Bulk Distributor May/Jun 16 | Page 10

10 BULKDISTRIBUTOR Tank Containers May/June 2016 Savvy rolls out fuller service for Hoyer A fter a successful pilot phase, Savvy is integrating its telematics system in a broad range of logistics processes at Hoyer. To this end, the logistics group’s tank containers are equipped with the Savvy telematics units CargoTrac and/or FleetTrac and are connected to Savvy’s cloud-based Synergy Portal. Thanks to a customised interface, both Hoyer employees and end customers now have permanent access to tank container data allowing them to collaborate and optimise their logistics process control. Among other things, continuous temperature monitoring as well as active temperature control during the entire transport cycle make uninterrupted automated quality proofs possible. By using the new technology, Hoyer aims to increase transport and logistics productivity as well as service quality for customers and to maintain its competitive advantage. Top flight boosts Bulkhaul parent U K-based tank operator Bulkhaul reckons the future for the company remains strong despite a challenging market environment. However, the operator’s ultimate owner Steve Gibson could be forgiven for having other things on his mind lately. His holding group Gibson O’Neill Company Ltd also controls Middlesbrough Football Club (MFC). On May 7, the ‘Boro’ secured promotion to the English Premier League in a tense game against promotion rivals Brighton & Hove Albion for what was described as the most lucrative prize ever for a single match in the history of football. Promotion to the Premier League should be worth at least £170 million to MFC, according to financial analysts Deloitte, made up of a minimum £95 million for a year in the Premie r League, plus two seasons of parachute payments should they be relegated next season. More optimistically, the figure could grow to £290 million if they avoid relegation. Which is all food for thought! In its most recent strategic report – up to June 2015 – the group showed turnover of £195 million for its three main businesses – Bulkhaul, MFC and Rockcliffe Hall Limited. Of this Bulkhaul posted £165 million, MFC £20.3 million and Rockcliffe £10 million. So Premier League football would almost double group revenues. Group profit before tax was £23.7 million, up from nearly £6 million in the prior year. While assets such as commercial vehicles and tanks – which likely covers mostly Bulkhaul assets – was nearly £277 million. Hoyer’s tank containers are equipped with the Savvy telematics units CargoTrac and/or FleetTrac and are connected to Savvy’s cloud-based Synergy Portal The telematics units record a wide range of sensor values and tracking data such as circulation and idle times, unit operating hours and filling levels, temperatures, change in position and shocks. Any and all target value deviations are logged and saved reliably. If a unit reports disruptions or the temperature falls below the target value, the system sets off an alarm. Monitoring the container temperature protects thereby protects the shipment value and prevents expensive damage events in products with low hysteresis such as adhesives, which can be damaged in the event of temperature deviations of even only 1degC. “Savvy is not only the technology leader in the telematics sector, it is an acknowledged expert in the area of monitoring electronic trace heating systems,” explained Hans Demarest, director engineering of Hoyer’s Netlog Business Unit. “In addition to its engineering know-how, the company has a unique understanding of future-oriented digital logistics business processes. This is demonstrated for example by the high efficiency of the Savvy Synergy Portal. “This combination makes Savvy an ideal partner for us.” The Savvy’s Telematic Systems solution is designed to enable high connectivity and easy integration. The vendor-independent telematics units can be used with all of Hoyer’s current cooling and heating systems. www.savvy-telematics.com Premier League football will all but double group turnover for Bulkhaul’s parent group Stolt posts first quarter revenue drop Our Way to Your Destination sustainable – intermodal – global S  worldwide multimodal tank container transports  specialist for chemical goods  management of customer-owned tank container fleets  worldwide network of highly competent partners [email protected] • www.vtg.com tolt Tank Containers reported Q1 operating revenue of US$115.9 million, down from $125 million in Q4 2015. The tank operator said that while seasonal factors usually result in the first quarter being STC’s weakest, shipments increased by 3.7 percent in the period, though the impact was more than offset by fierce price competition. Demurrage revenue was also down, as tanks were returned more promptly by customers. STC’s Q1 operating profit declined to $11.8 million from $13.1 million in Q4 2015. Fourth-quarter results included $1.5 million in losses and accruals related to the recycling and anticipated recycling of more than 850 tanks which STC owns. Results for the first quarter reflected the decrease in revenue, partially offset by lower operating expenses. Commenting on the results, Niels G Stolt-Nielsen, CEO of StoltNielsen Limited, said: “Stolt Tank Containers reported a decrease in operating results for the quarter, as price competition more than offset an increase in shipments. (The division) is facing increased competition, but we continue to see growth opportunities ahead for this business.”