DHL Invests in Marine Spare Parts Logistics to Tap on Fast Growing US$1 Billion Sector

SINGAPORE, October 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Invests US$15 million over five years to capitalize on shipping spare parts logistics industry which handles over three million shipments each year
• Launches company's first dedicated control tower in Singapore offering global round-the-clock services

DHL Global Forwarding, the air and sea freight specialist of DHL, the world's leading logistics company, today announces the widening of its business focus to include the marine spare parts logistics industry. The move includes the launch of its first global marine spare parts logistics control tower in Singapore. The control tower leverages Singapore's position as the second busiest port in the world, its connectivity to 600 ports in 120 countries, and its leading reputation amongst the maritime and offshore industries.

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/09/02/20100902467742-l.jpg )

With the new control tower tapping into DHL's global network of over 220 countries, territories and niche shipping logistics specialists, DHL is well positioned to capitalize on the US$1 billion shipping spare parts logistics industry which handles over three million shipments each year. To this end, the company has also announced plans to invest US$15 million over the next five years to continuously enhance its services to meet future customer requirements in this segment.

Mr. Amadou Diallo, CEO, Africa and South Asia Pacific, DHL Global Forwarding, said: "DHL has been in the business of enabling businesses to operate without interruption since 1969. We have now taken it a step further and combined our expertise in logistics and marine services to create DHL's first global marine spare parts logistics control tower that is dedicated to meeting the rapidly growing ocean freight needs of over 2,000 ship owners and ship managers and over 34,000 offshore vessels, rigs, platforms and floating units. Being the second busiest port in the world, the focal point for some 200 shipping lines and attracting more than 140,000 vessels annually, Singapore is the ideal location to launch DHL's first dedicated control tower for this sector."

Operating around the clock, seven days a week, DHL's global marine spare parts logistics control tower will offer the entire maritime industry differentiated solutions that encompass differential pricing and multi-modal transport solutions ranging from pickup at the spare parts supplier warehouse to on board delivery, including reverse logistics for parts return. DHL's solutions include door-to-deck last mile services across the Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, Middle East, Scandinavia and the Americas.  

"The transportation and freight of ships' spares is extremely complex. It takes a dedicated and experienced team with specific industry expertise to ensure that every part of the supply chain is smooth. Failures to deliver spares on time to ships that may be stranded in the middle of nowhere can result in a very costly affair. With DHL, customers can now truly enjoy a "one-stop shop" for all their logistics needs, round-the-clock support, near zero failures and assistance on immigration and customs in addition to complete data security and transparency. All it takes is a single phone call, fax or email to our global control tower in Singapore," said Mr. Diallo.

DHL's contract customers will enjoy a turnkey offering including location and status tracking of orders, a single point for billing, insurance, warehousing and storage, through to the management of customs. Also supporting DHL's GoGreen program which entails the company's commitment to improving carbon efficiency, customers can work with DHL's specialist service representatives to reduce CO₂ emissions by optimizing delivery routes, using cleaner fuels and consolidating facilities while ensuring competitive cost levels and maximum flexibility.

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DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion Euros in 2010.