Blöck appointed MD at APL

Mr Blöck has more than 25 years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry, including six successful years with APL in the 1990s as general manager for Germany. He returned to APL at the end of 2006 as director, International Freight Services, Europe based in Hamburg. Prior to this he held senior management roles with Exel and DHL.

Dave Appleton, APL’s European president, said: “The German and Central Europe region is a current focal point for significant economic expansion, as the effects of an enlarged EU exert increased influence over trade. Such markets as retail, apparel and consumer electronics are playing a major role in this expansion and APL will continue to target these sectors.”

In 2007, the principal ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven saw year-on-year growth of 11.6% and 10.6% respectively. Combined, the ports moved 14.8m teu compared with 13.3m in 2006. The latest ten-year forecast from shipping consultants Drewry show an average annual growth rate of 8% for northern Europe, including Germany. Moreover, the Central European region’s trade with Asia is predicted to grow by a multiple of six by 2016, amounting to nearly 8m teu.