, transporters and other cargo specialists and industry experts. The exhibition offers a multitude of networking opportunities, executive presentations focused on Europe’s economic and transport issues. A chance to meet with over 500 exhibitors and sponsors, representing the entire industrial project supply chain Network with more than 10,000 participants and a lot of new business.
The event provides a dynamic conference, along with a range of educational and training workshops.