Bulk Distributor Nov/Dec19 | Page 14

14 B ULK D ISTRIBUTOR Flexitanks November/December 2019 Debut PBLA meeting a success T O EN T ER N X CO he Premier Bulk Liquids Alliance (PBLA) held its first global network meeting in Amsterdam’s unique sustainable Hotel Jakarta, on 9-10 September. PBLA was formed earlier this year as “the first global network for independent freight forwarders, logistics companies and service providers in the bulk liquids transport industry”. Although open to numerous sector participants, the initiative has come primarily on behalf of flexitank operators. However, PBLA also welcomes ISO tank container operators and wine & spirits forwarders. Members representing 30 countries were given the opportunity to have 30 min meetings with other members which had been pre- arranged on-line. These meetings were followed by a gala dinner on the first day. On the second day following more p2p meetings, talks were given by flexitank and bulk liquid industry specialists on the challenges and opportunities of containerised bulk in maritime logistics, as well as sustainability and plastics recycling. In his welcome speech, co-founder Jason Wright updated members on the area coverage achieved in less than a year, which stands at 33 countries with 40 expected by the end of 2019. Participants were reminded that the global association is the first of its kind. PBLA said members came away feeling that the event had far exceeded their expectations. The two days concluded with a cocktail reception where participants could meet, in an informal environment, members of the sister ‘boutique’ cargo alliance, Premier Cargo Alliance (PCA) hosting its event over the following two days 17-19 MARCH 2020 | SWEECC, SHANGHAI YOUR PLATFORM IN ASIA TO MEET THE GLOBAL INTERMODAL MARKET The first PBLA network meeting comprised a mixture of p2p meetings and informal gatherings Fertiliser in a flexi R ussian container logistics group Ruscon organised a flexitank shipment in Saint Petersburg during the summer. As part of its strategy to expand the range of services for containerised cargo in the north-west region Ruscon partnered with terminal operator Global Ports and Trans Ocean Bulk Logistics to organise a flexitank shipment of KAS-32 liquid fertiliser overflow service at ‘Yanino’ terminal. The process was implemented on the basis of a mobile bulk cargo transhipment complex provided by Ruscon. Both Ruscon and Global Terminals are part of the larger DELO Group, one of the biggest private transport and logistics holdings in Russia which manages port assets in the Azov-Black Sea, Baltic and Far Eastern basins. Organised by Primary Event Sponsor Follow us on REGISTER YOUR INTEREST ONLINE www.intermodal-asia.com INT Asia20 ad 179x263 for Bulk Distributor Magazine.indd 1 14/10/2019 15:24 Ruscon partnered with Global Ports and Trans Ocean Bulk Logistics to organise a flexitank shipment of KAS-32 liquid fertiliser overflow