Port acquires dry bulk facility as part of expansion
AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough has acquired the dry bulk business, Cobra Middlesbrough, as part of its strategic investment and expansion plans.
The acquisition will see Port of Middlesbrough’s footprint grow by eight acres, unlocking further opportunities on what was previously a 100-acre site.
Cobra, based on North Road in Middlesbrough, operates a dry bulk handling terminal with processing and packing facilities. The company’s main area of focus and expertise is in the salt market, handling and distributing thousands of tonnes of salt every year.
Much of the salt stored at the facility has been mined locally. Some of the salt is used in animal feeds, but the majority is distributed to councils across the country for gritting roads during the winter.
Cobra also provides a range of services for the farming industry. The business receives screens and bags polyhalite – which, like salt, is mined. This is then used as a fertiliser in the agriculture sector in the UK and overseas.
The Cobra site, which is directly adjacent to Port of Middlesbrough, boasts extensive rail infrastructure and has direct access to the East Coast Mainline – this provides additional rail capacity for the port to support existing and new customers.
Gary Dawson, AV Dawson managing director said: “We’re excited to acquire Cobra Middlesbrough. We have worked closely with the business for many years, handling the import and export of salt through our port facility and supporting their rail logistics. Bringing both ours and their operations together, within one business, enables us to provide job security to existing staff while delivering greater efficiencies for our customers.
“We recognise that the site requires some significant investment, but this actually fits perfectly with our strengths and our strategy to invest, develop and expand our site.
“This acquisition is also strategically important for our wider business because of its excellent rail connectivity. We are working with more and more of our customers to help them identify opportunities to transition from road to rail, so we need to ensure we have the capacity to accommodate their requirements. This is particularly important as we look to put our net zero strategy into action with the ultimate aim to become carbon neutral – we see rail as a big opportunity to help us and our customers to achieve this.”
This acquisition is not the first time AV Dawson has made a strategic investment to improve its rail infrastructure. In 2015, the business struck a deal with Network Rail to take full control of the seven-acre neighbouring Middlesbrough Goods Yard.
Scan Global Logistics opens in Abu Dhabi, its second office in the UAE in less than a year
Scan Global Logistics opens in Abu Dhabi, its second office in the UAE in less than a year
On 1 September, only seven months after opening its first wholly owned operation in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the global logistics provider Scan Global Logistics (SGL) opened its second office in Abu Dhabi. Setting up business in the UAE capital, the fastest-growing international trade hub in the Middle East, is also a step towards enhancing SGL's presence in the economically flourishing region while expanding its global foothold.
Strategically located in the Abu Dhabi Airport Freezone, the new office is equipped with a dual license of a Freezone and a mainland company for offshore and onshore requirements. Located at the centre of the industrial zone close to the Khalifa seaport and the Etihad Cargo and International Airport, air and ocean customers will benefit from quick and easy freight handling, including expedited customs handling.
Operational 24/7/365
As the first logistics provider in Abu Dhabi, the new office is operational 24/7/365. For customers within verticals such as aid and relief or pharma often requiring urgent handling of shipments, the round-the-clock service hours enable fast customs clearance, even during night time.
"By having customs close by, we can provide our air and ocean customers with fast inspections and efficient solutions in no time. Customs optimization can save considerable time and money and keep our customers' vital supply chain running smoothly," says Leslie Farnworth, General Manager, Abu Dhabi, who holds 23 years of experience in the industry.
He continues, elaborating on the power of proximity and collaboration with the Abu Dhabi office:
"Our proximity to import and export gateways enables us to provide speedy turnaround times, especially for our customers in the Abu Dhabi area. And, in close collaboration with our sister office, we can ensure smooth operations for customers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including land transportation to our neighbouring countries in the region."
Logistics of tomorrow
SGL offers a range of tangible, low-emission solutions to help decarbonize their customers' supply chains. For example, customers worldwide can opt for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
"Sustainable logistics can provide customers with a competitive edge. Therefore, we engage daily in helping our customers reduce their CO2 emissions, including long-term planning, allowing for choosing the most environmentally friendly modes of transport,” says Leslie Farnworth.
Ayman Kabbara, Managing Director, UAE, concludes:
"The opening of the Abu Dhabi office follows the trajectory of SGL's growth strategy, expanding our extensive, worldwide network, providing entrepreneurial logistics solutions to our global and regional customers. Our industry experts are handpicked within aerospace, pharma, aid & relief, retail, agriculture, and defence. Coupled with Abu Dhabi's logistical capabilities, connectivity, and strategic location as an important gateway to the African continent, Europe and Asia, we look forward to providing efficient logistics and helping uncomplicate our customers' world."
About Scan Global Logistics
Scan Global Logistics is a global full-service logistics provider headquartered in the Nordic, which excels in uncomplicating logistics through tailored solutions made by skilled specialists, proud problem-solvers, and passionate entrepreneurs.
Since 1975, the core of our DNA has been a 'can-do-attitude,' agility, and the willingness always to go the extra mile, and we are not afraid to go left when others go right. For us, every challenge is an opportunity. We go above and beyond to bring anything anywhere – whether by air, ocean, rail or road, or any other mode of transportation.
Port transport fleet increases by 25% to support diversification plans
AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough has grown its transport fleet by 25% by investing in state-the-art trucks to support its diversification and expansion strategy.
The ten new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) aim to help support the growth of its transport division and aid with its diversification strategy.
The Middlesbrough-based businesses’ multi-million-pound investment will strengthen the core fleet and enable further growth of the division, by allowing the expansion into new sectors.
The Scania R500 XT’s - five of which are ADR compliant – the European agreement which regulates the international movement of hazardous goods by land - also boast the XT package that includes reinforced bumpers’ to prevent damage to the trucks and R500 engines.
The business, accredited to the FORS Bronze Standard, has fitted the new trucks with extensive road management software which includes reverse parking sensors and 360-degree CCTV. These trucks also have the Optidrive CanBus system installed, which AV Dawson currently uses to monitor safe driving standards, fuel efficiency & driver performance to promote efficient and safe driving.
Transport Commercial Manager, Alex Hugill said: “It’s an exciting time for our transport department, the investment will allow us to expand our customer base and explore new sectors.
“It also showcases the commitment the business has to the Transport department and the value this division brings to the wider company.
“Additionally, the investment has led to a restructure within the department which has made way for new roles to further strengthen the transport team.
“This restructure will allow us to focus on offering an exceptional customer experience and provide a quality, value for money service.”
Transport Operations Manager, Paul Scott said: “Although there have been challenges in recent times regarding recruitment of HGV drivers due to a national shortage, this investment, along with other driver incentives, has allowed us to attract and retain our HGV drivers.
“We look forward to seeing what the new changes bring to the department and wider business.”
The investment in the transport department is just one in a series of major investments the business has made over the past year including a new state-of-the-art head office at its Port of Middlesbrough site.
Plant investments, site infrastructure and the construction of a renewable energy facility – are just some of the incentives the port is investing in, in a bid to meet the Governments Net Zero targets.
Located on the River Tees in North East England, AV Dawson’s Port of Middlesbrough provides a multi-modal freight logistics service across a number of sectors including energy and renewables, construction, agriculture and automotive. The 40-hectare facility boasts deep-water berths, and market-specific rail terminals including a container park and climate-controlled metals hub, all supported by its road transport fleet.
AV Dawson Limited, the Teesside business which owns and operates Port of Middlesbrough, is a third-generation family business with an 80-year track record in logistics. With a local workforce of 200 people, AV Dawson is dedicated to the development and improvement of its employees and the community in which it operates.
AV Dawson is now embarking on a £10m master plan to invest further in its Middlesbrough port facility - supporting its customers and positioning the business for future growth. The three-year plan includes the construction of a renewable energy plant, a new head office and developments to the port’s quayside to accommodate larger vessels.
MRCE orders 14 Vectron locomotives from Siemens Mobility
Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE), a full-service locomotive leasing company, has ordered 14 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives from Siemens Mobility on the basis of an existing contract. With this order, MRCE will have a fleet of 147 Vectrons. MRCE plans to use the locomotives in Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and the Netherlands.
- Delivery of 14 Vectron MS multisystem locomotives
- MRCE fleet includes 147 Vectron locomotives
“We are especially pleased that our long-standing customer MRCE is further expanding its fleet of Vectrons. MCRE’s trust in us shows that our Vectron locomotives stand for reliability and flexibility in European passenger and freight transport,” said Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility.
"We believe that Vectron will be the solution in the long run for meeting future cross-border needs in the European market, and we intend to steadily increase our Vectron fleet as a main asset in our portfolio," said Hayato Yanagisawa, CEO of MRCE.
The multisystem locomotives ordered by MRCE have a maximum power at wheel of 6.4 megawatts and a top speed of 160 km/h. The locomotives will be manufactured at the Siemens Mobility plant in Munich-Allach, and equipped with the European Train Control System (ETCS) as well as the required national train control systems.
Since their introduction, Siemens Mobility has sold more than 1,500 Vectron locomotives to 62 customers in 16 countries. The Vectron fleet has covered more than 600 million kilometers in service to date and the locomotives are approved for operating in 20 European countries.
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in transport solutions for more than 160 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio in its core areas of rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, turnkey systems, intelligent traffic systems as well as related services. With digitalization, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2021, which ended on September 30, 2021, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €9.2 billion and had around 39,500 employees worldwide. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/mobility.
Mitsui Rail Capital Europe (MRCE) has the biggest fleet of modern cross-border locomotives in Europe. The fleet consist of over 300 electric locomotives. The product offered by MRCE is special as it combines the leasing and maintenance management of locomotives. MRCE is a subsidiary of the Japanese Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and has strategically divided its business over the headquarters in Amsterdam and Munich. The MRCE Head office in Amsterdam is responsible for operational leasing, procurement, financing and sales of locomotives. The office in Munich manages the maintenance and technical servicing of the locomotive fleet. https://www.mrce.eu/
Kemi Shipping orders eight Konecranes E-VER electric forklifts to its fleet in northern Finland
Kemi Shipping Oy, owned by Finnish Metsä Group, has ordered eight award-winning Konecranes E-VER fully electric forklifts including full service contracts for their operations in the Port of Kemi. Highly impressed with an E-VER delivered early in 2022, the Finnish logistics company is strengthening operations with an additional order. The order was received in June 2022 and will be delivered in the first half of 2023.
Kemi Shipping provides a range of harbor services for customers in the region. With Metsä opening a new mill for bioproducts in the north, Kemi Shipping is taking the step to invest in new lift trucks for their new warehouse operations. The port facility is big and will benefit from the eight Konecranes E-VER electric forklifts that will serve the mill with their product handling as it reaches full production capacity.
“Sustainability is at the core of our business, so the first thing that attracted us to the Konecranes E-VER was the fact that it is fully electric,” says Kari Lundell, CEO of Kemi Shipping. “We had one Konecranes E-VER delivered earlier this year for paper board handling, and we could see its advantages immediately. Besides eliminating tailpipe emissions, it offers outstanding efficiency, and our drivers love it. Once all eight E-VER electric forklifts are on-site, they will mark another big step on our journey to greater productivity and lower emissions.”
“Kemi Shipping has been a loyal Konecranes customer for over two decades, sharing our mutual commitment to the environment” says Klaus Kaukovalta, Product Manager, Lift Trucks for Konecranes Finland. “Konecranes E-VER, that won the sawmill industry Product Novelty Competition for improving the environmental performance, gives us the perfect opportunity to provide Kemi Shipping equipment that meets their specific requirements in a demanding industry.”
The eight additional lift trucks are Konecranes E-VER 16-1200C forklifts, with a fully-electric driveline and a capacity of 16 tons. Lithium-ion batteries manufactured with clean energy power each truck, taking just 45 minutes to fully recharge and re-generating brake energy back to its battery. With less heat, oil and fewer moving parts, the electric forklift requires less maintenance, and produces less chemical waste. The trucks will be supplied with special bale clamps to securely handle wood pulp.
These Konecranes E-VER electric forklifts are also Smart Connected Lift Trucks, in which TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring follows each truck’s performance and maximizes battery life through analytics such as charge optimization and energy consumption.
A strong focus on customers and commitment to business growth and continuous improvement make Konecranes a lifting industry leader. This is underpinned by investments in digitalization and technology, plus our work to make material flows more efficient with solutions that decarbonize the economy and advance circularity and safety.
Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment of all makes. In 2021, Group sales totaled EUR 3.2 billion. The Group has around 16,600 employees in 50 countries. Konecranes shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki (symbol: KCR).
Kollmorgen forms collaboration with Vanderlande
Vanderlande has selected Kollmorgen NDC Solutions as a technology and service partner for their automated guided vehicle (AGV) applications. Based on Toyota Material Handling forklifts equipped with the Kollmorgen NDC Solutions technology, Vanderlande aims to strengthen and grow their portfolio of complete logistic and warehouse solutions.
Vanderlande is a market-leading, global partner for future-proof logistic process automation in the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors. Its extensive portfolio of integrated solutions – innovative systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services – results in the realization of fast, reliable and efficient automation technology.
“Vanderlande and Kollmorgen share a very similar mindset. We both have a long history of advanced, industrialized and proven automation solutions – with reliability, collaboration and the relentless strive for end-user success being our common cornerstones. We are convinced that this collaboration will drive strong growth for Vanderlande and Kollmorgen – but above all for our end-users”, says Tobias Byfeldt, Vice President, Kollmorgen AGV.
“Vanderlande strives to deliver the best fully integrated autonomous vehicle (AV) offering as part of our solutions for our warehousing, parcel and airport customers. With this collaboration we are confident that by combining our expertise and solutions we can jointly deliver and continuously develop better AV solutions”, adds Daan Stikkel, General Manager AV Vanderlande.
For more information about Vanderlande, please visit www.vanderlande.com.
About Kollmorgen NDC Solutions
Kollmorgen's NDC Solutions is the industry leading platform utilized by vehicle builders to create driverless logistics automation solutions. The platform consists of both software to route vehicles efficiently, and hardware for navigation and control. With Kollmorgen NDC you may automate virtually any type of vehicle or robot and integrate it to any type of material handling application, in any industry, worldwide. Learn more at www.kollmorgen.com/agv.
Average container prices and leasing rates decline in China amidst peak season shipping
Average container prices have declined by more than half from the last year in August as China picks up containerised trade volumes more recently, according to an analysis published by Container xChange, a technology marketplace and operating platform for container logistic companies. The analysis is a part of the monthly container logistics report published by Container xChange titled ‘Where Are All The Containers’.
- Average container prices halved from August 2021; leasing rates decline by 17% from June to July this year
- China to Canada one-way leasing rates decline at the highest rate by 49 per cent as compared to China to any other country
The decline in average container prices and leasing rates offer good opportunities for shippers and freight forwarding companies to plan cargo as the supply chain braces for the peak season, typically from July to September.
Trade in China was impacted in the first half of the year, but the containerised trade seems to have picked up since July (2022) according to the analysis put together by Container xChange.
“Shippers are once again hoping that the exports will restore in full swing as the industry prepares for the peak season. Amidst this, there are more reasons for shippers to rejoice as the average container prices and one-way leasing rates Ex China shows a downward trend at a time when shipping is historically at its peak in the country. The average container prices are more than halved as compared to the last year, in August. Clearly, this brings cheers to the shippers and forwarders hoping to ship cargo containers out of China.” said Christian Roeloffs, Co-founder and CEO, Container xChange
Shanghai Container Availability index (CAx) indicates that the CAx is 0.58 in week 33 as compared to 0.52 in 2021, 0.32 in 2020 and 2019 (pre-pandemic). This could potentially mean that there are more containers in China with reduced prices, making it easier for shippers and freight forwarders to plan trips from China.
“This is the peak shipping season, and the industry expects heavy outflow of containers from China to fulfil orders from demand centres. This year, we haven't witnessed two key trends that are a norm during this time in previous years – a rise in leasing rates and container prices in China and a decline in CAx values,” added Roeloffs.
17% decline in one-way leasing pick-up rates of containers from China to the US from June to July.
One-way leasing rates for standard containers, were in the range of $100-$300 before June 2021(see graph above). The rates picked up from July 2021 skyrocketing at $1470 in the month of July 2021 and peaking by September to reach $2792. The leasing rates then started to decline. This year in May, the leasing rates stood at $1277, plummeting to $1095 in June and further to $906 in the month of July.
On the China to Germany stretch, these one-way pick-up rates for leasing containers plummeted from $3394 in January 2022, further to $2428 in April and now to $1995 in the month of July.
China to Canada one-way leasing rates decline at the highest rate at 49 percent as compared to China to any other country
The data shows a significant drop in the average per unit rates for 40HCs from China to Europe and North American countries. Canada is leading the fall with a 49.4% drop in the leasing rates between June and July. Right behind Canada is the US with a 32.5% drop in the average pick-up or PU (Pick Up) rates. For countries in Europe, the average one-way PU charges from China dropped by 16% in the UK, 13% in Germany, 18.4% in France, and 17.3% in Belgium.
In Qingdao and Shanghai, CAx remained over 0.5, in July, and continued increasing. The continued high CAx scores align with the decreased container rental fees and indicate a comparatively slowed-down movement of boxes at these ports. Ningbo’s CAx scores were lower than 0.5 in July indicating that more containers are leaving the port. And, that there’s probably more demand for export containers than full imports at the port and a likely delays cargo acceptance.
Average Trading prices in China halved year on year in August this year
From around $5500 for a cargo-worthy standard container size in September 2021, and further declining from there to reach $3494 in May 2022, the current average trading price has plummeted to $2679 so far in August 2022. Last year in August, this average trading price was $5470. More than halved from last year same month.
Download the full report here - https://www.container-xchange.com/reports/monthly-container-logistics-update/
About Container xChange
Container xChange is a technology company that offers a container trading and leasing platform, payment infrastructure (for transparent and easier payment handling) and efficient operating systems to manage the end-to-end container movement across the globe for container logistic companies worldwide. Covering the entire transaction process of shipping containers starting with finding new partners to track containers and managing payments, xChange makes using 3rd party equipment as easy as booking a hotel. We are on a mission to simplify the logistics of global trade.
Being one of the top ten logistics tech companies globally, xChange is fundamentally transforming thousands of processes involved in moving containers globally. xChange is trusted by more than 1000 container logistic companies such as Kuehne+Nagel, Seaco or Sarjak that use xChange every day to improve operational effectiveness and improve productivity.
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions acquires Danish third-party logistics provider DKI
Rhenus Warehousing Solutions has signed an agreement to acquire the Danish company DKI Logistics A/S and its warehouse investment affiliate DKI Automatic A/S (both together "DKI"). The logistics provider specialises in complete warehousing and supply chain solutions with customised value-added services. With the acquisition, Rhenus Warehousing Solutions expands its presence in Europe to the Nordic countries.
Founded in 2001, DKI is now one of Denmark's leading third-party logistics providers with 350 employees. DKI has seven warehouse locations spread between the headquarters in the port city of Horsens and the cities of Herning and Køge. With more than 280,000 square metres of warehouse space, DKI offers various inbound, storage, order handling and transport services for the Danish market. Companies from the healthcare, FMCG, furniture, clothing, household appliances and DIY product sectors are among its customers.
To accommodate the continuous growth over the past years, DKI has constantly invested in automated technologies such as AGVs, robots, conveyor belts and shuttle systems. In general, the seven DKI warehouses are characterised by a high degree of automation in picking, packing and sorting. One new warehouse is currently being built and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022; another is planned for the coming year.
Andreas Plikat, General Manager Rhenus Warehousing Solutions, says: "Rhenus Warehousing Solutions and DKI both stand for high-quality and scalable customer solutions. In this respect, it was the logical step for us to shape our market entry into the Nordic countries together with DKI." In addition to geographically complementing the Rhenus Warehousing Solutions network in Europe, this acquisition strengthens the presence of the Rhenus Group in the FMCG and healthcare sectors. With DKI becoming part of the Rhenus Group, customers will benefit not only from the warehousing service but also from the wide range of services, including the global air and sea freight network and the extensive European land transport options. The acquisition of DKI is another step in the continuous growth of the Rhenus Group in Denmark: With locations in Copenhagen and Aarhus, the logistics specialist guarantees a reliable service in close proximity to its customers.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and closing is expected in Q4 2022.
For more information about DKI, visit https://dki-logistics.dk/.
Further information about the Rhenus group in Denmark can be found here: https://www.rhenus.group/dk/en/.
About Rhenus Warehousing Solutions
Rhenus is one of the pioneers in warehouse logistics and has an extensive global network with more than 155 business sites in 21 different countries and warehouse space measuring 3.5 million square metres. Rhenus Warehousing Solutions specialises in numerous industrial sectors so that its customers benefit from tailor-made warehousing solutions and fulfilment services. The company focuses on innovations, sustainability and continually optimising processes at its multi-user facilities and when providing dedicated and in-house solutions.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 7.0 billion. 37,500 employees work at 970 business sites and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
Addverb Technologies announces release of new 3D sorter shuttle, SortIE
SortIE is the new intelligent and efficient put-to-wall sorting shuttle system that Addverb is launching on the market and is predicted to heighten robotic standards in warehouse logistics
Addverb Technologies, a global robotics company providing complete end-to-end warehouse automation solutions, announces the release of a new sorter robot called SortIE – a fast-moving scalable solution for rapid and efficient order fulfilment. As a fully automated robotic put-to-wall sorting system, SortIE is capable of performing SKU-wise intelligent sortation at very high speeds and at different height levels. Additionally, it enables easy and rapid picking. It can be easily integrated with existing conveying systems such as conveyors, robots, and manual transport with no impact on ongoing operations.
“We are excited for SortIE to reach the market because there is nothing like it,” says Pieter Feenstra, Addverb’s CEO of the EMEA region. "This robot increases productivity with up to 450 sorts per hour, meaning up to 250 orders fulfilled at any given time, and increases order cube utilisation by up to 20%. The entire sorting system is simple and fully automatic, which shortens the return on investment and requires no human intervention. We’re proud to have led the charge on a robot like this coming to the market.”
Founded in 2016, Addverb offers a unique logistics combination of fixed and mobile automation along with advanced enterprise software. Their expertise involves IoT, robotics, and warehousing consulting. Addverb has provided warehouse automation solutions to customers involved with fast-moving consumer goods such as Unilever, Flipkart, Amazon, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Dabur, and more.
SortIE has a speed of 3m per second to ensure quick turnaround cycles. Combined with a Zippy sorting solution, it can also increase the number of destinations on a smaller footprint. This system is ideal for industries like e-commerce, third-party logistics, fast-moving consumer goods, and retail for quick order sequencing and sortation, allowing for faster dispatch of large order quantities. For more information, visit Addverb Technologies’ website.
Reichmuth orders 35 Vectron locomotives for SBB Cargo
Reichmuth & Co Investment Management AG has ordered 35 Vectron AC locomotives from Siemens Mobility through its investment vehicle LokRoll 3 AG. LokRoll 3 will lease the locomotives to SBB Cargo for eight years through its asset manager Northrail GmbH, which it commissioned for the deal. The entire transaction was arranged and structured by Paribus Rail Investment Management GmbH. The lease also includes local maintenance of the locomotives by Siemens Mobility for eight years. The Vectrons will be manufactured at the Siemens Mobility plant in Munich-Allach and delivered in 2024.
- Siemens Mobility delivers Vectron AC locomotives
- Contract includes maintenance for eight years