As 2006 draws to an end, BTL reflects back on a year of 20th Anniversary celebrations which have spanned the breadth of Asia.

Despite the downward pressure on freight and the cost pressures of high oil prices, BTL has continued its philosophy of combining business and pleasure – which has been reflected in the spirit of the various celebratory activities between September and December.

Much has developed since BTL's inception in early 1986 when Joachim von der Heydt visited one of his chartered vessels in Madras and was convinced by the then husbanding agents to commence a common feeder service in the Bay of Bengal.

Little did von der Heydt realize that this would be the start of many years of travel commitment spanning the region from Dubai to Tokyo.

Today's business profile predominantly concentrates on India where BTL introduced the concept of direct shuttle feedering. Operating on eight sectors largely from India's East & South coasts, BTL remains the strongest player in its field.

The Singapore/Chennai racing route comprises 4 x 1600 teu vessels offering fixed day twice weekly sailings which command a dominant trade share. Including BTL's Chennai Colombo twice weekly service BTL represents approx 50% of the Chennai Container Terminal throughput. Tonnage on the other various sectors ranges between 600 to 1200 teus and includes vessel sharing agreements with APL, Maersk, OEL and SeaConsortium.

With one 'wing' of the Tiger developing in the East (China/South East Asia entry), the other 'West wing' has already been established with the Middle East business providing over 50,000 teus this year. Both of these new activities are supported by BTL Representatives in Shanghai & Dubai respectively.

The ‘party marathon’ started in Kolkata signifying the first port of call in India made by BTL. This was followed by another 10 trade functions split over the September and November Management tours cumulating in Taipei on Friday 8th December with a formal dinner function complete with a viewing of the BTL 20th year video and 2006 BTL Golf Masters activities.

All the functions have been well attended reflecting BTL's close relation and friendship with the clients. Indeed the Golf connection has not been omitted with now five regional tournaments being hosted annually and a Grand Slam being played of all the top four winners next June in Sanya, Hainan.

Combining The BTL Masters and Singapore 20th Anniversary celebration witnessed a day's event which was the talk of the town for months.

On the tonnage front BTL's current 600,000 teus annual throughput is handled by 21 vessels. BTL now owns seven agency offices in India and Sri Lanka and the purchase of owned tonnage continues with Tiger Pearl being the current 'flagship'

....but all historical achievments can only be made with the right partnership and BTL has been blessed with a strong and supportive Chairman and major shareholder, Heinrich Schoeller, whose belief in the business has never faultered and without which BTL would not be the 'TIGER' it is today.

With its head office in Cyprus and composition of Management talent from East & West, BTL knows how to 'make the difference'.
As the next 20 years is contemplated a new office image (including owned premises in Chennai & Colombo) sets the theme for some rejuvination and new spirit.
 
Both on and off the golf course BTL remain:-

May many more Anniversaries follow!

BILL SMART
Director
Bengal Tiger Line

CSM Wall Calendar release

In December 2006, the Management released a CSM wall calendar for 2007 featuring entries from the last CSM Photographic competition.  The calendars were sent to all full and part managed CSM vessels, and depict the changing seasons of life at sea.
 
Special congratulations go to the below employees, whose photos entries were selected.  Each will receive their own personal copies of the calendar.

It is intended to make this calendar a yearly publication for our fleet.

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Editorial Team

SKS SINNI RESCUE

We are proud to report to all our friends, through this page, about another rescue operation.

The SKS Sinni was underway from Arzew Algiers to the Gulf of Mexico, fully loaded with 150000 tons of crude.  On 28 October 2006, the vessel was passing through the Straits of Florida and north of Cuba.  Captain Truksans went on bridge for a final round at 2200 hours prior taking rest. He knew that the next day was going to be a very busy one. The vessel was arriving at the discharging port. Usual preparations were done and vessel was ready. He also knew that in ports he has to be fully alerted. He was hoping to have a relaxed night although the weather conditions were not very favorable. According to anemometer, the wind was blowing with the speed of 14-17 meters per second. The sea was rough with 3 meters waves. The vessel was steaming against the Gulf Stream with 13.5 knots.
Coming onto the bridge, he went through the chartroom, checked the vessel’s position and then met the officer on duty Mr. Abutalipovs and the watchman Mr. Tonkikh.

Five   minutes later in position, 25 06.5N and 085 43.4W all three of them heard shouts and someone blowing a whistle.  Without losing a second, the master ordered the release of the MOB life-ring and raised the general alarm. At first he thought that one of his crewmembers fall overboard. All three of them (Master, Navigating Officer and Watchman) rushed to the bridge wings and looked around. They could see anything. The light of the MOB was lighting behind the vessel.

Meanwhile all crewmembers had gathered, puzzled about why the general alarm had been raised. After counting them all onboard, the Master announced that whilst he was on bridge with the Navigator and the watchman in the middle of the night they heard people shouting and whistling. He explained to his crew that it was their duty to search for survivors. He instructed the rescue team to prepare and then he went on bridge to lead the rescue operation. The vessel was turned around 180 degrees. The Engine was put to slow speed and watchmen were placed around the deck. Upon being guided by the light of the MOB the vessel reached the position from where shouting and whistling was first heard. Forty minutes later our crew spotted the first four people in the water holding empty plastic canisters. The group included a five year old child and two young women. Later on, five more men were spotted in the same area. Altogether, nine people were located holding onto plastic containers – they had attempted to cross from Cuba to US territory. The asylum seekers had started their journey on a small boat which had sunk. 

It took our command 5 hours to complete the rescue operation and collect all nine survivors onboard, with moderate weather and dark hours against the rescue efforts. Finally, at 0345 of the next day our crew managed to collect the last person from the water. The survivors were treated onboard and later handed over to the USCG vessel No.621 at Key West. We will end this article repeating that we are glad to employ and work with professionals like Captain Truksans and his crew. Appreciations were expressed in writing by the Directors of Columbia, Marshall Islands Administration and USCG.

Capt. Andreas Xapolytos
Fleet Manager
Columbia Shipmanagement (Deutschland) Gmbh