Shipex NV, the international freight forwarder with over four decades of expertise in global ocean container transport, has officially joined Pharma.Aero as a full member. Headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, Shipex NV brings a wealth of experience and specialized services to the global collaboration platform dedicated to improving pharmaceutical logistics.
Founded in 1982, Shipex has established a strong reputation for providing tailored logistics solutions across a range of industries, including frozen foods, seeds, plants, and—most recently—pharma, healthcare, and medical devices. In 2023, the company expanded its focus to address the unique challenges of transporting temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.
With a dedicated team of 60 skilled professionals, Shipex combines ISO 9001:2015 and EU-GDP certifications with cutting-edge IT innovations to ensure quality, safety, and real-time solutions.
Shipex NV, a leading freight forwarder based in Antwerp, Belgium, is proud to join Pharma.Aero as a Full Member. With our expertise in temperature-controlled ocean reefer shipments and GDP-compliant practices, we are well-positioned to contribute significantly to multimodal projects. These include initiatives focused on shipping pharma by ocean, Air-to-Ocean (A2O) conversion, and promoting sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions through ocean transport. Additionally, our advanced IT innovations streamline processes and provide real-time solutions, offering added value to the pharmaceutical logistics chain.
We are confident that our collaboration with Pharma.Aero will enhance Shipex’s reputation within the pharma and healthcare industry as we continue to expand our presence in this vital sector.
Frank Duysters, Pharma Business Development Manager, Shipex N.V.
As a global, cross-industry collaboration platform, Pharma.Aero brings together pharmaceutical manufacturers, and certified logistics providers to collaborate and tackle specific challenges or innovative trends in end-to-end supply chains, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare logistics worldwide.
Founded in 2016, as an organization focused on improving pharma handling and quality in the air cargo industry worldwide, Pharma.Aero made a strategic move towards a multimodal approach in 2024. This landmark decision showcases a collective vision for a more comprehensive and efficient logistics strategy within the industry. The shift signifies a notable broadening of focus, unlocking doors to heightened collaboration and innovative opportunities in the sector.
Air Charter Service helps in largest ever rhino relocation conservation project
Last month, in conjunction with a major South African conservation and relocation company, leading aircraft charter specialist, Air Charter Service, helped in the transportation of 39 white rhinoceroses from Namibia to Dallas, USA, for three specific breeding programs to aid the conservation of the unique genetics of the country’s species.
Lyndee du Toit, CEO of ACS Africa, commented: “The purpose of this project is to responsibly and ethically conserve the endangered white rhino population and preserve the Namibian rhinos’ unique genetics against poaching. It is the largest translocation of rhino ever undertaken and required many months of careful planning, working in close collaboration with the conservation and relocation company and the airline.
“Over the past few years we have been involved in several flights transporting these magnificent creatures, so are well-versed in what is required from our side. In 2021 we arranged a charter to move 30 rhinos from a South African reserve to their new home in Rwanda, in what was then the largest single translocation project. This latest flight, with 39, becomes the most rhinos ever to have flown on one aircraft.
“There was an intricate load plan to fit all the oversize containers on board the Boeing B747, but once aboard, the team of veterinarians were able to personally look after the creatures for the duration of the flight to the United States. A fuel stop in Sal, Cape Verde, was necessary due to the rhinos combined weight of 80 tons, before landing at Dallas Fort Worth Airport, where they were unloaded under the full supervision of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, before their onward journeys.
“They have now been released from their quarantine bomas and are doing well in their new environments.”
airBaltic Cargo partners with cargo.one to accelerate and enhance its digital sales
airBaltic Cargo, the cargo division of the Latvian national airline, has joined forces with cargo.one to soon offer its services upon the air freight industry’s go-to procurement platform. airBaltic Cargo is partnering with cargo.one as part of plans to expand its market presence globally and boost revenues. cargo.one will offer airBaltic Cargo customers the most convenient and user-friendly booking method, and will enable the airline to market its services to a footprint of freight forwarders across 134 countries.
Headquartered in Riga, Latvia, airBaltic Cargo offers freight forwarders modern and flexible belly capacity on more than 100 routes throughout Baltics, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Caucasus. Leveraging its main hub in Riga and additional bases in Tallinn, Vilnius, Tampere, and seasonally Gran Canaria, airBaltic Cargo flies into many shorter runway destinations that other airlines often do not. airBaltic Cargo also boasts one of the youngest and most efficient fleets in the world, consisting of 49 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, and planned to expand to 100 aircraft by 2030.
The partnership coincides with airBaltic Cargo’s exciting program of expansion, having recently invested in The Baltic Cargo Hub – soon to be the largest dedicated air cargo handling center in the Baltics, and will further enhance airBaltic Cargo’s import, export and transit capabilities at RIX Riga Airport. cargo.one will soon deliver thousands of forwarders a step-change in access to airBaltic Cargo capacity for its entire network – with the ability to discover, quote, book and track its capacity in seconds. The addition of airBaltic Cargo is the latest example of cargo.one’s uniquely strong depth and diversity of global supply options.
Iļja Seļiverstovs, VP Cargo at airBaltic, commented, “Digital sales is a vital driver of our cargo growth plans. It makes every sense to leverage cargo.one to expand our market reach and sales, and ensure airBaltic Cargo services remain front of mind with thousands of forwarders using the platform daily. Working alongside cargo.one, we will ensure that every customer receives the best possible end-to-end experience.”
Moritz Claussen, Founder & Co-CEO of cargo.one, added, “We are thrilled to enable airBaltic Cargo to take its digital sales strategy to the next level, and our collaboration will capitalize upon its strengths in relevant markets. Forwarders rely upon cargo.one’s comprehensive global market view to discover, quote and book their air shipments, and the addition of airBaltic Cargo capacities will provide a strong option for many.”
Accelerating its digital distribution with cargo.one allows airBaltic Cargo to better scale sales across a truly global footprint, build its brand presence within thousands of forwarding branches, lower its cost of sale, and boost sales efficiency and market responsiveness. cargo.one is the industry leader for optimizing the digital distribution progress of all sizes of airline.
airBaltic Cargo’s partnership with cargo.one strengthens the airline’s digitalization program, ensuring that a greater proportion of customers benefit from digital speeds, accuracy and convenience. Booking on cargo.one also equips airBaltic Cargo customers with cutting-edge tools for winning and processing air shipments.
From Winter 2024, freight forwarders using cargo.one will be able to book airBaltic Cargo capacity for general cargo, perishables and temperature sensitive pharma shipments, across its entire network.
Blockchain Forum in Moscow: Must-Attend Global Crypto Event
After a series of successful events in Dubai, Blockchain Life 2025 will bring the global industry stars and international community to the heart of the CIS. The 14th Blockchain Forum will bring together over 15,000 premium attendees, including the most influential figures in web3, cryptocurrency, and mining from more than 100 countries.
The last event featured participation from Tether, TRON, Ledger, Trust Wallet, Tezos, Binance, TON, OKX, Ripple, Bitmain, Bybit, Animoca Brands, Circle, BingX, ICP, Kraken, Sandbox, Polygon, Litecoin, Sui, BNB Chain, Cardano, DYDX, Vechain, Osmosis, Chiliz, Algorand, Ether Fi, Manta, Mantle, Delysium.
Simultaneous translation of all speeches into English will be provided absolutely free of charge.
Attendees can look forward to insider information from market drivers, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and hundreds of valuable connections. Founders and top managers of major companies will share strategies for profiting from the hottest trends of the season.
To conclude the forum, VIP participants and speakers will be invited to a conceptual AfterParty. The name of the star guest and the theme of the upcoming party are still a secret, but the event promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Lufthansa Cargo and Maersk Partner to Accelerate Airfreight Decarbonization
Lufthansa Cargo and A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) have signed an agreement to promote the decarbonization of airfreight through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Lufthansa Cargo will use 400 metric tonnes of SAF on behalf of Maersk in the remainder of 2024, which is an important contribution in the year-end business with traditionally high cargo volumes. The expected reduction of CO2 emissions corresponds to at least 1,200 metric tonnes.
“Cutting greenhouse gas emissions from airfreight is one of the most challenging tasks within the decarbonization of global logistics and supply chains. This is why we are excited to partner with Lufthansa Cargo in this important task,” says Morten Bo Christiansen, Head of Energy Transition at A.P. Moller – Maersk. As one of the globally largest logistics companies, Maersk aims to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 across all modes of transport as well as other business areas like warehousing and container terminals. “The uptake and availability of SAF in the aviation industry is still limited. Our agreement with Lufthansa Cargo enables Maersk to contribute to an increase in the uptake.”
“SAF is a decisive technological key to more sustainable flying and essential for the energy transition in aviation,” says Ashwin Bhat, CEO of Lufthansa Cargo. “With Maersk we are jointly making a valuable contribution with the new agreement. At the same time, more sustainable flying also requires major efforts for a modern fleet and increased efficiency in flight operations. It is only through this interplay that change can be achieved sustainably.” With its Boeing 777 freighter fleet, Lufthansa Cargo continues to rely on the most modern and efficient aircraft in its class.
Background on Maersk ECO Delivery Air
Maersk will allocate the achieved emissions reduction to one of its European airfreight customers as part of its ECO Delivery Air product. ECO Delivery Ocean, Air and Inland are products offered by Maersk aiding in reducing GHG emissions when compared to conventional fossil energy sources. Maersk is the first company which has net zero targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) using the maritime guidance.
Background on the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The SAF used by Lufthansa Cargo is produced from biogenic residues such as used cooking oil using the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters & Fatty Acids) process. Through the Lufthansa Group, Lufthansa Cargo offers SAF from established suppliers from Europe. Since September 2021, all Lufthansa Cargo customers have been able to have their freight transported more sustainably by choosing the Sustainable Choice add-on service.
Over its entire lifecycle (production, delivery process, combustion in the engine), SAF based on waste biomass has an approximately 80 percent lower CO2 footprint than conventional fossil kerosene. As a so-called “drop-in” fuel, it can be integrated into existing flight operations infrastructures without any modifications. For operational reasons, it is not possible to refuel individual selected flights.
Lufthansa Cargo is offering this fuel through the Lufthansa Group, which is working with partners worldwide on the research and development of SAF and the next generation of synthetic fuels. In addition to the use of SAF, Lufthansa Cargo, together with the Lufthansa Group, is pursuing ambitious climate protection goals: By 2030, the Lufthansa Group aims to halve its net CO2 emissions compared to 2019 through reduction and compensation measures and strives for a neutral CO2 balance by 2050.
New ENS Rules: ASM Guides Users with Sequoia Training
Agency Sector Management (ASM) will provide guidance on Thursday, 5th December 2024, to support its users in completing Safety & Security Entry Summary (ENS) declarations for imports, a requirement for goods coming from the European Union (EU) to Great Britain (GB) from 31st January 2025.
The online session will provide an overview of Safety & Security GB functionality in ASM’s Customs software, Sequoia, guiding users through the transmission of Entry Summary declarations and sharing insight into what else businesses need to do to prepare for this important deadline.
“Whilst the legal responsibility for ensuring ENS declarations are submitted lies with the haulier, HMRC announced last month that it no longer intends to provide an online portal to submit these declarations,” said Simon Adams, Program Manager, ASM.
“Therefore, the requirement will likely significantly impact forwarders, who will have to submit Safety & Security declarations on the haulier’s behalf”.
“We have integrated Safety & Security functionality into our Sequoia software to ensure our users can comply with these new rules as easily as possible, but we recommend businesses take time to learn how to use it and what the implications are for their operations, particularly since the Government paused the Single Trade Window program and the Safety & Security portal that was part of it.
Currently, the UK applies a waiver for goods coming from the EU from Safety & Security Entry Summary declarations, but, as part of post-Brexit arrangements set out in the Border Target Operating Model, this will change from the end of January 2025.
ASM has added functionality to its Sequoia software to cover these additional requirements. The service is free of charge to existing ASM customers.
ASM customers can create, transmit, and amend ENS declarations in Sequoia. While the functionality is primarily aimed at road importers, it will be available for all import job modes (air, ocean, and road) and extend beyond imports from the EU.
Chapman Freeborn has appointed Linas Dovydenas, President, India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) as it continues to expand its presence in the region.
Dovydenas previously spent 16 years at Chapman Freeborn’s parent company , Avia Solutions Group, in both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Commercial Officer roles before joining the charter broker in 2022.
“From 2007 until 2023 Linas played an integral part in almost all of Avia Solutions Group’s group companies’ development and geographical expansion, so he is exceptionally placed to step into the role of President, IMEA, at Chapman Freeborn and turn his attention to accelerating our growth in the region,” Said Eric Erbacher, Group CEO, Chapman Freeborn.
Prior to the appointment, which takes immediate effect, Dovydenas was Executive VP, ACMI Leasing, Chapman Freeborn.
“I look forward to working with the IMEA team and driving growth throughout the region,” said Dovydenas.
“Chapman Freeborn is an exceptional company, and it will be a privilege to oversee further expansion at such an exciting time in the industry.”
Earlier this month Chapman Freeborn appointed Bernardo Nunes, Chief Operating Officer, Chapman Freeborn Group.
New Carbon Calculator to Enhance Supply Chain Sustainability
Tower Cold Chain has introduced its own Carbon Calculator to help customers improve the sustainability of their logistics operations.
The new Carbon Calculator was co-developed with Cardiff University’s Business School as part of a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and is accessible by contacting a local Tower sales representative, with information on how it works available within Tower’s new Sustainability Hub on its website.
By offering valuable data on the carbon footprint of each shipment, the tool can provide clear, actionable insights that enable customers to make informed decisions about their environmental impact. It also helps identify areas for improvement within not only Tower’s operations but across the wider supply chain industry.
With this transparent view, customers can better understand the environmental impact of their logistics choices and explore opportunities to reduce emissions. The calculator leverages comprehensive datasets from the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero and follows established industry frameworks, ensuring the data is both accurate and aligned with recognised standards.
A key feature of the tool is its ability to compare Tower’s solutions against alternative market options. This tailored analysis of carbon emissions takes into account factors such as container type and quantity, temperatures, transport mode, distance travelled, and total payload weight. This holistic approach provides an accurate estimate of emissions based on the specific logistics solution used.
When Tower’s representatives calculate the shipment’s carbon footprint, customers receive a detailed, user-friendly report. This report facilitates direct comparisons between Tower’s containers and other available options, clearly illustrating the potential CO2 savings achieved through optimised solutions.
Niall Balfour, Chief Executive Officer of Tower Cold Chain, said: “Launching the Carbon Calculator marks a significant step in helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals. This tool is designed not only to support our clients but also to push for greater sustainability practices across the entire industry.”
Daniel Sanvicente Joins Flexport to Drive APAC Growth
Flexport, a global leader in supply chain technology, announced today the appointment of Daniel Sanvicente as Senior Vice President, Head of APAC, effective December 2, 2024. Sanvicente will bring more than 25 years of leadership experience and deep expertise in the Asian Pacific region to Flexport, where he will focus on driving growth and strengthening the company’s regional presence.
“Today, more than ever, the Asia Pacific region is a critical hub for global supply chains. Daniel’s deep knowledge of the region and track record of building exceptional teams to help organizations scale effectively will be invaluable as Flexport continues to invest in and expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region,” said Ryan Petersen, Founder & CEO, Flexport.
Sanvicente’s track record in the global logistics industry helped drive growth and operational excellence at some of the world’s largest logistics players. Most recently, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Asia Pacific at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, where he built and led a team responsible for some of the organization’s biggest growth drivers. Prior to that, he led commercial strategy for Panalpina Greater China before taking on a leadership role focused on driving sales growth across the APAC region from Singapore. After Panalpina was acquired by DSV in 2019, Sanvicente established and led a newly combined commercial organization spanning 15 countries. He began his career at DB Schenker, where he developed strategic commercial and operational roadmap to scale teams in markets such as Miami, New York, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
“I am excited to embark on my new journey with Flexport. What drew me to Flexport is its vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to power global trade, which I believe has enormous growth potential. I look forward to working with the world-class teams at Flexport to deliver exceptional value for our customers and to grow our presence across the Asia Pacific region,” said Sanvicente.
Flexport has seen significant growth in APAC in recent years. The company is the seventh largest freight forwarder in the Transpacific Eastbound trade lane and services an extensive global network of ocean freight routes. Flexport has also strengthened its air freight capabilities by operating dedicated freighters that connect key APAC gateways with the U.S. to meet rising demand. In addition to growing its presence in strategic markets such as Greater China and Korea — which have been central to its growth in cross-border e-commerce and other sectors — Flexport recently announced a partnership with ITL Corporation in Vietnam to further accelerate its expansion in Southeast Asia.
Emtelle Opens $50M Innovation Hub in KEZAD
Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated and purpose-built economic zones and Emtelle, a leading global manufacturer of fibre-optic and microduct solutions have announced the opening of Emtelle’s new $50M global innovation and manufacturing facility in KEZAD Area A (KEZAD Al Ma’mourah).
The state-of-the-art 48,000 square metre facility marks a significant milestone in Emtelle’s expansion within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, further strengthening the company’s commitment to providing high-performance telecom infrastructure solutions to the global market.
Located strategically in KEZAD, the facility is a Build-to-Suit solution developed by KEZAD specifically for Emtelle, which will enable the company to serve the increasing demand for high-speed internet and telecom infrastructure in the region and around the world. This advanced hub will produce a full range of passive telecommunication network solutions, including microduct tube bundles and award-winning pre-connectorised fibre solutions, ensuring faster delivery, increased production capacity, and streamlined service to customers across the MENA region.
The facility will also play a pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s growing telecom infrastructure needs as the country continues its ambitious digital transformation. This investment aligns with Emtelle’s vision to lead the way in providing innovative and sustainable telecom solutions that are critical to the development of smart cities and connected communities.
Designed with scalability and sustainability at its core, the facility will utilise energy-efficient technologies and resource management systems to ensure minimal environmental impact. Emtelle is also focused on fostering local talent, with the new establishment expected to generate numerous employment opportunities for skilled workers in Abu Dhabi.
Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group said: “Emtelle’s new facility is a welcome addition to our thriving ecosystems for advanced manufacturing. It reinforces KEZAD’s growing appeal as an international hub for business, and puts Abu Dhabi on the global industrial development map. It also highlights industry 4.0 initiatives in KEZAD, transforming manufacturing for enhanced productivity and efficiency.
“High-speed and efficient telecom infrastructure solutions are vital to address the evolving needs of a digitally connected world. With the increased demand for faster, more reliable and scalable services, Emtelle’s new plant in KEZAD will meet market demands effectively. We wish Emtelle continued success and remain committed to supporting their growth.”
Tony Rodgers, CEO of Emtelle Group said: “This new facility in Abu Dhabi is a key part of our long-term strategy to increase capacity and efficiency in one of our fastest-growing markets. By manufacturing at the KEZAD Hub, we are not only reducing lead times but also reinforcing our commitment to meeting the demands of our regional customers. KEZAD’s strategic location and excellent logistics infrastructure have been instrumental in making this possible.”
With the new hub now operational, Emtelle is well-positioned to deliver its world-class fibre-optic and microduct solutions across the MENA region, helping to drive forward the region’s telecommunications capabilities.
