The SIA Global Flexitank - NO Seams  A Major Advance in Flexitank Technology and Performance Automated Blown Extrusion Manufacturing - Eliminates Seams

Flexitanks first appeared in the international bulk logistics trade in the late 1970's typically carrying edible vegetable oils and latex.  These tanks were constructed from nylon fabric coated with nitrile, neoprene or butyl rubber and had a life expectancy of 3 to 6 years.  The problem with the reusable flexitanks was damage over the extended life of the flexitank, the necessity to have multiple seams and welds throughout the tank causing weak points and incidents and the fear of contamination from repairs. Damien McClean (CEO at SIA) designed, developed and introduced the first multiply disposable polyethylene flexitank in 1999. The materials used to manufacture the SIA Global Flexitank are autonomously complex original formulations.  The main development was the ability to blow a film that has an 8 metre  circumference thus eliminating the seams that had caused quality issues for many years. The standard technology used for the manufacture is the blown extrusion method, which needs specific high tech equipment and process conditions according to the film's raw material plasticised PE polymers. The automation systems are based on unique software programs based on proprietary indications. The continuous development of processes and new products is managed by a qualified and expert technical staff, supported by a laboratory equipped with the most advanced instruments. The tank insulates well, is resistant against aggressive substances and damage, it is virtually unbreakable and is environmentally friendly. The Global Tank is a unique type of flexible liquid tank, the result of extensive research and development led by Damien McClean with many years experience in the field, utilising innovative thermoplastic materials and cutting edge manufacturing techniques, the technology uniquely adapted to advance bulk liquid transportation. VLDPE Characteristics: The Global flexitank exhibits a range of new features and performance advances: - * Exceptional compounding versatility * Excellent impact strength resistance * Excellent elasticity * Exceptional performance differentiation * Excellent strength, toughness and flexibility over a wide range of temperatures The Global Tank is a single use flexitank for Foodstuff, Pharmaceutical, Chemical or Industrial products. The tank insulates well, is resistant against aggressive substances and damage, it is virtually unbreakable and is environmentally friendly. Seamless outer A seamless outer layer for seamless performance The outer layer is manufactured from a High tensile strength woven polypropylene Certifications The Global tank is made from films fully compliant with the following: *US FDA regulations notably 21 CFR 177.1520 *EU directive 10/2011 *FSSC 22000 *GMP *Kosher *ISO9001 *Rail impact tests *Halal

Eunan Doherty  SIA Flexitanks + 353 749334572 eunan@siaflexitanks.com | info@siaflexitanks.com | www.siaflexitanks.com SIA Flexitanks - The Innovators of the Flexitank

Exports hit record high as Irish firms hit Asian markets

Colm Kelpie

EI chief Julie Sinnamon

COMPANIES backed by Enterprise Ireland (EI) clocked up record export sales last year with the biggest growth occurring in the Asia/Pacific region.

In a welcome sign, export sales into Northern Europe also rose strongly despite tepid economic growth in the euro zone.

And while all sectors experienced growth, food and beverage sales were up 10pc on the previous year.

The semi-state agency tasked with encouraging companies to tap into overseas markets said 2013 witnessed the best performance in more than a decade in both export growth and net job creation.

Businesses supported by EI achieved €17.1bn in export sales - up 8pc on 2012 and creating more than 18,000 new jobs.

When job losses are taken into account, the net increase was 5,442 in the number of people employed - the largest in a decade.

Enterprise Ireland chief Julie Sinnamon, who took over the post late last year from Frank Ryan, said EI-backed companies are contributing hugely to the performance of the economy.

But she said one of the big challenges for Irish enterprises was a lack of scale.

"I think we need to grow our scale in international markets and the scale in Ireland," Ms Sinnamon said.

"We have a small number of large companies and a large number of small companies and what we need is a much larger group of mid-size companies to be able to internationalise in a competitive way.

"It's a work in progress with a lot more to do, but it's good to be doing that from a position of strong performance in 2013."

Enterprise Minister Richard Bruton said the figures were "really impressive" with every region in the country enjoying growth.

"They show the dedication of the staff within Enterprise Ireland but also they show the ingenuity of Irish enterprise and Irish workers in winning new markets against a pretty tough international climate," he said.

The UK remained the biggest market for exporters, with sales worth €6.3bn last year - up 3pc on 2012.

The big success, however, was the surge in the Asia/Pacific region, which saw sales increase by almost a fifth to €1.2bn.

Mr Bruton said this showed that while companies were taking on the more difficult markets, they are the markets that will sustain growth for the long-term.

"Those are the areas of the world where long-term most of the export growth is going to happen," the minister said.

"We need to position ourselves in those markets."

Northern Europe remained the second most important market, with sales of €3.6bn - up 14pc on the previous year.

All sectors experienced growth, with food and beverage enjoying a 10pc increase on 2012 to €9.5bn, while internationally traded services, software and public procurement was up 5pc to €2.72bn.

Life Sciences, engineering, paper, print and packaging, electronics and cleantech was up 7pc to €2.78bn and construction and consumer was also up 7pc to €2.15bn.

In addition, EI invested in 104 new high-potential start-up companies, the highest number yet in a single year.

Close to 860 companies were involved in significant R&D projects of more than €100,000, with almost 140 companies engaged in substantial R&D projects of more than €1m spend.

UPDATE: Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles Delays July 10th 2014

As Port Drivers Picket Continue, Delays Begin to Worsen at Port of LA and LB As recently reported, port drivers going into the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach have continued picketing against Pac-9, TTSI, and Green Fleet Systems. The picketing drivers and their sympathizers are disrupting normal terminal operations at the ports by picketing at different terminals each day. With this disruption, the ports have closed down various areas within the terminal to ease gridlock. Adding to the problem are over bookings from a short week last week, planned and unplanned closures of various terminals on Monday, July 7, container surges due to unease of impending ILWU and PMA negotiations, as well as the surge as container volumes begin to uptick for the holiday season.  Ventura Transfer Company will work with shippers on trying to pull containers from the port in a timely manner, however as circumstances worsen at the ports and the ease of getting to the terminal worsens, some containers may be subject to the terminal demmurage charges. Ventura Transfer Company has reached out to transportation providers all around the Los Angeles area to possibly deter these charges, however, much like Ventura Transfer Company, they are over booked as well due to this perfect storm of events.  Please feel free to contact you Account Executive or Territory Manager if you have any concerns or questions.

SIA FLEXITANKS  Biodiesel, Edible Oils and Glycerine Bulk Liquid Shipments in Flexitanks.     SIA are a global bulk liquid transportation company specializing in the transportation of a variety of Non Hazardous liquids and & Oils in Flexitanks.  SIA currently ships non hazardous liquids and & oils on behalf of clients across the globe. Whilst the majority of liquids are shipped internationally in deep tanks there are occasions when smaller quantities are required typically from 100 to 1,000 metric tonnes.  Customers can avoid having all their eggs in one basket with a more efficient supply chain as Flexitanks offer more flexibility with smaller more regular quantities. Flexitanks offer a safe and economical alternative for smaller batch sizes.       Flexitank Benefits 15% More Payload than IBC's 40% More Payload than Drums More Economical than ISO Tanks on Deep Sea Shipping Reduce Storage Costs Up to 24T Payload  Reduce Carbon Footprint Reduce Packaging Flexitanks are made from virgin polyethylene and convert a standard 20' general purpose dry container into a bulk liquid container, capable of carrying up to 24 Tonnes of product or with capacities up to 24,000 Litres. For a detailed Quotation, or if you would like more information on the benefits of using SIA Flexitanks please visit our website at www.siaflexitanks.com or call 00353 749334572 SIA FLEXITANKS Contact Details Headquarters Pound Street, Carndonagh, Co Donegal. T:  +353749334572 F:  +353749329436 E:  eunan@siaflexitanks.com US Office 4001 North Shepherd Drive, Suite 200, Houston, Texas 77018. T:  +1713 6405880 E:  siaflexitanks@siaflexitanks.com For a full list of all our Local Offices and Partners Visit our Website

Enterprise Ireland sees record export and job creation levels

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Thursday 10 July 2014 11.44

Enterprise Ireland companies exported a record €17.1 billion worth of goods and services last year

Enterprise Ireland client companies saw the best export growth and net job creation last year in over a decade, its annual report shows today.

EI companies exported a record €17.1 billion worth of goods and services in 2013, up 8% on the previous year.

They also created a net increase of 5,442 new jobs - the largest net increase in ten years. Enterprise Ireland said this highlights the clear link between strong export growth in new and existing worldwide markets, and job creation here.

Total direct employment in Enterprise Ireland companies stood at 175,750 last year - 149,718 of these were in full time jobs while 26,032 were part time. 

Research has shown that for every ten jobs created in an Irish exporting company, 13 additional jobs are created elsewhere in the economy in supply and service companies. 

Today's report also shows that over 1,000 client Enterprise Ireland companies took part in 18 Minister-led trade missions and 67 international events during the year.

These targeted the key markets of North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Enterprise Ireland also brought over 1,100 international buyers to Ireland to meet client companies here. The state agency opened new offices in Istanbul in Turkey and Austin in Texas, which brings its overseas network to 30 international offices.

139 EI client companies were engaged in what the state agency called "substantial" research and development projects of over €1m spend a year, while 858 were engaged in R&D projects worth over €100,000 spend a year.

Julie Sinnamon, CEO Enterprise Ireland said: ‘The strong performance of our client companies and their capacity to continuously innovate, develop new products and services and win new export business against the toughest of international competition, represent a tremendous achievement," commented Julie Sinnamon, Enterprise Ireland's chief executive.

Ms Sinnamon said that EI companies are contributing hugely to the performance of the Irish economy.  

"Driving continuous innovation and export growth leading to job creation right across the country will continue to be the major focus for Enterprise Ireland over the coming years," she added.

Excerpt from Irish Exporters Association weekly ezine 

The Container shipping industry’s largest ever planned alliance stopped in its tracks.

China’s competition regulators have blocked the P3 Mega-Alliance planned between European owned container lines, Maersk, MSC, and CMA-CGM on the grounds that it infringes the country’s competition laws between Asia and Europe, particularly as the three lines have a combined market share of 46.7%. The unexpected decision, the alliance had already received approval from European and US Regulators, effectively inhibits the carriers’ ability to reduce costs by pooling assets and controlling over-capacity. It is, however, good news for their competitors and ports, despite not stopping the three companies from working together in other areas.

While the planned alliance cannot now operate out of Asia, because the US Federal Maritime commission and the European Commission have not blocked the alliance, the three carriers could now decide to implement joint services on the transatlantic route, as planned, even without the global P3 set-up. In global terms, though, the transatlantic business is small.

The P3 Network, as planned, would have involved 252 vessels with a total capacity of 2.6 million TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units) on the Asia-Europe Trades alone. Maersk Line itself has already put into service eight “Triple E” class vessels, each with a capacity of more than 18,000 TEU, due for inclusion in the P3 network and has a further 12 similar newbuilds that will be delivered at a rate of one every six weeks until 2015. A train laden with that number of units would stretch from Dublin to Belfast and, while, even a year ago that size vessel would have appeared to be the largest that could operate the IMDO (Irish Maritime Development Office) is now quoting maritime consultant, “Seatrade Global” reporting that work on building a 24,000 TEU container ship, 5,000 TEU bigger than the current largest vessel, is set to begin construction in just two years time.  The larger vessel is expected to have “at sea” costs of 17.4% lower than those for a 16,000 TEU vessel.

The sudden step change in vessel size, first on the Asia-Europe routes, and then cascading down onto all other routes is already beginning to cause Port congestion issues as these vessels are limited in the number of Ports that can accommodate them, and there are inevitable delays in discharging and loading such vast numbers of containers. Lines are reporting significant schedule keeping difficulties.  Because there are worthwhile fuel savings in slow-steaming ,which can be passed on to customers in reduced fuel surcharges, lines are reluctant to speed up their vessels. The average vessel speed westbound from Asia is now 18.3 knots and Eastbound is 14 knots. In cheap oil days vessels were averaging 22 to 25 knots, drinking fuel but potentially saving inventory costs for customers.