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n The Tristar Group recently conducted its 8th Annual External Stakeholders’ Workshop with its customers, suppliers, private companies, media partners and NGOs who were updated on the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and goals. The gathering was held at the Tristar head office in Jebel Ali.

The attendees were asked to rate Tristar’s Materiality issues related to ESG and Sustainability. The results will be shared by Tristar in its 2022 Sustainability Report in line with the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ten Principles and GRI Standards.

The UNGC has required all membercompanies to submit an annual Communication on Progress or COP which mentions their adherence to its Ten Principles covering Labor, Human Rights, Environment and Anti-corruption.

The external stakeholders were also enriched with the insightful speeches of Habiba Al Marashi, Chairperson, Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), about the ‘Importance of Stakeholder Materiality’; John Katsos, Associate Professor of Business Law, Business Ethics and Social Responsibility at the American University of Sharjah, on ‘Managing Sustainably During Times of Crisis: Tackling Climate Change, Globalization, and Inequality’, and Suman Ghosal, Business Head- Digital Assurance, Supply Chain & New Product Development at DNV Business Assurance India Limited, regarding the developments on ‘Sustainability in Supply Chain’. “We believe we can make more positive impacts by not only addressing our own contributions, but also, by empowering our stakeholders and engaging with our broader ecosystem to create solutions that facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy,” affirmed Eugene Mayne, Founder & Group CEO, Tristar, in his opening address.

Noatum acquisition makes AD Ports Group a global logistics platform

n AD Ports Group recently announced that it has acquired Noatum, a global integrated logistics platform with a presence in 26 countries. Noatum will lead AD Ports Group’s Logistics Cluster, consolidating the company’s existing logistics offering into its operations.

Noatum, whose origins date back to 1963, operates in three business areas – Logistics, Maritime, and Port Terminals – with marketleading positions in Spain and Turkey and a significant presence in the US, UK, China, and Southeast Asia.

Noatum’s global logistics business specialises in comprehensive freight management, project logistics, contract logistics, international supply chain management, customs, and e-solutions, with offices and a wide network of agents around the world.

In particular, Noatum has advanced capacities in heavy lift logistics which AD Ports Group aims to bring to the region.

The company’s Terminals operations include 15 Ro-Ro, dry bulk, general cargo and container terminals in Spain, supported by highly professional management, while its Maritime division provides shipping agency services, including outsourcing and ancillary services, and cargo services, such as liquid bulk, breakbulk cargo, reefer and dry cargo.

“This acquisition makes AD Ports Group one of the most significant global players in the finished vehicle logistics, which we intend to expand in our home and core markets,” noted Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman, AD Ports Group.

“We will leverage the acquisition of Noatum to build a strong international logistics brand with deep roots in this region,” commented Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

Invictus procures advanced refrigerated trucks to transport over 1500MT annually

n UAE’s Invictus Investment recently announced the capital expenditure of AED 2.8mn (US$ 0.76mn) to procure a fleet of over 8 refrigerated trucks to enable movement of perishable goods between Sudan, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The purpose-built vehicles will transport key items such as chilled meat of lamb, beef, and goat along with fruits. This is the first key procurement to ramp Invictus Investment’s offering and expand services in the climatecontrolled transport and storage facilities with asset allocation a continued focus, a press communique indicated.

Earlier this year, Invictus Investment also entered into a joint venture with AD Ports Group’s SAFEEN Feeders to launch an international dry bulk shipping centre at an initial commitment of AED 463mn (US$ 126mn), cumulatively, for five ships of varying sizes.

Invictus’ dry-bulk trading business currently ships more than three million tonnes of commodities annually, primarily wheat and complementary grains.

“The rising urban population combined with the proximity to the sea and airports have been key contributing factors to the growth of the cold chain business in the region,” affirmed Amir Daowd Abdellatif, CEO, Invictus Investment.

“At Invictus investment, we are committed to connecting producers and consumers between the UAE and Saudi Arabia in a cost effective and timely manner,” he added.

Established in 2014, Invictus Investment listed in the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) in June 2022 with an initial valuation of AED 3bn (US$ 816.77mn).

LogiPoint Jeddah Industrial City and UWC commemorate landmark accomplishment

n Dignitaries from Jeddah Industrial City, LogiPoint, and United Warehouse Company recently (UWC) descended at an elaborate, customised venue in LogiPoint’s ‘Jeddah Logistics Hub’ to celebrate yet another glittering milestone in the LogiPoint journey.

The occasion was the ground-breaking ceremony of the advanced, highly sophisticated, 15,000sqm multi-purpose warehousing facility, which LogiPoint is building for United Warehouse Company (UWC), the Kingdom’s leading provider of sophisticated warehousing and logistics solutions.

The ‘Built-to-Suit’ facility will be developed in LogiPoint’s ‘Jeddah Logistics Hub’ located in the heart of Modon, Jeddah Industrial City 1.

It will be a world class addition to the industrial city and will boast specialized sections to efficiently and effectively handle frozen, chilled, ambient, and dry cargoes. Once delivered, the facility will enable UWC to cater to the full spectrum of warehousing clientele handling commodities including meat and poultry, dairy, foodstuff, and raw materials for manufacturing, while optimizing operational efficiency and maximizing ROI.

LogiPoint’s latest addition to the Kingdom’s logistics and supply chain infrastructure will be built in strict compliance to stringent ESG protocols and international safety standards.

Jeddah Logistics Hub (JLH) is LogiPoint’s 120,000sqm fully integrated logistics platform in Jeddah Industrial Area enabling the 400 factories in the Industrial Area to optimise and streamline their logistics operations.

GAC Qatar opens new sustainability-built warehouse and office facility in Qatar Free Zones

n GAC Qatar has recently opened a new sustainably built 27,000sqm multi-user contract logistics facility and office building in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, in partnership with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), adding to the company’s existing infrastructure and boosting customer services and offerings in local and international markets.

The new facility features up to 40,000 pallet positions, as well as four temperature and humidity-controlled chambers, to meet the requirements of a wide range of sectors, including food and beverages, fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and telecommunications. It also features 500 m² of dedicated value-added services space and 2,000sqm of mezzanine storage to meet customers’ requirements and international quality standards, the company revealed in a press communique.

GAC Qatar’s newest facility is set to benefit from the Middle Eastern country’s advanced infrastructure, as well as its position within Qatar Free Zones. It is strategically located in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, next to Hamad International Airport and close to the Umm Al Houl Seaport Free Zone.

“The purpose-built contract logistics facility is designed to maximise operational efficiencies and achieve higher productivity to provide quick turnaround time in a lean and agile manner to help customers achieve their supply chain goals,” remarked Adrian Peiris, Business Manager, Contract Logistics, GAC Qatar.

“The opening of the new facility and office building signifies our continued commitment to delivering end-to-end shipping and logistics support from a strategic location for our customers locally, regionally and internationally,” commented Henrik Althén, General Manager, GAC Qatar.

GAC Qatar’s newest contract logistics facility and office building has been built with sustainable materials and methods, as well as the latest technology to ensure the company remains consistent with the wider GAC Group’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, the press statement concluded.

Bahri signs JV Agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Ajlan & Bros Holding

n Bahri recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Riyadh, Saudi Arabia headquartered Ajlan & Bros Holding Group (ABHG), a large privately owned business conglomerate.

The MoU will pave the way for the formation of a new joint venture company which will specialize in owning, operating, and managing various models of vessels, serving as an essential contributor to the nation’s fleet.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bahri will act as the JV company’s commercial and technical manager. This encompasses the management of the JV company’s fleet of vessels, along with regular commercial and operational management duties, performed in accordance with the highest industry standards, a press release stated.

“This new venture comes as part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with various leading national companies and achieve the maritime sector’s Vision 2030 objectives,” remarked Eng. Ahmed Ali AlSubaey, CEO, Bahri.

“This will see us working to expand the scope of our investments in such a vital sector for the Kingdom. ABHG’s business development efforts, in tandem with leading Saudi companies such as Bahri, are all in line with our overarching Vision 2030 objectives,” commented Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alajlan, Deputy Chairman, ABHG.

The agreement will create a wide range of new employment opportunities and significantly contribute to the Kingdom’s economic expansion and fiscal growth, the press communique concluded.

Etihad’s logistics partner DSV first to purchase SAF to offset the carbon emissions

n Etihad Cargo recently announced that DSV Global Transport and Logistics has become the carrier’s first partner to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to offset the carbon emissions of its cargo shipment.

Via the book and claim system, Etihad Cargo facilitated DSV’s SAF purchase, enabling the transport and logistics provider to offset CO2 emissions and reduce non-CO2 climate impact. Etihad Cargo transported DSV’s cargo shipment from Washington Dulles to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s first transatlantic NetZero flight on 13 November 2022.

Etihad’s Boeing 787 ‘Greenliner’ combined SAF with contrail prevention technology from its partner, SATAVIA, to actively manage carbon emissions and non-CO2 climate effects from contrails, or condensation trails, which cause surface warming and are responsible for up to two-thirds of aviation’s climate impact.

“The successful delivery of DSV’s shipment has proved net-zero air cargo operations are possible and is the first step in transforming the possible into the routine,” stressed Martin Drew, Senior Vice President–Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.

The carrier is targeting a 20 per cent reduction in emissions intensity by 2025 and aims to cut 2019 net emissions by 50 per cent by 2035.

Demonstrating the carrier’s commitment to achieving sustainability through partnerships, Etihad Cargo became the first Middle Eastern carrier to join TIACA’s BlueSky verification programme, enabling the carrier to assess its progress against eight critical sustainability criteria via an evidencebased desktop verification process.

Etihad Cargo awarded CEIV pharma recertification by IATA

n Etihad Cargo has been awarded Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Pharma recertification by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The carrier is one of only 37 airlines to hold IATA CEIV Pharma certification globally.

Etihad Cargo achieved IATA CEIV Pharma recertification following an audit by independent validators that assessed the carrier’s capacity to control and enhance its processes through a checklist that focused on Etihad Cargo’s Quality Management System that incorporates supplier management, training programmes, processes and procedures, audit programmes, and quality enhancement, among others.

Achieving recertification demonstrates Etihad Cargo’s and its dedicated pharmaceutical transportation product PharmaLife’s full compliance with specific pharmaceutical regulations, including IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), Good Distribution Practices (GDP), a quality system for warehouses and distribution centres dedicated to medications and life sciences products.

“The benefits of CEIV Pharma certification extend to Etihad Cargo’s customers, who can be assured the carrier’s dedicated pharma cargo management constantly monitor and analyse the quality and safety of Etihad Cargo’s PharmaLife product performance,” commented Martin Drew, Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.

A new facility, made possible through the carrier’s ongoing partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo and Abu Dhabi Airports, will double Etihad Cargo’s cool chain capacity to carry and accommodate an additional 50,000 tonnes of cool chain commodities, including pharmaceuticals and life sciences products.

“Organisations holding CEIV certification and their customers recognise that CEIV Pharma certification is a key differentiator, highlighting the additional efforts taken to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience,” remarked Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President Commercial Products and Services, IATA

n PwC and SAP recently announced a new co-innovation strategy to make sustainability an integral part of standard business operations.

The strategy is directed at creating trusted solutions to address key environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) business challenges. It covers carbon measuring, reporting and steering as well as supply chain decarbonization, climate risk and competitive analysis.

The new ESG strategy builds on the strength of the existing alliance between PwC and SAP, which has successfully delivered business transformation solutions to clients in more than 80 countries.

Together, PwC and SAP help organizations leverage the solutions they need to fulfill compliance requirements and drive growth to support the ever-increasing expectations of customers and investors.

They also assist customers in shaping the future of their net zero strategy and sustainability reporting.

The PwC and SAP strategy includes solutions encompassing an enterprisewide ESG strategy, ranging from trading optimization and tax credit recognition to third-party risk management and competitive analysis. Three top challenge areas for ESG, net zero and sustainability reporting will also be addressed:

“Combining our expertise and reputation for trust and integrity with SAP’s technology platform will help bring broader capabilities and solutions to respond to organizations’ challenges in meeting their ESG and sustainability commitments,” asserted Bob Moritz, Global Chairman, PwC.

“Our collaboration will combine the deep industry expertise and customer insights of PwC with our leading sustainability technology portfolio, and the resulting ESG transparency will help companies reinvent their business models and deliver the sustainable outcomes the world urgently needs,” affirmed Christian Klein, CEO and member of the Executive Board of SAP SE.

AD Ports Group and TotalEnergies collaborate for solar opportunities

n Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi, KEZAD Group, recently announced an agreement with TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation Middle East & Africa, an affiliate of TotalEnergies, to explore opportunities to solarise assets across KEZAD’s industrial ecosystem.

TotalEnergies’ Renewables Distributed Generations develops, finances, builds and operates solar installations for industrial and commercial customers-Instrumentation & Control (I&C). This year, TotalEnergies’ reached 500 MW of onsite business-tobusiness solar distributed generation projects in operation globally.

TotalEnergies has been present in the UAE for over 80 years and as part of its ambition to produce more energy with less emissions, it is now developing solar projects for I&C customers in the country. In the UAE, the Company has around 100MW under development of business-to-business solar power, it was revealed in a press statement.

Covering a total land area of 550sqkm including 100sqkm designated as Free Zones, and home to more than 1,750 investors, KEZAD Group’s industrial ecosystem is wellpositioned to generate far-reaching benefits from TotalEnergies’ distributed solar solutions, which would enable the group to produce clean energy across its sites.

“Through our collaboration with TotalEnergies, we are keen to realise the complete potential of distributed solar generation across our integrated ecosystem at KEZAD Group,” stated Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi-KEZAD Group. “We are pleased to partner with KEZAD and AD Ports Group as this agreement is a steppingstone for many future opportunities,” commented Hamady Sy, Managing Director, TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation, Middle East and Africa.

AP Møller-Mærsk announces change of guard

n AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) is expanding its warehousing footprint in Bangladesh with a brand new 100,000sqft facility being built in Chattogram.

The upcoming facility is strategically located close to the Chattogram Port and easily connected to the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway, giving easy access to Bangladesh’s garment exporters based out of the nearby manufacturing hubs.

“We realised that the demand for warehousing space was rising and decided to undertake measures that could address this requirement proactively,” commented Angshuman Mustafi, Head of Maersk, Bangladesh

Maersk Bangladesh has partnered with Vertex Off-Dock Logistics Services Limited to commission the new three-storied facility. The lift, conveyor belt and slider-operated warehouse will ensure higher productivity.

Internal and external parking facilities will allow for a higher number of trucks and vans to be accommodated within the warehouse. While the current facility will be 1000,000sqft, Maersk has access to more space in case of expansion in the future.

Imran Fahim Noor, Managing Director, Vertex Off-Dock Logistics Services, said, “By building efficient warehouses, we are catering to the demand of the country’s exporters and addressing their requirements to the level of international standards.”

n Vincent Clerc, currently CEO, AP Moller-Maersk, Ocean & Logistic Business, will succeed current CEO Soren Skou as CEO, Maersk Group, effective 1 January 2023, the company announced via a press communique.

“I am grateful for Soren’s support in the CEO succession review making sure the Company does not lose any momentum in its strategic endeavors in a changing and difficult market. The Board believes Vincent holds the right experience and capabilities as CEO to pursue and oversee Maersk’s strategic and organizational development in the years to come” remarked Robert M. Uggla, Chair of the Board of Director, AP Moller-Maersk.

“Now is the right time for Maersk, for Vincent, and for me to make this transition. The Company has executed very well over the past years. We have never been stronger financially and we have an inspiring and visionary plan for the continuation of our global integrator strategy that will guide Maersk for many years to come,” commented Skou.

“I am looking forward, together with the leadership team and all the Maersk colleagues around the world, to take it to the next level, building on the very strong foundation we obtained with Soren at the helm, and delivering on our promises to customers, shareholders, and to the society at large,” stressed Clerc.

n A milestone in MYCRANE’s global expansion was achieved with the launch of its own operation in the USA. Houston-based Scott Wilkes has been appointed as Director of Business Development, reporting directly to the senior management team in the United Arab Emirates.

Reflecting the importance and size of the market, MYCRANE has elected to establish its own operations in the USA, rather than appoint a franchisee to roll out its services, as it has done in other locations.

The Dubai-based digital disruptor launched the world’s first online crane rental platform in autumn 2021 and offers a suite of other innovative digital tools and services to help all those in the construction industry.

Pointing to encouraging recent legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and the largest infrastructure bill for more than a decade, MYCRANE founder and CEO Andrei Geikalo said the time was right for MYCRANE’s expansion into the USA.

Independent professionals who have customer connections, such as those working in construction, oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, mining and other industries where cranes are being used, are invited to help to market MYCRANE’s services and products to their professional network, on mutually beneficial terms.

“We recognise that the crane industry is a people business, and we welcome those who share our vision of a digital future to join us as a partner, so we can benefit from the digitalization of the industry together,” concluded Geikalo.

FedEx Express trials electric vehicles in the UAE

n FedEx Express (FedEx) recently announced the beginning of electric vehicle (EV) trials in the UAE.

The one-ton electric trucks combine lowenergy consumption and high performance. The all-electric delivery vehicles will be used for parcel pick-up and delivery across strategic locations in the UAE.

The six-month trial represents the debut of zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles for FedEx in the Middle East and North Africa region and will allow for evaluation of the vehicles’ operational effectiveness on typical routes while carrying a full load of packages.

“This first EV trial in the Middle East and North Africa region is a step towards shaping the future of delivery. It requires identifying the right technology to ensure the successful integration of electric vehicles into the FedEx Express fleet, and ultimately enhancing how we support our business, customers, and team members,” stressed Taarek Hinedi, VP, FedEx Express Middle East and Africa operations.

The trial is part of the efforts to attain carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. Electrifying the entire FedEx Express pick up and delivery fleet is a core element towards this target. By 2025, FedEx has a goal that 50% of FedEx Express global pick up and delivery vehicle purchases will be electric, rising to 100% by 2030, a press communique concluded.

Volvo delivers electric trucks with fossil-free steel to customers

n In September 2022, Volvo Trucks started series production of heavy-duty electric, 44Tonne trucks, as the first global truck manufacturer to achieve this. Some of the electric trucks will also be the first trucks in the world that are built with fossil-free steel, the manufacturer stated in a press communique.

“Our journey to net zero emissions includes both making our vehicles fossil free in operation and over time fully replacing the material in our trucks with fossil-free and recycled alternatives,” asserted Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President, Product Management, Volvo Trucks.

The fossil-free steel is produced by the Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB and is made by using a completely modern technology with fossilfree electricity and hydrogen. The result is a significantly lower climate impact and an important step towards a netzero emissions value chain.

CargoAi welcomes its 71st airline available for instant eBooking

n CargoAi, airfreight’s fastest growing digital enabler, closes off a great 2022 with instant eBooking made available for 71 airlines from 195 origins to 447 unique destinations, the company said in a press communique

Their CargoMART eBooking platform has become the marketplace with the most available options per routes and is becoming the partner of choice for freight forwarders.

“2023 looks already very exciting as CargoAi will focus on delivering new solutions outside of our eBooking platform (CargoMART) and work on customized projects for our partners,” commented Matt Petot, Founder and CEO, Cargo Ai.

As of October 2022, freight forwarders were prompted with the ‘greenest’ (least carbon-producing routes) when searching for rates on the marketplace.

In November 2022, CargoAi announced a landmark partnership with Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) enabling small to medium freight forwarding companies worldwide to purchase SAF in accordance with their cargo bookings, in much smaller quantities.

CargoAi becomes the first marketplace where CMA CGM’s capacity and rate are available for instant booking, in line with CMA CGM’s first own scheduled freighter service from Paris to Hong Kong SAR and vice versa.

“We’re thrilled that Cargo MART becomes the first marketplace to sell CMA CGM’s freighter service,” noted Magali Beauregard, CCO, Cargo Ai.

n Global shipping, logistics and marine services provider GAC Group recently announced the appointment of Pontus Fredriksson as its new Group President effective from January 2023.

Bengt Ekstrand, who has held the position for the past 10 years, will take on the role of Executive CoChairman alongside GAC’s long-standing Executive Chairman Björn Engblom, the company said in a press communique.

During that uncertain period, Ekstrand launched a wide-ranging reform programme within GAC known as Delta21. Significant structural and operational changes followed that made the Group more resilient, more efficient, and more profitable. He leaves the position with GAC reporting record results in recent years, a press communique indicated.

Fredriksson joined GAC in 2007 and has been Group Vice President of GAC’s Americas region since August 2019. He previously held various finance and managerial roles in the Middle East, including Managing Director, GAC Bahrain.

“Pontus’ acumen and sound industry knowledge put him in a good position to lead the Group to further successes in a turbulent environment and I look forward to supporting him in his new role,” noted Ekstrand.

Mawani wins EFQM Recognition

n In a historic first for the Kingdom’s transportation sector, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) recently received the prestigious Qualified by EFQM recognition by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) after successfully passing its assessment against the seven criteria of the EFQM Model.

The international certification acknowledges Mawani’s consistent efforts to measure its overall performance and boost organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and quality in the maritime and ports sector, which translates into world-class excellence and services for investors, stakeholders, and shipping agents in line with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), Mawani revealed in a press communique.

The national maritime regulator’s strategic aim of boosting organizational excellence and governance is inspired by the EFQM 2020 Excellence Model, a globally recognized management framework that equips organizations to manage their journey of transformation and progress.

The certificate is set to solidify the competitive position of Saudi ports and optimize its operational prowess, drive innovation and cultural change, and deliver results that blend future ambitions with current practices while adapting to current trends and evolving market realities.

The accolade is the latest addition to Mawani’s growing list of global achievements across the domains of excellence and quality, not least the ISO 31000 and ISO 22301 certifications in risk management and business continuity respectively, alongside the ISO 27001 accreditation in information security and the ISO 9001 standard in quality management.

Saudi Arabia’s AJEX launches specialized full mile services from China to Middle East

n A joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Ajlan & Bros Holding and SF Express, AJEX Logistics Services (AJEX), the Middle East specialist in express distribution and shipping solutions, recently announced the launch of two new services as part of a significant phase of expansion of the company.

The newly available AJEX International E-Commerce Express (ICX) and AJEX International Express Service (IXS) will provide businesses in China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain an enhanced portfolio of express cross-border delivery services for B2C and B2B.

Helping e-commerce businesses meet the demands of consumers, the ICX export and import options offer automated shipping, real-time tracking and proactive notification, and a personalized delivery experience.

AJEX International Express Service (IXS) provides B2B customers with a fully integrated service from China to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Bahrain in four to seven business days, with exact transit time depending on origin and destination locations.

The newly launched express crossborder services by AJEX are part of the company’s efforts to support the soaring demand for cross-border commerce. China is Saudi Arabia’s first business partner and bilateral trade between China and Saudi Arabia reached US$ 65.2bn in 2020.

The Saudi CEP (Courier, Express, Parcel) international market is expected to reach US$ 1,032mn in 2027 from US$ 665mn in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%.

“Introducing ICX and IXS services in China, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain is an important enhancement to our service portfolio, driven by our customers’ requirements for speed, reliability, and transparency,” stated Nathalie Terault, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer, AJEX.

“Over the last 12 months, the team at AJEX has been working on developing our network and infrastructure with the opening of 20 additional distribution centers and 19 shipping centers in Saudi Arabia so that we can be closer to our customer,’’ remarked Tia Zhang, Chief of Express, AJEX.

Agility Saudi Warehouse is the first to earn EDGE ‘Green Building’ status

n Agility recently announced that a warehouse at its Agility Logistics Park complex in Riyadh is the first building in Saudi Arabia as well as the first warehouse in the GCC to receive EDGE Advanced certification as a green building, the company revealed in a press statement.

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is the global standard for energy-efficient buildings, a certification system overseen by the International Finance Corp. (IFC), an arm of the World Bank. Basic certification requires a minimum projected reduction of 20% energy use, water use and ‘embodied energy’ in materials as benchmarked against a standard local building.

Agility received the EDGE Advanced certification for a warehouse at its 870,000sqm Riyadh Park. EDGE Advanced buildings are ‘zero-carbon ready’ structures that are at least 40% more energy efficient than others in the market.

“Agility is determined to lead the way in development of modern, energy-efficient logistics infrastructure. We want to help drive Saudi growth, generate jobs, conserve resources and be an example for others in the area of sustainability,” noted Michel Saab, CEO, Agility Logistics Parks/Global Operations. In addition to its Riyadh complex, Agility Logistics Parks operates a 200,000 SQM facility in Dammam and recently announced plans to invest SAR 611mn (US$ 163mn) to build a 576,000sqm warehouse park near Jeddah.

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n Yango Delivery has launched in the UAE with its platform for delivery-bound businesses to seamlessly outsource logistics at the last mile.

With a background in maptech, the company claims to offer traffic-proof and cost-effective deliveries at different speeds from express to next day for any type of goods from food to furniture, the company said in a press statement.

The company brings equal quality of last-mile services to both small shops and bigger companies, granting individual customers a streamlined experience and businesses an infrastructure that would support their launches into new territories and scale up their operations.

The supported delivery modes range from express (one hour) to same- and next-day deliveries, with direct (to consumer) or reverse (pick-up) ways, the latter applicable to handle returns for example. When planning deliveries on Yango Delivery, partners are offered the selection of motorbikes, sedans, vans or chiller vans depending on the items they seek to deliver.

“We are working on digitizing last mile logistics to grant our clients access to various delivery types in one place and possibility to easily switch between them or combine them,” explained Agam Garg, General Manager, Yango Delivery UAE.

Yango Delivery employs an advanced algorithm that dispatches orders to routes by digesting all required operational parameters (like the time window promised to customers) and traffic forecasts, ensuring an impressive on-time delivery success rate of 98%, the press statement concluded.

Saudia Cargo CEO re-elected to chair SkyTeam Cargo Alliance

n SkyTeam Cargo the global Cargo alliance, recently announced the re-election of Teddy Zebitz, the Chief Executive Officer of Saudia Cargo, to be the chairperson of the SkyTeam Cargo Executive Board for another consecutive term.

The appointment was endorsed at their recent meeting in London which is composed of the cargo executives of all Cargo alliance members and oversees SkyTeam Cargo’s global strategy. With his re-election, Zebitz will continue to strategically lead the SkyTeam Cargo board for a further period of two years.

“We will continue to empower our people, while collaborating with our customers and partners, providing innovative and customized solutions to help them achieve their goals and realize their ambitions,” commented Zebitz.

SkyTeam Cargo is the global unique Cargo Alliance. Ten member airlines working together with more than 2,709 aircrafts including 45 full freighters to 150 destinations countries.

The members are Aerolíneas Argentinas Cargo, Aeromexico Cargo, Air France-KLM Cargo, China Cargo Airlines, Czech Airlines Cargo, Delta Cargo, ITA Airways Cargo, Korean Air Cargo, and Saudia Cargo.

AD Ports Group signs two trade agreements with Kyrgyzstan

Borouge and ADNOC Logistics inaugurate Borouge Global Gateway

n AD Ports Group and industry has signed two major agreements with the Government of Kyrgyzstan to promote trade and strengthen economic ties with the Central Asian nation.

Under the first agreement, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has entered negotiations with AD Ports Group to secure more than 300,000sqm of land within the Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) to develop and operate a logistics hub and customs area.

The agreements build upon AD Ports Group ongoing strategy to expand its presence in Central Asia. In 2020, Kyrgyzstan exported US$ 70.9mn to the United Arab Emirates, with key exports including gold, aircraft parts, and refined petroleum, while the UAE recorded US$ 174mn in trade to Kyrgyzstan.

“The signed agreements will not only give a great impetus to the development of bilateral Kyrgyz-Emirati relations, but will also help our country make a powerful economic breakthrough,” remarked Akylbek Sharapova, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Government of Kyrgyzstan.

“These dual preliminary agreements that highlight AD Ports Group’s leadership in free zones and digital services are an opportunity to advance relations between our two nations,” commented Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

“Companies will benefit from enhanced customs processes and accelerated access to market through the new trade hub, which will be supported by KEZAD’s strategic location and superlative range of specialised services,” stated Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group.

“This preliminary agreement reflects the trust that the Kyrgyz Republic has placed in our abilities, which will allow us to leverage our expertise and diverse portfolio of innovative AD Ports Group continues to extend its activities around the world,” observed Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO - Digital Cluster, AD Ports Group and CEO, Maqta Gateway.

n Borouge and ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S), the region’s largest shipping and integrated logistics company, have announced the inauguration of Borouge Global Gateway at Khalifa Port.

The facility will be owned and managed by ADNOC L&S to facilitate the export of Borouge’s ‘Made In UAE’ polymer solutions to international markets.

At the heart of the operations is a mega warehouse, the largest in the Middle East. The warehouse will play a critical role in enabling Borouge to improve operational efficiencies, by centralising and integrating its logistical operations.

The warehouse is part of Borouge and ADNOC L&S’ 25-year agreement covering transportation and handling operations for Borouge’s products at Khalifa Port for export.

“The inauguration of the Borouge Global Gateway is a key milestone in our growth, as we enhance our global supply chains and further capitalise on the growing demand for our innovative solutions,” commented Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO, Borouge.

The new warehouse, the size of more than 40 football pitches, enables Borouge to store 180,000 tonnes of polyolefins every day, with 2.5mn tonnes per year throughput.

“ADNOC L&S provides a range of integrated services for our customers, strengthening our position as ADNOC Group’s logistics platform and delivering more efficiencies,” remarked Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO, ADNOC L&S.

n HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum has announced a partnership with Europe’s leading artificial intelligence (AI) venture studio and ecosystem Merantix to conceptualize AI City, a proposed free zone in Dubai where impactful AI solutions will be pioneered, implemented and scaled.

AI City will be a global AI hub, powered by smart city infrastructure that connects AI research institutions and talent with leading homegrown and global startups, corporations and investors.

The project will work closely with universities to attract, train and upskill talent. By building a free zone, a regulatory sandbox environment will be created that will host worldleading computing infrastructure (HPC Clusters) and data centres, which will allow for rapid stress testing of wide-scale revolutionary and safety-critical AI concepts the company said in a press communique.

Merantix is Europe’s leading AI venture studio and ecosystem, incubating and investing in AI-first companies, building solutions and conducting leading AI research through their solutions provider ‘Merantix Momentum’ in Berlin.

“With AI City we want to make this technology more accessible, grow the public understanding of Artificial Intelligence, and get more people involved,” affirmed HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum.

“We need more collaboration to truly drive AI adoption, because only if we get all stakeholders to work together, we can bridge the gap between research and practice. I am looking forward to building a global AI lighthouse in Dubai,” commented Dr. Erasmus Rothe, CTO, Merantix.

Universal Carton Industries continues to grow in Ras Al Khaimah

n Universal Carton Industries (UCI), a top UAE leading corrugated cardboard box manufacturing companies located in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), is investing US$ 15mn (AED 55mn) to expand its production volume to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions in the UAE and overseas.

This expansion will increase UCI’s production capacity by threefold to 100,000 tons per annum, a press communique indicated.

The new state-of-the-art facility totalling 375,000sqft is scheduled to be completed in 2023. The company, which initially began operations in 2014 at Al Ghail Industrial Zone, is aiming to increase its manpower to 300 employees.

“With the extension of our European food grade corrugation plant in Ras Al Khaimah, modern equipment and innovative technologies, we will have achieved an unparalleled production capacity,” noted Arsalan Pirani, Managing Director, UCI.

“The economic zone has been our guide since the very beginning, providing us with tremendous support in our setting up phase in the UAE,” remarked Saleem Vohra, COO, UCI.