GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN APRIL 2021 ISSUE

April 2021 Issue 79

ENHANCING THE BUSINESS OF LOGISTICS

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

Spreads its Wings in the Middle East Bucks trends, maintains growth momentum Tristar Group Going Public

Renault Trucks Staying the Course

Etihad Rail

New Agreement on Track

Madhav Kurup Regional CEO, MESA

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Despite the doomsday scenarios and the naysayers, the regional and global logistics and supply chain industry has been soldering along and making the most of the current challenging situation in 2020.

This is the conclusion derived from some empirical reports of a section of companies that announced how they were holding on and holding up in the face of the downturn; but now with determination and innovation were seeing the first of the green shoots emerging in 2021.

That’s the overarching message from Hellmann Worldwide Logistics as it recently announced a major landmark expansion into Egypt and the Sultanate of Oman. Hellmann has been operating in the Middle East South Asia (MESA) region since 1999 with regional headquarters in Dubai.

The Osnabrück, Germany-headquartered comprehensive Logistics Services Provider (LSP) this year commemorates its 150th Anniversary. Hellmann is the cover story for this edition featuring an exclusive one-on-one interview with Madhav Kurup, Regional CEO, MESA. Renault Trucks is also another case in point. The company has announced encouraging 2020 results and performance in 2020 despite the odds. We carry a full report.

Staying with commercial vehicles, we also feature UD Trucks and MAN. UD Trucks, now part of the Volvo Group, recently sealed a mega contract with Gulf Ready Mix (GRM) to provide concrete mixers.

Meanwhile, MAN Truck & Bus has introduced the new TG range for its markets in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

Our regular series of thought leadership articles and contributions from eminent and well-regarded logistics and supply chain professionals are grist for our content mill as we engage, weigh in and deliberate on major issues gripping the industry.

Add to this our latest news roundup, updates, OpEds and a lot of carefully sieved and well-curated input to stimulate and satiate the readers’ quest for gainful insights in the logistics and supply chain arena.

Happy reading!

Malcolm Dias Editor malcolm@signaturemediame.com APRIL 2021 3

April 2021 Issue 79

24 Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Good times in store; opens Egypt and Oman offices and commemorates its 150th Anniversary

06 22 23

NEWS

Up to date news of the Global Suppy Chain industry

GEFCO-DP World Partnership Hopes to capitalise on Jebel Ali Port’s comprehensive logistics solutions offerings

Suez Canal Stoppage

The ‘Ever Given’ was finally refloated and traffic normalcy restored in this crucial waterway

32 Tristar Group 36 Swisslog 38 Renault Trucks

Making its mark in liquid logistics, the Group is now going public and pitching for an IPO The logistics automation services provider has made inroads in Europe The French trucks manufacturer has held up well in 2020 despite challenges.

4 APRIL 2021

44 Dubai Customs 46 UD TRUCKS 50 MAN Truck & Bus 52 ASRY 54 Hypermotion 56 SSI Schaefer 58 Etihad Rail 60 Cyber-security

There has been a surge in Expo 2020 related trade The truck manufacturer has signed a mega deal with a UAE based ready mix supplier

The manufacturer has introduced the new TG Range in the region Bahrain’s ship builder and repairer has embraced new technology to up its operations Major stakeholders in UAE vaccine distributions mechanism discuss optimization strategy New innovative product lines introduced UAE’s rail operator’s sustainability goals on track

Like many sectors, the supply chain industry is vulnerable to cyber-attacks

Emirates SkyCargo becomes the first carrier to deliver 50mn doses of vaccines n In the run up to World Health Day (7 April), Emirates SkyCargo has become the first airline cargo carrier in the world to have transported more than 50mn doses of Covid-19 vaccines on its flights.

The carrier has also transported more than 100 tonnes of syringes across the world to support the delivery of vaccines.

Since the start of international distribution late last year, Emirates SkyCargo has transported over 220 tonnes of vaccines, equivalent to more than 50 million doses, on more than 150 flights from manufacturing locations to 50 destinations on its network through Dubai.

“We have been leading the global air cargo industry’s efforts and working with our partner organizations in Dubai to rapidly distribute vaccines through Dubai to the rest of the world,” remarked Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo.

The carrier was one of the first in the world to deploy passenger aircraft for cargo only flights in order to transport PPE, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and food. Over one year,

Emirates SkyCargo transports first batch of Pfizer vaccines for DHA.

Emirates SkyCargo had operated more than 27,800 flights and transported over 100,000 tonnes of essential commodities.

Emirates SkyCargo has positioned itself to fly in large quantities of vaccines from manufacturing locations, store the vaccines in Dubai and then regularly replenish vaccine supplies to developing nations with limited cold chain infrastructure through its cargo flights.

DHL Express MENA enhances last mile delivery solutions in the region n DHL Express MENA, has taken further steps to enhance its last mile delivery solutions by enabling customers with more ease, convenience and control over pick-up and drop-off of their e-commerce parcels.

The company has signed a partnership with FODEL, the first Pick-up and Drop-off (PUDO) network provider in the GCC that, through an advanced PUDO technology platform, signs up and manages local merchants from across the region as alternative pick-up locations to home delivery.

FODEL connects e-commerce and logistics companies with local merchants, allowing for online customers to pick up their parcels from their preferred local stores, ranging from coffee shops to

6 APRIL 2021

supermarkets and retail stores, at their convenience.

DHL’s customers will benefit from these delivery points by choosing them as pick-up options for their shipments.

“Our partnership with FODEL will enable us to overcome any delivery challenges, particularly last mile, by building on its extensive network of PUDO locations for both collections and eventually returns,” commented Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express MENA. “Thanks to the partnership between DHL and FODEL, we are improving the service level for customers across the GCC, offering them more options and better control on their deliveries,” remarked Soumia Benturquia, CEO & Founder, FODEL.

Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express MENA.

There are currently more than 200 active locations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain while Oman will follow by the end of March 2021, alongside Qatar and Egypt later on in May. DHL will also capitalize on Fodel extensive PUDO network of over 2,500 locations to further expand the reach to every residential area in MENA.

Top appointment made at AP Moller-Maersk

Navneet Kapoor, CTIO, AP Moller-Maersk.

n The Board of Directors of AP Moller-Maersk has appointed Chief Technology & Information Officer (CTIO) Navneet Kapoor to the Executive Board with effect from 1 April 2021, the company revealed in a press statement.

As CTIO, Navneet Kapoor leads the efforts to build competitive advantage from technology, a central element in the Strategy of the company. The company is in the middle of a multi-dimensional digital transformation that aims to build a new technology platform offering new digital products to our customers supported by standardized and automated processed across the company.

“Kapoor has done an excellent job in accelerating this agenda since he took on the position as CTIO last year and brings unique and critical perspectives to our business transformation,” commented Søren Skou, CEO of AP Moller-Maersk.

“The role of the CTIO is key to executing this next part of our strategy and having Kapoor joining the Executive Board is a recognition of the importance and impact of Technology,” noted Jim Hagemann Snabe, Chairman of the Board, AP Moller-Maersk Navneet Kapoor (50) has been with A.P. Moller-Maersk since 2017 and has held various responsibilities, including Chief Transformation Officer and Head of Global Shared Service Centres.

SOHAR to implement advanced ‘Light on-Demand’ technology within its complex n In its endeavour to support sustainable and innovative initiatives, SOHAR Port and Freezone is one of the first ports in the region and in the world to have installed a ‘Light onDemand’ system.

The implementation of this project, positions SOHAR as pioneers in the sector. Apart from promoting a low carbon footprint, the LED luminaires have successfully reduced energy consumption by 80%.

“At SOHAR, our overall objective is the need to develop a world-class complex and high-level of operations with state-ofthe-art infrastructure that is safe, environmentally sustainable and legally compliant to attract investment and enhance industry diversification,” commented Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO, SOHAR Port.

“The roads within the Port and Freezone area are not frequently used during the night, resulting in energy loss from the illuminated lights overnight. This is why we have identified a solution for real-time control of street lights within the respective areas,” noted Khalid Al Alawi, Manager, Assets Management, SOHAR. ‘Light on Demand’ is a revolutionary integrated wireless motion sensor for presence-based monitoring and control of outdoor lighting. It ensures the reduction of energy consumption without compromising on public safety and driving comfort.

APRIL 2021 7

UPS’ Electric Quadricycle ‘eQuad’ makes timely debut for Expo 2020 Dubai n Reaffirming its commitment to industry-leading, sustainable city logistics solutions, UPS received the company’s newly updated eQuad, a four-wheeled e-assist quadricycle, in the UAE. The eQuad has been built in partnership with Fernhay, a UKbased manufacturing and design company committed to creating zero-emission products for logistics deliveries.

“The eQuad is a solution that can deliver nimbly throughout cities reducing noise, emissions and curb side congestion,”said Luke Wake, VP, Maintenance and Engineering, UPS. UPS is currently testing the eQuad around several European cities including Paris and Cologne. Less than three feet wide, the four-wheeled electric-assist cycle is catering to complex urban deliveries allowing the driver to easily move through congested narrow streets and to pedal in bike/cycle lanes.

The eQuad started its journey in the UK and made stops in France as well as Germany, before finally arriving in the UAE, where it will be showcased at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“As the Official Logistics Partner, UPS is applying its decades of expertise in sustainable logistics to manage and mitigate the environmental impacts of the Expo while supporting its ambition to deliver one of the most sustainable events in history,”remarked Alan Williams, VP-Expo 2020 Dubai, UPS.

UPS eQuad.

UPS has more than 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles deployed worldwide, and has placed an order for 10,000 of the new arrival electric package delivery vehicles.

The transition to a circular economy with clean energy and technology is high on the agenda for UPS and the UAE, and the arrival of the eQuad is aligned with the country’s UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 and the UAE Green Agenda 2030.

M/V Dole Maya makes maiden call to the port of Delaware n GT USA Wilmington, the US-based operator of the Port of Wilmington, DE, recently welcomed the M/V DOLE MAYA on its first call at the Wilmington Marine Terminal.

Built in 2021, the ‘M/V DOLE MAYA’ is named to recognize the indigenous people of the region the vessel serves, carrying Dole’s fresh exports to the valued customers and consumers of the South and Central United States.

Eric Casey, CEO, GT Wilmington presented plaques to mark the occasion to Master of the Vessel, Captain Dhruv Sharma and to Dole’s Terminal Manager, David Lennon.

With a capacity of over 900+ fortyfoot equivalent units (FEUs) refrigerated containers the vessels are equipped with machinery that meet strict emission mandates that demand a substantial reduction in greenhouse gases.

“This marks one more way we are providing fruit with a reduced carbon

8 APRIL 2021

The Port of Delaware welcomes the MV DOLE MAYA on her maiden visit.

footprint as part of The Dole Way promise,” stated Nelson Montoya, President, Dole Fresh Fruit North America.

This introduction of environmentally conscious technology in ocean shipping assets is complemented by Dole’s

programmed replacement of the existing container fleet with acquisitions of new modern equipment that are extremely energy efficient, reducing power consumption, according to a press release.

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With no additional cost and effort A catalyst is on it’s way Stay tuned and connected with emails and communications from the Global Supply Chain magazine

DP World’s Berbera attains another milestone n DP World Berbera, a regional maritime hub in the Horn of Africa, recently welcomed the arrival of three new shipto-shore (STS) gantry cranes, as part of its current project to expand and further develop the Port of Berbera.

The three cranes were brought to the port by the vessel Zhen-Hua 29, and were safely off-loaded in a meticulously planned exercise carried out by DP World Berbera’s management and engineering team.

The cranes, 51m high, each has a capacity of 65T with an outer reach of 24 rows of containers, and will be able to serve some of the largest container ships afloat, allowing importers and exporters to make the most of the resulting economies of scale.

The arrival of the cranes follows the installation of eight new rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes at the port in January 2021.

Multi-use port DP World Berbera handles a wide variety of cargo ranging from general cargo, bulk cargo, RoRo,

livestock and containerized cargo.

“These cranes, in addition to those already installed, will further improve operational efficiencies at Berbera Port and transform it into a modern and world class facility,” commented Suhail Albanna,

CEO and MD, DP World Middle East and Africa region.

DP World has committed to investing up to US$ 442mn to expand the port, and once completed it will increase capacity by 500,000 TEUs annually

CargoAi commits to greater sustainability in air cargo n CargoAi is launching new features to allow freight forwarder to assess and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions generated by their business activities.

They can now choose routes and airlines based on their carbon impact and calculate the carbon dioxide emitted from each shipment. Monthly emissions reports are also available to allow clients to analyse their own impact and monitor improvements.

“Cargo stakeholders have really become aware of sustainability, and carbon impact is a recurring topic in discussions with our clients. Through these new features, we wanted to highlight the efforts that airlines are making to reduce their emissions by allowing forwarders to choose their carriers on that basis,” remarked Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi. CargoAi’s unique Flight Search module now gives forwarders access to the

10 APRIL 2021

carbon emissions for each airline and route, allowing them to choose their transport solutions accordingly. Also, the free universal Track and Trace system enable any freight forwarder to track their shipment instead of checking with each airline and calculate at the same time the carbon emissions of the shipment.

Emissions calculations for all

airlines are based on the IATA RP1678 methodology, which is approved by the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC).

Launched in 2019 by its founder and CEO, Matthieu Petot, CargoAi is a SaaS (software as a service) application offering air cargo digital solutions to freight forwarders, airlines and GSAs.

CargoAi - CO2 Tracking feature.

Wouldn’t you like…

With no additional cost and effort A catalyst is on it’s way Stay tuned and connected with emails and communications from the Global Supply Chain magazine

Saudia Cargo partners with UNICEF for global vaccine deliveries n Saudia Cargo is one of the first airfreight carriers to become part of the ‘Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative’ launched by UNICEF to support the prioritization of Covid-19 vaccines delivery alongside essential medicines, medical devices and other critical supplies to fight the pandemic.

The members of the initiative are 10 leading airlines which together cover routes to over 100 countries with one goal in mind, to support the COVAX Facility – the global effort to ensure equitable access to the vaccines regardless of any country’s income level.

COVAX facilities’ first round distribution plan provides doses to 145 countries starting the first half of 2021.

The initiative commits airlines to prioritize the shipment of all live-saving supplies, add freight capacity to routes whenever necessary, and take the important measures of temperature control and security.

“Saudia Cargo is ready and able to be part of the UNICEF Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative through our wide range of destinations and connection points. We will ensure the maximum global reach for the vaccines. Safe, timely and efficient transportation of these supplies are paramount considerations,” affirmed Omar Hariri, CEO, Saudia Cargo.

“Delivery of these life-saving vaccines is a monumental and complex undertaking, considering the sheer volumes that need to be transported, the cold chain requirements, the number of expected deliveries and the diversity of routes” observed Etleva Kadilli, Director, UNICEF Supply Division.

Saudia Cargo is among ten of the world’s largest airfreight companies operating under the COVAX facilities effective delivery strategy will form a global coalition for logistics preparedness mechanism for any potential humanitarian health crises on short and long terms.

Fujairah Terminals and Al Mayya Group sign exclusive livestock agreement n Fujairah Terminals, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, and Al Mayya Group, recently announced the signing of an agreement to handle the livestock logistics for the annual import of more than a million sheep, goat and cattle into the UAE. In one of the largest contracts of its kind in the UAE, Fujairah Terminals will grant Al Mayya Group exclusive rights to service livestock at a specially designated quarantine and berth area situated within its terminal facilities at the Port of Fujairah.

Fujairah’s strategic location on the UAE’s eastern seaboard ensures a much shorter sailing time to and from key destinations including East Africa. The port, situated on the Arabian Sea, lies within 300km of all seven emirates.

Thanks to the country’s highly advanced road network, it will easily connect Al Mayya Group’s allocated port-side area to its other inland facilities across the UAE. “Underscored by the support of the Government and Abu Dhabi Ports’ advanced technology and handling capabilities, Fujairah Terminals is well equipped to meet the market’s increasingly wide spectrum of demands and requirements,” emphasized AbdulAziz Al Balooshi, CEO, Fujairah Terminals.

“As the only multipurpose port on the UAE’s eastern

12 APRIL 2021

AbdulAziz Al Balooshi and Suliyman Halbouni signing an agreement.

seaboard, Fujairah Terminals’ advanced infrastructure and ultramodern facilities is ideally placed to readily connect and handle inbound sensitive cargo directly from East Africa,” he added.

“Today’s agreement with Fujairah Terminals marks a significant step forward in Al Mayya Group’s ability to streamline its livestock logistics and improve economies of scale, working closely with our partners for regional food security and sustainability,” asserted Suliyman Halbouni, CEO, Al Mayya Group.

Wouldn’t you like…

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Etihad Cargo appoints Rom Top Aviation as GSA for Israel n Etihad Cargo has selected Rom Top Aviation Ltd as its general sales agent (GSA) for the State of Israel.

The appointment comes ahead of the 6 April launch of Etihad’s scheduled twiceweekly Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv service and as official Israeli government figures point to rising trade with the UAE following the establishment of diplomatic relations

between the two in the wake of last year’s signing of the Abraham Accords.

“The new three-and-a-half hour service will link two vibrant economic and technological centres and further facilitate trade avenues between the two nations within the region and beyond,” explained Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.

“Given Israel’s recognized prowess within the medical and food production fields, there is an anticipation of strong demand for the specialized PharmaLife and FreshForward products,” he added.

“This is an honour to be awarded the GSA of Etihad’s activities in Israel,” commented Irit Krief, Owner, Rom Top Aviation.

Campbell Gray appointed CEO, MEA, Atkins n Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has announced the appointment of Campbell Gray as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Middle East and Africa, effective August 2021.

Gray will lead the business’s end-toend advisory, design and engineering and project management services under the Atkins, Faithful+Gould and Atkins Acuity brands. Campbell is replacing Cris Dedigama who will be moving to another role in the company.

“Campbell will lead the business in bringing integrated services underpinned by digital technologies and innovative solutions to the markets we serve,” commented Steve Morriss, President, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America, SNC-Lavalin.

14 APRIL 2021

Campbell is an experienced executive in leading both businesses and projects. His strong ability to drive growth and deliver operational excellence, gained during his 24-year career with Faithful+Gould and Atkins in the Middle East & Africa, the UK and Asia Pacific, will position the business well for the future.

Together with SNC-Lavalin, a global fully integrated professional services and project management company, Atkins helps clients plan, design and enable major infrastructure projects, and provides expert consultancy that covers the full project lifecycle.

The company has a track record of delivering and supporting flagship projects in the Middle East such as the Dubai

Campbell Gray

Metro, Burj Al Arab, Dubai International Airport in the UAE and King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District in Saudi Arabia.

Losail Circuit Sports Club signs GAC Qatar as logistics partner n GAC Qatar has been appointed as the Third Party Logistics (3PL) Partner for Losail Circuit Sports Club (LCSC), which hosts prestigious international motorsport events such as the Grand Prix of Qatar and Grand Prix of Doha.

The work and planning for the 2021 races, due to take place at the Losail International Circuit in Doha on 28 March and 4 April, are already fully underway. GAC Qatar will handle the customs clearance, transportation and freight services for all cargo including bikes, spares, tyres, fuel, garments, broadcasting equipment and merchandise.

GAC will also provide the logistics workforce and Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) to ensure smooth running of the operations at the Circuit. Two dedicated aircraft charters will be handled by the GAC Qatar sports logistics team, with more shipments by air and sea to follow.

“GAC has been the Logistics Provider to Losail Circuit Sports Club for over ten years, delivering efficient and seamless logistics solutions to the Club and the various international motorsport events hosted at the Circuit from 2004 to 2016,” affirmed Daniel Nordberg, General Manager, GAC Qatar.

Dubai Maritime City and Etihad ESCO sign agreement to retrofit buildings n Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO), an energy services company and a subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), has signed an agreement to retrofit buildings at DP World, UAE Region’s purpose-built maritime centre, Dubai Maritime City’s (DMC) facilities.

The agreement is part of the cooperation and strategic partnership between the two organizations in sustainability and energy efficiency.

The agreement includes installing modern air conditioning, lighting, and thermal insulation solutions in the facilities. Three cooling systems will be installed to optimize the performance of central coolers (Adiabatic Cooling System) with a central control unit.

Thermal insulation will be optimized by isolating a total of 2,725sqm of the glass surface. As for lighting solutions, a total

Mohammed Al Muallem and Faisal Al Raisi signing the agreement.

of 1,142 traditional lights will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient ones.

The project is expected to save 729,373KWH annually, which is 20% of the total current consumption of the targeted facilities.

“We are certain that the implementation of practices that comply with the Green Building programme by

the Government of Dubai, will help us save costs,” commented Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region.

“The project will provide a package of integrated, diversified and sustainable solutions to increase energy efficiency,” remarked Faisal Al Raisi, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Etihad ESCO.

APRIL 2021 15

Ajman Free Zone capitalizes on Emirati businessmen’s expertise n As part of its ongoing efforts to boost investment activities in Ajman and enhance the performance of its economy, Ajman Free Zone has launched a new initiative called ‘Mashoura’, which leverages the expertise and experiences of leading Emirati businessmen to support entrepreneurs.

The initiative establishes new linkages and opportunities to network for entrepreneurs within the Ajman business community, which can lead to new projects and strategic partnerships.

It further provides a platform for the Ajman Free Zone’s team and the Emirate business community to connect and consult on ideal businesses which can be further developed as well as provide inputs that will help businesses best meet market demands, leveraging the businessmen’s expertise and knowledge of local trends.

Eng. Ali Abdulla Bin Towaih AlSuwaidi, Director General, Ajman Free Zone, noted that the initiative aims to foster collaboration among the business community and enable entrepreneurs to keep pace with changing market trends, as well as production and consumption patterns.

Coinciding with the initiative’s launch, the free zone welcomed Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman, Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, for the first session where he shared his experiences and expertise to the participants.

Ajman Free Zone has launched the Mashoura initiative.

“We are confident that these initiatives will drive the launch of new projects and foster collaboration with Emirati businessmen which enhances local growth and serve the national economy,” noted AlSuwaidi.

‘Mashoura’ is Ajman Free Zone’s latest initiative designed to empower national entrepreneurs and cement their presence in Ajman’s economic landscape, as well as to create more channels of cooperation between government and private.

New ‘Tradeling Shops’ offers shop owners significant savings n Tradeling, the hyper-growing eMarketplace focused on business-to-business (B2B) transactions in MENA region, has announced the launch of Tradeling Shops, a new vertical focused on the micro and small business community.

The service will enable small businesses owners to procure their wholesale supplies from Tradeling online with significant savings. It is targeted at grocers, minimarts, supermarkets, tea shops, cafeterias and small restaurants, and has plans to expand further cater to laundromats, beauty salons, barbers and other small business shops.

Assuring convenience with same and next day delivery, Tradeling Shops provides a one-stop-shop with everything small businesses need on one secure platform to support the local business community and help them transition to digital wholesales procurement processes.

Tradeling Shops will give micro businesses access to thousands of products and suppliers offering easy payment options ranging from cash to credit card.

“Tradeling Shops is aimed at supporting small enterprise owners to expand their product range quickly, effectively and competitively so they can grow their businesses and fulfill their customer’s wishes by offering them relevant products and more

16 APRIL 2021

variety much quicker than ever before,” commented Marius Ciavola, CEO, Tradeling.

“Small businesses often struggle with sourcing supplies and have to deal with multiple suppliers which is costly and time consuming with the added burden of not being able to control the delivery time from each supplier,” noted Catherina Ballout, Head of Tradeling Shops.

Led by a team of experienced technology startup builders, Tradeling ensures a reliable and smooth trade process in addition to providing logistics and financing solutions.

RSA Global launches digital road freight platform ClickRF n RSA Global, a digital supply and freight forwarding company based in the UAE, has launched the digital freight platform ClickRF (Click for your Road Freight).

ClickRF is a digital marketplace for all road freight services across the UAE and GCC region providing shippers and transporters with an aggregator service for fast, convenient, and transparent transport solutions.

The platform is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and RSA Global’s voiceenabled intelligent assistant RiA. Being the first of its kind in the region, RiA carries out administrative tasks on behalf of ClickRF’s users saving them time and effort.

Through ClickRF shippers can inquire rates for any land lane within the UAE and GCC region, compare and negotiate offered rates, book shipments, instantly track and trace them, perform online payments, and receive e-invoices, amongst others.

In turn, transport providers can bid and adjust rates for requested lanes, manage orders, manage their drivers & fleet, receive online payments, and continuously optimize their operational processes by utilizing the system’s smart data.

All steps are facilitated via a transparent real time communication between the supply chain stakeholders through the single window interface WhatsApp. “While ClickRF solves major pain

points of shippers and transporters at the click of a button such as low supply chain efficiency, increasing costs and lacking transparency, the platform’s unique feature is RiA,” affirmed Abhishek Shah, CEO & Co-Founder of RSA Global.

“All these systems are supported

by RiA and simplify and accelerate our customers’ supply chains significantly,” observed Karthikeyan Hariharan, COO, RSA Global.

Namshi teams up with top Chinese e-commerce retailer n Namshi, the Middle East’s #1 fashion, beauty and lifestyle destination has signed a strategic partnership agreement with JD.com, China’s largest online retailer as well as its biggest overall retailer, to bring the best of Chinese lifestyle products and digital capabilities to the Middle East through Namshi’s e-commerce platform.

Namshi and JD.com will partner and collaborate across multiple areas. Namshi will launch several exciting fashion and lifestyle brands from China in April 2021 and further grow its selection and options over time.

Namshi will also support JD.com with its local logistics and multicountry warehousing, marketing and content creation and translation efforts.

Namshi and JD.com will also collaborate on several omni-channel initiatives to bring innovative shopping experiences like ‘click-and-pick’ to Namshi’s customers.

“JD is a fast growing powerhouse in Chinese and global e-commerce and the collaboration between Namshi and JD can further develop lifestyle e-commerce in the Middle East,” commented Hadi Badri of Namshi.

“Based on the mutual trust and experience in supply chain and logistics solutions, JD.com will cooperate with Namshi to introduce the best of global supply chain and logistics services for Middle East shoppers,” remarked Mao Dun of JD Group.

APRIL 2021 17

SAL and Emirates SkyCargo sign Ground Handling Agreement n The Saudi Arabian Logistics Company (SAL) recently announced the signing of Cargo Ground Handling agreement with Emirates SkyCargo. This signing comes under the company’s strategy to logistically partner with the most reputed airlines with strong international presence.

“This cooperation with the leading Emirates SkyCargo as a logistic partner will have a positive effect on the flow of cargo operations at all our main stations in the Kingdom,” asserted Omar Talal Hariri, CEO, SAL. “We take pride in this partnership which will boost the traffic of goods into the Kingdom and also cargo from our domestic airports loaded into Emirates’ aircrafts where we have placed all logistic capabilities and resources including equipment and manpower to serve our mutual strategic objectives,”he continued.

Hariri also highlighted the long track record of cooperation between Emirates SkyCargo and ground handling division at Saudia Cargo prior to the privatization

SAL and Emirates SkyCargo officials ink the deal.

of the sector when SAL has taken over all ground handling duties at all main airports in the Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia is considered a market with high interest to Emirates SkyCargo and we have strong business relation with SAL. We are confident that our operations will run smoothly and seamlessly due to SAL’s unique handling capabilities, which will consequently, bolster trade and cargo operations between the two countries,”

commented Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President at Emirates.

SAL provides premium ground handling services for multiple airlines at Saudi Arabia’s local airports and logistic support with cargo chain solutions. The company also connects all means of transportation with local airports to make a larger contribution to Saudi Vision 2030 and transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub.

Emirates, first airline to operate A380 in Jeddah’s new Terminal 1 n Emirates has become first airline to operate the A380 to the new Terminal 1 at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport Emirates has recently made its first A380 touchdown at Terminal 1 in Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA), making it the first airline to operate the double-decker aircraft to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s latest aviation landmark.

For the inaugural A380 flight to the new world-class terminal, Emirates deployed its latest flagship featuring the much talked about premium economy seats, as well as signature enhancements across every cabin.

Passengers arriving on the A380 can now enjoy new amenities and services on the ground, including easy boarding and disembarkation from two-tier aerobridges for passengers travelling in its different cabins.

18 APRIL 2021

“Moving to Terminal 1 represents a significant improvement in the customer experience. Emirates customers will have access to world-class amenities, including restaurants, retail outlets, airport lounges and much more,” commented Mohammed Alnahari Alhashmi, Vice President, Commercial Operations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emirates.

KAIA Terminal 1 is one of the largest terminals in the Kingdom, and has the capacity for handling 30 million passengers a year, combining both domestic and international flights. It is able to accommodate up to 70 aircraft simultaneously, including the Airbus A380.

KAIA also boasts the tallest air traffic control tower in the world at 136 meters. Serving as a gateway for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, Terminal 1 is connected to Haramain high-speed railway and passengers can seamlessly travel to Medina and Mecca.

Etihad Airways first scheduled flight from Abu Dhabi lands in Israel n Etihad Airways launched its regular flight service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. Additionally, Israel was added to Abu Dhabi’s ‘green list’, giving quarantine-free travel for visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi.

The launch of scheduled operations comes as the next historic step in developing diplomatic, trade and tourism ties between Israel and the UAE, which were inked as part of the Abraham Accords in September 2020.

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways EY598, the first scheduled flight from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport, took to the skies on 6 April 2020.

On board the flight was a diplomatic and economic delegation representing the UAE. The delegation includes Mohamed Al-Khaja, UAE’s first Ambassador to Israel; Eitan Nae’eh, Israel’s Head of Mission to the UAE, and Tony Douglas,

Etihad’s Group CEO. The flight landed at Ben Gurion Airport and was received with the traditional water cannon salute. A welcome reception followed, with speeches given by the UAE’s Ambassador to Israel, Etihad’s Group CEO, and Shmuel Zakay, CEO, Ben Gurion

International Airport.

The route will be operated by one of Etihad’s flagship aircraft, the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. With 290 seats–28 Business studios and 262 Economy smart seats, the Dreamliner features Etihad’s renowned e-box entertainment system and in-flight wi-fly connectivity network.

ACWA Power signs final project agreements with Egyptian Government n ACWA Power, the leading Saudi developer, investor and operator of power generation and desalinated water plants in 13 markets, has finalized the project agreements for the 200MW Kom Ombo PV plant in Egypt.

The signing of the 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Network Connection Contract and Usufruct Agreement was conducted via a virtual ceremony held with senior government officials and representatives from the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC); The New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), and ACWA Power.

The agreements were signed by Eng. Sabah Mashaly, Chairman, EETC; Dr. Mohamed Al-Khayat, Chairman, NREA; Rajit Nanda, Chief Portfolio Management Officer and acting CIO, ACWA Power; and

Eng. Hassan Amin, Country Development Director- Egypt, ACWA Power.

“Egypt is home to a wide range of untapped renewable resources particularly, wind and solar energy. The electrical capacities that can be generated from renewable sources can reach up to nearly 90 GW,” commented Dr. Mohamed Shaker El Markabi, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy.

“Playing a key role in accelerating the energy transition globally, ACWA Power is proud to be a trusted partner in supporting Egypt’s sustainability ambitions through environmental stewardship, social responsibility and good governance,” remarked Paddy Padmanathan, President and CEO, ACWA. ACWA Power, Construction of the plant is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2021

ACWA Power signs final project agreements for Kom Ombo PV plant.

and upon completion will be one of the largest privately developed utility scale solar plants in Egypt and will support the country in increasing its renewable energy capacity in line with the national targets to generate 22% of Egypt’s power from renewables by 2022 and 42% by 2035.

APRIL 2021 19

Al Gihaz Holding (KSA) completes investment in UK’s Enshore Subsea n Enshore Subsea will benefit from the technical expertise and financial resource of Al Gihaz Contracting Riyadh-based Al Gihaz Contracting, part of Al Gihaz Holding has recently announced its acquisition of assets, Intellectual Property and the management systems of Enshore Subsea, a leading UK based subsea trenching company, providing seabed intervention services to megaprojects across industry around the world.

The acquisition will see the creation of a new joint venture with the aim of forming a leading seabed intervention and construction management services provider.

The joint venture will rely on the acquired specialized assets of the company, the skilled team and the company’s successful track record of completed projects to aid the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s drive to generating 58.7GW of clean energy by 2030 as part of the powerful Saudi Vision 2030.

“With this acquisition, Enshore Subsea will benefit from the technical and financial expertise of Al Gihaz Contracting, which for many years has been a leading power and manufacturing services provider locally and internationally,”noted Sami Alangari, Group Vice Chairman, Al Gihaz Holding.

“With Al Gihaz, Enshore Subsea will move forward with a sustainable cost base, renewed energy and focus on our areas of expertise,”observed Pierre Boyde, Managing Director, Enshore Subsea.

This latest acquisition from Al Gihaz Holding further supports the strategic ambitions of the Group to be at the forefront of new and clean technologies and follows multiple investments in solar and wind power plants in different regions of the world.

The Group has also been active in smart meters, IoT and energy efficiency projects in the Kingdom in recent years.

Sami Alangari

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GEFCO-DP WORLD, UAE REGION PARTNERSHIP

GEFCO UAE partners with DP World UAE Region for car solutions GEFCO aims to capitalise on Jebel Ali Port’s comprehensive logistics solutions offerings

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EFCO, a global provider of industrial supply chain services and the European leader in automotive logistics, has formed a partnership through its subsidiary in the UAE with the leading smart trade enabler, DP World, UAE Region for new car solutions.

Through this partnership, GEFCO UAE now offers automotive customers a flexible, integrated solution for vehicle storage and handling in covered parking at DP World, UAE Region’s flagship, Jebel Ali Port.

GEFCO UAE has been operating vehicle handling and stock maintenance services in covered parking at DP World, UAE Region’s flagship Jebel Ali Port, which provides protection against hailstorms, sun exposure and dust.

GEFCO’s flexible, tailor-made solutions enable automotive manufacturers to reduce transport costs, while benefitting from storage, stock maintenance and other value-added services in line with international standards. Customers can also monitor their vehicle stocks and status through a dedicated GEFCO portal.

Shahab Al Jassmi, Commercial Director, Ports and Terminals, DP World, UAE Region.

Thierry Bocquillet, Operations Director, GEFCO Middle East FZE.

GEFCO UAE partners with DP World, UAE Region for new car solutions at Jebel Ali Port, a prominent RoRo hub in the region.

Range of services This partnership with DP World, UAE Region strengthens GEFCO’s position in the UAE market where it has been operating for more than eight years.

GEFCO UAE offers a complete range of logistics solutions, specializing in finished vehicle logistics for import/export automotive customers.

These solutions include sea freight from factories to Jebel Ali Port, transportation, storage, stock maintenance, inventory management, and outbound transportation via Jebel Ali Free Zone to GCC countries as well as

22 APRIL 2021

Jordan, Iraq, Turkey and Africa.

“As a major international logistics player, we offer the most intelligent flexible and competitive logistics solutions to support our customers’ development,” noted Thierry Bocquillet, Operations Director, GEFCO Middle East.

“DP World, UAE Region’s trade and logistics hub comprising the Jebel Ali Port and Jafza create the leading gateway for automotive trade in the GCC and around the world,” remarked Shahab Al Jassmi, Commercial Director of Ports and Terminals - DP World, UAE Region.

SUEZ CANAL BLOCKAGE

Giant container ship blocking Suez Canal finally refloated after six-day ordeal Following the freeing of the ‘Ever Given’, Canal Authority to act quickly to move the delayed ships through the waterway

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he world heaved a sigh of relief as a 1,300-foot, 220,000-ton container ship that has been blocking traffic in the Suez Canal for nearly a week was finally free and once again underway, onboard tracking sites and livestreamed video from the scene indicated.

On Monday 29 March at around 15.00 hours (Egypt local time), as tugboat horns blared in celebration for having freed the grounded ship, the Ever Given was seen slowly making its way in the canal. Images showed the vessel pointed north for the first time that day, when in high winds and low visibility it became cross-ways in the canal and ran aground, shutting down all ship traffic in the vital waterway.

“We pulled it off!,” Peter Berdowski, CEO, Boskalis, the Dutch salvage firm hired through SMIT Salvage to rescue the Ever Given and get commerce moving through the waterway again, was quoted in the press.

“I am excited to announce that our team of experts, working in close collaboration with the Suez Canal Authority, successfully refloated the Ever Given thereby making free passage through the Suez Canal possible again,”he affirmed, according to multiple media reports.

Refloated and moving again By early afternoon that day, the Ever Given was making about 10 knots (11.5 mph) as it headed into Great Bitter Lake, a wide stretch of water halfway between the north and south ends of the canal where the ship is to be inspected to make sure it didn’t sustain any serious damage either at the time of the initial grounding or during attempts to free it.

The Panama-flagged, Japanese-owned container ship, which is operated by Taiwan-based Evergreen Marine, was

originally destined for Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The Ever Given is among the largest container ships currently in operation — at roughly twice as long as the canal is wide. Aided by a high tide, a flotilla of tugboats wrenched the ship’s massive bow from the canal’s bank, where it became lodged on 23 March.

Crisis resolved “Egyptians have succeeded in ending the crisis of the delinquent ship on the Suez Canal despite the massive technical complexity surrounding this process on every side. Returning things to normal course, in Egyptian hands, reassures the whole world of the path of its goods and needs passed by this axial artery,”asserted Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi, Egypt’s President.

Osama Rabie, Chairman, Suez Canal Authority, announced that day that the stern of the Ever Given container ship had been moved about 335 feet from shore; it had been only a few yards from land.

In two separate failed attempts over the weekend, tugboats and dredgers tried to refloat the vessel, stacked high with containers, according to shipping authorities.

Dredging efforts Evergreen Marine in a statement said that dredging efforts had removed more than 20,000 tons of sand and mud, which

loosened the ship’s bow, and that the ship’s stern had been cleared from the sand bank.

The successful effort to free the ship means at least 369 vessels backed up waiting to transit the canal, including dozens of container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vessels, can now move, Rabie said, according to Reuters.

Waterway traffic restoration He told Egyptian television earlier that the Canal Authority would act quickly to move the delayed ships through the waterway. Rabie said it could take up to three days to clear the backlog of ships.

In a statement, Maersk, the world’s largest container line, said the knock-on disruptions to global shipping could take weeks or months to unravel.

Freeing the ship from its spot on the Suez Canal will allow billions of dollars worth of cargo to resume transit and obviate the need for vessels to take a long and expensive detour around the tip of Africa to travel between Asia and Western ports.

APRIL 2021 23

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

Hellmann bucks downward trends; expands operations in the Middle East Opening new offices in Egypt and Oman makes the company’s performance a standout in a challenging landscape

24 APRIL 2021

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lobal logistics service provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics is expanding and has entered new markets in the Middle East.

After launching operations in Oman last summer, the company has now also inaugurated its first branch in

Egypt. The inauguration was recently conducted via a virtual ceremony.

With market entry in these two strategically important Middle East and South Asia (MESA) countries, Hellmann is expanding its regional network with the aim to acquire new

Hellmann has been in the MESA region since 1999 has a total of 80 locations and warehouse space of over 2.2million sqft, it currently employs over 1,800 staff.

customer groups and business fields in the Middle East.

Hellmann has been present in the MESA region since 1999 and has since grown steadily to become the leading logistics service provider across multiple industry verticals including automotive, healthcare, chemical, FMCG and fashion. With a total of 80 locations and cumulative warehouse space of over 2.2million sqft, Hellmann currently employs over 1,800 staff in the region.

Comprehensive portfolio Hellmann covers the entire product portfolio via the Egyptian head office in Cairo, with the national operation primarily handling imports from Europe, North America and Asia. At the same time, the new location serves as a gateway to COMESA—Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (the largest regional economic organization in Africa, with 19 member states and a population of about 400 million) and Middle East countries, especially for automotive, healthcare, FMCG, and fashion customers.

Furthermore, in order to sustainably develop the strategically important and economically strong Egyptian market, Hellmann plans to open two additional operational locations in the country’s growing and strategically important ports of Port Sokhna and Alexandria in October of this year (2021).

APRIL 2021 25

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

Madhav Kurup has been with Hellmann for more than ten years, during which he has had a formidable impact on the lo¬gistics industry. Since taking over the company’s Middle East, North Africa and South Asian operations, he has created new benchmarks in the industry within the region.

He has made the company one of the most successful players in the region by transforming it from a transactional forwarder to a fully integrated solutions provider with market leadership in auto¬motive, healthcare, fashion, perishables, chemicals and FMCG logistics within the MENA and South Asia regions.

Moreover, under his stewardship, Hellmann also expanded the geographical footprint with its own offices in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and recently in Oman and Egypt.

Kurup took the company to a new level, when Hellmann and Dubai CommerCity signed a strategic partnership to support future growth of e-Commerce.

Under his leadership, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has been in the front of innovation and setting higher standards in customer service, vertical specializations, at the same time keeping in mind the development of its employees as number one priority.

Hellmann has been in the front of innovation and setting higher standards in customer service, at the same time keeping in mind the development of its employees as number one priority.

“In recent years, Hellmann has already established itself as a market leader in the MESA region, especially in the automotive and healthcare logistics sectors, but increasingly also in e-commerce business. The expansion into Egypt and Oman marks another decisive step for our growth path in the Middle East and North Africa,” affirmed Madhav Kurup, Regional CEO—MESA, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

Oman foray

Germany-headquartered Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has had a Middle East South Asia regional presence since1999.

Global Supply Chain conducted an exclusive interview with Madhav Kurup, the long-serving CEO, MESA Region, on the occasion of the announcement of the company’s inroads into Egypt and Oman.

Kurup is the quintessential senior Hellman official with over a decade of service with the company. He spoke expansively on a wide range of subjects, the current industry scenario, the company’s resilience, the present challenges and opportunities and his vision for the future Global Supply Chain (GSC): The year 2020 has been unprecedented and like no other with the onset and continuity of the pandemic. What is your brief

assessment of the impact of the pandemic on your business to date and your performance in 2020?

Madhav Kurup (MK): As a global logistics provider, the impact that occurred over 2020 and even in Q1-2021 has been staggering with various challenges from enabling a safe work environment for our people operating in our offices and warehouses, border challenges, to space capacity on air and sea.

With a drop in fashion and automotive, other industries such as healthcare and FMCG certainly correspondingly increased in volumes. With skilled personnel across our organization we were pleased that we did not release any staff members due to an impact of the pandemic, and I am proud to confirm that we actually hired personnel across the region for our business growth that we supported and in 2020 we are pleased that we were also above budget.

GSC: How significant is the role of Hellmann Calipar Healthcare Logistics in the present context?

MK: Our specific Healthcare JV in the UAE had changed working operations to support the additional volumes as well as keeping in within local regulations.

The teams also created new solutions to support our customers where many direct options had ceased due to passenger flight aircraft capacity reducing from alternative air to air options or Air

Madhav Kurup, Regional CEO, MESA, Hellmann.

Already in July 2020, Hellmann pursued its expansion in the Middle East with the opening of several operational and administrative branches in the Sultanate of Oman. The aim is to establish a seamless supply chain in the Middle East and to have an increasing presence in the strong economy of Oman, which is also an important trading partner for the neighbouring Gulf States.

Strategic importance “The investments in Egypt and Oman clearly show the strategic importance of the region for Hellmann as a global company and the potential we see here,”commented Reiner Heiken, Chief Executive Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

26 APRIL 2021

Osnabrück

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

Gordon Barnard, CCO, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

Charter support not just for PPE, but also other important Healthcare lines.

We have been fortunate in the UAE that strict protocols at the start, which enabled a shorter lock down compared to other countries around the world, with continued proper control by the UAE Government had allowed functions to operate in safety for logistical activities via the UAE. This implies that Hellmann Calipar Healthcare UAE was also able to support not just our UAE customers, but in addition to our other Hellmann International customers in providing solutions to ensure products arrived safely and swiftly to the country required.

GSC: How important is now the Pharma-Cold Chain logistics sector within the wider Hellmann Logistics portfolio?

MK: Healthcare is one of Hellmann largest industry sector specialized industry focus globally; whereby we provide solutions across the world, led by skilled healthcare logistics professionals from solution to product experts.

We have in addition created a global Covid-19 specialized taskforce that is supporting countries and organizations on the deployment of our resources.

We are pleased that in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region we have supported movements despite pandemic disruptions by virtue of being a

Gordon Barnard, CCO, MESA, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, responded to a Global Supply Chain questionnaire.

Global Supply Chain (GSC): How is the onset of the pandemic impacting your regional and global operations?

Gordon Barnard (GB): At the onset we had immediately reviewed the key resources needed to be in the office and warehouses to meet to be in line with each country governmental guidelines. We are fortunate that Hellmann has always been investing strongly into IT connectivity and those members that required to work from home had immediately the connectivity required to communicate with colleagues and customers seamlessly.

We created key task teams looking at country notifications regarding customs/border closures and aligned our specialist industry verticals teams to ensure that all commodities could keep moving with strong workshops in discussing impact negative areas and reviewing solutions to support our customers.

GSC: How much of your professional work environment / ecosystem in the operations realm has changed as a result of the Covid-19 virus onslaught?

GB: Firstly whilst certain commodity shipment numbers reduced, we made a very conscious effort to not release any member of staff because of this as people, and our talents are certainly very important to our organization.

However on another note and direction to the logistics supply chain, we do foresee changes in our customer supply chains moving away from ‘Just In Time’ solutions and also reviewing manufacturing locations to ensure supply chains in future are well maintained.

This could lead to more local/regional warehousing, a review on supply base manufacturing with alternative solutions for the customers being investigated (which to be open a few have already started these reviews).

GSC: How extensive has been the role of Hellmann in the distribution of the vaccines both regionally and internationally?

GB: We are pleased that we had engaged with multiple government and private organizations from mid-2020 into looking into route assessments and providing the packaging technology and visibility solutions to support the vaccine transport when they (Covid-19 vaccine) were ready, and from Q4- 2020 we have been involved in multiple supply movements for Covid vaccines around the world.

Whilst certain routes have limitations on aircraft flight availability we have also been engaged in multiple air charters to ensure that vaccines arrived safe and on time.

GSC: With the Pharma / Food / Cold Chain and critically required medical / PPE (personal protective equipment) supplies industry in the frontlines of the fight against the virus, how have your priorities been rearranged and what kind of new demands / pressures are being put on your business now?

GB: Hellmann is fortunate to have specific industry specialized teams, especially in Healthcare, Food Perishable, and we must also consider FMCG specialized products that have also been important. Our industry specialized teams investigated the key impact areas and worked closely with our product specialists to find solutions to support each market, based on those commodities.

We are thankfully structured well with strong product specialists, supporting the overall region requirements, along with the country counterparts and also with our global headquarters in ensuring that solutions are found.

We have seen an upsurge, especially in the last months in volumes, which with still restricted capacity the next months will certainly have its challenges, but we have great people, working together in creating the solutions to support our customers.

APRIL 2021 27

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

History: Hellmann Middle East & South Asia

1999 Hellmann MESA HO established in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

28 APRIL 2021

2000

2010

Hellmann sets up base in Bangladesh through their partnership with Bangladesh Air Express

Launch of the Hellmann Calipar Healthcare Logistics in UAE

2007

2013

Hellmann opens offices in Kuwait. India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Hellmann offices set up in key locations in Saudi Arabia such as Riyadh and Jeddah

2017

2020

Launch of the Hellmann Indu Chemical joint venture in UAE

Dubai CommerCity, DHL & Hellmann sign a strategic partnership for eCommerce sector

2018

2021

Hellmann recognized at Logistics and Transportation Awards in Healthcare.

Automotive. FMCG and Warehousing

Hellmann opens own offices at Oman and Egypt

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

countries have fared to date?

MK: We are pleased that towards end of 2020 opening in Oman and within March 2021 opening in Egypt greatly strengthens our regional solutions for our customers with our own office/ warehouse solutions.

Within Oman we have opened offices in Muscat and Sohar, and for Egypt our first stage opening in Cairo is complete along with full customs brokerage solutions.

Frankly we were careful in our firstyear planning on these new countries; however the positive leadership in

Hellmann’s professional and experienced team of more than 1,900 personnel covers all solutions with Sea/ Air via Dubai, a strong warehousing footprint in majority of countries.

the country and supporting functions from the regional office in Dubai has allowed us to perform beyond our expectations. We are pleased with the accomplishments of our people following which our performance inQ1-2021 has been very positive.

GSC: What does this imply in real terms and how does it strengthen your regional network?

MK: Whilst Hellmann has had agency representation in these countries for many years, it was a very tough decision to replace our agents with our own operations, however the time had meant that in order to create a full business endto-end solution for key customers that we had to open our own operations in these very important countries within the Middle East.

GSC: What do you attribute this superior performance in Egypt and Oman to?

MK: Our people, our industry solutions and also integrated visibility systems, however most importantly our customers for whom partner with Hellmann to help

member of the UAE Hope Consortium.

GSC: How significant is the region for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics?

MK: Hellmann Middle East, North Africa and South Asia having a professional and experienced team of more than 1,900 personnel covering all solutions with Sea/Air via Dubai, a strong warehousing footprint in majority of countries, with specialized teams from healthcare, automotive, fashion, FMCG, chemical and Oil & Gas projects.

Our track record is good with strong employer staff retention and we have been growing proudly year after year and supporting all global strategies, and in many cases have been at the forefront on developments and continuous improvement concepts.

GSC: Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has recently announced expansion in Egypt and in the Sultanate of Oman with the inauguration of new offices.

Give us the lowdown on how these two

APRIL 2021 29

HELLMANN WORLDWIDE LOGISTICS

them create value in their supply chains.

GSC: How does this performance compare with the rest of the GCC and the region?

MK: I am very proud that our regional and country level organizations are very well connected with all functions in synchrony. Whilst Hellmann operates within a Matrix structure, the reality is that it is the people that make the difference.

GSC: Any further regional expansion on the cards?

MK: Hellmann would not be where we are today without also our partner network, so we take it very seriously when it comes to changing an existing partnership in a country that Hellmann does not have its own 100% presence.

However, that being said, the Middle East & North Africa region is developing very well and whilst we will wish to expand more with our own entities it will be for the right reasons.

GSC: What challenges and opportunities do you foresee for the company in the region going forward?

MK: We are fortunate that the region is very proactive with many governmental objective long term plans and has a great attraction for people to want to live in the region, which brings with it a wealth

30 APRIL 2021

Hellmann has foresight, always thinking ahead and moving forward to overcome challenges. of knowledge and experience, not just from a logistical perspective, but also from global organizations wanting to bring more investment from their own organizations into the region to enhance their own business models.

That being said technology changes and shapes our world not just every decade, but every year we see capabilities for greater enhancements to be more proactive and support our customers with exception monitoring, state of the art infrastructure and more streamlined business approaches.

Last year Hellmann globally decided to change our global transportation management system (even whilst our existing is still advanced), we decided to invest in order to ensure data visibility and controls are at the highest level for the next years.

GSC: How is Q1-2021 looking from a business perspective and what is your forecast for the remainder of the year?

MK: We do certainly anticipate a better year than 2021 in the region due to a strong vaccine deployment and more stable work/life balance related to Covid restrictions easing.

However, a lot of our strategic industries do rely on international end consumer spending in Europe and North Americas, so whilst on some industries we are very optimistic that 2021 will be positive, we do anticipate some industries will not return to normal until 2022 once a full global vaccine deployment has occurred.

GSC: What areas do you see greater focus for Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and what is your outlook and corporate message going forward?

MK: We will continue to live our culture that emphasizes our business approach for our people, industry niche solutions for our customers, bringing the best IT technology to support the activities of our organization and our customers, strong continuous improvement programmes, sustainability activities and always believing in collaboration and partnership as the best strategy an organization can action.

Hellmann has foresight, always thinking ahead and moving forward to overcome challenges. That in essence constitutes our corporate motto.

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TRISTAR GROUP

Making its indelible mark in the liquid logistics and downstream energy sectors Despite the economic odds and disruptions to the logistics and supply chain industry as a consequence of the pandemic, the healthy performance of the Tristar Group is a standout. The company has reported robust growth in 2020 and continues to consolidate and enlarge operations across multiple continents and geographies.

E

stablished in 1998 as a road transport service provider for the petroleum industry in the UAE, Tristar has evolved into a leading integrated energy logistics company serving a diversified customer base of ‘blue-chip’ investment grade companies.

The Group presently has operations in 21 countries and territories across three continents and has over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels, including the operation of 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites, providing a wide spectrum of integrated service offerings.

With a strong reputation for quality, built over two decades of operations and

a commitment to safety and operational excellence, Tristar has become a trusted brand in the global logistics industry. The Group is a partner of choice for leading International Oil Companies (IOCs) and National Oil Companies (NOCs) in the energy sector.

Diversified offerings Tristar’s diversified and integrated offering spans fuel logistics services to support Intergovernmental Organisations (IGO) peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in remote geographies (remote fuels) as well as commercial enterprises (commercial fuels), maritime logistics,

road transport and warehousing as well as fuel farms. Tristar has a unique position as an integrated, end-to-end energy logistics solutions provider to premium companies.

The following is the transcript of the recent exclusive interview by Global Supply Chain with Eugene A. Mayne, Group Founder and CEO, Tristar Group.

Global Supply Chain (GSC): What services does the Tristar Group provide?

Eugene A. Mayne (EAM): Tristar is headquartered in Dubai, UAE and operates in 21 countries and territories across three continents, Asia, Africa, and America. Our operations are extensive

Tristar road transport assets

32 APRIL 2021

TRISTAR GROUP

Eugene Mayne, Founder & CEO, Tristar Group.

and well-invested across emerging markets, including Africa and the Middle East. We have a unique business model spread across four segments – road transport and warehousing, maritime logistics, remote and commercial fuel logistics and fuel storage terminals.

This model has been built to offer our customers a one stop load port to discharge port model.

We employ approximately over 2,500 people and have over 2,000 road transport assets and 35 maritime vessels.

We operate 69 fuel farms and over 100 remote fuel sites. Out of the 35 maritime vessels, six are equipped with Tier III engines which reduce emissions and operate in an eco-friendly way consistent with Tristar’s commitment to being a ‘Business for Purpose’.

We are proud to have built a global and scalable platform, which enables Tristar to provide an integrated logistics offering to the downstream energy industry.

Tristar into plane refueling services.

APRIL 2021 33

TRISTAR GROUP

One of Tristar’s newest vessels

GSC: How was the performance of the company during 2020 and what are your expectations for 2021?

EAM: I am pleased to say we delivered healthy financial performance in 2020 despite the impact of the pandemic – our business generated revenue of US$ 453.4mn and EBITDA of US$ 103.6mn in

the year ended 31 December 2020.

The Group has a strong track record of growth demonstrated by a 12.4% CAGR in operating cash flows between 2018 and 2020 and a consistent EBITDA margin between 20.1% to 22.8% from 2018 to 2020. This record is underpinned by a strong business model, operational

excellence, and rigorous financial management.

Our outlook for 2021 remains positive and we are optimistic about the future.

We have set ourselves an ambitious growth plan for 2021, which consists of pursuing organic growth opportunities within our existing base of blue-chip customers and formalising other projects in the pipeline.

Overall, we expect 2021 to be a year of transformation for our group as we look to position ourselves for a phase of growth.

GSC: How do you see the competition in the energy and logistics services market?

EAM: The wider logistics industry is expected to grow by 4.3 per cent between 2020 and 2025, according to Frost & Sullivan. The market for contract logistics in GCC is expected to grow a CAGR of more than 3.5% from 2019-2024, according to Mordor Intelligence. There is

SABIC extends contract with United Stars

United Stars is Tristar Group’s JV partner in Saudi Arabia Tristar Group recently announced that Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) has extended its contract with the Company’s joint venture in the Kingdom, United Stars, for an additional period of two years.

Tristar’s mandate will be to continue to transport liquid industrial gases to SABIC’s diverse portfolio of clients across the GCC. Tristar has a long-standing relationship with SABIC. In December 2017, United Stars Country Manager, Aous Ali, signed a three-year contract to transport liquid gases from SABIC’s plants in Jubail in the Eastern Province and Yanbu in the Western Province to SABIC affiliates inside the Kingdom, Gulf Cooperating Council (GCC) and Jordan.

Under the initial contract, Tristar had invested in 30 gas-carrying road tankers and Cryogenic ISO tankers to meet SABIC’s requirements, however, with the extension, an additional 11 tankers will be deployed this month.

Furthermore, in the second phase of the contract, the company will provide around 20 tankers for an additional 28,000 MT requirement, which will be deployed in the second quarter.

“We look forward to continuing to demonstrate best practice in safety that ensures a consistent level of safe and high quality service to SABIC and all our customers, and I look forward to reporting on further business developments in

34 APRIL 2021

due course,” asserted Eugene Mayne, Group CEO, Tristar.

United Stars operates a yard at the Dammam Modon Second Industrial Area, with an area of 40,000sqm and a 10,000sqm warehouse for both Dangerous Goods and Non-Dangerous Goods. The Company also operates two additional yards in Jubail with an area of 10,000sqm, and Riyadh with an area of 10,000sqm.

In 2020, Tristar established its Cryogenic Gas Transport division in the Kingdom, which offers the leasing of cryogenic ISO tanks and road tankers, in addition to consultation, engineering and intermodal transport services for cryogenic gas. It will open a specialised maintenance and repair centre for cryogenic assets at the Dammam yard later this year.

scope for some industries to grow, energy logistics being one of them.

Economic diversification has been on the agenda of GCC governments for a long time, and we are starting to see the benefits. The rising contribution of the non-oil sector to GDP, in addition to infrastructure development, the emergence of new free trade zones, industrial parks and increased trade cooperation in the region will lead to a positive outlook for the industry.

Tristar is insulated against competition in any one segment of the logistics market due to our diversified and resilient business model. In addition, we are constantly one step ahead of the curve, integrating new technologies to increase efficiencies.

For example, our maritime business is studying Smart Ship technology that would predict tidal movements to plot vessel routes with the goal of route and bunker optimisation to save fuel costs and reduce our carbon footprint. We are also looking at predictive analysis tools for our vessels, to avoid costly vessel breakdown and off hires.

GSC: What was the impact of Covid-19 on the Tristar Group?

EAM: While Covid-19 has impacted our business, our resilient business model allowed us to operate during the crisis without resorting to extreme measures such as laying off staff or imposing salary cuts. Our long-term contracts with our investment grade customers have ensured that our revenue streams continued without any pressure of contract cancellation or price negotiation.

GSC: What was your company’s Covid-19 response?

EAM: Our Covid-19 response strategy has been centrally managed from our headquarters in Dubai and implemented across the 21 countries and territories we operate in.

At the onset of the pandemic, we chose to find solutions to mitigate the negative impact of Covid-19 by staying focused on reducing service disruptions to customers rather than reducing our workforce. We set up a Crisis Committee that meets regularly to review and monitor the

Donation of food and handwash items in South Sudan.

“We are proud to have built a global and scalable platform, which enables Tristar to provide an integrated logistics offering to the downstream energy industry”. health of our employees and potential disruptions to our services.

Recalibration of contingency measures, along with astute management of our business continuity plans with dayto-day oversight by the committee has ensured minimisation of disruptions and that the arrangements for employee testing, isolation and treatment are well established.

We organised Covid-19 testing for all our employees and proactively implemented several preventive measures to enable our employees to keep themselves and their families safe.

We also provide regular operational updates on Covid-19 to our customers, which have been well received as it mitigates the risk of disruption to their individual supply chains. We also continue to check in on our employees, to make sure they are doing well both mentally and physically.

GSC: What were your pandemic support mechanisms to local communities?

EAM: In Africa we supported local communities at the height of the pandemic last year.

We provided 51 tons of food items to the South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. Several volunteers from

Tristar visited the Atek Luak Protection Center in South Sudan to educate children regarding the Covid-19 pandemic and the importance of hand-washing, social distancing, and sanitation. The volunteers also donated face masks and food and handwash items.

We contributed US$ 100,000 to Uganda’s National Response Fund which was handed over to Mary Karooro Okurut, Head of the Covid-19 Response Fund, and Robina Nabbanja, Minister of State for Health in charge of general duties.

In Mali, we distributed food packs to 500 refugee families at the Camp of Faladie, District of Bamako. Each family received a pack consisting of 50 kilograms of rice, 5 litres of cooking oil, powdered milk, and beans.

In the UAE, we donated 10,000 meals through the World’s Tallest Donation Box where 10,000 lights were displayed on Burj Khalifa on behalf of Tristar. This was in support of the Dubai government’s ‘10 Million Meal Campaign’ to provide meals to low-income families and individuals during Ramadan.

Our team in Pakistan provided food bags to 60 families in Karachi who were suffering from the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic. The families received essential food items such as dairy products, lentils, rice and wheat.

APRIL 2021 35

AUTOMATION

Swisslog supports new normal as demand for automation soars Automation expert bags 21 AutoStore orders valued at US$ 71mn

D

espite the pandemic, Swisslog has continued to support businesses with project realization for critical supply chains.

The company reported that in recent weeks, Swisslog has won 21 AutoStore orders with a total value of over 60mn Euro (US$ 71.85mn). In addition to securing the critical supply chains for customers in food & beverage, retail, and pharmaceutical, Swisslog has also experienced increased demand from the e-commerce sector.

As the leading AutoStore integrator, Swisslog has received many requests from companies within this market, which now faces extra pressure as a result of the pandemic. All the latest orders include SynQ software, enabling Swisslog customers to further improve their business performance with digital and robotic processes.

Continent-wide demand The AutoStore wins come from both new and existing Swisslog customers, situated in countries across Europe:

36 APRIL 2021

Norwegian third party logistics provider Bring chose AutoStore because it is compact, flexible, and well established in e-commerce. In the first phase, Swisslog will deliver an AutoStore solution including a buffer area and Swisslog’s SynQ software, further digitalizing the company’s business processes.

Italian importer for STIHL agricultural machinery and equipment, Andreas STIHL, has also entrusted Swisslog with the construction of a high-performance automated warehouse. The new AutoStore plant will include 16,900 bins on 16 levels, 17 robots, 5 picking bays, and SynQ software.

German toy retailer ROFU has commissioned Swisslog to construct an automated warehouse too, responding to a growing online business for its toys, stationery, and decorative items. The AutoStore system at ROFU will include around 28,300 bin locations and will initially be operated by 57 robots.

Swisslog customer Brack.ch in Switzerland experienced an order boom due to the pandemic. To meet the demand, a solution consisting of three

AutoStore systems was upgraded within a remarkably short time.

Lockdown support “Thanks to our local in-house team, excellent planning, and decades of AutoStore experience, we were able to deliver these projects and hand them over to the customer within a short time frame,”noted Jens Schmale, Senior Vice President, Swisslog AutoStore. The surge in demand saw Swisslog secure 21 in orders across Europe and 24 AutoStore projects globally since October 2020.

Trusted automation partner “With our comprehensive portfolio of adjunct solutions such as conveyors or robotic picking, companies have the options to achieve peak performance for their businesses,” he added.

“Our AutoStore product portfolio with our software SynQ is a key cornerstone of our data- and robotic-driven automation strategy,”concluded Christian Baur, CEO, Swisslog.

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ENJOY ENJOY ENJOY ULTIMATE ULTIMATE ULTIMATE DEPENDABILITY DEPENDABILITY DEPENDABILITY WITH: WITH: WITH: • 2• years 2• years 2 years or or 300,000km or 300,000km 300,000km warranty. warranty. warranty.

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RENAULT TRUCKS

Beating the odds, Renault Trucks stays the course with its 2020 sales performance The top vehicle manufacturer’s priority is to stay committed to its customers In a year marked by an unprecedented health crisis, Renault Trucks’ has bucked the downward trend. In an encouraging report, the company indicated that over 90% of Renault Trucks sales and service outlets continued to welcome customers and their trucks during the height of the pandemic.

38 APRIL 2021

I

n an unusually challenging year and despite a downturn in volume, with a total of 41,117 vehicles invoiced in 2020, Renault Trucks, a subsidiary of the Volvo Group, has maintained its market share, the company revealed in a recent report.

A positive indicator is that Renault Trucks has recorded a 12% increase in orders compared to the previous year.

One highlight is that over 90% of the Renault Trucks sales network remained open at the height of the pandemic.

However, Renault Trucks’ number one priority in 2020 was to stand by its customers and help them continue with their work, which was vital during the crisis. During the March lockdown, the manufacturer managed to keep more

RENAULT TRUCKS

than 90% of its sales and service network open around the world, thanks to the introduction of the most stringent health and safety rules.

Holding market share in Europe, undisputed leader in France In Europe, thanks to the setting up of organizations dedicated to the brand and the creation of flexible offers, specifically adapted to customers’ needs in times of crisis, Renault Trucks has held its ground in a turbulent market.

On the European market for vehicles over 6T, the French manufacturer recorded a stable market share of 8.5% in 2020. Market share remained unchanged in the over 16T segment at 8.8% and in the mid-range segment (616T), it rose by 0.3 points to 6.6%.

In France, on its domestic market, Renault Trucks remains the undisputed leader with a 6T+ market share of 28.3%, up 0.6%.

Bruno Blin, President, Renault Trucks.

APRIL 2021 39

RENAULT TRUCKS

Invoicing drops, but orders are on the rise

The pandemic and resulting economic crisis strongly impacted the HGV market in 2020. Renault Trucks’ 2020 invoicing volume followed the market trend, falling by 24% to 41,117 vehicles.

Invoicing breaks down is as follows: Breakdown of invoicing per destination Europe (excluding France): 19,019 vehicles invoiced France: 17,937 vehicles invoiced Rest of the world: 4,161 vehicles invoiced Breakdown of invoicing per tonnage Heavy and mid-range vehicles: 26,246 vehicles invoiced Light-duty vehicles: 14,871 vehicles invoiced A positive indicator is worth noting for 2020, in that Renault Trucks recorded a 12% increase in orders compared to 2019.

On a positive note, in the last quarter of 2020, Renault Trucks recorded a 40% increase in orders compared to the previous year (Q4-2020 versus Q4-2019).

International sales up 16% Internationally, Renault Trucks recorded a 16% increase in its invoiced sales.

2020 was marked in particular by strong recovery in Algeria, a historic market for Renault Trucks, with 1,100 trucks invoiced, up 80% on 2019. Thanks to its assembly plant in Meftah, the French manufacturer has consolidated its leading position in Algeria with a 47.8% share of the 16T+ market for European manufacturers.

In the buoyant Turkish market, Renault Trucks achieved very strong growth in invoiced sales, rising from 640 vehicles in 2019 to 1,061 in 2020.

Good performances in sub-Saharan Africa are worthy of note, where Renault Trucks offers a dedicated range of used vehicles (Renault Trucks T X-Port and T X-64, converted at the Used Trucks Factory). Renault Trucks also sells a special extra-safe edition of its K range on these markets, the Renault Trucks K Safety Edition.

40 APRIL 2021

Record volumes for used trucks, up 9% Used Trucks is a strategic sector for Renault Trucks. The actions taken by the manufacturer with respect to the specification of new trucks (with a view to their future arrival on the used truck market), as well as initiatives introduced during the pandemic in terms of financing flexibility, ease of contract interruption, etc., enabled the manufacturer to perform well in 2020.

Renault Trucks recorded a record volume of invoicing with 10,308 used vehicles invoiced, an increase of 9% on 2019.

Renault Trucks has also significantly increased its performance in terms of used truck services, with service penetration up 4 points on 2019 to 28%.

The number of used trucks sold with a Selection warranty contract also rose 25% in 2020.

A unique position on the used trucks market Renault Trucks is adopting an entirely innovative approach to the used vehicle market. This strategy is unique on the

market and is based on up-cycling and recycling.

The best illustration of this is its Used Trucks Factory, a specialized workshop for the transformation of used trucks integrated into the Bourg-en-Bresse manufacturing site. The conversions carried out there are the subject of specific R&D studies and, in terms of the industrial manufacturing process and quality control, meet the same high standards as those applied to the manufacture of new vehicles.

Meanwhile, 500 additional vehicles were manufactured at the Used Trucks Factory in 2020 and new models were launched this year, such as the Renault Trucks T X-64, a vehicle dedicated to the African and Middle Eastern markets.

Renault Trucks is also pursuing the implementation of its own recycling and reuse of parts for heavy goods vehicles, with Indra Automobile Recycling. This project has been approved by the French ADEME environmental agency.

A true pioneer in its approach to used vehicles, Renault Trucks is transforming the activity and purchasing habits, as well as accelerating its transition to a circular economy.

Renault Trucks to offer an electric range for each market segment from 2023 Renault Trucks is pursuing its investment in electric mobility From 2023, an all-electric Renault Trucks offer will be available for each segment, namely distribution, construction and long distance.

To support these developments and be able to offer a complete and competitive Renault Trucks range on the market, the company is setting up an organization dedicated to electric mobility. Renault Trucks is thereby confirming its commitment to fossil-free transport.

To help meet the Paris Climate Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius compared with pre-industrial levels, Renault Trucks is committed to transforming the truck market by gradually electrify its fleet to become carbon-neutral within 30 years.

As trucks have a lifespan of at least ten years, all trucks manufactured by 2040 must run without fossil fuels. Batteryelectric and fuel cell electric power will be crucial to achieve this major transformation towards carbon-free transport.

A Z.E. tractor and construction version from 2023 In March 2020, Renault Trucks began series production of its second generation of electric vehicles.

Renault Trucks now boasts a comprehensive all-electric range on the market, from 3.1 to 26 tonnes. Comprising the Renault Trucks D Z.E., D Wide Z.E. and the Renault Trucks Master Z.E., it meets the requirements of urban transport, delivery, distribution and waste collection.

Renault Trucks is seeking to extend vehicle electrification to all uses. Preparations are underway to market a Z.E. tractor to meet the needs of regional and inter-regional transport from 2023. An all-electric offer designed for urban construction will also be available to order by this date.

During the second half of the decade, Renault Trucks will be able to offer a range of electric trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells, mainly for demanding and heavy longhaul operations.

An R&D organization dedicated to electric mobility to support its ambitious goals “Electric mobility is the pillar of our strategy and we aim to lead the field,” announced Bruno Blin, President, Renault Trucks. “We’re aiming for 35% of our sales to be electric in 2030. By 2040, all our vehicle ranges will be 100% fossil-free,”

he continued as he addressed a recent virtual international press meet.

In order to achieve these goals, Renault Trucks is backed by dedicated units, both in Research and Development and in the sales and after-sales organization.

On the R&D side, Renault Trucks intends to meet the main technological challenges of this revolution through strategic partnerships, as well as relying on synergies within the Volvo Group, to which it belongs, to increase volumes and reduce costs.

To ensure hauliers get the best solutions in electric mobility, Renault Trucks will benefit from the work carried out by the Volvo Group’s new development unit dedicated to mediumtonnage vehicles, a core segment for the phased introduction of electro-mobility for trucks. Renault Trucks will also capitalize on the partnerships developed

by Volvo Energy, the Volvo Group’s new entity dedicated to the supply, second life and recycling of batteries, as well as to charging solutions. As for the development of battery packs specifically for heavy goods vehicle applications, it will benefit from the strategic alliance formed by the Volvo Group and Samsung SDI. To facilitate this sustainable transition, Renault Trucks will also have the support of its new R&D centre in Lyon which will be built by the beginning of 2023 through an investment of EUR 33 million.

Supporting the energy transition of customers through an electric range with high added value As regards the marketing of its Z.E. range and customer support, Renault Trucks has set up a new entity responsible for electric mobility projects, in order to boost both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This team has acquired a high level of expertise and is working to develop partnerships involving all the stakeholders (hauliers, distributors, public authorities, energy suppliers,) to propose smart and competitive electric range with added value for hauliers.

In addition, the Renault Trucks offers a comprehensive transport solution, including batteries, solutions for installing charging facilities on its customers’ premises, energy optimization, repair and maintenance, financing and insurance.

As a result, Renault Trucks, which is committed to making life easier for its customers, is seeking to be the manufacturer that promises peace of mind. In this period of major change and uncertainty, this is undoubtedly what hauliers need most.

APRIL 2021 41

RENAULT TRUCKS

Renault Trucks continues to invest heavily in electric mobility Renault Trucks has set ambitious targets for electric mobility in terms of sales volumes. The manufacturer has announced that by 2025, electric vehicles will represent 10% of its total vehicle sales and 35% by 2030. The ultimate goal is to provide 100% of its vehicles without fossil fuels by 2040.

The manufacturer is making huge investments to achieve this goal. In March 2020, it started series production of its second generation of electric vehicles at the Blainville-sur-Orne plant and now boasts the widest electric range on the market. Renault Trucks D Z.E., D Wide Z.E. and Master Z.E. constitute a range that extends from 3.1 to 26T, meeting the urban requirements of delivery, distribution and waste collection.

To help its customers accelerate their energy transition, Renault Trucks has set up a new sales organization dedicated to electric mobility.

At the same time, the manufacturer is continuing to invest in extending the electrification of its range of vehicles to all uses. From 2023, an electric range will be available for each segment, namely distribution, construction and long distance.

42 APRIL 2021

Renault Trucks forming a lasting legacy in the Middle East Opportunities and challenges coexist Since the new Renault Trucks Greater Middle East organization was established in Dubai 5 years ago, the challenges have been numerous but steady progress in key countries are rewarding.

In a year marked by an unprecedented health crisis, Renault Trucks have reached its highest market share thanks to breakthrough and turnaround in two major countries.

Renault Trucks have a long successful history in the Middle East mainly in Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Egypt and Qatar with high brand image and market shares.

In 2016, the Volvo Group regional organization was restructured with the setting-up of a dedicated Renault Trucks HQ in Dubai with the ambition to be among the significant players of the industry in each country.

Extensive regional network New importers have been appointed such as in Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan and Lebanon and renewed focus and support has been initiated with the other long-term partners.

On top of Qatar (Al Attiya Motors and Trading) which remains the regional benchmark for customer satisfaction and market performance with a consistent over 20% market share, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the two markets where Renault Trucks performed the best in 2020.

New imports in Egypt have crossed the 10% market share threshold after two years of operations while the company’s long-term partner in Saudi Arabia (Zahid Tractor) reached the highest market share ever in the biggest Middle East market.

Moreover, the focus is not only on new trucks but also on Used Trucks and 2020 was also a positive year for Used Trucks by Renault Trucks label in the region.

RENAULT TRUCKS

Zahid Tractor-Renault-Volvo opts for Digital Transformation New Infor technology to help tap high levels of growth in Saudi Arabia’s construction equipment market Zahid Tractor, a Saudi Arabia-based Zahid Group company that supplies construction machinery and commercial vehicles, has announced that it is using Infor enterprise resource planning (ERP) to streamline and gain visibility across all departments.

The integration of Infor ‘M3 for Equipment’ allows Zahid Tractor to continue to distinguish its customer-centric offering and commitment to excellence across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s construction, transportation and rental sectors.

Zahid Tractor is the authorized distributor of Caterpillar in its Construction Machinery Division, a partnership that has endured for 71 years. Under its Commercial Vehicles Division, Zahid Tractor is the authorized distributor of Volvo Trucks Group (Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks and UD Truck); a partnership that has been in place for 41 years.

Zahid Tractor originally depended on a bespoke homegrown enterprise information technology solution. As the company continued to grow, this solution was no longer feasible and could not support Zahid Tractor’s aggressive digital transformation drive.

Streamlining all facets With the ambition of streamlining all facets of the business as part of its “Ethos of Excellence” and deploying state-of-the-art technologies (such as business intelligence, artificial intelligence and machine learning), Zahid Tractor commissioned one of the big four consulting firms to oversee the due diligence process in selecting the ideal ERP solution.

Upon completion of the due diligence process, Infor M3 for Equipment (manufacturing, distribution, equipment dealership and rental ERP solutions) was selected as the ideal solution in achieving Zahid Tractor’s ambitious digitalization aspirations.

Infor M3 met all the requirements stemming from interfacedriven initiatives Zahid Tractor has with its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partners, which help increase supply chain visibility and improve service levels for their customers. This

was a key prerequisite of the ERP solution, given the scale and importance of Zahid Tractor’s partners including Caterpillar and Volvo Trucks Group.

Transformational technology From equipment lifecycle, employee productivity and rental service to maintenance, field service, refurbishment and OEM, to name but a few, Infor M3 is today transforming key areas of Zahid Tractor’s operations. The end-to-end solution with business analytics provides directors, management and front-line teams with valuable data that assists in planning, day-to-day operations, control and decision-making.

The Infor M3 solution will prove instrumental in helping Zahid Tractor tap high levels of growth in Saudi Arabia’s construction equipment market, which is expected to achieve an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.79 percent from 2020 to 2025, according to a survey byReportlinker.com.

Indeed, Saudi Arabia is moving ahead with megaprojects including NEOM super-city, the 334sqkm entertainment city of Qiddiya (to be established in the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh), in addition to large-scale residential construction projects in major cities, in line with its Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

Saudi Arabia-epicentre “Saudi Arabia is home to some of the world’s most exciting development projects, and as a leading supplier of construction machinery and commercial vehicles, the Zahid Group of companies is committed to supporting these important initiatives,” commented Barig Siraj, Vice President, Group Affairs, Zahid Group.

“Infor M3 plays a key role in helping organizations gain visibility across their operations, improving productivity and efficiency, and helping management teams have greater confidence in their decision making,” noted Amel Gardner, VP, MEA, Infor.

Currently, Zahid Group is working with Infor to roll out Infor Birst Analytics and Infor M3 CloudSuite to other companies within the group.

APRIL 2021 43

DUBAI CUSTOMS / EXPO 2020

Dubai Customs completes 752 declarations for EXPO 2020 EXPO goods to date weigh 11.8k tonnes with a value of AED 637mn and 24 EXPO 2020 initiatives are completed.

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XPO 2020 will open its doors this October with the confirmed participation of 192 countries around the world, along with many international organizations, firms and academic institutions.

Latest figures released by Dubai Customs reveal that the government department has completed 752 declarations for EXPO 2020 since 2014.

Goods cleared for EXPO between 2014 and 2021 were valued AED 637.3mn (US$ 173.5mn).

EXPO goods weighed 11.8K tonnes, 11.6K tonnes for imports and 186.7 tonnes for exports.

“Dubai Customs provides worldclass services to EXPO participants and exhibitors,” affirmed Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja, Executive Director, Clients Management Division, Dubai Customs.

Integrated process “We have launched 24 initiatives in support of this grand event, and we completed integration process will other government partners to ensure a pleasant and unforgettable experience for all

44 APRIL 2021

participants and visitors. The customs clearance guide of EXPO 2020 has been approved as an Authorized Economic Operator,” he continued.

Al Khaja added that hosting EXPO 2020 will add great value to the national economy and contribute to a sustainable development as envisioned by the wise leadership.

These projects will help raise Dubai’s profile as a world class cosmopolitan and a global hub of trade, tourism and travel.

For this, Dubai Customs provided the best services to the participants of EXPO so that they register and clear their goods in a very short time, a press statement noted.

Al Maktoum International Exhibitors can register online without a need to visit customs centres. Dubai Customs will do all requirements needed for the expansion of Al Maktoum Airport.

Dubai Customs equipped the airport with 13 new inspection systems and highly qualified cadres to ensure this vital airport is well prepared for the international event.

“The outstanding initiatives and the great support introduced by our

Abdullah Mohammed Al Khaja Executive Director, Clients Management Division, Dubai Customs.

partners including Dubai Customs will be the main catalysts to raise EXPO 2020 to be the most distinctive edition in EXPO history. All these achievements in hosting the grand event reflect the UAE’s impressive capability in fulfilment of EXPO theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” observed Mohammed Issa al Ansari, spokesman for Expo 2020 Dubai.

No customs duties Dubai Customs developed procedures of temporary entry for goods, which will be exhibited in EXPO 2020 in accordance with the regulations implemented in the country. These goods and materials are not subject to any customs duties within the period of their stay in Dubai.

Dubai Customs developed a dedicated customs channel to help with the clearance of EXPO shipments in short time, enabling exhibitors to clear their shipments online using their smart devices.

02 – 04 NOVEMBER 2021 DUBAI EXHIBITION CENTRE

Next generation mobility and logistics event 3,000+ VISITORS | 200+ SPEAKERS | 100+ HOURS OF CONTENT

G E T I N V O LV E D T O D AY

hypermotion@uae.messefrankfurt.com www.hypermotiondxb.com

UD TRUCKS

Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles & Equipment closes mega deal with Gulf Ready Mix Company to provide eight units UD Trucks’ Quester CGE420-8x4 equipped with 12-cbm Transit Mixers

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l Masaood Commercial Vehicles and Equipment, part of Abu Dhabi’s leading conglomerate–the Al Masaood Group, has recently sealed a mega contract with Gulf Ready Mix (GRM) to provide the UAEbased ready-mix company with eight units of UD Trucks’ Quester CGE 420 – 8X4 equipped with concrete mixer with a capacity of 12 cbm.

Quester is the first in a new generation of UD Trucks specifically developed for the world of heavy-duty transportation. It is designed based on the Japanese quality heritage with insights from the local markets.

The agreement is a significant milestone for Al Masaood and UD Trucks, as it formally marks their strong entry into the booming local construction segment. It is also the first deal by UD Trucks through its Abu

46 APRIL 2021

Dhabi dealer Al Masaood that involves one of the toughest superstructures in construction field.

Provision of holistic solutions As a part of Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles and Equipment’s holistic solution, the division’s sales team conducted detailed studies into GRM’s technical & commercial aspects in order to provide them with the Quester units that will fully support their needs and requirements.

Additionally, the division’s aftersales team has extended support to the company through training and scheduling of consistent maintenance checks for the delivered Quester units.

The training covered the proper care of the units to maintain their optimal condition and performance and the use

of telematics system, which allows users to keep an eye on the fleet through easy monitoring and tracking of the vehicles.

Furthermore, Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles and Equipment’s spare parts department was on hand to guarantee and secure the availability of parts, whenever and wherever they are required. Al Masaood’s post-sales and related services are renowned in the industry and are delivered in line with its commitment to enhanced customer experience and satisfaction, a press statement indicated.

“The deal reflects the local market’s trust in Al Masaood’s ability to deliver high-performing products and comprehensive solutions according to global standards,” affirmed Mohamed El Zeftawi, General Manager, Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles and Equipment Division.

UD TRUCKS

APRIL 2021 47

UD TRUCKS

Going the extra mile “It confirms our commitment at Al Masaood, together with our partners at UD Trucks, to support customers in ‘Going the Extra Mile’ as we always promise,” he added.

“Since the introduction of the New Quester reaching to 46 Ton GVW on 8X4 chassis back in 2016, we have been able to penetrate new segments that were previously only dominated by European manufacturers,” asserted Mourad Hedna, President, UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa.

“The Middle East conditions are tough and very demanding with various rugged terrains and high temperatures and payloads. Consequently, before the launch of these models, we tested them in real conditions for over a year in Qatar to ensure the new trucks meet the needs of our customers,” he added.

UAE and Qatar Drivers announced winners in UD Trucks’ 2020 Extra Mile Challenge Five hundred participants from nine countries across the globe took part in the challenge. UD Trucks Extra Mile Challenge aims to promote the safest and most fuel-efficient of drivers.

UD Trucks has recently announced that two drivers from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are among the ten winners of the Truck brand’s global 2020 Extra Mile Challenge. The winners of the individual market driving competitions were celebrated in a virtual ceremony to honour and officially crown the Ultimate Drivers.

The UD Extra Mile Challenge started in 2015 and is a global driver competition that simulates a day in a truck driver’s life.

The challenge tests pre-inspection and driving techniques including fuel efficiency, safe driving and parking skills. The local markets usually hold the qualification rounds and the winners travel to take part in the Global Final held at the UD Experience Centre in the headquarters in Japan.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all local market winners were chosen as Ultimate Drivers, a worthy designation considering these drivers kept trucks moving

48 APRIL 2021

despite the pandemic, continuing to deliver the goods and necessities that we all depend on.

Ultimate Driver Challenge In Abu Dhabi, UD Trucks’ partner Al Masaood took part in the challenge to find the ultimate driver. Around 40 UD Trucks drivers from different industries including construction and waste management were invited to participate in the market’s final. The winner was Khalid Aboud from Western Bainoona Group, one of the leading construction and transportation companies in the UAE. In Qatar, dealer Jaidah Heavy Equipment hosted its Extra Mile Challenge with 35 drivers from various sectors taking part. The winner was Sameer Shah from leading waste management and environmental services company, Power Waste Management.

The challenge consisted of a serious of tests, with the first being a pre-inspection exam, followed by a series of parking tests including Diminishing line, Forward side move, and the Reverse side move tests manoeuvrability skills and emphasise the importance of pre-inspection to avoid downtime. Lastly, a theory test was conducted to examine the drivers’ safety, fuel efficiency and technical knowledge.

Vital collaboration Efficient, skilled drivers, an asset While the pandemic has also fuelled the growth of e-commerce, the logistics industry remains highly competitive, making efficient drivers an essential asset for trucking companies. The ability of the driver to maximise fuel efficiency not only contributes to the bottom line but helps reduce emissions and environmental impacts. The Extra Mile Challenge is a way to promote and recognise the safest and most fuel-efficient drivers on our roads today.

The winners were selected among 500 drivers, who competed in qualifying rounds held across nine countries - Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.

Each winner was awarded an ‘Ultimate Driver’ prize box and two virtual airline tickets to Japan, which will be converted to actual tickets once the pandemic subsides and standard international travel resumes.

“Every year we see a rise in the number of participants. In this latest edition we had a combined total of over 50 drivers taking part in the events in Qatar and Abu Dhabi and we look forward to welcoming many more in the future,” commented Mourad Hedna, President, UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa.

“Since its establishment in 1998, GRM has been deploying the latest production technology in line with the highest quality standards. This collaboration is vital to our goal to expand our presence in the region as one of the fastest-growing providers of ready-mix concrete,” observed Eng. Ahmed El Hadidy, General Manager, GRM. Al Masaood Commercial Vehicles & Equipment Division provides sales and after sales for an extensive range of franchises. The Division is the sole distributor in Abu Dhabi for UD-Trucks, Renault Trucks and Unicarriers Forklifts, and in the UAE for Oshkosh Fire Trucks, together with other well-known brands of heavy equipment and ancillary products.

UD Trucks is a transport solution provider expert in fuel efficiency and uptime, offering a range of medium and heavy-duty trucks, and special vehicles. As one of the leading Japanese truck brands, UD Trucks was established in Japan in 1935, and in 2007 became part of the Volvo Group.

APRIL 2021 49

MAN TRUCK & BUS

MAN Truck & Bus introduces new TG Range in its largest Sales Area MAN commits to simplifying business of its customers

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AN Truck & Bus has introduced the New TG range for its markets in the Sales Area Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

This launch comes after a year of the global launch of the New Generation Truck range. The development of the new trucks was based on customer feedback, to provide them vehicles that meet their operational requirements– for today and for the future.

The new range represents MAN Truck & Bus as a provider of sustainable transport solutions. It underlines the high competence of MAN’s engineering team that has always delivered robust, reliable and efficient vehicles and also showcase the high build quality in MAN factories, the company revealed in a press communiqué.

The New TG Range wears a distinct look with a new cabin that makes it stand out among its competitors. The new look is both visually appealing and functionally efficient. These vehicles offer highest levels of reliability and efficiency for diverse applications & operating conditions.

Milestone moment “The launch of the new range is a milestone moment for all of us. It reflects MAN’s focus on helping our customers in their business. These trucks are built to be highly reliable; able to withstand rugged use over their typical operating life, while delivering best-in-class performance.

As a result, customers get the optimum uptime and attractive Total Cost of Ownership,” stressed Joerg Mommertz, Senior Vice President, Head of Sales Area Middle East, Africa and Latin America

50 APRIL 2021

(MEA&LA), MAN Truck & Bus SE. “We have on offer a 3-year warranty on the complete driveline on truck tractor models. We also have service contracts that can help customers in terms of preventive maintenance, predictable costs, optimized vehicle up- time and roadside/on-site assistance. Overall, we are offering the best ownership experience to customers,” he added.

MAN Truck & Bus is one of Europe’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers and transport solution providers, with an annual revenue of more than 9.5 billion Euros (US$ 11.14bn--2020 figures).

Large portfolio The company’s product portfolio includes vans, trucks, buses/coaches and diesel and gas engines along with services related to passenger and cargo transport.

MAN Truck & Bus is a company of TRATON SE and employs more than 37,000 people worldwide.

With the introduction of the new trucks, MAN also reaffirms its commitment to ‘Simplifying Business’ of its customers. The company aims to do so with effective after-sales for service & parts; a range of digital & financial solutions; and business advisory, besides the reliable & efficient products.

Among the digital solutions on offer is the telematics suite from MAN. This is a powerful enterprise grade solution for customers and it is designed to support improved levels of fleet efficiency & safety, and reduce environmental impact.

Great efficiency and economy The engine range remains robust, reliable and efficient as before. It will continue to deliver consistent high-performance over

MAN TRUCK & BUS

The German vehicle manufacturer’s new range is adapted for a wide array of applications across diverse topographies and operating conditions and the improved power-train is expected to ensure continuance of proven reliability, efficiency and high-performance.

need to be placed at the forefront. This is why the new MAN Truck Generation sets standards in terms of user-friendliness, optimum ergonomics, operation which is more intuitive and reliable. There is also the aspect of optimum space – a well-thought-out storage concept and perfect sleeping comfort. The ultimate achievement is a driver who is well rested, comfortable and alert at all times, which leads to safer and efficient operations each time. MAN ProfiDrive offers additional targeted and practiceoriented training to help drivers with more efficient and safer driving methods.

The new MAN TGX is the International Truck of the Year 2021 In addition to its driving comfort, the driver’s workplace with its clearly arranged, fully digital display instruments, the intuitively operable driving and multimedia functions incorporated into the new, generously adjustable multifunction steering wheel and the innovative, distraction-free rotary pushbutton control function of the MAN SmartSelect system impressed the jury of the International Truck of the Year. long duty cycles.

MAN is the only truck maker to offer engines that conform to emission norms ranging from Euro 2 to 4, 5 and 6d depending upon the selected model.

Substantial improvements on the product and in the areas of maintenance & service can reduce service life costs.

These trucks also offer significant payload advantages for weight-sensitive application sectors.

Strong partner –A competent and personal partnership Partnership has been key to MAN’s successes and its importer partners have done a commendable job to achieve customer satisfaction. The New TG Range also follows a product logic, which is oriented towards the application profile.

This allows for a new MAN TGX, TGS, TGM or TGL to be put together that fits

the exact transport task, using flexible configuration options.

Optimized uptime is available over the entire service life. The operational efficiency of a truck is largely dependent on the parameter of reliability and how easily it fulfills its task, each day. MAN endeavours to make the tried & tested even better with the New TG Range.

These trucks will perform just as before as the power-train retains its characteristics from the previous generation. The new simplified and powerful electronic architecture supports the trucks’ functionalities even better and makes the New MAN Truck Generation particularly fit for the future.

Excellent driver fit–the driver is the focus In order to optimize the work place in the truck, their performance and motivation

APRIL 2021 51

ASRY

ASRY digital modernisation continues with cloud-based transformation platform

ASRY aerial view.

Arabian Gulf’s leading maritime repair and fabrication facility set to streamline business processes

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rab Shipbuilding & Repair Yard (ASRY), the Arabian Gulf’s leading maritime repair and fabrication facility based in Bahrain, has signed a contract with Infor to implement a new state-of-theart facility-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to spearhead its digital transformation.

ASRY, established in 1977, handles the repair and conversion of ships, rigs and naval vessels, in addition to offering fabrication and engineering services covering onshore and offshore industrial components.

The company has more than 2,000 employees and operates large-scale facilities including a 500,000-deadweight drydock, two floating docks, 15 repair berths, and a 250,000+-square-meter fabrication area. ASRY completes around 250 projects annually.

Digital upgrade As a pillar of the region’s maritime sector, ASRY’s directors were keen to streamline and automate processes across every

52 APRIL 2021

department in the company and upgrade ASRY’s digital integration to industry best practice.

The company selected Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise which will run on Amazon Web Services, delivering high performance, scalability and security to replace the existing ERP system.

Infor’s solutions will help ASRY improve the quality of service for its global customer base, and help it tap into a global marine port and service market that is expected to reach US$ 97bn by 2025, according to research firm Lucintel.

secure technology infrastructure being developed and expanded throughout Bahrain,” he added.

“Infor helps organisations improve productivity, efficiency, and visibility across their operations, enabling management to make better-informed choices. We’re thrilled to be working with ASRY on its digital transformation, and we look forward to helping it achieve its business goals in a dynamic industry,”noted Amel Gardner, Vice President MEA, Infor.

Modernisation

ASRY and Infor aim to complete the deployment of the first phase of Infor CloudSuite Industrial Enterprise within 11 months. The platform will incorporate all divisions of the yard, including commercial, supply chain, production, finance and general services.

There will also be modules for a new cloud-based human capital management (HCM) capability to help ASRY deliver streamlined workforce processes, as well as a new customer relationship management (CRM) module.

“As part of ASRY’s modernisation, this project is a digital overhaul of the entire company’s processes and procedures,” commented Mazen Matar, Managing Director, ASRY. “ASRY’s use of AWS for the new ERP also creates further integration with Kingdom’s burgeoning ICT sector,” continued Matar.“We are the latest in a wave of businesses and government entities tapping into the advanced and

ASRY-Infor partnership

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VACCINE LOGISTICS

Vaccine Logistics Alliance and Abu Dhabi’s Hope Consortium plan for potential 20 billion global vaccine deliveries by year-end

Shared lessons from UAE-led global Covid-19 vaccine rollout

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enior officials from the UAE’s supply chain and logistics sectors recently shared their insights into how the country is leading the way in the distribution of billions of covid-19 vaccines across the globe in a recent webinar.

The Vaccine Logistics Alliance (VLA) and the Hope Consortium are two UAEbased groups comprising government and private entities collaborating to ensure an expected surge of inoculations are delivered safely and efficiently this year, in particular to developing countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South-East Asia.

Together with more than a dozen global pharma, airline, ports, and freight forwarding partners, the two groups plan to have the capacity to transport, store, and deliver more than 20bn Covid-19 vaccine doses across the globe by the end of 2021.

Colossal task “Undertaking such a mammoth task in developing countries with little existing infrastructure is a huge challenge,”asserted Robert Sutton, Head of Logistics Cluster,

42 APRIL 2021

Abu Dhabi Ports, a founding member of the Hope Consortium, which includes 13 other regional and global partners.

Sutton added that cooperation and collaboration between the consortium’s partners and network of external partners is critical in ensuring vaccines are not just delivered, but administered safely: “We go beyond the movement of products; we support the deployment of nurses, doctors, field hospitals, and tents into the countries that need it most,” he continued.

Top stakeholders Ryan Quinlan, Chief Commercial Officer, Supply Chain & Logistics, DP World, and Dennis Lister, Vice President of Cargo Commercial Development, Emirates SkyCargo were also part of the webinar.

DP World, a global ports operator, and Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, teamed up with Dubai Airports and International Humanitarian City (IHC), a Dubaibased global centre for humanitarian emergency response, to form the Vaccine Logistics Alliance in January 2021.

Dennis Lister, VP, Cargo Commercial Development, Emirates.

Logistics challenges Quinlan said the international vaccine distribution drive now underway is the largest single logistics challenge globally since the end of the Second World War. “Dubai’s ideal location at the cross-roads of multiple continents combined with an already robust cross-border trade

VACCINE LOGISTICS

Vital commodities

Ryan Quinlan, CCO, Supply Chain & Logistics, DP World.

infrastructure meant the Emirate was ideally positioned to distribute the vaccine efficiently and effectively,”he noted.

He added DP World felt a responsibility to ensure that vaccines are rolled out in emerging markets, with its global network of ports, terminals, and logistics infrastructures in 61 countries on six continents.

Lister added Emirates’ network of more than 130 destinations means it has direct access to emerging markets severely affected by the pandemic: “If you’d fly out from Dubai, within maybe four hours, you basically hit more than three billion people,” observed Lister.

“There are two important commodities in the world that need to continue to fly around the world, and that’s food and medicine,” Lister continued. “We move 600 tons of food and 250 tons of medicine pharmaceuticals daily around the world. Our responsibility is to ensure we continue to fly because people need food, people need medicine, and we will continue to do that.”

“What we’ve built in an incredibly short period of time, and we’re talking about months, not years is a vaccine hub geographically that can handle over 120 million vaccines at any point in time.

We’ve also built the biggest freezer farm in the region that can handle 11 to 15 million doses of vaccines in temperatures of minus 80 (Celsius),” explained Sutton.

“One of the key takeaways I would like to share is that we’ve achieved more with collaboration. Collaboration has been one of the key pillars of our success. We’ve been transparent and our partners trust us,” he stressed.

“They’ve invested in us to work with them, to make sure that we collaborate collectively. There will be speed bumps.

There will be challenges along the way, but by leveraging all of the different partners and maintaining that level of transparency, we achieve a lot more together,” affirmed Sutton.

Robert Sutton, Head of Logistics Cluster, ADP.

Consortiums The Hope Consortium, with all its different partners, currently has the capacity to transport, store and deliver up to six billion vaccine doses, with this growing to potentially 18bn by the end of 2021.

The VLA meanwhile was established to expedite the delivery of two billion doses to emerging markets in 2021, in support of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVAX initiative.

The ‘Supply Chain lessons from the UAE-led global vaccine rollout’ webinar was hosted by Messe Frankfurt Middle East, the organiser of Hypermotion Dubai, and Materials Handling Middle East.

APRIL 2021 43

SSI SCHAEFER ROUNDUP

Apotea recently commissions SSI Schaefer to expand the existing warehouse solution to cover the increased demand.

Apotea expands its automated warehouse solution with long-term logistics partner SSI Schaefer

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potea, Sweden’s first full-scale online pharmacy, has built an environmentally friendly logistics centre and installed an automated system from SSI Schaefer to keep up with rapid growth.

With the new warehouse solution, the fast-growing online pharmacy will be able to ship around 700,000 packages a month.

The online pharmacist was awarded as Sweden’s most favorite online store and is highly valued by customers for fast deliveries, fair prices, and a great customer experience.

To this end, Apotea appointed SSI Schaefer to develop and optimize their supply chain.

Optimum utilization This implies optimum personnel utilization in the warehouse, low error rates, and a significantly enhanced performance. The system was fully installed in fall 2019 but due to Apotea’s rapid growth it is time for an expansion of the system to almost double the performance.

“We´re very satisfied with the existing A-Frame and the way it efficiently has

56 APRIL 2021

expanded our capacity. We continue to implement a new automated solution together with SSI Schaefer and look forward to seeing our new, even faster A-Frame in action,” affirmed Pär Svärdson, CEO, Apotea.

The existing A-Frame system at Apotea can store up to 1,500 products and provides a picking capacity of up to 1,400 orders per hour. This will soon be supported by another A-Frame, which will process 1,000 more orders per hour.

The system will be up and running during 2021.

Coop invests in SSI Schaefer advanced technology Coop, one of the leading food retailers in Sweden, chose SSI Schaefer as their general contractor for intralogistics to provide a cutting-edge, energy-efficient and highly automated logistics solution for their new 77,000sqm distribution centre in Eskilstuna, Sweden.

Coop’s new distribution centre, strategically positioned in the heart of Sweden, will handle the distribution of goods to Coop’s 800+ stores around the country. The majority of the material flow will be processed by two highly

automated robotic case picking systems for chilled and ambient products. The outcome will be a sustainable warehouse that will handle more than 600,000 units per day.

SSI Schaefer approached this challenge with the 3D-MATRIX Solution, a unique patented system design that will enable Coop to live up to its goals of flexibility and efficiency and at the same time produce store-friendly pallets.

Usage of robots Together with the integration of robots, Coop will improve its whole supply chain, from the distribution centre to transportation and all the way to the stores and their customers’ dinner tables.

As Sweden’s foremost food retailer and as the winner of ‘Sweden’s Most Sustainable Retailer’, the new distribution centre of Coop will be directly integrated into the nationwide train network, as trains form a major part of Coop’s transportation.

This approach leads to fewer road transports and a smaller carbon footprint for Coop, thereby enabling it to pursue economic viability and future-oriented sustainable goals.

SSI SCHAEFER ROUNDUP

The terminal is being built in Eskilstuna Logistics Park and is expected to be in full operation during the second half of 2024.

SSI Schaefer receives order from Kloosterboer for a Cold Storage Facility Kloosterboer, one of the leading logistics service providers in Western Europe, commissioned SSI Schaefer with the supply and construction of steelwork for an impressive deep-freeze warehouse located in Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

The logistics service provider offers innovative and sustainable supply chain solutions for temperature-controlled storage and distribution of food related products, such as fish, meat, fruit, fruit juice and juice concentrate, milk and potato products.

With a storage capacity of 60,000 pallets in Cool Port 2, Kloosterboer will serve a variety of customers. The construction of the steelwork has started in fall 2020, the completion is scheduled for summer 2021. The deep-freeze warehouse will be commissioned in January 2022.

APRIL 2021 57

ETIHAD RAIL

The briefing with officials.

Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah attends key Etihad Rail agreement signing ceremony The agreement will see rail provide transport for construction materials across the UAE, from Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi

The Etihad Rail-Stevin Rock agreement signing ceremony.

58 APRIL 2021

ETIHAD RAIL

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H Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, was present at the recent signing of an agreement between Etihad Rail, the developer of the UAE’s National Rail Network, and Ras Al Khaimah’s Stevin Rock, one of the largest quarrying companies in the world.

Under the terms of the agreement, Etihad Rail will transport raw materials from Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi.

HH Sheikh Saud received Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport, and a Board Member of Etihad Rail, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah’s Public Service Department, and Munther Mohammed Bin Shakar Al Zaabi, Director-General, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and Member of the Etihad Rail Board.

Signatories The agreement between the two entities was signed by Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail, and Engr. Naser Bustami, General Manager, Stevin Rock, Eng. Naser Bustami..

This agreement is of considerable significance as the first in a series of commercial agreements for Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, which

HH The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah meets with the visiting delegations.

sees major organisations based in the UAE connected throughout the Emirates, via Etihad Rail’s highly anticipated national railway network, which stretches over 605 kilometres from Al Ghuwaifat on the UAE’s border with Saudi Arabia in the west to the port of Fujairah on the eastern coast.

Long haul An estimated 3.5mn tonnes of construction material will be carried annually from Stevin Rock’s Al Ghail quarry in Ras Al Khaimah to Abu Dhabi, through 500 annual train trips.

Each train will measure one kilometre in length, hauling 70 wagons that will have a carrying capacity of 7,000 tonnes per journey. The agreement will have significant environmental benefits, with an annual reduction of 100,000 truck trips.

“Etihad Rail will ensure faster and more cost-effective delivery of construction materials, which in turn, we continue to deliver on our commitment to contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions by decreasing truck movement on the roads,” commented Malak.

“Etihad Rail will provide a sustainable alternative to road transport, contributing significantly to Stevin Rock’s continuous efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Moreover, rail transport will allow us to be more competitive on pricing

our products in Abu Dhabi,” stressed Bustami.

A global supplier Stevin Rock, operating in Ras Al Khaimah since 1978, is one of the largest quarrying companies in the world, with a production capacity of over 80 million tonnes per year of limestone, dolomite and gabbro from three quarries.

Al Ghail facility Etihad Rail began construction works on the Al Ghail facility, which is part of the freight facilities series the company is developing, in 2020 with the aim of providing transportation services from the quarries of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah to the rest of the UAE. Customers of Etihad Rail will enjoy a wide range of integrated transportation solutions, be that in the movement of materials from production facilities to end-users, or export points, or to storage facilities provided by Etihad Rail.

The facility of Al Ghail will play a significant role in linking the UAE’s National Rail Network with quarries in Al Siji, Masafi, and Al Taween, enhancing transport of gabbro rock from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, reducing hundreds of conventional road-based truck trips

APRIL 2021 59

SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY

Three important focus areas for immediate and measurable results

Supply chain cybersecurity attacks have been in the news lately, but they’re nothing new. In fact, nation state adversaries have been targeting and abusing supply chain vulnerabilities for years, writes Chester Wisniewski, principal research scientist, Sophos.

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hese vulnerabilities are an easy ‘in’, giving attackers an open door to more lucrative targets. Managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) are particularly attractive targets because they hold the keys to many different customer organizations.

We’re all targets “I didn’t think we would be a target” are words spoken by compromised organizations all too often.

Yet the truth is we’re all targets. We’re all links in someone’s supply chain, and that makes us susceptible if we’re not protected.

It’s easy to imagine how one might be a backdoor into a military contractor if they supply them with services or tools, but would you consider your local nail salon to be a supply chain risk?

Well, you should. In fact, an attack against a large company began by compromising a local salon and using their billing system to send malicious PDFs to executives at the company who used their services.

Where to Start There’s tremendous opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs alike to improve supply chain security defenses – both internally and for the customers that they serve.

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This might seem like a daunting task, but you can tackle it – often with immediate and measurable results – by focusing on three important areas: 1. Authentication Service providers need to stop sharing passwords. It sounds like common sense, but it’s an ongoing problem.

As someone who has investigated credit card fraud, I’ve seen firsthand the risks of payment terminal providers using remote access software – like TeamViewer or VNC – with a single, shared password to manage thousands of customer accounts.

This is lack of security is no longer acceptable. Phishing one member of your support staff is enough in many cases to destroy your reputation and potentially your business in one incident.

No different than in traditional IT departments, accounts that possess privilege should only be used when needed, and they should always require multi-factor authentication. All usage should also be logged and reviewed frequently.

2. Access rights Should every technician be allowed access to every client? Perhaps, but probably not.

Logging is critical in recognizing unusual access – like off hours use or access to an account assigned to a different team, which can be signs of insider fraud or an external threat actor preparing to launch a ransomware attack.

Chester Wisniewski, Principal Research Scientist, Sophos.

3. Monitoring for compromise Monitoring is often under resourced as opposed to prevention. The problem is, we know that prevention isn’t always 100% achievable, yet when it comes to detection and monitoring for the failure of our preventative controls, we are being too reactive.

Once an attack becomes obvious it is often too late. By the time a criminal pulls out the ransomware, they have already stolen critical data and, more often than not, have had access to your network for 30 days or more.

Prioritizing Supply Chain Security Improving on these three important areas will significantly reduce cyber-security risk, putting MSPs and MSSPs ahead of their competition when it comes to protecting customers.

Prioritizing supply chain security defenses can be a significant competitive advantage for service providers in acquiring new customers – and perhaps most importantly, retaining the ones they already serve. These are simply starting points where we have identified common points of failure. Security is a journey, and securing the supply chain is just one piece of the bigger puzzle.

Chester Wisniewski is a principal research scientist at next-generation security leader Sophos with more than 20 years of professional experience.

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