JAS Worldwide recently participated in TPM24, an event held in Long Beach, CA, where industry leaders converged to discuss the future of logistics and maritime shipping. Among the event's highlights was the joint presentation between JAS and Wesco, focusing on their collaborative efforts towards decarbonization in the industry.
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TPM, or Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference, serves as a platform for key stakeholders in the shipping industry to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities. At TPM24 Shipper's Day, JAS Worldwide and Wesco shared their experiences in a joint panel discussion titled "First Steps: A Case Study in Developing a Decarbonization Plan".

During this session, Jim Bonsteel, VP Transportation, Customs and Trade Coordination at Wesco, and Andrea Goeman, Senior Vice President of QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide, delved into the journey towards decarbonization. Moderated by Alexander Nowroth, the discussion offered a comprehensive view of the decarbonization process within logistics Scope 3 emissions. The presentation showcased the collaboration journey from 2018 to today, starting from measuring carbon emissions to reducing them.
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A key theme reiterated throughout the session was the fundamental role of partnerships in driving sustainable change. Andrea Goeman emphasized, "I firmly believe that choosing the right partners is key to making a change," underscoring the importance of collaboration and shared values in addressing industry-wide challenges.
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Jim Bonsteel mentioned, "Driving progress in sustainability is about being an advocate – you have to embrace the topic in your overall logistics decision-making to go from crawling to standing up and walking."

"The presentation received positive feedback from other shippers and stakeholders who are starting on the sustainability journey," highlighted Lars Huebecker, EVP Global Head of Ocean Freight at JAS. "Our focus on sustainability within our ocean freight operations not only influences industry practices but also underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility," added Lars.
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While recent years have presented significant challenges for many industries, such as the recent disruptive impact of geopolitics, the unprecedented supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, and labor actions at major seaports, the pursuit of sustainability is viewed as an enduring journey rather than a short-lived endeavor. This perception highlights the ongoing commitment required to create a meaningful change in the logistics ecosystem.
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JAS Worldwide extends its appreciation to all participants and organizers of TPM 2024 for fostering meaningful discussions, providing valuable industry insights, and inspiring innovative initiatives. Moving forward, JAS Worldwide remains committed to fostering collaborative partnerships and advancing sustainable practices, driving positive change in the global maritime shipping and logistics landscape.

About JAS Worldwide: 

JAS was founded in 1978 in Milan, Italy, and its global headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Over the last four decades, JAS has grown from regional roots to a global force in logistics covering all modes of transportation, including contract logistics and other sophisticated and digital-driven supply chain solutions. Today, JAS covers 100+ countries with over 7000 employees globally and continues to expand with its core culture, "People make the difference," and its strong commitment to a sustainable future. 

About Wesco: 

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500® company with more than $22 billion in annual sales and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, educational institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates nearly 800 branches, warehouses and sales offices in more than 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program along the coast of California which incentivizes companies to incorporate sustainable shipping practices across their global supply chain. By creating seasonal and predictable slow speed zones, this program helps companies protect endangered whales, reduce fuel use and regional greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality and human health outcomes.

The program runs each year from mid-May to December to coincide with peak ozone and whale feeding and migration. The program covers two geographic regions, one along the Southern California coast and one outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2014, the program has achieved an estimated 44% decrease in the risk of whale strikes. 

As an ambassador, JAS engages with its shipping partners operating in the area, recognizes the shared vision and commitment with those already involved in vessel speed reduction, and further encourages other ocean carriers to participate in the program. 

“What makes the BWBS initiative stand out is that it not only addresses carbon emissions, but also safeguards biodiversity. By voluntarily reducing vessel speed (VSR) along the California coast, ocean carriers commit to protecting blue whales and raising industry awareness. JAS supports this initiative and will further engage its logistics partners on the key role whales play in the environment and our responsibility to improve the ocean ecosystem.” -Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability, JAS Worldwide

“Being an ambassador for the BWBS Program is a great initiative towards more sustainable ocean freight solutions. It is a way to further engage with our carriers, with whom we share values towards a sustainable transformation, and an example of how collaboration can be beneficial for the logistics ecosystem, our customers, and the environment.” -Lars Huebecker, EVP Global Head of Ocean Freight