Supplier Management News

Big data, advanced computers and AI are allowing vessel designers to prepare models that leave essentially nothing to chance.“Lastly, it may be of considerable importance to form from the draught a block model of the vessel from which a still more accurate judgment may be formed of the fitness and beauty of the body. And should any defect be discovered, farther alterations must still be made, till the draught and the model are perfectly approved of. These different alterations and repeated calculations may appear very tedious…

The first natural gas floating liquefaction unit (FLNG) has completed performance testing at the Wison Offshore & Marine yard in Nantong, China, marking the first time LNG has been produced onboard a floating facility. The performance test was carried out in the presence of classification societies, EXMAR and all the relevant parties, Wison said. During the 72-hour performance test, the performance of the FLNG ensured all key design requirements and production capacities (guaranteed performance) were achieved for the unit’s operational effectiveness.

An independent study for ABB Turbocharging found that 87 percent of organizations work only or mostly with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for maintenance support and spare parts procurement. Benefits cited include reduced downtime and better parts availability according to the Forrester Consulting Technology Adoption Profile. The individuals surveyed held responsibility for maintenance, repair and supplier management in 105 organizations that leverage large engines and capital intensive machinery.

CEVA Logistics, one of the world’s leading supply chain management companies, today announced the expansion of its Los Angeles (LAX)/Torrance freight management operation. One of the largest operations in CEVA’s global network, the company’s LAX/Torrance station now comprises three facilities totaling more than one million sq. ft. (92,903 sqm.) and 170 dock doors. The latest facility to be added to the LAX/Torrance campus features 319,000 sq. ft. (29,635 sqm.) of warehouse space and 50,000 sq. ft. (4,645 sqm.) of office space, with 50 dock loading positions. The site is strategically located near major Los Angeles roadway arteries and is only seven miles from the world ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and eight miles from the LAX International Airport.

ISS Palumbo, the offshore project logistics and freight forwarding division of Inchcape Shipping Services, has strengthened its compliance credentials by achieving ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 and Achilles FPAL accreditation, covering operations in Italy, the U.K. and Houston. Awarded by BVQI, the accreditation body responsible for setting standards and regulations in quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility, its ISO certification was achieved in December 2013, with Achilles FPAL certification being awarded a few weeks earlier. Achilles First Point Assessment Limited (Achilles FPAL) is a supply chain management community used by major buying organizations in the oil and gas sector.

Lion Containers Ltd. announced that it has joined Achilles FPAL, the supplier management community supporting the European oil and gas industry. Achilles FPAL is a community used by major buying organizations within the oil and gas sector. It enables the oil and gas sector to use Achilles' proven supplier prequalification system to identify, prequalify and assess suppliers for tender opportunities and minimize risk within their supply chains. Established in 1996, FPAL is a service provided by Achilles and the community is managed by a Steering Group to drive industry best practice.

Fidelio Cruise Software GmbH announced today the development of the Fidelio Cruise Materials Management System (FCMMS). FCMMS is a Windows based application designed to offer cruise ship operators a complete tool to manage the purchase and inventory control process (food-beverage-hotel equipment-shops-technical and more) following the logical purchasing process from time of purchase to the point of consumption. The result is optimized productivity while achieving financial targets. As expected from Fidelio Cruise, FCMMS will offer full integration with the Fidelio Cruise SMPS and Micros POS interface. In addition, a bi-application approach will be available - FCMMS can be installed shore side - the Headquarter Module or onboard if vessels are purchasing directly - the Shipboard Module.

Crowley Maritime Corporation announced that Matt Jackson has been promoted to vice president of procurement, replacing Mike Lucero who will retire at the end of this year. In his new position, Jackson reports to Susan Rodgers, senior vice president, administration. Jackson is responsible for all materials management and purchasing for the corporation. He also oversees facilities development and travel. Reporting directly to Jackson are Cal Sweep, director of facilities development; John Azzo, who is transferring to director of materials management East Coast; Alun Jones, director of materials management West Coast and Vern Johnson, administrator of contracts.

Bunker Logistics, a provider of bunker procurement software, announced the successful implementation of its BunkerDashboard Bunker Procurement Software at Teekay Shipping Corporation. By automating the procurement process and integrating it with robust tools, the solution helps users and distributed teams improved their knowledge base, collaborative efforts, productivity and performance. Additionally, the BunkerDashboard helps in supplier management, claim monitoring, improving reporting and trending while adding data integrity and security. “The industry is changing – higher prices, more regulations, lesser quality of fuel, environmental concerns all combine to make it more important to implement a solution to help manage and measure bunker purchases and performance, said Mitchell J.