Emergency logistics provider Evolution Time Critical says its marine business in the Middle East has increased significantly compared to previous years.

The UK-based company, which on Tuesday won the Frost & Sullivan 2010 European Logistics Vertical Market Penetration Leadership Award told Emirates Business that the last six months have been unbelievably good with volumes increasing by 63 per cent.

Transportation issues such as delays caused by suppliers, industrial action, adverse weather and breakdowns constitute 25 per cent of the total issues addressed by emergency service providers. During the recent cold snap in Europe, Evolution saved manufacturers more than €30 million (Dh151.9m) by arranging emergency transport for shipments that were delayed as the continent's road networks experienced severe delays.

Speaking to this paper from his Manchester office Brad Brennan, Managing Director, Evolution Time Critical, said the company has gained from pretty active partners in the region, and especially in Dubai. "Yes we are pretty active in the Middle East. We recently facilitated the rapid delivery of vital parts for global marine salvage company Titan Salvage for urgent operations at sea. We facilitated urgent deliveries of vital parts and equipment to Dubai and Taiwan to help our customer Titan Salvage," said Brennan.

The timely delivery helped rescue a sinking ship and prevent an explosion aboard a disabled ship carrying highly volatile liquids.

Titan recently called upon Evolution's services to arrange emergency transport for a nitrogen generator from Newhaven to Dubai. The generator was required to 'inert' highly volatile liquids being removed from a disabled ship before they came into contact with oxygen, which could have caused an explosion powerful enough to cause significant damage to the ship and cost millions in repairs. The shipment was to fly on a scheduled aircraft, but was too large to pass through conventional cargo x-ray machines. Evolution submitted the shipment for a comprehensive inspection using sniffer dogs, to allow it to pass strict aviation security checks.

"Titan goes to great lengths to ensure the successful completion of marine salvage operations, and recognises the importance of emergency logistics in helping reduce delays and minimise disruption for its customers," said Brennan.

"Shipments of this kind are complex, so we make sure to follow every step required by customs and international logistics procedures to avoid any hold-ups and facilitate the delivery in as short a timescale as possible," he said.

Evolution's techniques can bring substantial time and cost savings to vessel repair and maintenance. By delivering parts in timescales unachievable by conventional means, emergency logistics can help vessels return to sea more quickly which, in turn, helps reduce the ship's onboard spare parts inventory as well as the capital tied-up in duplicate components.

"Most of what we do in terms of the automobile industry is centered around Europe and growing in Asia. In terms of our marine business we are witnessing a lot of growth in the Middle East. Being a specialised player has added to our benefit. Every time our telephones ring it is an emergency situation," he said.

According to him, the last quarter has been exceptionally good. "The beginning of last year we struggled because of recession. Having said that, the last six months, compared to the same period the previous year we registered 63 per cent growth in terms of volume of goods, which is a dramatic rebound."