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Vaccine Logistics
Abu Dhabi launches the Hope Consortium for global vaccine distribution
Amid an anticipated surge in vaccine logistics demand, Abu Dhabi is poised to cement its position as the global logistics hub to facilitate Covid-19 vaccine distribution across the world, after spearheading the launch of the Hope Consortium.
Comprising leading Abu Dhabi and global entities, the Hope Consortium represents a complete supply chain solution to address vaccine transport, demand planning, sourcing, training, and digital technology infrastructure, and facilitate vaccine availability across the world, according to a press communiqué.
The news follows Hope Consortium member Etihad Cargo and the consortium transporting five million vaccines in November on behalf of the Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, which is spearheading the consortium and will oversee regulatory compliance, full chain expertise and scientific insight.
Department of Health–Abu Dhabi, Etihad Cargo, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Rafed and SkyCell collaborate to handle more than six billion vaccine doses
Multiple stakeholders
The consortium also includes Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Rafed, the healthcare purchasing arm of Abu Dhabi-based ADQ, and Switzerland’s award-winning SkyCell, which develops next-generation, temperature-controlled logistics containers for the pharmaceutical industry. As part of the Hope Consortium, SkyCell will establish a regional service and manufacturing centre in Abu Dhabi.
The Hope Consortium has pooled its collective expertise to garner a multifaceted capability to provide logistics services to handle over six billion doses from the vaccines being developed and manufactured around the world – whether in single or multi doses – in cold and ultracold conditions in 2021, rising to over three times more doses by the end of next year – the largest capacity and logistics capability regionally and one of the largest globally.
“The Hope Consortium will offer
international governments, nongovernmental organisations, and vaccine suppliers a cohesive solution across every supply chain step – from air freight, regional storage and temperature monitoring, to inventory management, cold and ultra-cold container solution, regulatory clearance, and healthcare and pharma quality assurance,” explained Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Ports
Distribution of the vaccines, which will be stored in Abu Dhabi Ports Company facilities, will be carried out by Etihad Cargo, the first Middle Eastern carrier to gain IATA’s Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certification for pharmaceutical logistics. The UAE’s national carrier will leverage its extensive intercontinental network, fleet and charter flights to supply vaccines globally.
“With two thirds of the world’s human footprint within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital’s investment in technological expertise and world-class infrastructure facilities means we can serve as a global logistical hub to, and for, the world,” observed Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.
As part of the Hope Consortium, Abu Dhabi Ports, which has the Middle East’s largest capacities for cold chain and ultracold storage, will leverage its capabilities as an innovation epicentre serving the Middle East and wider world through Abu Dhabi as a supply chain gateway connecting East and West.
“This collaboration is in line with our ethos of creating innovative ideas, concepts, solutions and opportunities,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports. “Our expansive operations at KIZAD are among the largest cold chain and ultra-cold storing in the region and enable us to support the emirate’s drive to spearhead global immunisation efforts that will positively impact millions of lives,” he continued.
Maqta Gateway
“Supporting the uninterrupted flow of critical cargo, such as medical and food supplies have been crucial in Abu Dhabi Ports’ story during 2020, but the distribution of vaccines will form the most significant success to date. Maqta Gateway is committed towards creating innovative digital solutions to boost the transparency and integrity of the region’s supply chain,” emphasized Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, Head of Digital Cluster – Abu Dhabi Ports, CEO, Maqta Gateway.
“Our expertise in centralised procurement services will provide vital support to the consortium. Through our collaboration we will better consolidate our efforts for the benefit of our global partners in the public and healthcare sectors,” affirmed Rashed Al Qubaisi, CEO, Rafed.
The Hope Consortium intends to transport the vaccines using SkyCell’s hybrid containers. The storage and transportation containers are secured through an IoT monitoring service which tracks temperature conditions to ensure sensitive vaccines are protected even under extreme conditions.
SkyCell
“Our hybrid containers will safeguard the full efficacy of vaccines that are vital to defeat the pandemic, all while reducing long-term business and environmental costs,” noted Richard Ettl, CEO, SkyCell. “The Hope Consortium has the right partners, infrastructure and service ecosystem to ensure time and temperature sensitive transportation in a seamless cool chain operation.”
“Abu Dhabi Ports’ ability in expanding capacity to receive and store clinical, pharmaceutical and life science materials at moderate and extreme temperature ranges is a testament to our commitment to offer world-class logistics solutions,” assured Robert Sutton, Head of Logistics Cluster, Abu Dhabi Ports.
IATA preps and drives global vaccine distribution logistics
IATA coordinating with state pharma and logistics stakeholders to ensure streamlined vaccine circulation and availability
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently released guidance to ensure that the air cargo industry is ready to support the large-scale handling, transport and distribution of a Covid-19 vaccine in the light of the recent Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna announcements.
‘IATA’s Guidance for Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Logistics and Distribution’ provides recommendations for governments and the logistics supply chain in preparation for what will be the largest and most complex global logistics operation ever undertaken.
Reflecting the complexity of the challenge, the Guidance was produced with the support of a broad range of partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO) and other major state and industry stakeholders.
The guidance includes a repository of international standards and guidelines related to the transport of vaccines and will be updated regularly as information is made available to the industry. Accompanying the guidance, IATA established a joint information-sharing forum for stakeholders.
“Delivering billions of doses of a vaccine that must be transported and stored in a deep-frozen state to the entire world efficiently will involve hugely complex logistical challenges across the supply chain. While the immediate challenge is the implementation of Covid-19 testing measures to re-open borders without quarantine, we must be prepared for when a vaccine is ready. This guidance material is an important part of those preparations,” noted Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO, IATA.
Challenges
Key challenges addressed in IATA’s Guidance for Vaccine and Pharmaceutical Logistics and Distribution include: • The availability of temperature-controlled storage facilities and contingencies when such facilities are not available • Defining roles and responsibilities of parties involved in the distribution of vaccines, particularly government authorities and NGOs, to assist safe, fast and equitable distribution as broadly as possible • Industry preparedness for vaccine distribution which includes:
Capacity & Connectivity
The global route network has been reduced dramatically from the pre-Covid 22,000 city pairs. Governments need to re-establish air connectivity to ensure adequate capacity is available for vaccine distribution. Facilities and infrastructure: The first vaccine manufacturer to apply for regulatory approval requires the vaccine to be shipped and stored in a deep-frozen state, making ultra-cold chain facilities across the supply chain essential.
Some types of refrigerants are classified as a dangerous goods and volumes are regulated which adds an additional layer of complexity. Considerations include availability of temperature-controlled facilities and equipment and staff trained to handle time- and temperaturesensitive vaccines. Border Management: Timely regulatory approvals and storage and clearance by customs and health authorities will be essential. Priorities for border processes include introducing fast-track procedures for over-flight and landing permits for operations carrying the Covid-19 vaccine and potential tariff relief to facilitate the movement of the vaccine. Security: Vaccines are highly valuable commodities. Arrangements must be in place to ensure that shipments remain secure from tampering and theft. Processes are in place already, but the huge volume of vaccine shipments will require early planning to ensure that they are scalable.
Saudi Arabian Logistics Company braces for streamlined distribution of vaccines
The Logistics Services Provider (LSP) unveils new pharma and perishable facilities in the Kingdom’s capital Riyadh in time for the Covid vaccines distribution.
Saudi Arabian Logistics Company warehouses with different temperatures and Drug Authority and the Saudi Customs (SAL), the Kingdom’s leading cargo ranging from minus 20 degrees Celsius to to inspect and expedite the cargo handling ground handler and logistics provider, 25 degrees Celsius to suit the nature and process to avoid an unbreakable cool chain. is pleased to announce the unveiling type of cargo to be stored. In addition, The new facilities also feature a 650 of its new pharma and perishable within the facility, there is a special storage sqm temperature control breakdown facilities at the Cargo Village in Riyadh, dedicated for flower cargo. area. There’s also an area for shipping specializing in perishables and all types refrigerated containers enough for 20 of pharmaceuticals, including the muchawaited Covid vaccines soon to be rolled Riyadh facilities active containers. It is also equipped with a thermal isolation area. out worldwide. “The launch of the Riyadh Cold Storage The Saudi Minister of Transport, Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser recently facilities comes at a historic moment that coincides with the world’s anticipation for Riyadh Cargo Village inaugurated SAL’s new facilities at the the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine. This Last May, SAL started its operations at its country’s main gateway, King Khalid urgency makes us harness the capabilities of new facilities in the Riyadh-based King International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi the operation capacity of our pharmaceutical Khalid International Airport’s Cargo Village. Arabia. SAL, a subsidiary of the Saudi facility and be fully prepared to receive and The total area of the facilities is 42,000 Arabian Airlines Corporation, is tasked to handle the new vaccines in coordination square meters while its operation capacity complement the nation’s goal of creating a with the health authorities,” commented reaches 450,000 tons a year including global logistics hub. Omar Hariri, CEO, SAL. cargoes and goods handled.
With 5,000 square meters of storage, the The new project, he added, will enhance SAL aims to contribute to the Vision pharma and perishable facilities combined SAL’s handling and storage services for 2030 objectives and turn the Kingdom can adequately handle up to 365,000 tons medical and pharmaceuticals in line with into a global logistics hub and invest in its of cargo a year. With SAL’s partnership with the highest quality standards approved by strategic geographical location connecting the Saudi Customs, Saudi Food and Drug the EU GDP. three continents. Authority has made clearance of shipments The opening of the facilities ushers in The Saudi Ministry of Transport assured becomes easier and faster. a new and advanced phase for handling the country’s transport infrastructure and
The new facilities have four docks for sensitive cargoes including foodstuffs that facilities, particularly air cargo and logistics, loading refrigerated containers. The project, require special care. Within the facilities, are fully prepared to handle Covid-19 which started its operations, also has twelve there are divisions run by the Saudi Food vaccines once it’s ready for distribution.
Vaccine Collaboration Hub from SAP improves Supply Chain efficiency
Turkish Cargo carries Covid-19 vaccines via its cross-continental air bridge
Continuing its contributions for the sustainability of the global supply chain by building a global air cargo bridge all across the globe with its cargo flights, Turkish Cargo started to carry Covid-19 vaccines with its wide fleet network and special cargo service quality.
Offering service to 127 countries around the world, Turkish Cargo carried the vaccines, manufactured in China, to Brazil, a flight distance of approximately 17,000km.
The vaccines, loaded inside seven containers equipped with dedicated cooling systems, were transported safely from Beijing to Sao Paulo, the biggest city of the South America, with a connection flight at Istanbul.
By carrying pharmaceuticals to the key and certificated destinations such as Mumbai, Brussels, Istanbul, Singapore, Dubai, Basel, London and Amsterdam, Turkish Cargo has created a global pharma corridor between more than 400 destinations.
Holding the IATA CEIV (Center of Excellence for Independent Validators) pharma certificate, Turkish Cargo, maintains the cold chain at the optimal conditions thanks to the ‘TK Pharma’ product which was has designed for carrying pharmaceuticals at global standards, according to a press release.
In order to satisfy the increased demand for transportation of the vaccines, pharmaceuticals and temperature-controlled cargo, Turkish Cargo commissioned the temperature-controlled smart warehouse with an additional area of 1200sqm.
Additionally, having increased its capacity for the cold chain shipments by 30 percent by working with the largest suppliers of active containers in the industry, Turkish Cargo enhanced its cold chain shipment scale to 25,000 tonnes per month with the deployment of an additional 150 aircraft pallets. ’Turkish Cargo offers industrial solutions such as the dedicated temperature-controlled storehouses between the range of -20/25 degrees, pharmaceutical maintenance teams, active containers and thermal carriers,” remarked Turhan Özen, Chief Cargo Officer, Turkish Airlines. SAP recently announced the launch of its vaccine collaboration hub (VCH) for organizations to better manage vaccine supply distribution, and to help governments and their industry partners coordinate and successfully deploy mass vaccination programs.
SAP’s VCH is built on the industry-award winning SAP Information Collaboration Hub for Life Sciences. It covers the endto-end process from manufacturing to controlled distribution to administration and postvaccine monitoring.
“Covid-19 has put a lot of pressure on the life sciences industry where they have realized a large gap in their supply chain strategy,” commented Michael Townsend, Industry Analyst, IDC.
“A one-stop place for the life sciences industry to manage their vaccination procedures and tap into a source of suppliers, even those across industries, will help to fill this gap, to ensure patients obtain lifesaving drugs and devices,” he continued.
Businesses that are part of the vaccine production process, from manufacturers, logistics service providers and pharma companies to wholesalers and dispensers, can run their critical vaccine processes on SAP software.
Building on its deep expertise in the industry, SAP has designed the VCH as an extension to its business network–enabled drug supply chain, to help make collaboration among the network partners easy and monitor the order fulfillment of vaccines, all the way from vaccine suppliers to the dispensing units.
The VCH, part of SAP’s industry cloud strategy, is designed to address specific industry needs. It provides the critical network and technology capabilities required to effectively support large-scale vaccination programs and drug distribution, while creating the backbone to better mitigate future emergencies.
Bayer launches Middle East Distribution Centre in Dubai to expedite deliveries
Bayer Middle East recently announced the launch of its regional Distribution Centre that will reduce time-to-market by as much as 58 percent. The Centre will facilitate the delivery of more than 3400 tons of pharma products annually, while ensuring greater network flexibility, increased frequency and dedicated stock for customers in the Middle East.
Supporting network optimization and streamlining supply, the warehouse is located in the Jebel Ali Free zone, close to the Jebel Ali Sea Port with easy connections to Al Maktoum International (DWC) and Dubai International (DXB) airports and major road arteries.
Equipped with the latest warehousing and cold chain technologies, the facility operated by Agility, one of the world’s leading logistics companies, is spread over 60,000 m² with multiple storage temperature options.
Accommodating over 100,000 pallet positions, 56 loading docks and 83 material handling equipment points, the centre is fully compliant with Ministry of Health, EU Guidelines on Good Distribution Practice and World Health Organization standards.
“Within the last decade we have successfully launched various innovative products that advance the unmet health and nutritional needs of the region, which as the next step required us to invest in logistics infrastructure to ensure greater flexibility and reduce lead times,” remarked Thomas Panzer, SVP –Head Supply Chain Management Pharmaceuticals, Bayer.
“Benefitting from Dubai’s strategic geographic location and logistics infrastructure and Agility’s experience, scale, operational capability and regional track record, the Centre improves our distribution model in the Middle East and optimizes our last mile processes,” commented Henrik Wulff, Senior Bayer Representative – Middle East & Head, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Middle East.
“Through this partnership we aim to support Bayer with worldclass warehousing that incorporates multiple temperature-zone storage and cold-chain solutions,” noted Albert Asool, CEO, Agility Dubai.
Ready for the Supply Chain Challenge of the Century
Crane Worldwide strengthens its global solutions for the safe delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine.
With recent announcements that pharmaceutical companies are close to supplying an initial vaccine to combat the Covid-19 virus around the world, global logistics experts are stepping up to support what will be an epic supply chain challenge.
An escalated process of delivering a regulated vaccine to market has spearheaded a fast race by pharmaceutical companies to present a successful solution to the pandemic. As the world watches closely, supply chain experts are exerting their knowledge and expertise and will play a critical role in distribution strategies to deliver the vaccine to end-users in rural and city locations.
Specific supply chain solutions encompassing the storage, international/domestic transportation, and final mile distribution methods of the Covid vaccine will hinge upon the leading pharmaceutical companies’ final product specification that could include temperatures as cold as -70’C.
Crane Worldwide has documented, tested and verified the most rigorous requirements and invested in visibility and monitoring systems that will be used to provide end-to-end record keeping that meet industry and regulatory compliance, enable enhanced security, and provide the utmost quality assurance to global vaccine manufacturers, the company indicated in a press statement.
“Supply chain partnerships will be a critical success factor in the distribution of the Covid vaccine to communities all over the world,” commented Keith Winters, CEO, Crane Worldwide, who featured in a recent podcast conducted by the company.
“Building on the intelligence and research available to date, we have tested and verified a multitude of supply chain scenarios that will support and supplement the three pillars of success for the vaccine supply chain: storage capabilities, ground transportation and local/international transportation requirements,” he added.
