The Republic of Lithuania and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) have signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding that promises to open Philadelphia ports to the European and Asian shipping trade via the ice-free port of Klaipeda, the Lithuanian port city on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.

    Panalpina continues to expand and insource its Logistics offering. The provider of supply chain solutions has opened a new state-of-the-art logistics center on the outskirts of Moscow. It offers 6,000 m2 of storage area. 2,500 m2 are dedicated to cross-docking activities and close to 1,500 m2 to Value-Added Logistics Services (VAS). The new logistics center with a 360 degree service offering will improve efficient and secure cargo flow into Russia for Panalpina’s customers.
 
    Russia plays an important role in Panalpina’s global strategy to extend its VAS capabilities throughout the world. The new logistics center is located in between main highways and close to Moscow’s orbital highway A-107. The center of Moscow is only 24 kilometers away. “Our logistics center is right on the main inbound route from Europe to Moscow,” said Stefan Karlen, Area Manager Black and Caspian Sea at Panalpina. “We can now offer our customers very attractive end-to-end supply chain solutions Russia inbound. This involves international transportation by all modes, customs brokerage, local transportation, cross-docking, storage and Value-Added Logistics Services and distribution in the entire Russian Federation.” The three major airports are within a 70 kilometer radius of the logistics center. Addressing a Specific Customer Need: Tightened Security

    Panalpina has paid special attention to the security set-up of the facility. The logistics center lies within the fenced Krekshino logistics park with controlled entry and exit gates. A full-fledged electronic access and alarm system prevents unauthorized access. Over 100 high-resolution CCTV cameras monitor the whole logistics center. Security personnel are on-site 24/7. The security team and video monitoring are under direct Panalpina control. “Security is one of our customers’ top concerns when doing business in Russia. We have over five years’ experience with high-value cargo and end-to-end solutions. Not only can we offer a highly secured logistics center, we can even provide armed security convoys for the distribution of high-value cargo within Russia,” said Cyrill Gaechter, Area Head of Marketing and Sales at Panalpina. Cross-docking and Value-Added Logistics Services

    Given the set-up of the logistics center, it is particularly suited for customers in high-tech, automotive, high-end fashion and telecom but also for customers in healthcare, consumer and retail and manufacturing that are looking for high quality security solutions and value-added services. The logistics center offers almost 8,000 pallet locations in the 6,000 m2 storage area. It offers full cross-docking functionality. The cross-docking area covers 2,500 m2. There are 15 inbound and outbound docks. The mezzanine offers an additional 1,500 m2 for spare parts management and reverse logistics or VAS such as “Fulfillment”, “Postponement”, “Re-Packing” or “Kitting”. Panalpina expects the logistics center to be fully certified for the highest security standard (TAPA “A”) by the end of 2012. By that time the company also expects certifications for occupational health and safety (OHSAS 18001) and environment.

(Source:http://www.ajot.com/portsharbors.asp)