Cardiff hosts Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers

On 21st March 2007, some 20 delegates from a number of countries including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, Germany and Ireland attended the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers’ (ICS) executive council meeting at Associated British Ports' (ABP) Port of Cardiff.

With 23 branches around the world, representing 120 shipping companies, ICS is an internationally recognised network of shipping professionals. The council meetings are held on a quarterly basis; this is the first time the two-day executive council meeting was held outside London. The South Wales & West branch of ICS hosted the Council during their stay in Cardiff.

Roy Le Gros, Chairman of the South Wales & West Branch of ICS, said:

"I am delighted that the Institute's executive council chose to come to Cardiff to hold its meeting.The branch’s management committee and secretary have worked hard to produce afull itinerary, including dinner at Cardiff Castle, a tour of CardiffBay and a seminar on international port security, given by theMaritime Coastguard Agency.

"I would like to thank ABP, as well as Graig Shipping PLC,Celtic Logistics, Minton Treharne & Davies and Switzer Towage for their support, without which this event would not have been possible.”

John Fitzgerald (pictured), Port Director for ABP’s South Wales Ports, said:

"I am very proud to welcome the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers'executive council to ABP's offices at the Port of Cardiff. The Instituteoffers training and education courses for shipbrokers and marinersacross the world and as South Wales’s largest ports operator, it is fitting that ABP supports them as they continue toset the highest standards of service in the shipping industry."

Meanwhile Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Cardiff Cold Store – located at the port‘s Kings Dock – recently received a Silver Welsh Food Hygiene Award from Cardiff County Council. The award recognises the cold store’s high standards of cleanliness and the outstanding management procedures in place.

Launched in 2002, Cardiff County Council’s award scheme is operated in partnership with Food Standards Agency Wales. By awarding gold, silver and bronze awards to deserving local food businesses, the award scheme aims to raise the standard of food hygiene across Wales and boost public perceptions of the food industry.

Cardiff Cold Store is an integral part of the services that ABP’s Port of Cardiff offers.Upgraded in 2001 and having since benefited from regular investment, the cold store features over 13,500 sq m of chilled, ambient and frozen warehousing space – divided into nine chambers – for the storage of a large variety of fresh produce and perishables awaiting onward delivery across the UK. The store also benefits from a computerised stock-control system.

Ian Meredith, Operations Manager of Cardiff Cold Store, said:

“Cardiff Cold Store staff continue to maintain the highest standard of cleanliness and food hygiene at the facility and this award reinforces our commitment to providing the best customer service possible.”

John Fitzgerald, Port Director for ABP’s South Wales Ports, said:

“This award highlights the success of the management systems in place at both Cardiff Cold Store and across ABP. The cold store plays an important role in supporting the UK’s food sector and ABP will continue to invest in the facility to maintain the highest standards for our customers.”

Joy Whinney, Director of Food Standards Agency Wales, said:

“The award scheme provides public recognition of food businesses that have excellent hygiene procedures in place. This has the benefit of increasing confidence in food and food production not only here in Wales, but also across the UK.”