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Emirates SkyCargo signs humanitarian logistics MoU with International Humanitarian City
Al-Futtaim HINO bags major NFPC order of 200 trucks
Nabil Sultan and Giuseppe Saba at the MoU signing ceremony.
n Emirates SkyCargo and International Humanitarian City (IHC), the world’s largest hub for humanitarian aid, have signed an MoU to cooperate on humanitarian logistics and crisis relief solutions.
The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and Giuseppe Saba, CEO, International Humanitarian City.
The partnership between the two entities underlines Dubai’s position as an international gateway for the rapid deployment of aid and relief efforts directed at humanitarian crises.
Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and IHC will work together to develop innovative logistics solutions for effective crisis relief operations.
Emirates SkyCargo will be the air cargo carrier of first resort for transportation or urgently required aid materials to affected destinations. In addition, the two organizations will work together to share know-how and develop best practices around the transportation of specialized cargo for relief efforts.
“Over the years, Emirates SkyCargo has operated a number of flights and transported relief cargo on behalf of International Humanitarian City in response to humanitarian disasters and crises around the world, ,” commented Sultan.
“The high standards and excellent service delivery of Emirates SkyCargo will continue to add a lot of value to the IHC community crisis response mechanism and our synergies will enable us to work together as one humanity,” added Saba. HINO has bagged a large order from NFPC.
n Al-Futtaim HINO, the automotive company that exclusively franchises light, medium and heavy-duty HINO trucks in the UAE, has recently announced the delivery of a major order of 200 HINO trucks to the National Food Product Company (NFPC) cementing its leadership of the FMCG sector in the UAE, a press communiqué indicated.
Al-Futtaim HINO which has increased its market share by around 300% in the past five years has been the preferred mobility partner for many FMCG companies thanks to HINO’s unmatched Japanese quality and reliability and AlFuttaim’s dedicated after-sales support.
With the latest handover, NFPC’s fleet of HINO trucks grows to 450 HINO trucks, following a similar deal of 250 trucks in 2019.
NFPC will use the HINO 916XLWB-6TON trucks to boost its delivery operations which include water shutters, chillers and freezers.
“With this deal, we are further cementing our strong relationship with NFPC whose fleet primarily consists of HINO trucks,” remarked Ramez Hamdan, General Manager, Al-Futtaim HINO.
The pandemic has resulted in a huge boost to e-commerce and this has had a corresponding increase in our light-duty truck sales which now makes up 65% of our sales primarily to FMCG and logistics operators,” he added.
The 200 HINO trucks will be custom-fitted by Al Furat to meet the specific requirements of NFPC and which adhere to UAE safety standards. The HINO line-up in the UAE consists of light-duty 300 series, medium-duty 500 series and heavy-duty 700 series.
DP World and Dubai Customs to explore trade links with Israel
n Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, recently signed preliminary agreements with DoverTower, a company owned by Shlomi Fogel, the Coowner of Israel Shipyards and Port of Eilat.
DP World, one of the world’s biggest port operators, and Dubai Customs will explore opportunities to develop trade links between the UAE and Israel as the countries normalize relations.
The two sides have already signed a series of agreements to discuss the possibilities of developing trade infrastructure, the company said on Wednesday.
Bin Sulayem signed the preliminary agreements with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, signed preliminary agreements with DoverTower, owned by Shlomi Fogel, the co-owner of Israel Shipyards and Port of Eilat.
DoverTower, a company owned by Fogel, The agreements create a framework for the companies to work together in assessing opportunities to develop infrastructure for trade between Israel and the UAE, as well as within Israel and the region.
DP World will assess the development of Israeli ports and free zones and the potential establishment of a direct shipping route between Eilat and Jebel Ali port, the biggest in the Middle East.
Dubai Customs will facilitate trade between private entities in the two countries. Drydocks World will explore business opportunities with Israel shipyards, the company said.
“The MoUs will contribute to the efforts to tap economic and trade cooperation opportunities, and facilitate developmentoriented linkages between the two countries,” asserted Bin Sulayem.
Abu Dhabi Ports’ Smart Container Initiative to cut emissions by half
n As part of its ongoing digital transformation drive, Abu Dhabi Ports has launched the Smart Container Initiative that will house its digital solutions in a resilient, safe and optimized eco-friendly mobile environment.
Powered by clean energy, the solar-panelled steel and aluminium smart container uses environmentally friendly technologies such as in-row cooling, renewable energy and efficient space allocation that will reduce Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) by more than 20 percent and will slash carbon emissions by half.
The prefabricated containerized data centre runs a wide range of mission-critical applications, including port and terminal operation systems, visitor passes, and other digital Abu Dhabi Ports launches Smart Container Initiative, eco-friendly mobile data centres housed in a safe and optimised environment.
customer services.
“Abu Dhabi Ports’ Smart Container Initiative reflects our commitment to devise and accelerate sustainable ecofriendly digital transformation solutions and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forward by the United Nations,” affirmed Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEP, Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
“Adding value across our port operations while maintaining the highest safety standards for our data is imperative in creating a successful streamlined service,” remarked Dr Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster and CEO, Maqta Gateway, Abu Dhabi Ports.
A crucial element in Abu Dhabi Port’s digitalization success lies in its ability to offer differentiation through hybrid cloud architecture. Its adaptation enables Abu Dhabi Ports to respond faster to digital demands, control costs and provide more competitive pricing to its customers.
Abu Dhabi Ports announces expansion of Khalifa Port is on course
Khalifa Port aerial view.
n Abu Dhabi Ports recently announced that Khalifa Port’s expansion is on pace for completion.
Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially increase handling volumes by providing additional deep-water access and enhanced infrastructure.
To date, 200m of quay wall and almost 175,000sqm of land within Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) have been handed over ahead of the project’s full phase one completion in Q1-2021.
At the same time, considerable progress has also been made on the first phase of Khalifa Port’s South Quay development that is slated for completion by Q4-2020. With 80 percent of construction already complete, a total of 650m of quay wall, containing two berths alongside 37,000sqm terminal yard is now available in advance of receiving its first shipment.
Progress has also been made on Abu Dhabi Terminals’ (ADT) expansion plans with the delivery of five new shipto-shore cranes. With each unit boasting a lifting capacity of 90 tonnes, the new cranes have boosted capacity at the terminal significantly and have put Khalifa Port Container Terminal on track to meet its target of 5mn TEU by the end of the current year.
“We are confident that the ongoing expansion of Khalifa Port will significantly enhance our operational and cargo handling capabilities,” commented Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Arabian Chemical Terminals (ACT) which recently signed a 50-year agreement to establish the first commercial bulk liquid and gas storage terminal at Khalifa Port will be located on a plot with 16-metre direct deepwater quay access within the newly developed KPL.
This project is well underway with the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) having been awarded in May 2020. SAL and Saudi Customs officials ink the deal.
SAL now runs operations of customs security areas at main airports
n Saudi Arabian Logistics (SAL), a member of the Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, has officially begun running the operations of customs security areas across most Kingdom’s airports.
The decision, which came into effect on September 10, is a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed previously by the Saudi Customs and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NDLP), under the patronage of the Crown Prince HRH Mohammed Bin Salman.
Saudi Customs ViceGovernor Suleiman Bin Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri and SAL Deputy Chief Business Development and Corporate Relations Officer Abdulrahman Ma’en Al-Mubarak signed the agreement at the Saudi Customs headquarters in Riyadh in the presence of Saudi Customs Governor Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Alhakbani and SAL CEO Omar Hariri.
According to the agreement, Saudi Arabian Logistics, which offers specialized groundhandling and logistic services, will fully operate the designated areas starting September 1, 2020.
These services cover Kingdom’s main airports including King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah; King Fahad International Airport, Dammam; Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah; Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Tabuk; Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Qassim; Taif International Airport and Abha International Airport.
The new procedure is expected to reduce the time of import operations, improve the efficiency of cargo clearance and security process, increase the storage capacity, facilitate the cargo acceptance and delivery procedures, and enhance full coordination between both parties to offer services in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to turn the Kingdom into an international leading logistic hub.
Saudi Arabian Logistics delivers ground-handling services to different local and International airliners across the Kingdom’s airports. Its multiple logistics activities include offering support and supply solutions to all modes of transport and linking them to airports.
Etihad Airways moves to reduce in-flight food wastage
n Etihad Airways has partnered with Singapore food technology startup Lumitics to trial the use of computer vision and machine learning in order to reduce food wastage on Etihad flights, a press report indicated.
The partnership will see Etihad and Lumitics track unconsumed Economy class meals from Etihad’s flights, with the collated data used to highlight food consumption and wastage patterns across the network. Analysis of the results will help to reduce food waste, improve meal planning and reduce operating costs.
“Etihad remains committed to this project which will have the potential to support the drive to reduce food wastage,” assured Mohammad Al Bulooki, COO, Etihad Aviation Group.
Lumitics’s product Insight Lite will track unconsumed meals from a plane when it touches down at an airport. Using AI and image recognition, Insight Lite is able to differentiate and identify the types and quantity of unconsumed meals based on the design of the meal foils, without requiring manual intervention.
“Tackling food waste is one of the largest cost saving opportunities for any business producing and serving food. Not only does it make business sense, it is also good for the environment,” remarked Rayner Loi, Co-founder and Chief Executive, Lumitics.
The pilot scheme with Lumitics is one of many sustainability focused initiatives Food waste trial.
undertaken by the airline, following the launch of its Etihad Greenliner programme, which is designed to help improve operating efficiency and sustainable practice through engagement with expert partners.
UAE’s Al Faris on track with Etihad Rail project
n Al Faris has reported it conducted 250 trips across 26 days in order to transport the 25 m-long rail tracks 250 km from Mina Zayed port to the Etihad laydown area in Ghiyathi, Abu Dhabi. Each journey took approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.
To date, the company transported 12,000 tonnes of railway tracks for the Etihad Rail project in the UAE.
Al Faris fabricated ten flatbed trailers specifically for the project; each trailer was extended up to 25m in length to accommodate the long loads.
All road surveys, planning, technical support documentation, authority permissions, execution plans and schedules were prepared in-house prior to the moves. According to Al Faris, this helped organize all activities smoothly with minimum delays.
When completed the 1,200 km Etihad railway project will connect the seven emirates of the UAE to its neighbouring GCC countries.
Turkish Cargo builds global air bridge for special cargo shipments
n Carrying 5 percent of the global air cargo carried around the world, Turkish Cargo increased its international market share to 5.4 percent reflecting a growth by 67 percent within the first half of 2020 thanks to its special cargo operations beefed up by building up a global air bridge.
The global air cargo brand carried 30 thousand tons of medicines and nearly 10 thousand tons of medical equipment between 1 February and 31 August 2020. It is the first air cargo brand that holds all of the three certificates, namely the ‘CEIV Pharma’, ‘CEIV Fesh’ and ‘CEIV Live Animal’, issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Turkish Cargo ensures protection at high standards at its special cargo storage rooms with various temperature ranges
available at its facilities with a total area of 3.500sqm at the Istanbul Ataturk airport.
Possessing all of the capabilities as required for transporting the vaccine, which will be developed against the global pandemic, all around the world, Turkish Cargo minimizes the risk for the health-care products with a high level of sensitivity by making use of the active temperature-controlled Envirotainer and CSafe containers, the electrical airconditioning container Opticooler, Thermal Dolly and disposal thermal sheets equipped with thermal isolation features.
For the past 30 years, Turkish Cargo has adhered to the highest standards and regulations, Turkish Cargo transports the endangered animals in harsh conditions to their natural living environments, a press statement concluded.
Renault Trucks markets new model modified certified for MEA
n For customers operating on the African continent and in the Middle East, where Euro 3 legislation is in force, Renault Trucks has developed the T X-Port.
The Renault Trucks T Euro 6 model has been converted to Euro 3 using strict industrial processes in the company’s specialized Used Trucks Factory workshops, in order to guarantee the highest level of pollution reduction in force in these markets, the truck manufacturer confirmed in a press communiqué.
The conversion starts with dismantling the Euro 6 components, namely the silencer and AdBlue components, which are then sent to the manufacturer’s recycling network.
Operators at the Renault Trucks Used Trucks Factory then install the Euro 3 components and the reinforced filtration system. The software and manufacturer’s documentation are updated, allowing the vehicle to be recognized throughout the network with its new features.
After conversion, the Renault Trucks T X-Port’s emission levels and engine performance (power and torque) are Renault Trucks T X-Port, the new used truck for Africa and the Middle East.
certified by UTAC, an independent international organization. The truck undergoes the same quality process as a new vehicle.
The Renault Trucks T range meets the needs of all companies operating in the road haulage sector: industrial transport, controlled temperature transport, tanker transport, and livestock transport. It offers customers the perfect balance between fuel savings and life on-board.
Finally, all Renault Trucks T models are fitted with the Optidriver transmission as standard. This automated gearbox selects the right gear at the right time according to speed, load and driving style in order to guarantee better mobility and greater comfort while driving.
Bahri boosts dry-bulk fleet with addition of new-build Alanood
n Bahri recently announced that it took delivery of its new drybulk carrier ‘Alanood’ on 31 August, making it the second newbuild vessel to join the company’s market-leading fleet this year.
The Kamsarmax-class carrier lifts the number of Bahri’s drybulk fleet to seven, cementing its reputation as a leading regional player in the bulk shipping industry.
‘Alanood’ is also the second ship received as part of the agreement signed between Bahri business unit Bahri Dry Bulk and South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. Ltd. (HMD) in August 2017 to build and deliver four new dry-bulk carriers by 2020. The new vessel was built by Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding (HVS), a subsidiary of HMD, and takes the total tally of Bahri’s
wide-ranging vessels to 88, including 41 VLCCs, 34 chemical and product tankers, 7 dry-bulk carriers, and 6 Ro-Ro ships. A further 10 chemical tankers, 2 dry-bulk carriers, and a VLCC are currently under development.
“We are confident that ‘Alanood’ will give us enhanced operational flexibility and efficiency to meet the needs of our customers around the world and enable us to boost our contribution to the smooth functioning of global supply chains,” remarked Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri.
In May 2020, Bahri took delivery of the dry-bulk carrier ‘Sara,’ which was also built at the HVS dockyard in Vietnam under the latest international technical specifications.
With the new additions, Bahri is further equipped to meet the growing demand in the Kingdom for imports of basic grains, such as wheat, barley, corn, and other dry-bulk cargoes.
Bahri Alanood Dry-Bulk Carrier.
AASTMT Sharjah initiates collaboration with the UAE Federal Transport Authority
n The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Khorfakkan-Sharjah (AASTS) has successfully commenced talks for collaboration with The Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime (FTA).
The move supports AASTS’ vision to strengthen the Arab maritime sector by training national cadres and providing research and development services. It also supports AASTS’ strategy to reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading maritime hub globally. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT); Eng. Hessa Al Malek, Executive Director of Maritime Transport at FTA; Dr. Ahmed Youssef, Associate Dean of Maritime Transport and Technology College, AASTS; Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, IMO Goodwill Ambassador and Corporate Communications Director at FTA and Captain Abdullah Al Hayas, Director of Maritime Affairs Department, FTA.
The two sides discussed cooperation in various areas including education and training; conducting specialized research to develop the shipping, ports and logistics services; and developing training in maritime electronic capabilities and cybersecurity for shipping and maritime operations and ports.
“AASTS plays an important role in providing the Arab World with competencies and experts in scientific research, consultancy and academic Group photo-AASTS and FTA officials.
studies,” commented Eng. Ahmed Sharif Al Khouri, Director General of FTA. “As an organization associated with the League of Arab States, we are mandated to explore cooperation prospects to develop the economic capabilities of all Arab countries. However, our relationship with the UAE is a special one,” remarked Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President, AASTMT.
Serco Middle East commemorates the 11th Anniversary of Dubai Metro
Abu Dhabi International Airport introduces new ‘Fast Track Flight Connections’ initiative
n Abu Dhabi International Airport has launched a new initiative for international transfer passengers, facilitating shorter connection times by increasing the speed of transiting through the airport by 27%, delivering an enhanced and seamless passenger experience.
The Fast Track Flight Connections initiative enables transfer passengers travelling aboard flights originating from partner airports in Europe, the United States, and Canada to take advantage of the new, streamlined security screening processes within Abu Dhabi International Airport. Under the new procedure, the flow of passengers and their baggage to their onward destination will be expedited.
This initiative was developed and implemented in collaboration with the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the General Administration of Customs, Abu Dhabi Airports, Etihad Airways, and international airport partners.
“By facilitating faster and more efficient transfers, the new procedure also further positions Abu Dhabi as a global hub, bridging the East and West,” commented Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports.
“This significant enhancement to the travel experience of our transfer passengers, and our extensive precautionary measures across Abu Dhabi International Airport, are a reflection of our commitment to putting our customers first and ensuring their health, safety and comfort throughout their journey through the UAE’s capital,” remarked Shareef Al Hashmi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports. Wallace Weatherill - Dubai Metro and Tram, MD-Serco ME.
n The 11th anniversary of the commencement of Dubai Metro marks a long standing partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Serco Middle East, the leading operator and maintainer of the Dubai Metro since its launch in 2009.
Serco Middle East operates and maintains the Dubai Metro, and was first awarded the contract in 2009. Since then and over the last 11 years, Serco has delivered high quality outcomes for Dubai Metro that includes the launch of the Red Line Extension, a new 15km extension line linking communities in Discovery Gardens, Dubai Investment Park and the Expo 2020 site and spanning across seven stations.
The partnership demonstrates Serco’s capacity to produce real efficiencies and productivity benefits for their customers, the public and communities Serco serves by delivering 99.9% punctuality and train service availability, the company stated in a press note.
“At Serco Middle East we have underlined our commitment to the RTA by not only continuing to deliver operations and maintenance to the existing Dubai Metro Red and Green lines, but also to mirror the same level of world class service to the new Route 2020,” commented Wallace Weatherill, Dubai Metro and Tram Managing Director, Serco.
“Dubai Metro is the backbone of the Emirate’s transport infrastructure making it a key component of the emirate and a significant milestone in UAE’s vision for the future,” remarked Abdulmohsin Ibrahim Younes, CEO, Rail Agency, RTA.
Chalhoub Group ushers digital transformation, empowers e-commerce platform amid pandemic
n Leading luxury retailer Chalhoub Group announced today a digital transformation agreement with Salesforce, the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), to enhance customer e-commerce experiences amid the Covid-19 coronavirus.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Egypt’s beauty and personal care e-commerce market is valued at US$ 1bn, according to Bain & Company.
In anticipation of its growth, and to meet customers’ shift to e-commerce amid the pandemic, Chalhoub Group has accelerated its digital transformation to meet customer needs and to deliver on e-commerce expectations.
Working with the channel partners Chalhoub Group continued its digital transformation by adopting the Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Service Cloud to drive e-commerce, and personalize customer journeys across chat, email, social media, and WhatsApp.
“As the Middle East’s e-commerce market reaches record highs, digital transformation is a necessity for retailers to rapidly adapt to the Covid-19 era,” remarked Kristof Lukovich, Head of Digital, Beauty Vertical, Chalhoub Group.
Chalhoub Group is also leveraging AI from Salesforce’s with Einstein, builtin intelligent solutions to personalize customer journeys, offer product recommendations, and implement Einstein Bots to ease the load on customer service agents by automating routine requests, which enables agents to handle more complex issues.
“Recent events have accelerated the shift to e-commerce within the Middle East’s fast-paced retail sector,” commented Thierry Nicault, Regional Vice-President, Kristof Lukovich, Head of Digital, Beauty Vertical, Chalhoub Group.
Middle East, Africa and Central Europe,
Chalhoub Group has more than 125 companies, partners, and affiliates, and 600 retail stores across 14 countries.
Gulf Navigation Holding starts distinctive phase with a new Board of Directors
n In its recent meeting, the General Assembly of Gulf Navigation Holding, a maritime and shipping company listed in the Dubai Financial Market, has approved a new Board of Directors chaired by Sheikh Theyab Bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan.
The General Assembly also appointed Eng. Abdulla Atatreh as Vice Chairman and Mohamed Alhammadi, Dr. Abdulaziz Alongary, and Waleed Mohammad have been approved as new members of the board in addition to the current members Dr. Abdul Rahman Mahmoud Al Afifi and Ahmad Kilani.
“The maritime economy is a key pillar for preparing the economy of the UAE for its golden jubilee. There’s still strong demand for shipping services around the world and we are very optimistic about the promising opportunities the future holds for Gulf Navigation,” asserted Sheikh Theyab Bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, Chairman, Gulf Navigation Holding Group.
The new board appointed Rudrik Flikweert as the Group’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Gulf Navigation Holding Group currently owns a fleet of 8 ships including petrochemical tankers and livestock transport vessels in addition to 4 crew boats. Gulf Navigation is one of the main companies in the local Maritime sector whose annual turnover exceeds US$ 60bn and has more than 20,000 maritime companies.
Over 21,000 ships dock in the UAE ports each year, carrying around 17 million containers and hundreds of thousands of tons of petroleum derivatives, bulk cargo and raw materials.
Al-Futtaim Logistics certified as AEO by Dubai Customs
n Al-Futtaim Logistics has been certified as an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) by Dubai Customs under the UAE AEO Program. The concept of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) is defined by the World Customs Organization SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade.
AEO is a modern and smart control strategy that fosters security and compliance through moving from transaction-based controls to systembased controls. Processes, procedures, systems, competencies and security measures are verified by Customs at the company level.
As an AEO certified service provider, Al-Futtaim Logistics now can extend value chain to their customers in Global Trade, especially in the local market. Freight customers will experience faster clearance due to simplified procedures and Customs prioritization.
As a trusted partner of Dubai Customs, Al-Futtaim Logistics will benefit from reduced post clearance audits and priority inspections procedures, enhanced by non-intrusive inspection technology.
“Despite the current market dynamics and in times of supply chain disruption, we continue to pursue opportunities that will complement our customers’ experiences. AEO certification will contribute to how we strengthen our commitments to our customers,” asserted Raman Kumar, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Logistics. Raman Kumar, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Logistics.
Marafiq and partners reach financial closing of Jeddah Sewage Treatment Plant
n Marafiq (Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu) is the lead developer in Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP (Independent Sewage Treatment Plant) and has a wealth of experience as an integrated utility service provider to major industrial cities in Saudi Arabia.
The Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP was awarded under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) concession model, and will be developed under a 25-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Marafiq has partnered with Veolia, Amwal AlKhaleejiah, who will support the development, financing, engineering, procurement, construction, implementation, ownership, operation, maintenance, and transfer of the Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP (Independent Sewage Treatment Plant).
The funding for the estimated US$ 280M total project costs have been sourced from a combination of senior project finance loans by the National Commercial Bank (NCB) and equity contributions from shareholders.
“Marafiq is proud that it has shifted from a conventional utility service provider to a lead developer. We are grateful to our partners Veolia and Amwal AlKhaleejiah, who have assisted us in reaching this stage L to R Abdulrahman A. AlFadley - Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Mohammad Mowkley, Dep Minister Water Services, Abdullah Al- Buainain, CEO Marafiq and Sebastien Chauvin, CEO, Veolia ME.
in the project,’’ commented Abdullah K. AlBuainain, President & CEO, Marafiq.
“The successful financial closing of Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP, shows the robustness and the efficiency of PrivatePublic-Partnerships, and we expect to see more of these type of projects as part of the Vision 2030,” commented Khaled Z. Al-Qureshi, CEO, SWPC.
“We are proud to have been able to achieve financial closure, particularly that the Bank financing for the project was raised locally in its entirety,” noted Ammar A. AlKhudairy, Chairman, Amwal.
“The Jeddah Airport 2 ISTP is an ambitious and exemplary Public-Private partnership. All the principles of the Circular economy will be put in place, allowing the reduction of sludge and enhancing the beneficial reuse of recycled water for irrigation or industrial use,” assured Sébastien Chauvin, CEO, Veolia ME.
One Za’abeel completes record-breaking cantilever lift in a major engineering feat
n Leading Japanese architectural, engineering, and urban design firm Nikken Sekkei recently confirmed that the world’s longest cantilevered building, The Link, which connects the towers of the iconic One Za’abeel mixed-use development in Dubai, UAE, has been lifted into place.
The company, who began work on the project in 2014 as lead consultancy, was responsible for the concept and design of the two-tower structure and the unique cantilever design that connects both towers.
“Designing the world’s longest-occupied cantilevered building was an ambitious challenge in itself. However, designing an offset cantilever between two towers, 100 metres above a busy highway, was a challenge of ingenuity and imagination none of us had ever faced before,” commented Dr. Fadi Jabri, Nikken’s Executive Officer, Principal for MENA, CIS, India, Australia, and Europe regions.
The skyscraper building is a mixed-use two-tower project overlooking a total built-up area of over 470,000 square metres. Located at the heart of the city and at the gate of the Dubai Financial Center, the development incorporates luxury residences, a One & Only ultra-luxury hotel and serviced apartments, and premium, Grade A office spaces, a retail podium, and a panoramic sky concourse.
The Link, which will float an awe-inspiring 100 metres above One-Zaabeel cantilever lift operation in progress.
the ground, is a panoramic sky concourse that connects the two towers of One Za’abeel. The timeless structure will house a choice of attractions, including Michelin starred restaurants, observation decks, and an infinity pool.
With a 30-year pedigree in the Middle East, Nikken Sekkei has designed and collaborated on more than 65 projects across the region’s cultural, commercial, and hospitality sectors.
Jebel Ali Port welcomes mega container ship HMM GDANSK on its maiden visit
n Global trade enabler DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port welcomed HMM GDANSK, one of the world’s largest container vessels, which is now on the return leg of her maiden international voyage between the Far East and Europe.
Jebel Ali is the only port in the Arabian Gulf region connected to the arterial FE3 (Far East 3) loop with the ability to accommodate mega vessels.
HMM GDANSK is 400m long and has a capacity of 24,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent container units). The vessel and its crew led by Captain Hyungik Cho were welcomed by DP World UAE Region, and other officials from Jebel Ali Port.
The landmark mega carrier arrived from DP World’s London Gateway at the port before sailing to Singapore, her next call in a journey that began in Busan, South Korea with calls at Yantian, Hong Kong, Hamburg, Rotterdam and Antwerp.
“The port call by one of the largest container carriers is a testimonial to Jebel Ali’s true strength and capacity. DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port welcomed one of the world’
We employ today’s frontline technologies like robotics, automation, Internet of Things, Big Data, virtual reality and cybersecurity to build and sustain our efficiencies,” explained Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region. As an integrated multi-modal hub offering sea, air and land connectivity, complemented by extensive logistics facilities, Jebel Ali Port plays a vital role in the UAE economy. It is a premier gateway for over 80 weekly shipping services, connecting more than 150 ports worldwide.
Africa launches medical supplies platform.
Novartis and Africa Medical Supplies Platform cooperate for supplies of Covid-19 related medicines
n The collaboration between Novartis and Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) aims to help alleviate supply and logistical constraints in the African Union member states.
It comprises the portfolio of 15 generic and over-thecounter (OTC) medicines from Sandoz division which will be sold at zero-profit to governments through Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) to 55 African and 15 Caricom (Caribbean Community) eligible countries
Novartis and the African Union (AU) through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) have announced a new collaboration to facilitate the supply of medicines from the Novartis Pandemic Response Portfolio to the AU member states and Caricom countries.
The AMSP portal is an online marketplace developed under the leadership of the AU Special Envoy, Strive Masiyiwa and powered by Janngo, on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
“Our collaboration with AMSP is a continuation of our efforts at Novartis to combat Covid-19 across the world,” remarked Vas Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis.
“Following the successful listing of test kits, personal protective equipment, and clinical management devices, the African Union Chairperson has expanded our mandate to include groundbreaking medicines to treat Covid-19 patients in Africa,” said African Union Special Envoy, Strive Masiyiwa.
“As a continental body, we are working with several partners to ensure smooth and predictable access to essential medical supplies,” commented Dr John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC.
AP Moller-Maersk announces policy changes in Ocean & Logistics
n AP Moller-Maersk introduces strategic changes that will further improve customer experience and end-to-end service delivery. As part of this, the Safmarine brand will be integrated into Maersk to enhance customers’ access to the global integrated offering, the integrated container logistics company stated in a press communique.
In addition, the Damco brand’s Air and LCL (Less than Container Load) offering will be combined with Maersk’s logistics and services products to complement its end-to-end offering. Also, a more simplified and customercentric global Ocean & Logistics organization is being introduced.
These changes represent a major step towards becoming an integrated container transport and logistics company, connecting and simplifying customers’ supply chains.
“The evolving supply chain needs are increasing the demand for multiple modes of transport and to meet these needs, we’re bringing our company’s expertise and capabilities even closer together. Taking these steps are key to accelerating our transformation,” explained Vincent Clerc, CEO, Ocean & Logistics, AP Moller-Maersk.
Since focusing purely on freight forwarding in 2018, Damco has demonstrated significant value to customers in the Air and Ocean LCL space. During this time, it has become apparent through close customer engagements that the value proposition of Maersk can be greatly enhanced with the expansion of multiple modes of transport.
The integration of Air and LCL into Maersk will help meet these needs and give businesses access to a simplified, connected and agile experience under the Maersk brand, as well as to its scale. Maersk uses its own assets to offer unique value propositions; hence it will not pursue the Ocean FCL Multicarrier product (NVOCC) as a general offering.
Due to the changes, the Safmarine and Damco brands will no longer be marketed by the end of 2020 the press statement concluded.
n Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT), the manager and operator of the region’s first technologically advanced semi-automated terminal at Khalifa Port, has been InCountry Value certified.
In-Country Value is defined as the total spend retained in-country that can benefit business development, contribute to human capability development, and stimulate productivity in the UAE economy.
The In-Country Value Program focuses on national economic contribution through three major areas: strategic considerations, Emiratisation and GDP diversification.
Initiated by ADNOC in 2018, the program has expanded to include multiple sectors and has also been adopted by Abu Dhabi Ports, Aldar Properties, and Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, with the four sector leaders now forming the majority of government tenders issued in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi Terminals’ ranking is testament to the continued efforts to support the visionary leadership of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in their ongoing quest for economic growth, diversification, and prosperity,” asserted Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO, Abu Dhabi Terminals.
“This certification offers great opportunities, not only for ADT, but Abu Dhabi Terminals file image.
our partners and stakeholders alike and represents unique prospects that can be offered to our customers via competitive integrated logistics solutions,” he concluded.
Solutions for a healthy world Tranzone operates a state-of-the-art 3PL warehouse in Jebel Ali Free Zone. We have partnerships with the leading pharmaceutical, medical device and animal health companies around the world.
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Tranzone FZCO (Member of Banaja Holdings) Jebel Ali Free Zone (South) Plot No: S20129 P.O Box : 262955, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tel : +971 4 811 0000 Web: www.tranzone.ae
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrates arrival of the first new aircraft
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi aircraft arrival at AUH.
n Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the new national airline of the United Arab Emirates celebrates the arrival of its first advanced new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the joint-venture established between ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies, and Wizz Air Holdings, has recently received national carrier status from the UAE government subject to meeting regulatory standards prior to starting operations.
The A321neo aircraft has pioneered and incorporated the latest technologies, including its new generation engines and the industry’s reference cabin design, delivering 20 percent fuel cost savings alone.
More ultra-modern Airbus A321neo aircraft, all with the unique Abu Dhabi livery will join the Wizz Air Abu Dhabi fleet in the first six months of operations, creating ever more low fare travel opportunities, and connecting the UAE capital with several other cities around Europe and beyond.
“Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, as well as our enhanced protective measures, will ensure the best possible sanitary conditions for travellers,” commented Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi.
“The establishment of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and its commencement of operations is a milestone in the growth and development of the LCC market in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” noted Mohammed Husain Ahmed, General Manager, Abu Dhabi International Airport.
ION and Sharjah RTA announce sustainable ride-hailing service
n Sharjah Roads & Transport Authority (Sharjah RTA) has partnered with the UAE-based sustainable mobility solutions company ION to launch a new on-demand ride-hailing service in Sharjah, with a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) including Tesla Model S and Model 3 by the end of 2020.
ION’s selection for the partnership was due to its sustainable EV fleet, smart operations and customer-oriented backend support. The new EV ride-hailing service will be available through a mobile application, which will offer passengers estimated time of arrival, view the number of available vehicles in the vicinity and even the positive carbon impact by travelling via ION’s service.
“Sharjah RTA relies on clean energy whenever possible. This will only happen by adopting and embracing sustainable innovations in the field of transportation, which will contribute to achieving our plan towards an environmentally and sustainable transfer,” remarked Eng. Yousef Saleh Al Suwaiji, Chairman, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA). ION Sharjah RTA deal signing ceremony.
“Through this partnership with Sharjah RTA, we are combining our expertise with a wider mobility network to help raise a more sustainable quality of life for residents in Sharjah,” commented Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah and Chairman, ION.
The intelligent vehicle personal temperature monitor system
The intelligent monitoring and temperature measurement integrated machine uses the principle of non-contact infrared thermal imaging, which has high temperature efficiency and avoids cross infections. It can complete the temperature measurement function, mask detection intelligent voice alarm, real-time recording of personnel image information.
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Contactless temperture detection Real-time video surveillance Support 1080P, H.265 format Double TF card data storage 4G wireless communication GPS / BeiDou dual-mode positioning Support Ministry standard platform
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