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NEWS
Emirates SkyCargo transports 247 horses from Liege to Tokyo
n Emirates SkyCargo recently operated eight charter flights to fly 247 horses from Liege (Belgium) to Tokyo.
The first flight with 36 dressage horses landed at Haneda airport, Tokyo. Emirates operated an additional eight flights for the return journey from Tokyo to Liege.
During the flights, the horses were comfortably settled inside specially designed horse stalls. Emirates SkyCargo flew 131 horse stalls to transport the 247 horses.
In addition, 59 grooms flew with the horses on the eight flights to ensure that the horses were well cared for, fed and watered during the journey from Liege to Haneda via a brief stopover in Dubai.
Emirates transported 20 tonnes of inflight food and drink for the horses along with 100 tonnes of special equipment for the onward journey from Liege.
Emirates has decades of experience in transporting horses across six continents for international sporting events, a press communiqué said.
SOHAR Port and Freezone continues growth as an international logistics hub
n Building on its momentum, SOHAR Port and Freezone has announced encouraging results for the second quarter of 2021.
Among them, it reported that the Port’s handling of goods in and out of the Sultanate (throughput) increased by 14% over the same period in 2020 and Ship-to-Ship (STS) cargo increased by an impressive 168%.
Meanwhile, the number of handled containers came in at 190,000 TEU in addition to 804 vessel calls, up by 18% from the same period in 2020. The land occupancy at the Freezone has also shown a rise of 10% since the same time last year.
“SOHAR Port’s continual growth is a testament to the longterm value that we provide to our clients as we operate safely and efficiently to serve the industrial and economic sectors,” asserted Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO, SOHAR Port.
“In alignment with the port’s impressive growth, we continue to make major investments in the Freezone, while promoting it, and Oman in general, as a favourable business destination,” commented Omar Mahmood Al Mahrizi, CEO, SOHAR Freezone and Deputy CEO, SOHAR Port.
n Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail Network, recently signed a strategic partnership with Western Bainoona Group. Etihad Rail will deliver rail freight services to the Group for their construction materials from Western Bainoona Group’s facilities in Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The agreement comes following the directives of HE Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, to enable a sustainable and efficient mode of transport that bolsters the UAE’s economy.
The partnership is one of Etihad Rail’s largest commercial partnerships for Stage Two of the UAE’s National Rail Project. 4.5mn tonnes of Western Bainoona Group’s aggregates will be transported annually on 643 trains from the Group’s facilities in Fujairah to logistics hubs in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) and Dubai Industrial City.
The length of each train will be
Etihad Rail and Western Bainoona Group sign one of the largest commercial partnership agreements for Stage Two of the UAE’s National Rail Network.
around one kilometre. Etihad Rail is allocating 70 wagons for each train, with an approximate capacity of 7,000 tonnes per trip. The partnership will reduce road traffic by 120,000 truck trips annually.
“We look to leverage the freight solutions provided by the UAE National Rail Network, bolstering and facilitating trade between the emirates,” commented Mohammed Khalfan Al Hameli, Chairman, Western Bainoona Group. “Etihad Rail is pleased to sign the one of the largest agreements for Stage Two of UAE National Rail Network, adding Western Bainoona Group to our list of partners,” remarked Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Executive Director, Rail Relations Sector, Etihad Rail.
DP World completes trial of BOXBAY High Bay Storage System
n DP World has completed testing of the BOXBAY high bay storage concept at the first full-size facility constructed at Jebel Ali port in Dubai.
More than 63,000 container moves have been completed since the facility, which can hold 792 containers at a time, was commissioned beginning this year.
BOXBAY is a joint venture between DP World and German industrial engineering specialist SMS group. The system stores containers in slots in a steel rack up to eleven high. It delivers three times the capacity of a conventional yard in which containers are stacked directly on top of each other, meaning the footprint of terminals can be reduced by 70 percent.
In BOXBAY containers are moved in, out and between slots by fully electrified and automated cranes built into the structure. Individual containers can be accessed without moving any others. The whole system is designed to be fully powered by solar panels on the roof.
“BOXBAY is part of DP World’s vision to apply innovation to enable global trade and be a provider of smart logistics solutions,” stated Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World. “BOXBAY’s important parameters such as performance, reliability, energy consumption and many more our goals have been exceeded by far,” commented Mathias Dobner, Chairman and CEO, BOXBAY.
Duckhams lubricants brand launched in the UAE
n Founded in 1899 by chemist Alexander Duckham, the British eponymous brand has been a leading lubricants technology brand for most of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The brand has now been introduced in the UAE and will be represented by Abu Dhabi-headquartered Emirates for Universal Tyres, part of Abdulla Al Masaood & Sons Group.
“The Duckhams team is excited to launch our iconic British brand in the UAE market. We intend to create a future as glorious as our past and the launch in the UAE will be an important milestone in that journey,” remarked Jabir Sheth, Chairperson, Duckhams.
“Our data shows time and again that Duckhams is still one of the most recognised lubricant brands amongst automotive consumers and trade professionals in many markets,” commented KR Venkataraman, Global CEO, Duckhams.
“Duckhams is here to drive innovation and that fits perfectly with our strategic plans — we are inspired by their values and aspirations and look forward to the journey ahead,” noted Shaun Smith, General Manager, Emirates for Universal Tyres.
CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal and Khalifa Port implement region’s First Autonomous Port Truck System
n CSP Abu Dhabi container terminal, the first greenfield project of COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSP) operating within Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship deepwater port Khalifa Port, has announced its terminal will be the first in the Middle East to implement an autonomous port truck system.
Following a two-month trial period, a total of six electric Q-Trucks will be commissioned by CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal and tasked with supporting mother vessel loading and unloading activities within the facility’s container yard.
The use of smart automation is another key step forward for one of the world’s most technologically advanced ports.
“As well as being extremely efficient and cost-effective, the new vehicles enable us to sustain our container handling operations for longer periods and enable us to continue operating in cases where business continuity becomes an operational challenge,” noted Naser Al Busaeedi, Deputy CEO, CSP Abu Dhabi.
The new Q-Trucks are expected to deliver reduced transformation and operating costs, a significant reduction in Co2 emissions as compared to traditional trucks and serve as a viable business continuity solution in the event of any manpower crisis.
“The addition of CSP Abu Dhabi’s Q-Trucks has not only accelerated Khalifa Port’s position as the Middle East’s leading maritime facility but also serves as a prime example of how innovative technologies can transform the maritime and logistics industries,” remarked Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports.
Swisslog appoints David Dronfield as the new General Manager for the Middle East
n Swisslog recently announced the appointment of David Dronfield as the new General Manager for its Middle Eastern operations.
Dronfield brings more than 35 years of professional experience in the warehouse automation sector with expertise across sales, marketing, business development, project management and in managing senior leadership roles.
Having worked in the industry for more than three decades, Dronfield brings with him a wealth of experience and industry expertise. Prior to joining Swisslog Middle East, he has served as Founder & Managing Director of Intralogistic Solution, a company providing intralogistic design, supply chain consulting and turnkey equipment solutions.
“The future of warehouse is automation, and there is a huge opportunity for increased growth. Swisslog’s proven innovative solutions can help businesses to overcome challenges, capitalize on digital transformation and scale their business,” affirmed Dronfield.
Agility-backed Shipa opens advanced E-commerce Fulfillment Centre
n Shipa, the digital logistics and e-commerce arm of Agility, recently announced the opening of a sophisticated e-Fulfillment Centre in Kuwait.
Shipa’s 15,000 SQM e-fulfillment center gives merchants and brands the infrastructure and services they need to capitalize on the explosive growth in e-commerce and online sales across Kuwait and the GCC.
Strategically located in Sulaibiya, near the country’s major transportation links, the facility contains 12,000 pallet positions and 30,000 bin locations. It leverages the operational expertise of Agility, a leading global logistics provider, and the integration technology of Shipa’s last-mile delivery network, serving GCC markets.
“The ecommerce ecosystem in Kuwait is getting stronger every day. We are determined to help these businesses, including local small and medium-sized businesses, accelerate their growth,” commented Henadi Al-Saleh, Chairperson, Agility.
The Shipa facility offers non-bonded, racked and bulk storage; inbound air and ocean stock replenishment; pick-and-pack services; customer technology integration and APIs; local and international returns services; and integration with cross-border and last-mile transportation.
The facility also has temperature-controlled storage, including dry and refrigerated storage. Shipa adheres to rigorous Quality Health Safety, Security and Environment (QHSSE) standards.
“E-commerce growth in Kuwait will be boosted by the right infrastructure and technology, including dedicated warehousing, fulfillment space and capacity. Merchants and brands have asked Shipa to help them tackle that challenge,” remarked Borhene Ben Mena, CEO, Shipa Delivery.
Shipa’s value-added services include e-fulfillment solutions scalable for all GCC markets, including access to more than 1.2mn sqm of GCC warehousing, customs brokerage, express bonded road services, and delivery options that include COD, pre-paid and payment-at-door.
Maersk secures green e-methanol for the world’s first container vessel
n AP Moller-Maersk has identified its partners to produce green fuel for its first vessel to operate on carbon neutral methanol: REintegrate, a subsidiary of the Danish renewable energy company European Energy.
REintegrate and European Energy will establish a new Danish facility to produce the approx. 10.000 tonnes of carbon neutral e-methanol that Maersk’s first vessel with the ability to operate on green e-methanol will consume annually.
“This type of partnership could become a blueprint for how to scale green fuel production through collaboration with partners across the industry ecosystem, and it will provide us with valuable experiences on our journey to decarbonise our customers’ supply chains,” affirmed Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO, Fleet & Strategic Brands, AP Moller-Maersk.
REintegrate has a proven track record for producing green e-methanol in its test laboratory in Aalborg. The new facility will be its third e-methanol facility, as they are also constructing an e-methanol facility in Skive with startup in 2022:
“This agreement marks a milestone in the journey towards green transition in the shipping industry,” stressed Knud Erik Andersen, CEO, European Energy.
The world’s first methanol feeder will be 172m long and it is expected to join the Maersk fleet in mid-2023. It will sail in the network of Sealand Europe, a Maersk subsidiary, on the Baltic shipping route under the Danish flag.
Aramex & DB Schenker sign strategic MoU
n MoU will focus on driving collaborations in freight forwarding solutions in Abu Dhabi and the region
Aramex and Germany-based DB Schenker, recently today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the aim to drive forward synergistic opportunities in supply chain solutions across multiple critical industries to and from Abu Dhabi and the wider MEA region.
By leveraging DB Schenker’s extensive global experience in specialized freight forwarding solutions across multiple industries, the partnership will seek to further boost Aramex’s capabilities and offerings in the region, including, but not limited to, the aerospace, defense, infrastructure, and healthcare industries.
“By joining forces with DB Schenker, a global logistics company we regard as truly complementary to ours in the region, we will accelerate the realization of our goals in the freight forwarding business,” affirmed Othman Aljeda, CEO, Aramex
“We believe our alliance with Aramex was a natural choice given their history, expertise, knowledge, and extensive network in the region. I am confident that together, we will be able to grow our footprint in Abu Dhabi and the wider MEA region,” asserted Christopher Smith, CEO, DB Schenker, Middle East & Africa.
Proven Consult and Saudi Arabia’s United Warehouse Company sign MoU to digitalize operations
n Proven Consult, a leading automation technology firm in the GCC region, recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Warehouse Co Ltd (UWC), a warehousing logistics service provider in Saudi Arabia, to help accelerate digital transformation in the logistics industry.
Under the terms of agreement signed on 1 July, both companies will collaborate in advancing technological transformation through the deployment of latest technologies.
Committed to creating smarter businesses with its team of experts, Proven Consult, in partnership with UWC, will work to create value through implementation of digital technologies.
Proven Consult aims to enhance business performance and implement Intelligent Business Automation as a core functional area within UWC in order to further enable technological efficiencies and achieve uniformity, integrate digitization, and improve functionality across various verticals within the organization. This joint venture between two industry pioneers aims to realize Saudi Vision 2030 with the combined goal of promoting technological advancement in the Kingdom, while at the same time placing Saudi Arabia on the world map in terms of technological advancement. “We believe this partnership will mark the beginning of a long-standing business association as we embark on the journey of digital transformation for UWC,” commented Anas Abdul-Haiy, CEO and Deputy Director, Proven Consult. “With the signing of this MoU, we hope to strengthen our ecosystems and drive digital transformation for our clients, bringing them value through the implementation of latest technologies,” asserted Fathi Abdullah Ba-Isa, Managing Director, UWC.
Continental tests tyre prototypes for E-Trucks
n Together with leading vehicle manufacturers and technology companies, Continental is working on tyre solutions for special requirements.
In particular, the premium tyre manufacturer is currently performing test drives in Germany with an electric truck produced by specialist for electric commercial vehicles, Futuricum. The 19-ton truck is equipped with the largest truck battery in Europe on board, which allows a range of up to 760km without freight.
The current test series are about increasing efficiency even further. In particular, the focus is on extending the range by reducing rolling resistance. In addition to the original tyres, the Conti EfficientPro and brand-new prototypes are used in direct comparison, the company revealed in a press release.
The Conti EfficientPro is a proven product that was developed in particular for long-distance transportation and emphasizes fuel efficiency.
Balancing the conflicting goals, especially mileage, braking and handling performance, at an ever-higher level is technically demanding. At the same time, in view of the rapid development of the e-mobility segment, the engineers are in a race against time, according to a press communiqué.
“The weight and weight distribution of the tractor are increased by the particularly powerful battery. Therefore, the tyres must not only have a low rolling resistance, but also withstand heavier loads than tyres for comparable vehicles with internal combustion engines,” explained Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Tyre Development Bus and Truck Tyres, Continental.
DB Schenker breaks ground on its third facility at Dubai South Logistics District
n DB Schenker, a global supply chain and logistics provider, has announced the start of construction of its third expansion phase with another mega logistics centre at Dubai South’s Logistics District, bringing the total contract logistics footprint in Dubai to 84,000sqm by June 2022.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation; Christopher Smith, CEO, DB Schenker Middle East Africa; Mohsen Ahmad, CEO, Logistics District, Dubai South and Ako Djaf, Vice PresidentContract Logistics / SCM Middle East and Africa, DB Schenker; among other senior executives from both organizations.
The new state-of-the-art, green logistics centre will have a 37,000sqm warehouse space that includes a 5,000sqm mezzanine area dedicated for value-added services and spare-parts operations, in addition to temperature-controlled areas and ambient-temperature zones. It will also utilise 100% renewable energy and act as a distribution hub for the GCC.
“The project also confirms our commitment to operating sustainably, and we want to underpin our leading ecological position in the UAE market by reducing CO2 emissions and costs,” affirmed Djaf.
Dubai South has been at the forefront of the e-commerce and logistics sectors in delivering Dubai’s first dual-licensed, hybrid-bonded facilities. Its success can be demonstrated with its host of global and regional players that benefit from Dubai South’s customer-centric processes with its seamless, multimodal connectivity between road, air and sea transportation.
“DB Schenker’s expansion at Dubai South is a testament to our bespoke, customised services and fast-paced ecosystem that benefits from centralisation and economies of scale, servicing the region as well as local markets,” asserted Mohsen Ahmad. DB Schenker is one of the fastest growing logistics service providers in the region expanding the total area of its operated logistics canters from 40,000 to 325,000sqm in the last seven years.
Turkish Cargo transports Turkish rose products worldwide
n Possessing one of the world’s strongest cargo flight network and building the trade bridges between continents, Turkish Cargo also contributes greatly to Turkey’s exports.
For over the last 60 years, the country’s flag carrier air cargo brand has been carrying the rose products produced in Anatolia’s Lake District and Isparta to various destinations such as the prominent countries in perfume and essence industry like Germany, France, China and United States.
Meeting the 65 percent of the world’s demand for rose oil, Turkey is ideal for growing first class roses when it comes to quality with its favorable climate conditions. Considered as an indispensable raw material of perfume and essence industry, industrial rose products have an export capacity of 10mn Euros in Turkey, the carrier said in a press statement.
Meeting one third of this demand, Gülbirlik (Rose, Rose Oil and Oil Seeds Cooperative) conducts 75 percent of its rose oil exports via air cargo. “We transport our rose products, which are an indispensable part of the world’s perfume and cosmetic sectors, to outside of our borders via Turkish Cargo,” commented Hasan ÇELİK, General Manager, Gülbirlik.
Alain Kaddoum appointed Managing Director, Savoye Middle East
n Global warehouse automation integrator and software publisher Savoye recently announced the appointment of Alain Kaddoum as its Middle East Managing Director.
With Kaddoum on board, Savoye will enhance its longterm strategy to become one of the leading providers of supply chain solutions in the region, combining hardware and software according to customer needs such as manual, mechanised, automated, or robotised installations, a press communiqué stated.
“Knowing Alain’s leadership calibre and industry expertise, paired with our support and ambitious vision, we are confident that Savoye is ready to positively impact the region’s supply chain industry,” commented Frédéric Zielinski, Managing Director, Savoye EMEA.
“I am excited to join Savoye and strengthen our presence in the Middle East through our innovative warehouse automation and software offerings,” remarked Kaddoum.
The recent designation of Kaddoum has dedicated over six years of his professional career in the intralogistics industry in the Middle East, providing him with technical background on automation and warehouse management, which will be beneficial to Savoye’s daily operations.
Kaddoum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Automatics, Informatics, and Decisional Systems from INP Toulouse, France.
n Al-Futtaim Toyota Material Handling has announced it has supplied a new line-up of environment-friendly forklift trucks to Al-Futtaim Parts Distribution Hub (PDH) making it the first such delivery to an Al-Futtaim group company.
The lithium-ion battery-operated forklift trucks are currently being used in three shifts at the PDH warehouse located in Dubai Investment Park.
Lithium-ion batteries offer end users a massive reduction in their operating costs and are more environmentfriendly than conventional lead-acid batteries as they do not emit any hazardous fumes while charging, according to a corporate press release.
“With these lithium-ion batteryoperated forklift trucks, not only are we offering the latest technology but also an environmentally-friendly solution,” remarked Ramez Hamdan, Managing Director–Industrial Equipment.
Engr. Hesham Bin Abdulla Alhussayen appointed Acting CEO, SAL
n SAL Saudi Logistics Services (SAL) recently announced the appointment of Eng. Hesham Bin Abdulla Alhussayen as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Former CEO, Omar Hariri, will be leaving SAL to become the CEO, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), effective July 1.
“Eng. Hesham Alhussayen has gained the trust of the Board throughout his time as SAL’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) and has over 25 years of experience holding leadership positions at multiple prominent Saudi companies. We are confident Eng. Hesham and his team will continue to deliver exceptional results and reach new milestones,” remarked Fawaz Bin Mohammed Al Fawaz, Chairman, SAL.
“It has been a privilege leading SAL and strengthening its position as a major player in the Kingdom’s air cargo handling sector. I am fully confident in the ability of Eng. Hesham and his team to deliver on the Company’s growth strategy and wish SAL all the best,” commented the departing Hariri.
“I am grateful to the Board for entrusting me with this great leadership responsibility. SAL is moving ahead with our vision to be the logistics partner of choice in a dynamic and globally connected Saudi Arabia as per Vision 2030,” affirmed Engr. Alhussayen
SAMI and Bahri ink agreement to support Defense Logistics localization
n The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), recently signed a logistics services agreement with Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bahri will provide wide-ranging internal and external logistics services, including sea, air, and land transport, as well as freight services to the various business units and affiliated companies of SAMI.
The agreement was signed at the headquarters of SAMI in Riyadh by Eng. Walid Abukhaled, CEO, SAMI, and Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri. The contract includes the provision of complete door-to-door logistics and transportation services to facilitate the smooth execution of the projects and programs of SAMI and its affiliates, besides supporting the localization of defense logistics.
“The agreement demonstrates the Kingdom’s dynamic efforts to develop its military industries and logistics sectors,” asserted Eng. Abukhaled. “Bahri is honored that our contributions are aimed at ensuring Saudi Arabia’s security, especially in our role as the exclusive logistics provider for the Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior as well as the Presidency of State Security and all its divisions,” observed Eng. Aldubaikhi.
Though the agreement presently covers the Saudi market, the two companies are working to expand its scope to include the global defense and logistics sector in the future.
Tradeling launches Fulfillment Centre to expand its operational capabilities
n Tradeling, the eMarketplace focused on business-to-business (B2B) transactions in the MENA region, has set up a Fulfillment Centre in Dubai CommerCity further expands its business and its commitment to the UAE.
The move aims to extend Tradeling’s operational capabilities to provide a superior and faster service to its customers while keeping up with increasing demand and driving down costs.
The Tradeling Fulfilment Centre will facilitate domestic and cross-border transactions where high-demand products are stored and fulfilled by Tradeling as part of its extended commitment to the customer. It is an added boost to sellers on the platform that enables them to ship their products to a dedicated warehouse in bulk. In Addition, The sellers can store their goods and sell them in smaller quantities while saving significant shipping costs, which can be passed on to the buyer. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be able to further benefit from highly competitive wholesale prices.
The Fulfillment Centre serves as a central hub in the 2.1mn sqft e-commerce free zone, where products can be sold and distributed at speed across other GCC countries with ease, according to a corporate press communique.
“As an incubator for technology and innovation, Dubai is a good location to serve our customers in the region,” observed Marius Ciavola, Chief Executive Officer, Tradeling.
“Tradeling will leverage the world-class infrastructure offered by the region’s firstof-its-kind e-commerce free zone, enabling them to drive their business advancement further,” remarked DeVere Forster, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai CommerCity.
Jafza completes US$ 677mn infrastructure projects
n DP World, UAE Region’s flagship Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) improved and elevated the roads and infrastructure within its premises over the last five years, with the aim of offering top-notch facilities and amenities to those operating in the free zone.
The projects include sustainable developments and major construction works valued at approximately AED 2.484bn (US$ 677mn).
In line with the Dubai Demand Side Management (DSM) 2030, sustainability has been an integral part of Jafza’s core business values. While doing so, it has consistently encouraged its customers to reduce energy consumption, conserve natural resources and reduce carbon emissions.
“It is truly a moment of pride for us when Jafza is touted as the preferred location to conduct business and is chosen by multinationals and Fortune 500 companies as their regional headquarters,” asserted Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World-UAE Region and Jafza.
Key features of the upgrades include improvements in the Jafza One complex that is valued at AED 1.2bn and construction of accommodation comprising of 13 buildings, each G+10 floors for 35,000 occupants and a Food Court, both costing AED 689mn.
A new set of Light Industrial Units (LIU’s) and warehouses worth AED 130mn, new bridges, upgrading of roads and Jafza North stormwater improvement valued at AED 280mn are a part of the development works.
Siemens Mobility AG opts for space saving storage and order picking solution
n The company, which is active in the areas of rail vehicles and rail automation solutions, will move into its new materials and spare parts warehouse in Wallisellen, Zurich in the coming months.
“We are incredibly pleased to announce Siemens Mobility AG has entrusted Swisslog to install an innovative AutoStore storage and picking system for small parts. With our agile local realization and service teams, we can implement the system for Siemens very quickly and efficiently,” commented Dr. Christian Baur, CEO, Swisslog.
With over 270 AutoStore projects worldwide, Swisslog is the leading provider of this solution. In Switzerland alone, there are over 30 Swisslog installations.
The main components of the automated logistics solution in Zurich include AutoStore storage system with 10,000 bins and 4 robots installed in the basement for optimal space utilization; ergonomic picking stations on the first floor with plenty of daylight for the operators; Tote conveyor technology in the basement, first floor and connecting tote lift and Swisslog SynQ software, which controls the entire automated solution.
“By separating the warehouse in the basement and the pick station on the first floor, we enable our colleagues to work in daylight, which is of course very important for their comfort,” noted Gerd Scheller, CEO, Siemens Mobility AG.
Qatar Airways Cargo & WiseTech Global implement direct data connection
n Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s leading air cargo carrier, and WiseTech Global, a leading provider of software solutions to the logistics industry, have commenced implementation of an extensive direct data connection between their global operating systems
The direct data connection between WiseTech’s leading CargoWise platform and Qatar Airways Cargo management system, CROAMIS, streamlines the exchange of critical operational data that reduces risk, complexity and costs for forwarders as well as airlines.
“This initial step delivers a strong foundation for on-going product and technical connectivity between Qatar Airways Cargo and its substantial pool of customers,” remarked Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo.
“As the air cargo industry continues to adapt to the rapid and immense changes from 2020, it is important we work together to continuously streamline processes and improve efficiencies where there are obvious far-reaching benefits,” commented Scott McCorquodale, Chief Automation Officer, Air Cargo at WiseTech Global.
Following IATA Recommended Practice, through the CargoWise connection, Qatar Airways Cargo offers an assurance that the single source of air waybill data from the forwarder will be immediately available to the global Qatar Airways ground handling network, reducing the technical and financial burden for forwarders that can otherwise occur and has traditionally often been the case, a press communiqué concluded.
Asia’s fastest growing B2B Commerce unicorn Moglix enters the UAE
n Moglix recently raised its Series E round of funding led by Falcon Edge Capital through their Abu Dhabi based Alpha Wave Ventures, making it the first B2B Commerce unicorn in the manufacturing sector, with a total funding of US$ 220mn and a valuation of US$ 1bn.
Moglix has established its operations in the Khalifa Port Free Trade Zone (KIZAD). It is collaborating closely with large manufacturing enterprises across the country to simplify indirect procurement and enable tech-led supply chains.
It has also launched its B2B e-commerce platform, moglix.ae which will start to provide a digital catalog of 500,000 industrial products across 50+ categories over the next few months, the company announced via a press communiqué.
“Our vision to build the operating system for commerce is closely aligned with the Digital UAE initiative to make the UAE a Smart Country and we are looking forward to empowering stakeholders to achieve this goal,” emphasized Rahul Garg, Founder & CEO, Moglix.
“Moglix will bring the same engine of innovation and excellence to the manufacturing ecosystem in the Middle East, creating growth opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers,” noted Navroz D. Udwadia, Co-Founder, Falcon Edge Capital, investor in Moglix.
Through their digital platform, supplier and buyer network, and logistics strength, Moglix brings down cost, enhance sales, improve operational efficiency, and make the supply chain touchless, the press note concluded.
n Etihad Cargo and CargoAi, the SaaS application which provides air cargo digital solutions, have partnered to elevate the carrier’s API accessibility for freight forwarders as part of its digitalisation strategy.
During the past few years, Etihad Cargo has accelerated its development of technology advancements which have provided simplified customer experiences through a number of partnerships. This has culminated in the launch of its brand new digital platform. Their latest collaboration with CargoAi will further enhance this through the provision of brand-new API accessibility for freight forwarders the world over.
“Our partnership with CargoAi supports this vision, and provides an additional tool which delivers a rapid and fluid digital booking services platform,” explained Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales & Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group.
“Etihad Cargo is a cutting-edge, highly innovative carrier in the field of digital air freight. We are fortunate to have the chance to be the first provider to use their latest modern APIs,” noted Matthieu Petot, CEO, CargoAi
With CargoAi’s expertise in the areas of air freight and tech, integration is taking place at a record pace. By beginning of August, all aspects of the company’s offer of capacity, including rates, schedules, quotations and bookings, will be available via the platform, a press communiqué concluded.
