Category: Vehicles

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nigeria
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 4 October 2024, 15:33 NZDT
- Still current at: 8 October 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel to the states of Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Rivers (including Port Harcourt and Bonny Island), the river areas of Cross River state, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. There is an ongoing significant threat from terrorism and a very high threat of kidnapping, localised conflict, and armed attacks in these areas. The security situation is volatile. If you are in one of these areas you should consider departing as soon as it is safe to do so. (Level 4 of 4).

Avoid non-essential travel elsewhere in Nigeria (except the cities of Calabar, Abuja and Lagos), due to the threat from terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime (level 3 of 4).

Exercise increased caution in the cities of Calabar, Abuja and Lagos due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime (level 2 of 4).

Nigeria

Terrorism
There is a very high threat from terrorism, especially in northern and northeastern states, and bandit groups are increasingly active in the northwest. No location in Nigeria should be viewed as being outside the scope of terrorist groups. Terror attacks occur very regularly in Nigeria. There have been many serious attacks which have resulted in a significant number of deaths and injuries. The terrorist group Boko Haram regularly mounts large-scale attacks in Nigeria, including bombings, gun assaults, assassinations, arson and mass kidnappings. Future attacks are highly probable, most likely by Boko Haram or Islamic State West Africa (ISWA). Attacks by bandit groups on civilians, motorists and local communities can involve gunfire, explosives, machetes and kidnapping.

Most attacks take place in areas where we advise Do Not Travel, future attacks could occur anywhere in Nigeria. The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) has been targeted in several attacks in recent years, resulting in high numbers of deaths and injuries. Further attacks in Abuja, Lagos and elsewhere are likely and could be indiscriminate.

Armed groups often target transport routes. Avoid intercity transport via road or rail. If despite our advice you undertake travel within Nigeria, we advise that you seek professional security advice and support before departing.

Other common targets include churches and mosques during times of worship, government and security institutions, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, markets, educational facilities and police stations. Many attacks have occurred around religious or public holidays or festivals in public and crowded places. We advise New Zealanders to remain vigilant at all times. Locations frequented by foreigners have been attacked and may be targeted again.

Military operations against Boko Haram in northern and north-eastern parts of Nigeria are ongoing. New Zealanders in Nigeria should be aware that any increase in violence between security forces and terrorist groups is likely to increase the possibility of terrorism throughout Nigeria.

Local authorities in Nigeria often impose, amend and lift curfews in response to security incidents at short notice. New Zealanders in areas affected by violence are advised to monitor local media for the latest information on possible curfews and restrictions on movement, and follow any advice from local authorities.

Local authorities may also interrupt telecommunication services in the northeastern states without notice and for indeterminate periods of time. Neighbouring states may also be affected by these disruptions.

New Zealanders throughout Nigeria are also advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources.

Kidnapping
There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Nigeria, particularly in North and North-Eastern Nigeria and in the Niger Delta states. Attacks are often indiscriminate – residents and foreigners alike have been abducted and held captive, with some deaths being reported. Humanitarian aid workers may be targeted.

There is an increasing risk of kidnapping by bandit groups throughout Nigeria, including in Abuja and Lagos. Kidnappers often target transport routes.

Expatriate workers at oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta states are at particular risk of kidnapping, which is typically financially motivated. New Zealanders working in the Niger Delta states against our advice are advised to seek professional security advice and ensure appropriate personal security measures are in place at all times.

Violent Crime
There are high rates of violent crime such as armed robbery, home invasion, mugging, carjacking, sexual assault and violent assault throughout Nigeria. Crime is more prevalent at night, particularly in urban areas, such as Lagos, and on the main highways.

New Zealanders in Nigeria are advised to be security conscious at all times and should avoid walking and travelling at night, particularly to isolated areas. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of a robbery, mugging or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. As victims of robbery are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, it is advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices and jewellery. We also recommend carrying the minimum amount of cash required.

When driving you should keep doors locked, windows up and keep any valuables out of sight. Don’t use public transportation throughout Nigeria due to safety reasons. We recommend using prearranged transport only or making bookings through your hotel.

Civil Unrest
Numerous deaths and injuries have occurred as a result of violent civil unrest and inter-communal violence in Nigeria in recent years. In the past government security forces have sometimes used live ammunition to disperse demonstrations. There is an ongoing heightened risk of violence, particularly in central and northern regions. Bystanders can get caught up in the violence directed at others.

New Zealanders are advised to avoid all large public gatherings, protests, demonstrations and political rallies as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. If you are in an area affected by unrest, you should leave the immediate vicinity, stay indoors and monitor local media to stay informed of developments.

Piracy
Piracy, including against off-shore oil rigs, is a significant problem in Nigerian waters. There have been armed robberies targeting ships in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Guinea, including in the Niger Delta region.

Mariners are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures. For more information view the International Maritime Bureau’s piracy report.

Scams
Commercial and internet fraud is common in Nigeria, including internet relationship scams. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams.

General Information
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Nigeria, the ability of the government to provide assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited, particularly in areas where we advise against all travel.

We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Nigeria should consider.

Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour in Nigeria to avoid offending local sensitivities. Sharia law operates in many Northern states. Same-sex relationships are illegal in all parts of Nigeria.

Photography of airports, government buildings and military installations is illegal, and can result in fines or imprisonment.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Keep your passport in a safe place and only carry a photocopy for identification purposes. Checkpoints operate throughout the country. Police officers and individuals posing as police officers have been known to solicit bribes. New Zealanders should carry relevant personal identification and vehicle registration papers with them at all times.

The possession, sale and export of African art, particularly antiquities, without authorisation may carry heavy penalties.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Nigeria should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Nigeria are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is accredited to Nigeria

Street Address Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Postal Address New Zealand Embassy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901 Wellington Mail Centre 5045, Wellington Telephone +251-11-515-1269 Fax +251-11-552-6115 Email aue@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia Hours Open to the public: Monday – Friday, 9am-12pm by appointment Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance after hours, please call the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24/7 Consular Emergency line on +64 99 20 20 20.

See our regional advice for Africa

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Manawanui sinking: an expert explains why a speedy cleanup will be crucial – and the main challenges ahead

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christopher Battershill, Professor in Coastal Science, University of Waikato

HMNZS Manawanui arrives at Devonport Naval Base in 2019 still bearing its original Norwegian name,
Edda Fonn. Getty Images

Speed will be of the essence as salvage crews attempt to stop fuel leaking from the sunken New Zealand naval ship off the coast of Samoa.

The HMNZS Manawanui ran aground last weekend on a reef about one nautical mile off the south coast of Upolu, Samoa’s most populated island. The specialist dive and hydrographic vessel was on its third deployment, conducting a reef survey, when it caught fire and sank.

Manawanui listing on the reef, October 6.
Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority via Facebook

The ship has come to rest at a depth of up to 150 metres, which means it may be relatively undisturbed even during storms. Any hull cracks from the impact should not be exacerbated.

But depth makes the salvage operation challenging. Crew may need decompression chambers, and there’s only a narrow window of time to seal any fuel leaks – and, ideally, pipe out more than 900 tonnes of marine diesel the ship carries.

Fuel leaks the first priority

The Manawanui’s sinking is a marine disaster. But it arguably poses a lesser risk than the oil spill caused by the container ship MV Rena, which ran aground near the Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga in 2011.

The Rena was loaded with 1,368 containers, some of which contained hazardous materials, as well as 1,700 tonnes of heavy fuel oil. It also carried thousands of tonnes of dairy products, which effectively fertilised the ocean and caused massive algal blooms, visible from space.

The fuel oil on board the Manawanui is lighter. Its most toxic short-chain hydrocarbons will likely evaporate with wave action. But if the remaining slick washes up on beaches, it will be harder to remove. During low tides, it will be running onto the reef, likely killing off corals and fish in a swath moving inshore or driven by wind and currents.

The salvage crew’s first focus will probably be on mitigating fuel leaks. But they will also need to clean up any crushed coral and contaminated sediment around the reef and wreck as quickly as possible, as it may have been exposed to the ship’s anti-fouling paint. In calm weather this would be possible as it’s shallow on the reef crest.

Ships in the past have been painted with the anti-fouling paint Tributylin. It has now been banned because of its toxicity, but many ships simply painted over it with modern paints. Any damage to the hull could expose old layers. Without a thorough cleanup, this could preclude coral recovery.

My experience, and that of colleague’s both in New Zealand and in tropical Australia, shows a speedy cleanup can make all the difference for the environmental recovery after ships ground on reefs and sometimes sink.

When the Malaysian-flagged container ship Bunga Teratai Satu ran into the Sudbury Reef in the Great Barrier Reef in 2001, the vessel was refloated without losing any cargo or fuel. But it had scraped against the reef, spreading tributyltin-coated fragments. The salvage operation cleaned up the toxic material and the coral was on a recovery trajectory within four years.

In contrast, the sinking of the Shen Neng 1 in 2010 flattened 8,000 square metres of reef east of Great Keppel Island on Queensland’s Capricorn coast. While the ship was also refloated and removed, there was no cleanup and no signs of coral recovery a decade after the disaster.

Should oil dispersants be used?

All 75 crew and passengers have been taken off the Manawanui by life rafts and other boats that came to the rescue. A Court of Inquiry is under way to establish exactly what caused the sinking.

Rescued crew and passengers from Manawanui on Upolu’s southern coast.
Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority via Facebook

The focus is now on mitigating environmental impacts.

At this point, there are no signs of oil on the beaches where the vessel sank, but locals are reporting an oil-like substance in the water around the wreck.

Should fuel oil spill ashore, locals will have to find ways of harnessing the public for the beach cleanup. When the oil slick from the Rena contaminated local beaches, thousands of volunteers helped with the recovery operation.

Locals will likely also face decisions about using oil dispersants, which break up oil into smaller droplets into the water column.

At the time of the Rena operation, there was a public outcry against the use of dispersants because they spread the pollution further into the marine environment, and the chemical combination of oil and dispersant can be more toxic than either alone.

The use of dispersants makes sense however, if an oil spill threatens turtle nesting areas for example, as it did when the cargo ship Pacific Adventurer was caught in a cyclone off Queensland in 2009 and 270 tonnes of oil created a 5.5 kilometre long slick.

The reef where the Manawanui struck is well known for its large population of sea turtles, which come to feed in the area. They are likely to sense the pollution and eventually stay away, as will pelagic fish.

Given the area is the local villagers’ food basket and a tourist destination, any deleterious effects on the coastal environment and coral reefs will be keenly felt. As in Aotearoa, the intimate bond between people and the sea is profound. Drawing on past experiences will empower speedy action and hasten ecological restoration.

Christopher Battershill received funding from the Ministry for the Environment to examine the environmental effects of the MV Rena ship wreck. He is affiliated with the Oil Pollution Advisory Committee and has previously worked with the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

– ref. Manawanui sinking: an expert explains why a speedy cleanup will be crucial – and the main challenges ahead – https://theconversation.com/manawanui-sinking-an-expert-explains-why-a-speedy-cleanup-will-be-crucial-and-the-main-challenges-ahead-240775

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Albania
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 4 October 2024, 09:28 NZDT
- Still current at: 8 October 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Exercise increased caution in Albania due to the threat of crime (level 2 of 4).

Albania

Terrorism
Terrorist groups, individuals returning to Europe from areas of conflict, and individuals adhering to various forms of extremist ideologies, continue to make threats to conduct attacks throughout Europe.

New Zealanders in Albania are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising a high degree of vigilance in public places, including at tourist sites, restaurants, bars, shopping areas, sporting events and transport hubs. Be alert and take official warnings seriously.

Crime
Violent crime does occur, but targeting of foreigners is rare. Petty crime such as bag snatching and pickpocketing occurs in Albania and is common in tourist areas, in larger cities and major public transport hubs, including airports. House break-ins and property theft also occur. Security risks increase after dark. Be cautious when using ATM machines. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings, including in vehicles.

Civil Unrest
Public demonstrations occur often, and can happen with little warning causing serious traffic disruptions. Political protests regularly take place in central Tirana. You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings in Albania, as some previous protests have turned violent. Follow local media sources and be aware of your surroundings.

General Travel Advice
Landmines are still present in the north-eastern border area with Kosovo, but are often marked clearly as danger zones. New Zealanders are advised not to stray off well-used roads and paths in rural areas.

Keep your passport in a safe place and only carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes.

Penalties for the possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

Medical facilities are limited outside Tirana. New Zealanders travelling or living in Albania should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation.

New Zealanders in Albania are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Rome, Italy is accredited to Albania

Street Address Via Clitunno, 44, 00198 Rome, Italy Telephone +39 06 853 7501 Fax +39 06 440 2984 Email rome@nzembassy.it Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/italy Hours Mon- Fri 0900 -1230 and 1330-1630 Note We encourage you to make an appointment to ensure prompt service.

See our regional advice for Europe

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Gaza turned into graveyard after ‘brutal’ year: UN agency

Source: China State Council Information Office

The year-long “brutal” war has turned the Gaza Strip into a graveyard for tens of thousands and a sea of rubble, the UN agency for Palestine refugees said Monday.

“Twelve months of brutal war have transformed the Gaza Strip into an unrecognizable sea of rubble and a graveyard for tens of thousands of people, among them far too many children,” Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said on social media platform X on the first anniversary of the Gaza conflict.

“One year has passed, and not a day goes by without families in Gaza being subjected to unspeakable suffering, as forced displacement, disease, hunger, and death have become the daily norm for 2 million people trapped in a bombed-out and besieged enclave,” Lazzarini said.

“Children have been the first and most to suffer. Beyond the killing and injury, every child in Gaza is traumatized, many with life-long invisible scars. More than 650,000 children are losing another year of learning. Instead of being in classrooms, they are sifting through the rubble in despair and fear,” he said.

Lazzarini noted that the Middle East is “sinking deeper into conflict, killing, and sheer horrors.”

“The expansion of the war into Lebanon is wreaking havoc on civilians, many forced to relive traumas of the past,” he said.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,909, with injuries up to 97,303, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Wangaratta training campus celebrates 40 years
Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

Volunteers exhibited their firefighting skills in front of onlookers on Saturday 5 October. Pictures by Marc Bongers

One of CFA’s eight training facilities used by firefighters celebrated its 40th anniversary with members and families on the weekend.

On Saturday 5 October, hot fire drills and vehicle displays were part of the event at Wangaratta’s Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC).

PAD Supervisor Richie Gardner said the facility, which provides volunteers with training in various scenarios including structural firefighting and breathing apparatus, began its journey over four decades ago.

“In 1979, Wangaratta Council was approached by some of the local brigades that were looking for somewhere to be able to do hot fire training, which was not something you could do in the town,” Richie said.

“An area adjacent to the saleyards was open and free and council agreed they could start utilising it from 1984.”

The Wangaratta facility boasts fire attack buildings, props and training facilities for brigades from Kerang to Wallan, the Alpine region, back to Corryong and to the Murray region.

Crews can utilise simulations of motor vehicle accidents and structure fires to boost their skills, as well as breathing apparatus equipment.

“It gives our brigades the opportunity to come and train to meet the risk of their area,” Richie said.

“They have the ability to go to a training ground and be taught in a controlled environment, but still very similar to the hot smoky environment of a real fire.”

On the weekend, South Wangaratta and Wangaratta Fire Brigade members participated in a simulation of a service station fire gas attack to present their skills to the welcoming crowd.

A yesteryear drill also saw old international pumpers members utilised in the facility’s early days restored for senior members to use once again.

“The good thing about this facility, or any of our facilities, is they’re not only firefighting facilities, they’re for emergency service training, so Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and other emergency service organisations also utilise our training campus,” Richie said.

“You never know when you or your family may need one of these services, and for us to be able to enhance their skills and assist them in their development is sensational.

“It’s something firefighters can’t do in their work environments, so they come here, and they utilise this facility, and it makes it a safer place and a safer world for all of us.”

Former CFA members who helped establish the facility gathered alongside current members to formally celebrate the occasion on Friday 4 October.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook said it was important to pay respects to those who had the foresight and tenacity to bring training to volunteers as opposed to the other way around.

“We now have another seven facilities like Wangaratta all owned and maintained by CFA geographically dispersed around Victoria, providing that very same vision that those pioneers had in the early days of District 23, being a first-class training facility accessible to volunteers,” Garry said.

“It’s a great facility and one that everybody who has had anything to do with over the years is exceptionally proud of.

“We look forward to the opportunity to provide our volunteers with a base to access their training for years to come.”
- Firefighters attack a simulated service station fire
- (Back row): Brett Eastwood, Peter Dedman, Tony Owen, David Maxwell, Daryl Owen and Paul Scragg. (Front row): Trevor Franklin, Stewart Kreltszheim and Eddie Tichelaar in front of a restored vehicle
- A restored vehicle
- CFA Deputy Chief Officer Garry Cook speaking at an event for past and current members on Friday 4 October
- From left to right: PAD Supervisor Richie Gardner and PAD operators Steve Phillips, Steve McDonald, David Stone, David Salau, Kane Waring, Warren Honey, John Barnard, Dave Muskee and Jason Allisey
Submitted by CFA Media

MIL OSI News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Algeria
Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 7 October 2024, 10:38 NZDT
- Still current at: 8 October 2024
Related news features

If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

Do not travel within 50 kilometres of the border regions with Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia due to a heightened threat from terrorism and kidnapping (level 4 of 4).

Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Algeria, due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping (level 2 of 4).

Algeria

Terrorism
There is a high threat from terrorism in Algeria. While the threat is greatest in remote mountainous regions and rural areas, attacks can occur indiscriminately anywhere, at any time.

In recent years, there have been several attacks, primarily against Algerian government interests and security forces, but civilians have been killed or injured also. On 16 January 2021, two four-wheel drive vehicles triggered two Improvised Explosive Devices, killing 5 civilians. On 14 January 2021, a roadside bomb killed 5 Algerian citizens in Telidjane, Tebessa province, on the border with Tunisia. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for placement of the landmine, but denied that they were targeting civilians.

Al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and similar groups have signalled an intent to target foreigners and Western interests. There have been attacks on foreign oil and gas operations in the Sahara resulting in foreigners being taken hostage and killed. Further attacks are possible.

New Zealanders in Algeria are advised to maintain a high degree of personal security awareness at all times, keep a low profile and stay alert to local developments. We recommend adhering to any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities.

Kidnapping
There is a risk of kidnapping outside of the main cities, particularly in the Kabylie region in north east Algeria, border areas in the south and east and remote regions in the Sahara. Foreigners have been taken hostage, and in some cases executed. Further kidnappings are possible.

We strongly advise against unnecessary travel to remote areas and against all travel to the border regions near Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Tunisia due to the heightened risk of kidnapping. New Zealanders in Algeria are advised to seek professional security advice before travelling to areas of particular risk and ensure appropriate personal security protection measures are in place.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension
Protests and demonstrations are a frequent occurrence and can be triggered by political and economic developments, and events in both Algeria and the wider region. New Zealanders in Algeria are strongly advised to avoid any political gatherings, protests and demonstrations, as even those intended as peaceful have the potential to turn violent with little warning.

Comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities, including any curfews. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings. If unexpectedly in the vicinity of a protest or demonstration, exercise caution and leave the area quickly.

Local Travel
New Zealanders in Algeria should ensure they put in place appropriate personal security protection measures. Local police are able to provide further advice on the security situation and necessary security arrangements. It is advisable to notify police of travel to any remote locations, accept any security escort you may be offered and co-operate with authorities.

New Zealanders travelling in Algeria should avoid travelling outside the major cities by road, due to security concerns, particularly at night when there is a heightened risk. Authorities will likely want to know your travel plans when travelling outside major cities and may assign police to protect you. Take particular caution after dark. Where possible, avoid public transport and travel by air. Accommodation should be prearranged and at a place where a high level of security is provided.

Crime
The crime rate in Algeria is moderate. Street crime is prevalent in Algeria and foreigners may be specifically targeted due to their perceived wealth. Bag-snatchings, muggings and theft from hotel rooms and cars are common in larger cities. Only stay at international hotels that provide a high level of security.

New Zealanders are advised to exercise particular vigilance in crowded or public areas. Avoid showing signs of affluence and keep personal belongings secure at all times. Avoid walking in isolated areas or alone at night, as risks increase after dark.

There is a threat of banditry, particularly in the Tamanrasset and Illizi provinces in southern Algeria, and other areas away from major highways. Bandits have used illegal blockades to stop and rob vehicles.

General Travel Advice
New Zealanders are advised to respect religious and social traditions in Algeria to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion should be exercised in both dress and behaviour.

Homosexuality is illegal in Algeria and convictions can result in prison sentences.

Algeria does not recognise dual nationality. This limits our ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealand/Algerian dual nationals.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Algeria should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

New Zealanders in Algeria are strongly encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Travel tips

The New Zealand Embassy Cairo, Egypt is accredited to Algeria

Street Address 8th floor, North Tower, Nile City building, Corniche El Nil, Ramlet Beaulac, Cairo, Egypt Telephone +202 2461 9186 Fax +202 2461 9178 Email enquiries@nzembassy.org.eg Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/middle-east/egypt/new-zealand-embassy-to-arab-republic-of-egypt/ Hours Sun-Wed 0900-1500 hrs, Thurs 0900-1330 hrs Note In an emergency or if you require urgent assistance, please call the Embassy on +202 2461 6000. Outside of business hours you will be redirected to an after-hours duty service.

See our regional advice for Africa

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025

Submitted by	CFA Media

MIL-OSI Australia: Wake-up call for phone-wielding drivers

Source: South Australia Police

Drivers clocked up 2544 fines during the first week of expiations snapped by South Australia’s new mobile phone detection cameras, with at least three people expected to lose their licence.

Following a three-month grace period, week-one data from 19 September 2024 to 25 September 2024 shows, pleasingly, driver behaviour has improved.

However, a concerning number of offenders are still choosing to “flirt with death”, suffering expensive repercussions including a $556 fine plus a $102 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points.

Reviewed by a trained SAPOL adjudicator, of the 2604 potential incidents, 2544 or 97.70 per cent received an expiation notice. Day one alone saw 405 notices issued.

Across five metropolitan camera locations, the first week’s rate of expiation notices has averaged 0.24 per cent compared to 0.37 per cent in the last week of the grace period.

“This demonstrates people are hearing the call that illegal mobile phone use on our roads will not be tolerated,” South Australia Police (SAPOL) Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge, Superintendent Darren Fielke said.

“But it defies all reason some drivers are still putting their lives and others at risk by using their phones when behind the wheel. Use includes having the phone in your lap, under or on your body or touching or being touched by any part of your body except in certain circumstances.

“In only one week, 2544 motorists were detected, and no one can say we didn’t warn them. The fact certain drivers were caught multiple times across several of the camera locations is unbelievable.”

Two registered vehicle owners will receive six expiations for detections, and another will be issued with five. All three are expected to lose their licences.

“Disappointingly, our records show the registered vehicle owners that were detected five times and more in the first week had also received warning letters during the grace period,” Superintendent Fielke revealed.

“Our continued message to drivers is simple; leave your phone alone while driving, or you might pay the ultimate price.”

In 2024 so far, distraction has been a contributing factor in 2101 casualty collisions, with 23 lives lost and 221 serious injuries suffered.

Mobile phone detection cameras are in place across five high-risk locations, monitoring 13 lanes. All five locations have had warning signs installed.

First week expiation data shows, of the 2544 expiations issued, 702 were detected at North South Motorway, Regency Park, 580 at Southern Expressway, Darlington, 553 at South Road, Torrensville, 473 at Port Road, Hindmarsh and 236 at Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross (vehicle volume 1,061,589).

South Road, Torrensville was identified as having the highest percentage of expiations sent considering vehicle volume, and Southern Expressway, Darlington the lowest.

Mobile phone detection cameras were introduced across the five sites between 19 June and 18 September 2024, and during the three-month expiation grace period, SAPOL sent 68,252 warning notices for mobile phone offences.

Two other camera locations are currently being considered and are expected to be in place during 2025.

Visit Think! Road Safety for further information about mobile phone detection cameras.

*No new photos are available from phone camera detections

Data table

Distracted Driving Statistics for 19 September 2024 to 25 September 2024 Inclusive
Vehicle Volume	Total Incidents (Potential Offences)	Expiation Notices Sent	% Expiation Notices Sent	% Expiation Notices
1,061,589	2604	2544	0.24%	97.70%

MIL OSI News –

January 23, 2025

MIL-OSI New Zealand: Asphalt repairs next week for section of SH3 Carlton Ave
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A stretch of State Highway 3 (SH3) Carlton Avenue in Whanganui will close to southbound traffic later next week for asphalt repairs.

The work will take place over 3 days from next Wednesday 16 October, between 7am and 7pm each day.

During these work times, a section of SH3, between Smithfield Road and Jackson Street, will be under a one-way closure for all southbound traffic. SH3 will remain open for all northbound traffic, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place.

The below detours will be in place for light and heavy vehicles:
- All southbound light vehicles (cars and other non-freight vehicles) will be detoured via Purnell Street to Guyton Street to Heads Road then back to SH3.
- All southbound heavy vehicles (freight trucks) will be detoured via Montgomery Road to Mosston Road to Heads Road and back to SH3.
The light vehicle detour is expected to add about 5 minutes to journey times. For heavy vehicles, please expect an extra 10 minutes to be added to your journey.

Outside of the work hours, SH3 Carlton Ave will be fully open with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Please note, access will remain to Smithfield Road from SH3. Access from Alma Road to the SH3 roundabout will be restricted to help ease traffic flow. Road users are advised to follow signage, reduced speeds and any directions from staff on site.

In the event of bad weather, work will begin on the next fine day and may extend the programme out to include works on Saturday 19 October.

Recent heavy and persistent rainfall has caused a number of potholes to open up in this area. Crews applied temporary fixes at the time while this longer-term fix could be arranged. A day-time closure allows crews to complete this road maintenance work as efficiently and safely as possible, while keeping road users moving.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this important road maintenance work to strengthen this section of road and improve its long-term condition.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name Release, Fatal crash, Tuamarina

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can now release the name of one of the young men who died following a single vehicle crash on SH1, Tuamarina, 1:45am Sunday 6 October.

He was 19-year-old Brayden Charles Allen of Picton, Marlborough.

Police would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

A statement from Brayden’s family below:

We are heartbroken to announce the tragic passing of our beloved Brayden Charles Allen early Sunday morning. Brayden was the cherished son of Scott Allen and Erin Ellis and was also deeply loved by stepdad Zane Ellis and stepmum Jocelyne Allen.

He was the most fun-loving, out-of-this-world character who truly lived life to the fullest, and his loss is incomprehensible to us all. The love between a parent and a child is beyond measure, and Brayden filled his parents’ lives with joy, laughter, and endless love. The loss of a child is a pain no parent should ever bear, and the grief we feel is overwhelming and unimaginable. Brayden’s life was a light in all our lives, and that light will forever remain in our hearts.

Brayden’s bond with his younger brother Ajani was nothing short of extraordinary. They shared a connection that was deep, unshakable, and uniquely their own. Their relationship was built on love, understanding, and a shared sense of adventure. It was as if the two brothers had their own language, a silent connection that was felt by everyone around them.

Whether they were exploring the outdoors or simply enjoying each other’s company, the bond between them was unbreakable. Brayden was more than just a big brother to Ajani—he was his protector, his best friend, and his biggest supporter.

It was the kind of brotherly love that could never be explained but always felt deeply by those around them. It was a bond so special and strong, the love they shared was unexplainable but undeniably powerful. Their closeness was a joy to witness, a reflection of Brayden’s huge heart and his devotion to those he loved.

Brayden passionately embraced the outdoors and lived every moment to the extreme with his adoring sidekick Busta. His adventurous spirit and love for life were infectious, making every moment with him feel larger than life. He had a way of bringing light into any situation, and his ability to lift up others knew no bounds. His family, including his aunts Carina, Raewyn, Megan, Bronwyn, uncles Ben, Sam, David, Luke, and Bendy, Alec and his adoring grandparents Ian and Paula, Karen and Phil, late Poppa, Colin and Melva, Gud, Nanna B, Daniel and Louise, Suzie and the late Jeffrey and the countless extended cousins, aunties and uncles are devastated by this unimaginable loss.

With a heart bigger than he sometimes knew how to handle, Brayden was fiercely loyal and loving to all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a devoted son, brother, friend, boyfriend, grandchild, and nephew, always aware of how others felt and going to the ends of the earth to make them feel wonderful.

He was, without a doubt, a person whose joy for life and deep care for others left a mark on everyone he met. Brayden’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts, but we are so incredibly grateful for the joy he brought into our lives. We will hold on to his memory, his love, and his adventurous spirit forever.

Brayden’s family have requested that in lieu of flow, donations could be made to the Nelson/Marlborough rescue helicopter.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Hamas claims killing of Israeli soldiers in Gaza City

Source: China State Council Information Office

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced on Monday that they had killed and wounded several Israeli soldiers in an attack in northern Gaza City.

According to a press statement from the Al-Qassam Brigades, their members successfully targeted a group of 10 Israeli soldiers with an anti-personnel bomb, resulting in casualties in the area.

The statement also noted that the brigades observed a helicopter landing for evacuation but did not provide further details about the incident.

In a separate announcement, the brigades claimed they had targeted an Israeli armored personnel carrier with a “Yassin 105” missile in the Tuwam area, north of Gaza City.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the incidents. However, public Israeli radio reported that military forces in northern Gaza faced significant security challenges and that helicopters were deployed to evacuate wounded soldiers.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also stated they targeted the “Sderot” area in southern Israel, along with military gatherings and operational centers east of Rafah city, using several “Rajum” short-range missiles with a 114-mm caliber. No casualties or damage were reported from these missile launches.

Earlier on Monday, the Al-Qassam Brigades declared their readiness for a protracted conflict against Israel in the Gaza Strip.

“We choose to continue a long and painful war of attrition against Israel,” Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said in a video statement marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault on Israel. He emphasized that the ongoing battles have demonstrated the effectiveness of this strategy.

Ubaida claimed that Hamas has inflicted significant damage, saying, “On all fronts of combat and throughout Gaza, we have killed and targeted hundreds of soldiers, destroyed Israeli vehicles, and refined our tactics.”

The northern Gaza Strip has been subjected to heavy Israeli air and artillery bombardment since Sunday, coinciding with the army’s announcement of a ground operation in Jabalia, northern Gaza, aimed at Hamas.

The conflict, which began on Oct. 7, 2023 with a Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people, has entered its second year. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in nearly 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese mainland records 13.57M entry, exit trips in National Day holiday

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

Border control authorities on the Chinese mainland recorded about 13.57 million inbound and outbound trips during the National Day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
They also recorded 606,000 vehicles crossing the border during the seven days, one of the longest public holidays on the mainland, according to a statement released by the ministry on Monday.
The number of criminal cases and public security incidents reported on the mainland during the holiday decreased by 5.7 percent and 20.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same period last year, according to the statement.
A daily average of 580,000 police and auxiliary police officers worked to protect tourists from public security threats during the holiday, it added.

MIL OSI China News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New local road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko – Takitimu North Link
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

There is now a new road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko as part of the Takitimu North Link project.

Finishing the local roads in this area makes way for the 4-lane expressway to be built underneath.

This big job has seen the relocation of underground cables and pipes, installation of 1660m of subsoil drains, 15,000 cubic metres of dirt moved, construction of the new 100m long bridge and associated tie-in works, as well as construction of the new road and roundabout at St Andrews Drive, and the relocation of Harrison and Cambridge roads.

A massive 445 truck and trailer loads of pavement aggregates and over 50,000 litres of bitumen were delivered to site.

“Working with our partners Tauranga City Council we have been able to improve the Cambridge/Moffat roads intersection, which was previously a tricky spot for road users. Now there are better sight lines and a safer intersection with left and right turning lanes,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Senior Manager Project Services, Jo Wilton.

Works in the area have also allowed for future development of the Smiths Farm area, with a 25m bridge under construction and a fourth leg from St Andrews Drive roundabout, which will provide access.

“Completing extensive work in this area is another great step forward for the project. We’re grateful to our neighbours and the surrounding community for their support and patience as we’ve moved through the different phases. We also acknowledge the mahi of local hapū, who have carried out kaitiaki responsibilities throughout, and played an important role,” Ms Wilton says.

There are a couple of finishing touches to do in the coming week as the final chip beds in, including final line-marking.

Crews expect to break through the ground underneath Cambridge Road overbridge, as part of the 2024/25 earthworks programme soon, to link the new road sections on either side of Moffatt Road.

The project has enjoyed a productive winter earthworks season shifting 120,000 cubic metres of material in the cooler months of the year.

“We are now preparing for the upcoming earthworks season with a target of shifting a further 600,000 cubic metres of material over the warmer months,” says Ms Wilton.

Major work sites are at SH2/Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, and Minden Road, Te Puna. These sites will have traffic management in place and changes to road layout while works are underway.

Notes to editor

Service relocations on Cambridge Road:  
- 1660m of watermain
- 1900m of communication
- 2130m of power
- 155m of sewer main 
Takitimu North Link Stage 1 will connect Tauranga and Te Puna with a new 4-lane expressway. This Road of National Significance contributes to building a transport network that enables people and freight to move around efficiently, quickly, and safely.

Contractors Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture are designing and constructing the project, with BBO the principal’s advisor. The design of Takitimu North Link is being delivered by Beca, with Holmes Consultancy Limited Partnership as a subconsultant.

Read more here:

Cambridge Road

The intersection at Cambridge/Moffat roads, to St Andrews Drive roundabout, opened 7 October 2024.

The connection from St Andrews Drive roundabout to Cambridge/Moffat roads opened 7 October 2024, the new bridge at Cambridge Road is pictured in the background – earthworks are due to break through underneath this summer.

Pavements crew make the finishing touches to the local roads between Bethlehem and Tauriko, as part of works on the Takitimu North Link project.

Artist impression – bridge at Cambridge Road, Takitimu North Link.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Productivity is often mistaken for wages. What does it really mean? How does it work?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Peetz, Laurie Carmichael Distinguished Research Fellow at the Centre for Future Work, and Professor Emeritus, Griffith Business School, Griffith University

Alexey_Rezvykh/Shutterstock

Australia’s productivity growth has reverted to the same stagnant pattern as before the pandemic, according to the Productivity Commission’s latest quarterly report.

Productivity is complex and often misunderstood in media and policy debates. So before we read too much into this latest data, here are six key things to understand about productivity.

1. It’s about quantities, not costs

Productivity “measures the rate at which output of goods and services are produced per unit of input”. So it’s about how many workers does it take to make how many widgets?

Most Australian workplace managers don’t know how to measure productivity correctly.

If someone says “higher wages mean lower productivity”, they don’t know what they’re talking about. Wages aren’t part of the productivity equation. People often cite “productivity” as a reason for a policy they like because they can’t say “we like higher profits”.

In fact, high wages can encourage firms to introduce new technology that improves productivity. If labour becomes more expensive, it may be more profitable for firms to invest in labour-saving technology.

But lower productivity isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes higher selling prices can lower productivity. It seems odd, but works like this: if prices for commodities such as iron ore or coal are high, it becomes profitable for mining companies to dig through more rock to get to it.

This takes more time. But it’s now worth extracting these small quantities, because they’re so valuable. For this reason, with high commodity prices, mining labour productivity fell by 13% between 2019-20 and 2022-23. Mining productivity had the largest negative impact on national productivity growth in 2022-23.

2. Productivity is directed by management, not workers

The biggest single factor that shapes productivity is technology. Who’s responsible for what technology a business introduces? Management. Workers often don’t have much of a say.

OECD research suggests new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) meets lower resistance from employees when they are consulted over its introduction. That’s because new technology makes their firms more competitive and they want to keep their jobs.

Not surprisingly, there’s lots of research showing management that engages and consults workers gets greater output.

Output will also be better with an educated and skilled workforce. If people can do more things with their brains, they’ll be more productive.

3. Measuring productivity is dodgier the more complex it gets

Measuring labour productivity – output per unit of labour input – is fairly straightforward if you’ve got a single output that is sold in a free market, and you’re looking at a single input (labour). It’s not hard to measure, or describe, the number of cars produced per worker in a week.

It gets very tricky when you’re looking at multi-factor productivity (output per unit of, say, labour-and-capital input). Economists can’t even describe the denominator. (What even is a unit of “labour-and-capital”?) So they express what they measure as an index (giving it a value of 100 in some base year). All sorts of bold assumptions get made.

Estimates are highly creative. In its report, the Productivity Commission looked at revisions to quarterly growth figures and found productivity estimates are “constantly being revised”.

On almost a third of occasions, initial estimates are out by 0.5 percentage points or more. When your estimate is that productivity increased by 0.5% – the number for the year to this June quarter – the potential for error is huge.

Even more creative assumptions are made when you try to measure productivity in the public sector, when the market is not the aim.

Productivity is higher in classrooms when there are fewer teachers per student. At least, the bean-counters will tell you that, but the students will tell you the opposite.

So you should be very wary when someone says the “productivity challenge is […] greater and more pressing in the non-market sector”, when the meaning is so contested.

4. It is best measured over long periods

Productivity growth is so erratic, that you can tell very little from one quarter’s figures. “Revise, revise, revise again”, as the PC report said.

Often the best thing to do, as the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognised long ago is to average it over the whole of a “growth cycle”, that is, between one peak of growth and the next.

Trouble is, growth cycles vary in length, and the end point is not easy to pick when it happens, only later.

Growth averaged over a long period is a lot more meaningful than growth measured over a short period. At least the Productivity Commission showed five-year averages alongside it’s latest quarterly estimates. But chances are your start date will be at a different stage in the growth cycle to your end date, so it’s not that good a measure.

5. Productivity is falling here and overseas

In Australia, productivity growth has been on a long-term decline since the 1960s, with a brief, unsustained upturn in the mid 1990s.

That pattern gives pause for thought: if big reforms to competition policy, industrial relations and wage fixing were aimed at improving productivity growth, why was that unsustainable, and why did it then continue to decline? It pays to remember that a lot of reforms people advocate in the name of productivity growth have quite different aims and effects anyway.

Internationally, the picture is not much different.

Productivity growth across industrialised countries has unevenly but gradually declined since the 1950s and 1960s. The world-wide adoption of what were often called neoliberal reforms from the 1980s failed to improve productivity growth.

6. Productivity growth once drove living standards. Not any more

In theory, higher labour productivity enables higher living standards. In practice, that is driven by the ability of workers to negotiate for higher wages.

It depends on how you measure it and what years you focus on, but from at least the early 2010s, productivity growth was much faster than hourly compensation per employee.

Again, it’s not just Australia. The OECD calls this the “decoupling” of wages and productivity.

Just because something can increase potential earnings growth, it does not follow that it will.

As a university employee and since then, David Peetz has undertaken research over many years with occasional financial support from governments from both sides of politics, employers and unions. He has been and is involved in several Australian Research Council-funded and approved projects, some of which included contributions from an employer body, a superannuation fund, and two unions. The projects do not concern the subject matter of this article.

– ref. Productivity is often mistaken for wages. What does it really mean? How does it work? – https://theconversation.com/productivity-is-often-mistaken-for-wages-what-does-it-really-mean-how-does-it-work-240113

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – RNZN divers assess sunken ship in Samoa
Source: New Zealand Defence Force

HMNZS Manawanui is in water about 30m deep and a light oil sheen from its initial capsize is being dispersed by wind and waves, Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell says.

Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) divers were on the water at first light today to assess the wreckage of the ship, which ran on to a reef south of Upolu on Saturday night and sunk on Sunday morning.

“The dive team has begun assessing the area where HMNZS Manawanui sank to better understand the environmental impacts and clean-up efforts required in Samoa,” Commodore Arndell said.

A number of government agencies are involved in supporting the Samoan Government’s response to the incident, Experts from Maritime New Zealand and other agencies are also assisting with understanding the environmental impacts and initiating clean-up actions. Wildlife experts from Massey University have been assisting with the response and the New Zealand Defence Force, which has 28 personnel in Samoa, is working closely with the Samoan Government.

A range of equipment was sent to Samoa with New Zealand Defence Force personnel (NZDF) to assist with the initial response and help address environmental impacts to the area.

Equipment includes remotely operated vehicles used to establish the debris field, and also Maritime NZ spill response equipment, which can be used both in the water and on the land.

“Our personnel have begun clearing flotsam from the beach area and environmental assessments and clean up activities are under way,” Commodore Arndell said.

“A light oil sheen from the ship’s initial capsizing is being dispersed by wind and waves.”

Maritime NZ responders are working closely with Samoan authorities, and NZDF personnel on the ground, to develop plans around how to support the environmental response.

The Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar is helping provide security and logistical support in the immediate area.

“As more information is gathered from the responders on the ground, NZDF will bring further equipment from New Zealand to support the response,’’ Commodore Arndell said.

The site of the sunken vessel – which is lying about 30m deep – had been declared a “prohibited area” by Samoan officials.

Late on Monday night, 72 of the 75 crew and passengers rescued from Manawanui arrived back in New Zealand on board a RNZAF C-130J Hercules.

They were being provided welfare support and were re-uniting with families this afternoon.

The three other members from another government agency were due to return today on a commercial flight.

HMNZS Manawanui Commanding Officer Commander Yvonne Gray said the incident was when her “very worst imagining became a reality”.

“However, my team responded in exactly the way I needed them to. They acted with commitment, with comradeship and, above all, with courage.”

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
- The group of NZDF personnel in Samoa includes members of the Navy’s specialist hydrography and dive unit.
- Maritime NZ’s response team currently includes six staff.
- Two expert wildlife maritime incident responders from Massey University are supporting the response, and have specialist equipment, including wildlife medication and cleaning facilities.
- HMNZS Manawanui carried several marine standard chemicals on-board for use with ships husbandry e.g. cleaning products. There were no hazardous chemicals on-board beyond those that would be carried by most commercial ships.
- The ship carried about 950 tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil for this deployment. This is a light oil commercial diesel commonly used by both commercial and military vessels.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: What is amortisation, and what does it have to do with Peter Dutton’s nuclear proposal?

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jessica Yi, Course coordinator, University of South Australia

atk work/Shutterstock

This article is part of The Conversation’s “Business Basics” series where we ask experts to discuss key concepts in business, economics and finance.

Nuclear power is expensive, but it remains a cornerstone of the Coalition’s plan to get Australia to net-zero emissions.

The federal opposition is yet to release its own costings for the proposal.

Nonetheless, federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton caused something of a stir when in a recent speech, he said the costs of Australia’s nuclear plants could be “amortised” over their 80-year lifespan.

If hearing a word like “amortised” immediately makes your eyes glaze over, you’re probably not alone.

To make things even more confusing, Dutton may have confused the term with the closely related concept of “depreciation”. We’ll discuss why later.

But amortisation and depreciation are both important concepts in any corporate decision making.

So what exactly was the opposition leader talking about here, and what does it mean to write off the cost of an asset over time?

What is amortisation?

Amortisation has a wide range of applications across finance, including credit, loans and investment planning.

Here, though, we’ll focus on what amortisation means in the accounting context.

You might notice amortisation looks a bit like the more familiar term “mortgage”. This is because both are derived from the same root in Latin.

Amortise comes from “ad” – Latin for “to” – and “mortus” – which means “dead”.

Obviously, we usually don’t mean dead in a literal sense – rather, the more abstract process of bringing something to an end.

Spreading costs over time

In corporate accounting, amortisation is a technique used to gradually write down the cost or value of an intangible asset over its expected period of use.

It helps to think of intangible assets as things that don’t have a “grabbable” physical presence. Companies can operate using all kinds of intangible assets, such as copyrights, trademarks and patents.

In contrast, tangible assets are physical things like land, machinery, buildings and vehicles.

Companies can purchase intangible assets, but they can also generate them internally.

Company trademarks are examples of intangible assets.
rvlsoft/Shutterstock

Finite or infinite

Intangible assets can also have a “finite” or “infinite” useful life. If deemed infinitely useful, an asset does not need to be amortised.

If only finitely useful, however, its economic benefit to a company will be systematically reduced over the span of its useful life.

To account for this, we list some of its consumption as an expense on the company’s balance sheet each year. This process helps spread the cost of an asset evenly over its life.

It’s important to note that amortisation is a “non-cash” expense. It appears on a company’s balance sheet as an expense and can lower profit, but it doesn’t affect a company’s cash flows.

How is it calculated?

There are a few different ways to calculate how costs should be spread over an asset’s useful life. For amortisation, one of the most common is the straight-line method.

Using the straight-line method, amortisation can be calculated by dividing an asset’s “depreciable amount” by its useful life.

Intangible assets – such as software – often have only a finite useful life.
CapturePB/Shutterstock

The depreciable amount is the cost or value of an asset minus its “residual value” – what it is worth at the end of its useful life.

The residual value of an intangible asset will usually be zero, unless a third party has committed to purchase it at the end of its life, or its value can be determined on some active market.

What’s depreciation then?

You might be more familiar with the related term “depreciation”. Both accounting concepts refer to spreading the costs of long-life assets over their finite useful life.

The main difference is that amortisation is used to expense intangible assets while depreciation expenses tangible assets – physical things such as buildings, machinery and plant.

This leads to another key difference. Often, it is much easier to estimate the residual value of a tangible asset at the end of its useful life, because it or its component parts can be more easily sold.

Depreciation deals with tangible assets, such as machinery.
Another77/Shutterstock

Wait, how are nuclear reactors ‘intangible’?

Reading this, you may have spotted something. As explained above, the main difference between the “amortisation” and the “depreciation” is the type of depreciable assets.

If we go back to how Dutton used the concept of amortisation in his speech, we can reasonably conclude the term depreciation would have been more technically correct.

He was speaking specifically about the useful life of nuclear plants, which clearly have tangible, physical forms.

You could argue he was referring to one of amortisation’s other meanings: the amortisation of a loan or other liability in finance. Amortisation in this sense refers to spreading out loan payments over time.

This is unlikely, however, given he was specifically speaking about the useful life of the nuclear plants and the cost of depreciable assets.

Careful with your calculations

It should be noted that just because an asset has a long useful life, that doesn’t mean its amortisation or depreciation costs will be small.

Let’s look at some of the examples employed by Dutton: nuclear plants, touted to have 80 years of useful life, and renewables, such as wind turbines with 20 to 30 years.

It might be tempting to assume nuclear plants would have a lower depreciation expense, with a significantly longer useful life, but that risks ignoring their enormous initial upfront costs and continuous restructure costs that need to be capitalised.

If the initial and capitalised cost or value of nuclear plants are significantly greater than those of renewables, the annual depreciation expense of nuclear plants could end up being significantly greater.

It all depends on what goes into the equation. Depreciating costs can’t give us anything for free.

Jessica Yi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. What is amortisation, and what does it have to do with Peter Dutton’s nuclear proposal? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-amortisation-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-peter-duttons-nuclear-proposal-240321

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Half a billion-pound investment in electric buses secured ahead of International Investment Summit
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Communities across the country will benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses.
£500 million investment announced to deliver 1,200 UK-made zero emission buses, ensuring greener and better journeys for passengers

bus operator Go Ahead’s investment to benefit communities across the country, supporting hundreds of jobs and delivering growth

Transport Secretary brings together industry to advance opportunities for investment in the UK ahead of investment summit

Up to 500 UK manufacturing jobs are set to be supported as bus operator Go Ahead today (8 October 2024) announces a major £500 million investment to decarbonise its fleet, including creating a new dedicated manufacturing line and partnership with Northern Ireland-based bus manufacturer Wrightbus.

The investment is set to fund the manufacturing of up to 1,200 new zero emission buses over the next 3 years. Built for operator Go Ahead, this investment will accelerate the transition to greener buses across the country including in Plymouth, Gloucestershire, East Yorkshire, London and the Isle of Wight.

On top of directly supporting 500 manufacturing jobs, the £500 million investment for Wrightbus will also support an additional 2,000 jobs across the wider UK supply chain by 2026, helping to get us back on track for growth.

The Transport Secretary will also announce plans to create a new UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel. This panel will bring together industry experts and local leaders to explore ways to ensure the UK remains a leader in bus manufacturing, help local authorities deliver on their transport ambitions, and begin to seize opportunities to embrace zero emission transport technologies.

The Transport Secretary is expected to meet with key industry leaders today including Wrightbus owner Jo Bamford and CEO Jean-Marc Gales, to reaffirm the government’s commitment to decarbonising local transport and fostering an environment for investment in the UK manufacturing industry, bringing sustained economic growth and supporting jobs.

The announcement comes ahead of the International Investment Summit, which will gather UK leaders, high-profile investors and businesses from across the world to discuss how we can deepen our partnership to drive investment and growth.

The Transport Secretary is expected to hold several bilateral meetings at the summit with international business leaders and make clear the UK is “open for business” so that she can help attract further investment to support the delivery of our transport priorities across the country.

The Prime Minister will also convene the first Council of Nations and Regions later this week, bringing together first ministers, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Deputy First Minister and regional mayors from across England, as the government forges new partnerships, resets relationships to secure long term investment with the aim of boosting growth and living standards in every part of the UK.

Transport Secretary, Louise Haigh said:

The number one mission of this government is growing the economy. The half a billion pounds Go Ahead is announcing today shows the confidence industry has in investing in the UK.

This announcement will see communities across the country benefit from brand new, state-of-the-art green buses – which will deliver cleaner air and better journeys.

We’re creating the right conditions for businesses to flourish, so we can support jobs and accelerate towards decarbonising the transport sector.

Under this government, Britain is open for business.

For every vehicle manufactured, 10 trees will be planted by Go-Ahead and Wrightbus in the towns and cities where the buses are deployed.

Buses, as the most used form of public transport, have been prioritised by this government from the outset. The Transport Secretary has made improving bus services and delivering greener transport 2 of her 5 core priorities.

Last month, the Transport Secretary announced a package of measures to empower local leaders to take back control of their bus services and deliver services based on the needs of communities, to grow passenger numbers and deliver better services for all.

Building on this, the government’s new buses bill is set to be introduced in Parliament by the end of this year and will bring an end to the current postcode lottery by taking steps to improve bus services no matter where you live.

Further details on the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel will be confirmed in due course.

Go-Ahead Bus CEO, Matt Carney said:

This multi-million pound investment and partnership with Wrightbus will accelerate the transition to zero-emission fleet across the UK.

We are proud to be working in partnership with the UK government and local authorities to deliver transformational environmental change for communities, while supporting UK jobs and the growth of the country’s supply chain.

Wrightbus CEO, Jean-Marc Gales said:

The deal with Go-Ahead is hugely significant and represents a huge boost to the UK’s economy. It will support homegrown manufacturing, jobs and skills for the next three years and beyond. We’ve always been proud to support the UK’s supply chain and our Go-Ahead partnership will ensure even more money can be spent securing good green jobs.

We must also not forget that this deal represents a massive step forward in our ambition to help decarbonise the transport sector with our world-leading products. It was heartening today to hear the government reaffirm its commitment to a green transport sector.

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Published 8 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians discussed cooperation with Russian Mechanics

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

Representatives of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering and Technology from the Polytech Voltage Machine development team visited the company “Russian Mechanics”, which has specialized in the production of high-traffic off-road vehicles for over 50 years. It was this company that developed the first snowmobile in the USSR, the “Buran”.

The production is located next to the Rybinsk Reservoir, a place with picturesque landscapes, ideal for a ride with the wind in the wind on the equipment produced by “Russian Mechanics”. Rybinsk itself with its historical center is no less beautiful.

However, the Polytechnicians came not only to admire the city, but also to discuss areas of cooperation with the management of the Russian Mechanics company. Its employee, 2020 IMMiT graduate and Polytechnic Ambassador Yaroslav Pukazov conducted a full tour of the production, demonstrated the conveyor assembly of equipment and spoke about the aspects of putting the new development into serial production.

The guests, in turn, demonstrated unmanned electric GAZelle, which they recently competed with in the final of the Fifth Level competition. This platform could potentially establish inter-shop logistics for transporting finished products to the warehouse. The company’s management and CEO Leonid Mozheiko, having become familiar with the capabilities of the unmanned vehicle, became interested in launching a trial project on their territory to improve efficiency and optimize logistics when expanding production areas.

Following the meeting, its participants identified at least five areas of R&D that could become a step towards a strategic partnership between SPbPU and Russian Mechanics.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/partnership/polytechnics-discussed-cooperation-with-Russian-mechanics/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠ Harris Administration Holds Workforce Hub Convening in Milwaukee, Announces Commitments to Expand Pathways into Good-Paying Jobs

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
Today, President Biden announced new actions from his Investing in America agenda to connect Milwaukee, Wisconsin residents to good-paying jobs, including replacing lead pipes and upgrading infrastructure through the Milwaukee Workforce Hub. The city’s Hub is one of nine Investing in America Workforce Hubs launched by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure all Americans —including women, people of color, veterans, and other that have been historically left behind–have access to job opportunities, and the training needed to fill them. This announcement comes during President Biden’s visit to Milwaukee, where he announced EPA’s final rule to replace lead pipes within a decade and announced $2.6 billion in new funding to deliver clean drinking water nationwide. Thanks to funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, infrastructure projects totaling nearly $100 million are in the works across the City of Milwaukee. As part of these investments, the city has begun replacing 100 percent of its lead service lines, reducing the timeline for replacement from 60 years to 10 years in alignment with the President’s goal. The Biden-Harris Administration will create thousands of jobs for Milwaukee residents through these investments, and will continue to collaborate with local organizations, ensuring the city is training the skilled workers needed to accomplish these projects. The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District are leading the charge in creating workforce opportunities for the community. Today, collaborators in the Milwaukee Workforce Hub are announcing commitments that will expand pathways into these good-paying jobs to meet the President’s goal. Scaling Up and Expanding Apprenticeships Registered apprenticeships are the gold-standard model for training a new generation of workers in the skilled trades and provide pathways to high-quality jobs for women and other historically underrepresented groups. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has invested more than $730 million to expand Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships nationwide, leading to the hiring of more than 1 million apprentices. In Milwaukee, local organizations are taking steps to use more apprentices on public projects and prioritize graduates of local pre-apprenticeship programs which serve underrepresented populations. These steps build on the city’s existing program, which puts residents on a path to a journey-level position in a skilled trade. In total, these actions will create opportunities for hundreds of new apprentices and help to grow certified pre-apprenticeship programs serving underrepresented populations, including high school students from Milwaukee Public Schools. These opportunities include:
The City of Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works and Milwaukee Water Works will run a pilot from 2025 to 2027 and require that 10 percent of all labor hours within each craft go to apprentices—half of whom must come from certified pre-apprenticeship programs that serve residents of Milwaukee who are currently underrepresented in apprenticeships. The new requirement would apply to multiple major road construction bids totaling $102 million, including a $36 million Reconnecting Communities project to reconnect communities divided by a road that prioritizes vehicle traffic over bikers and pedestrians, and a $24.3 million RAISE project to make complete streets improvements along one and a half miles of Villard Ave, including raised bike lanes, signal improvements, and curb extensions. The pilot will apply to all contracts replacing at least 300 lead service lines, creating 175 apprentice jobs and covering an estimated $82 million of lead service line replacement funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) will also change their procurement policies to require apprenticeships for all crafts working on all their projects, helping to bring new workers into specialized crafts like pipefitting and operating engineers. For 2025, this policy would apply to construction bids totaling approximately $90 million for the reclamation facilities, the conveyance system, and flood management projects. This policy is estimated to create at least 80 apprentice jobs, 40 percent of whom will be required to come from certified pre-apprentice programs serving traditionally-underrepresented residents of Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) continues its efforts to develop a local workforce to build state highways. Currently, WisDOT has implemented a Federal Highway Administration pilot on a $65 million freeway project which sets incentives for local residency workforce and apprentice requirements as part of federally funded highway projects. The department will consider the use of the special provisions in future projects to grow this effort in the Milwaukee area.
Milwaukee area unions and postsecondary providers have committed to increase their apprenticeship classes as demand for apprentices on public contracts increases—projecting to increase classes by at least 200 apprentices. Specific union level increases include 50 new apprentices from the Laborers’ International Union of North America, 70 from the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, 75 from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, and 20 from International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office will also implement a Community Benefits Agreement as it builds a new public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network in the city through a nearly $15 million federal grant from US Department of Transportation. This Community Benefits Agreement will require electrician apprentices on each EV charging installation and include local hire requirements consistent with the City of Milwaukee’s Resident Preference Program. At least 40 percent of the chargers will be put in historically disadvantaged communities.
Expanding Pipelines into Apprenticeship
These expanded registered apprenticeship slots will create new opportunities for hundreds of workers in the Milwaukee area. The Milwaukee Workforce Hub will work to ensure every resident has access to these opportunities, by investing in pre-apprenticeship programs that offer disadvantaged communities a chance to develop the skills and work experience needed to succeed in these apprenticeships. As a result of the Milwaukee Workforce Hub, dedicated funding for pre-apprenticeships in the area will grow by at least $650,000.
The Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership/Building Industry Group & Skilled Trades Employment Program (WRTP | BIG STEP) currently serves 1,000 individuals every year and has been a leader in the Milwaukee construction sector for decades. In the coming months and years, WRTP | BIG STEP will lead the workforce hub’s construction sector coordination and job training, convening industry partners to develop workforce programs that provide Milwaukee residents access to good-paying and union job in the skilled trades. New investments include:
MMSD will invest $350,000 in WRTP | BIG STEP for certified pre-apprenticeship programs, including transportation assistance, stipends while participants are in training, and on-going placement and retention for first-year apprentices.
Employ Milwaukee and philanthropic organizations will invest up to $400,000 in additional funding for WRTP | BIG STEP, including capacity building to increase participation in apprenticeship-readiness initiatives. Employ Milwaukee, the workforce board for Milwaukee, will use formula funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to support innovative customized training cohorts in to meet the needs of the local construction industry with a goal of training 60-80 workers.
Unions in the Milwaukee region will expand their investment in WRTP | BIG STEP. Unions have been investing about $625,000 per year in this pre-apprenticeship program, which trained over 1,000 people in 2023. Over the next two years, regional trades are striving to increase their investments in WRTP | BIG STEP to at least 3 cents per hour of member work on regional mega projects, including a $3.3 billion data center being built by Microsoft in Southeast Wisconsin. Unions will also partner with Milwaukee Public Schools to prepare students for pre-apprenticeship programs.
Providing Supportive Services
The Milwaukee Workforce Hub will also support residents as they begin working in these growing fields, by helping residents with supportive services, including career navigation services and stipends. These investments will help ensure that workers have the resources and skills they need for continued success in the industry.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will invest $507,000 in workforce development through the Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) program. WRTP | BIG STEP receives $143,800 in funding from WisDOT to run HCST. This year, WisDOT used grant funding from US DOT to lead a pilot to expand stipends and supportive services for job training participants in HCST. Lessons learned from the pilot, will be used to look at where stipends and higher supportive services help increase graduates in the program.
MMSD is partnering with Employ Milwaukee and Milwaukee Community Services Corps to provide career navigation services and paid work experience for 64 participants in water sector careers with $1 million from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding also supports the development of water industry career pathways and competency maps in partnership with the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning.
Additional Federal Support for Workforce Development
In addition to commitments from partners, the Biden-Harris Administration is making millions in direct investments in Milwaukee to support job training and upskilling to meet the need for these historic investments.
EPA’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative will incorporate key workforce development and labor best practices into the estimated $320 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other funding to clean up the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. EPA will, for the first time, incorporate Project Labor Agreements into contract task orders with an estimated $275 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. This initiative will support local and regional jobs cleaning up contaminated sediments in the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. In addition, EPA is collaborating with local organizations to support local workforce development as part of the estimated $45 million in activities to restore important habitats across Milwaukee.
The City of Milwaukee Water Works is partnering with Employ Milwaukee to upskill at least 60 city of Milwaukee workers in occupations to support the replacement of lead service lines. Employ Milwaukee is using $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor Community Project Funding to fund this partnership.
Employ Milwaukee also received a $5 million Building Pathways to Infrastructure Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that will prepare more than 480 unemployed and underemployed individuals for high-demand infrastructure jobs, including advanced manufacturing, information technology, and professional, scientific, and technical service occupations that support the growing sectors of renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure. Over $900,000 from this grant is going to the Milwaukee Area Technical College to assist underrepresented populations in accessing academic and non-academic support to enter civil engineering and drafting occupations that will support transportation and water investments from the Biden-Harris Administration. Other partners in the grant include Waukesha Area Technical College, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, WOW Workforce Board, MKE Tech Hub, City of Milwaukee, and a variety of employers.
The City of Milwaukee is investing more than $25 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding to remediate lead paint. To help meet that demand, the City provided $3 million for Employ Milwaukee’s Healthy Homes Construction Careers Program, which is designed to connect trained workers with lead abatement certifications to contractors who are paid by the City of Milwaukee Health Department to remediate high lead risk homes. The training is free to the student, including the cost of training, certification, exam fees, stipends, incentives, and wages during work experience. To date, 344 workers had been enrolled in training so far.
The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub received nearly $50 million through President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act to establish the region as a leader in personalized medicine. Biden-Harris Administration funding for the Wisconsin Tech Hub will create inclusive talent pipelines that can help develop and deploy cutting edge medical technologies; addressing workforce challenges that often face new industries.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Terecircuits Unveils New Bonding Material for Next-Generation Advanced Packaging
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terecircuits Corporation, a venture-backed startup in advanced materials for the semiconductor industry, today introduced Terefilm®, a patented material designed for temporary bonding and debonding applications in advanced packaging.

According to Boston Consulting Group¹, “The next generation of industry-leading organizations will be those that realize value creation is migrating towards companies that can design and integrate complex, system-level chip solutions using concepts like advanced packaging.” As components become smaller and more complex, the need for advanced temporary bonding materials, like Terefilm®, becomes paramount to enable emerging applications, including thin wafer handling and the transfer of fragile components.

Terefilm® meets these requirements, offering unparalleled advantages including rapid release, precise patterning, and clean decomposition without solvents. The material can be used in processing up to 230ºC, giving customers a wide process window for bond-debond with clean decomposition.

“Our focus with Terefilm® is squarely on innovating a novel material that will enable faster and more accurate semiconductor advanced packaging and related manufacturing processes,” said Wayne Rickard, CEO of Terecircuits. “Its benefits for bonding and debonding in semiconductor advanced packaging are compelling, offering ultra-clean, ultra-fast and residue-free release that eliminates traditional cleaning requirements and accelerates production. At the same time, its ability to enable selective material removal at nanoscale positions it for use in such diverse applications as enabling the parallel transfer of micro-LEDs and a photoresist for direct-write lithography. This flexibility makes Terefilm® a valuable solution for the challenges faced in advanced packaging today as well as emerging ones across a wide range of electronics manufacturing requirements.”

The properties of Terefilm® make it highly effective for several critical applications:
- Clean Decomposition: Unlike conventional materials, Terefilm® undergoes a remarkably clean decomposition process when activated, leaving no residue. This ensures ultra-clean surfaces, which are essential for successful hybrid bonding and other high-precision applications.
- Rapid Release: Traditional heat and UV-sensitive films can take several minutes to release. Terefilm®, however, releases in microseconds. This near-instantaneous decomposition significantly enhances manufacturing efficiency.
- Precise Patterning: Similar to lithographic photoresists, the material can be patterned to enable selection of specific regions. This allows for the targeted release of individual chips or subsets of chips, replacing the traditional pick-and-place process. This capability enables the parallel transfer of multiple components, dramatically increasing production speed and precision.
To learn more about Terefilm® and its wide range of applications, please visit https://terecircuits.com/products/. To get more product information, contact Michele Fromel at mfromel@terecircuits.com.

About Terecircuits Corporation
Terecircuits Corporation is a venture-backed startup offering a truly groundbreaking core technology that will enable products requiring micron-scale circuit fabrication and assembly to be built faster and with greater accuracy than is achievable with today’s best practices. “Instrumenting the world” as envisioned by Industry 4.0 and IoT will require fundamental changes to advanced manufacturing to handle the sheer scale of production at reasonable costs, and Terecircuits meets these challenges with new and inventive materials and processes. Terecircuits democratizes advanced electronics manufacturing for displays, wearables, smart vehicles, virtual reality and medical devices through processes requiring less energy and capital equipment. For more information, visit http://www.terecircuits.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kiterocket
Stephanie Quinn, +1 480 316 8370, squinn@kiterocket.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4516ec23-fa55-432a-9574-e2e9bb4698ee

1 https://www.bcg.com/publications/2024/advanced-packaging-is-reshaping-the-chip-industry

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: NowCM and White & Case established for Haniel the world’s first fully digital, end-to-end automated commercial paper programme
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Luxembourg/Frankfurt/Duisburg, 8 October 2024 –

NowCM, global technology leader in digital and automated bond issuance, and leading international law firm White & Case have teamed up to provide breakthrough technology and legal advice to the dated and manual commercial paper (CP) market by creating the NextGenCP for corporates and other CP issuers. Family-owned investment holding Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH (Haniel) has led the way together with NowCM and White & Case in implementing this programme.

As a long-term, purpose-driven investor, Haniel aims to create value for generations. Led by Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, and Birgit Sommer, head of CP at Haniel, creating the NextGenCP reinforces Haniel’s commitment to digital transformation, marking a significant step in modernizing the CP market.

The new set-up includes several wide-reaching innovations in technology and law:
- Fast set-up: NowCM has automated the setup of the NextGenCP based on White & Case’s state-of-the-art legal work. This innovation significantly reduces costs and allows for the establishment of NextGenCP in a matter of days, rather than the traditional months-long process.
- High-volume facility: NextGenCP offers issuers the ability to conduct transactions with no volume limitations, for example Haniel aiming to reach three transactions per week. This supports high-frequency issuance, even several issuances in parallel, providing a streamlined and efficient process for managing large-scale CP programmes.
- Arranger-less set-up: The NextGenCP setup requires no arranger bank, addressing a problem in market structure where banks are often reluctant to engage in lengthy, burdensome processes with low or no fees. Instead, NowCM Luxembourg, as a regulated entity, acts as the arranger with support from White & Case, enabling deployment without the need for an arranger bank. This allows issuers and banks to focus on their core businesses while simplifying the process.
- Multi-dealer capability: Even though no arranger bank is needed, the NextGenCP operates in a traditional intermediated manner with dealer banks. It allows dealer banks to participate either in specific transactions or at the programme level, providing flexibility while maintaining the benefits of traditional market structures.
- Fully automated: The NextGenCP is fully automated in its operation, allowing dealer banks to simply email their trade confirmation to NowCM. All subsequent steps, including life cycle events such as settlement and repayment, are executed without human intervention, streamlining the entire process for maximum efficiency.
- Touchless: In the issuance process, there is no need for drafting or sending any documents. Everything is handled seamlessly through NowCM’s cloud-based platform. If the issuer wants, an additional approval step before the issuance can be implemented, adding flexibility without complicating the process.
- Entirely digital: The CP, like all securities on NowCM’s platform, is represented by a full digital twin in a machine-readable and structured format. This digital twin contains all relevant information about the CP, its lifecycle, and other metadata, which were previously only available in unstructured formats such as PDFs and Word documents.
- Golden source: NowCM’s structured data and document repository serves as the golden source for all data related to the CP, enabling seamless integration with other stakeholders and IT infrastructure. This ensures error-free data transmission and supports digital issuance, including under the German Electronic Securities Act, further enhancing efficiency and compliance in the issuance process.
- AI-enabled: The process developed by NowCM incorporates the latest in AI technology, enabling fully automated, real-time handling of data.
- STEP compliant and ECB eligible: Like traditional CP, NextGenCP is STEP compliant and, consequently, ECB eligible making it suitable for collateral. By using NextGenCP issuers not only future proof their CP issuance but also ensure that all data required under the new ECB “Single Collateral Management Rulebook for Europe” (SCoRE) is readily available in machine-readable form.
- CP primary marketplace: NowCM operates the world’s first and only fully regulated primary marketplace. The Paris-based multilateral trading facility (MTF), comparable to a German exchange Freiverkehr or the EuroMTF in Luxembourg, offers the possibility to digitalise the only remaining manual step in the value chain. Instead of negotiating trades via phone or chat, issuers and dealers can directly negotiate and transact on the NowCM MTF simplifying the issuance of CP to the push of a button.
- Optional – use of regulated issuance vehicle: For issuers looking to avoid all the hassle of managing the entire value chain of CP issuance, NowCM offers the use of its fully regulated issuance vehicle in Luxembourg, where NowCM takes over the entire issuance process.
Haniel is the first issuer making use of NextGenCP and has already transacted several tens of millions in various transactions since the recent go-live using NowCM’s issuance vehicleunder the name “Haniel enkelfaehig”.

Dr. Axel Gros, treasurer of Haniel, states: “We are very pleased with the implementation of this state-of-the-art CP programme. Leveraging NowCM’s advanced technology and White & Case outstanding legal expertise, NextGenCP offers a process flow beyond straight-through process (STP), ensuring seamless execution from issuance to settlement to repayment, thereby helping us to efficiently manage our liquidity needs”.

Karsten Woeckener, Head of Germany of White & Case and its DCM practice group leader, adds: “As a global law-firm that is supporting the latest technology we were delighted to support this project and to help unlock the German CP market. We certainly hope that the combination of our legal expertise, Haniel invaluable insights and NowCM’s technology to create NextGenCP will attract many followers and usher a new age of funding in the money markets”.

NowCM’s founder and CEO, Robert Koller, says: “We are delighted to have brought NextGenCP to life with our exceptional partners at White & Case and the incredible support and innovation leadership of Haniel and, not to forget, the many dealer banks involved. The simplicity of using NextGenCP is based on more than a decade of research and development, a data model of thousands of variables and business rules, a highly secure cloud platform and above all the interaction with our clients who contributed countless hours and ideas. We will see further announcements soon on bringing the funding business into the 21^st century.”

Thanks to the successful collaboration between Haniel, White & Case, and NowCM, the implementation of NextGenCP sets a new benchmark for digital innovation in the industry. As the first of its kind, the touchless NextGenCP is poised to revolutionize the issuance and management of commercial paper and money markets, paving the way for more advanced and efficient funding processes and liquidity management. NextGenCP is also available for CP issuers with an existing programme that want to convert their issuance into a fully digital experience.

About Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH

Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH is 100 percent family-owned and has been based in Duisburg since the company was founded in 1756. It manages a portfolio of independent companies with the goal to create value for generations as a leading purpose-driven investor.

To this end, we align our portfolio strictly “enkelfähig,” that means: along clear performance and sustainability criteria. Currently, the Haniel portfolio comprises ten investments: BauWatch, BekaertDeslee, CWS Cleanrooms, CWS Fire Safety, CWS Hygiene, CWS Workwear, Emma – The Sleep Company, KMK kinderzimmer, ROVEMA and TAKKT. In addition, Haniel manages a financial stake in CECONOMY and minority stakes in high-growth start-ups.

In 2023, the Haniel Group employed nearly 22,000 people and generated sales of EUR 4.4 billion.

About White & Case

White & Case is one of the leading international law firms and is present in the world’s key economic centres at 44 locations in 30 countries. In Germany, around 250 lawyers, tax advisors and notaries work in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main and Hamburg (http://www.whitecase.com).

About NowCM

NowCM is the leading market infrastructure and issuance provider within the primary debt capital markets. It offers an unparalleled, highly secure, cloud-native data platform for creating, negotiating, and managing debt, along with an end-to-end digital workflow platform. These tools enable all participants in the primary bond and CP markets to collaborate in real-time, fostering an open and cooperative environment. NowCM facilitate access to primary markets for inaugural and infrequent issuers through its Treasury-as-a-Service (TaaS) facility. This entity is regulated by the CSSF in Luxembourg and operates as a “funding subsidiary” using standardised yet flexible documentation and fully automated digital workflows. NowCM’s 360-degree suite of services is completed by a multi-lateral trading facility (MTF) that NowCM owns and operates. It stands as the world’s first and only regulated primary marketplace, subject to the supervision of the ACPR and AMF in France.

Connect with:

Franz Haniel & Cie. GmbH:
Website: http://www.haniel.de
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/franz-haniel-&-cie–gmbh

White & Case:
Website: http://www.whitecase.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/white-&-case

Media Contact:
Nils Repke
Senior Manager, Communications – Germany
Phone: +49 69 29994-1310
Email: nils.repke@whitecase.com

NowCM:
Website: http://www.nowcm.eu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/nowcm
X (former Twitter): http://www.twitter.com/NowCM_EU

Media Contact:
Kristina Kuzmina,
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Phone: +351 93247 8202 (PT)
or +44 7490 373030 (UK)
Email: kk@nowcm.eu

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Policing protests in London
Source: Mayor of London

Policing protests and large-scale events in the capital is putting increased strain on the Metropolitan Police Service, with the Met describing the increased protests since October 2023 as the “greatest period of sustained pressure since the Olympics in 2012”.¹

This coincides with budgetary pressures in the Met, and reduced staffing and officer numbers.² Officers from local neighbourhood teams are often redeployed to deal with protest and public order activity at short notice, impacting on local services.

Tomorrow, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will hold the first meeting of its investigation into public order policing in London.

The meeting will explore the challenges the Met is facing with policing large events and protests, as well as the recent Notting Hill Carnival, where police made 334 arrests.³

The Committee will also look into the impact of new legislation and whether the right balance is being struck between preventing excessive disruption and the right to protest.

Guests include:

Panel 1: 10:00am – 11:30am
- Matt Parr, former Inspector, HMICFRS
- Lord Walney, Government Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption
- Kirsty Brimelow KC, Barrister, Doughty Street Chambers
Panel 2: 11:35am – 1:00pm
- Jodie Beck, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Liberty
- Professor Geoff Pearson, Professor of Law at the University of Manchester and Academic Director of the N8 Policing Research Partnership
- Tom Southerden, Programme Director, Law & Human Rights, Amnesty International
- David Spencer, Head of Crime and Justice, Policy Exchange
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 October 2024 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Greenbacker broadens fundraising capabilities with new senior business development hires

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greenbacker Capital Management (“GCM” and, together with its affiliates, “Greenbacker”), an energy transition-focused investment manager, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its distribution and fundraising capabilities, particularly in markets where Greenbacker is seeing increasing investor demand for sustainable investments. As senior members of the business development team, Adam Evans, CAIA, CIMA and John Hennessey broaden Greenbacker’s ability to offer individual and institutional investors the opportunity—across all distribution channels—to participate in the energy transition.

“With Greenbacker’s evolving set of strategies, the timing couldn’t be better to add these two individuals, and their wealth of experience, to the distribution side of our business,” said Brandon Praznik, Greenbacker’s Executive Vice President of Business Development. “The strategic additions of Adam and John bolster our capital raising efforts as Greenbacker seeks to execute on its growth targets and capitalize on the energy transition opportunity set for our investors.”

Evans is an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience distributing financial services products to institutional and retail investors. As a senior vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all distribution channels in the Central US. Prior to Greenbacker, Evans served as a director within the financial institutions group at Lazard Asset Management, before which he held the role of business development director at Cushing Asset Management. In both roles, Evans was responsible for distributing firm strategies to the registered investment advisor (“RIA”), bank trust, and family office channels, including securing investment in new strategies.

Hennessey is a seasoned business development professional, bringing to Greenbacker 15 years of experience marketing and distributing investment strategies to the RIA, family office, and institutional channels. As a vice president on Greenbacker’s business development team, he is responsible for the distribution of company strategies through all channels, with a focus on the Southeastern US. Previously in his career, Hennessey served as a director at Chicago Atlantic Group and a vice president at Merit Hill Capital; at both firms, he was responsible for business development, covering the RIA, family office, and institutional channels.

The two join the company during a period of expansion and transformation for Greenbacker. Greenbacker’s latest quarterly results highlight substantial year-over-year growth in revenue and clean power production, as well as a 30% increase in fee-earning AUM,¹ bringing the total to $762 million. As of the end of the second quarter, the company’s aggregate AUM² had reached $3.7 billion.

Greenbacker also recently expanded its investments team following the launch of GCM’s fourth sustainability-driven investment strategy, focused on Energy Transition Real Estate. Earlier this year, Greenbacker announced it added three new members to its leadership team, including a new Chief Financial Officer and the newly created Head of Infrastructure and Head of Capital Markets positions. Late last year, the company expanded its private equity investment team, adding a managing director to its Greenbacker Development Opportunities (“GDEV”) strategy, which invests in growth-stage sustainable infrastructure development platforms.

GCM serves as the SEC-registered investment manager to four energy transition-focused investment strategies. Greenbacker remains committed to empowering a sustainable future by putting investor capital to work in the energy transition asset class. As of June 30, 2024, Greenbacker’s fleet of clean energy projects has produced over 10.7 million MWh of clean power³ since 2016, abating nearly 7.5 million metric tons of carbon⁴ and conserving approximately 7.4 billion gallons of water,⁵ compared to the amount of water needed to produce the same amount of power by burning coal.

About Greenbacker Capital Management
Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC-registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

About Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company
Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company LLC is a publicly reporting, non-traded limited liability sustainable infrastructure company that both acquires and manages income-producing renewable energy and other energy-related businesses, including solar and wind farms, and provides investment management services to other renewable energy investment vehicles. We seek to acquire and operate high-quality projects that sell clean power under long-term contracts to high-creditworthy counterparties such as utilities, municipalities, and corporations. We are long-term owner-operators, who strive to be good stewards of the land and responsible members of the communities in which we operate. Greenbacker conducts its investment management business through its wholly owned subsidiary, Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. We believe our focus on power production and asset management creates value that we can then pass on to our shareholders—while facilitating the transition toward a clean energy future. For more information, please visit https://greenbackercapital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update and forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

Greenbacker media contact
Chris Larson
Media Communications
646.569.9532
c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

¹ Fee-earning AUM represents the asset base upon which management fee revenue is earned from GCM’s managed funds. The financial and portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited and subject to change.
² Aggregate AUM includes GREC and GCM’s managed funds. AUM represents the underlying fair value of investments, determined generally in accordance with ASC 820, cash and cash equivalents and project level debt. These figures are unaudited and subject to change.
³ As of June 30, 2024.
⁴ As of June 30, 2024. When compared with a similar amount of power generation from fossil fuels. Carbon abatement is calculated using the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator which uses the Avoided Emissions and generation Tool (AVERT) US national weighted average CO₂ marginal emission rate to convert reductions of kilowatt-hours into avoided units of carbon dioxide emissions.
⁵ As of June 30, 2024. Gallons of water saved are calculated based on Operational water consumption and withdrawal factors for electricity generating technologies: a review of existing literature – IOPscience, J Macknick et al 2012 Environ. Res. Lett. 7 045802.

The MIL Network –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Gone To the Dogs at Naval Hospital Bremerton

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Naval Hospital Bremerton staff didn’t really go to the dogs during National Dog Week.

Many were already there.

For the third consecutive year, nearly 50 dog-owners responded to a request to share an image of their canine companion(s) for the last week in September. The pictures were compiled into a visual digital display of 32 pages, ranging from lovable rescues to litter runts and many breeds in between.

There were working breeds represented, such as bloodhounds Ellie Mae, 8-year old and 2-year old MJ, of Amy Salzsieder, Occupational Health registered nurse, who are actively involved with the Kitsap County K9 Search and Rescue and National Search Dogs Alliance. German Shepherd Harley belonging to Terry Lerma, NHB emergency preparedness manager, has officially retired from her K9 Search and Rescue days and is content to catch up on napping, tasting treats and ensuring their home has a ready bark-alert warning system.

There’s Honey, a 9-year old Saluki mix which Cmdr. Laura Moody has had since 2019. She’s a former sled pulling dog from Oregon, while Aspen, a 7-year old Siberian Husky who Cmdr. Dean Kang rescued in Portland also in 2019, dislikes all delivery truck drivers.

Under the notable announcement, ‘fur missiles inbound,’ Chief Hospital Corpsman Justin Brown, sharing images of his family canine companions.

“Theodore is a 12-year old brown husky/lab mix. I’ve had him since he was five weeks. My first true love before I met my wife and had my kid,” explained Brown. “He was my running, hiking, truck, and gym buddy attached to my hip. Now old and has hip problems he hangs with mom, the one who feeds him, snuggles him, and is always around. Sampson “Sammy” is my Red Speckled Heeler mutt who’s 11-year old and found us during July 4 fireworks in 2013 when he was only a few months old. We were playing ball with Theo. He ran right up and started playing together. No one was looking for him, no one had reported him missing, and he had no ID tags or microchip. The shelter told us we can hold onto him for a couple weeks and if they don’t reach out with someone looking for him, we could keep him if we wanted. He adopted us and been spoiled ever since.”

Rebecca Drew, medical coder, shared her three fur babies, Rylee, 12-yr old black lab, adopted at 8-week old, Zola, black lab/Great Pyrenees mix, 8-year old, adopted at six months, along with resident feline Maia, American short/long hair, 2-yrs old, adopted at 8-weeks who is readily accepted as part of the pack.

Staff were also introduced to Mochi, a 2-year old Havanese belonging to financial technician Jinky Angel.

“We adopted him when he was 10 weeks old in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He is originally from Yorktown, Virginia,” Angel said. “Mochi is a playful, sweet, and loving dog. He brings so much joy to our family. We relocated to Port Orchard last year and he loves Washington weather.”

The Kelly Gann household features hounds of plenty, all adopted from a coonhound rescue, with Jester, a five-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Elly Mae, 6-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound, Shira, 10-year old Bluetick Coonhound. and Samantha, 11-yr old Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Cade Crenshaw showcased Winston, a two-year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. “I’ve had Winston, affectionately referred to as ‘Winnie’ by many, since he was six months old. He loves playing fetch and running outside in the grass at the park,” shared Crenshaw.

There were other submissions shared who were slightly less active, such as Violet, from Motta Sant’Anastasia, Sicily. According to Cmdr. Kevin Johnson, Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton Detachment Puget Sound Naval Shipyard interim officer-in-charge, she is quite possibly the laziest dog in the Pacific Northwest, clocking an average daily combined sleep duration of 20 hours. Johnson also notes Violet openly protests walks by laying on her back in the middle of sidewalks or streets.

Along with the personal connection with canines for many, the U.S. Navy has long had an affinity for dogs.

Not only do dogs provide specialized services in the Navy such as explosive and narcotic detachments, they also provide security patrols from the routine to crucial operational missions.

Dogs have also been haze-gray underway and not just as official mascots. Most notable has been Capt. Demo, a golden retriever/lab mix on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) during their extended nine month deployment to the volatile waters of the Middle East, providing comfort, companionship and curative as only a canine can.

Dog gone it, indeed.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chipman — RCMP seeking public’s help following break, enter and theft

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The Minto RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in connection with a break, enter and theft in Chipman, N.B.

The break, enter and theft is believed to have occurred on October 3, 2024, between 4:20 a.m. and 4:40 a.m., at a business on Main Street in Chipman.

Two individuals forcibly gained entry to the business by pulling off the front door with a truck and stole an automatic teller machine (ATM) machine.

Police are now releasing surveillance footage photos of the two individuals, in hopes that someone may recognize them. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing, a mask, and gloves. They were travelling in a black truck.

Anyone who lives in the area and witnessed suspicious activity at the time of the incident, who has surveillance footage from the time of the incident, or who has information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Minto RCMP at 506-327-1820. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at http://www.crimenb.ca.

MIL Security OSI –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Camaraderie, Enthusiasm Punctuate Wolff New Venture Competition

Source: US State of Connecticut

A novel treatment for long-term pain management that could revolutionize post-operative care and eliminate the need for opioids for many, won the first-place, $30,000 grand prize at the Wolff New Venture Competition last week.

Professors and esteemed UConn Health researchers Lakshmi Nair, Ph.D. and Yusuf Khan, Ph.D. say they were both surprised and thrilled that their startup, Soleia Biosciences, received the award. With the financial and business support they’ve received, they hope to advance the treatment that has been in development for 10 years.

“This prize will really set the stage for everything else we need to do; without it we would have been stuck,’’ Khan says. “Now we can move forward with determining exactly what we need to do to show our product is both safe and effective, and get it into the hands of doctors so they can start treating patients as soon as possible.’’

“Our job has always been to figure out how to solve medical problems that don’t have a good solution,’’ Khan says. “With the Wolff Prize, we are even closer to that reality.’’

Competition Awarded $115,000 in Cash and Prizes

The Wolff New Venture Competition is the School of Business’ pinnacle entrepreneurship challenge. The event on Tuesday night drew dozens of UConn entrepreneurs and their supporters to the Dunkin Park YG Club for a night of competition, camaraderie, networking, and socializing.

This year marks the ninth anniversary of the Wolff event, which invites five outstanding UConn-affiliated startups to compete annually. Since its inception, the amount of the awards has risen from $15,000 to more than $$115,000 in cash and in-kind services.

The five 2024 Wolff finalists have developed a diverse set of companies, from toys to e-commerce to a business-travel planning app. Preparation for the event begins in March when 10 startups are selected to participate in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s (CCEI) Summer Fellowship Accelerator, where they develop their businesses to become market ready.

“This was by far the best Wolff New Venture Competition to date,’’ says Jennifer Mathieu, executive director of CCEI. “The room was packed with members of our entrepreneurial ecosystem including investors, community partners, dozens of CCEI’s entrepreneurs showcasing their startups, and many of our alumni just there to support.

“There was an energy in the space; it was one of collaboration, community, and this level of overall excitement that everyone seemed to have about being there. I feel proud of what my team has accomplished in their support of the hundreds of startups that have participated in CCEI programs,’’ she says. “The five teams that pitched have made tremendous progress since working with CCEI. I can’t wait to see what impact they are going to have on the world.’’

Medical Company Wins Grand Prize

In addition to the grand prize, Soleia Biosciences also received the Legal Services Award valued at $10,000 and presented by Wiggin and Dana’s emerging companies division.

The startup is on the cusp of a breakthrough pain-reduction treatment that can extend the duration of local anesthetics, enabling patients to be nearly pain-free and mobile. Nair says the $15 billion post-surgical pain management industry is ready for change.

“Since opioid use can have such a negative impact on a person, it’s really critical to find non-addictive solutions for both short- and long-term pain,’’ Nair says. “This applies to everyone, young and old; nobody is exempt from these needs. In younger people it may be part of recovering from a painful sports injury, and in older people more about managing something like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the age or disease, there is a critical need for opioid alternatives.’’

The company already has patents and compelling pre-clinical data. The founders are looking to hire a consultant to help them begin the FDA approval process.

Started by Two Car Enthusiasts, WheelPrice Earned Three Honors

The $10,000 Second-Place Prize, sponsored by Santander Bank, went to WheelPrice, an online marketplace that facilitates the sales of new, used and vintage wheels. The company also won a $5,000 Audience Choice Award.
sponsored by Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML) and a $35,000 pro bono Digital Product Development Award from Revyrie.

Co-founder Kyle Mayers ’13 (BUS) says the company has something for everyone. “We have wheels for every car from a Honda Civic to a Ferrari,” he says.

Mayers and co-founder Wally Namane ’13 (BUS), ’18 MBA, both car enthusiasts, met as students through mutual friends at UConn. “We’ve had a life-long obsession with cars,’’ Mayers says.

Today they hope to become the number one marketplace for the 67 million car enthusiasts in the U.S. Globally, consumers spend $5 billion on wheels annually. They believe their easy-to-use platform and some high-tech features, now in development, will put them in the industry’s drivers’ seat.

Business-Travel App Took Third Place

Since the onset of the pandemic, the number of fully remote companies has grown 400%. And although their employees may be on different coasts, Vamos founder Niko Zurita ’10 (BUS) believes every growing business requires face-to-face meetings between colleagues. He is developing an app to tailor meetings and locations to company needs, while also saving them money.

Vamos received the $7,500 Third Place Prize sponsored by Prime Materials Recovery Inc., and a Digital Surgeons brand consulting award, valued at $10,000.

Toy Dinosaurs, Natural Food Preservative Captivated Audience

Lyla Andrick ’24 (CAHNR), created Happy Dinosaur, a company that sells brightly colored dinosaur stuffed animals, from her dorm room at UConn. The plush animals have become so popular that the New England boutiques that stock them can’t keep them on the shelves. As part of her presentation, she passed around a half-dozen dinosaurs, and members of the audience were delighted.

Happy Dinosaur won a $5,000 Community Impact Award, sponsored by Baystate Financial, that will help Andrick create books about the main characters and create a format for children to share imaginative stories about them.

Meanwhile Atlas, formerly Atlantic Sea Solutions, a company using seaweed extracts as a tasteless, texture-less coating to preserve the shelf-life of peaches, berries and other produce, won a $5,000 Innovation Award, sponsored by Mark and Jamie Summers. The company plans to use the winning to purchase more equipment.

“What I love about my work and what motivates me is using science and technology to do cool things with food,’’ says co-founder Anuj Purohit, a research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. “The world population is growing, and we all need good, nutritious food. That’s what drew me to agriculture and what keeps me going.’’

Experienced Entrepreneurs Say Their Companies are Thriving

The event also welcomed more than 25 previous Wolff participants who have made great strides with their startups. They were eager to cheer on the next wave of entrepreneurs.

Jake Winter ’22 (ENG), co-founder and CTO of PatentPlusAI, a company using AI to generate comprehensive patent search reports in less than 24 hours, says the startup has grown exponentially in four years.

“We’re hustling,’’ says Winter, noting that their client base includes corporate giant IBM. If he could offer advice to the newer entrepreneurs, it would be to “get ridiculously familiar with your market, and once you understand your customer, test as soon as you can,’’ he says.

For graduate student Amelia Martin, the year since her participation in the Wolff competition has been one of extraordinary growth.

“A year ago, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the mindset of a student,’’ she says. “Now I think like a CEO.’’

Her company, Mud Rat, an eco-friendly alternative to the standard Styrofoam surfboard core, has participated in two business accelerators, won a small grant, and is completing its first protype this month. She’s also added to her team. Martin advises those who follow in her footsteps to just keep going when the going is tough. “If you stick with it, you’ll hit all your goals eventually,’’ she says.

In the last year, alumna Hayley Segar, founder of onewith, a direct-to-consumer swimwear and accessory company, has been featured in People and InStyle magazines. She now employs four manufacturers to make her swimwear and this year sold 50,000 units. She hasn’t lost touch with her roots; her mom still packs her orders.

She tells the new entrepreneurs to avoid distraction. “They need to be focused and heads-down in the early stages of their company,’’ she says. “It’s exciting, there is a lot of sacrifice, but in the end, owning your own business is extremely satisfying.’’

She credits UConn for setting her up for success. As she speaks with entrepreneurs who attended other colleges, none of them had the expert entrepreneurial support that UConn offered, Segar says.

Judges Were Impressed by What They Heard

Competition judge Luke Steinberger, COO at Revyrie, a company that helps build and scale companies and a sponsor of the event, says he was very impressed with all the presentations.

“They were well prepared, and I loved the diversity of ideas,’’ he says. “The program exceeded my expectations. I’m very happy to be involved and will be back next year.’’

Judge Adam Silverman, partner at law firm Wiggin and Dana, says he didn’t know exactly what to expect before the competition. “It was great to be a part of the competition. I was impressed by the quality of the companies, the focus of the founders, and the exciting use of technology,’’ he says.

School of Business Dean John A. Elliott spoke about how entrepreneurship has grown in the 13 years he has been here.

“We used to think entrepreneurship was something for juniors and seniors to explore but now we welcome many students who begin their companies as freshmen,’’ he says. “The excitement around entrepreneurship has grown rapidly.’’

Elliott also thanked the Wolff family, including Greg Wolff who was in attendance, for starting the competition and advocating for entrepreneurship at UConn. Elliott says their influence helped create additional competitions and great support for startups at UConn.

Alycia Chrosniak, Assistant Director of Brand & Venture Development at CCEI, says working with the startups and watching them grow has been rewarding.

“But my favorite part will be three months from now when I get the emails about what these new companies and their founders have accomplished,’’ she says. “What we do here is life changing.’’

MIL OSI USA News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: The state of the waste management sphere is an indicator of careful attention to the environment and a significant component of the comfort of life of citizens

MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

October 8, 2024

Garbage truck “MAZ” with a crane-manipulator for loading underground containers, bells

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

October 8, 2024

Previous news Next news

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev announced this at the fourth Russian Environmental Forum. The event was attended by representatives of federal authorities and regulatory agencies, industry and public organizations, and the business community.

As noted, a corresponding reform has been implemented in Russia since 2019 to create rational approaches to waste management. With its start, the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) was created for the comprehensive coordination of processes. Over the past five years, it has become the main tool for the development of the industry. Today, the entire waste management cycle is the responsibility of 184 regional operators. About 50 million tons of MSW pass through them annually.

“Over the past period, more than 250 facilities for waste processing, recycling and storage have been built. A significant step was ensuring waste sorting. Since 2019, its volumes have increased almost fivefold. A lot of work was simultaneously carried out in the field of regulatory control. Thus, the concepts of secondary resources and recyclable materials were legislatively established, and requirements for their handling appeared. A new procedure for determining the standards for the accumulation of solid municipal waste was also approved, on which the creation of infrastructure and the calculation of tariffs depend,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

As noted, since January of this year, changes to the extended producer responsibility mechanism have come into force, which provide for the obligation of packaging manufacturers to dispose of it in full. Also in 2024, a law was adopted to solve the problem of medical waste. The least hazardous categories will be sent for processing and disposal along with other types of MSW, which will reduce the volume of landfill disposal.

At the same time, the Deputy Prime Minister also drew attention to the difficulties that still need to be addressed. “There are still questions about the quality of regional operators’ work. There are problems with financial stability, payment collection, and a shortage of equipment and containers. All of this ultimately leads to the fact that people can still see uncollected garbage in their yards. And no reporting indicators can cover this. There are regions where the reform is clearly stalling. In order to solve this problem, in a command mode at the level of the entire country, we are working together to sort out the situation in the regions,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled that the tasks for further development of the waste management sphere are outlined in the Presidential Decree on National Development Goals. By 2030, it is necessary to ensure complete sorting of MSW, reduce its landfill disposal by half, and involve at least a quarter of the volume in secondary circulation. Taking into account the existing capacities, in order to achieve the designated targets, it is necessary to double waste processing and reduce its disposal to landfills by 30% in six years.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the creation of the relevant infrastructure will continue within the framework of the new national project “Environmental Well-Being”. “The events, as you know, are included in the federal project “Closed Cycle Economy”. And I want to emphasize that the initiative should come first and foremost from the regions and businesses. The government, for its part, will help in the implementation of the projects,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

Speaking about government support measures in this area, the Deputy Prime Minister reported that over three years, 15 projects worth almost 40 billion rubles have been financed through the REO alone. In addition, the entities have concluded 65 concession agreements to create solid municipal waste management facilities with an investment volume of over 170 billion rubles.

According to Dmitry Patrushev, the implementation of these support mechanisms will continue. At the same time, it is important that entities, especially those with insufficient reform implementation rates, actively engage in the work and find reliable investors.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://government.ru/nevs/52935/

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 900 applications approved so far in the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive08 October 2024 Following the quick and successful uptake of the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI), it is expected that the scheme will close before the end of this year. Over 900 applications have been received… Read more

Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

08 October 2024

Following the quick and successful uptake of the Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI), it is expected that the scheme will close before the end of this year.

Over 900 applications have been received and approved, since the incentive scheme launched in August 2023. The remaining funds will be administered on a first come, first served basis. There are currently no plans to re-run the scheme once it has closed.

The Government of Jersey has worked closely with vehicle retailers to encourage Islanders to make the switch away from petrol and diesel modes of transport.  Vehicle retailers wishing to join the scheme can no longer apply at this stage.

Funding for the scheme was allocated through the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, with an aim to reduce Jersey’s road transport emissions.

The Electric Vehicle Charger Incentive, which awards £350 towards the cost of an electric vehicle smart charger, will still be available for Islanders, and will not close at the same time as the EVPI.  A separate scheme, supporting businesses with the purchase of second-hand electric vans will also continue to run until all 25 incentives have been allocated.  

Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “I am pleased that demand for electric vehicles has been so positive. Since the scheme launched last summer, we have received more than 900 applications, meaning many Islanders have received a grant up to the value of £3,500 towards the purchase of a new or used electric vehicle. My thanks must go to all our approved vehicle retailers for supporting the incentive from inception through to delivery.

“Incentive applications are still being accepted, but due to the high level of demand, the funding available has almost all been allocated, so we expect the scheme will close before the end of this year. Islanders who are thinking about switching to electric and would like financial support from this scheme are encouraged to apply now before it’s too late.”

For more information about the EVPI, visit: http://www.gov.je/goelectric.

See the press release for the incentive launch (2023) here,

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote address for the Honorable Minister of Health Official Handover of the Vaccine Van

Source: Government of Western Samoa

Share this:

25th September, 2024; Pharmaceutical Warehouse @ 12noon

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i o le Sauniga; Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa – H.E Will Robinson

and the Australian Department of Foreign and Trade in Samoa

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Samoa – Ms. Khin Moe Aye and

the UNICEF office in Samoa

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Samoa has been making steady progress in terms of reaching all

eligible children with the vaccines as per the National

Immunisation Schedule. There has been successful roll out of 4

lifesaving childhood vaccines in the last 3 years like Rotavirus

vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine, HPV vaccine and Typhoid vaccine

to protect our children respectively from Diarrhoea, Pneumonia,

Cervical cancer and Typhoid fever. This year the coverage for the 2

doses of Measles vaccine has been quite encouraging for Samoa.

The coverage of first dose of Measles has reached 91% for the first time in the last 5 years after the Measles outbreak and the 2nd dose of Measles vaccine is around 64%. I am confident that our

Immunization Program or EPI team will be able to reach the

missed children in the remaining months of this year to achieve a

good coverage for the year through our continuous and existing

outreach vaccinations.

The new vaccine introduction initiative, Post-Measles Outbreak

recovery plan and COVID-19 Pandemic, brought in a C-change to

the immunization domain of Samoa. There are significant

developments in Cold Chain, capacity building of health workers,

documentation and reporting to strengthen the Health System

with regards to Immunization with technical support from UNICEF.

The transportation and distribution of vaccines in the country was

identified as a gap. Now with this new vehicle procured with the

funding support from Australian Government, transportation of

vaccines will be faster, which means a boost in efficient and timely

vaccine supply of vaccines and logistics to the healthcare facilities.

The vehicle is also covered to protect vaccines against

unfavourable weather conditions. Though this vehicle will have

priority for vaccines, it may be considered to accommodate the

pharmaceutical supplies for distribution to the health facilities

across the country to improve the cost efficiency.

We are immensely grateful to Australian Government for their

timely support and also to UNICEF for their able technical guidance

and support for strengthening our Health system to get equipped

to provide quality services in a cost-effective way.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA!

Lauga a le Afioga le Minisita o le Soifua Maloloina

Tatala Aloaia le Tauaaoina o le Ta’avale mo le tufaina/kilivaina o Tui Puipui ma Vailaau

Lau Susuga le Ta’ita’i le Sauniga – Rev. Saaga Tuiletufuga

Lau Susuga le Komisina Maualuga o Ausetalia i Samoa, H.E

Will Robinson

Lau Susuga le Sui o le Ofisa o le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF i

Samoa – Khin Moe Aye

Le paia o le aofia ua potopoto,

Ua molimauina e tusa ai ma fa’amaumauga lata mai, le alualu i

luma o taumafaiga a Samoa, e ala i le to’atele o alo ma fanau ua

fa’atino o latou tui puipui fa’aauau. I totonu o le 3 tausaga talu ai,

na fa’amauina le lelei o le faatinoina o nisi o tui Puipui fou na

fa’amanuiaina ai lo tatou atunu’u mo le puipuiga o alo ma fanau

mai le tele o fa’ama’i.

O nei tui Puipui e aofia ai tui e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei o le

manava tatā, o fa’ama’i e aofia ai le nimonia, o le fa’ama’i o le

taifoi, faapea ma tui puipui mo alo ma fanau teine e puipuia mai

nisi o Kanesa o tama’ita’i.

O le tausaga lenei, e fa’alototeleina lava le auaunaga, ona o le

maoa’e o le tulaga ua o’o iai le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui o le Misela.

O le tui muamua lava o le Misela (MR1) e 91% le faitau aofa’i o alo

ma fanau e agava’a na faia tui Puipui. Ao le tui lona lua o le Misela (MR2) e 64%. O lo’o mafanafana lava, o le a fa’aauau le una’i a le aufaigaluega ina ia ausia le 90-100% o le tui puipui lenei o le Misela i nai masina o totoe o lenei tausaga.

O le o’o mai o nisi o tui Puipui fou e faaopoopo i tui Puipui fa’aauau a le fanau e puipuia mai fa’ama’i e pei ona ou ta’ua, o

taumafaiga o le una’i o le faia o tui ina ua mae’a le pipisi o le

Misela, faapea ma le KOVITI-19 o ni matati’a sili ia mo le

Polokalame o Tui Puipui mo Samoa. Ua si’itia fo’i le tulaga o le

mata’itūina o le mālūlū ma le vevela talafeagai e teu malu ai tui

Puipui, aemaise le taimi e feavea’i ma kiliva ai i tua i falema’i ma

nofoaga o lo’o faatino ai tūiga.

O lo’o fa’aauau pea a’oa’oga mo le si’itia o le silafia o tausi soifua

i le fa’atinoga o tui Puipui. E le gata i lea a’o le si’itia o le silafia e

fa’aleleia atili ai fa’amaumauga e ala i metotia fa’aona-po-nei. O

le naunautaiga o nei taumafaiga uma, ina ia mautinoa e faia uma

tui Puipui o alo ma fanau faapea ma tagata matutua e agava’a. Ia

mafai ai ona puipuia mai le tele o fa’ama’i pipisi. E le galo Afia i si

ona vao, ma e faafetai ai le lagolago a le Faalapotopotoga o le

UNICEF faapea ma le Polokalame mo Tui Puipui Fou o lo’o

faatupeina e le ADB mo nei taumafaiga.

A’o le meaalofa o le a tau’aaoina nei, e pei ona iai le ta’avale

faapitoa mo le kilivaina o tui Puipui, o se foa’i sili lea ua

fa’aopoopo e unaia ai le auaunaga o tūiga. E le gata ina ia mautinoa e vave ona taunu’u le tufaina ma le kilivaina o Tui Puipui mana’omia mo falema’i uma. Ae faapea fo’i ma le puipuia mai o nei vailaau ma tui mai le vevela ma vave ona fa’aleaogāinaai.

O lenei foa’i o le a fesoasoani tele, e le na’o le fa’aaogaina mo Tui

Puipui, ae mo le kilivaina o nisi o vailaau mo’omia i tua i falema’i

fa’aitūmalo ma nofoaga mamao o lo’o faatinoina ai le auaunaga

fa’asoifua maloloina.

O le agaga fa’agae’etia mai le Malo o Samoa e tauala atu le

Matagaluega o le Soifua Maloloina, e fa’afetaia ai le Malo o

Ausetalia faapea ma le Faalapotopotoga o le UNICEF mo lenei

foa’i, ina ia si’itia le auaunaga mo le mamalu o le atunu’u.

Ia fa’aauau ai pea le tatou galulue fa’atasi aua se Samoa

maloloina mo nei ma le lumana’i.

SOIFUA MA IA MANUIA

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October 8, 2024

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: JOINT MEDIA RELEASE – Green transformation of transport sector in Samoa receives major boost with mass donation of 76 EVs from UNDP to the Government of Samoa

Source: Government of Western Samoa

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03 October 2024

Apia, SAMOA – Seventy-six electric vehicles (EVs) were handed over to the Government of Samoa earlier today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), thanks to a major regional project that Samoa is part of, funded by the Government of Japan.

Valued at more than US$6 million, the EVs were supplied by the Ford-Hyundai Samoa company.

They include 24 sedans, 19 SUVs, 12 pick-up trucks, two of which were converted to first-responder firefighter trucks, a flat-bed truck converted to an oxygen tanks carrier truck with loading/unloading platform, and 20 plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) passenger vans (minibuses).

Fifty-three EVs will serve as official vehicles to cater for delegates of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) later this month.

Supporting infrastructure are also now in place, with 14 wall mounted EV charging stations installed at selected Government premises, five high capacity ground mounted Direct Current (DC) type charging stations at the Tuanaimato Bowser, and several public charging stations, such as a solar-powered DC type charging station at the Mulifanua wharf, and the Faleolo and Fagalii airports, as well as other locations. The Bowser central government charging station will be fully operational later this month.

All this was made possible under the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP-IT) Project, implemented by the Government of Samoa via the leadership of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (MWTI), in partnership with UNDP, and funded by Japan.

“We applaud the fact that this is the first time in the world that some of these EV models have been manufactured and reconfigured to suit our purposes. Most significantly, the procurement of this first lot of EVs for the Government fleet, is our response to the Expected Outcomes of the Pathway to the Development of Samoa 2021 to 2026, in placing emphasis on strengthening and increasing ‘Green Developments’,” said Hon. Olo Fiti Afoa Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure.

The project aims to promote urgent and inclusive transformation of the land and maritime transport sectors towards decarbonization. The project supports the achievement of Samoa’s enhanced NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) which is a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts, for the energy and transport sector by 2030.

“Today’s launch of EVs represents a pivotal moment in our journey towards a cleaner and more resilient transportation system in Samoa. The CAP-IT project is a vital part of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and promote sustainable mobility solutions across the islands. With these electric vehicles, Samoa takes another step towards achieving our Sustainable Development Goals, also Samoa’s NDCs, and leading by example in the Pacific region,” said Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative.

Two critical related studies were also launched today focusing on (1) End-of-life EV battery management, and (2) Traffic volumes, vehicle registration, imports, and ownership.

“The two reports we are launching today – The Baseline Assessment of Samoa”

Transport Sector and The Report on Solutions for the Safe Disposal and Recycling of EV Batteries – will play a critical role in shaping Samoa’s National Transport Decarbonization Strategy. These reports represent a crucial step towards advancing sustainable transport solutions for the future,” said H.E. Senta Keisuke, Japan’s Ambassador to Samoa.

The CAP-IT project is a component of the Japan-funded regional project, ‘Promoting Green Transformation in the Pacific Region towards Net-zero and Climate-Resilient Development’, also supporting Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu in achieving their green transformation ambitions for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future.

The US$36.8 million regional project, with a country allocation of US$15.5 million for Samoa, is scheduled for completion in March 2025.

-ENDS-

SOURCE – Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure Samoa, Embassy of Japan in Samoa, UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue

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October 8, 2024

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Electrify Expo Returns to New York, Anticipating Thousands to Feel the Thrill of Going Electric
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- The festival is making its return to Nassau Coliseum and will cover over 1 million square feet of outdoor space
- General Motor Company (GMC) will make its Electrify Expo debut with its HUMMER EV and Sierra EV Denali alongside Tesla, Volvo, Ford, Rivian, Lucid, Toyota, Porsche, Lexus, Nissan and more
- Tesla Cybertruck drive experiences will be available on both Saturday and Sunday
- With multiple demo zones for e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards and more plus live music, food and fun, attendees of all ages will have a thrilling weekend
- Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13, tickets can be purchased online and in person
NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Electrify Expo, North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, continues its eight-city tour, returning to New York for an action-packed weekend at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island. On October 12-13, the coliseum will transform into a 1 million square feet of all-electric fun with immersive experiences for all ages centered around the rapidly evolving world of electric and hybrid vehicles. The event will feature hands-on experiences with the latest in electric cars and trucks, e-bikes, e-scooters, motorcycles, and more and is designed for everyone, from EV skeptics to advocates, tech lovers, and EV-curious families wanting to explore the future of transportation.

As electric vehicles gain popularity, Electrify Expo is the perfect opportunity for New Yorkers to experience nearly all the electric brands and options on the market. As of 2023, NY is in the top 3 US markets for EV adoption, with a significant portion of them located in the Long Island area. In addition to cars, electric two-wheeled vehicles (micro-mobility) are immensely popular in the area, with many residents using e-bikes as their primary means of transportation.

“New Yorkers are leading the way for electric transportation of all kinds, from cars to bikes to scooters and more, and we are excited to bring our festival back to Long Island to thrill and surprise thousands of attendees, and give people real-world, hands-on experiences during their shopping process” said BJ Birtwell, CEO and founder of Electrify Expo. “We continue to add the most exciting EV brands in the industry including the debut of GMC to our exhibitor lineup alongside Tesla, Volvo, Ford, Lucid, Rivian, Porsche, Lexus, Toyota, Nissan and Ford. Add the many two-wheel brands available to demo, huge Kids Zone, E Charging and Solar brands, as well as the final race of our National Championship for Electrify Race League, and you have a jam-packed weekend of all-electric fun for all ages.”

Special Attractions for New York:
- GMC will make its Electrify Expo debut with demos of the HUMMER EV and Sierra EV Denali.
- Attendees can experience the thrill of the Tesla Cybertruck behind the wheel as they take on the streets of Long Island throughout the weekend-long festival.
- The Amazon Recharge Zone will address frequently asked questions pertaining to purchasing an EV, as well as debunking EV myths, through a full weekend of programming.
- Go SIM racing with Nissan, as well as experience their Formula E race car
- Electrify Showoff, a custom car show within the festival will feature the world’s most radical customized EVs and inspire Electrify Expo attendees with ideas of how they can customize their own rides.
- The Volvo Cars Drive Electric Zone offers attendees a thrilling closed-course experience to immerse into incredible performance, handling and safety features of their lineup.
Whether you crave the rush of a high-performance demo or the ease of a street cruise, Electrify Expo is your go-to destination to experience and demo all things electric, including:
- Ford: Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning
- GMC: HUMMER EV, Sierra EV Denali
- Lexus: 2024 RZ 450e, 2024 RX 450h+, 2024 NX 450h+, 2024 TX 550h+
- Lucid: Air models
- Nissan: ARIYA, LEAF
- Porsche: Taycan
- Rivian: R1T, R1S, R2, R3
- Tesla: Cybertruck, Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y
- Toyota: Grand Highlander Hybrid, Prius Prime, RAV 4 Prime, bZ4X, SiriusXM (Sienna HV)
- Volvo: EX30, C40 Recharge, XC40 Recharge, EX90
In addition to automakers, New York attendees will be treated to an exciting lineup of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility offerings from top brands on two and four wheels, including:
- SUPER 73
- GoTrax Bikes + Scooters
- Stacyc
- JackRabbit
- Stromer
- Gazelle
- Tripper
- Tern
- and many more
For a full brand lineup, visit https://www.electrifyexpo.com/ny.

Electrify Expo gates will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 12-13, with a full day of fun concluding at 5 p.m. each day. Tickets for Electrify Expo are available to purchase in person and online.

For more information and to purchase tickets to Electrify Expo visit http://www.electrifyexpo.com. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@skyya.com.

About Electrify Expo
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest outdoor electric vehicle (EV) festival showcasing the latest technology and products in electrification including startup and legacy EVs, electric motorcycles, bikes, scooters, skateboards, boats, surfboards and more. The festival addresses one of the most challenging barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles – understanding how electric transportation works – with meaningful consumer experiences behind the wheel or in the seat on thrilling demo courses. Top brands from around the world exhibit and attend Electrify Expo’s events to meet consumers at all stages on their path to electrification. 2024 events will take place in Long Beach and San Francisco, Calif., Phoenix, Denver, New York, Seattle, Orlando, and Austin, Texas. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit http://www.electrifyexpo.com and follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact
Skyya PR
ee@skyya.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60f9a6c3-8b5c-4fa8-a97a-2039b0750fa4

The MIL Network –
January 23, 2025

Category: Vehicles

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Notes to editor

1. It’s about quantities, not costs

2. Productivity is directed by management, not workers

3. Measuring productivity is dodgier the more complex it gets

4. It is best measured over long periods

5. Productivity is falling here and overseas

6. Productivity growth once drove living standards. Not any more

What is amortisation?

Spreading costs over time

Finite or infinite

How is it calculated?

What’s depreciation then?

Wait, how are nuclear reactors ‘intangible’?

Careful with your calculations

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Updates to this page

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum. With the CEO of the Russian Ecological Operator company Denis Butsaev

Garbage truck “MAZ” with a crane-manipulator for loading underground containers, bells

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

Dmitry Patrushev at the fourth Russian Ecological Forum

08 October 2024