2012: Accra Ghana - The Global Institute of Logistics

ACCRA APRIL 2012

GIL DELIVER KEYNOTE AT AFRICA PORTS AND LOGISTICS

The Institute was asked to deliver the key note speech at Africa Ports and Logistics in Accra Ghana. The conference examined how putting the spotlight on the challenges and innovative solutions facing the operators and users of Africa’s ports and terminals and its transportation corridors.. Within this context Mr. Ring presented the results of the Institute’s research into how port communities are changing in order to meet the demands of full integration into the global supply chain.

KIERAN RING ADDRESSES DELEGATES AT AFRICA PORTS LOGISTICS & SUPPLY CHAIN

African ports are faced with serious challenges of productivity, efficiency and sustainability impacting logistics and supply chain performance – the 3rd Africa Ports Conference in Ghana addressed these issues and was organised to help ports to achieve competitiveness and supply chain innovation.

With world trade expected to double within 15 years, and the growing importance of African countries as global trading partners, most shipping lines are investing heavily in new vessels, including vessels over 10,000 teu. Port and terminal operators must accommodate these new shipping trends and needs. Expansion of terminals is taking place globally including in Nigeria, Angola and Egypt, and new terminals are being built in the Congo and Liberia, among others.

The Conference addressed the readiness of African ports to receive the newer and bigger vessels, developing, improving and protecting port facilities; securing financing for marine infrastructure; managing congestion and increasing operational efficiency; assessing intermodal options and promoting regional and international trade flow.

The title of M. Rings speech was HOW CAN LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY BE IMPROVED? and included on the results of GIl’s research explaining how port communities are significantly changing so it can accommodate for full integration into the global supply chain.

The distinguished panel of speakers includes representatives from regional government authorities and trade bodie including Nestor Percy Galley, director general, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and Jerome Ntibarekerwa, secretary general, Port Management Association of East and South Africa.

Joining Mr Ring to speak at the seminar were Carlos Ahenkora, President, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders who welcomed the conference and as the dynamic voice of freight logistics service providers and urged all players to be aware of professionalism and “to possess minimum liability insurance for customer comfort and reliability.”