Breakbulk Magazine Issue 1 2025 by Breakbulk Events & Media

THE MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA ISSUE

A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition? Egyptian Logistics Boom

CEVA Almajdouie: A Saudi Powerhouse Emerges Plus News and Features From Around the World

DHARMENDRA GANGRADE:

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR ARAMCO’S MASSIVE MODULES

J M Baxi Heavy and L&T Team Up on Multi-Year Offshore Energy Project

Dharmendra Gangrade: Giving Logistics a Voice at L&T Pandemic Prompts Supply Chain Innovation at US$25 Billion EPC

Breakbulk Europe May 13-15 Rotterdam Ahoy Rotterdam, Netherlands

Breakbulk Americas Sept. 30 - Oct. 2

George R. Brown Convention Center Houston, US

Breakbulk Middle East Feb. 11-12

Dubai World Trade Centre Dubai, UAE

42 Global DENZAI’s Kohki Uemura: Seizing the Saudi Opportunity Asia Projects Pave the Way for Middle East Expansion

48 Global A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition? New Pragmatism Is Reshaping Projects

60 Middle East

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics: A Saudi Powerhouse Emerges CEVA Logistics and Almajdouie Join Forces to Create New Joint Venture Logistics Company

62 Middle East

Milestone Aircraft Move

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics Steers Boeing 777 Fuselages Across Saudi Arabia

66 Middle East

Egyptian Logistics Boom Massive Increase in Project Cargo Expected, Despite Geopolitical Threats

70 Middle East

Engineering Solutions for Aramco’s Massive Modules

J M Baxi Heavy and L&T Team Up on Multi-Year Offshore Energy Project

74 Middle East

Al Faris Proves Heavy-Lift Expertise in UAE

More Than 500 ODC Packages Delivered for Borouge 4 Petrochemical Project

76 Europe

Custom Lifting Solutions for UK’s Flagship Nuclear Project

Modulift Delivers Speed and Safety at Hinkley Point C

BIG PROJECTS, BIGGER BREAKBULK

Big visions, big names and big projects define the breakbulk and project cargo industry worldwide, and this issue of Breakbulk takes you inside some of the most significant developments shaping our field. The Middle East, with its vast ambitions and transformative projects, is no exception.

As Dubai welcomes the breakbulk community to Breakbulk Middle East 2025, set to be a record-breaking event, attendees will experience the biggest show to date with more opportunities to make the big connections needed for new business. A number of our event speakers are featured in this issue–so read on for some easy conversation openers.

Our cover story features Dharmendra Gangrade and his transformation of logistics at L&T, India’s largest EPC firm. Tasked with uniting more than 30 logistics business units into a single efficient system, Gangrade says, “Management set out a very clear objective that we must optimize our logistics cost across L&T, and that we must operate on one single system.”

A big part of the solution came from a meeting at Breakbulk Americas, where he discovered the vendor with the technical platform to make it work.

A remark by Saudi Aramco’s CEO frames our global feature, “A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition?” It’s a timely analysis of evolving energy priorities and the widening gap between strategies in the Global South and North. The discussion moves to the Main Stage in Dubai with “Energy Transition: A Redefined Opportunity,” led by Vineet Bakshi of Fluor, to explore how this perspective will affect the industry.

Profiles of DENZAI Group’s CEO Kohki Uemura and the CEVAAlmajdouie joint venture illustrate how companies are positioning themselves to tap into Saudi Arabia’s massive project pipeline. These stories highlight the strategic moves being made to address gaps in the Saudi project market and secure roles in its large-scale initiatives. In the UAE, Al Faris takes us behind the scenes of the construction of the Borouge 4 petrochemical complex in Ruwais, where the company handled more than 500 over-dimensional cargo packages amidst a nearconstant arrival of ocean vessels at AD Ports Group’s Mugharraq Port.

Moving to Europe, Mammoet takes on the largest-of-its-kind decommissioning project for 800 gas wells in the Netherlands. “The oil and gas industry is very intrigued by this project and its execution,” Martin Alards, Mammoet’s project manager, says. “Not least because decommissioning a well is often more challenging than constructing one.” In the UK, Hinkley Point C’s construction reached a milestone with the installation of a 730-tonne reactor cavity precast pool. Supported by custom engineering from Modulift and executed by Sarens’ Big Carl crane, it’s a story of teamwork at its best.

Looking for a quick read? Turn to UpFront for a variety of profiles, case studies, and introductions to new exhibitors at Breakbulk Middle East. Together with the in-depth features throughout this issue, you’ll see an industry that refuses to think small. Have an idea for a story? Reach out to me or come by Breakbulk Studios at the show.

Best,

Leslie Meredith

Marketing and Editorial Director Breakbulk Events & Media

Marketing and Editorial Director

Leslie Meredith Leslie.Meredith@breakbulk.com

Managing Editor

Luke King luke.king@breakbulk.com

Senior Reporter

Simon West simon.west@breakbulk.com

Designer Mark Clubb

Reporters

Felicity Landon Joanna Marsh

Amy McLellan

Malcolm Ramsay Liesl Venter

Breakbulk Magazine Editorial Board

John Amos Amos Logistics

Tina Benjamin-Lea Air Products

Dea Chincuanco dship Carriers

Elisabeth Cosmatos Cosmatos Group of Companies

Dennis Devlin Maersk Project Logistics

Dharmendra Gangrade Larsen & Toubro

Margaret Kidd University of Houston

Jake Swanson DHL Global Forwarding

Edward Talbot Roll Group

Grant Wattman Combi Lift Americas

Andrew Young Bechtel Corporation

Portfolio Director Jessica Dawnay Jessica.Dawnay@breakbulk.com

To advertise in Breakbulk Media products, visit: http://breakbulk.com/page/advertise

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A publication of Hyve Group plc. The Studios, 2 Kingdom Street Paddington, London W2 6JG, UK

Leslie Meredith

Exhibitors and Breakbulk Global Shipper Network members in this issue:

Movers & Shakers, page 12

Noatum Logistics, Port of Rotterdam, Chapman Freeborn, Menzell Döhle Shipping, Port of San Diego, Jumbo Transport, Port Esbjerg, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, deugro, Port Canaveral, Allelys

deugro Battles the Elements in Oman, page 20 deugro, dteq Transport Engineering Solutions

Chapman Freeborn Gets Creative for Critical Flight to Africa, page 32 Chapman Freeborn, Antonov

The Building of Jubail, page 36 Bechtel

Kohki Uemura: Seizing the Saudi Opportunity, page 42 DENZAI Group, Aramco, FTE Logistics, ExxonMobil, Liebherr, Sany, Goldhofer

A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition, page 48

Aramco, DB Schenker, Tecnicas Reunidas, DSV Abu Dhabi, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Wood, ADNOC, QatarEnergy

Dharmendra Gangrade, Giving Logistics a Voice at L&T, page 54

Larsen & Toubro, Technip, e2log

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics: A Saudi Powerhouse Emerges, page 60

CEVA Logistics, Almajdouie Logistics

Egyptian Logistics Boom, page 66

DB Schenker, Khedivial Marine Logistics, Siemens, Trans Global Project Logistics

Engineering Solutions for Aramco’s Massive Modules, page 70

J M Baxi Heavy, Aramco, Larsen & Toubro, Saipem, McDermott

Al Faris Proves Heavy-Lift Expertise in UAE, page 74

Al Faris, ADNOC, Borealis, Technip Energies, Maire Tecnimont, AD Ports Group

Custom Lifting for UK’s Flagship Nuclear Project, page 76

EDF, Modulift, Sarens, Mammoet

Doubling Down on Decommissioning, page 83

Mammoet, Shell, ExxonMobil

A New Route for Global Trade, page 95 Logistics Plus

Collett Deploys New Blade Adapters in Ireland, page 99

Collett & Sons

Aertssen Logistics Launches US Base, page 100

Aertssen Group

Masdar, EMSTEEL Produce Green Steel in UAE, page 101

Masdar, EMSTEEL

Key: Exhibitor

Breakbulk Global Shipper Network Member

Movers & Shakers

Extreme Transport: deugro Battles Elements in Oman

Meet the New Exhibitors at Breakbulk Middle East

Waves of Cargo: Chapman Freeborn Gets Creative

Discover the Future of Modularization Ports and Terminals in the Middle East

Breakbulk Throwback: The Building of Jubail

Women in Breakbulk: The Resilience Formula

deugro transports a 254-ton well fluid slug catcher from Oman to the UAE.

Credit: deugro

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Highlighting Recent Industry Hires, Promotions and Departures

Noatum Logistics

Samir Chaturvedi has been appointed CEO of Noatum Logistics, the Spainheadquartered project forwarder acquired by the UAE’s AD Ports Group in 2023. In his new role, Chaturvedi will assess the company’s global footprint, ensure operational excellence and deliver strategic value to AD Ports Group, the parent company said. Chaturvedi will also continue to serve as AD Ports Group’s chief international business officer, with support from regional CEOs, the company said.

“With the appointment of Samir Chaturvedi, we look forward to embarking on an exciting new chapter of growth and development as a leading international provider of fully integrated supply chain services,” Noatum Logistics said on LinkedIn.

Port of Rotterdam

Berte Simons has been named chief operating officer at the Port of Rotterdam Authority, taking over from CEO Boudewijn Siemons, who had been serving as COO on an interim basis since February 2024. Simons, appointed by shareholders and government officials for a four-year term, joins the Port of Rotterdam – host port for Breakbulk Europe 2025 – from state energy company Energie Beheer Nederland, where she served as director of its CO2 storage and transport systems business unit.

“In the role of COO of the Port Authority, everything comes together for me,” Simons said. “The port is a place that is constantly changing and connected to the whole world. A place where the activities of industry, logistics and the living environment come together. I look forward to working with colleagues and stakeholders to contribute to the sustainable development of the port in harmony with the environment.”

Chapman Freeborn

Chapman Freeborn has named Linas Dovydenas as its new president for India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), as the aircraft charter company seeks to strengthen its footprint in the region. Based in the UAE, Dovydenas had been working as the company’s executive VP for ACMI Leasing. Prior to that, he had served as both CEO and CCO during a 16 year-stint at Chapman Freeborn’s parent company, Avia Solutions Group.

“From 2007 until 2023 Linas played an integral part in almost all of Avia Solutions Group’s group companies’ development and geographical expansion, so he is exceptionally placed to step into the role of president, IMEA, at Chapman Freeborn and turn his attention to accelerating our growth in the region,” said Eric Erbacher, Group CEO, Chapman Freeborn.

Menzell Döhle Shipping

Miriam Nagel told Breakbulk she was “thrilled” to begin her new role as general sales manager at Hamburg-based transport and logistics company Menzell Döhle Group, a leading provider of maritime services. Nagel, a member of Women in Breakbulk and the German division of Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), has previously held executive positions with MOL Döhle Worldwide Logistics and Conceptum Logistics.

“In this new role, I aim to enhance our overall business activities, with a strong focus on breakbulk and project cargo, although not limited to these areas. I look forward to collaborating with our team to create even more value for our partners and clients, while continuing to build upon Menzell Döhle Group’s reputation as a trusted leader in maritime logistics,” Nagel said.

Berte Simons

Linas Dovydenas

Miriam Nagel

Samir Chaturvedi

Port of San Diego

California’s Port of San Diego has chosen Scott Chadwick as its next president and CEO. Chadwick is currently the city manager of the City of Carlsbad in North San Diego County and was selected by the port’s board of commissioners “from among several hundred applicants after a thorough and far-reaching search.”

The executive, set to begin his new role in mid-January, will lead a team of nearly 600 employees as the port embarks on a series of major projects. Among these is the implementation of the Maritime Clean Air Strategy, which will introduce groundbreaking zero-emissions technologies such as North America’s first all-electric mobile harbor cranes and the U.S.’s first all-electric harbor tug. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work!” Chadwick said.

Jumbo Transport

Jumbo Transport has appointed Jacob Ravn as managing director for its new Finland division. Ravn, based in Helsinki, brings extensive experience from previous roles at Comodality Group where he served as vice president for agents and network relations, and from leadership stints with companies including Landstar, NTG, UTi Worldwide and Scan Global Logistics.

Ravn told Breakbulk that Jumbo Transport Finland marked a “significant step” in expanding the company’s services across the Nordic region. With a strong focus on providing full logistics solutions, including air, sea, and project cargo, the executive added that he was committed to ensuring that the company delivered toptier service to its clients in Finland and beyond. “I am excited to be part of Jumbo Transport’s expansion into Finland and the wider Nordic region,” Ravn said. “We are poised to offer comprehensive logistics solutions that cater to the diverse needs of our customers, from small packages to large-scale project cargo.”

Port Esbjerg

Port Esbjerg, Denmark’s leading roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) handler, has selected Tracy Jin as its new business development manager. Jin, who previously worked as a supply chain specialist for automotive components distributor HC-Cargo, will be responsible for strengthening connections with global markets and driving growth and innovation across the supply chain.

“Port Esbjerg is one of the Nordic’s major intermodal hubs. Our aspiration is to become an intermodal logistics hub for all of Europe. To reach this potential, we need to develop growth opportunities towards global markets and create solutions for existing and new customers through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions,” Jin said on LinkedIn. “We are world-renowned for our key role in the offshore wind sector. Now, we need to create the same awareness in the global market about our solutions for the whole supply chain.”

Wallenius Wilhelmsen

Bjørnar Bukholm has returned to Wallenius Wilhelmsen as the company’s new chief financial officer (CFO) following a five-year stint at home security firm Sector Alarm. Bukholm had previously spent nearly eight years at Wallenius Wilhelmsen, holding several positions mainly within business development, strategy, finance and investor relations. The executive will start his new role no later than May 1, the Norway-based RoRo specialist said. Jermund Lien is acting as interim CFO until Bukholm joins.

“Wallenius Wilhelmsen has always been close to my heart, and I am eager to reconnect with the team and contribute to our shared goals,” Bukholm said. “I look forward to bringing my perspectives to the table and help drive the strategy forward during a period where transition is essential for the industry. Finance plays a crucial role in that transition. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and seize the opportunities to ensure continued success and value creation for our stakeholders.”

Scott Chadwick

Jacob Ravn

Bjørnar Bukholm

Tracy Jin

deugro

deugro has named Johnny El Hayek as its new country manager for Saudi Arabia. The executive, who joined deugro in mid-2021 and most recently served as general manager for Saudi’s Eastern Region, will now oversee the company’s growth throughout the Kingdom. He will lead an expanding team operating from three offices across Saudi Arabia.

“His deep understanding of the region, coupled with his proven track record of success, makes him the ideal person to lead our team in Saudi Arabia,” said Steffen Behrens, president of deugro Middle East.

El Hayek will be supported by Sidharth Menon, who became general manager for Saudi Arabia’s Western Region last October, succeeding John Vetteth. Additionally, Jawaid Malik, who relocated from deugro Pakistan to Riyadh at the same time, has taken on the role of general manager for the Central Region.

“Both Sidharth Menon and Jawaid Malik are excellently connected professionals with years of practical experience in the industry. Their expertise will contribute to our continued success and further growth in the region,” Behrens added.

Canaveral Port Authority

Florida’s Canaveral Port Authority has tapped facilities management professional Steven Shelton for the role of vice president, facilities optimization. Shelton boasts more than 15 years of experience overseeing facilities for some of the world’s top hotels and resorts.

In this newly created role, Shelton will oversee the Port’s extensive maintenance program, which includes automated systems and equipment, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, boarding bridges, security and access control, fire detection and protection, building, grounds and fleet maintenance. The executive will closely with internal leaders and federal, state and local regulatory agencies, tenants, suppliers and consultants.

“Steve’s wide-ranging hospitality-focused experience brings a fresh new perspective to our operations, enabling us to take our facilities management to the next level as we build upon our leadership position in the industry,” said Captain John Murray, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority.

Allelys

Sandy White has joined Allelys as the UK-based heavy transport specialist’s engineering director. Allelys said the executive, who spent much of his career at ALE before moving to Mammoet, brought a wealth of experience to the business, specifically a knowledge of design and fabrication, the power sector and all associated equipment.

“I’ve been working in the industry for 29 years, so it’s great to start a new challenge, but with familiar equipment and some familiar faces too,” White said. “The way that Allelys has consistently invested in the latest technologies really attracted me to the role and demonstrates the commitment to delivering industry leading solutions.

“It’s been an enjoyable first few weeks and the positive attitude of the whole team has really shone through. I’ve worked in a range of roles previously, from project engineer and senior engineer through to engineering manager and general manager. I’m now looking forward to combining this experience with the enthusiasm of the team to take the engineering discipline within Allelys to the next level.”

To be considered for future editions of Movers & Shakers, email: simon.west@breakbulk.com

Johnny El Hayek

Steven Shelton

Sandy White

Women in Breakbulk

POWERING UP WOMEN IN LOGISTICS

By Meryem Gürel, Network Manager, Logifem Society Network

Logifem Society Network is the first global community focused on empowering women leaders in the logistics industry. Founded in 2020, it champions women leaders and entrepreneurs in freight forwarding.

“I founded Logifem because I saw how challenging it could be for women to navigate this male-dominated field,” said Tuna Hazar Avcı, founder of Logifem and CEO of Istanbulbased Cargolan International Türkiye. “I wanted to create a space where women could connect, share knowledge and grow together, breaking barriers and building opportunities across the globe.”

Today, Logifem unites over 150 members worldwide, excelling across air, land, sea and beyond. As a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated field, Logifem offers a platform for connection and collaboration. Through events, webinars, and networking opportunities, the organization supports professional growth and business success for its members.

Logifem Society Network is also aligned with sustainable development goals, championing gender equality, diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility. Thirty-five percent of the supply chain and logistics workforce are women, but

only 15% occupy senior roles. Logifem is determined to change that. “Our mission goes beyond numbers; it’s about creating lasting change,” Avcı said. “We want women to not just participate, but to shape the future of logistics.”

A new partnership with Breakbulk marks an important chapter in Logifem’s journey. Emma Nash, Business Development Manager at Tuscor Lloyds and Logifem’s ambassador, recognized the potential of this partnership and was excited to help build the program. “This collaboration represents an incredible opportunity to amplify our shared mission of empowering women in logistics,” Nash said.

This partnership will extend across Breakbulk’s events in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas in 2025, strengthening efforts to empower women in breakbulk and freight forwarding. “Our shared vision is to create a world where women in logistics can confidently break barriers, seize opportunities and thrive in every facet of the industry,” Nash said. “We’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen.”

Logifem invites members, followers, and partners to join this transformative journey. Member benefits include discounts on Women in Breakbulk programs, new business contacts and the opportunity to join us at the upcoming annual meeting in Marrakesh, May 20-24, 2025, following Breakbulk Europe.

Let’s grow, inspire, and lead together as we create a more powerful future for women in logistics.

www.logifem.com.tr

Tuna Hazar Avcı

Emma Nash

Logifem Society Network was honored by its 110 attendees at its 2024 conference in Antalya, Türkiye. Save the date for Marrakesh networking opportunities, 20-24 May 2025, following Breakbulk Europe. Credit: Logifem

TURNING PAIN INTO POWER: THE STORY OF ZAI MIZTIQ

By Leslie Meredith

In 2005, Zai Miztiq’s life came to a halt. At just 25 years old, the Singaporean henna artist was at the top of her game. Her calendar was booked two years in advance, with clients spanning Japan to Singapore. But a taxi ride home from work changed everything. The driver fell asleep at the wheel, resulting in a horrific crash. Zai was left with a fractured and dislocated spine. Doctors told her she had only a 5% chance of ever walking again.

“The accident taught me not to take life for granted,” Zai recalled. “I refused to listen to my body. I avoided the void in my heart. I kept pushing, and then God stepped in and made me take a break.”

Zai spent a year relearning how to walk. Determined not to let her circumstances define her, she embraced the process, rebuilding herself both physically and emotionally. She developed a framework called T.R.U.T.H. to guide her recovery: Think about feelings, Reflect if they are true or helpful, Understand them better, Take action, and Heal. This method not only carried her through her recovery but became the foundation of her work to empower others.

Fifteen years later, Zai has turned her pain into purpose. She founded Step Up Journey, a global motivational consultancy, and wrote two Amazon bestselling books, Turn Your Passion Into Profit and 5 Things I Love About Being A Woman. These books combine her personal experiences with actionable steps to help readers transform their challenges into opportunities. “My hope is for the world to step up and be the strong, soulful successes they are meant to be,” she said.

Her mission to empower extends beyond women. Zai’s Brave Leadership Programme gives young people positive role models, while her Awakening Parents Programme helps caregivers provide supportive environments. “I realized that empowering one group wasn’t enough. Boys need role models. Parents need tools. Everyone needs healing,” Zai said.

www.breakbulk.com/page/women-in-breakbulk Women in Breakbulk

Zai has traveled to over 30 countries, inspiring thousands through her workshops and talks. She also uses digital learning tools to make her work accessible globally, viewing them as her legacy. “My time on Earth will expire, but the knowledge and skills I’ve gained can empower others forever,” she explained.

Dubai holds a special place in her heart. After being locked down in Morocco during COVID-19, she came to Dubai and found the city thriving while the rest of the world struggled. “It felt like Dubai was a planet of its own,” she said in an interview with the Khaleej Times. She has since worked to establish her business in the UAE, drawn by its “vibe” and opportunities for those who work hard.

This February, Zai will deliver her keynote, The 5 Dimensions of Resilience, at the Women in Breakbulk Networking Luncheon during Breakbulk Middle East 2025. Her talk will explore the strategies and mindset that helped her turn adversity into success.

Thought Leader

HOW WOMEN CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE OF MARITIME

By Liana M. Kouimtzi, WISTA UAE

The maritime sector has historically been male-dominated, but the emergence of female leaders is reshaping the landscape in significant ways. Female leaders bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving in an industry that faces complex challenges such as sustainability, technological advancement, and global trade dynamics. Their contributions extend beyond representation; by influencing policy-making and organizational culture, they are shaping a new future for maritime.

Shape Policy: Female leaders in the maritime sector advocate for policies that promote inclusivity, sustainability, and safety. Their unique experiences and insights help identify gaps in regulations and propose changes that benefit not only women but the entire industry.

Create an Inclusive Culture: Female leaders play a strong role in creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace. They challenge traditional norms and practices that hinder diversity and inclusion, promoting environments where employees feel valued. This cultural shift increases satisfaction, retention, and productivity, benefiting organizations as a whole.

Inspire Future Leaders: The visibility of female leaders motivates younger women entering the maritime field. By breaking barriers and achieving leadership positions, they inspire the next generation to pursue maritime careers, gradually changing the industry’s demographics. You have to see it to be it.

Mentorship in Maritime

Mentorship is crucial for supporting women in maritime, providing guidance, resources, and networks to help them thrive. Effective mentorship connects women

with experienced leaders who share insights and open doors to opportunities. It equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate challenges, advocate for themselves, and step into leadership roles.

Through structured programs, informal support systems, and networking opportunities, mentorship enhances career trajectories. Workshops, seminars, and training programs build technical expertise while encouraging resilience and self-belief. In recent years, the maritime sector has increasingly recognized the importance of such initiatives in fostering an inclusive environment.

The Role of WISTA

The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) emerged 50 years ago to support women in maritime and trade careers by providing advocacy, networking opportunities, and professional development. Founded in 1974, WISTA has grown to include members from over 60 countries, representing sectors such as shipping, logistics, and trading.

In the UAE, WISTA has raised awareness of WISTA International over the past two years. With nearly 100 members, we have organized and participated in about 50 impactful events across all areas of maritime and trade. WISTA UAE invites members of the local maritime community to join us and is proud to be an official association partner for Women in Breakbulk in Dubai.

For more information, contact: membership@wistauae. com or events@wistauae.com.

Liana M. Kouimtzi is the communications director for WISTA UAE and commercial manager at GAC Group in Dubai. She is a panelist at this year’s Women in Breakbulk event, part of Breakbulk Middle East 2025

www.breakbulk.com/page/women-in-breakbulk

Liana M. Kouimtzi

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DEUGRO BATTLES THE ELEMENTS IN OMAN

Extreme Transport

Fierce winds, sandstorms and roaming camels were just some of the challenges deugro faced during the transport of a massive 254-ton well fluid slug catcher from Oman to the UAE

The project, carried out alongside deugro’s sister company dteq Transport Engineering Solutions (dteq), entailed the delivery of the 28-meter-long, 7-meter-high component from Nizwa in northern Oman to the Port of Duqm, then shipment to Mina Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. The slug catcher was urgently needed for an oil and gas project in the UAE.

Prior to the move, deugro had arranged a route survey, a detailed transport, stability, lashing and lifting plan, and regular technical meetings with the client and dteq. To avoid costly and protracted route and civil work, the project team selected Duqm as the best departure point from Oman, despite the pick-up location’s proximity to the Port of Sohar.

“Due to the cargo’s dimensions and weight, the identification of the best-suited route and any potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, road crossings and overhead signboards was vital to ensure safe and on-time delivery,” said Deepak Fernandes, transport engineer for dteq.

At Nizwa, the slug catcher was received then secured onto a multi-axle trailer. Once the trailer, prime mover and securing had been inspected, the vehicle began its 700-kilometer journey by night to Duqm, a trip that took five days. To prevent the nozzles of the slug catcher from touching the trailer bed, special packing material was installed under the saddles. According to analysis to

Loading operations at the Port of Duqm, Oman. Credit: deugro

determine the strength of the beam under load, a transport beam arrangement was designed and sourced.

Overland transport called for minor adjustments such as leveling, filling and compacting loose soil and potholes along the route, removing poles and signboards, and adding scaffolding with plywood to cross an interlock area. The team also had to remove road guardrails to ensure safe passage.

Along the route, the project team also faced high wind speeds, sandstorms and the presence of wild animals that called for “great caution” to ensure the safety of the workers and cargo. “Therefore, during the journey, we provided daily status updates for all parties involved,” said Shaheen Sherif, operations manager for deugro Muscat.

At Duqm, the slug catcher was loaded with “centimeterprecision” by the heavy-lift vessel’s onboard cranes, then stowed and securely lashed in accordance with method statements prepared by dteq. The ship then set sail through the Gulf of Oman to Abu Dhabi, according to schedule.

More than 730 nautical miles later, the vessel arrived at the destination port, and the component was safely unloaded directly onto SPMTs under the personal supervision of deugro UAE – ready for on-carriage to its final destination.

The project team allows camels to cross during the 700 km journey to the Port of Duqm, Oman. Credit: deugro

Receiving the cargo on the multi-axle hydraulic trailer. Credit: deugro

The 700 km journey to the Port of Duqm, Oman. Credit: deugro

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

MEET NEW EXHIBITORS AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST

Get to know a few of the 45 new exhibitors on the show floor as they share their answers to three big questions.

Infyz Solutions

Srinivas Ramireddy Co-founder India

www.infyz.com

Technology Stand Q42

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

Infyz delivers transformative AI-driven and cloud-based solutions that redefine efficiency in ports, shipping, and logistics. With over 55 global implementations across five continents and more than 15 years of expertise, we are trusted by some of the world’s largest carriers and operators.

Our product suite includes iTOMS, a multi-cargo terminal operating system; iNAUKA, liner software; iVBS, vehicle booking and truck appointment system; and iDEPOT, yard and depot management system. Our solutions handle all cargo classes, creating an integrated value chain that drives operational efficiency.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

Breakbulk Middle East 2025 perfectly aligns with our vision to advance innovation in global trade. This event gathers key players from the breakbulk and project cargo ecosystem, providing a platform to connect, collaborate, and showcase our capabilities. The Middle East’s role as a global trade gateway makes it a key market for Infyz. By participating, we aim to engage with stakeholders who can benefit from our technology and expertise.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The Middle East is undergoing dynamic growth with large-scale infrastructure projects, expanding industrial zones and regional initiatives. These developments demand innovative solutions for complex supply chains.

Infyz sees immense potential to contribute to the region’s logistics landscape with specialized tools that enhance operational efficiency. We are committed to partnering with stakeholders to align with these ambitious projects and drive sustainable growth.

GSI Global Logistics LLC

Don Kaushalya Wirasinha

General Manager

United Arab Emirates

www.gsi-int.com

Freight Forwarder

Stand P52

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

We are a logistics company with our own fleet of trucks with NGC (Former CICPA) passes for most of the oil & gas project sites, including the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

As we are a project logistics company involved with many of the oil & gas projects, especially EPCs who are working for ADNOC and involved with many Breakbulk shipments, we thought showcasing our strengths and experience would be a great advantage at Breakbulk Middle East 2025.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The future is very bright at least for the next 5-7 years as many multi-million-dollar projects are opening up, especially in the western region of Abu Dhabi.

|INNOVATION

INNOVATION LINE IND LLC

Nadeem Momin

Operations & Technical Manager

United Arab Emirates

www.innovationlineintl.com

Industry-related Services

Stand M51

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

We at INNOVATION LINE IND LLC specialize in providing tailored industrial packaging and lashing solutions for breakbulk cargo. Our expertise lies in ensuring that even the most complex and heavy cargo is securely packed and safely transported, minimizing the risk of damage during

transit. With years of experience in the breakbulk industry, we understand the unique challenges of oversized and heavy shipments and offer innovative packaging designs, durable lashing systems and expert handling techniques. Our commitment to quality, safety and efficiency ensures that our clients’ cargo reaches its destination in optimal condition.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

Breakbulk Middle East offers the perfect platform to connect with potential clients and partners, demonstrate our expertise and stay ahead of emerging trends in the industry. This event is crucial for strengthening our presence in the Middle East and expanding our network.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The Middle East continues to be a dynamic and growing market, with major investments in sectors like energy, infrastructure and construction. These projects often involve oversized and complex cargo that requires specialized packaging and lashing solutions to ensure safe transportation. With significant developments in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, new projects in the UAE and ongoing investments in energy and infrastructure across the region, we are optimistic about the demand for our services. We expect increased opportunities to support large-scale projects and contribute to the efficient and secure movement of cargo. As the region continues to diversify, we see a growing need for high-quality packaging and lashing solutions to meet the challenges of the breakbulk industry.

Star Ocean Shipping LLC

Sally Wang General Manager

United Arab Emirates

www.staroceanuae.com

Freight Forwarder Stand P34

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

We are a leading freight forwarding and project logistics management company in the Middle East. We specialize in cost-effective solutions for oilfield and construction projects, offering both import and export services to and from the UAE. And with years of experience, we provide tailored, reliable logistics solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs, ensuring efficiency and seamless service.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

We decided to exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025 because it offers an extensive platform to connect with key industry stakeholders, expand our network and showcase our expertise in project logistics and freight forwarding. As a company with deep experience in managing logistics for oilfield and construction projects across the Middle East, this event provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities, explore new business opportunities and engage with potential clients and partners who can benefit from our tailored, cost-effective logistics solutions. Exhibiting at Breakbulk Middle East allows us to further strengthen our position in the region and build lasting relationships within the breakbulk community.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

We are highly optimistic about project opportunities in the Middle East, driven by ongoing investments in infrastructure, oil and gas, construction, and energy sectors. Mega-projects and renewable energy initiatives are increasing the demand for specialized, efficient and reliable logistics services.

Nemag b.v.

Rudy Bovée Account Manager

The Netherlands nemag.com

Equipment Stand B41

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

Nemag is a family business from The Netherlands, founded in 1924. Since our foundation, we’ve held a strong belief in the power of innovation to increase the efficiency of customers’ bulk handling operations. It made us the preferred partner of dry bulk handling organizations worldwide. We help our partners with a full range of fourrope operated mechanical grabs – whether for handling coal or iron ore, loading and unloading wheat, scrap metals, minerals, clinker, biomass or other dry bulk goods. Together with our high-quality rope connections systems we always have a productive solution for what you are looking for.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

After having several successful years exhibiting at Breakbulk Americas we made the decision to also exhibit here at Breakbulk Middle East.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The Middle East for us is a rapidly growing market in which we expect more new terminals to be built and more companies to extend their presence in the Middle East.

Msharib Shipping & Logistics

FZE (MSL)

Mohammad Azhar

Managing

Director

United

Arab Emirates

msl-pk.com

Freight Forwarder Stand A28

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

Project OOG/ODC cargo handling is among our core services. We provide specialized alternate and comparatively better/ competitive corridor with transit solutions via Pakistan to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Turkmenistan, both for commercial and non-commercial cargo.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

We have been exhibiting with Breakbulk, starting with Breakbulk China in 2017. Breakbulk provides an ideal platform for all key integrators and professionals from the logistics industry and end customers from all key geographical locations who can rely on the specialized service segment for OOG/ ODC project shipments as well as conventional supply chain requirements.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

Both direct and indirect projects have immense potential in the Middle East with UAE being a major business and transit hub for global energy/power, oil & gas industry and other industrial multinational decision-makers who contribute development and funding of projects that are vital to global trade and the economy.

RAH Shipping & Logistics

Abrar Hussain

Founder & CEO

United Arab Emirates

Freight Forwarder

Stand A02

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

The most important thing that the breakbulk community should know about RAH Shipping

& Logistics is our unwavering commitment to providing customized, reliable and efficient shipping solutions for complex and large-scale cargo. We specialize in handling breakbulk and project cargo with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring timely deliveries and seamless coordination across global supply chains. Our extensive network, experienced team and innovative technology allow us to tackle the unique challenges of breakbulk logistics, offering our clients peace of mind every step of the way.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

Exhibiting at Breakbulk Middle East offers an exciting opportunity to connect with industry leaders, showcase RAH Shipping & Logistics’ capabilities and strengthen our presence in the breakbulk and project cargo sector. We decided to participate in this prestigious event because it provides a unique platform to network with potential clients and partners, stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies, and demonstrate our expertise in handling complex logistics challenges.

Breakbulk Middle East is the ideal venue for us to highlight our commitment to providing tailored shipping solutions and fostering long-term relationships with key stakeholders in the region’s rapidly growing logistics and transportation sector.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The outlook for breakbulk and project cargo opportunities in the Middle East is highly positive, driven by the region’s ambitious infrastructure and energy sector growth. Several key factors are shaping this optimistic outlook:

Mega Projects: The Middle East is home to several large-scale infrastructure, energy and industrial projects, including smart cities, oil and gas developments, renewable energy initiatives, and transportation networks. These projects often require the handling of heavy, oversized and specialized cargo, making breakbulk logistics essential.

Diversification Efforts: Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are diversifying their economies, focusing on nonoil industries such as renewable energy, construction, and manufacturing. This shift is generating demand for project cargo services to support these ventures.

Growing Demand for Renewable Energy: With the Middle East’s increasing investment in renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind farms, the breakbulk sector stands to benefit from the transport of large-scale equipment and machinery to these projects.

Infrastructure Development: High-value infrastructure initiatives such as airports, seaports and rail systems are

further boosting the demand for specialized logistics services capable of handling breakbulk cargo efficiently and safely.

Strategic Location: The Middle East’s strategic location as a hub for global trade, connecting East and West, further solidifies its role in facilitating complex logistics for large projects.

As these sectors continue to expand, RAH Shipping & Logistics sees immense potential in supporting the region’s growth with our expertise in handling breakbulk and project cargo.

OOG Network

Federica Persano Co-founder of the OOG Network and lawyer

Monaco oognetwork.com Association Stand G45

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

First, the sense of community that inspires OOG Network. We are a restricted association of reliable project freight forwarders based in more than 120 countries that collaborate daily as a squad. We not only connect freight forwarders, we are proud to have shipping lines, shipping agents, charter aviation companies, terminals, container providers, and law firms in our network.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

We have been exhibiting at Breakbulk Europe for the past three years with very good feedback so we decided to join Breakbulk Middle East as well as Breakbulk Europe in 2025. It’s a great opportunity to meet our current members and to promote our company to potential new ones among the Breakbulk global community.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

Very positive for our freight forwarder members specialized in project cargo. The UAE oil and gas market is projected to grow during 2025-2033, and the Abu Dhabi hydrocarbons project market is booming. In fact, Abu Dhabi-based NMDC Energy is targeting projects worth up to $18 billion and executing oil and gas projects for key clients including ADNOC and Aramco.

Flexigistic LLC

Neil MacGowan General Manager

United Arab Emirates flexigistic.com

Freight Forwarder

Stand Q30

What is the most important thing about your company that you’d like the breakbulk community to know about?

The most important thing the logistics community should know about Flexigistic is our unwavering commitment to efficiency and reliability. We offer tailored logistics solutions that meet the diverse and evolving needs of businesses across various industries. Our state-ofthe-art infrastructure, experienced team and streamlined processes ensure that we deliver timely, safe and costeffective logistics services both locally and internationally. Whether it’s transportation, warehousing, distribution or customs clearance, we prioritize maximizing efficiency while maintaining high service standards, making Flexigistic a trusted partner in the logistics industry.

Why exhibit at Breakbulk Middle East 2025?

The Breakbulk exhibition provides an excellent platform to showcase our new state-of-the-art infrastructure in Kizad, cutting-edge logistics solutions and technological advancements. By presenting our capabilities, we can demonstrate to potential clients and partners how we lead the way in providing efficient, reliable logistics services both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The event brings together industry professionals, business leaders, and potential clients, creating valuable opportunities to establish new relationships. Networking can lead to potential partnerships, future collaborations and business opportunities that can help expand our reach across the region and internationally.

What is your outlook for project opportunities in the Middle East?

The future of project logistics in the Middle East is promising, with significant growth opportunities driven by infrastructure development, technological advancements and the increasing complexity of regional projects.

New Exhibitors at Breakbulk Middle East 2025

Company name Stand number Country Sector

ADSO LLC

Air Win Shipping LLC

A32

N52

Al Nowras Logistics Solution - Oman & UAE P53

Albassami International Business Group Co.

Allied Logistics (Pvt) Ltd.

B30

Q02

Alsadik Ahmed Aboud Baaboud Shipping Co. A20

Arctic Shipping FZCO

Azimar Shipping LLC

Bahri Line

E60

G54

B20

Bob Cranes N20

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Oman Freight Forwarder

Saudi Arabia Road and Rail Transport

Pakistan Maritime Transport

Saudi Arabia Freight Forwarder

United Arab Emirates Maritime Transport

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Saudi Arabia Maritime Transport

United Arab Emirates Equipment

CARU Containers & Orange Container Lines D50 Netherlands Equipment

CleanShip Q55 India Industry-related Services

CTF Global Logistics M50

Delta Shipping Agency SRL D47

Djaligue Transport and Logistics Sarl Q46

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Romania Freight Forwarder

Cameroon Freight Forwarder

e2log N58 United States Technology

Econship Tech Pvt. Ltd.

Empire Smart Freight LLC

D40 India Freight Forwarder

K53

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Envecon L52 India Technology

Flexigistic Q30

GSI Global Logistics LLC P52

Headseaway International Logistics Co., Ltd.

Henan Zhongsen Logistics CO.

HLL Global Shipping LLC

ILS OMAN / Salalah Shipping and Marine Services

Infyz Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

Innovation Line Ind LLC

International Maritime and Aviation LLC

Jiangsu Anlida Heavy-Lift Transportation Co., Ltd.

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

G02 China Industry-related Services

Q20 China Freight Forwarder

M53

United Arab Emirates Maritime Transport

A25 Oman Freight Forwarder

Q42 India Technology

M51

Q36

United Arab Emirates Equipment

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

P50 China Freight Forwarder

Maersk C60

Marsa Ocean Shipping LLC

R10

United Arab Emirates Maritime Transport

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

MAWANI Saudi Port Authority C40 Saudi Arabia Ports & Terminals

Msharib Shipping & Logistics FZE

A28

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Nabros Logistics G02 India Industry-related Services

Nemag b.v. B41 Netherlands Equipment

OOG NETWORK G45 Monaco Association

Opticore Logistics

Pacific Glory Shipping Group

P51 India

Industry-related Services

D58 China Maritime Transport

Port Authority of La Spezia and Marina di Carrara F32 Italy Ports & Terminals

Profen Earthmoving Trading LLC, Dubai

Quick Express Cargo Services LLC

RAH Shipping & Logistics

RSGT MPT

Roadlink Transport LLC

RTSB GmbH

D45

R50

A02

C30

Q44

B33

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

Saudi Arabia Ports & Terminals

United Arab Emirates Road and Rail Transport

Germany Freight Forwarder

S J Logistics India Limited L41 India Freight Forwarder

Sai Wan Shipping DMCC Q40

Shanghai Zhongqian Qiangsheng International Logistics Co. Q21

Star Ocean Shipping

Transport Overseas Group & MOSOLF Group

Tratec Engineers Pvt Ltd

P34

A43

R30

TT Club Q52

United Africa Feeder Line

Value Carriers Pte. Ltd

VS and B Containers DMCC

WR Logistics

Hong Kong Maritime Transport

China Freight Forwarder

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

United Arab Emirates Maritime Transport

India Equipment

United Kingdom

M63

L25

F61

L51

Industry-related Services

United Arab Emirates Maritime Transport

Singapore Maritime Transport

United Arab Emirates Industry-related Services

United Arab Emirates Freight Forwarder

info@oognetwork.com www.oognetwork.com

MODULARIZATION: A CORNERSTONE OF MODERN PROJECT LOGISTICS

Get ready to explore the future of modularization at Breakbulk Middle East! Ahead of their highly anticipated workshop in Dubai, industry leaders Daniel Duus (global head of logistics, thyssenkrupp Uhde), Sebastian Krey (lead transport engineer, dteq Transport Engineering Solutions), and Dr. Sven Hermann (managing director, ProLog Innovation and professor for logistics and supply chain management at NBS Northern Business School) offer a sneak peek into their groundbreaking “Module360” innovation project.

Daniel, what does the world of modularization and standardization look like at thyssenkrupp Uhde today and in the future?

At thyssenkrupp Uhde, modularization and standardization in plant construction projects are key priorities aimed at boosting efficiency and cutting costs. These aspects, which are a fundamental part of our company’s strategic orientation, are particularly crucial in a market increasingly driven by demands for faster project timelines, greater flexibility and more costeffective production. We are currently developing modular solutions through our standardization projects in order to reduce project complexity. The advantage is obvious: by prefabricating modules in controlled environments, construction times on site can be significantly reduced, which in turn lowers overall costs and risks. In addition, our customers are increasingly demanding modularized systems, especially in regions where assembly costs are very high and capacities are scarce, such as the USA or Australia.

Modularization also offers the opportunity for forward-looking business models and sustainable industrial processes –sustainability and the circular economy are key future trends in the industry. Modularized systems comprising standardized components can, in many cases, be better adapted to future requirements, or more easily dismantled and recycled at

the end of their service life. This could become a significant competitive advantage in the coming years, especially in view of stricter environmental regulations and the increasing importance of green technologies.

Let’s move on to the “Module360” project. Why did you set up the project with selected logistics partners and what specifically do you expect to gain from it?

In this project, we deliberately chose a consulting company, a packaging firm and a transport engineering specialist. Its goal is to develop a well-founded E2E (end-to-end) concept study that contains a guideline for holistically optimized E2E planning and handling of future thyssenkrupp Uhde projects in the field of modularization. It also provides a basis for the partners for comprehensive E2E consulting, planning and handling of other industrial projects. The intended results are particularly concerned with the identification and evaluation of drivers, risk factors and influencing factors, as well as a practically applicable guideline for optimal project management, especially with regard to standardization, process reliability and quality, sustainability, and costs.

Thanks to this concept study, thyssenkrupp Uhde will have a guideline in logistics that we can use for future modularization projects across all project life cycles. It’s increasingly important for logistics to be involved in projects as early as possible and to play a greater role in shaping them in order to have planning security from the outset and to be able to generate significant benefits during the project term, such as avoiding NC (non-conformity) costs, increasing OTD (on time delivery), optimizing logistics costs, minimizing existing risks in the supply chain and integrating sustainability aspects.

Sebastian, in terms of challenges, what additional logistical challenges do modularization projects entail? And would you also say that modularization projects generally lead to higher logistics risks?

The biggest logistical challenges result from the size and weight of the modules. The demands on infrastructure

Daniel Duus, thyssenkrupp Uhde

dteq Transport Engineering Solutions

such as ports and roads, as well as on equipment and transport carriers, rise sharply with large cargo sizes. Modular transports enable precise planning, allowing for careful selection of the necessary trailer, determining suitable roads and deciding whether the load should be lifted or transported on wheels. While logistical risks such as delays or customs clearance issues remain similar, modular transports present additional technical challenges. However, with detailed planning, these risks can be reduced to a level comparable to standard container transport.

An important step in this process is the close collaboration between the engineers at the manufacturing companies who develop the modules and the engineers at the logistics firms. Challenges often arise around load securing or ensuring the structural integrity of the load during transport. Changes in dimensions or weight can significantly affect the availability of the transport carriers. Deck carriers, for example, are less available and more costly than standard MPP vessels. As a result, we recommend that our customers consider the entire process – from selecting the production site to final installation – early in the planning stage.

Sven, what can participants expect at your “Discover the Future of Modularization” workshop at Breakbulk Middle East?

In our interactive workshop, we will focus on key project questions during the planning phase (see Graphic: Scope of Project Module360). How can we make more informed, holistic decisions regarding modular versus stick-build construction from a logistics perspective? What criteria catalogs will we use in the future to make more comprehensive and optimal decisions for yards and construction sites? What approaches and tools are available for E2E risk management, particularly during project execution? And how can we better utilize lessons learned across companies? Our project partners Deufol and IPOS Logistics will also be present to facilitate discussions, especially with EPCs interested in exploring the future of modularization.

“Discover the Future of Modularization” will take place in Breakbulk Middle East’s Futures Hub on Tuesday, February 11 from 9:30am – 11am.

*BGSN member

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

Sebastian Krey,

Dr. Sven Hermann, ProLog Innovation and NBS Northern Business School

CHAPMAN FREEBORN GETS CREATIVE FOR CRITICAL FLIGHT TO AFRICA

Air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn overcame multiple challenges including complex loading requirements and limited aircraft availability during a recent critical flight of oversized cargo from Abu Dhabi to East Africa. Gerhard Coetzee, vice president of cargo for IMEA (India, Middle East & Africa), spoke to Breakbulk about the importance of creative problem-solving and his “pride” in successfully executing the demanding mission.

Q: Can you tell us about the nature of the oversized components that were transported and what they were being used for?

GC: The shipment of five outsized components was for a major gas infrastructure

project and was carried out during planned maintenance at the plant to avoid a complete shutdown. The two larger pieces measured 12 meters long and weighed 5 tonnes. The smaller pieces weighed 1.5 tonnes apiece.

Q: What aircraft was used and why was it the best choice for transporting this particular cargo?

GC: An Antonov AN124 was used due to the outsized nature of the cargo, with the dimensions far exceeding normal wide-body freighters. Given the cargo’s sensitivity, the AN124 was the perfect choice for both its availability and ease of loading.

Q: Did the shipment require any specialized equipment during flights, such as cranes or custom loading systems? If so, what were they, and how were they deployed?

Waves of Cargo

A constructed frame is deployed to offload a larger piece.

Credit: Chapman Freeborn

Gerhard Coetzee

GC: Together with the shipper and manufacturer, Chapman Freeborn helped design a transport cradle to allow the safe transportation of the outsized manifold. During the loading and offloading at the airports, external cranes were used, and an inner-build crane was used to lift the cradles into the AN124.

Q: How long did the entire operation take, from planning to the cargo’s arrival at the project site?

GC: From the client’s initial request, this operation took two months in total. This included the lead time needed to design, manufacture and transport the bespoke cradle from the factory to the airport, and the time taken to secure vehicles and police permits for road transport, lining up with the aircraft’s departure time. The flight itself departed on time, taking seven hours from take-off to touchdown.

Q: What were the most significant challenges faced during this project? Were there any unexpected obstacles, and how did your project team overcome them?

GC: There were a number of obstacles from the very beginning of this project. For instance, the cargo was so

oversized that it could not be loaded into any aircraft, including the AN124. Thinking outside the box, we designed and built a bespoke transport cradle to rotate the pieces and allow the cargo to be loaded onto the aircraft. We were then challenged by the availability of aircraft. The customer required two of the smaller components to be shipped last-minute ahead of the AN124’s schedule. Within the same day, Chapman Freeborn’s flight operations team were able to secure a Boeing 767 freighter to fly charter to the destination and the two pieces were modified to allow them to be loaded onto the aircraft.

Q: Is there a particular moment or aspect of this operation that you found especially rewarding?

GC: This was one of the most rewarding charters I have completed. Where others may have rejected this project because of the difficulties of loading these components, we worked with the customer and manufacturer to deliver the delicate cargo on time, safely and securely. The moment I saw the first piece being loaded onto the aircraft I felt real pride in my team.

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

A larger piece at the manufacturer’s facility awaits inspection and final approval.

Credit: Chapman Freeborn

Offloading of one smaller piece at destination. Credit: Chapman Freeborn

Connect with Ports & Terminals Powering Breakbulk Business

Get ready to explore the ports and terminals that keep the project cargo and breakbulk industry moving throughout this active region! This map shows where to find Breakbulk Middle East exhibitors and sponsors that are part of the ports and terminals sector. If you’re at the show in the Dubai World Trade Centre, February 10-11, stop by their stands to learn more about what they do and how they can help your business grow because meeting face-to-face is the best way to build new business relationships.

J10 AD Ports Group Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates www.adports.ae/

B10 Asyad Group

H40 Basra Gateway Terminal

H20 BMT (Basra Multipurpose Terminal)

Muscat Oman www.asyad.om/

Dubai United Arab Emirates www.ictsiiraq.com/

Baghdad Iraq www.bmtiq.com

G51C C. Steinweg Oman LLC / Sohar Port and Freezone Sohar Oman www.steinweg.com/countries/oman H10

www.dpworld.com/

C20 General Port Authorty of Iraq - GCPI Basra Iraq www.scp.gov.iq/verify/index.php?url=/

J40 Gulftainer Company Limited

D02 IMGS Group

K31 Liebherr Maritime Cranes

C40 MAWANI Saudi Port Authority

C02 Pak Shaheen Group

G53 Port Authority of Kribi

Dubai United Arab Emirates www.gulftainer.com/

Dubai United Arab Emirates

www.imgs.ca/

Dubai United Arab Emirates www.liebherr.com

Riyadh Saudi Arabia www.mawani.gov.sa/

Karachi Pakistan www.psf-psg.com

Kribi Cameroon www.pak.cm/

F32 Port Authority of La Spezia and Marina di Carrara Spezia Italy www.adspmarligureorientale.it

P20 Port Gdanski Eksopatcja

D20 Q SAUDI

M10 QTerminals

G24 RAK Ports

C30 RSGT MPT

K50 Spark Logistics

F32 Tarros Group

A40 Wilhelmsen Port Services

Charging Zone Sponsor

Port of Rotterdam

Gdansk Poland www.pge.pl/

Jeddah Saudi Arabia www.qtrading.com.sa/

Doha Qatar www.qterminals.com/

Ras al Khaimah United Arab Emirates www.rakports.ae/

Jeddah Saudi Arabia www.rsgt.com.sa/

Ajman United Arab Emirates www.spark.sa/

La Spezia Italy www.tarros.it

Dubai United Arab Emirates www.wilhelmsen.com/port-services/

Rotterdam Netherlands www.portofrotterdam.com/en

THE BUILDING OF JUBAIL

By John Amos

In 1976, Saudi Arabia undertook one of the most ambitious construction projects in modern history: the development of Jubail, its first industrial city. As a logistics and materials manager, I witnessed firsthand how the Kingdom launched this massive effort to diversify its economy—a strategy many associate with more recent decades. While the working environment was vastly different from my office life in San Francisco, the demands of the project were as fierce— if not fiercer—than those of any multi-billion-dollar project under construction today. Here is the story of “a city built from the sand up.”

Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy began with a clear recognition of its dependence on oil revenue. Leaders realized that reinvesting the wealth generated by their vast petroleum reserves into infrastructure and industrialization was essential to building a sustainable future. The vision for Jubail exemplified this approach: transforming a modest fishing village on the Arabian Gulf into a fully integrated industrial city. From the outset, the scale of the project was staggering, requiring the expertise of global engineering firms, the cooperation of contractors from dozens of countries, and the development of an unprecedented logistics network.

The Emergence of Middle East Economies

The need for Middle Eastern countries to expand their economies became evident in the late 1960s. Nations like Saudi Arabia developed strategies to invest the proceeds from their vast petroleum reserves into industrializing various manufacturing sectors and producing petroleum products. They also recognized the need to build infrastructure to handle the coming wave of imported construction materials and guest workers.

In addition to individual construction projects, plans were drawn up to design and build industrial cities from the ground up. This required detailed planning and the expertise of global design and engineering firms. These firms also trained young professionals from the region, equipping them to participate in their nations’ development upon returning home.

Jubail: A Blueprint for the Future

One of the largest and most ambitious of these projects was Jubail, built along the Arabian Gulf north of Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Construction began in the early 1970s and has continued through various phases of expansion. By 2015, the city included a residential area, seaports for container and multipurpose vessels, an airport, and major industrial facilities producing goods for domestic use and export. Approximately 26 major construction companies were

Main Stage: Saudi Giga Project Update

Monday, February 10 1:30pm - 2:15pm

The Challenges of Materials Management

Keeping construction schedules on time and on budget was a priority then, as it is today. The materials management department played a crucial role, working with contractors from around the world to solve logistics challenges. Frequent shipments of construction materials meant that any delay in port operations could disrupt progress. Contractors, often unfamiliar with specialized logistics, found that consulting the materials management team helped keep their projects on track.

Customs clearance presented its own challenges. High-value items like computers, electronics and navigation aids were subject to strict government controls, requiring meticulous compliance to avoid delays. Letters of credit frequently governed the movement of these goods, with banks retaining bills of lading until payment was confirmed.

Planning for the Unpredictable

Before bidding on projects like Jubail, potential financial risks had to be studied thoroughly. Countries’ laws varied widely and were strictly enforced. Contracts addressed issues such as liability for delays, civil unrest and cancellations. Master agreements specified where disputes would be adjudicated, ensuring that all subcontractors understood their responsibilities.

A City Built by the World

The influx of foreign professionals and construction workers brought economic and cultural transformation to Jubail. Shops and businesses opened to cater to the growing population, enhancing quality of life for locals and expatriates alike. These workers, in turn, spent their earnings locally, creating jobs and further stimulating the economy.

A Legacy of Growth and Connection

The industrial city of Jubail stands as a testament to vision, planning and global collaboration. It has transformed the region economically and socially while fostering greater understanding among the people who built it. For those of us who were part of its early days, the experience was as much about the challenges we overcame as the lessons we learned.

John Amos is the co-founder of Breakbulk Americas, former global head of logistics and procurement for Bechtel, and now runs a consulting firm. He has traveled and lived all over the world, including in Saudi Arabia for the Jubail project.

Jubail by the Numbers

50 Average annual number of Bechtel’s construction projects in Jubail (Project Management Institute)

7% Percentage of Saudia Arabia’s total GDP contributed by Jubail (Bechtel)

1,016 km2 Area of Jubail Industrial City, making it one of the largest industrial cities in the world (Bechtel)

100 km Railway tracks as part of the city’s infrastructure (railknowledgebank.com)

70% Percentage of Saudi Arabia’s non-petroleum exports produced at Jubail (The Energy Year)

Over 80% Percentage of Jubail’s employees within the city’s primary industries are Saudi nationals, and most are employed in highly skilled jobs (The Energy Year)

9 million tonnes Amount of carbon captured and stored in what will be the world’s largest CCUS project under construction in Jubail; scheduled to be completed by 2027 (The Energy Year)

US$3.8 billion Cost of Jubail II, initiated in 2006, to expand industrial and residential areas (Bechtel)

120,000 Number of new accommodations for residents in Jubail II, along with a greenfield university for 18,000 students (Bechtel)

40 The number of years Bechtel has been managing the Jubail projects (Bechtel)

*Bechtel is a member of the Breakbulk Global Shipper Network

Pipe and spool installation at the Jubail jobsite. Credit: John Amos

SABIC’S HADEED EXPANSION PROJECT

In 2003, during a pivotal lunch meeting with Atos Origin’s Company officials, SABIC executive management unexpectedly announced, “Nader, you will be leading the groundbreaking Hadeed Expansion Project.” This significant project was entrusted to me, a seasoned professional previously serving as the general manager of Hadeed Central Maintenance, Engineering Utility and Services.

Hadeed is a fully integrated iron and steel company in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia, producing over 5,000 tons of finished products each year. The Hadeed Expansion Project had its share of challenges, which I had to navigate from its inception.

Talent Search

People were unavailable to team up and help; there were no visas to recruit international expatriates and no offices. Information on the precise tonnage to be produced and the project’s location should have been provided. Is expansion inside Hadeed premises or outside Hadeed? Each decision positively and negatively would influences\ the cost, capabilities and possibility of executing the project.

Only SABIC could organize the necessary funds for the project, and I had to submit the proper studies to SABIC for approval. This included all significant decisions regarding

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage: MENA Project Overview

Monday, February 10 10:45am - 11:15am

Credit: Nader Al

producing tonnage, execution timeframe and start-up time. I had to manage all the requirements with whatever resources I had available.

Despite the government’s conservative visa policies at the time, we were determined to assemble a team of top-notch engineers and finance professionals.

An intensive search of private industry took place. We found many spare visas that led to an extensive recruitment process, and successfully hired over 35 skilled engineers, specialists from various countries and a few trusted Hadeed engineers.

Project Design

We started collecting information on the market product mix requirements as stated by the Hadeed sales department. The product mix was essential to decide how we would technically obtain it from the given facilities and to determine how we would increase and enhance the equipment and facilities to meet new demands.

After thoroughly studying the existing plant capabilities, we decided to expand the existing plants instead of developing a greenfield project. We needed to erect the plant extension and produce the steel products. We noticed that the end product required an enhancement of the upper stream plants.

The upstream project included seaport facilities, a conveying system and a material handling system on Hadeed premises. Two new ship unloaders and a complete change of the 16-kilometer conveyor system with a faster speed and more handling capabilities was erected. The material handling

Iron Module to produce 1.76 million tonnes of iron ore.

Ibrahim

Exclusive Insights From the Project Manager by Nader Al Ibrahim, Former General Manager, SABIC

system inside the Hadeed premises was also changed and enhanced.

The Hadeed mega-project included a new Hot Direct Reduced Iron Module to produce 1.76 million tonnes of Iron ore. The hot product was a new technology introduced to Hadeed, increasing the steel plant’s production to more than the designed capacities.

The 1.76 million-tons-per-year of reduced iron was to be sent to the steel plant . A new electrical arc furnace would melt the reduced iron from the DR plant. The new furnace would be erected as an extension of the three existing furnace melt shops. The furnace would be making 1.22 million tonnes of liquid steel.

Electrical arc furnaces require a lot of electrical power to melt iron, so we erected and enhanced the Hadeed electrical power substation with a 230-kilovolt line from Saudi Electricity Company. The substation had to also be improved with new 34.5-kilovolt and 13.8-kilovolt capacitance transformers, proper electrical breakers and extra gears.

In addition, the project included a new Rebar and Wire Rod Mill with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year. A Hot Strip Mill enhancement was then planned for 1 million tons per year with a Skin Pass Mill of 700,000 tons per year. The Cold Galvanizing Line was also enhanced to make an additional tonnage of 240,000 per year. Many other facilities were enhanced, such as scrap yards, utility and workshops.

The Biggest Challenge

The most challenging part was erecting and commissioning all mentioned plants during the company’s regular operation. No disturbance occurred, and implementation went very smoothly.

The conveying system had to be changed entirely, with all the gears and driving motors replaced with a new bag house system. We only had approximately 45 days, and we had to remove the old system, install the new one, and conduct cold and hot commissioning just before the operation.

Thanks to our meticulous planning and dedicated execution, this challenging task was completed successfully, setting a benchmark for future operations.

An Ideal Leadership Style

To manage a project of such scale, you need to be able to set up a comprehensive planning and control department. This is essential for controlling project construction behavior and monitoring contractor performance. It also covers the budget for each project and the cash flow required over time.

Our commitment to safety was unwavering, and the project was conducted with the utmost care to ensure the minimum number of accidents possible, instilling a sense of security and confidence in our stakeholders.

Leadership style has a significant influence on achieving goals. Leadership should help discover employee capabilities, giving them empowerment and respect. Depending on the situation, a democratic management style mixed with autonomous management is the ideal.

Construction underway for the new Rebar and Wire Rod Mill with a capacity of 500,000 tons per year.

Credit: Nader Al Ibrahim

Steel plant under construction that would make 1.22 million tonnes of liquid steel.

Credit: Nader Al Ibrahim

SPECIALISTS IN HANDLING BREAKBULK AND OVER DIMENSIONAL

PROJECT CARGO

DP World’s flagship port at Jebel Ali has been a gateway for new Dubai’s expansion projects. The oﬀerings at Jebel Ali Port are strengthened by a high degree of specialisation, and purpose built facilities with hydro-dynamic marine structures to handle all types of breakbulk, bulk, project cargo, Ro-Ro, and other general cargo.

DENZAI’S KOHKI UEMURA:

SEIZING THE SAUDI OPPORTUNITY

At first glance, it may seem a bold move for a Japanese heavy-lift company to be embarking on a major investment in Saudi Arabia, but for Kohki Uemura, president and CEO of Tokyo-headquartered DENZAI Group, Middle East expansion is a logical next step.

“One of the main reasons we decided to enter Saudi Arabia is because we were invited by Japanese and Korean EPCs to support their projects there,” says Uemura, whose company was founded in the early 1970s, and has a long history of working for major EPCs, including Saudi Arabia’s Aramco

Asia Projects Pave the Way for Middle East Expansion

By Luke King

In February 2024, DENZAI announced it was establishing a joint venture with Dammam-based road haulage specialist Fawaz Alshammari Co. For Transportation, also known as FTE Logistics. A JV company, FTE DENZAI, was formally opened in October and there are plans to transfer some cranes to the JV from DENZAI’s operations in Japan and Singapore, while additional, new equipment will be sourced from Chinese and European manufacturers. DENZAI also opened a subsidiary company, DENZAI Arabia Co. Ltd., in Jubail, Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Where Uemura sees a gap in the market is around the provision of engineered heavy-lifting solutions –which he says are difficult to procure in Saudi Arabia. Uemura is also encouraged by Saudi Arabia’s efforts to commence domestic manufacturing of wind energy components.

According to recent Saudi press reports, steel towers for wind energy systems will soon be manufactured in the country, following the signing

“THE SAUDI GOVERNMENT HAS A VERY AMBITIOUS GOAL TO REDUCE OIL DEPENDENCY AND THEY’VE PLANNED A HUGE AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND DECARBONIZATION”

- KOHKI UEMURA

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage: Energy Transition: A Redefined Opportunity Monday, February 10 2:30pm - 3:15pm

of two agreements by the Kingdom’s Local Content and Government Procurement Authority.

The deals, struck between Al-Yamamah Steel Industries Co. and Arabian International Co. for Steel Structures, were finalized during October’s Energy Localization Forum in Riyadh, where the Ministry of Energy and LCGPA oversaw the signing of 107 agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at SR104 billion (US$ 27.69 billion).

Huge Volume of Work

Uemura is not unduly concerned by reports that the Saudi government may be questioning the scale and viability of its ambitious Vision 2030 development framework. (Bloomberg reports that the trillions of dollars of investment required are “starting to cause concern at the highest levels of the Saudi government.”)

“From the beginning, many people expected some kind of scale-down or budget cut,” Uemura said. “But even if you reduce the budget, the volume of work is huge compared with other parts of the world. I don’t doubt the market potential in Saudi Arabia.

“The Saudi government has a very ambitious goal to reduce oil dependency and they’ve planned a huge amount of investment in infrastructure and decarbonization. On the other hand, most of the EPCs and construction companies face a shortage of the equipment and know-how required. We don’t just supply cranes, we provide engineered heavy-lifting solutions, including jacking and rigging, and so on.

“Our clients require high-quality engineering services – that’s where we differentiate ourselves from others.”

Asked about any cultural differences Uemura observes in the Middle East, compared to working in

Asia, he said: “It’s a totally different culture, of course. Timelines are compressed in Saudi Arabia. The Japanese plan every aspect of a project three years out, whereas in Saudi, decisions move at a rapid pace.

“So, a supplier like a heavy-lifting or heavy haul company working in Saudi Arabia must adapt to the client’s timeframe. And, of course, you must offer a certain level of quality. All in all, I think the market is still more attractive than many other parts of the world, and that’s why so many players are now entering Saudi Arabia.”

International Expansion

DENZAI was founded in Muroran, Hokkaido, in 1972 by Uemura’s father, Yukihiro Uemura. In 2013, the business acquired a Tokyo-based lifting company

A joint venture company, FTE DENZAI, has been created in Saudi Arabia by DENZAI and FTE Logistics. Pictured to the left of Kohki Uemura is Fawaz Alshammari, CEO of FTE. Credit: DENZAI Group

and, with it, the ability to operate on an all-Japan basis.

The group’s first international expansion began in 2018 with the opening of an office in Bangladesh – a necessary development, according to Uemura. “As you may know, the population in Japan is decreasing, and it’s a very competitive market

too, so I started to explore business opportunities overseas,” he said.

“My travels took me to Bangladesh, where the Japanese government was strongly supporting infrastructure development like airports, bridges and mass rapid transport (MRT) projects. For those reasons, we decided to start our overseas operations in Bangladesh.”

Just two years later, the DENZAI Group acquired Huationg Holdings – one of Singapore’s biggest heavylifting and specialized transport companies at the time, with more than 500 staff and hundreds of machines. DENZAI’s Singapore operation – which now oversees its offices outside of Japan – remains strong and counts ExxonMobil among its largest clients.

In addition to Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Singapore, DENZAI has offices in Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, India and the U.S., with plans to expand to Malaysia, Indonesia, Algeria and Papua New Guinea in 2025.

In South Korea, DENZAI is currently heavily involved in the Shaheen project – Aramco’s biggest investment to date in the East Asian country, where its S-Oil affiliate is developing one of the world’s largest refinery-integrated petrochemical steam crackers.

DENZAI’s scope of work, which began in October 2024, includes much of the heavy-lifting for the US$ 7 billion project, located in Ulsan, in the south-east of the country. The site is expected to produce up to 3.2 million tons of petrochemicals annually, and include a facility to produce high-value polymers, by completion of the project in 2026.

“For us, it’s very important to have this track record working for an Aramco project in South Korea,” said Uemura. “That is one of our advantages as we enter Saudi Arabia.”

Star of the Show

For DENZAI, the star of the show is its newly-delivered 2,500-ton crawler crane, an LR12500-1.0 manufactured and delivered by Liebherr last July. The state-of-the-art crane began its working life at the S-Oil project in South Korea, and is expected to be deployed on offshore Japanese wind projects thereafter.

Explaining the rationale behind the Liebherr purchase, Uemura said: “As the amount of electricity generated by offshore wind increases, the height and weight of offshore wind turbines are becoming larger and larger.

“The construction of even larger offshore wind turbines is expected to become impossible with the 1,350-ton crawler crane, the next largest crane we currently own. In the offshore wind turbine construction

DENZAI Group’s Liebherr LR12500 crane – the only machine of its type owned by an Asian company – at work at the S-Oil Shaheen site in South Korea.

Credit: DENZAI Group

“We recently signed an MOU with Hebamo Transport, one of the major logistics and port handling companies in Papua New Guinea, which is a significant producer of natural gas, exporting much of it to Japan. DENZAI will provide engineering, heavy haulage and heavylifting operations, while Hebamo will manage much of the local compliance and customs clearing for work on the country’s Papua LNG project.

“We’ve also established a joint venture in Algeria, working with MEGALIFT, one of the biggest crane companies in Algeria. So, Algeria, Papua New Guinea and Saudi Arabia will be some of our main markets in the coming years.”

Last year, DENZAI announced it had secured a loan facility worth 12.2 billion yen (around US$80 million), designed to enable further expansion of onshore and offshore wind farms in Japan, as well as investment in large cranes and special transport vehicles.

Announcing the loan facility, DENZAI said: “By improving the efficiency of construction work, we will contribute to the Japanese government’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. In addition, overseas, we aim to further expand our business in ASEAN countries, India, the Middle East, and North Africa, where the introduction of renewable energy is remarkable.”

DENZAI says the loan facility will help the company achieve its sales target of 35 billion yen (around US$230 million) by 2030, which includes an overseas sales target of 14 billion yen (around US$92 million).

ABOVE: DENZAI’s Kohki Uemura is an enthusiastic participant in the company’s frequent charity events – especially those that involve running.

Credit: DENZAI Group.

projects currently underway in Japan, the weight of the towers will be different from European specifications – the Japanese specifications are expected to be even heavier.”

Besides Liebherr machines, DENZAI boasts a fleet of more than 530 cranes, including those manufactured by Demag, Tadano, Sany, and Hitachi-Sumitomo,

as well as around 450 axle lines which include SPMTs from Goldhofer

With global operations and frequent travel, moments of free time are scarce, but at home in Tokyo Uemura is kept busy by his daughter and five dogs. As our conversation reverts back to business, he tells Breakbulk of his future plans.

One item lingering on Uemura’s desk is a final decision on where to source the more than 200 SPMTs that DENZAI plans to add in early 2025. As our interview draws to a close, he quips: “We are doing our best to keep the global equipment manufacturers busy…”

Involved in the project cargo industry since 2007, Luke King is managing editor of Breakbulk Magazine.

*Breakbulk Exhibitor * BGSN member

TOP: During a recent wind tower and blade transportation project carried out by DENZAI in Kyushu, Japan, the limited clearance of just 8cm between the tower and the bridge required extensive engineering and planning.

Visit us at Breakbulk Middle East

Dubai, UAE

February 10-11, 2025

GPLN Booth No: G02

NEOM Green Hydrogen Company, wind turbine delivery.

Credit: NEOM

2025 marks ten years since the Paris Agreement, the landmark international climate change treaty signed by nearly every country in the world. Designed to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2° Celsius (3.6° Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, the Treaty was a moment of hope that humanity could work together in the face of a global threat.

Much has happened over the past decade, and some of that hope has evaporated, with many climate scientists now believing that 1.5°C (2.7° Fahrenheit) of warming is already a certainty, while many commentators claim the roadmaps to Net Zero are unworkable and unaffordable for much of the world.

Speaking at the Singapore International Energy Week in late 2024, Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of Aramco, the world’s largest energy company, said the energy transition faces a “sizeable gap between prediction and reality,” particularly in the Global South where countries are still largely dependent on conventional oil, gas and coal.

He believes that rather than an energy transition, it is more realistic to talk about “energy addition,” with growth in energy demand mostly met by alternatives instead of replacing conventional energy in any meaningful way.

A New Realism

This reframing is already reflected in the decisions of the supermajors to pull back on energy transition projects after their expensive plans bumped up against some hard realities and lost favor with traditional shareholders.

One report, from the University of Oxford, found that only 2% of upstream CAPEX investments by cash-rich oil and gas firms are low carbon.

Those working on the frontlines of the energy industry are cognizant of this reality gap, with many welcoming the recent remarks by the Aramco boss. “I fully agree with the remarks about energy addition,” says Rafael Vicens, head of Global Projects & Industry Solutions, Middle East and Africa, at DB Schenker. “We need to talk about this - we need to be both ambitious but also realistic.”

Mauro Varela Armas, global logistics proposals, purchasing and commodity manager at Spanish EPC Técnicas Reunidas, reports there has already been a “noticeable shift” in how clients approach the energy transition.

“Clients are increasingly adopting a more pragmatic and holistic approach, recognizing that a balanced energy mix is essential to meet growing global energy demands, particularly in the Global South,” he says.

This balance, says Armas, comes from the understanding that “while renewables are crucial

for long-term sustainability, oil and gas still play a vital role in meeting immediate energy needs.”

In the Global South, where energy access and affordability are critical, such a pragmatic approach is particularly important. “Clients are investing in solutions that support both sustainability goals and energy security, ensuring that no region is left behind in the transition,” he says.

Others agree that there’s a new pragmatism at work. “The energy transition is undoubtedly maturing,” says Mohammad Jaber, MD, air and sea, at DSV Abu Dhabi. “Over the past decade, many ambitious projects were proposed with little immediate practicality, but now there is more focus on pragmatic solutions.”

He says there’s now clear emphasis on technology that can be implemented at scale today. “Offshore wind energy, carbon capture technology and the

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage: Energy Transition:

A Redefined Opportunity

Monday, February 10 2:30pm - 3:15pm

Mohammad Jaber, DSV Abu Dhabi

Mauro Varela Armas, Técnicas Reunidas

Rafael Vicens, DB Schenker

development of green hydrogen have all become more tangible and economically viable in recent years,” says Jaber.

Moreover, the push towards net-zero emissions is no longer about onesize-fits-all global solutions, but more regionally appropriate approaches, with Jaber noting the fact that, in the Middle East, solar energy has become one of the most economically viable sources of clean energy.

Regional Differences

An energy addition is clearly a more palatable concept than an energy transition for producing nations like Saudi Arabia, with a longer tail of

demand for fossil fuels clearly good news for GDP. Even so, the energy transition is still a major focus here, although Armas of Técnicas Reunidas notes a difference in approach.

“While the spirit of the energy transition is similar, the pace is not,” he says. “Europe has developed strict frameworks, such as the EU Green Deal, which mandates ambitious emissions reductions and promotes renewable adoption. In the Middle East, the transition is more gradual, balancing economic diversification with a continued reliance on traditional energy sources.”

There are big renewable and clean energy projects underway, including large-scale solar such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in the UAE, which has a planned production capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030; major hydrogen investments, such as the $8.4 billion NEOM Green Hydrogen facility in Saudi Arabia, which will be the world’s largest green hydrogen production facility when operational in 2026; and investments in transition fuels, such as e-fuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

The success of the Baraka project in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi,

the first commercial nuclear plant in the Arabian world and now the UAE’s largest source of electricity, is set to encourage more investment in nuclear power. This sustainability push is good news for those in the project cargo and logistics industries, as the new investments are additive to existing fossil fuel investments.

“The energy transition in the Middle East is exciting for us,” says Carsten Wendt, head of sales, high & heavy and breakbulk, at Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “The region is investing in increased rail transport to create sustainable transport systems, such as the rail network connecting Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman.

“We see this as an opportunity to increase our breakbulk business in the region, as our RoRo vessels have perfect underdeck storage for the rail carriages. RoRo is one of the best ways to transport them, it’s very safe and we have extensive experience in handling these types of cargoes.”

Capacity Challenges

There are challenges in the region, however, with infrastructure and capacity constraints to be overcome. “The Middle East is fast becoming

Kuehne+Nagel is delivering 1.4 million tons of wind turbine equipment for NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. Credit: Kuehne+Nagel

Carsten Wendt, Wallenius Wilhelmsen

a driving force behind the world’s energy transition,” says Ellis Renforth, president of operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Wood.

The UK-headquartered EPC saw its contract wins in the Middle East hit US$920 million in 2024, including orders in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. He notes, however, that shifting to a more diversified energy mix is “incredibly complex.”

“It will require a dynamic workforce of consultants and engineers to advise, design and advance it,” says Renforth, highlighting the group’s investment, alongside its Iraqi JV partner Al Majal, on a new state-of-the-art vocational training center in Basra.

Renforth sees “vast opportunity” in the Middle East in 2025, and beyond. “Energy companies and countries across the region are committing billions of dollars to decarbonization projects, technologies and solutions to reduce carbon intensity, meet net zero targets and drive the energy transition,” he says. “In 2025 we anticipate further demand for our solutions and our world-renowned decarbonization experts who are advising clients on technology selection and capital

investment in the ever-evolving areas of hydrogen and carbon capture.”

He underscores, however, the need to “build a pipeline of strong engineering talent” in the region capable of meeting the challenge of an ever-increasing workload.

Human capital isn’t the only resource in demand. There are other challenges, not least that booming workloads are not always aligned with available capacity, be it people, vessels or equipment.

“Regionally there are some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, where there’s a lack of equipment because of the huge magnitude of projects happening at the same time,” says Vicens of DB Schenker. “For heavy-lift companies, this makes it a very attractive place to work, as long as you get all the permits and licenses.”

Collaboration Required

There also needs to be better collaboration across the supply chain, which is being asked to deliver more during a time of great flux. Jaber at DSV says it’s a time for those working in the logistics sector to be “forward-thinking and adaptable.”

“The energy transition is poised

to reshape the Middle East’s logistics landscape, with increasing demand for specialized transportation and storage solutions for renewable energy infrastructure,” he says, noting that projects like solar, wind and hydrogen will require unique materials and components that will drive growth in the logistics sector and stimulate local production.

A common understanding of how the different parts of the supply chain work, including the role of EPCs, will be needed along with more forward planning when it comes to securing capacity.

“The urge to secure or hire capacity well in advance is still maybe not as fast

Sharaf Shipping handles project cargo for renewable projects. Credit: Sharaf Shipping

Ellis Renforth, Wood

or well thought as it should be, given the level of announced investments that are running around in the markets,” says Armas at Técnicas Reunidas. “But there are lots of conversations going on, and many 3PLs are forcing this type of new relationship between themselves, EPCs, heavylift operators and vessel owners, which I think is a great approach.”

He foresees several looming bottlenecks in the supply chain, including vessel and barge availability and the challenges of securing heavy-lift equipment. The main headache, however, is the uncertainty about the pace at which all of this is going to develop.

“Many vessel and equipment owners are impatiently waiting for higher levels of compromise and visibility, in order to accelerate and increase the availability (whether that’s buying new improved vessels, axel lines for heavy transport or high capacity cranes) so that it matches the capacity requests that will be required in the next years,” he says.

“As a shipowner told me during a Breakbulk event in 2024, ‘I cannot buy four new vessels without the guarantee that I will redeem the investment,’ yet the events over the last four years, from the pandemic to the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine wars, are not favoring the initiative.

“The key to overcoming bottlenecks here is close and well-thought-out collaboration between forwarders, EPCs, vessel owners and heavy-lift operators from the earliest stages of a project,” he concludes.

All Eyes on Washington

It’s impossible to discuss the Middle East without talking politics. And 2024 brought heightened tensions to the fore again, with the ongoing Israel-Gaza crisis, the retaliatory attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria and, in December, Israeli air strikes on sites across Yemen.

“The geopolitical background is

The Shagaya renewable energy project, a world-scale solar and wind initiative, is being developed by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. Credit: Sharaf Shipping

concerning,” says Wendt of Wallenius Wilhelmsen. “What’s happening in the region is very much impacting our service pattern. Like many carriers, we’re now avoiding the Suez Canal and that’s cutting off service, especially in the Red Sea.”

Like many companies, the breakbulk carrier had expected the crisis, and the costly delays as vessels reroute round the Cape, to last just a couple of months. “We never assumed it would last this long,” says Wendt. “It’s now over a year since the crew of the Galaxy Leader were taken hostage, and we’re all concerned about the fact that they are still being held.”

All of this, plus an incoming Trump administration in the White House, makes for uncertain times for those working in the region. “The change in the U.S. could shake things up completely in the region, so we are alert and observing to see what happens so we can adapt dynamically,” says Vicens of DB Schenker.

Boom Times Ahead

Despite all the challenges, companies working in the region remain optimistic about the future. “The project logistics sector in the Middle East remains robust,” reports Jaber of DSV, which has several big projects on its radar for the year ahead.

These include several packages for NEOM, railway projects across the region, many energy projects, like ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha gas and carbon capture project, the Ta’zeez industrial chemicals and transition fuels ecosystem and the

Borouge 4 petrochemicals facility

“There is a healthy order flow,” says Jaber, “fueled by significant investments from governments and private entities in the region specially ADNOC and Aramco.”

Técnicas Reunidas is also looking ahead to a busy year, with Armas reporting involvement in several key projects with major energy companies. These include Aramco, ADNOC, and QatarEnergy, across sectors such as refining, gas, LNG, offshore and power generation.

Vicens of DB Schenker also sees the current boom continuing over the next 12-24 months. “There was a huge explosion of projects in Q4 2024 as projects that had been on hold were suddenly given the greenlight as budgets were unlocked,” he says. “There are now a lot of tenders in oil and gas, renewable energy, carbon capture and by the end of 2025/2026, there will be a boom in hydrogen power projects.”

Whether it’s city-building, huge infrastructure projects or vast energy transition projects, the Middle East is a region undergoing transformation at an economic, social and human scale. It remains an exciting place to work, with huge potential to work on the frontlines of a region that is both adding to, and transitioning, the world’s energy supply for whatever the future may hold.

Award-winning freelance journalist Amy McLellan has been reporting on the highs and lows of the upstream oil and gas and maritime industries for over 20 years.

*BGSN member

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

WE MOVE THE TRANSFORMATION OF ENERGY AND INDUSTRIES

RollBarge 1 available in the region

Roll Group further expands in the Middle East

Roll Group handles the lifting, transportation and installation of large, oversized and heavy structures on land and at sea. Our clients benefit from global representation of a world wide network of Roll Group offices and agents.

Roll Group Middle East, a leading force in heavy haul and lifting solutions provider in the region, has expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move complements the company’s established presence in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman.

Roll Group has bolstered its position in the heavy transport barge market after adding a first owned heavy lift barge to its fleet. The RollBarge 1 is one of several planned investments to expand the company’s asset base in the coming months, and signals Roll Groups shift from relying on rented barges. The RollBarge 1 is available in the Middle East from February 2025.

DHARMENDRA GANGRADE: GIVING LOGISTICS A VOICE AT L&T

Pandemic Prompts Supply Chain

Innovation at US$25 Billion EPC

By Luke King

different to the power sector, which is different to buildings and factories and so on. But then I saw the opportunity: Why can’t L&T have one logistics voice?

“Rather than pockets of logistics excellence, we now have a center of excellence.”

For Larsen and Toubro — one of Asia’s biggest EPCs and a titan of Indian industry — the COVID pandemic provided an opportunity to completely reimagine its logistics function.

“Suddenly logistics entered the boardroom,” says Dharmendra Gangrade, architect of an ambitious plan to centralize and integrate the logistics needs of more than 30 L&T business groups under 14 independent verticals, spanning everything from construction of infrastructure to power, energy, minerals and metals, defense, transport, heavy engineering, and much more besides.

“During COVID the importance of logistics really came to the forefront,” says Gangrade, who served as head of logistics for L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering during the pandemic. “Of course, we wanted to be a boardroom topic, but for a good reason. Here, the situation was not so good with huge delays, uncertainty and increased freight, of course.

“There was an appreciation that logistics is complex, and that logistics plays a very important role in the profitable growth of the EPC business, but as in many companies, the board really started taking note of what we do, what we can do better, during the pandemic.

“So I had the opportunity to let the management know that there were pockets of excellence within the logistics function, but 30+ business groups meant 30+ different logistics teams, different estimates, different decisions not aligned with each other.

“When COVID happened, multiple logistics heads started to meet on one floor, solving problems together. Of course, the oil and gas sector is

Gangrade was charged with consolidating the various logistics teams and establishing a Mumbaibased centralized Logistics Management Center of more than 200 supply chain professionals, which he now heads. In all, L&T has close to a US$1 billion direct and indirect freight exposure on a US$25 billion turnover.

Appointed project director for optimization of logistics processes across L&T, Gangrade said he searched internationally for “bestin-class practices” to build the Center. “It’s a nodal agency,” says Gangrade, “so all process compliance, new initiatives, cost optimization and interaction with the external agencies happen in this office.”

Industry Expert

A seasoned logistics expert, Gangrade was able to draw on his extensive industry experience – both in India and abroad – to coordinate such a major project.

Born and raised in a small town near Varanasi – “Considered the holiest and cleanest city in India, I take great pride in that,” he says – Gangrade completed schooling in Indore and later graduated from Savitribai Phule University in Pune, Maharashtra, where he completed an MBA in marketing.

His working life began in the late 1990s when he moved to Mumbai and took up brand management roles at renowned automotive companies including Kinetic and Mahindra & Mahindra.

In 2001, he landed a position at Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle division – where he got his first taste of the logistics business. “I dealt with a lot of automobile commercial vehicle owners and huge haulage vehicles.

Then I started sensing that there’s something important called logistics.”

He subsequently held logistics roles at Reliance Industries Limited –another giant of the Indian industrial scene. “I was part of the Reliance Industries petroleum business and they were setting up large-scale petroleum plants as well as gas stations across the length and breadth of the country,” he recalls. “I became responsible for route management and, in the petroleum business, the route planning manager plays a vital role since the price of the fuel is defined by the government.

“You can’t charge even a penny more for fuel, but how you can make a profit is by optimizing your cost. The route becomes very important and so there used to be a lot of dependency on enhancing the profitability through proper route management.

“Suddenly I was contributing directly to the profitability of the company, and I started loving my work in logistics.”

A move to Reliance Retail saw Gangrade appointed head of primary transportation operations. “This was a massive undertaking, coordinating the movement of about 800 trucks that were being loaded every day to serve more than 1,200 stores across the country.”

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage:

Innovating for Impact: Digital and AI Strategies in Project Logistics

Monday, February 10 12:30pm - 1:15pm

Digital Transformation

When COVID hit in 2020, L&T’s logistics transformation began in earnest, dubbed “LIFT,” short for “Logistics integration for transformation.” Key to the success of the LIFT project was the decision to introduce an integrated logistics management system (ILMS) capable of supporting the requisition, procurement, distribution, transportation, receipt and tracking of goods worldwide.

Gangrade, in charge of the digital transformation project, recalls: “Management set out a very clear objective that we must optimize our logistics cost across L&T, and that we must operate on one single system.

“All our logistics resources must become portable, which means that somebody working with one business unit should be easily able to operate in any other business unit, and he or she should be easily transferable to any part of the world. Whether you’re in Argentina, India, or Japan, if you have a smartphone in your hand, you know what to do.”

The transshipment of a reactor for an L&T project takes place at sea. Credit: L&T

An Orthotropic Steel Deck (OSD) structure for the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link. Credit: L&T

Following a global search, Houstonbased e2log was selected to provide the digital muscle required to meet L&T’s expectations around data visibility and logistics performance while EY, the professional services firm, joined as a consulting partner to advise on process standardization and operating models to suit the digital transformation.

“The e2log relationship actually developed following an initial meeting at Breakbulk Americas,” said Gangrade, underscoring the value of attending Breakbulk’s global events.

“We had multiple enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that we’ve integrated with e2log and all logistics activities now happen on this system – from the smallest pin to the largest platforms.”

Showing me the new system at L&T’s head office in Mumbai, Gangrade explained the benefits the company is already seeing from its investment in the e2log transportation management platform. “It’s hugely increased transparency around our processes,” he said. “All our advance planning and RFQ management is here, all of the execution, from picking up the cargo anywhere in the world to delivering anywhere in the world – it’s all visible.

“Every shipment is tracked at a minute level, with all documentation available including invoices, packing lists, method statements, bills of lading – everything is there. In addition, you can upload all type of videos, photographs, and you can chat like you would in WhatsApp, so we have essentially done away with email in our logistics business.

“There’s even feedback on the logistics service providers, so once you’re done with your shipment, you can rate the logistics provider, just like you would when you use Uber or Lyft. Equally, the service provider can rate us, tell us about their experience of working with L&T.”

In summary, Gangrade said: “The major benefits are that operations

efficiency has improved significantly, as has cost efficiency. Processes are now standardized, regardless of the cargo being shipped or the business group.

“Most importantly, we now have visibility of the cargo – and activity. Before, people had visibility of cargo, but not activity. Let’s say I’m picking up some cargo from Germany and bringing it to India. Until it is on the vessel, everything will be done by email, right? But here in the system, you can see whether cargo is ready for pickup or not. So that’s why we have broken down everything into an activity chart.

“Payments are also activity-based, so you can see when an invoice was submitted, validated, certified, went for payment release, and finally was paid. All is visible. It’s no longer merely track and trace of the cargo and seeing where my vessel is going. That’s not enough now.”

Passion for History

Over lunch in L&T’s bustling on-site cafeteria – where all waste is weighed and digitally displayed to encourage staff to only take what they are going to eat – Gangrade tells me about his hobbies. He “loves to visit historical sites across the globe,” and has a “deep interest” in learning world history, he says.

“I’m a cricket lover like any other Indian, but besides that, I play table tennis. I won multiple championships in my youth, so table tennis is my first love when it comes to sports.

“At home, gardening is something which I love the most. Mumbai is a city full of concrete but, fortunately, my apartment has a terrace and I really enjoy working on my terrace garden. I have two daughters (aged 14 and 20) and they both love to support me with that.”

Dharmendra with his family. Credit: Dharmendra Gangrade

Open to New LSPs

Before I leave, Gangrade tells me of another innovation, L&T’s recentlylaunched online portal that lists all active logistics opportunities, and shares some good news for would-be L&T service providers.

“L&T is open to add new vendors that are competent and capable,” he says. “If somebody wants to come in and be a logistics service provider, they are very welcome. Naturally, before they come to L&T, I would expect them to do some research on our business because it’s not merely transporting goods from A to B. Our cargoes are very precious and expensive, and they have very long lead items. But we want to deal with all sorts of players.

“And now, LSPs can now do cross-service for our other business groups as well. Earlier, there were more than 30 business groups, each one had their own suppliers and their own vendor registration. Now, it is centralized – so people no longer have to keep knocking the doors and asking whom to contact.

“We want everybody to visit logistics.larsentoubro.com – the whole gamut of L&T logistics opportunities is there. There are no barriers to registration as a potential service provider.”

“Golden Time” for Shipping

As our meeting draws to a close, Gangrade urges the project cargo community to embrace the opportunities provided by AI and digitalization, and appreciate what he calls a “golden time” for shipping and logistics.

“Young people are starting to see logistics as an opportunity because it’s no longer a back-office job. Rather, it’s opportunity for them to be out in front and travel globally, domestically, everywhere.

“We’ve never before seen such a golden time for supply chain, global

“YOUNG PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO SEE LOGISTICS AS AN OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE IT’S NO LONGER A BACK-OFFICE JOB. RATHER, IT’S OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO BE OUT IN FRONT AND TRAVEL GLOBALLY, DOMESTICALLY, EVERYWHERE.”

shipping and logistics. When the prime minister talks about it, top leaders are talking about it, that means there’s something in it. COVID brought the supply chain function to the fore.”

He added: “I’m an advocate, a promoter of technology in logistics. Whether we like it or not, it is going to happen. The question now is what AI can do, and what others can do. The mundane job of data collection and data analysis can be performed by AI, which otherwise takes a lot of time. But decisions will ultimately be taken by the individual. Executive judgment will always be there.

“There can be recommendations from AI, but recommendations have to be validated. In addition, the cargo volumes are increasing so much in every segment of the business that logisticians will find it very difficult to say that there will be a threat to their job.

“Instead, people should embrace

L&T is already seeing the benefits from its investment in the e2log transportation management platform.

the digital transformation, or the use of AI, as an enabler. It will enable people to experience growth, and their high-value judgment will be even more important.

“As technology advances, the shipping and logistics sector cannot be left behind – our heavy-lift and project cargo sector cannot be left behind.”

Larsen & Toubro is a US$27 billion Indian multinational enterprise engaged in EPC projects, hi-tech manufacturing and services, operating across multiple geographies. A customer–focused approach and a constant quest for quality have enabled L&T to attain and sustain leadership in its major lines of business for eight decades.

Involved in the project cargo industry since 2007, Luke King is managing editor of Breakbulk

*BGSN member

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

Credit: L&T

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CEVA ALMAJDOUIE LOGISTICS: A SAUDI POWERHOUSE EMERGES

CEVA Logistics and Almajdouie join forces to create a new joint venture logistics company in Saudi Arabia

Unveiled in 2024, the Dammamheadquartered company led by CEO Bassel El Dabbagh boasts a workforce of some 2,000 employees and a fleet of more than 2,000 assets, ready to revolutionize logistics in the Kingdom. In an exclusive interview with Breakbulk, El Dabbagh shares insights into the ambitious venture, followed by a case study spotlighting one of the company’s first major projects –the transport of three Boeing 777 fuselages from Jeddah to Riyadh.

Q: Can you give us an overview of the venture between CEVA and Almajdouie? What inspired the partnership?

One of the main reasons why we strongly believe in this partnership is that both entities share strong family values. From humble beginnings and a clear vision for the future, both businesses transformed into leading logistics groups that remain family owned. Opportunities and timing in Saudi Arabia were also key motivators for this JV. Under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 theme of “A Thriving Economy,” there are strategic objectives around the creation and improvement of logistics hubs, and regional and international connectivity via enhanced transport networks. Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to transform the country into a global

hub that will enable business growth and development. In 2023, nearly 60 logistics zones were launched. Today, 22 are currently active and 37 are in development with an anticipated finish date of 2030. These will include seven Special Economic Zones. Many mega projects increasingly require elaborate logistics solutions. To add to this, Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing its own manufacturing and exporting capabilities for both local and global markets. Therefore, the Kingdom will need robust endto-end logistics solutions, backed by advanced technology and strong local execution know-how and assets. The venture is uniquely positioned to address such demand.

Q: How do you intend to leverage the unique strengths of each company?

This is a unique partnership between a global logistics leader and a local logistics champion. It is a very complementary joint venture, with CEVA Logistics adding value through its extensive global network, global expertise and cutting-edge technology coupled with a persistent drive towards innovation. Almajdouie brings invaluable local execution expertise, local connections and know-how, presence across all key ports and airports in Saudi, over 2,300 transport and handling assets, over one million square meters of terminal space, and much more.

Given its global network in 170 countries, CEVA will enable the JV to connect Saudi’s imports and exports to all corners of the world. Likewise, one cannot do business effectively in the Kingdom without a deep understanding of the local landscape. Almajdouie Logistics has been in the country since 1965, following and supporting its unprecedented growth journey. The JV will offer robust endto-end supply chain services, with strong logistics offerings at its origin, destination and all points in between.

Q: What industries or sectors will the venture primarily focus on supporting? Are there any untapped markets you aim to explore?

We will continue to serve our conventional customer base in Saudi Arabia, especially in the fields of petrochemicals, energy and fastmoving consumer good (FMCG). With this new JV, we have won additional large energy and industrial projects in the last few months alone. Our customers are delighted that they now have a one-stop shop and a partner with an in-house capability to manage their freight forwarding and transportation needs from any country in the world to any (remote) corner in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the JV will focus on the sectors of defense & aerospace, automotive, eCommerce and luxury fashion & retail.

“THIS

IS A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN A GLOBAL LOGISTICS LEADER AND A LOCAL LOGISTICS CHAMPION”

Q: Does the company have plans to invest in new infrastructure such as warehouses, transport fleets or technology to support its operations?

We are surely looking into investing in selected infrastructure such as state-of-the-art warehouses and implementing CEVA global technology to support our operations in KSA.

Q: How will you measure the success of this joint venture over the next 5–10 years?

First and foremost, selecting the right partner for a JV in Saudi Arabia is not an easy task. The company culture needs to be fully aligned with the vision for the future, and this can be challenging when we bring together a global corporation and a leading local company. At CEVA Almajdouie Logistics we share a

joint commitment to Saudi Arabia and to excellence in logistics. We will move together focusing on continuous improvement and innovative, sustainable and resilient transport and logistics solutions across the country. Our measure of success is determined by the level of our alignment with the Kingdom’s vision and our customers’ feedback and satisfaction with our services.

Bassel El Dabbagh, CEVA Almajdouie Logistics

MILESTONE AIRCRAFT MOVE

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics Steers Boeing 777 Fuselages Across Saudi Arabia

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics carried out a milestone project involving the transportation of three Boeing 777 fuselages, six aircraft wings, and accessories from Jeddah to Riyadh. This impressive 1,250-kilometer journey

took 14 days to complete, including loading and offloading the cargo. The scale and complexity of the project showcases CEVA Almajdouie Logistics’ capabilities to manage complex outof-gauge cargo logistics. The retired

aircraft, once used for commercial transport in Saudi Arabia, are to be repurposed as a historic attraction as the Boulevard Runway for dining, entertainment and family-friendly activities at Riyadh Season 2024.

Credit:

Route Selection and Project Execution

Transporting aircraft by road is common practice, however moving three, 120-ton fuselages simultaneously is rare, posing unique logistical challenges. Ensuring safe transport required meticulous logistics engineering to balance the weight distribution and prevent damage to roads and the cargo. Months of planning preceded the transport project, with CEVA Almajdouie Logistics conducting comprehensive route surveys to identify the safest and most efficient route to minimize disruptions to local traffic and avoid major highways. The route selected for the journey consisted of less-traveled roads with small-town connections, which considerably reduced the challenges associated with main highway travel, such as bridges, overhead signs, electrical wires and cameras. The

decision to travel this particular path resulted in significant cost savings, including expenses associated with shutting down power lines and making highway modifications. Furthermore, using this route enabled CEVA Almajdouie Logistics to consolidate the three fuselages into a single convoy, saving further on operational costs and transit time.

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics coordinated with local authorities, including the Ministry of Transportation and Saudi Electric, to ensure safe navigation of overhead power lines, narrow roads and highly populated areas. Temporary electric shutdowns were limited to a maximum of 30, requiring precise logistical planning and effective collaboration with local entities. These relationships were instrumental in ensuring the timely and safe execution of the project. Due to the size of the convoy,

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage: MENA Project Overview

Monday, 10 February 10:45am - 11:15am

traveling against traffic in certain areas was unavoidable. With safety as a priority, the CEVA Almajdouie Logistics team coordinated with local authorities to manage these challenging segments, often traveling during low-traffic hours to avoid congestion. This flexible scheduling allowed the convoy to progress safely through urban zones without causing significant disturbances to local communities. Another challenge in the project was fuel for the prime movers. Due

CEVA Almajdouie Logistics transported three Boeing 777 fuselages, six aircraft wings and accessories from Jeddah to Riyadh.

Credit: CEVA Almajdouie Logistics

to the convoy’s size, standard fuel stations were too small. Working together with Aldrees Petroleum & Transport Services Company, fuel deliveries were carefully calculated and executed, delivering fuel directly to the vehicles along the transport route. Additionally, the prime movers were equipped with extended fuel tanks, reducing the number of refueling stops.

To ensure proper weight distribution and road safety, the CEVA Almajdouie Logistics team used 78 axle lines of specialized hydraulic trailers and 6x6 prime movers for the aircraft main bodies and 15 special extendable lowbed for transporting the aircraft wings. The trailers’ configurations were meticulously calculated by engineers to protect the road infrastructure, distributing the aircrafts’ weight evenly across multiple axles. Most of the assets used for this project are in-house owned.

Local Community Gets Onboard

The project was a great success, without any safety incidents or damage – a testament to CEVA Almajdouie Logistics’ expertise in managing complex, heavy-lift cargo operations. By transporting all three aircraft components in a single convoy, transit time was reduced and expenses reduced.

Community engagement played a key role throughout the duration of the project. During the 14day journey, local communities demonstrated their support and curiosity, offering food and beverages to those involved. The convoy’s progress was carefully documented, and its warm reception underscores the collaborative spirit within the Kingdom and added a human touch to an otherwise technical project.

The success of this complex transport project provided valuable insights for future projects of similar scale. By opting for alternative

transport routes and consolidating cargo into a single convoy, the CEVA Almajdouie Logistics team maximized efficiency and minimized costs. Additionally, coordination with local stakeholders and authorities proved essential, with their cooperation ensuring smooth power line shutdowns and traffic management. Moreover, the project confirmed the value of leveraging additional fuel tanks on prime movers to maximize transport flexibility and decrease refueling stops.

This project has set a new benchmark for large-scale transport operations within Saudi Arabia. The successful delivery of three Boeing 777 fuselages over 1,250 kilometers demonstrates CEVA Almajdouie Logistics’ ability to handle even the most complex logistical challenges. The project’s success solidifies CEVA Almajdouie Logistics’ reputation as a leader in project logistics and opens the door to more ambitious projects in the future.

The project was a great success, without any safety incidents or damage.

Credit: CEVA Almajdouie Logistics

DP WORLD: SUPPORTING THE GCC’S EXPANDING BREAKBULK SECTOR

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is experiencing significant growth in breakbulk logistics, fuelled by infrastructure development and large-scale projects. Among the key contributors to this progression is DP World, which has developed infrastructure and logistics solutions to meet the region’s increasing demand for transporting oversized and noncontainerised cargo.

Supporting Regional Needs

Jebel Ali Port, which handled 4.35 million tonnes of breakbulk cargo in 2023, is a vital hub within the GCC’s breakbulk logistics network.

Complementing Jebel Ali, Mina Al Hamriya efficiently handles diverse vessels, including dhows and Ro-Ro ships. Together, these ports enhance the region’s logistics capabilities and support its economic growth.

The company expects continued growth in 2025, driven by the region’s ambitious economic agenda and focus on industrial development, which is reflected in robust predictions for the breakbulk and project cargo sector.

The demand growth for finished steel is projected to increase by 3.3% to 58.7 million tonnes in 2025, with ongoing mega projects in construction and energy driving strong demand. With growth in the Middle East expected to far outstrip many other regions, Dubai will continue to build on its position as a global hub for breakbulk.

A Collaborative Approach to Complex Logistics

DP World’s capabilities in the GCC come to the forefront when projects become especially complex. International

engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) clients often face disruptive challenges from supply chain delays to engineering setbacks and labour shortages. Adverse weather conditions, rising site costs, and quality concerns related to traditional methods like welding can also compound the issue for many customers.

In response to these challenges, DP World implements integrated logistics solutions that consolidate containerised and breakbulk cargo into large project shipments. This streamlined approach allowed for the efficient transport of critical components to sites, ensuring timely delivery and operational continuity.

For one EPC partner, over the course of five years, 18 major projects worldwide were delivered successfully, cutting construction times and reducing overall project site management costs by over a third. By integrating logistics, engineering, and project management, DP World provided a comprehensive solution that overcame the client’s challenges, setting a new benchmark for project logistics in the breakbulk sector.

Integrated Operations: RoRo and Breakbulk

Jebel Ali Port also facilitates synergy between Ro-Ro and breakbulk operations, enabling efficient handling of diverse cargo. The Ro-Ro berths, capable of accommodating up to 1 million car equivalent units, support the transport of large vehicles and equipment required by sectors like construction and energy.

As the automotive industry

advances with electric and hybrid technologies, the port supports supply chains for key markets, ensuring the seamless transport of oversized components.

Technology and Sustainability

DP World has invested in digital platforms and technologies like SeaRates.com and CARGOES Flow, enhancing tracking, visibility, and predictive logistics planning. Blockchain integration ensures secure data sharing and improved efficiency across supply chains. Aligned with global decarbonisation goals, DP World incorporates sustainability into its operations by utilising energy-efficient ships, green terminals, and carbon offset programs. Its specialised logistics solutions also support the transport of renewable energy components, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

A Vision for 2025 and Beyond

As the GCC invests heavily in infrastructure and industrial projects, DP World’s facilities and expertise remain essential to the region’s economic ambitions. In 2025, breakbulk volumes are expected to continue growing, supported by ongoing megaprojects and industrial expansion. With its advanced infrastructure, technological innovation, and commitment to sustainability, DP World is well-positioned to drive the next phase of growth for breakbulk logistics and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in the region’s trade ecosystem.

Emomentum like never before.

From road and rail to ports, water, and energy, the country is transforming. With a government committed to driving progress, infrastructure development is a priority and the project sector is not just promising – it’s flourishing, say project cargo experts.

“Egypt is part of our priority one region – a key focus area,” says Rafael Vicens, head of global projects and industry solutions, Middle East & Africa, at DB Schenker. “With

major infrastructure projects like high-speed rail and renewable energy developments, the country is poised for growth in the coming years.

“The discovery of large natural gas fields, like Zohr, and the push for green hydrogen projects show Egypt’s potential as a future energy hub. These developments along with investments in wind farms and solar energy make the region vital for us.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ahmed El Dahshan, managing director of

highlighted Egypt’s unique position as a logistics powerhouse. “Egypt’s strategic position as a gateway between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, combined with ongoing investments in the Suez Canal and industrial zones, solidifies its role as a natural logistics hub for North Africa.

“The government is actively developing these areas to attract manufacturing and investment, creating long-term opportunities for the logistics sector.”

Credit: Egytrans

infrastructure and project cargo sectors has been on an upward trajectory for some time. In 2016, the government announced its Vision 2030 strategy, setting the stage for change. The strategy has spawned several large-scale projects, including the new administrative capital – an estimated US$58 billion undertaking to create a new city from scratch. Built in the desert 45 kilometers east of Cairo, the development has been under construction for the past eight years.

on a high-speed railway network set for completion in 2027. The Siemens mobility project spans 2,000 kilometers of railway and will be home to the second-fastest train in Africa.

According to Siemens, the first phase of the project’s construction is making significant progress. The Green Line, which spans 660 kilometers from Ain Sokhna to Marsa Matrouh via Cairo and Alexandria, has seen track laying, train stations and bridges being built by local contractors. Key milestones

AT BREAKBULK MIDDLE EAST…

Main Stage: MENA Project Overview

Monday, Feb. 10 10:45am - 11:15am

also include the installation of the first four transformers and constructing two substations for the electrified railway.

A second, 1,100-km line will run between Greater Cairo and Abu Simbel near the Sudan border, supporting urban development to the south. A third line will cover 225 kilometers, connecting the archaeological World Heritage sites in Luxor with Hurghada and Safaga harbor by the Red Sea, and easing freight transport to Egypt’s interior.

“We have been involved with this project from a general cargo perspective, and while there have been some delays, indications are that volumes will start picking up in 2025 as this project moves forward,” said Vicens.

“We have also assisted with 250 heavy-lifts, including eight gas turbines of 482 tons each for the Burullus Power Plant . We also moved 12 generators of 394 tons each and 12 transformers of 180 tons for this project. Other projects include the Toshka Electricity project and the Benban Solar Project .”

Key Project Drivers

Ahmed Nabil, project manager at Egytrans, says Egypt is making significant investments in energy, petrochemicals and mobility.

“We recently completed one of the largest wind farm projects in Egypt, transporting 77 wind turbine generators and managing all aspects of the logistics from the port to the project site,” he said.

“Notably, the turbine blades for this project were the longest ever transported in Africa, measuring 84.5 meters . We are now preparing to handle a new project with turbine blades that are even longer.”

Simon Duke, CEO of Middle East & Asia-Pacific at Trans Global Projects Logistics , has also noticed an uptick in breakbulk and project cargo movements in Egypt. “This has been largely driven by infrastructure development, including a notable US$6.6 billion commitment to developing the country’s maritime industry capacity. These efforts aim to diversify Egypt’s freight cargo split and strengthen its logistics sector,” he told Breakbulk . Additionally, the Egyptian government allocated US$5.96

Egypt is making significant investments in energy, petrochemicals and mobility, according to Egytrans. Credit: Egytrans

Rafael Vicens, DB Schenker

Simon Duke, TGP

Ahmed Nabil, Egytrans

billion in 2021 to advance critical infrastructure projects, further fueling the demand for project cargo logistics.

Significant port projects include the Ain Sokhna Port Expansion on the Red Sea, which is set to add 720,000 square meters to the port and increase container terminal capacity to 1.61 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. The project is progressing rapidly, with operations expected to commence within 18 months.

The Damietta Port Expansion is another major endeavor, backed by a US$455 million investment to develop a second container terminal. Once completed in 2025, this expansion will triple the port’s capacity, further enhancing Egypt’s maritime capabilities.

According to El Dahshan of KML, the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant , built by Russia’s Rosatom, is another project driving up project cargo volumes. The US$30 billion project, currently under construction, consists of four power units with a combined capacity of 4.8 gigawatts (GW).

Vicens at DB Schenker said developments in the oil and gas sector, particularly ENI’s Zohr Gas Field Development, were being watched closely with additional drilling to boost production planned for the first quarter of 2025. “The Egypt Green Hydrogen Project with Scatec as lead developer is also taking off with a green ammonia offtake agreement signed earlier this year,” he said.

Geopolitical Pressures Threaten Momentum

Despite the massive potential, it is, however, not all smooth sailing. “Egypt is going through a phase of hyperinflation – almost on the same level as Argentina, Pakistan and Ethiopia – and that is quite disturbing,” said El Dahshan.

“There’s a scarcity of hard currency and imports have declined sharply due to government restrictions on items like cars and mobile phones to stop the outflow of dollars and euros. Over the past ten years, the government has taken out international loans for some of the more grandiose projects such as the power plants, the capital city and the railway system – at high costs – and is now having a hard time paying the money back.”

Only a few years ago, one U.S. dollar was worth five Egyptian pounds; today it is almost 50 pounds. This has affected a number of projects, which are on hold with no indication of moving forward for the foreseeable future.

“Right now, the obvious challenge is FX currency,” said Vicens. “The local currency has devalued a lot. While funds coming in have helped for now, if the IMF doesn’t announce another package, or if the money doesn’t keep coming, Egypt will face serious trouble. The local currency will devalue again and projects will be delayed even more.”

From a geopolitical perspective, Egypt is also under pressure. The country is surrounded by instability. There is the civil war in Libya to the west, conflict in Sudan to the south and the ongoing war in Gaza to the east. This has led to the country having to deal with a refugee crisis, with millions of foreigners flocking to its shores, putting further strain on the economy. An ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over the equitable use of water out of the Nile has only added political and economic stress.

All of these challenges have been compounded by the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea, where continued attacks on vessels have forced many to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope rather than through the Suez Canal. The canal, responsible for approximately 60% of Egypt’s revenue, has been severely impacted

by this disruption. Reports show that income from the Suez Canal dropped by as much as 64.3% to around US$337.8 million in May this year, compared to US$648 million recorded in May 2023.

According to Vicens, it underscores the fragility of the country’s primary economic arteries. “The Red Sea situation is concerning as the country is not getting muchneeded revenue. This is affecting the economy significantly. Also, the geopolitical tensions and uncertainty complicate current project realization, while many other projects are on hold or even being cancelled.”

El Dahshan said the next few months would be critical. Developments in the Red Sea, particularly regarding security and stability, are expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether Suez Canal traffic can recover. “We all remain cautiously optimistic that increased maritime activity could bring more foreign exchange into Egypt’s economy, providing much-needed relief,” he said.

“Egypt’s growth potential is substantial,” added Nabil. “With the right policies and investment, it has the potential to become one of the leading emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa.”

As Egypt continues establishing itself as a critical global logistics hub, the project cargo sector is emerging as a key growth driver. This sector is expected to experience significant expansion in the coming years, with Egypt positioning itself to capitalize on its strategic location and infrastructure developments.

“We foresee a massive increase in the volume of project cargo during the next five to ten years,” said Nabil.

Liesl Venter is a transportation journalist based in South Africa.

*Breakbulk Exhibitor * BGSN member

ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS FOR ARAMCO’S MASSIVE MODULES

J M Baxi Heavy and L&T Team Up on Multi-Year Offshore Energy Project

By Malcolm Ramsay

The US$21 billion Marjan oilfield, Saudi Aramco’s ambitious offshore energy development, has driven numerous project cargo movements in recent years, pushing the boundaries of engineering and logistics expertise.

One example of this was the transport and installation of jackets and decks by Indian cargo specialist J M Baxi Heavy for L&T Hydrocarbon, the EPC contractor for this project. The complex task involved extensive pre-planning and resulted in the movement of four tie-in platforms, a tie platform module, nine wellhead deck modules, 217 kilometers of subsea pipelines and 145 kilometers of subsea cables.

“The transport and load-out for this project had several challenges, particularly the three decks requiring a float-over installation, where barge dimensions were non-negotiable,” Sameer Parikh, chief business officer at J M Baxi, told Breakbulk

Part of the Marjan Increment Program, first announced in 2017, this project was the latest in a series of expansions designed to increase crude production at the offshore field by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) and ethane and natural gas liquids (NGLs) output by as much as 360,000 bpd.

Aramco awarded the contract for fabrication and installation of the jackets and decks to L&T Hydrocarbon in 2019, but the COVID pandemic a few months later brought significant delays, disrupting schedules and necessitating timeline extensions. As a result, the movement of the outsized components was unable to begin until November 2023.

J M Baxi was contracted by L&T Hydrocarbon for all engineering, transportation and load-out of jackets and decks from a site around 300 kilometers north of Mumbai on India’s west coast to Aramco’s offshore development in the Persian Gulf, with the vast cargo “collectively weighing more than 17,000 tonnes.”

Sameer Parikh, J M Baxi Heavy

To meet this challenge, J M Baxi spent months planning the move in detail to ensure every step of the process, from the fabrication site to final installation, was meticulously covered. This resulted in a route involving over 1,700 nautical miles of transport by sea from the Hazira shipyard to the project site.

Headquartered in Mumbai, J M Baxi traces its origins as a shipping firm back to 1916 and today specializes in heavy and over-dimensional cargo transport, lifting and offshore operations. The group serves the petrochemical, power and offshore energy industries with advanced equipment, including 308 self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs), 366 hydraulic axles, 31 prime movers and high-capacity strand jacks. Their fleet also features ocean-going barges and cranes capable of handling up to 250 tons.

Mammoth Modules

Each weighing over 5,000 tonnes, the topsides are key components of the offshore platforms and present unique challenges for lifting and transport. Measuring 73.67 meters in length, 49.50 meters in width and 47.91 meters in height, the giant structures were fabricated at L&T Hydrocarbon’s Modular Fabrication Yard at Hazira, in the state of Gujarat, on India’s west coast.

The first of the giant modules to be loaded out was TP-11, weighing a colossal 5,663 tonnes. Operations

Dharmendra Gangrade, L&T

commenced in late November 2023 and concluded a few days later, with the final load-out weight, including axles, coming in at over a kilotonne heavier.

Next in line was the heaviest of the batch, the 6,314-tonne TP-13, which was moved between February and March 2024. The final module, TP-12, had a factory weight of 5,554 tonnes and was loaded out in May 2024.

“The stowage plan was fixed to ensure proper alignment and to tackle the tidal range of one to six meters at Hazira Jetty’s load-out, classified as Class-1 under DNV-GL standards, making it a critical operation,” said Dharmendra Gangrade, head of Logistics Management Centre at L&T.

Load-outs were carefully scheduled to align with high tides, ensuring a minimum of five meters water depth, however this meant a narrow window for completion. “Due to the moon’s cycle, suitable tidal conditions limited load-outs to approximately 18-20 days

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Meticulously-Planned Operation

The execution of each load-out was a meticulously-planned operation completed in an impressive 36 hours, from the initial insertion of the axles to the final placement onto the HDB402, a 400-class float-over barge.

Weighing a combined 18,000 tonnes and comprising 530,000 freight units, these modules represent a monumental achievement, with the partners hailing the move a “paradigm shift in engineering and logistics capabilities.”

In addition to the topsides, a variety of jackets – the supporting structures for the topsides – were also part of the load-out. These ranged in weight from approximately 100 tonnes to more than 1,000 tonnes, each jacket loaded out on carefully planned dates throughout 2024. In total, 35 jackets are planned for the project, including accessories such as boat landings and conductors for the oilfields.

The first of these, MNIF 540/549, was loaded out on April 3, 2024 and weighed 415.87 tonnes. A further nine were moved over the course of the next six months. These components were first transferred onto barges and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels at Hazira L Jetty for the final offshore destination.

“The jackets were being fabricated vertically and the center of gravity of these jackets required precise planning and transport,” Gangrade said. “The fabrication was planned throughout the year, hence the need to plan shipments during monsoon when RoRo ships were used, however we needed to maintain a non-stop flow of jackets offshore to avoid crane idling.”

When combined with a high center of gravity, the vertical orientation of the jackets caused a number of issues for transport as it greatly increased the risk of instability during transport and load-out. This was further complicated by the schedule

which required constant shipment, in spite of often inclement weather.

“The shipments were planned throughout the year, including the monsoon season where high winds and swell required significant analysis of the towing operations,” Parikh said. “This period is known for its unpredictable weather and rough sea conditions, which can significantly impact marine operations.”

To counter these risks, the teams undertook detailed pre-planning and ensured close communication between all stakeholders throughout the entire process. Higher-capacity tugs were also deployed to mitigate the impact of strong winds and heavy swells, ensuring the stability and safety of the jackets during transport. “This meticulous approach was critical in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of these massive structures,” Parikh said.

Turbulent Waters

While these powerful tugs were essential for navigating the turbulent

waters and maintaining control over the heavy structures, they did not fully mitigate the risk of toppling. As a result, the teams sought to further enhance stability amid the harsh marine conditions, introducing reinforced lashing and securing measures to effectively anchor the jackets and prevent movement during the voyage.

“J M Baxi’s expertise in heavy logistics and maritime operations played a vital role in this project,” Gangrade concludes. “This complex logistics operation highlights the technical expertise and collaborative efforts crucial for large-scale industrial projects.”

The Marjan field expansion project is now one step closer, with the majority of the 32 packages well under way and the remaining projects in various stages of development. Key contractors, including Saipem and McDermott, are working on a number of major engineering, procurement and construction contracts with completion estimated this year.

“This project underscores the industry’s advanced engineering and logistics capabilities, overcoming challenges of high CG, unpredictable weather and rough seas,” Parikh said, hailing the combination of “precision, coordination, and expertise” required to accomplish this unique offshore energy project.

Operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, Larsen & Toubro is a US$27 billion Indian multinational engaged in EPC projects, hi-tech manufacturing. L&T Energy Hydrocarbon, the company’s hydrocarbon business, offers integrated ‘design-to-build’ solutions to the entire hydrocarbon industry, encompassing engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction, project management services and asset life services across multiple geographies.

Based in the UK, Malcolm Ramsay has a background in business analysis and technology writing, with an emphasis on transportation and ports.

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J M Baxi Heavy and L&T worked together to move four tie-in platforms, a tie platform module, nine wellhead deck modules plus subsea pipelines and cables. Credit: J M Baxi Heavy

AL FARIS PROVES HEAVY-LIFT EXPERTISE IN UAE

By Simon West

More Than 500 ODC Packages Delivered for Borouge 4 Petrochemical Project

Al Faris has once again demonstrated its expertise in tackling largescale industrial projects after it successfully handled more than 500 over-dimensional cargo packages for the Borouge 4 petrochemical complex in Ruwais, UAE.

The heavy-lift specialist was called into action after Borouge, a joint venture (JV) between UAE state energy company ADNOC and Austria-based chemical manufacturer Borealis, awarded construction contracts for the expansion of the petrochemical facility to engineering firms Technip Energies and Maire Tecnimont in late 2021.

Vimal Jose, commercial manager at Al Faris, told Breakbulk that a large chunk of the company’s transport resources was allocated to the project in 2024, mainly to meet demand from the near-constant arrival of ocean vessels into

AD Ports Group’s Mugharraq Port in the western Al Dhafra region.

Among the massive components offloaded and delivered by Al Faris were a 365-tonne cracked gas dryer tower, a 216-tonne cold flare drum and a pair of 102-tonne warm flare drums. The heaviest pieces were two, 510-tonne gas phase reactors measuring 36.6 meters long and 10 meters wide, which were carried from the fabrication yard to the port.

To transport the cargo, Al Faris deployed its own specialized equipment including hydraulic multi-axle trailers, heavy-duty tractors and self-propelled modular trailers (SPMTs). Most of the deliveries from Mugharraq – which AD Ports officially inaugurated in 2023 to serve as a hub for local oil and gas operations including downstream facilities at Ruwais – took between three and four nights, Jose said.

Dubai-headquartered Al Faris, the region’s largest crane and transport vehicle rental contractor, was also tasked with delivering 21 pipe racks from their fabrication facilities in Jebel Ali to the Borouge 4 site. The biggest of these elevated steel structures, typically used in chemical plants to support piping, cable trays and power cables, measured 36 meters long and weighed 120 tonnes.

“During the design phase of the pipe racks, we collaborated closely with our customers to ensure they were optimized for road transportation,” Jose said. “We then successfully transported the units from Jebel Ali to Ruwais. To navigate the journey, we obtained special approvals from authorities to safely transport these heavy loads across bridges.”

One of the toughest hurdles for the project team was navigating a dense network of electrical lines with

Credit: Al Faris

A significant portion of Al Faris’s transport resources were allocated to the

More than 500 ODC packages were delivered, including two, 510-tonne reactors.

varying voltages along the route, all the while ensuring the necessary clearance levels were upheld. Tackling the challenge required close coordination and negotiations with local distribution and transmission companies such as Transco and ADDC.

“We arranged several route modifications to ensure the safe transportation of the cargo, particularly in cases where the cargo and trailer did not have sufficient clearance under the power lines,” Jose said.

A World-Class Project in the UAE

Billed as one of the UAE’s largest industrial projects, Borouge 4 is the fourth expansion phase of the sprawling Ruwais polyolefins complex in Abu Dhabi. Covering some 3.4 million square meters – equivalent to 500 football pitches – the US$6.2 billion project will boost Borouge’s total production

capacity by about 30% to 6.4 million tonnes per year, making it the world’s largest single-site polyolefin complex.

Alongside colossal processing units, Borouge 4’s construction phase is also calling for the transport and installation of 7,500 kilometers of cables, 340,000 cubic meters of concrete and 77,500 tonnes of structural steel. Operations are slated to start by the end of 2025.

Technip Energies is working alongside TARGET Engineering to build a 1.5 million tonne-peryear ethane cracker, while Maire Tecnimont’s subsidiary Tecnimont will construct two new polyethylene production plants and a 1-hexene plant, associated utilities and offsites, and a 100,000 tonne per year crosslinkable-polyethylene (XLPE) plant.

“This transport project has been a milestone for us in establishing ourselves into the heavy haulage market in the UAE, especially in Abu Dhabi,”

Jose said. “With state-of-the-art equipment, precision engineering and first glass operations, we are delighted to have served our customers beyond their expectations, giving us more business opportunities and the ability to spread our wings in this niche market.”

Colombia-based Simon West is senior reporter for Breakbulk.

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Al Faris deployed its own specialized equipment to handle the cargo.

Credit: Al Faris

project. Credit: Al Faris

Credit: Al Faris

CUSTOM LIFTING FOR UK’S FLAGSHIP NUCLEAR PROJECT

SOLUTIONS

One of the oldest nuclear sites in the UK, Hinkley Point has a long history that stretches back almost 70 years. Over this time, it has seen numerous expansions, often entailing cutting-edge construction techniques, and the latest stage in its development is no different, with the £33 billion Hinkley Point C project.

Developed by EDF , the project marks a significant step toward the UK’s clean energy targets and is slated to begin operations between 2029 and 2031, adding 3.2 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity, enough to power approximately six million homes.

A key milestone in the construction of this giant complex was the recent delivery and installation of a 730-tonne reactor cavity precast pool, carried out by civil engineering joint venture (JV) Bylor in partnership with specialist lifting equipment manufacturer Modulift . “The biggest challenge Modulift faced was how soon the custom beams were required for the lift,” Marcos Sanz Gomez, principal engineer and engineering manager at Modulift, commented. “This was to meet a critical project deadline onsite at Hinkley Point C. We overcame this by offering a solution that could be designed and manufactured within the required timescales, but also meet the specific needs of the project.”

Bylor is a JV between French infrastructure firm Bouygues Travaux Publics (TP) and English construction group Laing O’Rourke, and has been contracted for engineering work worth over £2.8 billion at Hinkley Point C.

Modulift Delivers Speed and Safety at Hinkley Point

By Malcolm Ramsay

Steady Progress

C

Construction first began on Hinkley Point C in 2016, with an area of 430 acres in Somerset in the west of England designated for two pressurized nuclear water reactors, known as EPRs. The base of the first of these was completed in 2019 and work then turned to the construction of the second.

Shortly thereafter, the project faced delays due to the pandemic and restrictions in material availability but, despite these issues, steady progress continued on the site and EDF appointed Bylor as contractor to deliver Hinkley Point C’s main civil engineering works.

A central part of this remit was the installation of the cavity pool, a prefabricated concrete structure designed to house the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) and other essential components of the nuclear reactor. Serving as a containment structure that provides both structural support and safety features, this huge component is essential for the operation of the nuclear reactor, but delivery and installation of this piece presented several challenges.

The sheer size and weight of the unit required precise engineering and logistical planning, from construction in the onsite prefabrication yard at Pool Bunker East, through component assembly and final positioning within the reactor building. The unique nature of the pool meant that every millimeter of movement had to be carefully orchestrated and signed off by a team of construction engineers, lifting specialists and construction methods engineers.

Modulift arranged the installation of a 730-tonne reactor cavity precast pool at Hinkley Point C. Credit: Modulift

UK-based Modulift supplies highperformance modular spreader beams and interchangeable frames.

Credit: Modulift

Artur Osicki, temporary works lead at Bylor, told Breakbulk of the complexities involved in the lifting process: “One of the key challenges we faced was the unique geometry of the lifted element. The reactor cavity precast pool is not a standard shape, and its dimensions required meticulous planning to ensure a safe and stable lift.

“Additionally, the number of lifting points had to be carefully calculated to distribute the weight in line with permanent works design assumptions and avoid any potential overstress points.”

The project also had to comply with rigorous UK compliance standards, demanding safety and efficiency at every step.

Selecting the Right Equipment

Bylor began the search for appropriate lifting solutions that would provide suitable levels of control and tolerance. The first step was selecting a crane and for this they turned to Belgian heavy-lift equipment manufacturer and operator Sarens

Given the size of the project, the team opted to “go big,” selecting the largest lifting capacity on offer, the SGC-250. Known as Big Carl, the SGC250 is not only Sarens’ largest, but also the second most powerful land-based crane in the world after Mammoet’s SK6000. Launched in 2018, this giant machine is the third generation of the SGC series and has a maximum boom length of nearly 200 meters and a maximum load of 5,000 tonnes.

“Big Carl took on its first assignment at Hinkley Point C [and] has been onsite at the plant since 2019, supporting the construction,” a spokesperson for Sarens said, adding that the crane is commissioned to perform more than 1,000 lifts at the site.

Although this enormous crane provided more than enough lifting power, the intricacies of the move meant that precise control was paramount, and for this Bylor turned to Modulift for a solution.

Headquartered in Poole, England, Modulift has been a leading supplier of high-performance heavy-lifting equipment for over two decades. Founded in 2002 by Sue Spencer, technical director, the firm specializes in modular spreader beams and interchangeable spreader frames, offering an engineering service from initial design concepts to manufacture.

“All lifting equipment is precisely designed using state-of-the-art engineering technology and Finite Element Studies,” Sarah Spivey, managing director at Modulift, explained. “By leveraging our engineering expertise and 20+ years of experience in the nuclear sector,

we ensure all lifting equipment adheres to rigorous UK compliance standards such as BS EN.”

Custom Beams

With the specifications for the lift and the installation in hand, Modulift then began the task of designing a suitable solution. The complexity of the reactor cavity precast pool lift required a custom approach, and Modulift’s expertise in designing and manufacturing lifting beams made them the ideal partner.

“Custom beams were designengineered by our in-house team and fabricated onsite at our production facility in Poole, Dorset,” Sanz Gomez of Modulift said. “Our in-house engineering team considered the specific requirements and restrictions of the lift and designed a suitable beam to meet these needs.

“In this case, custom underslung beams were used to support the heavy precast pools and designed specifically to suit the reactor’s prefabricated elements, weight and dimensions.”

An underslung lifting beam, also known as an underslung bottom beam or lifting frame, is mounted beneath the load, allowing for more controlled and precise lifting operations. This typically means that it can distribute the weight evenly, minimizing the risk of load shifting during lifting. The placement of attachment points for slings or hooks at each end is also vital to secure the load being lifted.

Close Collaboration

Bylor’s Methods and Temporary Works Design team then collaborated closely with Modulift’s in-house engineering team to provide a series of detailed drawings that included critical dimensions, weights and centers of gravity. Through this process, a comprehensive sequence of operations was defined that integrated Modulift’s custom products into the lifting process.

“The custom design and fabrication process at Modulift includes understanding the customer’s requirements, designengineering a solution to fit these needs, and then refining the design before it is approved by the customer and moves to the fabrication stage,” Gomez said. “This process was carried out using a controlled and appropriately managed revision and approval system to ensure everything was going to fit and work correctly onsite.”

With the design process complete, fabrication of the beams was carried out at Modulift’s 23,500 square-foot manufacturing facility in the south of England.

“There was one-to-one communication between Modulift and Bylor for technical aspects and the same for commercial,” Osicki said, noting that the beams played “a crucial role in the ongoing construction of Hinkley Point C, supporting the installation of key infrastructure elements.”

The success of this move has seen Modulift expand its involvement at Hinkley Point C, delivering product training for the MEH Alliance Lifting Team, a consortium of contractors covering complex mechanical, electrical, HVAC and associated services across the site.

Osicki added: “Modulift’s reputation for precision engineering and quality assurance provides us with the confidence that all equipment complies with

regulations for the UK market. Each custom piece of equipment comes with comprehensive user instructions, ensuring safe and efficient operations on site.”

Future Steps

With the cavity pool securely installed, the project now shifts to the installation of the reactor itself, followed by the monumental task of lifting the 245-tonne steel dome to cap the second reactor building. This dome will not only make the building weatherproof, but also pave the way for mechanical and electrical teams to install critical pipes, equipment and cables.

The 47-meter-wide dome for the first reactor building was successfully installed in December 2023, marking a significant milestone, and, since then, construction on the second reactor unit has accelerated, with teams leveraging lessons from the first unit

Looking ahead, Osicki said “much like the operations already executed on the UNIT1, the UNIT2 will involve several megalifts, with some even more substantial and challenging due to larger and heavier loads.”

In a notable achievement, in May 2024 the first of Hinkley Point C’s eight 520-tonne steam generators arrived safely at the site after a complex journey by sea and road.

Engineering teams recently completed lifting and placement of the 423-tonne steel liner ring for the second reactor, leaving just the dome to be placed. This lift is scheduled for later this year, bringing the project one step closer to completion.

Based in the UK, Malcolm Ramsay has a background in business analysis and technology writing, with an emphasis on transportation and ports.

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Sarah Spivey, Modulift

NUCLEAR REACTOR INSTALLED IN ‘FEAT OF ENGINEERING’

By Malcolm Ramsay

In December 2024, the Hinkley project reached a new milestone when the reactor unit was finally installed, marking the first nuclear reactor to be installed in the UK for more than 30 years.

The 13-meter-long reactor pressure vessel (RPV) was housed in a 500-tonne steel container and had been transported to the site from France, where it was fabricated by Nuclear Steam Supply Systems (NSSS) designer and manufacturer, Framatome.

“From a technical point of view, the main challenge was to adapt vessel lifting gears to the specific lifting point of the reactor and manage a safe procedure to connect the removable pin to the slings,” Élodie Ollat, manager transport and logistics for Framatome Saint-Marcel, told Breakbulk. “From a logistics point of view, the main challenge was ensuring transhipment

coordination between barge and vessel, as the barge had a limited time frame to operate within the port.

Delivery to the site was completed in February 2023, with the reactor held in storage until procedures began for the final process to lift the unit into place and install. To achieve this complex move, the RPV was first winched up the side of the 44-meter-tall reactor building, using a custom lifting system from Mammoet that took 12 hours to complete.

Gavin Kerr, global cranes director at Mammoet, called the move an “exceptional use of our containerized winch systems, outside and inside the reactor building. Multiple combined techniques were involved in what really is precision work.”

After the huge steel cylinder was lifted to the correct height it was transferred onto rails for movement

The reactor pressure vessel was winched up the side of the 44-meter-tall reactor building using a custom lifting system from Mammoet.

inside the structure, travelling through an equipment hatch that was 19.5 meters tall. Once in place, it was then rotated using a large internal polar crane before being lowered onto a support ring.

This entire process had to be completed within very tight tolerances and strict safety procedures to safeguard the sensitive cargo, with just 40mm clearance on either side.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the installation of the UK’s first RPV in more than a generation, hailing “a significant feat of engineering and a major step forward for the UK’s most advanced nuclear project,” noting that it will provide around 7% of the UK’s electricity demand over the next 60 years.

The next step for the installation will see giant steam turbines fitted to the plant, each capable of producing

1,770 megawatts (MW). These giant units will both be 50 meters in height, setting a new record for the world’s largest turbines and forming part of a massive powertrain fed by a total of eight steam generators.

Developed by French engineering group Arabelle Solutions, the Hinkley Point C turbines will be the latest evolution of its tested design, beating its own record for the world’s largest steam turbine, currently in operation at Taishan Nuclear Power Plant in China. The huge components will feature the largest last-stage blade ever made and will produce 3.2GW of low-carbon electricity once operational.

“At 72 meters long, Arabelle is comparable in size to an Airbus 380 airplane, made to the precision of a Swiss watch,” said Noel Zagala, nuclear sourcing key account leader at Arabelle Solutions. Alongside the giant turbines, the power station project will involve installation of 360 kilometers of pipes and 10,000 kilometers of cable.

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Top: Installed in December, the RPV was fabricated by Framatome. The entire installation process had to be completed within very tight tolerances and strict safety procedures to safeguard the sensitive cargo.

Credit: EDF

DOUBLING DOWN ON DECOMMISSIONING

By Felicity Landon

Credit: Mammoet

Mammoet’s Critical Role in One of World’s Biggest Gas Well Closure Projects

The Netherlands is embarking on one of the most ambitious gas well decommissioning programs the world has ever seen. With 800 wells, 350 locations and 1,750 km of pipelines slated for closure over the next 10 to 15 years, the SITURN initiative represents a new frontier in dismantling decades of fossil fuel infrastructure.

Overseen by NAM, the ShellExxonMobil joint venture exploration and production company, in partnership with Arcadis, WellGear and equipment giant Mammoet, this huge effort is setting a precedent for safe and efficient well closure operations – and capturing the attention of the energy sector.

The project will see the decommissioning of every closed onshore gas well in the Netherlands, including the Groningen gas field wells first discovered in 1959. Mammoet’s role is to provide the critical logistical and engineering support for this massive program.

NAM has been producing Groningen natural gas since 1963 but the Dutch government ordered its closure and production stopped at the beginning of 2024. Groningen gas production undoubtedly brought prosperity to the region and the country, but not everyone is sorry to see it shuttered.

Over the years, residents living above the gas field have endured earthquakes caused by gas production – the most dramatic being in 2012, when an earthquake of magnitude 3.6 on the Richter scale hit the area near Huizinge.

A NAM spokesperson said that while the closure of the Groningen gas field was government-ordered, closure of the other fields has been for technical or economic reasons, and not linked to energy transition. “On the contrary, if there is not sufficient energy produced through sustainable sources, gas – especially gas produced from in-country sources – has a role to play in the transition to a new energy system,” the spokesperson said.

Global Intrigue

Nevertheless, as the energy transition gathers pace, we can expect to see more well closure operations around the world. The oil and gas industry is “very intrigued” by this project and its execution in the Netherlands, said Martin Alards, Mammoet’s project manager, not least because decommissioning a well is often more challenging than constructing one.

The NAM program is one of the biggest gas well closure projects in the world and closure of the first well began in May 2024. Mammoet’s scope is to coordinate and oversee onsite preparations before the arrival of WellGear’s P&A (Plug & Abandonment) hydraulic workover unit, which fills the gas production wells with cement caps to shut them in. The equipment itself is electrically driven, to reduce both the carbon and noise impact of the project.

Mammoet is managing the transport, site preparations, assembly and disassembly of the P&A unit as it ‘visits’ each location, overseeing all road and onsite logistics. The 180-ton P&A unit and peripheral equipment, including pumps, waste tanks and accommodation units, amount to about 50 truckloads.

The components will be moved to each location on conventional trailers, pulled by prime movers. The unit will then be assembled and disassembled using mobile cranes with capacities of 100-230 tons.

Mammoet is deploying trailers

and mobile cranes, including a 450ton mobile crane for “well hops,” where multiple wells are found in one location and only the WellGear unit needs to be repositioned.

While this is not the biggest project Mammoet has ever taken on, globally speaking, Alards said: “In this particular market segment – gas well closure – it most definitely is.”

He described the project as a “first“, explaining: “We have been active in the oil and gas industry for many, many decades, of course, but the closure of wells and all the work related to that represents a different challenge.”

Safety Drawings

Mammoet is supporting WellGear with rig layout plans to determine how the parts and equipment will be stored at each location before assembly begins. It is also assisting with safety drawings and location safety plans, and its engineers are providing guidance on whether civil works are needed to create space to accommodate the equipment in some of the more remote locations.

Alards said: “The operations we execute for this particular project suit us perfectly. Cranes and transport are our daily business, after all. The site preparations for this kind of project are different but with the help of subcontractors, the project has run smoothly.”

A decade or more is a long commitment – will there be times in between when nothing is happening, or is this continuous work over the coming years? And what does that mean for resourcing and replacing equipment?

Alards explained: “The scope of work is to be executed continuously for the coming period. Equipment that is used is being replaced according to the timescales it usually would be, under Mammoet’s routine maintenance protocols. The resources required will be monitored during the upcoming years and replenished as needed.”

Martin Alards, Mammoet

“WITH THE HISTORY AND KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE BUILT UP, WE HAVE THE ADVANTAGE OF AN EXPERIENCED CREW WITH DETAILED KNOWLEDGE OF THE TECHNIQUES NEEDED TO PULL THIS KIND OF WORK OFF.”

- MARTIN ALARDS

The 350 locations involved are all around the Netherlands – the majority in the northern provinces, with another large cluster in the west. The biggest challenge, said Alards, is that the scope of work for Mammoet can become a 24-hour-aday, seven-day-a-week operation.

“We are not continuously on site and so, for example, when a rig move has to take place, the start time can occur at any given date or time, at relatively short notice,” he said. “This is the nature of the work.”

Up to this point, only one P&A unit is in use – but Alards said it’s possible that this might change. “For a well-to-well move – a location with multiple wells, where we hop from well to well – we manage to move in under 24 hours. When we must execute a site-to-site move, from one location to another, we move in under 48 hours. So the longest time the P&A unit is not in operation is 48 hours.”

If technology moved on to the point that WellGear changed its strategy, Mammoet would “certainly team up with WellGear to ensure that together we will

still offer the strongest strategic plans for the project.” said Alards. “We of course always try to improve on our services, so whenever we will see an opportunity to improve, we will try to implement that.”

Track Record

It’s notable that Mammoet worked with WellGear from 2019 to 2023 on a successful 76-well closure campaign. Alards reflected: “The experience, dedication and safety of execution in our operations were pivotal, I believe, to our customer

Mammoet has been supporting the oil and gas industry for decades.

Credit: Mammoet

choosing Mammoet. Also the drive to always be better and more efficient during the next execution is the spirit of all parties involved.”

He added: “We are not the only lifting and hoisting company in the world that can execute these operations, of course. However, with the history and knowledge we have built up in the past couple of years, we are most certainly a company that has the advantage of an experienced crew with detailed knowledge of the techniques needed to pull this kind of work off.”

Noting the global oil and gas industry’s interest in the project, he said: “Since WellGear and Mammoet are global players, we can deploy similar techniques as part of other well closure campaigns worldwide.

“This is a significant project for

Mammoet. It is the biggest gas well decommissioning program in the Netherlands, even the world. The Netherlands is leading in these kinds of operations and, with the world’s energy markets transitioning quickly, it is likely more countries will follow.

“Working with WellGear gives us the unique opportunity to take our

combined approach to efficient P&A operations further – not only in the Netherlands but worldwide.”

Felicity Landon is an award-winning freelance journalist specializing in the ports, shipping, transport and logistics sectors.

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5 THINGS BREAKBULK MUST PREPARE FOR UNDER TRUMP

Who Wins and Who Loses in This Changing Landscape

By Leslie Meredith

Editor’s note: This story was originally published to breakbulk.com in November 2024 and updated in mid-January, prior to Trump’s inauguration.

With the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, there can be no doubt that his administration will have major implications for industrial project development at home and an impact on the global supply chain. Some changes could be felt on “Day 1” while others will ripple through the world at a slower pace.

To predict his presidential actions, campaign rhetoric gives us a starting point, but it’s the specifics—like decisions from his first term in office and his current cabinet picks—where we can determine the likeliest results.

Trump will not start with a blank slate. Already, companies have made moves that point to the direction the industry will take. Take the energy transition: despite the highly publicized commitments to green energy – a move away from fossil fuels – oil and gas projects are at the top of the list for financial approval, a trend that started not with Trump but with the need for energy security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Trump and his appointees will have the power to accelerate or slow conditions that exist in the market. Where will he accelerate development

and where will he apply the brakes? Here’s a breakdown of five actions to anticipate—and who stands to win or lose.

1. Suspend offshore wind development

Not one to mince words, Trump has made his position on offshore wind clear: “I’m going to write it out in an executive order. It’s going to end on Day 1.” While the first Trump administration oversaw three federal lease sales that netted US$456 million for the federal treasury, the economic picture for offshore wind has changed.

Doug Burgum, secretary of the Department of the Interior

Higher interest rates have made financing more expensive, supply chain disruptions have led to higher prices for components and materials, and contracts with utilities to sell electricity at low fixed prices are no longer viable.

Recent offshore lease auctions have met with mixed results. In the government’s first offshore wind auction for the Gulf of Mexico in 2023, only one of the three leases received bids. A second auction was canceled last summer due to lack of interest, but unsolicited interest from two parties has been submitted for consideration. Two bidders were successful for leases off the coast of Maine, but Oregon’s floating offshore wind auction was canceled due to insufficient bidder interest. Trump’s action might only accelerate the inevitable for now, but market conditions could become more favorable under a wind-friendly administration in the future.

Which sector would be most affected?

Ports with expansion plans or construction underway to support offshore wind development, including New York’s US$417 million commitment to upgrade existing or construct new ports for offshore wind. The impact will vary by project construction timetables and the appetite for betting on the viability of offshore wind in the years following the expected hiatus.

2. Boost oil and gas projects

It should come as no surprise that oil and gas projects represent the most investment in the project pipeline in the U.S., along with a continuing wave of renewable projects, some of which are tightly integrated with oil and gas facilities such as carbon capture and storage projects.

While Trump may be known for his energy policy shorthand “Drill, baby, drill,” the industry has already embraced that strategy. In Breakbulk’s 2025 Outlook, the Energy Industries Council writes, “The sector’s high profit margins have encouraged operators like BP, Shell and Total to continue investing in oil and gas projects. Contractors are similarly retrenching in the sector, seeing greater certainty and profitability compared to renewable energy and clean technology projects.” Follow the money, and it leads us directly to oil and gas projects–upstream, midstream and downstream.

Expect liquified natural gas (LNG) permit applications to be reviewed and approved quickly, reversing the recent Biden administration’s “pause.” Reuters in November reported Norway’s Crown LNG is rushing to develop a liquefied natural gas export plant offshore Texas before Trump’s second term ends in 2029. The International Energy Agency projects North America’s LNG export capacity to more than double between 2024 and 2028 from 10 projects under

construction, of which five are in the U.S., the world’s top LNG producer.

Similarly, Trump could increase offshore oil and gas lease sales by tenfold compared to the current Biden administration program, including waters off Alaska, the Atlantic coast and new areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The current Bureau of Ocean Management plan for 2024-2029 calls for just three new leases in the Gulf of Mexico.

As one of his last actions as president, Biden issued a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling across most U.S. federal coastal waters. Trump vowed to reverse this ban immediately upon taking office.

Trump has named Doug Burgum his nominee for secretary of the interior, a job that will put him in charge of hundreds of millions of acres of federal land and U.S. waters that will be key to the Trump administration’s plans to boost oil and gas production. Chris Wright, CEO for Liberty Energy, North America’s second largest hydraulic fracturing company, is on deck to be the nation’s next secretary of energy, responsible for developing and implementing policies related to energy and nuclear security. Confirmation hearings for both men were scheduled in mid-January, and both were expected to be confirmed.

Which sectors would benefit most? Offshore, the Offshore Supply Vessel sector will be the first to benefit from expanded offshore

Chris Wright, CEO, Liberty Energy, secretary of the Department of Energy

Rep. Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

leasing because these vessels are essential throughout all stages of offshore projects, from exploration to ongoing production. This increased activity could lead to fleet expansion and reactivation of idle vessels, while the opening of new leasing areas could create new markets for OSV operators.

Onshore, oilfield service companies should prosper along with EPCs, project forwarders, pipeline fabricators, rig builders and the specialized transporters to move the equipment to the sites. For downstream projects, EPCs, forwarders and ocean carriers will win since most of the large components are manufactured overseas.

3. Cut funding for the CHIPS and Science Act

Trump called the CHIPS Act “so bad” during an interview on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, but this seemingly contradictory

opinion – after all, the CHIPS Act is designed to encourage domestic manufacturing of computer chips rather than relying on imports from Asia – reflects Trump’s preference for tariffs over subsidies as a way to spur domestic manufacturing.

The CHIPS Act provides US$52 billion in subsidies for building or expanding semiconductor manufacturing facilities, known as fabs. To date, more than half of the subsidies have been distributed to eight companies, leaving US$22.6 billion to disburse. Instead of subsidies, Trump wants tariffs on chip imports, arguing that high tariffs would compel companies to establish chip factories in America “for nothing.” Further, manufacturers are eligible for a 25% investment tax credit for capital expenses related to manufacturing semiconductors, including equipment, which aligns well with Trump’s vow to cut corporate taxes from 21% to 15%

if goods are produced in the U.S. The subsidies and credit reveal only a part of the economic picture. As of August 2024, companies had announced more than 90 new manufacturing projects in the U.S., totaling nearly US$450 billion in investments across 28 states since CHIPS was introduced in Congress, the Semiconductor Industry Association reported.

Fabs represent a significant source of new business for EPCs and forwarders with the average cost of constructing a single facility at US$25 billion.

Expected impact

Even if remaining subsidies are eliminated, the investment credit and new or increased tariffs would likely support continued construction. Add supply chain reliability with domestically-made chips and the benefits should cancel the impact of a subsidy cut. The demand for more

UTC Overseas transported a 500,000-pound transformer from Houston, TX to Salida, Colorado, navigating the challenging Sierra Madre. Credit: UTC Overseas

powerful chips is near the start of its curve as PCs with “AI chips” come to market – EPCs and forwarders should count on more work in this sector.

4. Reshoring American Manufacturing

The crux of Trump’s “America First” policy is to produce as many goods as possible in the U.S., stimulating job growth and shielding the country from global disruptions. Central to this strategy is his preference for bilateral trade agreements over multilateral ones, which he demonstrated early in his first presidency by withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in 2017. Other than a bilateral agreement with Japan, no trade deals were made with TPP countries after the U.S. withdrawal, creating a void that China eagerly filled.

Trump has also signaled potential changes to existing agreements. He has stated his intention to formally notify Mexico and Canada of plans to utilize the six-year renegotiation clause in the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA), which will come into play on July 1, 2026.

Trump’s recently announced plan to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canadaunless these countries take stronger action to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S. - echoes a tactic used during the original USMCA negotiations. In his first presidency, similar tariff threats were floated but ultimately negotiated away. Whether these new tariffs serve as a bargaining tool to push for solutions to these issues or pose a genuine threat to trade under the USMCA remains uncertain.

Winners and losers

Shifting manufacturing back to America would be good for land-based transport, as well as coastal and inland transport.

Ports may see imports decrease, but exports could offset the loss if those cargoes are not hit with retaliatory tariffs. Likewise, ocean transport could be affected if fewer shipments are coming into the U.S. from Asia and Europe.

Ports could convert facilities into logistics hubs, storing and distributing locally manufactured products. There’s no remedy for ocean transport–expect a decrease in the frequency of shipping routes between the U.S., particularly West Coast ports, and the rest of the world if imports take a significant dive.

5. Climate Regulation Rollback

Trump did his share of rolling back environmental regulations in his first term: replacing the Clean Power Plan with the less restrictive Affordable Clean Energy rule, reducing regulations on methane emissions from oil and gas operations, expediting environmental reviews for infrastructure projects, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement. Expect more of the same from his second term, sending resources back to fossil fuels and fossil-fuel powered plants–accelerating a trend that’s well underway.

Oil and gas is not the only sector that stands to benefit from decreased regulation. Mining could see a boost as critical elements are sourced at home rather than imported for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, new nuclear reactor technology and more. Burgum will oversee the nation’s mining approval and permitting process. Trump’s advisers have recommended waiving environmental reviews for federally funded critical mineral projects to expedite development.

If the U.S. withdraws again from the Paris Climate Agreement, it would no longer be formally bound to its

emissions reduction commitments under the agreement. However, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) calls for the U.S. to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 40% below 2005 levels by 2030. There are no penalties for missing the target.

Climate goals aren’t the only measures aimed at cutting emissions. The EU will put new methane emission standards in place for all imported fossil fuels beginning in 2030, and that means the U.S. will have to comply with the as-yetto-be-announced requirements if it wants to keep Europe as its top LNG export market. Today, 66% of U.S. LNG is exported to Europe.

Trump’s nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.) will likely back Trump and is skeptical of ambitious climate goals. He supported Trump’s exit from the Paris Climate Agreement. He was expected to be confirmed in January.

Who benefits from reduced or absent climate goals?

From a cost perspective, oil and gas companies will benefit from lower construction costs, but EPCs, freight forwarders and transportation providers should all see new business as more oil and gas projects get the greenlight, along with new mining projects and expansion of existing facilities.

Trump will be good news for the country’s oil and gas industry, accelerating a pragmatic move back to fossil fuels. A second run at bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. could present additional opportunities, and mining could attract big investment dollars. What does this mean for breakbulk and project cargo companies? More work.

Leslie Meredith is the editorial director for Breakbulk Media and Breakbulk’s product director, responsible for event development.

US STEELMAKING AND TARIFFS:

A CHANGE IN DIRECTION OR A DISASTROUS DISRUPTION?

Weighing the Outlook for an Essential Commodity

The steel industry is the focus of upheaval and political maneuvering. From blocking Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel, one of the country’s major steel manufacturers, to an onslaught of potential U.S.-imposed tariffs, the American steel industry faces an uncertain future. The question is whether this is the beginning of a new wave of domestic growth or a disruption that will adversely impact projects across multiple sectors. Steel in its various forms is used

By John Vogt

extensively in new construction and results in significant breakbulk movements. While the project will determine the specific steel that is required, the capability to produce the steel domestically or within the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) region can be beneficial for its reliability versus outside sources, but domestic production may also mean higher costs. Both the global supply of steel and possible tariffs will affect the price of most types of steel. But as we will see later in this article,

John Vogt, visiting professor at the University of Houston-Downtown

tariffs may not have the impact on projects that many anticipate.

The Threat of a Global Steel Surplus

China is the largest global producer of steel (57%), with India (8%), Japan (4%), and the U.S. (4%) following in smaller quantities. There is a global steel surplus, so discounted steel is prevalent due to government subsidies.

The Canadian Steel Producers Association says: “Foreign government subsidies and other trade distortions have resulted in steel global overcapacity” and goes on to add “surplus steel that could be produced and shipped into the Canadian market has the potential to not only injure the domestic industry, but threatens to eliminate it from the market.” This is probably true for the U.S. and Mexico as well.

USMCA Steel

Each of the USMCA countries—Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.—lacks sufficient steel production to fully meet domestic demand, necessitating imports. According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, approximately 21% of steel used in the U.S. is imported, primarily from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and South Korea. While the prospect of an additional 10% tariff on steel from China might seem significant, Chinese steel represents only 2% of U.S. imports, and imports from China have decreased by approximately fivefold over the past decade.

The majority of fabricated steel shipments consist of pipes and reactor vessels, both of which are vital components in large-scale industrial projects. Pipes are typically made from high-carbon steel, fabricated in rolling mills into precise lengths, and often lined or coated to prevent both external corrosion and internal degradation from the materials they transport.

Reactor vessels, on the other hand, are made from low-alloy steel— commonly manganese-molybdenum steel—to ensure strength and impermeability under high pressure. These vessels may also be clad internally with stainless steel, which incorporates chromium, nickel, and molybdenum to resist corrosive substances.

These products represent a significant volume in breakbulk cargo shipments. While current U.S. tariff law does not currently cover fabricated structural steel, such as pipes and reactor vessels, this exclusion has been criticized as a “loophole” by the domestic steel industry. However, fabricated steel products manufactured in China are subject to separate tariffs, further complicating the landscape for international shipments.

New Directions

If the U.S. is to decrease its reliance on foreign steel outside the USMCA, that can only mean an increase in production within the

trade alliance. That’s good news for project cargo service providers throughout the region, from EPCs to last-mile transporters.

In addition, supplying the elements needed to make specialized grades of steel point to a resurgence of mining in the U.S. This would give a further boost to breakbulk movements and large-scale project investment in the region. In December, Trump advisers urged the incoming president to expedite permitting and construction reviews for production of critical minerals, i.e., mining projects on federal lands.

The potential to make the region energy self-sufficient is an added advantage vis à vis the trade deficits and security of the countries. The U.S., via its gas production, has an advantage with low-cost gas, a major cost advantage for steel smelting as well. Pipelines could be added, extended and improved to provide low-cost energy where it is needed—such as for new steel plants and manufacturing facilities.

Whether fabricated products will become part of the tariff structure is unclear, but if they do, domestic fabrication will grow in an effort to reduce materials cost.

As for trading partner tariffs, they many never come to pass. In Trump’s first term, tariffs on Canada and Mexico were discussed during USMCA negotiations to pressure these trading partners to limit the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S., but these tariffs were ultimately dropped as part of the agreement.

And, here’s something all three countries can agree on: reducing their trade deficits. The growth of the steel industry – whether that’s in the U.S. or across the three trading partners – to close the gap in supply would help.

John Vogt, former Halliburton vice president of global logistics and a visiting professor at the University of Houston-Downtown, is a regular contributor to Breakbulk, specializing in trade and Incoterms.

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A NEW ROUTE FOR GLOBAL TRADE?

By Joanna Marsh

Mexican Rail Corridor Could Connect Oceans, Bypass Drought-Hit Canal

Significantly low water levels at the Panama Canal in 2023 presented breakbulk shippers and container vessels with a dilemma: face extended delays lasting as long as two weeks, or pay up to jump the queue.

But what if shippers had an additional option, beyond sailing around South America to ship goods from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa? Mexico

believes it may have the solution: an interoceanic railway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (CIIT), located in the narrowest part of the country, is the region where this interoceanic railway would be located. Mexican officials want the Ferrocarril del Istmo de Tehuantepec (FIT), or Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway, to serve as one

of the crown jewels of the corridor.

The railway actually has three legs: the 308km “Z Railroad” is the one that Mexican officials hope can compete with the Panama Canal. It connects the Port of Coatzacoalcos, located along the Gulf Coast in Veracruz state, with the Port of Salina Cruz, located along the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca state, and passenger rail service began serving this line in late 2023.

Logistics Plus handles windmill blades at Mexico’s Port of Altamira. Credit: Logistics Plus

In addition to the railway, the corridor includes ambitious plans to develop 10 industrial parks located along the FIT’s Z Railroad, as well as construct a national highway system in the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Chiapas and Tabasco.

“Plans to connect these two oceans through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec had existed since the Colonial period in the 16th century but were never successfully executed,” Thanya Ramirez, supervisor of project cargo for Logistics Plus, told Breakbulk. The railway was completed in 1895 with passenger rail, and interoceanic cargo traffic began in 1907, but was short-lived due to the Mexican Revolution. The idea of a major interoceanic railway was revived by former Mexican president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who was born in the region, she said.

Mexican officials have been touting the FIT’s “Z Railroad” leg as an alternative to the Panama Canal, which faced challenging shipping conditions in 2023 because of severe drought. But industry experts with knowledge of the region expressed skepticism that the railway could compete with the Panama Canal, given the capacity of the two transportation routes.

While cargo might face a shorter transit time using the railway, the CIIT corridor is expected to have a capacity of 1.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units, according to Ramirez, in contrast to the Panama Canal’s ability to handle significantly more volumes. That doesn’t mean shippers should dismiss the CIT entirely, however.

“Complementary Option”

“I personally don’t think this project will be able to compete with the

Panama Canal as the volume of cargo expected to be moved will not reach the volumes of the cargo moved through Panama, at least in the first middle stage,” Ramirez said. “But - it will indeed be a good complementary and cheaper option. And most importantly, it is finally giving these southern states a big real opportunity of development and economic growth.”

Thanya Ramirez, Logistics Plus

Plans are not just limited to the railroad and the ports, Ramirez said, but include the development of the highways and 10 industrial parks.

Diego Rodriguez, director of logistics and industrial practice at Americas Market Intelligence, also believes that the railway can’t compete with the Panama Canal, since the Panamanian authorities appear to be seeking a long-term solution for the water shortages, he said.

“The Panamanian economy and the government’s revenue depend heavily on the Panama Canal, and it’s a very established logistics hub in the world. So for that reason, I don’t see the interoceanic corridor competing,” Rodriguez said.

But the CIIT “makes a lot of sense because it diversifies the geographies in which companies could invest and set up manufacturing locations. You have access to natural resources,

water, and power, and you have plenty of room to grow. So, it makes a lot of sense from the point of view of developing an alternative location for companies looking to establish operations in Mexico to serve the U.S. market,” Rodriguez added.

“If you set up operations in the south, you have to move all your products through roads in Mexico that are insecure. You have lots of cargo theft. [But] it’s cheaper and safer just to move your cargo from the Pacific to the Gulf Coast, and then use the ocean services to connect with the West Coast or the East Coast in the U.S.”

Lack of Capacity

For the FIT and the industrial corridor to succeed, Mexico needs to conduct extensive work on the ports touching the railway, so that there is sufficient capacity to handle all the cargo. The ports of Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos

have a list of capital projects to expand their capacity. While both are already capable of receiving some breakbulk cargoes, they are not able to handle significant container volumes, according to Ramirez.

That existing lack of capacity is a concern for Rodriguez, who says that as the railway and the industrial parks get developed, so do the ports. “The problem is that the ports need to be upgraded as well. You also need to develop the industrial parks. I’m not concerned with the railway because that’s the easiest part, I would say,” Rodriguez said.

“The problem is actually upgrading the ports along the Gulf and the Pacific and also developing the industrial parks to create the infrastructure ecosystem to attract the manufacturing sector. Those are the potential clients: anything that requires bringing in your raw materials and then assembling and then re-exporting.”

Logistics Plus oversaw the transport of furnaces and a manipulator in the Mexican state of Nuevo León.

Credit: Logistics Plus

The Mexican government is seeking to change that, according to Ramirez at Logistics Plus. In addition to plans to bolster existing capacity at the ports, proposed projects include developing a specialized container terminal and an LNG terminal at the Port of Coatzacoalcos and dredging and constructing a specialized container terminal at the Port of Salina Cruz.

“Talking about the railway service per se, I don’t think it will work for heavy/oversized cargoes, at least not in several years, as it is still very bumpy— there’s not enough service with the cargo rail routes already existing, and there are no real service providers with the rail cars for project cargo in Mexico,” Ramirez said.

“But if the modernization of the ports and construction of highways happen, the parallel highways should indeed do the work of moving project cargo throughout the country.”

Indeed, these capital improvements could also potentially help to ease congestion at the Ports of Manzanillo and Lázaro Cárdenas, which have longer vessel waiting times, Ramirez said. That congestion has resulted in breakbulk vessels having to wait as long as two or three weeks to be discharged.

If the private investments really materialize, project cargo specialists will be able to move even more machinery of all sizes, and

for all industries, Ramirez said.

While in office, former President Obrador pushed for the development of the CIIT before his term ended in 2024 because the region has been perceived as less affluent compared with regions to the north that are closer to the U.S. border. He and other Mexican officials have argued that developing the railway and accompanying industrial infrastructure will pique the interest of industrial sectors such as vehicle manufacturing and semiconductor production while bolstering other sectors such as energy production.

Even though Mexico has a new president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the country is still very interested in showcasing the railway and its potential to facilitate trade among the Americas and Asia.

Efficient Alternative

In June last year, just after the election of Sheinbaum, a delegation of Mexican officials that included Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alicia Bárcena Ibarra and Secretary of the Navy Admiral Rafael Ojeda Durán traveled to Washington, D.C. to discuss Mexico’s plans for the railway and the interoceanic corridor with U.S. government officials.

The meeting, which included Amos Hochstein, U.S. special presidential coordinator for Global Infrastructure

and Energy Security, and Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, Homeland Security Advisor, was Mexico’s opportunity to present the railway as “a modern and efficient alternative for global trade with easy access to the U.S., Asia and Central and South America,” according to a Mexican government statement.

And just recently, the FIT and Mexico’s Ministry of the Navy announced in November that grain producer Viterra Mexico successfully transported 2,000 tons of wheat grain using the railway. The cargo, which was imported from Canada, arrived at the Port of Salina Cruz via the SSI Prudence and was then transshipped to bulk hoppers before heading to warehouses operated by wheat distributor Trimex near the Port of Coatzacoalcos.

“There will be opportunities to take advantage of the interoceanic corridor, and companies will be looking to move to these industrial parks. But that’s medium-term, maybe 2027, 2028, once it’s clearer about what’s going to happen with the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement in 2026,” Rodriguez said.

Joanna Marsh is a freelance writer and journalist based in Washington, D.C. who takes an interest in sustainable transportation developments.

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

* BGSN member

Logistics Plus in Mexico. Credit: Logistics Plus

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COLLETT DEPLOYS NEW BLADE ADAPTERS IN IRELAND

Collett & Sons has deployed its new “game-changing” blade adapter trailers to deliver 90 turbine components for the Cushaling wind farm project in Ireland.

The trailers, also known as the clamp and dolly system, were used by the British-based heavy-lift specialist for the first time in Ireland to transport a range of pieces including nacelles, hubs, power trains, tower sections and 80-meterlong blades – the longest onshore blades ever carried on Irish and UK roads.

The vehicles, developed by trailer manufacturer DOLL, offer improved ground clearance, enhanced maneuverability and greater stability compared with standard super wing carrier trailers, Collett said. The trailers require two meters less space for turning at bends than a 65-meter platform trailer and are compatible with blades of up to 120 meters long.

The components for Cushaling were carried at night directly from Ireland’s breakbulk-handling Port of Waterford to the project site, a distance of 295 kilometers. The journey took about 10 hours including one pitstop.

The hubs were transported on 8-axle and 6-axle steerable trailers, while the nacelle components and tower sections were hauled using Collett’s 3-7 Nooteboom clamps. Because of their length and the distance and complexity of the route, a different course for the blades was selected and spread over two nights.

Extensive road modifications were carried out to facilitate the transport of the components.

“Cushaling was an extremely challenging and technically difficult project, especially managing this size of blades in nighttime delivery

conditions,” said Jack Collett, renewables director at Collett.

“However, we’ve come through the other side and delivered the project successfully, which is a tremendous achievement. Our blade adapter trailers have been a game-changer in allowing us to transport the longest onshore blades to date on land across Ireland and the UK.”

Based in Halifax in northern England, Collett operates a fleet of heavylift trucks, trailers and SPMTs and provides heavy-haul logistics services throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

The company recently announced the launch of a new office at its existing warehouse depot in the northern English town of Bradford. The office will be dedicated to Collett’s renewables and transport consulting departments.

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

The blade adapters offer improved ground clearance, enhanced maneuverability and greater stability compared with standard super wing carrier trailers. Credit: Collett

AERTSSEN LOGISTICS LAUNCHES US BASE

Aertssen Logistics has launched its first logistics site in the U.S., as the Belgian-headquartered company seeks to tap into rising worldwide demand for its specialized heavy machinery logistics services.

Aertssen Logistics, a business unit of the Aertssen Group, focuses on the transport, handling, final assembly and management of agricultural, mining and construction equipment. Its sister company, Aertssen Transport, specializes in transporting heavy-lift and project cargo.

The new base, located in Rincon in the state of Georgia some 20 miles from the Port of Savannah, one of the largest container-handling facilities on the U.S East Coast, was picked because of the availability of land for future expansion, a strong local workforce, strategic highways and fast access to the port’s 35plus weekly services to global markets, the company said in a statement.

According to Aertssen, the 35-acre site will enable it to expand its reach to support manufacturers of construction and agricultural machinery worldwide with “innovative, efficient logistics solutions”. The new entity, dubbed

Aertssen Logistics USA, is targeting a twofold increase in the number of machines it processes annually by 2030. A first batch of machines arrived at the site in late May.

The company is planning to open additional sites in Baltimore, Tacoma and Houston in the coming years.

“We see significant opportunities for growth, fueled by a strong U.S. economy with substantial investments in infrastructure, which are driving an increased demand for our customers’ machinery,” said Guus Verhaagen, business development manager of Aertssen Logistics USA. “At the same time, there is a growing need for more efficient logistics solutions. With our broad range of high-quality services, we are perfectly positioned to meet these demands.”

Aertssen Logistics already operates three fully-fledged and strategically located European ‘Equipment Processing Centers’ centered around the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Zeebrugge, the world’s largest roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) complex.

A fourth Belgian-based facility is currently in its design phase.

The EPCs, complemented by an extensive Asian partner network in the equipment and machinery production markets of China, Japan and Korea, manage the complete outsourcing of logistics activities, including machine inspections, repairs, technical services and assemblies.

“Our customers and employees are at the core of everything we do,” said Sam Aertssen, director of Aertssen Logistics. “While we’ve had a strong start in the U.S., it’s crucial to sustain this growth responsibly. I am incredibly grateful for the journey we’ve undertaken so far and look forward to what lies ahead.”

*Breakbulk Exhibitor

Aertssen Logistics is seeking to tap into rising worldwide demand for its specialized heavy machinery logistics services. Credit: Aertssen Logistics

Guus Verhaagen, Aertssen Logistics USA

MASDAR,

EMSTEEL

PRODUCE GREEN STEEL IN UAE

UAE companies Masdar and EMSTEEL have begun producing green steel at a pilot project in Abu Dhabi.

The project, the first of its kind in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region, uses green hydrogen instead of natural gas to extract iron from iron ore, a key step in steelmaking. The pilot is now fully operational, said clean energy developer Masdar and steel and building materials firm EMSTEEL.

The hydrogen made at the pilot

has been certified by hydrogen code manager, Avance Labs.

“Green hydrogen is a vital element in global decarbonization efforts,” said Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar.

“Even with all the renewables in the world, we cannot meet the decarbonization objectives for hard-to-abate sectors such as steel production. The success of this pilot is an important step in our ongoing efforts, in partnership with

EMSTEEL, to achieve meaningful and effective decarbonization of the steelmaking industry.”

According to the companies, green hydrogen – produced from renewable sources such as solar and wind – has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions in steel production by up to 95%.

Rising demand for green steel offers “huge growth potential” for the UAE, they said.

*BGSN member

EMSTEEL steel production plant, Abu Dhabi. Credit: EMSTEEL

PROJECTS IN THIS ISSUE

Middle East and Africa

Project: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

Story: A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition, pp. 48-52

Country: UAE

Sector: Renewables

Project: NEOM Green Hydrogen

Story: A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition, pp. 48-52

Country: Saudi Arabia

Sector: Clean hydrogen

Project: Hail & Ghasha

Story: A Shift From Energy Transition to Energy Addition, pp. 48-52

Country: UAE

Sector: Oil & gas, carbon capture

Project: Zohr Gas Project

Story: Egyptian Logistics Boom, pp. 66-69

Country: Egypt

Sector: Oil & gas

Project: Siemens Mobility Project

Story: Egyptian Logistics Boom, pp. 66-69

Country: Egypt

Sector: Rail

Project: Burullus Power Plant

Story: Egyptian Logistics Boom, pp. 66-69

Country: Egypt

Sector: Power

Project: Toshka Solar Power Plant

Story: Egyptian Logistics Boom, pp. 66-69

Country: Egypt

Sector: Renewables

Project: El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant

Story: Egyptian Logistics Boom, pp. 66-69

Country: Egypt

Sector: Nuclear

Project: Marjan Oilfield

Story: Engineering Solutions for Aramco’s Massive Modules, pp. 70-73

Country: Saudi Arabia

Sector: Oil & gas

Project: Borouge 4 Expansion

Story: Al Faris Proves Heavy-Lift Expertise in UAE, pp. 74-75

Country: UAE

Sector: Petrochemicals

Project: Masdar-EMSTEEL Green Steel Pilot Project

Story: Masdar, EMSTEEL Produce Green Steel in UAE, p. 101

Country: UAE

Sector: Green steel

Europe

Project: Hinkley Point C

Story: Custom Lifting Solutions for UK’s Flagship Nuclear Power Project, pp. 76-81

Country: UK

Sector: Nuclear

Project: SITURN Decommissioning Program

Story: Doubling Down on Decommissioning, pp. 83-86

Country: Netherlands

Sector: Oil & gas

Project: Cushaling Wind Farm

Story: Collett Deploys New Blade Adapters in Ireland, p. 99

Country: Ireland

Sector: Renewables

Americas

Project: Isthmus of Tehuantepec Railway

Story: A New Route for Global Trade? pp. 95-98

Country: Mexico

Sector: Rail

Asia

Project: Shaheen Project

Story: Seizing the Saudi Opportunity, pp. 42-46

Country: South Korea

Sector: Petrochemicals

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