Sharing our passion, and giving back to the world
One of the key things that helps to drive our teams forward is our passion to help and serve the communities local to us. We pride ourselves on open communication, breaking down barriers in both community and industry, treating everyone with the same values of quality of service and respect.
We feel it is vital to put back into the communities where we operate, this takes many forms from larger formal organisations such as The Princes Trust, through to low key direct action such as shipping clothing to children in Grenada, a life boat to Tortola, play equipment to Bequia, and much needed aid in the aftermath of disasters.
World's Toughest Row
Let’s hear all about the World's Toughest Row from USA VP Steven Keats. The logistics almost became as much of a story of global entrepreneurship & innovation as the Row itself!
"On Monday, 14 rowboats departed from Monterey to Hanalei Bay, Kauai rowing more than 2800 miles/4500 km.
These boats didn’t just pop up at the slips of Monterey.
Kestrel ( UK/ USA based ) was chosen by the organizers because of our previous involvement in shipping from / to the USA to the Canary Islands for the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Planning logistics started last November working with Oliver James of Rannoch.
Getting boats from Southampton to Monterey was like playing Yahtzee for Logistics.
Darren Gilbey in the UK office worked with the hauler and depot while dealing with the ocean carrier.
It was hoped the fleet could move on Wilhemsen Roro vessels to Port Hueneme with the fastest transit. Unfortunately, we could not get any space off of their Trade.
The backup used Hapag Lloyd’s AL5 container service to Oakland. Hapag Lloyd was very helpful establishing a special discount and allocation. Thanks to June Letto, Carmen Reyes and Sarah Hill for their actions with pricing and planners.
HL’s transit was ~44 days, and we got the boats underway in early March. Except, the last container including the life rafts ( with CO2 gas cartridges) was rolled several times by the vessel owner’s planners.
Following news reports that the ILWU might take labor action in May or June; we couldn’t accept that risk. There is a time when instinct says do this instead of that. So we decided on a different route.
Thanks to Peter Andrews of Ellerman City Liners, the last rowboat was carried to New York and we arranged trans-continental towing through Carson Meeks and James Fontes of Grand Alliance Transportation.
Lo and behold, the port slow downs materialized; the intended Hapag vessel to Oakland was delayed.
Mark Davidian in our West Coast office coordinated reception in Oakland and delivery to Monterey. Mark is also supervising the pacific transport needs.
Jag Thiara of Cargo Bay picked up the containers and stored the boats in San Leandro.
Finally the boats were delivered to the Monterey Marina by Brandon Clarke of NCR Roadside Service with plenty of buffer for the teams to prepare for their journeys.
The boats will arrive to Hanalei in July and August where they will be hauled out at the Canoe Club and prepped for container transport with Pasha Hawaii back to the Mainland and UK. Thanks to Michael Pasha for cooperating with his services.
Marney Kaleleiki of Honolulu Freight Service and Aloha Isle Moving will handle logistics in Kauai.
I mention names because without their consideration the race would not be possible. Logistics is movement by people."
The Prince's Trust
The Prince's Trust, founded in 1976, is one of the United Kingdom's most successful funding organisations. We at Kestrel never fail to be inspired by their ongoing efforts to uplift the younger generations.
In January 2017, we partnered with the Prince's Trust International, a new International arm launched in 2015, to deliver their 'Get into Logistics' programme. The 'Get into' is an employability scheme in Barbados with the aim of helping disadvantaged young people on the island gain vital sector-specific skills. Our first wave of students on the 'Get into Logistics' programme all graduated with flying colours.
Mark Davidian from Kestrel had the pleasure of giving the participants of 'Get into Logistics' their graduation certificates. He heard first-hand the benefits of the programme to the young people involved.
I was very honoured to attend the Prince's Trust International Event and to meet this first wave of students – an inspiring group of enthusiastic, energetic young people looking to find a start and hopefully building a career in logistics. As the future of their industry they need to be given a chance. The benefits from this programme are already being realised in Barbados and we look forward to seeing the programme expand across the Caribbean region.
Mark Davidian
One of the biggest success stories of the 'Get into Logistics' programme was our trainee Orian. We were so impressed with her commitment and enthusiasm, we offered her a job in our offices in Barbados. We're pleased to report that she accepted, saying:
Six weeks ago I knew nothing about shipping! In five weeks I have learnt so much. I am looking forward to finding out so much more about the shipping and logistics industry. I am particularly looking forward to seeing a product on the shelves in Barbados knowing that I played a part in importing it.
We have also had the pleasure of working with the Prince's Trust International to sponsor their very successful 'Get into Hospitality' programme. This is an intensive 12-week programme which supports 15 young people who are not yet ready to enter employment and works with them to develop not only their confidence but also other key skills they will require through a residential week, community project and work placements. This programme also boasts a high degree of success with helping young people to find opportunities within the hospitality industry.
Here at Kestrel, we owe our success to the many different communities around the globe, so we are proud to support those who support us. We remain aware of the many different issues that these communities face, and are eager to help them however we can as it is part of the Mission Statement that Kestrel is built upon.