Speaking on “The Fast And Furious Pace Of Change In Asia,” Poulsson said that the projected growth for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is 5.2% this year and 5.6% in 2015, pointing out that “an essential element” of this is ASEAN’s “economic integration.”

Mr Poulsson expressed the view that the ‘Dragon’s Head’ of Shanghai will become ever more important over time” while Hong Kong will remain important for North Asia and Singapore’s influence “will further strengthen in South East Asia and beyond. “It is thus important for our association to work ever more closely with other organisations in Asia to ensure the Asian message is heard internationally,” he said. “The need for a unified Asian voice has never been more important.” He went on to say that in the area of shipping regulation it is essential that the views of Asian ship owners are heard loud and clear, especially on the many current issues such as piracy and armed robbery, the Ballast Water Convention, greenhouse gas emissions and so on.

“Asian values prioritise community or state interest over individual interests; social order; stability and unity over public debate; a respect for authority; hard work, self-sacrifice and loyalty. Asian workers and leaders embody these principles and with their ‘can do’ attitude, they personify the values of self-reliance and hard work.”

Pointing out that Asia, and most certainly Singapore “strongly focuses on the need to bring young talent into the industry,”  Poulsson highlighted the Singapore Shipping Association’s strong support for initiatives to attract young people with an interest in shipping into the industry – including the provision of scholarships.

He concluded: “Asia is indeed changing the face of global shipping today.”

The port has moved 1,071,760 TEUs since the beginning of the fiscal year in July, up from 1,024,421 TEUs handled during the same period last year, according to February financial results presented at the SCPA’s regular Board meeting today. Container volume remains on plan for the fiscal year, which runs July through June. Calendar year to date, TEU volume is up 2.5 percent.

Continental CST’s booth (Hall 25 / Stand L11) is under the motto “Your Premium Partner for Smart Solutions”.

Tailor-Made Solutions for Specific Customer Needs

“Over the past two years, we have tailored our products even more to the needs of customers and to industry-specific requirements. At CeMAT we will show the highlights that our customized solutions strategy has produced,” says Dr. Michael Andreas Maertens, Managing Director of Continental CST. “We will continue to expand and optimize our product and service portfolio. Only through continuous innovation and investment can we offer the best solutions for each customer in each market segment.”

Tire Product Line with Revolutionary V.ply Technology for the Port Business

A highlight in this year’s CeMAT package from Continental CST is the innovative V.ply tires for port fleets. Continental StraddleMaster, Continental ContainerMaster, DockMaster, and Continental CraneMaster tires are used for port vehicles such as straddle carriers, reach stackers, container cranes, terminal tractors and trailers, as well as heavy-duty forklifts.

The specialty tires for commercial vehicles in port operations are based on V.ply technology. The exceptionally durable V.ply tires have been specifically developed to meet the demanding conditions in port operations, combining the benefits of crossply and radial tires. They offer a high resistance to damage, a long life, and low rolling resistance. The construction allows for greater sidewall thickness, meaning higher payloads for vehicles with high dead weight that often need to turn on the spot or change direction frequently.

Another New Product Introduced to the Public at CeMAT

In keeping with the CeMAT’s “Port” theme, another specialty tire will be premiered for port logistics at the trade fair. It complements the comprehensive tire portfolio for port use that Continental CST presented at last year’s TOC Europe in Rotterdam. The tire and all other details about the product will be announced at the start of the CeMAT.

Continental CST Focuses on Prosperous Port Business

Port logistics is a demanding market with very promising growth prospects. In recent years, this sector has been growing at seven percent per year. Market analyses indicate that capacity will double worldwide within the next ten years.

“The transport volume of cargo containers has increased considerably in the last few years and it will continue to rise in the future. Our entry into the market of port logistics is a logical step in our expansion strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen our position in Europe to enable us to further expand and catch up in other regions,” says Maertens. “However, this rapid growth is creating organizational challenges. In many cases, limited space inhibits additional growth. There is an ever-increasing volume of cargo to be handled in ever tighter schedules. These factors, combined with a competitive market environment, force market participants to continuously optimize operating costs and efficiency. Reliable tires are a key factor for the efficient port logistics.”

Advanced Solid Tire Portfolio for Industrial Trucks

Continental CST will exhibit three new solid tires for forklifts at CeMAT. The Continental CS20, the Continental SC20 Mileage+, and the Continental SC20 Energy+ supplement the full tire range. The CS20 features an energy-saving closed shoulder design. It minimizes vibration to ensure maximum smoothness. The new and very solid SC20 Mileage+ is built for high mileage. It is cut resistant and optimized for outdoor use on abrasive ground. The SC20 Energy+ is designed for low rolling resistance and ideally suitable for battery-powered vehicles operating indoors.

In addition to the energy tube R4.1 light and the mounting frame readychain rack, igus also won the iF product design award for the linear axis drylin SLT. Since 1987, 31 company products have won this award highlighting the high degree of innovation, design quality, material, ergonomics, functionality and environmental compatibility of  igus products.