Being a bit of an old dog, I'm yet to be convinced that the upsurge in internet-driven companies can be realistically turned into a commercial success within the shipping industry. Probably most of the schemes currently available are a bit vague to people, and their touted benefits not immediately apparent; this is hardly surprising in that they're not easy concepts to describe in print and need practical demonstrations to show their true worth, if any. It's not made better by the fact that no fewer than 4 systems have come on, or are about to come on the market in a matter of weeks. The last FTW saw Alan Cornish launch a scheme to link empty vehicles to cargo, a task that truck brokers have managed perfectly well over the years by phone; similarly, John Loftus seems to be planning to charge R275 for a quote which lines' reps currently provide free. Not to be left out, the FTW is unveiling a new electronic venture later this month.
To be fair, the only concept that has been explained to me in detail is Andre Wissler's Freightroute.Com and I must admit it seems to have some merit; doubtless the others also do, but only time and demonstrations will tell. In the meantime, I'll stick to phoning people as usual...
Apparently a marvellous new device has been invented to locate stowaways in containers; you merely insert a probe into the box which can detect CO2 emissions, thus indicating the presence of people inside. I am attempting to contact the manufacturer in the hope of obtaining the sole SA agency, my initial thought being that we could insert this through the doors of agents' and brokers' offices in the hope of detecting some form of life without actually disturbing dust or making an unnecessary noise by letting the phone ring incessantly. Alas, my enthusiasm wanes, as my scientific advisors inform me that, to be successful, not only would the inhabitants have to be human but also breathing oxygen at the time. Mind you, I suppose it depends exactly where you insert it. Back to Plan A, guys; just let the phones keep ringing....
At last there is a sense of transparency being shown on the BAF issue and not surprisingly it comes from the bulk and breakbulk carriers who have formed a loose association to handle the current crisis. I might be biased, but I have always regarded these guys as being manly enough to adopt a genuine approach to any problem, as opposed to the somewhat girly response (or lack of it) that we've come to expect from our container operators through the ASL and the likes.
The cookie crumbles thus; they have taken the average bunker price of the last 15 yrs ($85) and calculated that BAF should be the current bunker price (let's say $160) minus $85 x 0.03% (i.e. 3c per $) which would equal in this example $2.25/ton. Whilst one could question the formula, at least it is open and applies on all trades, which is more than can be said for the perceived shady deals that the Conferences have cooked up. Come on, guys; how come Mauro Cinti, Tim McClure and the Admiral etc can adopt an up-front approach, and the Conferences hide behind their blouses?
There is a precept in the industry that, if you don't hold a party at Christmas, you wait until the stomachs settle and the hunger pangs return, and look to Easter. This might well explain the plethora of invitations on my desk (well, three) which indicate that April and May look like being a couple of good months, even if most of the do's have a distinctly healthy theme. Two for which I've cracked the nod are the FTW bash on 12th April to show off their new premises, and the P & O Nedlloyd sports day plus din-dins on 5th May at Killarney. Unfortunately neither golf nor bowls are for me, but I shall certainly grace them with my presence for the dinner. Maersk are also tempting fate (both with me and the weather) and plan to hold a golf day on 17th May at the Bryanston Club followed by drinkies and supper (what would you say to a little drink? I'd say - hello, little drink..) Lars Greiner is personally delivering my invitation at lunchtime today so hopefully we can get some, er, practice in. Regretfully I shall not make Highveld Steel's sports day on 13th April which is a pity as it will probably be the last event attended by my old friend Anton Zietsman; never mind, I shall save my energy for his farewell...
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