Features

Independent

The Myth of ‘Free’

The unthinking demand for ‘free’ Web services has resulted in a proliferation of online advertising networks which surreptitiously track users in order to create behavioural profiles that distort markets and undermine consumer confidence. Eric Payne argues that, with low cost networking and digital manufacturing technologies spreading to all four corners of the globe, this issue should be addressed before the economic impacts become too difficult to reverse.

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Pulling Power

A process that taps the kinetic push-and-pull that results from a semi-permeable membrane being placed between bodies of river water and salt water, osmotic power generation is a carbon-free renewable energy with the global potential to produce 1,700 terawatt-hours of electricity a year – roughly half the EU’s consumption. Marius Goubert investigates Norway-based Statkraft’s foundation of the world’s first pilot facility, and considers how technological advances are bringing the technique ever closer to mainstream commercialisation.

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Algae: making buildings greener

How can algae play a more prominent role in sustainable development? The experts say that the cost of algae cultivation is still too high to be commercially viable, however one company in France, Ennesys, has an original business model that it claims can give large buildings a positive energy balance. Nicholas Charity learns more about the development and asks if algae biotechnology will ever be commercially realistic.

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Archipelago on the Ascent

Basking in its newly won investment grade credit status, Indonesia is a country on the ascent, but is the populous country’s rapid growth undermining the case for domestic reforms? As the presidential election looms next year, Sarah Pursey looks at some of the opportunities and challenges that the new resident of Merdeka Palace will need to address.

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Company Profiles

A Solid Performer

Union Cement Company (UCC) has developed the largest capacity of any cement producer in the UAE, with a product portfolio ranging from OPC (Ordinary Portland Cement) to specialised oil-well cement, and an export footprint that encompasses much of the international market. Mr Mustafa Gorgunel, Marketing Manager, tells Eric Payne how, in response to a drop off in domestic demand, UCC has implemented a range of optimisation strategies since last being profiled by Euroasia Industry in 2009. Written by, Marius Goubert.

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Building the Hong Kong Skyline

Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd is one of the largest real estate management and construction companies in the Hong Kong market. General Manager for the Construction Department, Mr Kenneth Mo, talks to Sarah Pursey about how the business has developed since its initial listing over 40 years ago. Written by Eric Payne.

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Redefining Panamax

The American Society of Civil Engineers named the Panama Canal one of the seven wonders of the modern world. As the 50-mile, lock-type Canal approaches its centenary, Sarah Pursey interviews Ilya Marotta, Panama Canal Authority’s Engineering & Programs Management Executive VP, to find out more about the Canal’s major expansion program, which, once completed in 2015, will double the annual capacity of this key conduit for international maritime trade, and redefine the limitations of ‘Panamax’ ships.

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A Vintage Brand

A company that has spearheaded something of a winemaking revolution across the Western Cape, Nederburg is not only one of South Africa's most decorated wine producers, but a pioneering one too. Sarah Pursey speaks to Miss Carina Gous, Business Director, to learn how Nederburg's position as part of Distell – South Africa's largest wine producer – and a string of prestigious accolades are reinforcing its global reputation, and enabling the brand to capture new opportunities for growth within the international sphere. Written by Marius Goubert.

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Pioneers in plastic engineering

Kaneka Belgium has provided state-of-the-art plastic additives to the European market for over 40 years, although the company’s parent in Japan has led the global market in its particular field for many years. With its range of high performance polymers, the company is able to offer value added products to customers in a range of industries. President of Kaneka Belgium, Mr Masaaki Kimura, tells us about the company’s bright future in the market for renewable energies and bioplastics. Nicholas Charity reports.

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Optimum Offshore Services

IMCC is one of the largest providers of modularised onshore and offshore oil & gas platforms and cranes in the Middle East. Technical Director, Mr Rainer Kersting, talks to Eric Payne about his company’s integrated supply chain and preference for working without subcontractors.

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­Supporting Australia’s Oil & Gas Industry

As Australia’s only integrated marine oil & gas logistics provider, GO MARINE GROUP fulfils the support vessel, crewing and ship management demands of several oil majors involved in long-term projects offshore Australia. Eric Payne speaks to Captain Garrick Stanley, Managing Director, to find out how the group’s fleet has grown and its workload has developed since speaking to Euroasia Industry in 2011. Gemma Carter reports.

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EL SEIF THE PREFERRED CONTRACTOR

El Seif Engineering Contracting (ESEC) is an integrated construction company and a partner to world-leading engineering and construction companies entering the Middle East. Mr Mustapha El Hajjar, Senior Vice President – Operations, tells Sarah Pursey about the company’s development of such high-profile projects as the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, and its ongoing work at the new King Abdullah Financial District. Written by Nicholas Charity.

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