ITP Logistics Middle East magazine has covered an article “ Who hold the power in Middle East Logistics”. In these article they  have  featured 25 names of most influential CEO’s of Logistics. In this list of Middle East Mr. S. I. Mustafa has been ranked as leading in Saudi Arabia and ranked number 11 overall in the region. With the logistics sector increasing its focus on the Saudi Arabian market, it makes sense that Syed Mustafa heads the list of entrants from the Kingdom in this year’s power list.

“Another Major Step towards the Construction of the La Quinta Trade Gateway Facility”

Corpus Christi, TX - On December 23, 2009 the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) awarded the first construction contract associated with the long anticipated construction of the La Quinta Channel Extension project. The contract was awarded to RLB Contracting, Inc. of Port Lavaca, Texas for $1,123,400 to construct a 126-acre dredge material placement area on Port of Corpus Christi property in San Patricio County. This contract award is for the first of several construction projects required to complete the $75 million plan to construct the La Quinta Channel Extension.

PPG Indian member, Express Transport Pvt. Ltd., were recently awarded a turnkey project by a supplier based in India for a round trip movement to carry out testing of their 195 M/Ton 315 MVA Transformer (8.200 m x 4.050 m x 4.500 ms) from Mumbai port to Antwerp & return. The 195 Tonne Transformer, along with its accessories, was sent to M/s. Kema Nederland B.V., for testing. These tests were recently completed and Express Transport are now planning for the safe return leg from Antwerp to India.

TransProject LLC has this week delivered the first "Santa Sleigh" full of Christmas gifts to the Salvation Army Shelter in Houston. The first delivery comprised 72 stocking stuffed with goodies for the kids and a Wii system and accessories for the shelter day room. The shelter staff were extremely grateful. The shelter director, was unfortunately home sick but her staff called her and she actually drove in to see what we had delivered. She called Susan St. Germain and was actually crying when she thanked her. She told Susan that TransProject saved Christmas for them this year. Now - this was only the first delivery. TransProject will finish shopping this week and will have two more loads to deliver to the Shelter.

Corpus Christi, Texas – Taking the next step in the development of the La Quinta Trade Gateway project, the port commission approved a Professional Services Agreement for engineering designs with Goldston Engineering, a CH2M HILL company, on Tuesday, December 8, 2009. The multi-purpose facility will be designed to handle a wide variety of general cargo including containers, military, wind turbines, steel pipe, and more. Completion of preliminary engineering for full build out and final design for the initial 800' to 1000' dock will provide the necessary information to define costs and determine completion schedules. The goal is to complete the design and be ready to solicit bids for construction of the first dock by the end of 2010. “This is one more step towards realizing one of the most important Port diversification projects. Goldston Engineering is no stranger to the Port, they have worked on many projects with us over the years. We look forward to working with them again” Said John LaRue, Executive Director.

Indian PPG member, Express Transport Pvt. Ltd., has been a total logistics provider since 1946. Express were nominated by Air Products, UK. for a major ODC transportation project to be executed from their Supplier based in India. The scope of woek included the transportation from the suppliers’ factory located in Gujarat to Mumbai & Kandla ports, plus ocean shipment to Indonesia & Egypt. The first operation was successfully completed in September 2009 which involved transportation of four Cryogenic Tanks. Overall dimensions/weight of each tank were 22.800 m x 4.800 m x 4.850 m / 70.200 tonnes. The second shipment in October 2009 comprised two Cryogenic Tanks with similar specifications. The third & final lot of three tanks is scheduled for shipment in December 2009.

PPG Thailand (Leschaco Thailand Ltd.) & USA (TransProject LLC) have successfully delivered two large ABB Transformers from the ABB factory in Thailand up to DDP Gillette, Wyoming, USA. The two transformers were shipped separately due to delivery scheduling and the attached photos were taken by TransProject in Casper, Wyoming during lifting of the transformers from railcar to truck. Each transformer was accompanies by approximately 115cbm of accessories in wooden boxes which were packed by Leschaco’s packing station at the ABB facility.

PPG Members, Express Transport Pvt. Ltd., India and TransProject LLC, USA are combining their forces to exhibit their professional wares at the Cargo S.H.O.P Exhibition and Conference scheduled to be held in Mumbai, India from 25^th to 27^th March, 2010. This exhibition represents a unique opportunity for both members to target major global and regional clients under one roof within the Wind Energy, Oil & Gas customers, Hydro/Thermal Power sectors.

“Regional Market: Australia” will be a key point of discussion during the 2^nd Annual Breakbulk Asia Conference and Exhibition at the Suntec Convention Center in Singapore from 26-27 January 2010. Australia is one of the hottest regions for oil and gas exploration. Chevron and BP recently were awarded the development of the Gorgon field on the North West Shelf, and other projects are gearing up in the Timor Sea and to the north. Speakers will discuss what breakbulk and project cargoes are moving in and out of Australia, and the challenges involved. The session will be moderated by Mr Kevin Stephens, General Manager, of multi-modal solutions provider Project Professionals Group.