Autumn 2015 54 A FRENCHGIANTOFTHESEAS CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE

CMA CGM Editorial and publication Director: Tanya Saadé Zeenny Editors: Marianne Group Magazine Lacroix, Eric Zuber Editing: Hervé Gallet Coordination: Olivia Simonetti Autumn 2015 Graphic Design: Agence La Créa Printing and distribution supervision: Christine Nunes Contributors: Sophie Beau, Isabelle Billet, Francois Friboulet, Mohamed Khouas, Erik Meltzer, Luc Portier, Eric Sagnier, Nicolas Sartini, Emilian Stere, Hillebrand Photo credits: CMA CGM, Shutterstock, Hillebrand, Thierry Dosogne, Philip Plisson Number of issues: 22,000

ISN: 1287-8863

printed on paper manufactured using a minimum of 60% recycled fi bre and 40% virgin pulp from certifi ed sources.

CMA CGM Head Offi ce 4, quai d’Arenc 13235 cedex 02

CONTENT Tel: +33 (0)4 88 91 90 00 - www.cma-cgm.com

FOCUS _ 01 CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE A FRENCH GIANT

FOUNDATION _ 02 THE CMA CGM FOUNDATION CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

GROUP LIFE _ 03 REACTIVITY AND PRECISION: WATCHWORDS OF A PORT STOPOVER

FACE TO FACE _ 04 JF HILLEBRAND GROUP: IN VINO VERITAS

THE EXPERTS _ 05 SHIP MANAGER: AT THE HEART OF MARITIME OPERATIONS

2 Autumn 2015 Tanya SAADÉ ZEENNY Executive Offi cer EDITORIAL

The inauguration of the CMA CGM Group’s new fl agship CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE in , in the presence of Mr François Hollande, President of the French Republic, is another bold milestone in the history of the Group.

This vessel is a symbol for us and for all of our partners.

For our customers, it is a symbol of our energy, our boldness and our commitment. It demonstrates that we always strive to off er the best solutions for our 6,300 clients, from large companies to small and medium enterprises, as we transport their goods all over the world. The ship is positioned on the French Asia Line (FAL), one of the Group’s emblematic lines linking French ports to Asia and the Middle East.

The CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE also symbolises environmentally responsible shipping. With its cutting-edge technology, the vessel is a model of energy effi ciency. Only a few weeks THIS SHIP REPRESENTS OUR GROUP, before the Paris climate conference, COP 21, we are A GROWING FRENCH COMPANY AND demonstrating our concrete contributions and constant A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE WORLD’S commitment to protect the environment and fi ght climate change. Furthermore, the ship is equipped GLOBAL ECONOMY with world-class innovative TRAXENS technology that transforms containers into smart connected objects.

Finally, this ship represents our Group, a growing French company and a major player in the world’s global economy, founded on a family model with long-term vision. It is anchored in the path we’ve taken ever since Jacques Saadé created the company in 1978. The inauguration embodies this long-term vision that will continue in the future, reaffi rming our position as a world leader in shipping.

Like the other ships in the series bearing the names of great explorers, Jules Verne, Marco Polo or Vasco de Gama, this vessel is named after Bougainville, the fi rst French captain to sail around the world.

The name also pays tribute to exploration and the spirit of conquest, just as CMA CGM does.

We should all be very proud.

3 CMA CGM BOUGAINVILLE A FRENCH GIANT OF THE SEAS

4 Autumn 2015 FOCUS

THE CMA CGM GROUP’S NEW GIANT OF THE SEAS HAS A CAPACITY OF 18,000 TEUs, MAKING IT THE LARGEST VESSEL IN THE WORLD SAILING UNDER THE FRENCH FLAG. WITH ITS LAUNCH IN OCTOBER, IN THE PRESENCE OF THE FRENCH PRESIDENT, CMA CGM PROVES ITS STATUS ONCE AGAIN AS A FRENCH COMPANY IN THE UPPER ECHELONS OF WORLD TRADE AND PLACES AT THE HEART OF CURRENT EVENTS ONCE MORE.

he fi rst train in history was invented 211 years ago. The fi rst gas-powered car drove 132 years ago. The fi rst plane Tfl ew 112 years ago. But the fi rst ship in history sailed more than 120,000 years ago. Shipping as a mode of transport has prevailed throughout history and remains essential today. More than 90% of goods worldwide are shipped by boat! This fi gure demonstrates the global importance of companies specialising in maritime transport. “Without the possibility of transporting large quantities of goods at a low price, the globalised economy would not be as we know it today,” remarks Jean-François Tallec, Institutional Advisor on Maritime Policy for the CMA CGM Group. Former French Secretary General for the Sea, he believes that the increased use of containers, quicker stopover times and regular services reduce stocks and enable just-in-time production, both of which are benefi cial to companies and the economy in general, especially in France.

On the CMA CGM Group’s 2015 agenda, 6 October has been underlined in red for several months. This is the date for the inauguration of its new fl agship… and not just any ship, but the largest sailing under the French fl ag: the CMA CGM Bougainville. With her extraordinary characteristics – 398m long, 54m wide, 16m draft, 18,000 TEU capacity – this giant is on the scale of the challenges of today’s commercial trade. The CMA CGM Bougainville symbolises the dynamism of the Group, ranked fi rst in France and third worldwide for container shipping.

5 CMA CGM OWNS 23 SHIPS SAILING UNDER THE FRENCH FLAG

A FRENCH ECONOMIC LEADER

or CMA CGM, everything started on 465 ships, 80 of which are in full ownership; 13 September 1978, in Marseilles. On that 170 shipping lines; 655 offi ces and agencies in Fday, Jacques R. Saadé, a fi rm believer in the over 160 countries; emblematic companies that future of container shipping, decided to create are part of the Group’s portfolio such as CNC his own company. In 1980, the CMA buys its fi rst in Asia, ANL in Oceania, US Lines in the United ship, the Ville d’Orient, in full ownership. It sails States, MacAndrews and OPDR in and under the French fl ag on one line between Beirut, Comanav in North Africa: all these elements make Latakia, Marseilles and Livorno. it possible for CMA CGM to off er its customers a complete door-to-door multi-service worldwide In 1999, CMA merges with Compagnie Générale shipping solution. CMA CGM is one of the very Maritime (CGM), owner of the legendary French fi rst shipping companies in the world to manage shipping companies “Compagnie Générale the entire logistical chain. Transatlantique” and “.” One year later, the newly formed CMA CGM Group It is this history and development benefi ting from becomes one of the top 10 shipping companies the “French touch” that sums up the Group’s worldwide. newest ship in the fl eet. With a capacity of 18,000 TEU, one of the largest current capacities for a In 2011, the Group, loyal to the city where container ship, the giant sails under the French everything began, decides to set up its head fl ag. “CMA CGM owns 23 ships sailing under offi ce in Marseilles, in a tower built on daring lines. the French fl ag,” explains François Leray, the The tower, 147 meters high, is now a beacon and Group’s Manager of Ships Outfi tting under RIF symbol of the company’s energy and economic (French Flag Register) fl ag. “This means that in ambition. addition to a French captain and a certain number of French crew members, each ship adheres to current French regulations.”

To be continued on page 08

6 Autumn 2015 FOCUS “CMA CGM: SUPPORT THE REVOLUTION

■ The fl oor to OF MARITIME ■ ALAIN VIDALIES Minister of State TRANSPORT for Transport, Marine Aff airs and Fisheries SERVICES”

n a sector where competition is immediately of operating that integrates the sustainable international, CMA CGM has, since 1978, known development requirements. Against the background Ihow to chart its course through initiative and of climate change, it is important to think in an innovation. Faced with an uncertain market, a international manner to fight against global strategy of competitiveness that ensures the warming and the destruction of our natural long-term success of economic activity protects resources by bringing together new ships and the profi tability of ships and jobs, whether at logistical investments that promote multi-modality. sea or on land. CMA CGM has received well-known awards and recognition that, in my opinion, are invitations I am delighted to announce that CMA CGM to keep advancing in this domain. remains one of the top three container shipping companies in the world and gives impulse to ship The French government has done its part in this owners worldwide that compete in this very open revolution of tools and mentalities by supporting the sector. Along with the CMA CGM Jules Verne, the company. Better fi scal conditions for investments CMA CGM Bougainville is a wonderful example in the latest fi nancial law, a sustained budgetary of this momentum, with its increased capacity eff ort to maintain French jobs and simplifi ed of 18,000 TEU, its technological innovation and regulations are all approaches that will allow the its impressive size. company to excel in its industry.

CMA CGM is thus doing its part in a market More than just a partnership, this is a lasting restructuring movement that has been completed commitment to the future and one in which we on the East-West lines that make up the French- all must participate. Asia Line. The Group is simultaneously initiating promising developments for the North-South lines.

These strategic choices are induced by the global evolution of maritime shipping, and will create jobs both on board as well as at the Group’s head offi ce in Marseilles. I think this is a very important point.

Additionally, optimised navigation management and innovative technologies model a new way

7 For the Group’s 6,000 customers, the fact that A leading shipping company, CMA CGM is expected a part of the CMA CGM fleet belongs to the to benefi t from a slightly improved economic French Flag Register (RIF) is a clear advantage. climate. According to INSEE calculations, activity in According to the 2014 “Port State Control” the eurozone maintained its growth rate of +0.4% ranking, based on criteria such as adherence to in the fi rst quarter of 2015. The GDP is expected social and technical standards and safety and to grow at a rate similar to the second quarter sailor training standards, France ranks number (+0.4 %), before increasing slightly from now 1 worldwide. France outranks Denmark (ranked until the end of the year, thanks to the support of 7th) the (9th), Germany (15th) and domestic demand. In terms of annual averages, GDP Switzerland (41st). Last year, not a single CMA CGM growth is expected to reach +1.4% in 2015, after an ship sailing under the French fl ag was stopped increase of +0.9% in 2014. Production is expected for non-compliance with to be driven mainly by regulations. “We want to do “WE WANT TO DO OUR increases in household our part in making the French consumption and fl ag a model of excellence by PART IN MAKING THE productive investments. using ships that are examples FRENCH FLAG A MODEL OF In this expected bright of safety, performance and EXCELLENCE BY USING SHIPS spell in the French and environmental protection,” European economies, the adds François Leray. THAT ARE EXAMPLES OF CMA CGM Bougainville’s SAFETY, PERFORMANCE AND entrance into the fl eet With the North Sea, the English is a signifi cant marker Channel, the Atlantic and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ” of renewed ambition the Mediterranean, France and confi dence. is surrounded on four sides by the sea, and has 3,427 km of coastline. Metropolitan France has When transporting classic, dry and reefer containers many places for CMA CGM to use as arrival, transit (specifi cally designed to transport temperature- and departure ports. With more than 40 shipping controlled goods) full of luxury products, cosmetics, lines, the Group is an effi cient and unparalleled wines and spirits, pharmaceutical products partner for its French customers, including and aeronautics material, all “made in France”, both large corporations and small and medium CMA CGM contributes to exporting French enterprises looking to export their production. savoir-faire all over the world. Even the Group’s employees stationed abroad play a signifi cant role. In 2014, approximately 6 million tons of various goods took to the sea, leaving from Marseilles-Fos, Le Havre, and Dunkirk, headed for international destinations.

AN INAUGURATION ATTENDED BY THE FRENCH REPUBLIC’S PRESIDENT, FRANCOIS HOLLANDE

On October 6th, 2015, the CMA CGM Bougainville was offi cially inaugurated by the President of the French Republic, Francois Hollande, in Le Havre at a ceremony attended by 500 guests. A symbolic event, it was also a great tribute to the Group which was cited as an example of French success in the maritime sector and ports which contributes to France’s development in the world.

8 Autumn 2015 FOCUS

For companies in eastern France, it is easier to CREATING JOBS reach these ports through river routes, rather AT SEA AND ON LAND than going all the way to the west coast. This area benefi ts from concrete advantages that could be enhanced through a voluntaristic The Group employs 22,000 people throughout maritime policy. It all begins with training. “In the world and close to 4,700 in France, 2,400 of France, 300,000 people are directly employed in whom in Marseilles, (making it the city’s largest the maritime sector and this number could double private employer). CMA CGM also contributes to in 15 years,” explains the economic life of Le Havre. Financially engaged Jean-François In France, 300,000 people Tallec. CMA CGM, in the management and organisation of France’s are directly employed in the top port, CMA CGM contributes greatly in making which employs shipping an important source of employment, 500 French sailors, maritime sector and this number not only in Le Havre itself, (with close to 500 collaborates with could double in 15 years. CMA CGM employees), but also throughout French merchant northern France and the rest of the country. The navy schools. “In development margin is still enormous: despite 2014, 114 students came aboard our ships to perfect an increase of 2.6% (2.55 million containers) the their training,” says François Leray. Normandy port is ranked only 60th worldwide, far Because CMA CGM has always considered behind Shanghai (35 million containers), Rotterdam people to be one of their historic values, the (12.3 million) and Hamburg (9.7 million). This is CMA CGM Academy was born. The Academy due to its geographical location, competition, is dedicated to training in all aspects of the customs policies, and lack of river connections shipping industry, as well as in other subjects and multi-modal platforms, says Eric Meltzer, such as people management, budgeting and CMA CGM Group’s Sales Director for France and project management. François Friboulet, Customer Service Manager. According to them, 50% of the volume of French goods is handled in Rotterdam and Antwerp.

9 A STRATEGY INTEGRATING RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The vast majority of goods sent around the world are shipped by sea. The maritime sector is the most environmentally friendly mode of transport with 70 times less pollution than an aeroplane!

Preservation of the environment is one of the key elements of CMA CGM Group’s development strategy, and CMA Ships was recognised for its corporate eff orts in 2013 by the Bureau Veritas and received ISO 14001 certifi cation. This offi cial standard defi nes an Environmental Management System based on continual improvement of environmental performance and pollution prevention. For CMA CGM, means of action in this domain

include reducing CO2 emissions, developing inter-modal transport, using eco-containers, installing measuring and monitoring systems and implementing procedures that protect biodiversity. These actions have a very concrete result: since

2005, CMA CGM has reduced CO2 emissions by 50% per container. Furthermore, CMA CGM Group’s commitment to the environment can be seen in its partnerships with international bodies such as the Clean Cargo Group, the Charte Bleue

10 Autumn 2015 FOCUS

French shippers organisation, the Green Flag Initiative The CMA CGM Bougainville features additional lashing (California) and the Fair Winds Charter (). bridges that support containers raised to three heights, and external lashing that reinforces the security of The Group regularly receives awards that highlight containers. its expertise and its commitment to cleaner, greener ships. The entirety of the Group’s fl eet continually The Group is fully conscious of the fact that shipping benefi ts from technical evolutions that help preserve is an extraordinary tool for a country’s economy, and the environment and the CMA CGM Bougainville is the new CMA CGM Bougainville is a vessel dedicated once again the fl ag bearer of the Group’s policy. Its to its customers. The ship is a giant of the sea loyal to optimised hull design, for example, noticeably improves the social and environmental values of the Group, and the ship’s propulsion in the water. The forecastle it aims to defend the colours and interests of France maximises the use of space on board and ensures throughout the world. better visibility from the bridge. This also makes the ship more resistant to torque. With this layout, fuel tanks are placed under the aftercastle, protected by the double hull of the ship.

11 12 Autumn 2015 FOCUS LE HAVRE IS A CITY MADE UP OF QUALITY MEN AND WOMEN, WITH A LONG TRADITION OF MARITIME AND PORT PROFESSIONS ■ The fl oor to ■ EDOUARD PHILIPPE Deputy and Mayor of Le Havre

rench ports don’t often receive good and international trading. Means include accrued publicity. Too often, ports are seen as places customs capacities, property reserves to further Fof industrial pollution, recurring social expand its “Cold” fl eet and security equipment confl ict or unwanted traffi c. All too often, we talk that is groundbreaking in France. about the risks and dangers of globalisation and not enough about the incredible opportunities Finally, to grow and prosper, we need loyal it offers in terms of economic development, and trustworthy partners, such as CMA CGM. business activity and job creation. The Group is now the number one shipping company in France and third worldwide, and Le Havre has decided to honour its history and one of our main partners. assume its role as an industrial and port city. The routes of globalisation are by sea and the After the CMA CGM Medea in 2006, and the CMA key tools of globalisation are containers. This CGM Christophe Colomb four years later, Le Havre makes Le Havre France’s leading port in this had the honour this May, in the presence of the domain. Since research centres and production Group’s President Jacques Saadé, of inaugurating facilities are all along these routes, Le Havre the CMA CGM Kerguelen. These container ships are depends on the development of multi-modal impressive in size and remarkable in environmental transport and the attractiveness of its port. The performance. Now it is time for the inauguration big metropolises of the future will be world cities, of its sister ship, the To grow and prosper, with a maritime interface at their disposal and CMA CGM Bougainville, great political, cultural, economic and fi nancial at Le Havre. The ship we need loyal and infl uence. Because we believe that Paris has all is not only one of trustworthy partners these advantages to keep its rank as a world city, CMA CGM’s fl agships, but Le Havre counts on the Seine as a privileged link also the largest container ship sailing under the with the capital and the Parisian basin, for which French fl ag and the largest French ship in total Le Havre is the natural port. This is the reason length. for pooling capabilities with Rouen and Paris The Bougainville is a symbol of hope and optimism through HAROPA. in maritime transport and the global economy. Le Havre must count on its people, make policies Le Havre is extremely proud to inaugurate this and equip itself with the means to assume this vessel. role. Le Havre is a city made up of quality men It is a sign of great trust in Le Havre: trust in its and women, with a long tradition of maritime capabilities as a port, in the competence of its and port professions. It is a port community port employees, and in the economic future of with the same mission at heart. Policies involve the city. high-level training that aims to bring together on one city centre campus both technical and logistical training, and courses in management

13 THE CMA CGM FOUNDATION CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

FOR 10 YEARS NOW, THE CMA CGM CORPORATE FOUNDATION HAS BEEN COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE DAILY LIVES OF CHILDREN IN NEED LIVING WITH A DISABILITY, A LONG-TERM ILLNESS OR IN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES. AT THE EVENT IN JUNE CELEBRATING THE ANNIVERSARY, CHILDREN WERE ONCE AGAIN THE MAIN FOCUS

he CMA CGM Corporate Foundation was created ten years ago. Soon afterwards, the organisation chose to focus on working on behalf of children in need. Over the course of ten years of social and Thumanitarian work, the Foundation has fi nanced more than 140 projects. “Through the actions that began in 2005, Jacques Saadé and the CMA CGM Group have demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility, staying true to their values: initiative, boldness, imagination and integrity,” explains Naïla Saadé, President of the Foundation.

In concrete terms, these aims are expressed through the commitment on the part of the teams in France, the PACA region and Lebanon to improving the daily lives of children in need living with a disability, a long illness or in extremely diffi cult circumstances.

In 2007 the Foundation Prize was created to honour the most innovative charities working on behalf of children. To go even further with its eff orts, in 2013 the Foundation decided to launch an annual

14 Autumn 2015 FOUNDATION

and sanitation equipment. Initially limited to Africa, the «Containers of Hope» project has now been extended to the entire world.

To celebrate ten years of existence, the Foundation naturally wished to put children front and centre at the event. This is why for nearly a year the CMA CGM head offi ces in Marseille and Beirut have been hosting artistic workshops known as “Kids’ Wednesdays”.

“This project involved around one hundred children from charities in Marseille, the PACA region and Lebanon that were given fi nancial support from the Foundation during its ten years of existence,” notes the President of the Foundation. With painter Gérard Traquandi as the initiative’s sponsor, eleven groups of children living with disabilities, chronic illnesses or coming from disadvantaged call for projects to provide fi nancial support to backgrounds and three groups of children of charities working on behalf of children in need in CMA CGM staff members had the chance to France and Lebanon. “The fi rst three years of this decorate miniature Styrofoam containers and call for projects resulted in our funding around demonstrate their creative potential. thirty initiatives that contribute to the personal development and fulfi lment of children living These works of art were unveiled on 17 June with disabilities or illnesses or who come from during a large exhibition at the CMA CGM Tower disadvantaged backgrounds,” adds Naïla Saadé. in Marseilles. Naïla Saadé took this opportunity to reaffi rm the Foundation’s commitment: “The At the same time, since 2012 the CMA CGM children that honour us with their presence off er Group has made a portion of its logistics capacity a real message of hope. I fully believe that giving available to the Foundation as part of a large-scale these children a future will make the world a better humanitarian transportation programme called place because these children will soon grow up. «Containers of Hope». Conducted in partnership The CMA CGM Corporate Foundation will continue with French NGOs (Doctors Without Borders, to work by their sides in the years to come with Action Against Hunger, Handicap International the same passion we have demonstrated for the and the Red Cross), this operation has helped past 10 years.” transport thousands of tonnes of foodstuff s for combating child malnutrition, medical equipment

THE CMA CGM CORPORATE FOUNDATION IN BRIEF

✹ Foundation: 2005

✹ President: Naïla Saadé

✹ Areas of activity: Social and humanitarian philanthropy - working for the well-being of children, especially children living with disabilities, long illnesses or who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

✹ Number of charities supported: more than 140 projects fi nanced through donations and an annual call for projects.

✹ Containers of Hope Operation: 300 containers holding 2,400 tonnes of humanitarian equipment transported for free since 2012 on the CMA CGM shipping lines, provided to Doctors Without Borders, Action Against Hunger, Handicap International and the French Red Cross.

More information at fondation.cma-cgm.com

15 REACTIVITY AND PRECISION: WATCHWORDS OF A PORT STOPOVER A COMPANY LIKE CMA CGM MUST ORGANISE STOPOVERS AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE FAST SHIPPING AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

lthough a commercial ship spends the majority of its time navigating the high Aseas, the most important moments are its stopovers. Whether cargo is being loaded or unloaded, all operations must be carried out with speed and precision. For a giant container ship like the Bougainville, with a capacity of 18,000 TEU, each call in a port is extremely important. “Our objective is always to minimise the amount of wasted time,” explains Eric Sagnier, CMA CGM Group’s Agency & Port Operations Director for French terminals.

Le Havre is the number 1 port in France in activity volume and therefore is an unparalleled stopover. It is the beginning and end of the FAL (French Asia Line) line linking Europe and Asia, and the transhipment port to the United States and the Caribbean. Le Havre is particularly well staff ed and organised, so that ships are docked for the least amount of time possible. When the CMA CGM Bougainville and her sister ship, the CMA CGM Kerguelen, make stopovers in this port, CMA CGM’s Le Havre agency conducts all operations while in constant contact with the team, the Group’s head offi ce in Marseilles, and the stevedore. Three days before the ship arrives, the team makes a preliminary estimate of the

16 Autumn 2015 GROUP LIFE

number of regular and refrigerated containers, A stopover at Le Havre generally lasts between as well as those carrying sensitive goods, that 16 and 24 hours, and several members of the need to be handled. The day before the ship CMA CGM agency team work in shifts to ensure arrives in port, this very detailed information is constant contact between everyone involved. given to the CMA CGM Ship Manager (see article Despite precautions taken and well-organised page 22). It is the Ship Manager’s job to create procedures, incidents can always occur. A technical the ship’s loading plan. At the same time, the problem, a crane or reefer malfunction, or a blocked stevedore is notifi ed of the volumes that need twist-lock attaching the containers can slow down to be loaded, unloaded, and moved onboard the the chain of events. Each potential problem must ship. He puts in place the necessary technical and be fi xed as soon as possible and regular updates human resources. This will depend on diff erent on the situation are factors, for example, the number of container given throughout “Our objective is always gantry cranes stationed along the hull of the ship. the duration of the to minimise the amount stopover. “Prepa - of wasted time” Operations begin as soon as the ship is docked. rations to set sail Like a fi nely orchestrated ballet, seven cranes are begin three hours before the ship’s actual put into action at the same time as more than departure,” explains Eric Sagnier. “The last steps one hundred people begin their work on the are like a countdown, and it is not unusual for the dock. Onboard the ship, the captain meets with last container to be placed on board right as we’re customs agents. Everything is verifi ed, including casting off . But thanks to all our teams’ hard work, the ship’s documents, the crew’s passports and we stay right on schedule over 90% of the time.” visas, and information about sensitive goods. As the giant container ship sails away, the port Le Havre is a very busy stopover port, (with 25 team at its next destination is already preparing CMA CGM lines passing through each week). for its arrival. Captains, new offi cers, teams and sailors rotate, and ships receive new supplies and spare mechanical parts. Waste is unloaded and fuel tanks are refi lled.

17 JF HILLEBRAND GROUP: IN VINO VERITAS

ACCORDING TO THE FAMOUS LATIN EXPRESSION, IN WINE, THERE IS TRUTH! JF HILLEBRAND GROUP BEGAN IN GERMANY IN 1844 SPECIALIZING IN TRANSPORTING WINE AND SPIRITS INTERNATIONALLY. TODAY, THEY EXPORT FRENCH PRODUCTS AND SAVOIR-FAIRE ALL OVER THE WORLD. CMA CGM IS ONE OF THEIR MAIN PARTNERS IN MARITIME SHIPPING.

or the company JF Hillebrand Group, shipping has run in the family since 1844. That year, at the young age of Fonly 25, Johann Friedrich Hillebrand created his own company in Mayence, on the banks of the Rhine. As a shipping agent, he organised for German wine to be sent on barges to ports in the North Sea, such as Hamburg and Amsterdam.

In 1918, the company had only ten employees. But encouraged by the founder’s grandson, JF Hillebrand Group expanded their business on the other side of the ocean and entered into partnerships with the United States. The year 1956 marked a crucial step in JF Hillebrand Group’s journey. The shipping container was invented and the company’s managers found containers to be an ideal way to ship wine under the best conditions.

To further its development, in 1974, the company opened offi ces in 88 countries, establishing an international network. In 2007, they acquired the British company TransOcean Distribution, specialising in the transport of bulk liquid using fl exible tanks installed in the containers.

2010 was another important year for the company that would become JF Hillebrand Group, holding a privileged role as a world expert in transporting wine and spirits. True to its roots and specialities, the company acts as a shipping and customs agent, just as it did in 1844. The Group is not a shipping company. Instead, it manages the transport of precious bottles from vineyards to the consumer on the other side of the world. This business is done through an entire network of partner shipping companies, both on land and at sea. For Emmanuel Olivier, Purchasing Director of Maritime Freight at JF Hillebrand Group, the company’s mission can be boiled down to a very simple formula: “We handle multi-modal logistics

18 Autumn 2015 FACE TO FACE

(shipping, storage, customs clearance) especially “We play an operational role, but above all a for products that are particularly fragile and for consultative role for our customers,” adds Emmanuel which the customs and tax regulations are complex, Olivier. “Unlike general shipping companies, we from producer countries to consumer countries.” specialise exclusively in shipping beer, wine and spirits. Our teams are specially trained in this fi eld of expertise. According to our customer’s needs and instructions and the type of product, as well as climate conditions and distance, we recommend MORE THAN appropriate logistical solutions: standard dry ONE MILLION BOTTLES containers, standard containers insulated with VinLiner to protect against thermal shocks and OF FRENCH WINE especially the reefer container, which guarantees a constant temperature and is proven to be perfectly AND SPIRITS ARE adapted to wine conservation.” JF Hillebrand Group purchased Satellite Logistics Group, and today is EXPORTED EACH DAY the world’s leader in international logistics of beer, wine and spirits. With offi ces in Beaune (opened JF Hillebrand Group’s considerable experience in 1974), Bordeaux (in 1976) and Cognac (end of in the wine shipping world gives the company the 1980’s), its French subsidiary holds a market an excellent reputation in the biggest production share of more than 40% and single-handedly zones and among professionals of the industry all manages the shipping of more than one million over the world. From Grand crus de Bourgogne, bottles of wine and spirits per day! to illustrious Bordeaux wines to prestigious champagne, the company ships the liquid treasures We can only imagine the volumes handled on in an optimal way, thanks to the savoir-faire of its an international level over the course of a year… 2,200 employees (350 of whom in France). JF Hillebrand Group has more than 11,000 customers from all over the world, a presence in 88 countries, and ships more than 400,000 containers each year. These fi gures demonstrate the company’s leading presence in the industry.

19 JF HILLEBRAND GROUP: “PREDICT THE LOGISTICAL SOLUTIONS OF TOMORROW” ■ Interview ■ EMMANUEL OLIVIER Purchasing Director of Maritime Freight

❚ What are JF Hillebrand Group’s specifi c requirements and priorities when it comes to transporting its products?

Wine, beer and spirits shipped by JF Hillebrand Group are products with a high added value that are fragile and particularly sensitive to variations in temperature and humidity. Also, certain bottles are rare, and sometimes even one of a kind. Our responsibility is to transport these products in optimal conditions so that they remain unaltered. We do not compromise, for example, on the quality and cleanliness of our shipping containers. Security and protection onboard the ship are essential. ❚ What are your expectations for all of your transporters, whether by land, air or sea?

Our expectations are the same for all our partners: reliable service, maintained commitments, fl exibility and adaptability, innovation and creativity, and long-term professional relationships. ❚ How far back does your partnership go with CMA CGM Group?

I would say since forever! To be more precise, we’ve been partners ever since CMA CGM and JF Hillebrand Group were among the fi rst to believe in the potential possibilities of container shipping. So our relationship goes back a long way!

20 Autumn 2015 FACEFACE TTO FACE

❚ What is your perspective on the ❚ What are the challenges in the years partnership? to come?

It is very clear to us on a daily basis that We are all aware of the instability and extreme CMA CGM understands our commercial and competition in this environment, such as regular operational expectations. Nothing is perfect all the changes in lines, changes to ports or turnarounds, time, of course, but our communication with the line suspension of loops, shipyard alliances, or inter- managers is extremely good, which is demonstrated modal problems. by the increase of our business volume with CMA CGM. Besides off ering us a complete service, A changing world is a wonderful opportunity to CMA CGM is always reactive and fl exible, which adapt, be fl exible and innovate in order to maintain are major assets in our successful relationship. In our quality of service while at the same time always 2014, for the 80th anniversary of the “Confrérie des advancing our services further. Innovation and Chevaliers du Tastevin,” we organised a special creativity are the keys to JF Hillebrand Group’s shipping with CMA CGM to evaluate the eff ects success. We always want to adapt and be more of maritime shipping on wine. 420 bottles of reactive to our customers’ needs, in terms of Grands vins de Bourgogne were shipped around transparency, throughput management, etc. We the world for 80 days in a reefer container, under especially want to predict the logistical solutions controlled temperature conditions. Test bottles of tomorrow, and create these solutions for and had remained at the Château du Clos de Vougeot with our customers. in Bourgogne. A comparative tasting proved that controlled maritime transport does not alter the This is why we require CMA CGM and our other taste qualities of wine. providers to give us valid orders and rates, a long-lasting commitment guaranteeing space and superb operational quality. Our service requirement, excellence we seek, play a key role in the choice of our partners.

21 SHIP MANAGER: AT THE HEART OF MARITIME OPERATIONS

AMONG ALL THE POSITIONS WITHIN THE CMA CGM GROUP, THE ROLE OF SHIP MANAGER SETS ITSELF APART FROM THE REST. AT THE HEART OF THE OPERATIONAL ASPECT OF MARITIME TRANSPORT, SHIP MANAGER IS AN ESSENTIAL ROLE THAT ENSURES THAT SHIPS ARE ON TIME AND LOADING IS OPTIMISED

he CMA CGM Bougainville will be offi cially port stopover. The Ship Manager must determine inaugurated this October. When a ship of where to place each container on the ship, like a Tthat size casts off its moors, 18,000 TEU giant 3D puzzle. Containers are placed in the hold containers will take to the sea. The FAL 1 line links or on the deck depending on where they will be Europe and Asia, and its long transoceanic journey delivered. A container that must be unloaded at lasts 77 days, broken up by 11 stopovers. Each the next stopover cannot be placed all the way time a container ship arrives in port, every hour at the back of the ship! “Very powerful software counts in order to meet deadlines and customer enables us to know what space is available so demands for punctuality. that we can best prepare our Unlike a Ship Planner loading plans. But the closer As soon as a ship is moored the stopovers are, the more in a port, a veritable ballet of who is only in charge of the stressful it gets!” explains cranes begins in order to load loading plan, a Ship Manager Emilian Stere, who manages and unload dozens or even follows the vessel from the biggest ships in the Group’s hundreds of steel shipping fl eet as Ship Manager of the containers. Since containers beginning to end French Asia Line. are stacked more than twenty high, creating an impressive wall 400 meters Keeping with an aspect unique to the CMA CGM long, one can only imagine the complexity of Group, his mission goes far beyond precision, operations. anticipation and management. “Unlike a Ship Planner who is only in charge of the loading plan, Planning all of this is designated to one man: a Ship Manager follows the vessel from beginning the Ship Manager. Behind his computers, at the to end,” adds Emilian. In addition to managing heart of the head offi ce in Marseilles, this battle- volumes, the Ship Manager supervises the carbon hardened professional prepares and oversees each consumption and security settings of the vessel.

22 Autumn 2015 THE EXPERTS

“Our customers count on us to deliver their “Based on the experience of each of the team products on time. If a ship stays in port for 18 members, we follow two or three ships from the hours instead of 10, that immediately impacts the same line simultaneously. One of the advantages of rest of the trip. The ship then needs to go faster this fascinating role is that it is a central position, and use more fuel. CMA CGM strongly believes working with other services of the company such as in our environmental approach, which means we cargo fl ow or the SSE Department. It requires lots travel at an eco-friendly speed.” The Ship Manager of concentration and serious work, but designing is also responsible for placing reefer containers, a perfect loading plan with short stopovers is specialised transport, and sensitive products. highly satisfying.” For an emblematic line such as All of these factors must be taken into account the FAL 1, which has the largest CMA CGM ships, in the loading plan. A CMA CGM Ship Manager the challenge never ends. For a Ship Manager, handles all of these details often in real time, over punctuality and effi ciency go hand in hand. the phone, day or night, all while communicating with terminal managers and ship captains.

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