Tilting the balance in favour of logistics expansion

Sea Hawk Global Lines is a total logistics service provider headquartered in Malaysia. The business was founded in 2003 as a non-vessel operating container carrier, and in 2012 expanded with the acquisition of a 150,000 sq ft warehouse on the island of Pulau Indah.

“This is where we started our journey to become a total logistics service provider,” explains Pankaj Nair, General Manager, Sea Hawk Global Lines, who has been with the company since 2012 and is responsible for operational and commercial activity.

“Our long term ambition is to be a leading player in the logistics industry by leveraging the latest operational processes and developments."

In addition to its operations in Malaysia, Sea Hawk Global Lines has offices in India, Singapore and Dubai, along with a global network of agents. The company is currently expanding its footprint in Malaysia with the development of a general and chemical warehouse.

“This year we have completed a 400,000 sq ft warehouse in Port Klang Free Zone (PKFZ) and in 2022 we will build a 250,000 sq ft dangerous goods warehouse and a 400,000 sq ft non-dangerous goods chemical warehouse,” says Kamalesan Shammugam, Director, Sea Hawk Global Lines.

The company's vision is to become a market leader in end-to-end logistics -- via sea, air and land -- creating a bridge between the customer and their cargo and delivering a quality service by adapting to changing technologies.

“Our long term ambition is to be a leading player in the logistics industry by leveraging the latest operational processes and developments,” says Shammugam. “Of course, the current conditions relating to the global pandemic have created challenges, particularly regarding access to overseas labour.”

For more efficient unloading

Sea Hawk Global Lines has two Kalmar reachstackers – a DRG450-60S5 at PKFZ and a DRF450-60S5K, which is used at Northport. The machine used at PKFZ incorporates a big tilt application for more efficient unloading of bulk containers, a feature that is now available for the first time for 40 ft containers.

Designed specially to lift empty containers filled with dry goods, the spreader can be tilted up to 55 degrees so its load can be precisely and quickly unloaded from the container. The system includes a hydraulic lock to open the container doors and is available with either a sideways or lengthways tilt.

Designed specially to lift empty containers filled with dry goods, the spreader can be tilted up to 55 degrees so its load can be precisely and quickly unloaded from the container.

Nair explains that the company is mainly using the tilt application for its bulk cargo operations where previously it was only using tipper trucks. “We are also proposing to use it for steel products, which some customers bring in loose,” he adds. “This process would reduce their unloading time significantly.”

One of the main benefits of the big tilt operation in comparison to other container handling solutions is its versatility:  Sea Hawk Global Lines now has more options for measuring the efficiency and costs of its operations.

“The decision to use Kalmar reachstackers was made because it is a globally renowned brand with proven reliability,” says Nair. “Our partnership with Kalmar and Dinesh Nair, General Manager and Director, Solution Sales in Malaysia, has been vital in creating solutions for the business.”

The after-sales service and maintenance provided for the machines has also proved important, particularly the preventive maintenance that ensures operational disruptions are minimised.

“We expect to use additional Kalmar machines in the future and we already have plans to purchase another reachstacker for our 650,000 sq ft development inside Westports terminal, which is scheduled for completion by the end of next year,” adds Pankaj Nair.

“Kalmar Malaysia has been very helpful, addressing any issues we have promptly and following up proactively to ensure we are satisfied,” he concludes.