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Friday 26 June 2020

A major myCargo upgrade + DepthRoRo.com + DepthDefenceLogistics.com



After many months of hard work and dedication a major upgrade to myCargo to make it a world leading fifth generation logistics platform. This upgrade goes hand in hand with the launch of two new industry specific websites DepthRoRo.com and DepthDefenceLogistics.com 



Depth Logistics clients are mainly in the defence industry or heavy industry so these sites allow you to go straight to the site that is most relevant to you.

Depth's mission is to deliver outstanding capabilities and informative content while making the new websites faster, easier to navigate and more user-friendly for their clients. A more visually interactive experience is available through some significant updates, great video content and exciting features, including:

Comprehensive LIVE tracking tools via the widget on both sites allows users to get real-time updates and tracking details on vessels, air cargo, containers, major couriers, and other 3rd party carriers simply using reference numbers or vessel names.

myCargo users can now search for shipment tracking updates directly from the homepage without having to login as long as their reference number matches the data held in the myCargo system. Users who login can do so directly from the widget and land in an enhanced myCargo dashboard with all of their shipments and other historical information and shipping documents at their fingertips.

Online customs clearance capabilities have been simplified so it is quicker and easier to use than ever before. You can initiate clearance on all imports and exports online via the widget on the homepage or the dedicated customs pages.

Cyber security is extremely important so data security has been enhanced to keep clients data safer than ever before.

On DepthRoRo.com you will find a comprehensive list of content and information on shipping of all manner of cargo. Detailed RoRo cargo preparation guides for every conceivable piece of equipment that can be physically loaded on a RoRo ship. The website also features informative videos demonstrating Roll On Roll Off shipping capabilities.

On DepthDefenceLogistics.com unique capabilities and credentials that have made Depth Logistics the leading Australian international freight forwarder serving defence supply chains are available.



These new websites and the myCargo upgrade are another quantum leap forward ahead of all others in the freight forwarding industry and even more capabilities are soon to be released.
All for now,
Brad Skelton

Sunday 31 May 2020

RoRo Vessels Get Green Revhullutionary Treatment

As the search for sustainable solutions to fuel-saving optimisation and emissions reduction continues, Jotun, introduced Hull Skating Solutions technology. It is a 'revhullutionary' innovation for keeping the hulls of large vessels free from fouling.


Aquatic robot crawls hulls to brush off barnacles

The Norwegian based marine coating company, Jotun, has teamed up with one of the worlds largest RoRo carriers to put the hull skater to the test. 

While achieving 'zero-emissions' vessels is still a big challenge, but with this robotic solution for proactive cleaning, emissions from a typical ship can be reduced by 22,000 tonnes of CO2, or 12.5%, over a five year period. This is equivalent to an overall cost saving of USD 4 million. In addition, it reduces the spread of aquatic invasive organisms between different ports. 


Hull Skating Solutions | Jotun

Jotun Hull Skating Solutions is a remotely operated vehicle that inspects the hull underwater and keeps the hull free from fouling. The vehicle is specially developed for the inspection and preventive cleaning of vessels in challenging conditions. It is always on board the vessel, ready to do its job whenever the ship is idle. Once underwater, the unit is remotely controlled. The cleaning and inspection process can take between 2-8 hours, depending the size of the vessel. 

The HSS consists of five solution components; A high performance anti-fouling coating SeaQuantum Skate, proactive condition monitoring, inspection and proactive cleaning with advanced underwater robotic Jotun HullSkater, high-end technical service and performance and service level guarantees that fit the most challenging operations.

This robotic technology provides shipping companies with increased operational efficiency as well as reducing fuel consumption and their environmental footprint.

All for now,
Brad Skelton

Tuesday 26 May 2020

CEO Sleepout 2020 - I have signed up again

On June 18th, I will once again participate in Vinnies' CEO Sleepout to raise money for the St Vincent de Paul Society to support homeless Australians. This will be my fifth year doing the CEO Sleepout and during this time I have raised $6574.00 for the homeless.

Due to the current pandemic situation and social distancing restrictions, this year’s event will be held differently as it will be transformed into one national, interactive and live-streamed event. I will be sleeping in my apartment balcony as part of an eye-opening experience to raise awareness and bring home the realities of homelessness. One night is not a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference. 

There are more than 116,000 people in Australia currently experiencing homelessness and over 51,000 people live in ‘severely’ crowded dwellings. With social distancing measures calling for people to be at least 1.5 metres apart, overcrowded accommodation can be seen as a high risk factor in spreading COVID-19.

Almost $60 million has been raised since the first Vinnies CEO Sleepout in Sydney, 15 years ago. The funds raised through the event will be turned into crisis accommodation, food, healthcare, counselling, education, employment and support to find a permanent home for thousands of homeless people across the country.

Every bit of donations will help break the devastating cycle of homelessness. Just $50 can provide a whole family with a warm, nutritious meal this winter.

Please join me to make a huge difference to people who need it most, donate here. We thank you for your generous support, it is truly appreciated.




All for now,
Brad Skelton

Friday 8 May 2020

Drone Delivery of Ships Stores and Supplies in Singapore

GAC has teamed up with a Singapore-based startup company, F-Drones, to develop large scale drones for delivery of supplies to vessels in the vicinity.

These ships have been receiving helicopter deliveries so the cost differential to a drone is stark.

Testing is currently ongoing on F-Drones' third prototype that is capable of delivery items and supplies of up to 5kg over 50km. The full scale unmanned aerial vehicles are expected to deliver up 100kg payload at a distance of 100 km offshore.

frdones.PNG

F-drones has received Singapore’s first Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone delivery permit and is now scaling up commercial delivery with an off-the-shelf drone.

This is another practical breakthrough technology to meet the demands of the shipping industry and I am certain will eventually be embraced in all major ports around the world.

All for now,

Brad Skelton

Thursday 7 May 2020

Australia's Loyal Wingman BATS

Boeing Defence Australia have unveiled the first unmanned military aircraft to be built in Australia in more than 50 years, the Loyal Wingman. This is a collaboration between Boeing the Royal Australian Air Force these aircraft will be built in Australia.


The Loyal Wingman will have a range of more than 3700km.

The Loyal Wingman will be the first of three Boeing Airpower Teaming System (BATS) unmanned aircraft, which uses artificial intelligence to extend the capabilities of manned and unmanned platforms. The Australian Government through RAAF has invested up to $40 million in the Boeing Loyal Wingman – Advanced Development Program, alongside Boeing’s largest investment in a new unmanned aircraft program outside the United States.  

The BATS prototype will have a range of more than 3700km, enabling Defence to better understand how these types of aircraft can be used as a force-multiplier, helping to project power forward while keeping manned capabilities out of harm’s way. The 11.5 metre long world-leading prototype will now move onto ground testing, followed by test flights later this year.



Here is a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJpeWAxk2So&feature=youtu.be

The groundbreaking project is a boost to Australian economy, and has so far helped support around 100 high-tech jobs in Australia. More than 35 members of Australian industry are supporting prototype work across four states, from the ADF's prime partners like BAE Systems through to SMEs like RUAG and Ferra Manufacturing. 

Depth Logistics proudly acts for some companies that are in this supply chain and the Australian Defence Force. The team and I are truly excited about this project and what it means for Australia.

All for now,
Brad Skelton

Thursday 30 April 2020

The Boeing Dreamlifter Deployed for COVID19 Cargo Transport

Boeing has deployed aircraft to assist with COVID19 relief flights. This includes their "Dreamlifter" 747 Freighter that is normally in service delivering 787 aircraft fuselages from Europe to Seattle.

The Dreamlifter was used to transport 1.5 million medical-grade face masks and PPE from Hong Kong bound for healthcare professionals at Prisma Health in South California. Boeing donated the cost of the mission.
Boeing Dreamlifter transports 1.5m face masks for COVID-19 response

Boeing Dreamlifter transports 1.5m face masks for COVID-19 response

Boeing Dreamlifter oversized cargo plane flew its first COVID-19 ...
Boeing have also flown their Boeing Business Jet demonstrator to deliver over 500,000 masks from China to New Hampshire, USA.

It is great to see Boeing boosting air cargo capacity with their own aircraft at this time.

If you need help solving air cargo challenges please contact my team HERE.

All for now,

Brad Skelton

Tuesday 28 April 2020

ConRo Ships are Still Being Built

US flag carrier, Matson, Inc., added the largest combination ConRo(Container RoRo) vessel ever built in the US to its fleet.

It is great to see ships as versatile as this still being built although there are not many on the high seas. I remember when PAD Lines(Pacific Australia Direct Lines) operated ships like this early in my career before they were sold CGM Lines and after that to the US Military where I think they are still in service today.

Lurline, the first vessel of the 2 "Kanaloa" class vessels, boasts state-of-the-art green technology with dual-fuel capabilities (Diesel and LNG) and built on 3,500 TEU vessel platform. The $278 million vessel was built by General Dynamics NASSCO and debuted its first maiden voyage to Hawaii in January this year.


Lurline Photo Gallery - MATSON

At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, Lurline is now Matson's largest ship and the largest conro vessel ever constructed in the US. It is also one of Matson's fastest vessels, with a top speed of 23 knot.

Being the biggest conro vessel, it has an enclosed garage space for 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo, green technology features including a fuel efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and dual-fuel engines. 



The garage has four decks for cars, two decks for trailers and a stern quartering ramp. Decks can accommodate up to 800 cars. It is the first Matson ship built specially for RoRo work and the first to have their own vehicle ramps, which allows it to go to ports that do not have ramps.

All for now,

Brad Skelton