APM Terminals announces the launch of its “Clean Truck Express” lane at its Pier 400 Los Angeles terminal starting December 5th in support of sustainable transportation.
This dedicated lane is exclusively for vehicles registered in the Port of Los Angeles “Clean Truck Program” and powered by battery electric, natural gas, or other zero emission technologies.
By providing a dedicated lane for these trucks, APM Terminals aims to reduce gate-in times for customers, thereby minimizing energy consumption, promoting lowering emissions, and improving operational efficiency. This approach reflects APM Terminal’s commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting its customers in achieving their sustainability goals.
With its goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, APM Terminals globally is committed to expanding access to sustainable logistics. Pier 400’s Clean Truck Express lane, first piloted by APM Terminals Gothenburg, underscores the terminal’s approach to anticipating the future of transportation and its dedication to a cleaner environment.
“This initiative is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about redefining industry standards and helping our customers and communities transition towards sustainable supply chains,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Pier 400.
The express lane is a result of Pier 400's collaborative effort with local trucking communities and industry leaders. Invited guests to the formal ribbon cutting ceremony included representatives of Performance Team and HUDD brand with their growing fleet of Volvo and BYD Class 8 EV trucks, as well as IMC, which is the largest marine drayage provider in the U.S.
“Congratulations to APM Terminals for being the first Marine Terminal Operator (MTO) in the San Pedro port complex to add an expedited service lane for Zero Emissions Vehicles!” said Jim Gillis, president of the Pacific Region, IMC. “We hope that other MTO’s follow suit as we believe that aiding those truckers investing in zero emissions technologies will only accelerate the adoption of these vehicles, ultimately resulting in a cleaner environment for Southern California.”
Approximately 3,000 trucks pass through APM Terminals Pier 400's truck gates each weekday, with over 850,000 truck transactions in the past 12-months.
More than 1,200 battery electric, hydrogen fuel-cell and natural gas trucks operate at the Port of Los Angeles that qualify to use Pier 400’s express Lane.
Initial truck turn time studies point to a potential savings of about 9 minutes per turn on average in the express lane as compared to conventional lanes. Savings can increase significantly during peak hours.
An estimated 34 pounds of Scope 1* CO2e emissions are eliminated per zero-emission truck trip as compared to internal combustion engine powered trips.
With regulations set to prohibit diesel trucks from registering in the California Air Resources Board (CARB) system by January 2024 and the state’s target for 100% zero-emission drayage trucks by 2035, Pier 400 anticipates a near doubling of the number of certified clean trucks eligible for its Clean Truck Express lane by the end of 2024.
APM Terminals Pier 400 will review and look to potentially expand its express lane initiative after the pilot period is completed. The introduction of these priority lanes is one small part of APM Terminal’s broader commitment to decarbonization and lifting the standard of responsibility to secure a sustainable future.
*Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse (GHG) emissions that occur from sources that are controlled or owned by an organization.
CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) today announced that it has signed and closed an agreement to acquire Iowa Northern Railway (IANR), which operates approximately 275 track miles in Iowa connecting to CN’s U.S. rail network.
The transaction closed into an independent voting trust pending regulatory review of the transaction by the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB).
IANR serves upper Midwest agricultural and industrial markets covering many goods, including biofuels and grain. This transaction represents a meaningful opportunity to support the growth of local business by creating single-line service to North American destinations, while preserving access to existing carrier options.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Iowa Northern Railway. We look forward to the opportunities our combined network will provide customers, farmers, and our partners to respond to the needs of their existing and new markets. By enabling all of us to play an even more important role in this critical supply chain and densifying our southern network, we are accelerating sustainable, profitable growth.”
- Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer at CN
“We are very pleased to have reached a deal with CN. We believe CN shares IANR’s commitment to local stakeholders and that this transaction will be beneficial for customers, employees and the local Iowa economy. We are confident that, as part of CN, IANR will be able to continue to provide reliable first and last mile service to our local customers while providing them access to a much broader network and market.” Daniel Sabin, Chairman at Iowa Northern Railway.
The terms of this transaction were not disclosed. An STB decision regarding the transaction is expected in 2024.
CEVA Logistics, ENGIE, and SANEF—partners in the European Clean Transport Network (ECTN) Alliance—launched the proof of concept of the low-carbon, long-distance road transport network.
First announced in March, the Network’s pilot program covers a distance of more than 900 kilometers in France between Avignon and Lille, aiming to demonstrate the ECTN concept to facilitate the decarbonization of long-distance road freight transport. The concept would not require specific technological innovations, but rather relies on a network of terminals for low-carbon truck refueling and trailer exchange.
By providing transporters with a solution based on alternative energies to diesel for long-distance freight transport, the concept addresses shipping customers’ demands for decarbonizing their cargo flows, while also aligning with the growing need for energy transition.
The Alliance’s concept draws inspiration from the traditional “relay” concept by establishing relay stations equipped with electric charging stations and bioCNG refueling pumps for trucks along the existing highway network. At these relay stations, trailers are disconnected and reconnected to a new tractor unit and driver for the next segment for transport.
The test route between Avignon and Lille is divided into four segments between: Avignon (Vaucluse) - Lyon (Rhône) - Dijon (Côte-d’Or) - Sommesous (Marne) - Lille (Nord). Each truck completes two round trips per day between two of these relay stations. This daily round-trip principle on a defined road segment contributes to improving working conditions for truck drivers and making the profession more attractive by reducing the distance travelled between home and work.
Each member of the ECTN Alliance is contributing its expertise to the implementation of the pilot: CEVA established relay stations at its Avignon, Lyon, Dijon, and Lille branches and has set up a control tower in Valenciennes to supervise cargo flows and to monitor transit times and energy consumption; ENGIE is installing and operating electric charging stations and biogas distribution pumps; SANEF is hosting a relay station at its Sommesous service area.
Starting initially with four bioGNC trucks operated by F.D.E. Transports, the pilot will gradually expand to include 16 trucks, including 12 electric ones, and will welcome new transport partners and shippers. Ultimately, the program aims to enable the 16 semi-trailers to traverse the network five days a week—eight traveling northward from the Marseille-Avignon commercial area and eight others to travel southward from Lille.
Major names in commerce and industry, such as Intermarché Food Logistics and Heineken, are expressing their interest in the ECTN concept and are participating in the trial, entrusting some of their cargo flows to be transported through the ECTN network.
The ECTN concept is designed to be open to various stakeholders, including trucking companies, truck drivers, shipping customers, energy suppliers, motorway operators, truck manufacturers, and public authorities. All stakeholders are invited to participate in the Network’s development and the proof of concept.
Processes and software tools will be developed and improved to transmit low-carbon traction certificates to customers with unprecedented precision and ensure real-time supervision of the complete system, including the 16 low-carbon trucks, six electric charging stations, and numerous bioCNG refueling stations.
Simultaneously, a feasibility study has been launched by a team of experts in logistics (CEVA), motorway management and operation (SANEF), and low-carbon, heavy-duty mobility (ENGIE), as well as experts from ENGIE Impact and Carbone 4. The study aims to model the entire concept as it might eventually be deployed across Europe. Expected in the coming months, the results will provide an estimate of the Network’s potential contribution to decarbonize long-distance road transport at the European level. The study will also outline the conditions that would enable the concept’s full implementation.
Luc Nadal, Managing Director of CEVA Logistics Europe, said, “The ECTN project has been more than two years in the making. By combining the skills and expertise of three major French companies, with the support of our partners and customers, we have brought together all the conditions needed to provide a concrete response to the critical challenge of decarbonizing road freight transport in Europe. When we see what is happening with the electric car, we can make that possible for heavy goods vehicles, with the support of European public authorities. This experiment is a first step towards a large-scale transformation of our industry, with considerable benefits for the environment.”
Dronamics, the world’s first cargo drone airline, announced the appointment of Gavin Gomes as Chief Revenue Officer and a member of its Executive team.
Effective 1st January 2024, Gavin Gomes will step into the role after serving as General Manager, Dronamics Australia since August this year.
The appointment comes as Dronamics prepares for its next phase - the launch of commercial operations, starting in Greece, followed by the rest of the Mediterranean, the Gulf region as well as Australia. Gavin’s track record in senior commercial roles in both start-up and private companies, listed entities and global multinationals, will be central to Dronamics’ evolving its commercial model and creating compelling customer experiences. The company has secured launch customers including Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Germany), Hellenic Post (Greece), Emirates Post Group (UAE), Aramex (UAE), and will be looking to establish itself in market verticals including e-commerce, parcel and post, perishables, pharma, and spare parts.
Previously, Gavin has led commercial and management teams at companies such as Australia Post, Canon, Telstra, and IBM. His experience includes steering transitions and expansions of multinational companies.
With aviation as one of his life-long passions, Gavin is also a qualified pilot and currently serves as a non-executive director of Royal Victorian Aero Club and CM Pacific Pty Ltd.
Gavin is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a master’s degree in Commerce from the University of NSW, along with a bachelor's degree in Economics and Finance.
He succeeds Tim Martin, who is departing Dronamics to explore new opportunities.
“We are delighted to welcome Gavin into the Chief Revenue Officer role. Since joining us, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional management abilities, essential for helping drive Dronamics into its next chapter. His leadership qualities are not only impressive but also align perfectly with our company culture. Gavin's capacity to motivate commercial teams and navigate challenges skillfully is remarkable. We are thrilled to leverage his vast experience and expertise as we embark on the next stage of our company's growth.
“As Gavin steps into his new role, we also acknowledge the contributions of Tim Martin. His work with Dronamics has been very important in our journey, and we are thankful for the dedication he has shown. We deeply appreciate everything he has done for Dronamics and wish him all the best in his new endeavors,’’ said Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of Dronamics.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is getting into the football spirit.
Thanks to special offers and more trains for Football European Championship matches, all fans and the 24 national teams will be able to travel by climate-friendly train during the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024™. DB will offer nearly 10,000 additional seats each day on ICE and Intercity trains around match days.
"UEFA intends to host a climate-friendly European Football Championship in Germany in 2024," says Dr. Michael Peterson, Member of the Management Board for Long Distance Passenger Transport at DB. "We look forward to supporting UEFA EURO 2024™ as a strong partner. Big events can't be climate-friendly without trains: People traveling to and from these events are responsible for up to 80% of the emissions. We're putting all the trains we have onto the rails for the sustainable European Championships next year, and that's a lot. This year alone, we have received three brand new ICE trains every month."
Anyone with a ticket to a match and traveling within Germany can purchase discounted tickets for the journey to the match and back. The DB Ticket EURO 2024 will cost EUR 29.90 per trip and can be booked at bahn.de/db-fussball-ticket beginning January 17.
For the first time, a special offer will be available to ticket holders from other European countries, too. Fans can purchase an Interrail Pass discounted by 25% for UEFA EURO 2024™, which is good for travel between Germany and 32 countries. Customers can choose from a set number of travel days on which to use the pass for travel to and from the destination as well as for unlimited travel within Germany on those days. The Interrail Pass EURO 2024 will also go on sale on January 17. More information will be available in the UEFA Event Guide as of December 2: uefa.com/euro2024/event-guide
DB is expecting tens of thousands of additional passengers on trains to the venues. As part of its Strong Rail strategy, DB set the course for its fleet expansion well in advance. Thanks to these efforts, it now has a modern ICE fleet, which will grow to over 400 trains in the coming months. DB is significantly expanding its timetable during the championship period. It will use longer ICE trains and offer trains on additional days, for example. What's more, 14 special EURO trains will run daily. 10,000 additional seats are already firmly planned into the timetable in the days around the matches. Even more will be added once the results of the EURO Final Draw for the group stage are known and the routes requiring additional capacity are identified. Additional special trains will then be planned at short notice for the final.
The additional capacity is primarily intended for late evening and overnight connections in order to offer many travel options for departures from the matches. During the tournament, DB will nearly double the number of travel options after 11 pm from the 10 venues to the 20 busiest long-distance stops.
EcoPulse, the hybrid-electric distributed propulsion aircraft demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran and Airbus to support aviation’s decarbonization roadmap, has successfully performed its first flight test in hybrid-electric mode.
The demonstrator flew with its ePropellers activated, powered by a battery and a turbogenerator.
EcoPulse took off from Tarbes Airport* on November 29, at 10:32 hrs CEST for a test flight which lasted approximately 100 minutes. During the flight, the crew engaged the electric propellers and verified the proper functioning of the demonstrator's flight control computer, high-voltage battery pack, distributed electric propulsion and hybrid electric turbogenerator.
EcoPulse’s first hybrid flight is the culmination of several technical milestones, including extensive ground tests and 10 hours of flight tests of the aircraft with the electrical system inactive.
“We confirmed today that this disruptive propulsion system works in flight, which paves the way for more sustainable aviation,” said Eric Dalbiès, Safran’s Executive Vice President Strategy and Chief Technology Officer. “The lessons learned from upcoming flight tests will feed into our technology roadmap and strengthen our position as leader in future all-electric and hybrid-electric propulsive systems.”
“This is a major milestone for our industry and we’re proud to have powered the EcoPulse demonstrator first flight with our new battery systems,” said Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus. High-energy density batteries will be necessary to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, whether for light aircraft, advanced air mobility or large hybrid-electric aircraft. Projects like EcoPulse are key to accelerating progress in electric and hybrid electric flight, and a cornerstone of our aim to decarbonize the aerospace industry as a whole.”
“The flight campaign will give Daher invaluable data on the effectiveness of the onboard technologies, including distributed propulsion, high-voltage batteries and hybrid-electric propulsion,” commented Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer at Daher. “We’re working to converge practical and significant know-how on design, certification and operation to shape our path toward more sustainable aircraft for the future.”
Unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show, EcoPulse is one of the major collaborative projects in Europe in the field of aviation decarbonization. It is supported by CORAC (the French Civil Aviation Research Council), and co-funded by DGAC (the French Civil Aviation Authority) through France Relance (the French government’s economy recovery plan) and NextGeneration EU. The demonstrator aims to evaluate the operational advantages of integrating hybrid-electric distributed propulsion, with specific emphasis on CO2 emissions and noise level reduction. This disruptive propulsion architecture enables a single independent electrical source to power several electric motors distributed throughout the aircraft.
Based on a Daher TBM aircraft platform, EcoPulse is equipped with six integrated electric thrusters or e-Propellers (supplied by Safran), distributed along the wings. Its propulsion system integrates two power sources: a turbogenerator, i.e. an electric generator driven by a gas turbine (supplied by Safran), and a high-energy density battery pack (supplied by Airbus). At the heart of this architecture is a Power Distribution and Rectifier Unit (PDRU), responsible for protecting the high-voltage network and for distributing the available electrical power, as well as high-voltage power harnesses (both provided by Safran). The battery pack designed by Airbus is rated at 800 Volts DC and can deliver up to 350 kilowatts of power. The demonstrator also benefits from the aerodynamic and acoustic integration expertise of the European aircraft manufacturer. Airbus also developed the Flight Control Computer permitting aircraft maneuvers using the ePropellers, and synchrophasing to support future aircraft acoustic recommendations.
Note: the Ecopulse aircraft demonstrator will be showcased during the Green Aero Days organized in Pau (France) on December 6-7, 2023.
Emirates, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), is celebrating the UAE’s visionary national space initiatives with a one-off special flight.
National heroes Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, who recently returned from a 6-month mission on the International Space Station (ISS) and Hazzaa AlMansoori, the first Emirati astronaut in space were guests of honour onboard. The MBRSC team has played a key role in fostering a strong and diverse space sector by developing its capacities and expertise to compete on the global stage through conducting a number of missions and projects for the UAE.
The Emirates A380 was emblazoned with a specially designed astronaut decal, celebrating the UAE’s vision to build its capabilities in space exploration and aerospace innovation on the global stage. Commanded by Captain Abdalla Abdelrahman Al Hammadi and First Officer Alex Van Der Veer, EK2641 took off from Dubai International Airport at 12:00, cruising across all seven Emirates. Joining the astronauts onboard were Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General of MBRSC, Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha, astronauts Sultan AlNeyadi, Hazzaa AlMansoori and crew members of Expedition 69 along with close to 200 employees from MBRSC.
Before take-off, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi and Hazzaa AlMansoori visited Emirates Headquarters and were welcomed by Emirates' President Sir Tim Clark and Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha. Emirates employees then had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a Q&A followed by a meet and greet with the two admired astronauts.
H.E. Salem Humaid AlMarri, Director General, MBRSC said: “We are grateful to Emirates for this exceptional gesture, honouring the astronauts and the team at MBRSC. Today's event symbolised our shared vision and commitment to pioneering and recognizing the contributions of the aerospace sector. As we look to the future, MBRSC remains dedicated to driving the UAE and the region towards new frontiers in space exploration and innovation. With our leadership's futuristic vision, we are ready to uncover new discoveries, achieve milestones, and further enhance our nation's global presence in the field of space.”
Adel Al Redha, Emirates COO said: “We are honoured to celebrate the successful mission and return of Dr Sultan AlNeyadi, as well as the ground-breaking work of MBRSC to propel the UAE’s flourishing space sector. Whether it’s soaring through the skies or rocketing into the atmosphere, Emirates pilots and MBRSC astronauts share a passion for discovery and are a source of innovation and inspiration for all. As MBRSC pioneers the final frontier, Emirates’ vast network of over 140 destinations across six continents enable earth-bound travellers to explore almost every corner of the world. Together, we will continue to support the UAE’s vision to unveil new knowledge and discover new horizons, both on and off planet.”
Established in 2006, MBRSC is an advanced scientific and technological hub, responsible for making the UAE a world leader in space services and exploration. In addition to the world-class UAE Astronaut Programme, MBRSC is an incubator of innovation, developing some of the world’s most high-accuracy, high-resolution imaging satellites to produce data and analysis for the global scientific and research communities. MBRSC also launched several exploration initiatives, including the successful Emirates Mars Mission in 2021 which has been collecting essential data on the red planet’s atmosphere for over one Martian year – equivalent to approximately two Earth years.
With the clear synergies between aviation and aerospace, Emirates is also contributing to the country’s ecosystem. The Emirates Flight Training Academy, with its cutting-edge technologies, is one of the most advanced pilot training programmes in the world, preparing the next generation of aviators to push boundaries as they take to the skies. With 289 cadets currently enrolled, 222 of whom are Emirati, and a further 120 who graduated and are now flying for Emirates, the airline is committed to developing the country’s pipeline of talented and experienced pilots.
Bechtel announced today that it has successfully completed the first set of test glass pours into a stainless-steel storage container designed to hold vitrified radioactive and chemical waste.
This is a critical step in the Department of Energy’s mission to treat waste in southeastern Washington state.
Project craft professionals stand in front of the first 7.5-foot-tall and 4-foot-wide stainless-steel container filled with molten test glass. Attendees at today’s event were able to leave their mark on the milestone by signing the container, which will be stored locally to mark this significant step toward protecting the nearby Columbia River.
The Bechtel-designed Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant is a one-of-a-kind vitrification facility that will use two melters to treat low-level chemical and radioactive waste and protect the nearby Columbia River from waste dating back to World War II and the Cold War. Learn more about Bechtel’s role in the project here.
Earlier this summer, the Bechtel team heated the first of the two 300-ton melters in the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Once at that operating temperature, 30,000 lbs. of frit, or small glass beads sourced from a local business, were added to the melter to form a pool of molten test glass. Today, the Bechtel team celebrates the successful filling of the first container with clean test glass, marking a major milestone for the project.
Project Director and Bechtel Senior Vice President Brian Hartman said: "The Bechtel team has made history by filling the first stainless-steel container with molten test glass from the world's largest nuclear waste melter. This accomplishment stands as a testament to our unwavering dedication to safety, excellence, and collaboration. Our team has worked tirelessly to achieve this milestone. Their tenacity and dedication are truly inspiring.”
The test glass poured is “clean,” which means it only includes the molten frit with no chemical simulants or radioactive waste.
The first of the specially designed stainless-steel containers that will eventually hold vitrified low-activity chemical and radioactive tank waste has now completed its journey through the LAW Facility.
Looking into the first container that was filled with clean glass at the Waste Treatment Plant in Washington State. Bechtel colleagues have been working to build a plant that will treat chemical and radioactive waste stored at the Hanford site. Today that hard work was celebrated by a special event at the Low-Activity Waste (LAW) Facility.
President of Bechtel National, Inc., Dena Volovar said: “I am immensely proud of our team for the attention to detail and dedication to safety that has led them to this milestone. This sort of focus will be vital as the team begins the rigorous cold and hot commissioning processes, and applying lessons learned from the heatup of the first melter to the second. The mission to clean up waste and protect the local community and environment is one Bechtel is proud to support.”
During the cold and hot commissioning process, tests will be conducted using non-radioactive simulants to ensure the LAW Facility is operating as expected.
Fast Facts: Each stainless-steel container measures 7.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide; When filled, each stainless-steel container will weigh approximately 6.8 metric tons; Once fully operational, the LAW Facility will process 5,300 gallons of tank waste each day and fill 3.5 containers each day; The containers of vitrified low-activity waste will be trucked from WTP to the Hanford Site’s Integrated Disposal Facility; Vitrification Defined: Vitrification is a process to convert chemical and radioactive waste into an immobilized form safe for storage or disposal by mixing the waste with glass-forming materials and heating it to 2,100 degrees Fahrenheit.
IMO Assembly approves decision of Council to appoint Mr. Dominguez Velasco as Secretary-General with effect from 1 January 2024.
Mr. Kitack Lim handed a comprehensive briefing paper to Mr. Dominguez to assist him in his preparation for the role of Secretary-General.
Mr. Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco has been confirmed as the next Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO Assembly unanimously approved (30 November) the decision of the Council at its 129th session (C129) to appoint him to the role.
Mr. Dominguez Velasco will take up the office of Secretary-General on 1 January 2024 for an initial term of four years, ending on 31 December 2027. He becomes the Organization's 10th elected Secretary-General.
The outgoing Secretary-General, Mr. Kitack Lim, congratulated his successor on his appointment. Mr. Lim said:
"I am confident that the Membership as a whole has made a wise decision, and that Mr. Dominguez Velasco will ably lead the Secretariat in promoting the mandate of the Organization and in the delivery of its objectives."
Mr. Lim pledged to work with Mr. Dominguez Velasco to ensure an orderly and successful hand-over and, in what he called a "symbolic act of transition and succession", he handed a comprehensive briefing paper to Mr. Dominguez to assist him in his preparation for the role of Secretary-General.
Addressing the Assembly, Mr. Dominguez Velasco said: "You have my full commitment to build on the great work that has been done by my predecessors, taking what is already a significant and influential organization, to be an institution that will thrive in delivering its full agenda, from safety to decarbonization, from digitalization to the human element; an International Maritime Organization that not only looks towards the future, but does more in embracing change, diversity, inclusion and transparency; one that is dedicated to its people, from all the very professional staff that form the IMO Secretariat, to our seafarers worldwide and perhaps most importantly, a dedication to the younger generations, the ones we are obliged to hand over to, to hand over a planet that is a better place to live in."
He concluded, "I want to reiterate how much I'm looking forward to leading IMO, to continue working with all of you, an extraordinary group of people who have demonstrated time and time again that we can deliver, by listening and understanding each other, sharing our aims and concerns. I'm very lucky to start with an already great team of professionals in the Secretariat who also want what is best for the Member States and all our stakeholders."
Mr. Arsenio Dominguez Velasco is currently Director of IMO's Marine Environment Division, a post he has held since January 2022. He joined the IMO Secretariat in 2017 as Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General, Kitack Lim. In 2020 he was appointed as Director of the Organization's Administrative Division.
His maritime career began in 1996 as a port engineer at Armadores del Caribe in Panama, then becoming a Drydock Assistant Manager at Braswell Shipyard.
In 1998 Mr. Dominguez Velasco moved to London to join the Panama Maritime Authority as Head of the Technical and Documentation Regional Office for Europe and North of Africa. He went on to represent Panama in a variety of roles at the organization, culminating in his appointment as Panama's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to IMO between 2014 and 2017.
During this time, Mr. Dominguez Velasco chaired IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), and in 2015 he chaired the Technical Committee of the 25th session of the IMO Assembly. He has also chaired the Maritime Security – Piracy and Armed Robbery Working Group under the auspices of the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee.
Mr. Dominguez Velasco was born in the Republic of Panama. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Fermin Naudeu Institute in Panama before going on to study Naval Architecture at the University of Veracruz, Mexico, from where he graduated in 1995. Mr. Dominguez Velasco also holds an MBA from the University of Hull, and a Certificate of Higher Education in International Law and European Politics from Birkbeck University, both in the United Kingdom.
Andrew Mueller has joined Crowley as vice president of government relations where he will be leading the company’s activities at the federal level with members of Congress and the Administration.
His leadership will strengthen the company’s advocacy for laws, policies, and regulations that support the comprehensive array of Crowley’s business strategy and growth.
Mueller joins Crowley with more than 20 years of in-depth experience in federal advocacy and strong expertise in defense and national security. Mueller most recently served as senior director of policy and international development for General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, where he led active legislative proposals and programs that strategically served business operations and development activities for General Atomics technologies as well as foreign military sales, marketing and export licensing efforts for advanced naval systems.
“We’re excited to welcome Andrew as he joins Crowley’s government relations team where he will help direct our relationships and understanding of legislative and policy environments as well as engagements affecting the industry and the company,” said Crowley’s Chief Legal and Risk Officer, Parker Harrison. “He will be a great addition to VP of Global Government Relations Clay Heil’s team to further advance our partnership with the government and military at home and abroad. Crowley’s supply chain solutions will be strengthened by Andrew’s expertise and leadership.”
Mueller earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He is a veteran, having served as an officer in the U.S. Navy during a two-decade military career.
The Supervisory Board of Luka Koper d.d. has on 30th November 2023 discussed and approved the Strategic Business Plan of the Company and the Luka Koper Group for the period 2024-2028.
In the coming five-year period, Port of Koper’s mission will be to provide reliable, high-quality port services in line with the guidelines of sustainable development, with the aim of becoming the first choice among the ports on the European southern transport route. The planned development is based on four pillars: increasing infrastructure capacity and capability, accelerating the introduction of the “Smart Port” concept, ensuring adequate staffing and taking care of sustainability aspects by reducing negative impacts on the environment and society. The multi-purpose port model, which is one of the key competitive advantages of our Company, is also being maintained.
The Company’s key strategic objectives include growth in total operating revenue to EUR 413 million and growth in total throughput by 3.5% p.a., with a focus on the container and automotive segments which continue to be the strategic commodity groups of the Port of Koper. The Company will pay particular attention to infrastructure development and capacity expansion, investing €785 million to this end. We will be active in seeking funding for investment projects, with a focus on building infrastructure to supply ships with electricity directly from shore. In addition, we will continue our digital transformation process aimed at automating and optimising key processes and accelerate the implementation of green transition activities. In this context, we will strive to maintain our environmental sustainability standards (EMAS), reduce the Company’s carbon footprint and increase the Company’s energy self-sufficiency with renewable sources.
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