ISSUE 41
MAY 2015
LNG to Egypt
Noble signs two-year contract with Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company
arly 2015 saw an important milestone in Noble’s
LNG business: the signing of a contract with Egyptian
Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) to deliver a
total of seven liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes. According
to the agreement – which was signed in the presence of Egypt’s
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Sherif Ismail –
shipments will continue for two years.
Noble was awarded the contract through an international
competitive tender and this import agreement is part of EGAS’s
efforts to secure LNG supply to help meet the country’s power
demands over the next few years. Egypt will gain additional
benefit from a reduction in the country’s energy bill as a result of
replacing oil products with the less expensive LNG.
Having secured the necessary LNG volumes from different
suppliers, including a contract with the world’s largest LNG
producer, Qatar, we delivered the first commissioning and
commercial cargoes in March and April 2015. Shipment
was successfully delivered onboard Noble’s chartered vessel
Corcovado LNG and these landmark shipments were the first two
LNG cargoes ever imported into Egypt.
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Signing ceremony with Noble’s Alejandro Sanchez Gestido,
Global Head of LNG Supply & Sales (bottom left) in the presence of
Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, the Chairman
of Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and the Chairman of
Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation
“Egypt has emerged as a major new market for LNG as the
government looks to ease the worst energy crisis in decades.
Noble has been selected by Egypt as the partner of choice because
of the competitive, tailor made solutions we presented to EGAS,”
said Noble’s Global Head of Gas & Power, Gareth Griffiths.
Additionally, Noble was also selected, through a separate
tender, to commission Egypt’s first LNG import facility.
Berthing of our first commercial cargo Corcovado LNG (left)
at the LNG import facility “Höegh Gallant” (right)
Agenda
INDUSTRY LEADING LEADERSHIP
3
LITTLE HERO
10
CYCLING FOR SAFETY
12
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NEWS
Moving ahead
CEO’s message
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s a result of continued focus and dedication,
Q1 2015 has delivered a number of exciting
“firsts” across the firm, many of which you will
read about in this edition of NobleWorld.
In addition to new customers, products and regions,
we also continue to excel in service. A great example
has been Noble Americas Energy Solutions recently
receiving the 2014 Supplier Innovation Award from a
key client. This is given to the supplier that has shown
significant innovation in adding major value to the client’s
operations. This is the perfect example of how a great
supply chain manager continues to excel and innovate,
which leads me to emphasise again a key priority
for 2015.
Being the best supply chain manager means, by
definition, being the most efficient and transacting at the
lowest cost per tonne.
To be efficient and effective, we need to have the right
structure and the right people, processes and systems to
support both our existing, and our new, businesses. 2014
was a year of tremendous change and growth for Noble,
and the priority for 2015 is consolidating and integrating
those new initiatives and businesses, with a simultaneous
focus on cost management. Noble has always been, and
will always be, a growth company, but a pause to ramp up
our new businesses and execute on our key partnerships
is essential to ensure our future success.
“Being the best supply chain manager
means, by definition, being the most
efficient and transacting at the
lowest cost per tonne.”
After much hard work from everyone at the firm, I believe that the results of our efforts are also starting to
become visible externally. At the start of May, we released
our Q1 2015 results, which saw an improvement of almost
US$350 million over the end quarter of 2014. The results
were driven by encouraging performances from the Oil
Liquids and Metals businesses, while those operations
more exposed to the slowdown in the Chinese economy
managed to put in credible performances.
All of the management team started 2015 feeling
that we are in an opportunity-rich environment and that
Noble is very well placed to capture those opportunities.
With our energy supply chain partner, Harbour Energy,
currently involved in a bid for Latin America’s largest
oil producer, we are self-evidently moving to the
implementation stage of our asset-light strategy. The
prospects for Harbour, X2 and Noble Agri are outstanding.
And with the recent announcement of Matt Jansen
joining Noble Agri as CEO, each partner company now
undoubtedly has the management in place to excel.
Yusuf Alireza
Chief Executive Officer
On board
M
r. Paul Jeremy Brough has joined Noble’s
Board as an Independent Non-Executive
Director with effect from 6 May 2015.
Commenting on this appointment, Chairman Richard
Elman said, “We are delighted that Paul has decided
to join the Board of Noble. We look forward
to benefiting from the breadth of business
knowledge and expertise that he brings.”
Paul is also an Independent Non-Executive
Director of GuocoLeisure Ltd (listed on the
Singapore Stock Exchange), and a Non-Executive Director
of Habib Bank Zurich (Hong Kong) Ltd, a Hong Kongrestricted licence bank. He came to Hong Kong in 1983 to
join KPMG, where he became a Partner in 1991 and, later,
became the Senior Partner of Hong Kong, before retiring
from KPMG in 2012. Paul continues to be an associate of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and
Wales, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and the Hong Kong Securities and
Investment Institute.
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NEWS
Industry leading leadership
Noble Agri appoints Matt Jansen as CEO
ince the formation of Noble Agri, the focus has been
on building a best-in-class leadership team. Noble Agri
therefore was delighted to announce that Mr. Matt
Jansen has been appointed as the new CEO to lead the company
in becoming a top-tier global player in the agricultural sector.
After obtaining a degree in Agricultural Economics, Matt
started his 25-year industry career. He was in charge of ADM’s
Brazilian operations for seven years, after which he relocated to
North America to take up the role of Corporate Vice President,
President of ADM’s Grain Group, the largest in North America.
From 2010, prior to joining Noble Agri, Matt was Senior Vice
President and President of ADM’s global Oilseeds Business,
the largest global segment of ADM’s group operations. He also
served as the company’s Chief Risk Officer.
Welcoming Matt to his role as CEO of Noble Agri, Mr. Frank
Ning, Chairman of Noble Agri and COFCO Corporation, said,
“Matt brings with him the depth of knowledge and broad
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business experience gained through his career in the highly
competitive global agri business. He is ideally suited to drive the
future growth of Noble Agri.”
Mr. Richard Elman, Deputy Chairman of Noble Agri,
warmly welcomed Matt and said, “We are convinced that he
will substantially drive the great future and success that Noble
Agri will have.” Mr. Yusuf Alireza, CEO of Noble Group, added,
“We chose Matt following an extensive, worldwide recruitment
process, not just for his leadership pedigree but also for our
shared passion to build a world-leading agri business group.
He will bring a lot of dedication to the job and I look forward to
working with him.”
In his new role, Matt will focus on integrating Nidera and
Noble Agri, while continuing the internalisation of COFCO’s
business flows, ultimately leading the enlarged group through to
the planned IPO.
European crude refinery deal
Noble to supply Heide oil refinery
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n 5 May 2015, Noble entered
into a two and a half year
crude supply and inventory
intermediation transaction with the
Heide refinery in Germany. As the
exclusive supplier of crude oil and
feedstock to the 90 kbd-capacity refinery,
this will further enhance Noble’s position
as an established physical player in the
international crude markets. Noble will
also own the oil inventory held at the
complex.
Dominic Harris, EMEA Head of
Oil Origination, commented, “The
transaction provides a bespoke solution
for the client by leveraging Noble’s
global supply chain management
expertise to optimise crude procurement
and alleviate working capital.” Noble
takes over the role from Barclays, who
previously supplied the refinery.
In light of the success of this deal,
Noble’s oil origination team is embarking
on a coordinated effort to expand
crude sourcing options with the firm’s
producer clients and to replicate the
supply solution with other refiners.
Mitch Rubinstein, Global Head of
Crude Oil, commented, “This is
a landmark deal with regard to
the expansion of our crude
business. It provides us with
strong optionality around
crude grades, while proving
an important solution for
our customer.”
Built in 1952, the Heide
refinery was acquired
by Klesch from Shell in
2010. With a number of
companies reducing their
refining and marketing
exposure, there are significant
opportunities to work with
new entrants that require
bespoke supply solutions.
The Heide refinery is located on Germany’s
North Sea coast, 100 kilometres north of
Hamburg, and is owned by the Klesch Group
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NEWS
X2 raises US$5.6 billion
2 Resources announced in March 2015 that it had completed its
initial capital-raising process, securing a total of US$5.6 billion
in equity to start building a new mid-tier diversified mining and
metals group.
The sum raised by X2 includes US$4 billion in committed equity capital
that can be spent immediately and US$1.6 billion in conditional equity capital.
In a statement, Mick Davis said, “We would like to thank our investors
for their support and vote of confidence and look forward to rewarding them
through superior returns. The blue-chip nature of our investors and the scale
of their commitments to date are clear endorsements of the X2 Resources
team’s strategy and our track record of creating value.”
“We continue to carefully review a number of opportunities in the sector
in detail. While value-creating opportunities are increasingly evident, the
long-term nature of our strategy provides us with the flexibility to target those
opportunities where we see the greatest potential for value creation.”
X
Commodities Summit
Navigating the “new normal” in resources
ith slowing global growth
and inflation, the 2015 FT
Commodities Summit focused
on the challenges facing the commodities
industry as it reacts to a period of
plentiful supply and lower prices. The
summit brought together many industry
leaders, including our partners: X2’s
Mick Davis and Frank Ning, Chairman
of COFCO, who delivered an excellent
opening keynote address as COFCO
moves onto the global stage.
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Noble’s Chairman, Richard Elman, talking
to Frank Ning, Chairman of COFCO, at
the welcome drinks
The agenda saw speakers debate and
discuss topics ranging from commodities
trading and regulation to the outlook
for oil as prices slide. Noble Group’s
CEO Yusuf Alireza took part in the CEO
debate “Rethinking Business Models”,
in which leading CEOs discussed their
views on the industry and key trends
shaping markets.
Noble sponsored the welcome
drinks at the Beau Rivage Palace,
Lausanne, with Chairman Richard Elman
also in attendance.
CEO debate “Rethinking Business Models”
with Noble’s CEO Yusuf Alireza (far left)
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NEWS
Due credit
Successful close of US$2.3 billion revolving loan facility
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n May 2015, Noble successfully closed its syndicated committed unsecured
revolving loan facilities with a total amount of US$2.3 billion. The transaction
was well supported by banks globally, with 35 banks participating.
The facilities comprise a 364-day revolving credit facility and a three-year revolving
credit facility – priced at 85BPS margin and 95BPS margin, respectively – at spreads
that meant funding costs were lower than last year’s facility.
Noble will apply all amounts borrowed under the facility to the refinancing of
certain of its existing debts and for general corporate purposes.
Getting to the heart of US coal
The commencement of our Appalachian coal supply chain business
n 17 April 2015, Noble executed an exclusive
physical logistic services agreement with Revelation
Energy, a private coal mining company that focuses
on surface mining and associated infrastructure projects in the
central Appalachian region of the US.
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Revelation produces approximately 5 million net tonnes
per year of steam and speciality coal, and controls 575 million
net tonnes of reserves throughout Kentucky, West Virginia and
Virginia. Revelation is owned and led by its founder
Jeff Hoops and his equity partner is Lime Rock Partners.
This transaction will help us build out our physical
trading platform and create other origination opportunities
with producers in the region, which has been the heart of coal
country in the US for generations.
Matthew Schicke, Noble’s Head of US Coal said, “We
are pleased to have an opportunity to work with such a good
company as Revelation Energy to begin our US coal business.
Our team has worked with Jeff in the past and we look forward
to this transaction and others down the road.”
Delivering to Petroecuador
n November 2014, Noble delivered its first cargo of 264,000 bbls of ultra-low
sulfur diesel (ULSD) under a five-year supply contract with Petroecuador, a
state-owned oil company. Noble procured a US$1 billion credit line to the
national oil company in October 2014 in return for a five-year supply deal of diesel
and gasoline imports.
Besides the five-year supply contract, Noble has also been awarded spot
contracts to supply 400 kbbl of jet fuel and 7.3 Mbbl of high-speed diesel (HSD).
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MV Grazia delivering a cargo of ultra-low sulfur
diesel as part of the Petroecuador contract
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NEWS
Ocean Integrity
Delivery of new Kamsarmax ship
n April 2014, Noble Chartering acquired a 65%
shareholding interest in Panacore Investments Ltd,
a holding company for four newly commissioned
Kamsarmax ships.
The third of the ships, the 82,000 DWT bulk carrier,
Ocean Integrity, built by CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard in China,
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Asheesh Mamgain Noble’s General Manager, with his wife
and the crew of Ocean Integrity
was delivered on 20 April 2015. At the naming ceremony,
traditional rituals were performed, such as breaking a bottle
of champagne on the ship, to bless the vessel and all those
who sail in her and ensure safe voyages and calm seas for
years to come.
The first two ships delivered were Ocean Ambition
(September 2014) and Ocean Forte (January 2015), while
the last in the series, Ocean Vision, will be delivered in
mid-2015.
Copper in the Congo
A new copper offtake with Shalina Resources
oble Group concluded a
US$20 million prepayment
by way of participating in a
US$110 million, four-year secured
pre-export term loan facility led by FBN
Bank (UK) Ltd with Shalina Resources Ltd,
a copper and cobalt mining and metals
company operating in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC). The money will
be used primarily to fund construction
of a new leach SX/EW plant at the Etoile
copper-cobalt mine site that is expected
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to be commissioned by Q2 2016 – site
preparation is currently in progress. The
plant is designed to produce 19,000 tonnes
per year of copper cathode and up to 3,800
tonnes of cobalt per year in form of cobalt
hydroxide. Noble will market the copper
cathode from the new Etoile plant for a
period of 40 months.
This deal is a great fit, in line with the
strategic product focus to build-out Noble’s
copper business in Africa. This has been
identified as an origination focus area and
Etoile is a surface mine with site preparation currently in progress
key growth market in which Noble has a
strong and growing presence. In addition,
this deal gives the Base Metals team market
credibility, a solid base volume of product
to trade and positive marketing benefits.
This, in turn, will open doors to other
junior/mid-tier copper projects in the
African market, an important producer of
copper globally, with the DRC copper belt
having some of the highest-grade copper
deposits in the world as well as being the
largest producer of cobalt globally.
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NEWS
Chinaplas showcase
Asia’s largest plastics and rubber trade fair
he 29th international exhibition
of plastics and rubber industries
was held in Guangzhou,
China, at the end of May 2015. With over
120,000 visitors to the four-day event,
Chinaplas has become a key meeting and
business platform for these industries.
Noble’s Polymers division attended
with partner National Petrochemical
Industrial Company (NATPET), one of
the leading polypropylene producers in
Saudi Arabia, producing 400,000 tonnes of
polypropylene products annually.
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Noble provides a full-service polymers
supply chain management capability
geared to providing the market channel
of preference for polymer producers
worldwide. The division is committed
to providing the best service with
an emphasis on quality, safety and
environmental protection. Noble has a
long-term partnership with NATPET to
market a substantial portion of its Teldene
polypropylene resin.
Hands-on partnership between
Noble and NATPET
Customer innovation
Noble Americas Energy Solutions receives innovation award
oble Americas Energy Solutions
was recently awarded a Supplier
Innovation Award from one of
its clients, Eastman, a global chemical
company. Eastman recognises the suppliers
that have shown outstanding performance
and innovation and who have added
major value to the company through new
technology or improved processes annually.
David Moore, Energy Purchasing
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Manager at Eastman, presented Noble with
the award at a business review meeting in
Houston, Texas, in April 2015. The award
represented Noble’s flexibility in responding
to Eastman’s electricity purchasing
requirements. Specifically, Mr. Moore
noted, “Noble’s ability to integrate a longterm renewable power purchase negotiated
by Eastman into their existing retail power
contract, the opportunity Noble developed
to minimise Eastman’s Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS) charges, and the
best-in-class tools Noble provides through
their PowerFolio 3D services online
platform were compelling reasons for the
award.” Additionally, NAES was praised
for its ability to improve products and
services with innovative features, which
has given Eastman’s electricity portfolio
significant value. “Previously, Eastman had
no organised approach to manage the risk
associated with its electricity exposure in
deregulated markets. With Noble, we have
developed a system based on the company’s
risk tolerance, widely accepted statistical
analysis and an execution plan that
capitalises on market opportunities.”
Noble Americas Energy Solutions team
collect the award from Eastman.
Left to right: Gayle McCutchan,
Nick Zanrosso, Brad Christensen,
Scott Puckett, Ray Ratheal (Eastman),
David Moore (Eastman), Aaron Thomas
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NEWS
Outlook stable
Investment grade rating unaffected
oble’s stable operational performance, risk management
process and ample liquidity profile have supported its
investment grade ratings from both Moody’s and Fitch
Ratings. Following Noble’s Q1 results announcement, Moody’s
and Fitch affirmed Noble’s ratings – Baa3 and BBB-, respectively.
The outlook remains stable.
Moody’s has affirmed Noble Group’s Baa3 issuer and senior
unsecured bond ratings, as well as the provisional (P) Baa3 rating
on its MTN programme. The outlook for the ratings is stable.
Moody’s said Noble’s year-over-year volume growth for the
quarter in each of the segments, plus a 25% increase in energy
coal volumes, indicate its strength in an environment in which
commodity prices have been under significant pressure. Moody’s
believes that Noble has an adequate liquidity profile and will
continue to have good access to the capital markets.
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Noble’s balance sheet structure has also
improved to levels comparable to similarly
rated and higher rated global peers
In addition, Fitch Ratings has affirmed Noble’s
Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and
senior unsecured rating at BBB-. The ratings on all its outstanding
senior unsecured notes have also been affirmed at BBB-. The
outlook for the IDR is stable. Fitch recognises Noble’s stable
operational performance during a commodity market recession,
saying that its balance sheet structure has also improved to levels
comparable to similarly rated and higher-rated global peers’. Noble’s
comprehensive risk management process and sustained strong
liquidity position continue to support its ratings.
Earlier in the year, in March, Standard & Poor’s announced
that Noble’s ratings remain unaffected, at BBB-/Stable/--;
cnA-/--, following the 2014 full-year results announcement.
S&P believes that Noble’s 2014 improved financial leverage and
strong liquidity position support the rating, and that Noble’s risk
management is adequate.
Guildford Coal shipment commenced
Coking coal from Mongolia delivered direct to Chinese end-users
nder Noble’s marketing guidance, Guildford Coal secured inaugural offtake
agreements with two end-users in China in February 2015. Together with
Noble’s supply chain team, Guildford has successfully shipped over
80,000 tonnes of coking coal from its Baruun Noyon Uul (BNU) mine in the South
Gobi region direct to customers in north China. To continue what has been a
landmark year, Guildford and Noble are currently finalising a long-term
contract with one of Noble’s customers – a long-standing end-user in Gansu
– which will see Guildford, in conjunction with Noble’s integrated
supply chain, move 420,000 tonnes of coking coal direct to the
plant. Guildford Coal and Noble remain focused on building
the BNU coal brand with a view to becoming a regional
price-setter and this long-term contract represents a
significant step forward.
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CSR / ACTIVITIES
Health fair
Jamalco offers free health services
to the community
ver 80 local residents located near Jamalco have
benefited from a team of medical professional volunteers
who offered them a range of health checks including
blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, weight and vision checks.
They also benefited from information provided by several
health agencies, including the Social Development Commission,
the Ministry of Labour, the National Council on Drug Abuse, the
Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse
(CISOCA) and the Manchester Health Department.
Michael Stewart, Chairman of the South Region Health
Authority board, thanked Jamalco for affording residents the
opportunity to access health care free of cost. “It was a valuable
health education session for our community and we appreciate
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the information, services and time dedicated to helping the less
fortunate among us. Many of our people know that they are ill
and would like to see the doctor, but some of them can’t afford the
medical fees.”
The power of music
1000 Enterprises
Asian Youth Orchestra wins Nikkei Asia Prize
Engaging business enterprises to help
Singapore’s Children’s Society
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he Asian Youth Orchestra, which has been supported
by Noble for a number of years, has received the
Nikkei Asia Prize for Culture and Community 2015.
This prestigious award recognises the achievements of people
and organisations in Asia that have contributed to the region’s
sustainable development through cultural, artistic or educational
activities.
Mr. Mitarai, the head of the judging committee, said,
“It is worth rewarding this amazing orchestra which has been
performing for 25 years. We truly hope conflicts between Asian
countries will be eased by understanding each other.” This is the
first time in the award’s 20-year history that it has been given to
an orchestra and also to a Hong Kong organisation.
Founded in 1990, the Asian Youth Orchestra accepts
about 100 young musicians, following auditions in their home
countries. It has performed with internationally renowned
musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma and has played at some of the
world’s greatest venues.
ingapore’s Children’s Society organised a dinner on
11 March 2015 to acknowledge the “1000 Enterprises
and 1000 Philanthropists for Children-in-Need”
programme, with guest of honour Teo Chee Hean, Singapore’s
deputy prime minister (DPM).
Noble Group was the presenter for “1000 Enterprises for
Children-in-Need” (1000E), a fund-raising initiative that aims
to engage 1000 business enterprises to pledge annual donations
to the society. The funds collected help run more than 70
programmes for vulnerable children and youths across the city.
Noble is one of the pioneering enterprises to have
supported the creation of 1000E since its
launch in 2009 and has been a significant
participant and generous contributor
to the society. Last year 1000E
raised more than SGD 2.1 million,
significantly exceeding the target
of SGD 1 million.
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Shin Yi Lee, HR Generalist
for Asia Energy & Global Hard
Commodities receiving
a token of appreciation from
Mr. Koh and DPM Teo
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CSR / ACTIVITIES
Raffle for a good cause
Giving a helping hand to local charities
oble Americas Energy Solutions employees recently
donated US$44,000 at a charitable-giving employee
raffle. Noble added to the donation, bringing the total
to US$61,000, which was then split between two local charities
chosen by a committee in the office. Noble reviewed each charity
and allocated donations where they would have the biggest
impact. The first charity chosen was the San Diego Education
Fund, which helps low-income students access college by
providing critical scholarships, mentoring and counselling.
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The second charity was Ronald McDonald House Charities
San Diego (RMHCSD), which provide a “home away from
home” for families pursuing paediatric treatment at San Diego
hospital. Not only do they have guest rooms to house families
and a family care centre for day visitors, but they also provide
meals, computer access and essential support for families with
critically ill children in hospital. They even provide onsite
schooling for siblings of hospitalised children.
Noble Americas Energy Solutions giving a cheque to RMHCSD:
(left to right) Cheryl Haritatos (RMHCSD), Herb Nance,
Charles E Day (RMHCSD), Kira Neuenswander,
Kristen Wright, Patrice Moreno, Alfonso Sanchez
Little Hero
Seven years on from the Sichuan earthquake
and we revisit with Wang Bin, a young survivor
ince the devastating earthquake in southwest Sichuan Province in China in May
2008, Noble has continued its pledge
to rebuild and support Li Rang Primary School –
since renamed Noble Li Rang Primary School – in
Chongqing.
Jeff Zhai, HR Director China, and Steve Wang
General Manager of the Fuling plant in Chongqing,
revisited Noble Primary School in March 2015 to
see its progress and that of the children. “We had a
good meeting with the school management headed
by the schoolmaster, Mr. Fang. We are happy to see
the school has been well maintained after seven
years,” said Jeff.
They also had a delightful reunion with Wang Bin, now in
middle school. Wang Bin was recognised as one of the nation’s
50 Little Heroes due to her bravery during the earthquake. Having
escaped safely from her classroom, the then 8-year-old went back
into the school in an effort to save her classmates. Sadly she
became trapped by collapsing rubble, breaking her left arm
and losing her right one. Moved by Wang Bin’s courage
and determination, Noble committed to support her
rehabilitation and education until university.
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Jeff was happy to report that Wang Bin was
doing very well at school and was an active
member of the class committee. “Her favourite
classes are Chinese, chemistry and PE. In fact, in
October 2014 she represented Liangping County
at the 5th Paralympic Games and achieved
third place in the 100-metre run.” She also told
Jeff that, when she grows up, she wants to be a
doctor so that she can help others as she has been
helped over the past few years. We hope that,
with Noble’s support, she will be able to realise
her dream.
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ACTIVITIES / PEOPLE
Race to the peak
Sailors’ Society’s Asian Challenge
n April 2015, teams from across
the maritime industry took part
in the third Asian Challenge,
raising money for the Sailors’ Society’s
work with seafarers and their families.
During the challenge, 45 teams of three
climbed up the tallest mountain in southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu (4,095 metres
above sea level), and down again.
Noble had two teams in the challenge.
Although the climb was tough at times,
the team members supported each other
throughout and had a huge amount of
fun in the process. As they got higher, the
thick rainforest slowly became sparser
until, as they reached the final stretch for
the summit, it turned into sheer mountain
rock face. Both Noble teams reached the
summit in time for sunrise.
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Of all 45 teams, Noble
was the highest fund raisers,
with donations totalling
around US$45,000, and our
fastest team was the fifth
quickest up the mountain.
Overall the event raised
US$570,000, which will
go towards the Society’s
‘Gift of Education’ fund,
which provides education,
computers and transport to
seafarers’ children, and its
‘Gift of Welfare’ fund, which
will include connectivity for
seafarers’ families.
Noble warrior
South Africa’s toughest obstacle races
arryd Rubinstein, VP, Business Development, based at
Bryanston, South Africa, decided to challenge himself
and enter one of the toughest obstacle races in the
world – the Warrior Races. Jarryd and a team mate entered the
most challenging of the Warrior Races: the BlackOps race, which
takes the athletes across a physically grueling and mentally
challenging 16 kilometre, 30-obstacle course. It involves jumping
over fires, crawling under fences through mud, running, and
swimming across water obstacles.
Through sheer determination and physical fitness, they won
the hard-hitting race in 1 hour 48 minutes, beating the second
team by 21 minutes – hardly surprising since Jarryd served in the
Israeli Special Forces before joining Noble!
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Tim Eyre (Legal), Amy Huynh (Financial Services),
Jonathan Patterson (Chartering), Sumeet Malhotra
(Financial Services), Robb Arnulphy (Treasury),
Anton Abraham (Business Transformation)
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ACTIVITIES / PEOPLE
Best salsa in San Diego
Spicing things up
oble’s San Diego office had a salsa contest to celebrate Cinco
de Mayo on 5 May. Employees were asked to bring in their
homemade salsa to see who had the zestiest one. They were
scored on flavour, freshness and spicy taste, hot or mild by a brave panel
of Noble judges. The fiery salsa that blew everyone’s mind and won
first place was made by Paula White, Regional Billing Manager of Noble
Americas Energy Solutions. Second place went to Brian White, Regulatory
Compliance Analyst. While Ruben Arballo, Commodity Pricing and Data
Analyst came third.
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Yadhira Lozano (Energy Retail)
getting into the fiesta spirit
Cycling for safety
Baltic ICS prize
Pok Oi Cycle for Millions
n Sunday, 12 April 2015, 30 people from Noble Hong
Kong took part in the Shanghai Commercial Pok Oi
Cycle for Millions charity event, helping to support Pok
Oi Hospital to develop its social and community services. More
than 6,000 riders participated in the largest fundraising cycling
event in Hong Kong. In addition to raising much needed money,
the event emphasised the importance of safety cycling issues such
as the use of safety helmets and having a positive cycling attitude.
Noble was presented with the Road Safety Award for setting a
good safety example.
O
ack Gebler, Noble’s Manager, Freight and
Logistics, EMEA, has been awarded the
Baltic Exchange prize for his paper on
“Introduction to shipping”, one of the seven exams
that make up the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers
(ICS) professional qualification examinations. Jack’s
paper covered a broad range of topics including
developments in world seaborne trade over the last
200 years, dry cargo chartering, vessel operations,
and shipping documents such as bills of lading,
letters of credit and charter parties.
J
ts picking up
Kong cyclis
Noble Hong
d
a safety awar
Page 13
NOBLE AGRI ACTIVITIES
Refining safety
Kandla celebrate 2 million safe working hours
I
n February 2015, Kandla Soybean and Palm Oil Refinery
in India achieved a safety milestone of 2 million safe
working hours without any time lost to accidents for
both Noble Agri employees and contractors since the inception
of the facility. The team took this opportunity to celebrate the
occasion and committed themselves to continuing their safety
record for years to come. This milestone was made possible due
to team work, strong leadership and various accident prevention
Star projects
Making San Lorenzo a better place
I
n Timbúes Santa Fé, Argentina, where Noble Agri has a
grain industrial complex and port, they have sponsored
a nationwide initiative, “My neighbourhood, my place”,
which undertakes the comprehensive renovation of community
training sessions. During National Safety Week in March, several
training sessions were arranged, which included demonstrations of
extinguishing fires and safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding,
as well as safety quizzes. Each department used this opportunity to
organise staff training on standard operating procedures. Safety is
deeply embedded in Noble Agri’s workplace practices and Kandla’s
management believes that practising safety measures is vital.
facilities and children’s institutions. To date, we have funded
the repairs and redecoration of two medical centres and a school
attended by children with special needs. In addition, medical
equipment and a new ambulance have been donated to the
community to assist with better health and medical services.
Partnering with social teams to
support health care and education
in San Lorenzo
Page 14
NOBLE AGRI ACTIVITIES
Seasonal celebrations
A
s is tradition, Noble Agri sugar mills in Brazil celebrated
the beginning of a new season in March by holding church
services. Industrial Director, Luiz Fabiano de Azevedo and
Agricultural Director, José Alcides Ferreira Hernandes opened the
ceremonies, which brought together mill employees to bless the
start of the harvest.
G&O gathering
N
oble Agri’s Grains & Oilseed Division met for an off-site for the
first time in February at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. The
meetings included 15 people from COFCO, among whom were
Mrs. Wang Hong and Chi Jingtao.
Bright and happy Delhi office
Holi - day
A festival of colour
he Delhi office celebrated Holi, an
ancient festival also known as the
festival of colours and of love, which
signifies the arrival of spring. People throw
coloured powder and water at each other in the
spirit of the celebration, which symbolises the
victory of good over evil. It is also a day to forgive
and forget.
T
Page 15
NOBLE AGRI ACTIVITIES
National
Security Day
Safety at work and at home
or National Security Day,
employees at the Timbúes
Industrial Complex in
Argentina were taught about not only
work safety but also the importance
of safety at home. Their families were
invited to participate in educational
talks on safety and security, such as
how to perform first aid at home.
F
New Singapore office
he inauguration ceremony of
Noble Agri’s new office at Asia
Square Tower 2 was attended by
management and staff on 11 April 2015. The
new office opening was celebrated with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony and champagne.
T
Mahesh Asrani, Noble Agri’s Group Chief
Financial Officer, stated that the, “relocation
of the Noble Agri team to the new office
premises is an important step in our journey
towards becoming a standalone global agri
commodity trading company. As global
financial HQ of Noble Agri, this office gives
us, an independent identity and reinforces
the Asia focus of Noble Agri. This is only
the start of our journey and we are looking
forward to being part of the exciting growth
of the company.”
Page 16
HATCHED AND MATCHED
Hatched and matched
Welcoming births and marriages from all across the world of Noble
es
son of Jam
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Henry Milo
, London,
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Admin,
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was born
2015
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Retail,
Herb Nance, Energy
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San Diego, married Edd
11 April 2015
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Edgardo Ba
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marri
San Diego,
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15 Novemb
(nee Salas),
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gal, San Dieg
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26 April 2015
on
of Madis
elas, son
Axel Ru
was born
,
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Admin,
Ruelas,
2015
3 March
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All rights reserved. This publication may not be sold. No part of
this publication may be otherwise reproduced, adapted, performed
in public or transmitted in any form by any process without prior
authorisation of Noble Group. © Noble Group, 2015
Paloma
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of Edgar
daughter
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Noble Group in the Community
ISSUE 11
MAY 2015
A new chapter
Jamalco’s community development strategy
s a major shareholder in Jamalco bauxite mining
and alumina refinery, Noble continues to develop
its social responsibility objectives and build
lasting partnerships within the community. Over the last
few months, we have conducted site visits and met with
local officials to evaluate education, health and community
needs in the area. Noble Foundation has approved a
three-year commitment to sponsor Jamalco’s community
activities and has contributed a substantial amount to the
funds needed in 2015.
A
Advancing Childhood Education Programme – In this
training programme, we are sponsoring 13 teachers, most
of them women, to receive specialist training in early
childhood education to help children prepare for primary
school. The training covers topics such as child psychology,
behaviour management, the teaching of literacy and
numeracy, and teaching children with special needs.
Charles Williams, Noble Director Asset Development, Global Metals,
meeting with Jamaica’s Education Minister, the principal of
Mile Gully High School and Jamalco representatives
Continued on page 2
For many of the key community programmes at Jamalco,
we have partnered with a local non-profit organisation –
the United Way of Jamaica. Here are some highlights of
the project plans.
Skills and knowledge building
School renovation – We are building a new
running track at Kingston Public School.
The initiative aims to improve the school
infrastructure and facilities, which should
help to improve students’ attendance and
keep them active and fit.
Members of the latest graduating class of the
Advancing Childhood Education Programme
Page 2
A new chapter
Continued from page 1
fertiliser will be purchased. A proven social enterprise model
to create agriculture works, the facility will be operated by
local community councils.
Employee volunteering
Project BRAVO – Those who devote 50 hours or more
annually to this community volunteer work scheme for
refinery employees will receive a grant for their chosen
charity. In the past, employees have supported the
construction of community facilities, repaired motor vehicles
for charities and provided mentoring and teaching services.
Jamalco Career Enhancement Programme – This
education initiative will fund 80 at-risk youths, 98% of
which are girls, to complete their secondary education
through evening skills training classes.
Support for small business development
South Manchester Greenhouse Project – The one-off
sponsorship of the building of two greenhouses on
previously mined, rehabilitated land, includes the
construction of a water harvesting pond and installation
of an irrigation system. In addition, seedlings and
Jamalco in Action – Groups of employees are allocated funds
to work on community projects of their choice. Previously,
they have supported the construction of a local post office,
sanitary facilities, computer labs at schools, bus shelters and
other crucial public projects.
Jamalco in Motion – Employees are encouraged to lead
active lives and participate in various charitable runs and
marathons. More than 200 employees and family members
took part in the scheme last year. The funds raised were
donated to hospitals, cancer research and paediatric
medical care.
Peddle power
Cycle challenge to eradicate poverty
en colleagues from the Hong Kong office and their
families took part in an annual fund-raising cycling
challenge, arranged by the student association of the
University of Hong Kong. Participants were challenged to
peddle 42 kilometres around Hong Kong Island at night.
T
Hong Kong Chartering team: (from left to right) April Lee,
Jessie Wong, Zhen Zhu, Letty Ko, Rocky Ko, Victor Yeung
This cycle challenge aimed to raise money for Heifer
International (Hong Kong), a charity that helps impoverished
families in China to eradicate poverty by providing them with
livestock and training so they can become self-reliant.
Page 3
Community commitment
Supporting children with Down’s syndrome and the environment
ment
ecently, the Down Syndrome Association Mongolia (DSAM) celebrated
the seventh anniversary of the founding of its special needs school in
Ulaanbaatar by inviting around 80 children with Down’s syndrome and
their families to an afternoon party. “My Opportunities, My Choices” was this
year’s theme.
Seven of Noble’s Mongolian colleagues volunteered their time to lead the
celebrations. Activities included playing team games, reading stories and –
everyone’s favourite – face painting! At the same time, parents attended training
sessions organised by the charity. The role of families is central to helping to ensure
that people with Down’s syndrome have the best opportunities and live positive
lives.
On 9 May 2015,
vo
volunteers from Noble
M
Mongolia continued to
su
support
DSAM. More
Ulaankhuu Altangerel (Urgun Camp Manager) and
th half the office,
than
S. Purev-Ochir (Geologist) led the face painting section
al
along
with children with
D
Down’s
syndrome and their families, took part in a government initiative:
“
“One
Million Trees Growing Movement.” Volunteers fulfilled their civic
d
duty
by planting trees on “National Day for Tree Planting”. Bolormaa
T
Tsetsegee,
HR and Admin Manager noted: “By taking part in National Tree
Days
we will be joining thousands of individuals in making a difference,
D
connecting people with beautifying nature and inspiring positive
environmental change.”
R
“Quest for a Million Pennies”
Fundraising campaign at South Bend
oble America’s South Bend Ethanol Plant successfully
raised US$6,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The campaign –
“Quest for a Million Pennies” – has been raising money for
St. Jude from local businesses and schools for over 18 years.
The hospital specialises in treating childhood cancer, and its
cutting-edge research has contributed to improving paediatric
cancer survival rates.
Donations from Noble staff and contractors were collected
via a number of coin-collecting cans on site, while Noble
Foundation also supported the fund-raising drive with a
donation. In March, colleagues from the plant attended a
ceremony to deliver the funds raised to St. Jude.
N
Page 4
Humanitarian response
Business collaborates to fight Ebola outbreak
oble Foundation supported the cocoa industry’s
collective effort to support the fight against the Ebola
virus in West Africa by contributing US$25,000 to the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
These organisations rely on the dedicated work of
international and local staff and, crucially, thousands of
volunteers who are helping to prevent the spread of the disease,
comforting families and dealing with the effects of the outbreak
on the frontline.
The Red Cross efforts focus on the five pillars of
regional coordination: social mobilisation and beneficiary
communications, tracing and monitoring contacts, clinical case
management, safe and dignified burials, and psycho-social
support. As the wet season approaches, there is an urgent need
to end the outbreak, especially in remote areas that will become
more difficult to access. As they continue their efforts to control
the spread of this fatal disease, communities are becoming
hopeful as new cases of Ebola are decreasing.
N
Red Cross
Red Crescent response
Social
strategy
Tracing
mobilisation
and monitoring
contacts
and beneficiary
communication
3.4 million
people reached
Safe and
dignified burials
(including unconfirmed
Ebola cases)
10,132 bodies
safely buried
Regional
coordination
44,322
people traced
All 5 pillars
equally needed
Psychosocial
support
Some statistics published by the Red Cross as of January 2015
Noble awarded “Caring Company”
he Caring Company Scheme of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service has successfully
encouraged business participation in community care initiatives across Hong Kong. Every
year, almost 3,000 companies are recognised for meeting their requirements in the areas of
employee volunteering, charitable giving, family-friendly initiatives and environmental protection.
Since 2012, Noble’s active participation in a number of local charitable programmes and
our efforts in reducing our environmental impact have qualified Noble to receive the title
“Caring Company”.
T
Noble Foundation – Details of funding applications
Charity proposals and Noble Foundation’s policies and procedures can be found on the homepage of the
WeAreNoble intranet. Alternatively, email [email protected].
Applications for new Charity Foundation initiatives should include a set of recently audited financial statements.
All projects in which Noble becomes involved will be reviewed and approved by the CSR advisory committee.
This publication
is printed on FSC
certified paper
728 admissions
283 discharges
30,999 people
supported
Four years in a row
Noble outreach is produced for Noble Group by Graphicat Limited.
All rights reserved. This publication may not be sold. No part of
this publication may be otherwise reproduced, adapted, performed
in public or transmitted in any form by any process without prior
authorisation of Noble Group. © Noble Group, 2015
Clinical case
management
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