Interview of the week – Rhenus Project Logistics – Thailand


this week we speak with

Niels Walch,
Director Project Logistics SEAPAC,
Rhenus Project Logistics, Thailand


THE “WHO-WHERE-WHAT” CHALLENGE

As a Director Project Logistics for Southeast Asia – Pacific, Niels leverages his 14+ years of experience in the industry to oversee operational and commercial project logistics activities across the region. He has a proven track record of developing and implementing project logistics strategies, building relationships with customers and suppliers, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing financial performance.

He has continually sought to excel and deliver practical logistics solutions that work across borders.

Tell us about Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand. Can you give us some information regarding the company’s ownership, range of services, strengths etc.

Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand, a key part of the globally renowned Rhenus Group, offers a comprehensive range of services to meet all logistics requirements. Our capabilities span air, ocean, road, and rail freight, complemented by specialized project management and customs brokerage. This extensive service portfolio is backed by a strong global network, featuring our own offices in over 60 countries.

Leveraging this worldwide perspective, we focus on the project logistics sector, creating unparalleled value for our customers by utilizing the Rhenus Group’s assets, including ports, coaster vessels, and barges. Our dedicated in-house chartering desk and engineering team ensure we maintain technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in logistics.

Located at our regional headquarters in Thailand, we are perfectly positioned to craft customized solutions for our clients throughout the Mekong region. We cater to a wide range of industries, including power, petrochemical, and heavy machinery, showcasing our ability to meet diverse logistical needs with precision and expertise.

Tell us a few words about your experience, your expertise, and your business in general.

At Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand, our journey has been distinguished by a series of high-profile projects through which we adeptly managed the intricacies of heavy-lift and break-bulk shipments. Our portfolio demonstrates our expertise in comprehensive plant decommissioning and relocation, showcasing our meticulous ability to oversee projects of significant complexity and scale.

Our pivotal role in the successful delivery of a combined cycle power plant in Rayong Province, along with our substantial contributions to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) project, underscores our extensive experience in the power and mobility sectors. Moreover, Rhenus Thailand’s capabilities extend beyond national boundaries; our proficiency in managing cross-border transports highlights our expansive reach across the Mekong region. Our dedicated in-house engineers are crucial to our operations, ensuring the safe transport and unloading of oversized or special cargo, backed by our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety and innovation.

Equipped to handle the most challenging tasks, from technical calculations to the construction of temporary infrastructure, we are prepared to face operations like jacking and skidding directly. In Thailand, our proven track record in the power, construction, and mobility sectors establishes us as a trusted partner dedicated to providing value, guidance, and long-term commitment to our clients.

Where are your offices located?

Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand is strategically positioned to serve our clients with efficiency and effectiveness. Our main office in Bangkok acts as the central hub for our domestic operations and plays a crucial role in coordinating international logistics services. In addition, we maintain an office in Laem Chabang, a key maritime gateway for Thailand, enabling us to meticulously oversee sea freight operations. This strategic placement ensures we are well-equipped to meet our clients’ diverse logistics needs.

Tell us about projects that you have handled recently.

Recently, we had the privilege of supplying a combined cycle power plant for the Gulf Project in Rayong Province. This endeavor required the transportation of two substantial pieces, each 12 meters in length and 4.35 meters in height, with a weight of 32 tons. These components were shipped on special trailers from Hamburg, Germany, directly to Thailand. Our involvement in this project demonstrated our vast experience in the power industry, highlighting our proficiency in managing both renewable and fossil power projects with precision and efficiency.

Another significant project we undertook was providing local transport and managing the discharge of Over-Dimensioned Cargo at Laem Chabang Port. This project entailed the transport of two locomotive units and one Cutter Ballast Cleaner Vehicle within Thailand. Notably, one of these items was exceptionally large, measuring 25.40 meters in length, 2.84 meters in width, and 3.95 meters in height, and weighing 79 tons. We orchestrated the discharge using two floating cranes and successfully unloaded the vehicle onto the SRT rail track with two 130-ton mobile cranes. This project served to emphasize our deep-rooted experience in the mobility industry and showcased our engineering consultancy prowess.

Furthermore, we managed membrane filter systems for a water treatment project on Yao Island in Southern Thailand. The imported cargo was received at LCB port, where we were tasked with delivering our comprehensive range of services, including conducting advanced risk assessments. This project demanded careful planning and execution to ensure the safe and timely delivery of essential components for the island’s water treatment facility.

Beyond these specific endeavors, we consistently manage frequent local and cross-border transports. These operations include the loading, unloading, and jacking and skidding of oversized or special cargo for clients across the power and construction sectors. Our tasks cover the safe lifting, transportation, and unloading of various items such as boilers, vessels, steel structures, pipes, transformers, and more. Throughout, our in-house engineers conduct thorough surveys to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Which are the main industries served in Thailand and which one seems to be your focus point?

Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand caters to a broad spectrum of sectors, with a focused emphasis on the power, mobility and infrastructure, construction and heavy machinery, as well as water treatment industries. This focus underscores our strategic dedication to areas where we can deliver the greatest value through our specialized expertise. Our goal is to bolster the growth and development of these vital industries within Thailand, thereby aiding in the nation’s economic progress and its sustainability efforts.

Is Project Cargo Forwarding a competitive sector in Thailand? How do you ensure that you stand out?

Project Cargo Forwarding is indeed a highly competitive field in Thailand, mirroring the country’s rapid development in the transportation and logistics sector. With Thailand being the second-largest economy in ASEAN and boasting an advanced network of highways and major seaports, it solidifies its position as a vital logistics center, especially within the Greater Mekong Subregion.

At Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand, we set ourselves apart with several key strategies:

  1. Expertise and Specialization: Our team’s specialized skills, deep knowledge, and vast experience in handling oversized and heavy-lift cargoes guarantee precision and safety in every operation.
  2. Advanced Technology Adoption: Our dedication to innovation is showcased through our utilization of route optimization software, project management tools, and digital tracking systems, all of which contribute to smoother and more dependable cargo movements.
  3. Comprehensive Service Offering: We go beyond conventional logistics services to offer a complete range of solutions that include customs brokerage, technical engineering services, risk assessment, and multimodal transport options. This approach is designed to meet the varied needs of our clients, ensuring a seamless logistics experience.
  4. Safety and Quality Standards: Our commitment to the highest safety and quality standards is demonstrated by our ISO certifications and adherence to HSEQ principles.
  5. Tailored Solutions and Consultancy: Recognizing the unique challenges of each project, we provide tailored logistics solutions and consultancy services to address specific needs.

In essence, Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand’s competitive advantage lies in our steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, and solutions focused on our clients’ needs.

What parts of Heavy lift project management seem to be challenging in Thailand? Any advice to be shared as a precaution or as an important highlight to a potential customer?

Navigating the complexities of heavy lift project cargo management in Thailand and the broader region poses several challenges, indicative of the logistics industry’s evolving demands and intricacies. As modules increase in size, often exceeding the capacity of existing equipment, the imperative to invest in new technologies and bolster capabilities is clear.

The competitive environment, alongside stringent regulations, presents additional hurdles for the industry. Adopting innovation, cultivating collaborative partnerships, and emphasizing sustainability are essential strategies for our success.

It is crucial for potential customers to verify that their chosen service provider has the necessary expertise, equipment, and technology to handle their specific cargo requirements effectively. Evaluating the provider’s commitment to safety through their safety protocols, certifications (such as ISO standards), and historical project records is imperative, as safety should always be a top priority.

Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the project’s scope, timeline, and budget from the beginning is vital. Such clarity can preempt unexpected expenses or delays, facilitating smoother project completion.

What made you personally join the industry?

Deciding to join the logistics and project management industry was influenced by various factors that align closely with my professional goals and personal values. The industry’s dynamic nature, alongside its vital role in ensuring the seamless operation of numerous sectors, offered more than just a career path—it provided a chance to make a significant impact.

The essence of this industry is collaboration, and the prospect of building global connections remains highly appealing. The logistics and project management sector is abundant with opportunities for both personal and professional development. Facing the challenges of overseeing complex projects and leading diverse teams furnishes invaluable experiences that hone leadership, organizational, and strategic skills.

Ultimately, my choice to enter the logistics and project management field was motivated by the desire to pursue work that is meaningful, challenging, and impactful. It promises extensive possibilities for growth and positions me at the heart of efforts that enhance the efficiency and success of businesses and, consequently, affect the lives of individuals positively.

What do you personally like the most about your business?

What I find most rewarding about being in the logistics and project management industry is the blend of daily challenges, the development of meaningful relationships, the engagement with technology, and the contribution to a greater purpose.

Who should be approached in Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand for inquiries?

For inquiries related to Rhenus Project Logistics Thailand and the Mekong region, please reach out to me, Niels Walch, Director of Project Logistics SEAPAC, and Mrs. Wararat Duangpasook, Regional Director of Operation.

Contact Information:

  • Mrs. Wararat Duangpasook

We encourage visiting our official websites for more information:
Rhenus Thailand
Rhenus Project Logistics

Our dedicated team is prepared to respond to any questions and provide detailed information about our extensive logistics services.

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Log In

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Sanjna Vardhan

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With an engineering background, Sanjna began her journey at Procam as a trainee and has grown over 15 years to head its Global Project Forwarding division, leading breakthrough projects across diverse industries. She brings a practical, operations-focused perspective to complex project cargo movements, with expertise in coordinating operations, managing stakeholder responsibilities, and navigating contractual obligations. As moderator of this panel, she will explore the challenges that arise when project plans meet operational realities, highlighting the importance of clear communication, defined responsibilities, and collaboration in mitigating risks, resolving disputes, and aligning contractual commitments with on-ground execution.

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Jayme Bailey

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Jayme Bailey is Senior Project Manager at NMT Projects, with 18 years in logistics, including 15.5 years at NMT. After studying science at university, he moved into freight forwarding before joining NMT as a junior, progressing through project coordination, project management and operations management. Jayme has managed diverse projects across Australia and Southeast Asia, specialising in biosecurity compliance and projects with stringent biosecurity controls, including Non-First Point of Entry operations. He thrives on the "impossible" jobs, as finding a solution where it was deemed futile is the greatest achievement in this industry.

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Lars Husmand

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Lars Husmand has headed Wind Energy Services at Ultrabulk since 2024, bringing extensive experience in shipping, project cargo and the transportation of wind energy components. Throughout his career, Lars has played a key role in developing innovative shipping solutions for the wind industry. At Clipper Projects, he helped establish and drive global wind turbine shipping initiatives, working closely with leading OEMs. During his subsequent tenure at NORDEN, Lars further developed the concept of transporting wind turbine components on dry bulk vessels, demonstrating how conventional shipping capacity can be adapted to meet the evolving demands of the renewable energy sector. Prior to joining Ultrabulk, Lars served as Senior Chartering Manager – Projects & Parceling at Norvic Shipping Europe.

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Mikael Grönroos

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Mikael Grönroos is Managing Director of Hacklin Group, a Finnish family-owned company established in 1908. He represents the fourth generation of the family in the business. Mikael studied Industrial Engineering and Management, majoring in Logistics, at Tampere University of Technology. He spent ten years in international project logistics at Outotec Oyj (now part of Metso), managing large-scale projects in the global metals and mining industry.
Since joining Hacklin Group in 2013, Mikael has combined his experience with the long-term development of the family business. He is also Chairman of the Board of Hacklin Logistics and Hacklin Shanghai, supports the Group’s subsidiaries in project logistics and oversees its financial management.

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Laurance Langdon

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Laurance Langdon is a logistics and supply chain leader with more than 35 years of international experience across five continents. Having started his career with Schenker in London, he has built extensive expertise in shipping, project cargo, oil and gas logistics, business development and supply chain management.
Throughout his career, Laurance has led business start-ups, operational expansions and complex logistics projects worldwide. As a conference moderator, he brings practical industry insight and a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping international logistics and trade.

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Ilaria Giacomazzi

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Ilaria Giacomazzi is Unit Director of Aon’s Logistics Operators Team, where she leads a specialist practice focused on liability insurance solutions for leading logistics operators, freight forwarders, carriers and terminal operators. A qualified lawyer since 2014, she began her career in maritime, transport and insurance law with specialised law firms in Genoa.
Before joining Aon, she worked as an insurance broker supporting major international clients in the transport and logistics sector.
Ilaria holds a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Genoa and advises clients on risk analysis, contract management and claims handling across complex logistics chains.

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Fabrizio Ottone

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Fabrizio Ottone is a licensed Tourist Guide and historian of the city of Livorno. He has worked as a scriptwriter and historical consultant for television programs, video projects, and place-marketing initiatives focusing on Livorno and its surrounding area. He teaches professional training courses for cultural sector professionals and tourist guides.
He is President and co-founder of the Guide Labroniche Association (Livorno Tour), an association
of professional tourist guides that has been promoting Livorno’s cultural heritage and contributing to the city’s tourism development since 2013.
He has created a number of original guided-tour itineraries that have become established features of Livorno’s local tourism and cultural offer, including dramatized tours in historical costume and the “Mysterious Livorno” tours, exploring the city’s unsolved mysteries, legends, and secrets.
For the past ten years, he has also devised and performed living-history productions in theatrical venues and historical reenactment settings.

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Simone Pieruccini

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Simone Pieruccini is a Mechanical Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the paper and tissue industry.
A graduate of the University of Pisa, Italy, Simone gained early industry experience through several paper and tissue projects during his university studies. After graduating, he began his professional career as a technical consultant with a private engineering company before joining Toscotec in 1999.
At Toscotec, Simone initially worked as Safety Manager before moving into the Technical Department, where he became Product Manager for Pressure Vessels. During this time, he led the design and patenting of the TT SYD (Steel Yankee Dryer) and TT SDC (Steel Dryer Cans), playing a key role in the development of their core manufacturing processes.
Today, Simone coordinates Toscotec’s Pressure Vessel Technical Department, overseeing projects throughout their full lifecycle, from design and engineering through to final delivery to the customer.

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Emanuele Bianchi

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Emanuele Bianchi is a Business Development professional specializing in High Integrity Pressure Protection System (HIPPS).
With more than a decade of experience across sales management, project management and project engineering, he has led strategic initiatives for major operators including ENI, ADNOC and Shell.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a qualification in Functional Safety focused on Safety Instrumented Systems. He is also enrolled in the Italian Register of Engineers in Livorno.

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Antonella Turci

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Antonella Turci is a Partner at Turcilex, a globally recognised law firm specialising in maritime and international trade law. She has decades of experience advising major players in the shipping industry on both judicial and extrajudicial matters, with particular expertise in maritime, civil, commercial, transport and logistics law.
Antonella graduated from the University of Genoa and has been admitted to practise before the Italian Supreme Court (Corte di Cassazione) since 2008. She is a member of the Italian Association of Maritime Law (AIDIM) and the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA).

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Alessandro Personi

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Alessandro Personi is a Partner at Vaudo Paggini & C., specialising in maritime and yachting law, international transportation, logistics, international trade and customs. He is admitted to practise before the Italian Supreme Court.
He advises shipowners, shipping companies, freight forwarders, logistics operators, oil and gas businesses and financial institutions on maritime and commercial contracts, charterparties, multimodal transportation, EPC projects and complex international transactions.
His practice also encompasses marine casualties, cargo claims, contractual liability, marine insurance, shipbuilding, yacht construction and financing, as well as cross-border litigation and arbitration, including proceedings under ICC and UNCITRAL rules.
Alessandro has spoken at conferences on shipping, international trade and commercial contracts and serves as Representative of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE.
He is a member of the Italian Maritime Law Association (AIDIM), the International Propeller Club, Yacht Club Livorno and Rotary Club Livorno Mascagni.

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Damiano Vaudo

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Damiano Vaudo is a Senior Partner and founding member of Vaudo Paggini & C., a maritime and international trade law firm based in Livorno, Italy. He is admitted to practise before the Italian Supreme Court.
Having started his legal career in 1987, he has extensive experience in maritime and international transport law, marine casualties, general average, insurance, shipbuilding, and the financing, sale and purchase of commercial vessels and yachts.
A former officer of the Italian Navy, he combines legal expertise with practical knowledge of shipping operations, particularly in handling major marine casualties.
He advises shipowning groups, freight forwarding businesses, oil and gas companies, financial institutions and publicly controlled entities on maritime contracts, transport disputes and shipping-related matters.
Damiano has spoken at conferences on maritime law, carrier liability and marine pollution prevention and has taught Maritime and Navigation Law at the University of Pisa. He is a member of the Italian Maritime Law Association (AIDIM) and the International Propeller Club.

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Marco Campodonico

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Marco Campodonico currently holds the position of Manager, Chartering & Projects at KestrelMare SRL. Having graduated in Foreign Languages from the University of Genoa in 1984, Marco began his career with Intermare Genoa, a specialist brokerage and port agency company focused primarily on heavy-lift and project cargo transportation. The company acts as brokers and port agents at ports throughout Italy.
In the 1990s, Marco became a partner of Intermare and went on to serve as the company’s exclusive Italian agent for a number of leading heavy-lift carriers, including Dockwise and SAL. Over the years, he was involved in numerous international projects across the oil and gas and wider energy sectors, developing extensive expertise in project cargo transportation and the negotiation of complex transport contracts.
Alongside his professional activities, he has for many years lectured on heavy-lift transportation as part of the shipbroker and ship agent training course in Genoa, sharing his specialist knowledge of this highly complex and distinctive sector with the next generation of maritime professionals.
Marco serves as a member of the KestrelMare Board of Directors, bringing more than four decades of experience in heavy-lift and project cargo transportation, brokerage, agency and international project work.

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Carly Fields

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Carly Fields is Associate Editor for Breakbulk and Project Cargo at the Journal of Commerce and JOC.com, covering breakbulk, project and heavy-lift transport and logistics. Based in the UK, she is a specialist maritime editor, overseeing publications including The Sea and Marine Professional in addition to her responsibilities at the Journal of Commerce. She was previously an editor at Breakbulk magazine and has been reporting on the breakbulk sector since 2015. She started her maritime journalism career at daily maritime newspaper Lloyd’s List in 2000.
Fields holds a first class Maritime Studies degree and is an assistant examiner for professional shipping exams through the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, of which she is a Fellow. Through the Seahorse Freight Association, she is also a judge for excellence in journalism in the transport industry.

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Ridwan Ongkowidagdo

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Ridwan Ongkowidagdo is an Indonesian shipping executive with more than 25 years of experience in maritime transportation, finance, telecommunications, and corporate management.
He currently serves as Director of PT Pelayaran Taruna Kusan Jaya, a leading Indonesian heavy freight and heavy-lift shipping company, a position he has held since 2004. Prior to joining the maritime industry, he held financial management positions in several United States-based telecommunication technology and publishing companies, including Asiatel, Interpacket Networks, and McGraw-Hill.
Ridwan earned a Doctorate in Economics (Strategic Management) from Universitas Trisakti, an MBA in Finance and International Business from Loyola Marymount University (USA), a Master of Laws (MH) specializing in Maritime Commercial Law from Universitas Jayabaya, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arizona (USA).
His academic and professional interests focus on strategic management, sustainability, digital transformation, and competitive advantage in the shipping industry. His doctoral research examined the impact of sustainability and digitalization management on the competitiveness of small shipping companies in Indonesia and has been published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
In addition to his corporate leadership responsibilities, he has completed professional training in maritime law and arbitration, and marine HSQE (health, safety, quality and environment) auditing.

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Clinton Eckersall

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Clinton Eckersall is an Australian logistics executive with more than 27 years of experience in international freight forwarding, project logistics, and commercial leadership across four continents. His career spans both multinational corporations and privately owned businesses, giving him a broad perspective on how organizations of different scales approach complex logistics challenges. As Director at AAW Group, a privately owned Australian Logistics Group with operations across Australia and New Zealand, Clinton is based in Brisbane and leads the company's commercial strategy and international agent and network strategy. His nine years with AAW have seen him build the business's national sales capability and oversee its growth across gateway ports and specialist project freight markets. Clinton values the connections and collaboration that come with being part of a group like The Heavy Lift Group, and understands firsthand the role that trusted networks play in enabling independent operators to take on complex, multi-disciplinary projects with confidence. He is looking forward to meeting the group in person once again.

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Ragan Watson

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Ragan is a project logistics professional with 18 years of experience in heavy lift, project cargo transport, and specialized industrial rigging. Currently serving in a business development role for Barnhart across North America, he brings deep operational expertise earned over the prior 11 years in roles as Project Manager of Special Projects and Operations Manager of Heavy Transportation at Barnhart. Across each of these positions, Ragan has helped plan and lead project teams executing some of the most complex, demanding and award-winning projects in North America, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field.
Ragan is a committed student of his craft, continuously learning from the knowledge of peers, clients, and teammates. He holds that trustworthiness and honesty are the foundation of any successful partnership.
Outside of work, Ragan spends his time helping raise his young family with his wife, Michelle. Ragan is also active playing music in a local band, long distance running and cooking.

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Janesh Gulati

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Janesh Gulati has contributed extensively to the Project Logistics industry over a distinguished career spanning more than 42 years, serving in leadership roles, including CEO at J.M. Baxi & Co., and currently the Managing Director at Total Movements. During his tenure as CEO of J.M. Baxi’s Project Logistics vertical, he played a pivotal role in expanding the business and strengthening its position within the industry.
He has successful execution of a large number of Projects especially including many Super Thermal Coal Based Power Projects, Hydro Power Projects, Many Oil Refinery Projects & several complex Multimodal Transportation to his credit. He enjoys the confidence of a large number of EPC, Heavy Engineering customers for providing reliable and high quality logistics solutions.
He has played a key role in the Indian Project Logistics Industry over the past 4 decades and enjoys a stellar reputation in the industry.
He brings in his expertise in areas of Heavy Lift Transport, Multimodal Logistics, Organization Building, Financial Strategy, Procurement Strategy & Overall Business Strategy.

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Grant Bell

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Grant joined NMT in 2005 and, after 12 years abroad in senior chartering roles based in China and Singapore, returned in 2020 to help lead operations globally. Now a Partner and Director, he drives execution and growth across Australia and key Asia-Pacific markets. Known for his systems thinking and hands-on style, Grant is passionate about building capable teams and delivering practical, no-nonsense solutions. He’s also a firm believer in keeping things simple, staying grounded, and sharing a laugh along the way.

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Morris Mburu

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Morris Mburu, FICS, is an accomplished logistics, transport, and shipping executive with over 30 years of leadership experience across the East African market. As the Managing Director and founder of Export Consolidation Services (K) Ltd, he successfully grew the company from a startup into a major regional logistics operation employing over 100 staff and operating a fleet of more than 50 heavy commercial vehicles across multiple African countries.
Morris is recognized for his expertise in strategic planning, operational management, business development, and stakeholder engagement. Throughout his career, he has built strong partnerships across the shipping and logistics sector while leading organizations through major industry changes and challenges.
He holds an MBA in Shipping and Logistics from Middlesex University, UK, and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (FICS), with extensive knowledge in shipping, port management, logistics, and multimodal transport.

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Murilo Caldana

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Murilo Caldana is a Brazilian project logistics executive with more than 25 years of experience in heavy lift, project cargo, and complex industrial logistics across Latin America, with his strongest background in Brazil. His experience in Mexico, where he lived and worked for over three years, not only opened the doors to a new language, but also provided deep exposure to the complexity, diversity, and business dynamics of Latin America as a whole.
As Project Director at FOX Brasil Project Logistics, he has led and supported major projects in sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, pulp & paper, and industrial plants across the region.
A long-standing member of The Heavy Lift Group, Murilo combines practical field experience with strategic market insight, bringing a strong perspective on Latin America’s opportunities, challenges, and the importance of collaboration in delivering complex global projects.

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Iris Muellejans

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Iris Katrin Muellejans is Managing Partner Director of Rolf Riedl GmbH, an international freight forwarding company, which she has led for over 22 years after taking over the family business. She specializes in heavy lift and project logistics, with extensive experience across the power and energy sector, managing projects from initial feasibility studies through to full on-site execution. Her expertise spans overland, air, and ocean logistics, alongside rigging and foundation installation. Known for her hands-on approach, Iris combines strategic leadership with practical execution in delivering complex global transport solutions.

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John Doe

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Colin is a seasoned veteran in the project logistics sector, having spent over 30 years in the industry. As of 2024, he was appointed Co-Vice President, Director of Project Logistics Global at Rhenus Logistics, where he oversees Rhenus Project offices across the Americas, India, China, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). Based in New York, Colin has been with the company for over 30 years, originally starting at KOG Transport in 1995 before it was acquired by Rhenus Logistics in 2015.
In addition to his leadership role, Colin emphasizes teamwork, mentoring the younger generation, and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients. He is known to strongly believe in customer-centric service and collaborative, tailor-made logistics solutions.

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Christian Buss

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Christian Buss is Head of Chartering at Briese Chartering GmbH & Co. KG, based in Leer, Germany. He brings nearly two decades of experience in the multipurpose and project cargo shipping sector, having previously held senior roles at EMS Chartering and BBC Chartering. Throughout his career, he has developed deep expertise in global chartering markets, commercial strategy, and complex cargo solutions.

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Jaap Gebraad

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Jaap Gebraad has worked for about 10 years as Board Secretary and Senior Project Manager of the "Bureau Innovation Research & Development" of the Foundation STC Group. He was also the Daily Secretary of the European Association EDINNA (Education in Inland Navigation). From 2018 to March 2022, Jaap was Director Research and Development Affairs at SEA Europe and Executive-Director of the Waterborne Technology Platform. Jaap holds a Bachelor's Degree in Logistics and Economics of the University of Applied Sciences (HES) in Rotterdam.

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George Tzogopoulos

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Dr George N. Tzogopoulos (Ph.D. Loughborough University, UK, 2009), expert in media and international relations as well as Chinese affairs, is member of Centre international de formation européenne (CIFE) core faculty. At CIFE, he directs the modules on 'conflict and cooperation in the international system' and 'international energy governance and conflict'. George is the author of three books: US Foreign Policy in the European Media: Framing the Rise and Fall of Neoconservatism (IB TAURIS), The Greek Crisis in the Media: Stereotyping in the International Press (Ashgate) and The Miracle of China: The New Symbiosis with the World (Springer). George is also Non-Resident Fellow at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA), Senior Fellow at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Research Associate at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), and part-time Lecturer at the Democritus University of Thrace.

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Panos Patsadas

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Panos Patsadas is holding of a BSC in Applied Mathematics, a master’s degree in International Trade and Transport, and is also a certified Life Coach, alongside his career in Shipping. Over the last 20 years, Panos has held various managerial and leadership positions in the Breakbulk, Heavylift, Gas and Petrochemicals industries, working for Large Shipowners and Energy Majors. This has helped him develop a deep understanding of the Energy Supply chain challenges, both at Infrastructural level, as well as at the logistics and the downstream side of it. In his current role as Global Chartering Manager for Trans Global Projects, he is part of a small team that serves 6 international offices with their chartering requirements, as well as oversees the tonnage procurement for large EPC projects.

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