APL and APL Logistics, the shipping and logistics arms of Singapore-based NOL Group, announced a three prong effort on Monday to assist victims of devastating flooding in Thailand. The two NOL Group subsidiaries added that they are maintaining full operations in Thailand despite the fact that large swaths of the country remain underwater.
Torrential rain has caused Thailand’s worst flooding in a half century. Nearly 400 people have died during the crisis. A third of the country’s provinces have been inundated.
"We are doing everything we can to provide uninterrupted service in a time of need," APL Thailand Managing Director Watana Kitikongnopakorn said. "At the same time we are providing resources to help the country overcome this crisis."
The APL/APL Logistics three-pronged contribution to flood relief includes: free containerized transport of relief supplies and rescue boats to outlying Thai provinces, a rescue paddle boat, and a 40-foot container for a barrier to hold back flood waters; $20,000 to the Red Cross in Thailand; and, more than $6,000 from APL/APL Logistics employees to relief agencies.
APL Thailand said it would remain in contact with emergency response officials to determine if further support is needed.
APL and APL Logistics said their Thailand offices and facilities remain operational. Both have developed contingency plans should flooding become widespread in Bangkok. According to the firm, APL service at Laem Chabang Port and at its Lat Krabang container depot near Bangkok remains uninterrupted.
APL is still accepting inbound bookings at Laem Chabang and Lat Krabang. APL and APL Logistics are urging customers to clear cargo directly at Laem Chabang Port to avoid potential flooding risks in Bangkok. APL said there are no restrictions on outbound bookings.
APL Logistics said it is taking preventive measures at its warehousing facilities to protect customers’ goods and to limit damage from the flood, which has broken down supply chains across the inundated country. APL Logistics added that it is working closely with customers to execute contingency plans.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
