Specialist project forwarding network the Project Professionals Group were among the first in the industry to learn about Hansa Heavy Lift’s operations and a new Indian coastal service during presentations at the group’s fourth annual conference in Rio de Janeiro at the Sofitel Copacabana from June 15-17, 2011. More than 70 members attending the meeting despite flight disruptions caused by the eruption of the Puyehue volcano in Chile. The Hansa presentation outlined fleet capabilities following the change over from Beluga Shipping. Sai Freight announced the launch of Butterfly Sailings that provides vessels capable of delivering project cargos through low drafted rivers or into congested Indian ports to minimise delays.

Other guest speakers included Rickmers-Linie, Sea-Concert, Port Corpus Christi, Transpes, Tecon Salvador and Brazil hosts O. Lisboa Despachos. Presentations also include international media publications Heavy Lift and Project Forwarding International and Breakbulk magazine. A Certificate of Achievement in Project Cargo Management professional development course was also held prior to the conference. Delegates at last week's fourth annual conference of the Project Professionals Group in Rio de Janeiro endorsed Bangkok as the 2012 annual conference venue for the specialist project forwarding network. Further pictures of the PPG conference in Rio can be seen on the “Image Gallery” on the PPG web site.