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January 9, 2013
We understand that economics have a financial snow ball effect on global industries, but it’s really interesting to note how a simple product launch, such as the iPhone 5, can send air cargo into the profitable margin, and help the industry bounce back from some serious recession repercussions.
Economic Injection
The Apple product has provided much needed relief to the air freight industry which suffered a huge decrease in product volumes and rates during the tough economic period. Air cargo transport companies have seen a dramatic increase in their shipments since the demand for Apple iPhones, laptops, tablets and desktop computers has dramatically escalated.
Apple favours the use or air cargo services to transport their products across the globe, which has also helped to drastically improve the prices of air freight as they were escalating as companies needed to still cover costs, but with less income. July 2009 showed the worst returns on air cargo prices, and most recently in July 2012, but with the newest Apple products once again flooding the global market, stockists everywhere are placing urgent orders.
It’s most interesting when statistics show that some companies have seen a 50% profit increase when new product launches are advertised, not only by Apple but by many technological suppliers such as Samsung and Phillips.
Air cargo is by far the preferred mode of shipping as it’s faster in speed, as well as clearing and forwarding, however shipping companies should not put all their eggs in one basket. Apple has the means to afford air cargo as and when it is required, but not all companies are flush enough to ship products at the drop of a hat, and for this reason the shipping and air cargo community are starting to adopt a new approaching to their rates and pricing.
As with the behavioural patterns shown in tech enthusiasts where they rush to buy one product, and then cool down on the next one, so too does the air cargo and shipping industry has to roll with the economic ebbs and waves in the current economic climate.
October 23, 2012
The latest proposal for energy hikes by Eskom have been met with upset by not only residents but also the National Consumer Forum body which keeps an eye on the basic cost of living and the impact increases, such as Eskom’s, have on everyone.
The Sky’s isn’t the Limit
The recent application from Eskom is just one more in a line of their requests to increase electricity tariffs over five years. Their first proposal asked for 25% over three years, and now 16% over five years, taking 1kW from 19 cents to just over 61 cents, and it will reach R1.28 by 2017. Families are feeling the pinch with many not being able to afford their electricity bills every month-end. Budgets are becoming tighter, while some just cannot afford it at all and don’t know which way to turn anymore. Becoming energy efficient requires an initial outlay of funds that so many South African households just don’t have to spare.
Some families have taken to calling an electrician in to install prepaid electricity meters as a means to better control their electricity usage and become more energy efficient. Others who are fortunate enough have turned to solar geysers, geyser timers, blankets, and gas stoves to try to cushion the blow. Economists are encouraging people to stretch budgets where they can.
The controversial request has many businesses up in arms. Smaller businesses such as hairdressers are feeling it with some having to close their doors as they just cannot justify the electricity price hikes in their prices, and nor can they afford the monthly bills.
The snowball effect means that food prices will double over the next five years while some people are just not affording rentals, others are defaulting on their bonds. As petrol prices increase, and with Eskom demanding more money, the future looks somewhat murky in terms of finances. Currently, South Africa has the most expensive electricity tariffs in the world, and now they’re set to become exorbitant. There are ways to combat the increases.
People need to make do with possibly buying generators and gas hobs to bring down costs. There are several options that people can consider and one of them is going green. Several people are now growing their own vegetables to combat the inevitable increase in food prices. More and more consumers are using public transport because petrol is just too high. In the meantime, hopefully the National Consumer Forum can help to slow the increases by Eskom and other bodies, to a rate at which all salaries can cope, otherwise everything from plumbing supplies to paid-for parking will become too expensive. At least fresh air is free.
June 25, 2012
The dimensions and contour is almost incomprehensible. It is most difficult to not heed her imposing presence. Blue Marlin ship is the globe’s largest seagoing carrier across the oceans. The sturdy carrier can transport an oil rig, or 22 barges, or a couple of submarines, even a couple of aircraft carriers. The semi-submersible was built purely for the transport of these massive constructs.
She is the biggest powerhouse ship on the ocean. Weighing an impressive 60,000 tonnes the Blue Marlin can load and carry additional 75,000 tonnes with absolute ease. At just over 700 feet in length and 149 in depth, the Marlin’s width is the most impressive. She measures two football fields in width and which allows her to carry mammoth structures such as rigs and up to 22 barges. Apparently a larger carrier ship is set to be launched at the end of 2012 and she will be the newest member of the Blue Marlin team. Designed to out-do the Marlin is most ways, she will carry a maximum weight of 110,000 tonnes. Now that’s impressive, but one still cannot dispute the legend that is the current Blue Marlin. Her freight and shipping capabilities are powerful and extremely dramatic.
The Blue Marlin has a crew of 24 because it takes some seriously experienced deck hands to ensure her colossal cargo is placed and
secured perfectly and safely each and every single time. It requires experienced men to ensure that the massive semi-submersible does exactly what she was designed for. Her ballast tanks fill with water, which then allows the Blue Marlin to perform a controlled sink to a depth of 15 metres. The cargo is then moved across the water onto the back on the Marlin. The water is pumped out of the ballast tanks and the ship rises so the cargo sits on top of the water, making it is ready for transportation. The crew’s job is extremely intensive and their responsibilities are heightened according to the risk and cargo their ship carries. The position of the cargo in relation to the ship is critically important.
The largest structure transported by the Blue Marlin was BP’s 60,000 tonne oil rig, still considered the largest offshore structure in the world. After loading the rig was transported all the way from Korea to the Gulf of Mexico. Clearly air freight forwarders would not work for this cargo shipment as it would have to be done in many pieces and many different trips. The structure stretched was so big stretched wider than the ship which means it stood out 55 metres on both sides. This is not the only mammoth shipment transported on the back of the imposing ship.
The Blue Marlin was commissioned by the US Navy to transport their USS Cole back to the States after it was damaged bombing attack during the Iraqi war. For the Marlin this was an easily loaded cargo. The stricken craft was then shipped back to its United States base. Now, as the bigger sister of the Blue Marlin makes its debut at the end of 2012, we cannot wait to see what she will carry.
May 17, 2012
Some broadband internet news coming out of South Africa now; all universities and public research institutes are to be given access to broadband internet at a heightened speed. South Africa’s internet infrastructure, while being somewhat stable, has always been lagging behind international first world countries. The South African Department of Higher Education and Training has stated that the Department of Science and Technology is to invest R886 million (about $117 million) into linking local universities and public research organisations with a minimum internet bandwidth speed of 10mb/. This is big news since that speed is perhaps a premium that the average consumer in South Africa may not be able to afford.
The reasoning behind the infrastructure upgrade, which includes on-site servers and a managed firewall system, is that South Africa is looking to become a major player in international science and research. The idea is that international scientists will be able to bring their research into South Africa without fear of losing their own super-fast broadband internet service infrastructure. The project is being managed by SANReN which forms part of an initiative founded by the Department of Science and Technology; the number one priority for them has been dedicated server hosting and broadband internet access for tertiary institutions and research organisations across South Africa.
South African broadband internet has always had less than fantastic speed tests, but this heightened priority of providing universities with the infrastructure to rival first world nations might just kick things into hyper-gear. The broadband internet deals that consumers in South Africa will have available may become more sophisticated as a result of this initiative; this may return the favour for an echo of upgraded infrastructure. Freedom to access broadband internet was even made a human right by the UN recently which goes to show how important the service is for the entire human race. So many jobs and research is dependent on broadband internet these days that it makes sense to make this a high priority for educational means.
March 29, 2012
One of the most revered hospitals in South Africa has just revealed plans to build a child disease clinic in the city of Cape Town. Red Cross Children’s Hospital is known for its brilliant work with children that are suffering or have suffered through horrendous injuries and diseases.
The Red Cross is aggressively tackling TB and diarrhoea as these are often fatal in children. By building a R30 million clinic that will provide specialist treatment for seriously ill children, the clinic will house the current Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit and a research unit. Another important department within the groundbreaking clinic is the training of specialists that will focus on childhood diseases. Healthcare logistics are at the forefront as Red Cross want to provide a top clinic to treat children with serious diseases.
Dettol SA has made a phenomenal donation of R1 million, and during the handover of the substantial amount Louise Driver, the Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross Children’s Hospital Trust , advised that the unit is sorely needed because there is no infectious diseases unit specifically geared for children. The Red Cross Children’s Hospital is committed to treating infectious diseases and eradicating these conditions that can easily be avoided with good hygiene.
The hospital has confirmed that construction on the clinic will begin in August and should take about 20 months to complete. Give the immense donation from Dettol SA and the unbelievable dedication of the staff at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital there is no doubt that everything from vaccine storage facilities to high-tech machinery will be put to the best possible use in saving the lives of the little ones who desperately need it.
Some of us crave adventure, a change or some of us are placed in an opportunity to start a new life in a different place. Whether you are moving abroad for work or pleasure or a change of lifestyle, once you make the decision, it is daunting and the move itself can be incredibly stressful. In this article, we are going to help you along your new journey and give you some peace of mind and answer some questions you have about how to move abroad.