Goodrich opens depot in Dubai

A DESERT OASIS

MIDDLE EAST • GOODRICH MARITIME HAS RESPONDED TO MARKET NEEDS WITH A NEW FULL-SERVICE DEPOT IN JEBEL ALI, OFFERING TANK STORAGE, TANK CONTAINER CLEANING, DRUMMING AND MORE

GOODRICH MARITIME’S NEW integrated chemical logistics park at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) in the UAE officially opened on 2 May 2019. The park has been lauded as the most prestigious project undertaken by Goodrich to date and was developed to provide efficient and high-quality solutions to regional logistic concerns.

The state-of-the-art facility was formally opened by His Excellency Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and managing director of DP World. There was an impressive ceremony attended by many of the most prominent members of the chemical and logistics community in the region.

The project began when, during a call with a customer in Saudi Arabia about liquid cargo, it was noted that alternative solutions to existing regional logistics issues were desperately needed. After further discussions, Goodrich was confident that it would be able to provide a suitable solution for the client by transferring the liquid cargo by road to Jebel Ali. Ideas began forming and momentum developed into research into the deeper regional logistic issues. Eventually, a collective study of the needs of the region’s speciality liquid chemical traders and manufacturers’ requirements had taken place, and the foundations for constructing a storage facility for aggregation and distribution at Jafza started. PRIME CONSIDERATIONS There was plenty to keep in mind when designing and selecting a location for Goodrich, particularly location, safety and ease of use. Jebel Ali was an immediate location choice as it is perfectly situated to offer great ease when it comes to conducting business. The available land fit all the essential criteria, including excellent road, sea and air access and rapid connections to one of the most important hubs in the Middle East.

Safety has always been at the forefront for Goodrich projects. Consultants were appointed to ensure that all safety aspects would be met and evaluated throughout the development and Goodrich directors instructed their own teams to meet the requirements.

Being able to offer a large number of solutions for clients in the region was the reason the project began, and it has remained one of the key considerations. The tank farm has 18 storage tanks, 17 of which are in carbon steel, with one in stainless steel for corrosive products. This provides a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the materials