Heavylift/Project Review


Rejuvenated logistics group ready to take on the world


Injection of finance from new owner gives MIQ a shot in the arm MIQ Logistics is planning to ex-


pand its role in project and heavylift markets, according to its Michael Collins, Senior VP of Global Operations (pictured), writes Mike King. The company – formerly YRC


Logistics and renamed following its purchase in August by private equity company Austin Ventures – is now armed with the finance to target new markets either through organic growth or acqui- sitions. “Future investments will be


determined based on the busi- ness needs and objective of ex- panding our offerings and network,” he told Lloyd’s Load- ing List. “We will continue to empha-


sise development of our project logistics vertical in mining, oil and energy. This is core business for MIQ Logistics that has grown


rapidly in the last five years.” In Latin America, MIQ has won


several logistics contracts in re- cent years, including the mod- ernisation of smelter facilities and the expansion of refineries and oxygen plants. MIQ also recently secured the


logistics contracts for two new mines now under construction. “The owners are spending in


excess of $3bn to build these sites,” said Collins. “Sourcing of materials for


these projects occurs all over the world and MIQ Logistics man- ages the full end-to-end process.” Construction of the mines was


a complex process, requiring the transport of heavy and oversized materials over long distances from the port using narrow roads. “It presented several chal-


lenges, due to density of traffic, safety concerns, inclines and de- clines,” he explained. “Moves had to be carefully planned, in- cluding obtaining permits to close segments of the road.“ Security precautions had to be


taken, as well as studies of road grades, overpasses, bridges and tunnels to ensure safe and timely passage of the materials. “We deploy personnel to mon-


itor the speed of the trucks as well as control conditions of the trucks, observe the drivers’ con- dition and generally prevent problems,” he said. “We also have developed staging processes at origin and destina- tion ports.” He predicted that Brazil and


Mexico would offer plentiful op- portunities for project and heavylift contracts for companies with the right systems and net- works, as those countries rapidly develop their infrastructure and exploitation of raw materials. “We are well positioned to cap-


italise on these growth prospects,” he added. “MIQ Lo- gistics has locations throughout Asia, Europe, North America and South America.” Although the takeover deal


with YRC Worldwide did not in- clude all its Chinese logistics as- sets, Collins said this would not affect operations there. “MIQ provides its clients with


unmatched coverage and full freight forwarding and logistics service offerings in China. “We also have a large MIQ


presence in Hong Kong that in- cludes our Asia regional HQ and we continue to work closely with Jiayu and YRC Worldwide for intra-China LTL services.”


Zeeland’s new terminal


Zeeland Seaports, in the Nether- lands, has opened a new terminal specifically designed for handling breakbulk and offshore wind equipment. The BOW Terminal, located in


the Westhofhaven area of Vlissin- gen port, boasts permanent heavylift capacity, 340 metres of


F10 | Freighting Update | September 27, 2010


reinforced quay dedicated to spe- cialist handling and 20ha of stor- age and transhipment space. “Considering the growing mar-


ket in the construction of wind farms at sea, we expect there to be a good market for such an off- shore terminal, said Robert van der Loos, MD of BOW Terminal.


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