The programme, entitled Sustainability on the High Seas, takes a look at the efforts Maersk Line and the industry are taking to improve their environmental record. Shipping transports more than 90% of the world’s bulk cargo whilst contributing 3% to annual greenhouse gas emissions. That figure is rising as global trade increases, and some experts predict it could quadruple by 2050. So, any increases in efficiency have the ability to make a real difference.

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00r3qlt

The vessel has been chartered for the filming of ‘Captain Phillips’ which recounts the story of the hijacking of the ‘Maersk Alabama’ by Somali pirates in 2009 and its eventual rescue. Tom Hanks stars in the role of Captain Phillips in this film being directed by Paul Greengrass. The vessel is expected to be in Malta for 5 weeks of filming both inside port and at sea.

Due to their long track record in supporting film productions, Thomas Smith is also the logistics contractor for Waveland Pictures.

Alexander Maersk entering Valletta Grand Harbour – 7th April 2012

The project was carried out successfully and on time in less than two weeks during the first days of August. The job consisted of a five year statutory survey of the vessel as well as hull blasting and painting works.

Measuring a length of 294 metres and reaching a gross weight of 48, 853 tons, the Baltimore flies a Danish registration flag and has a capacity of 4,500 TEU’s. The vessel was launched in 2006.

Maersk Line is the core liner shipping business of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group and the leading container shipping company in the world. The Maersk Line fleet comprises more than 500 vessels and a number of containers corresponding to more than 1,900,000 TEU (Twenty foot Equivalent Unit). This ensures a reliable and comprehensive coverage worldwide.

Maersk Line is consistently recognized as the most reliable container shipping company. 

The Company has recently moved its operations from Gioia Tauro in Italy to the Malta Freeport.

“The Thomas Smith Group provides a one-stop shop solution for individuals or companies seeking solutions for their shipping requirements ranging from container shipping to independent freight forwarding services, both for short range and longer distance requirements. We assist our clients by leveraging the MAERSK extensive worldwide network and a full range of Maersk services to ensure that our customers can move their wares into and out of Malta as well as anywhere around the world in an effective and reliable way” said Anton Buttigieg, General Manager of Thomas Smith Port Agency.

Thomas Smith is a group of companies offering a diversified portfolio of services in shipping, logistics, and insurance. With operations in Malta, Libya and Tunisia, Thomas Smith Group is strategically positioned to provide a host of professional and logistics services for individuals, SME’s and industry.

Thomas Smith Group was entrusted to coordinate all the import and export activity for World War Z’s production company whilst filming in Malta.

Totalling over 45 tonnes of airfreight and 25 container loads, this equipment and props were brought over to Malta for use in the production of the movie. The equipment was shipped out to Stansted once the production in Malta was completed a few weeks ago.

Two special cargo aircrafts, Antonov 124, left Malta earlier this month loaded with approximately 45 tonnes of equipment whilst 25 containers were shipped out at a later stage.

“The Thomas Smith Group provides the film industry in Malta with a one stop shop solution through a full range of services ranging from airfreight to shipping. Besides offering tailor made solutions, we also leverage the extensive network of our shipping principals MAERSK – the world’s biggest shipping line. Over the years, the Thomas Smith Logistics Division has gained considerable experience in assisting movie producers and production companies to move around their wares into and out of Malta” said Mr. Joe Gerada, Managing Director of Thomas Smith Group.

Thomas Smith is a group of companies offering a diversified portfolio of services in shipping, logistics, insurance and travel. With operations in Malta, Libya and Tunisia, Thomas Smith Group is strategically positioned to provide a host of professional and logistics services for individuals, SME’s and industry.

Thomas Smith Group is the exclusive agent of the Maersk Line in Malta.

Only recently, A.P. Moller Maersk announced the setting up of Seago Line which will specialize in the intra-European trade. Seago Line which is 100% owned by A.P. Moller Maersk will also be calling at Malta Freeport through the Scanmed Service which links Turkey and Greece with North Europe and Scandinavia. The Scanmed service will call both in the Northbound direction as well as Southbound.

Maersk Line will also perform further container transhipment operations at Malta Freeport through services t hat are jointly operated with CMA CGM. These include the AE155 service which links the Med to the Middle East and Asia as well as the Westmed Service which links the Med to the U .S. East Coast. Feedering services will cover connections to the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian and Sicily.

The quality of service and state-of-the-art facilities offered by Malta Freeport have been fundamental in order to secure this new business from the world’s largest shipping line.

Maersk Line currently employs 16,900 employees and 7,600 Seafarers and has around 325 representation offices located in more than 125 countries.

It is the core shipping activity of A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, with a fleet of over 500 vessels. Maersk Line and Seago Line are locally represented by Thomas Smith Group.

“Maersk Line’s expectations for Malta Freeport to deliver a valuable, highly productive operation will be the key to a prosperous working relationship”, said Managing Director for Maersk Italia Todd Pigeon. “Based on Malta Freeport’s selection, the Maltese market now has a reach to Maersk Line’s global network at more competitive levels”

Commenting on this positive development, Mr. Joe Gerada, Managing Director of Thomas Smith Group, said “We welcome Maersk’s extended involvement in the Maltese market and we view this development as a vote of confidence in the Malta Freeport and in the Thomas Smith Group. In our opinion, the continuous investment in the Malta Freeport facilities was a major contributing factor in Maersk’s decision to transfer operations to the Malta Freeport.”

Thomas Smith Group is also proud to be entrusted with the coordination of the transshipment function making Malta a main gateway to a wide range of Mediterranean ports.

“We look forward to provide our Malta based customers with a much wider portfolio of direct port coverage worldwide” added Mr. Gerada.

Mr. Bernard Muscat, General Manager of the Freight Forwarding Division at Thomas Smith, was presented with this award at the Corinthia Marina Hotel in the presence of Lufthansa Cargo Regional Manager Mr. Anthony Mifsud and Lufthansa Cargo Director for Italy and Malta Mr. Thomas Egenolf.

The award ceremony attended by the leading airfreight agents in Malta together with the main customers supporting Lufthansa Cargo demonstrates the recognition to air transport and its continuing improvements in airfreight on time service.

Thomas Smith is recognized as one of the leading freight companies in Malta providing reliable airfreight services airport-to-airport and door-to-door consistently, whilst the company also prides itself on superior price offering, transit times, services, and reliability.

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The Grand Princess Drydock Journal captured the dramatic process with 26 video updates plus nearly 300 photos of the daily progress at the shipyard in the Bahamas.

Did you know during the 24 day drydock:

• 2,270 gallons of paint was used
• Skywalkers at 282 tonnes was removed
• 14,000m2 of new Carpet was fitted
• 4,000m2 of outside deck turf placed
• A total of 1.400 contractors were employed

Grand Princess set sail on the 5th of May and will be welcomed into Southampton on the 21 May, she will be based in Europe for the summer season.

What’s new on Grand Princess:
 
The removal of Skywalkers nightclub from the ship’s stern
The complete demolition and rebuilding of the atrium to create the new Piazza with several new eateries including Alfredo’s Pizzeria, the Crown Grill and the line’s first specialty tea lounge called Leaves.
Seven new window suites
Remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery;
Enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel
The addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge
The new nightclub, The One5, that replaced Skywalkers, open May 21.