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London Court of International Arbitration rules in favour of DP World
n DP World has won a further legal hearing against the Government of Djibouti over the Doraleh Container Terminal. The new ruling by Tribunal says Djibouti acted illegally
A Tribunal of the London Court of International Arbitration ordered Djibouti to restore the rights and benefits under the 2006 Concession Agreement to DP World and Doraleh Container Terminal within two months, or pay damages.
An independent expert has estimated the losses to DP World at more than US$ 1 billion. The ruling by the Tribunal said Djibouti had acted illegally when it forcibly removed DP World from management of the terminal in February 2018, claimed it had terminated the ‘Concession Agreement’ and transferred the Terminal assets to a state-owned entity.
The latest tribunal ruling is the sixth substantive ruling in DP World’s favour in the London Court of International Arbitration and the High Court of England and Wales. To date all have been ignored by Djibouti despite the original contract for the concession being written under and governed by English law.
The Doraleh Container Terminal is the largest employer and biggest source of revenue in the country and has operated at a profit
DP World Jebel Ali
every year since it opened. The Doraleh Container Terminal was found by an English court to have been a ‘great success’ for Djibouti, a press statement from DP World’s Management stated.
Dubai launches World Logistics Passport at WEF Davos
n Dubai brought together Government leaders and heads of major corporations from Asia, Latin America and Africa for the World Economic Forum Davos launch of the World Logistics Passport, a major initiative to boost South-South trade. The World Logistics Passport links Customs World, DP World, and Emirates Group to enhance connectivity through Dubai and, through expertise sharing and process development, directly between partner countries.
The introduction of this pilot project, operational since July 2019, has already increased trade by participants by 10 percent. The World Logistics Passport has been designed to overcome the non-tariff trade barriers, such as logistics inefficiency, that currently limit the growth of trade between developing markets.
South-South trade is already worth an estimated US$ 4.28 trillion annually, more than half of total developing countries exports in 2018, according to the WTO. However, many countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa have much smaller market shares in key export products in each other’s markets compared to their shares in developed countries, indicating the potential for substantial further growth, boosting prosperity.
Designed as a points loyalty scheme, the initiative has been set up to incentivise companies and traders to use Dubai’s Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and DP World officials at the WEF in Davos 2020.
world-leading logistics facilities in return for cost and time savings and enhanced customs clearances.
“The World Logistics Passport will make trade through Dubai quicker, easier and more cost-effective, and help develop the economies of our partner countries,” noted Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Freezone Corporation (PCFC), Dubai.
Tristar Group acquires land for logistics operations in the Port of Duqm
Eugene Mayne (second left, seated) with other officials at the deal signing ceremony
n Tristar Group, the global integrated energy logistics company, has acquired more than 11,000sqm logistic land in the Port of Duqm.
It will have a 3,048sqm covered warehouse with a capacity of 5,000 pallet position and an open yard for future expansion. The logistics warehouse project will offer 3PL and 4PL services.
Tristar established its presence in Muscat, Oman in 2002 and this move will enable the company expand its operations into the Sultanate of Oman.
Tristar also has a new facility located in the Rusayl Industrial Estate Phase 2 (Muscat) with a total plot size of 15,000sqm with an office building, a warehouse with a capacity of 1,000 pallet position, a five-bay workshop with two inspection pits, and a washdown bay. It can store products outside and inside the warehouse.
The facility offers Port Marine Services at various Ports and Anchorage areas in Oman by transporting crew, supplying fresh water, stores, lube oil, and gas oil; and providing marine logistics. “The expansion of our presence in Oman to Duqm further strengthens our value proposition as we continue to serve the future requirements of our international oil and gas customers as well as major local companies, with the highest level of operational and international safety standards,” stated Eugene Mayne, Group CEO, Tristar Group, at the lease agreement signing ceremony. “By attracting such leading logistic service providers as the Tristar Group to our logistics area we aim to confirm Port of Duqm’s position as the center of excellence serving the oil and gas industry in the Sultanate of Oman and beyond,” noted Reggy Vermeulen, CEO, Port of Duqm.
Bee’ah Wins Largest Waste Management Contract for Egypt’s new Administrative Capital
n Bee’ah, (environment in Arabic), the award-winning UAE-based sustainability and environmental services pioneer, has been appointed as the waste management partner for Egypt’s new Administrative Capital, which is being developed by the Administrative Capital for Urban Development and is one of the largest urban development projects in the world.
Bee’ah, the six-time winner of the Waste Management Company of the Year in the Middle East, is the latest in a long line of UAE success stories to expand internationally and take its advanced practices beyond borders.
After a hotly contested bid by all major players in the waste management industry, Bee’ah will provide its innovative solutions to the 71,400-hectare new capital that will house an anticipated population of 6.5 million and 21 residential areas.
To achieve an 80 percent waste diversion rate in the city, Bee’ah devised an integrated approach to environmental management for the new capital by bringing the best of sustainable practices in waste management and technologies to enable a circular economy for Egypt and reduce dependency on landfills.
“As sustainability imperatives become top on the agenda Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah
for governments, businesses and communities, Bee’ah will continue to drive our vision of to be a pioneer of sustainable quality of life in the Middle East and beyond,” stated Salim Bin Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bee’ah.
“Bee’ah aims to make a sustainable quality of life a reality in the Middle East and beyond, through a twin-pillared strategy of digitalisation and sustainability across our operations,” remarked Khalid Al Huraimel, Group CEO, Bee’ah.
Al Dhafra Petroleum awards energy contract to SNC-Lavalin
Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri.
Bahri extends liner shipping network to South India
n Saudi Arabia’s Bahri has reached a new milestone in its efforts aimed at expanding market footprint and enhancing connectivity with the company’s MV Bahri Jeddah making its maiden call at two of India’s leading ports.
The RoCon vessel arrived for the first time at the Kamarajar Port at Ennore and the Chennai International Terminal at Chennai Port in late December 2019.
Owned and operated by Bahri Logistics, one of Bahri’s five business units, MV Bahri Jeddah will call regularly at Ennore and on an inducement basis at Chennai, offering direct call from South India to US East Coast.
The business unit operates six multipurpose vessels on a regular liner schedule, all uniquely designed to carry project, breakbulk, container and IMO cargoes as well as heavy lifts, special purpose vehicles, and mining equipment in a single voyage.
A ceremony was held on board the vessel to mark this achievement in the presence of officials from Kamarajar Port Trust, MV Bahri Jeddah, and Transmarine Cargo Services, which represents Bahri Logistics in South India in its capacity as a shipping agent.
“With the new port calls, we are strategically positioned to offer our industry-leading logistics and transportation solutions to a wider customer base across the world,” observed Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri.
One of the top 10 breakbulk carriers in the world, Bahri Logistics has been present in India since 2000. Bahri has firmly established itself as a prominent player in the country’s maritime sector.
Craig Muir, President, Resources, SNC-Lavalin.
n SNC-Lavalin recently announced that it has been awarded an engineering services contract from Al Dhafra Petroleum, a joint venture company between ADNOC and the Korea National Oil Corporation and GS Energy.
This contract win is aligned with SNC-Lavalin’s new strategy moving forward to greater growth and engineering services.
Under the nine-month agreement, SNC-Lavalin will provide front-end engineering and design (FEED) services for the second phase of the Haliba field, located in Al Dhafra Petroleum’s concession area in Abu Dhabi’s Western Al Dhafra region.
The project’s aim is to develop surface facilities in an optimized manner to handle long-term production as well as future production prospects near Haliba.
The contract scope of work includes verification of the conceptual studies and design, carrying out FEED to develop surface facilities required for processing production from the main plant and its north and south extension areas, execution planning, and designing facilities to handle production from other close-by prospects.
“This contract is aligned with our focus to leverage our extensive expertise and experience across our comprehensive spectrum of end-to-end services to our clients,” stated Craig Muir, President, Resources, SNCLavalin.
Al Dhafra Petroleum was established in 2014 to explore and develop untapped fields in its concession area by leveraging innovation and an agile operating model to improve efficiency and maximize value.
DP World Sokhna acquires four new sophisticated quay cranes
n DP World Sokhna has made progress on its major expansion project through Basin 2 at the Egyptian Port, with the purchase of four new latest advanced quay cranes manufactured by global crane leader Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC). As one of the largest direct investments into the Egyptian economy this year (US$ 520mn), Basin 2 will be operational by the second quarter of 2020 and nearly double capacity at the Port to 1.75 million TEUs annually.
The expansion cements DP World Sokhna’s position as a major gateway for Egypt’s trade, and the only port in the country capable of handling the largest container ships in the world.
Designed to cater to the mega containerships, the cranes are expected to visibly enhance operation capability.
Other upcoming purchases to support the development of Basin 2 include two rail mounting gantry cranes, eight rubber tyre gantry cranes, in addition to land-based equipment such as internal terminal vehicles and terminal trailers.
ZPMC Cranes transported to DP World Sokhna.
W Motors holds ground-breaking for production facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis
n HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), recently laid the foundation stone for the W Motors Automotive Facility in Dubai Silicon Oasis, UAE, the first manufacturing facility of its kind in the Middle East with an investment of AED 370mn (US$ 100mn+) .
The groundbreaking event was also attended by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman & CEO of DSOA, and Ralph R. Debbas, Founder & CEO, W Motors.
“As Dubai continues to attract foreign direct investments, international tech companies, promising start-ups, and innovative entrepreneurs from around the globe,” affirmed HH Sheikh Ahmed.
The Automotive Facility will see Debbas’ vision of driving the region’s automotive industry become a reality. Spread over an immense 120,000 sqft., the first phase of the project is set to be completed by 2020.
Production of all W Motors vehicles will move to this location including the limited series Fenyr SuperSport, upcoming new vehicles, electric and autonomous models, as well as all vehicles under the company’s Special Projects Division.
Air Liquide Arabia’s Yanbu pipeline network commences hydrogen supply
n Air Liquide Arabia (ALAR), Saudi Arabia’s leading hydrogen, gas solutions and technologies provider, announced that it is starting commercial operations at its flagship pipeline network in Yanbu, on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia.
The pipeline began supplying hydrogen to SAMREF, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Mobil Yanbu Refining Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation. As one of the Middle East’s leading refineries, SAMREF represents ALAR’s first customer on the 16 km pipeline network which will also start supplying three other major industrial companies in Yanbu Industrial City in the coming months.
The event is also a key milestone for ALAR’s hydrogen production site in Yanbu within Yasref. ALAR will produce the hydrogen supplied to SAMREF from its global-scale hydrogen production site located on the premises of YASREF refinery, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC). With its market leading hydrogen infrastructure on both coasts of Saudi Arabia, in Yanbu (in the Kingdom’s Western Red Sea coast) and Jubail (on the Kingdom’s Eastern Arabian Gulf coast), ALAR is not only bringing infrastructure and expertise in gas supply solutions and technology, but also driving local investments, talent opportunities and the development of the local supply chain.
LtoR Francois-Xavier Haulle, General Manager Air Liquide Arabia_ Mohammad N. Al-Naghash, President and CEO YASREF_ Othman Al Ghamdi, President and CEO, SAMREF and Olivier Randet, VP ME and India, Air Liquide.
“ALAR is committed to expand further its investments and deliver further synergies around the circular economy created by its hydrogen pipeline infrastructure,” commented Francois-Xavier Haulle, General Manager, Air Liquide Arabia.
Dubai Customs to host key panel discussions at the WCO Global Conference
n Dubai Customs will host a series of high-level panel discussions during the 5th World Customs Organization (WCO) Global AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Conference in Dubai.
Set to be held from March 10 to 12, 2020 at the Festival Arena, the conference, which is taking place in the Middle East for the first time, will be hosted by Dubai Customs in cooperation with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Federal Customs Authority.
The event will feature key sessions and round table discussions covering timely topics, including customs work and the development of a global customs system. The panel discussions are scheduled to be staged on the first day of the exciting three-day event, which is being organized to provide an international platform for sharing of ideas and exploring opportunities required to take the flagship AEO programme to the next level. One of the panel discussions will focus on the important role of customs, government agencies, and intergovernmental institutions involved in international trade and supply chain security in the success of the AEO program.
“We need to establish a strong partnership among relevant authorities to ensure effective and efficient response to supply chain security challenges,” stated Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General, Dubai Customs.
The conference is seen to drive the global customs sector as well as strategically contribute to the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The World Customs Organization represents 183 Customs administrations across the globe.
Kia Motors’ CEO Han-Woo Park unveiling Plan S in Seoul.
Kia Motors ‘Plan S’ strategy to spearhead transition to EV by 2025
n Kia Motors Corporation has announced details of ‘Plan S’, its mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry, encompassing electrification and mobility services, as well as connectivity and autonomy.
The ‘Plan S’ strategy outlines Kia’s preemptive and enterprising ‘shift’ from a business system focused on internal combustion engine vehicles toward one centered on electric vehicles and customized mobility solutions.
The company’s ongoing brand innovation and profitability enhancement will support the two-track Plan S strategy targeting the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles as well as mobility services.
By the end of 2025, Kia plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles. With these models Kia is looking to achieve a 6.6% share of the global EV market (excluding China), while also attaining a 25% share of its sales from its eco-friendly cars.
With the global EV market expected to gain strength by 2026, Kia is aiming for 500,000 annual EV sales and global sales of one million eco-friendly vehicles (excluding China).
Alongside these objectives, Kia will offer EV-based mobility services as part of its new business model, helping solve global urban problems such as environmental pollution.
In the Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) market, anticipated to grow on the back of expanding car-sharing and e-commerce businesses, the company will secure leading-edge competitiveness.
Plan S will see Kia Motors invest a total of 29 trillion won (US $25 billion) by the end of 2025 to establish leadership in vehicle electrification and diversify its business.
“As the auto industry undergoes turbulent changes, today is also an opportune time for Kia Motors to radically transform itself into a global enterprise dedicated to spearheading customer value-led innovations,” stated Kia Motors President and CEO, Han-Woo Park.
Saudi Arabia’s TAQA and UAE’s AlMansoori announce new agreement
n Saudi Arabia’s Industrialization and Energy Services Company (TAQA) recently announced the signing of an agreement with Abu Dhabi-headquartered AlMansoori Petroleum Services (AMPS).
The announcement was made at the opening of this year’s International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC), taking place for the first time in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia being held under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
Khalid Nouh, CEO, TAQA
The agreement establishes an alliance between TAQA and UAE-based AlMansoori Petroleum Services to provide high-end fully-integrated fracturing or fracking and stimulation solutions, through combination of both companies’ respective expertise and capabilities in geoscience and engineering, well-site management, well testing and flowback among other operations.
The deal allows both companies access to the growing hydraulic fracturing market which is forecasted at more than SAR 2bn (US$ 533mn) in 2020.
“The alliance with a world class OFS (oilfield equipment and services) company such as Al Mansouri will expand TAQA’s capabilities and allow us access into the integrated stimulation FRAC market of Saudi Aramco, and will provide our customers with world class capabilities from a new supplier,” commented Khalid M. Nouh, Chief Executive Officer, TAQA.
“As a leading home-grown company in our field founded in the UAE, we are delighted to be working with TAQA. We look forward to working together to create triple win: for us, for TAQA, but, most importantly, for Saudi Aramco,” remarked Nabil Al Alawi, CEO, AlMansoori Petroleum Services.
TAQA, established in 2003 as a Saudi Arabian joint stock company with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as a majority shareholder, is a leading provider of superior end to end oilfield solutions for the regions’ energy industry. It delivers equipment across the entire upstream value chain in Saudi Arabia.
2020 BVMW General Assembly marks cooperation with Turkish Airlines
M. Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee
n Held recently in Berlin, the capital of Germany, the BVMW (German Association for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses) General Assembly was the meeting point for many entrepreneurs, political leaders, CEOs and prominent names of their respective fields.
Turkish Airlines was also in attendance as the company’s ties with the German organization were highlighted by the speech of M. Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.
Following the declaration of intent signed between Turkish Airlines and BVMW last year, global carrier continued its commitment to this strategic partnership. BVMW and its vast network of members can enjoy the exclusive advantages when flying with Turkish Airlines for their travels around the globe with the extensive flight network of the global carrier that includes 318 international destinations in 126 countries, more than any other airline.
“Turkish Airlines and BVMW have formed a relationship on a strategic level and member companies can now enjoy exclusive advantages when flying with Turkish Airlines for their trips all over the world. This special relationship will further improve in the years to come as Turkish Airlines and BVMW have both the will and means to work even closer,” remarked M. Ilker Ayci.
Turkish Airlines also plans to open a dedicated communications line for the members of BVMW in order to allow them to take advantage of the benefits provided by the agreement.
n Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has signed an agreement to provide a US$ 80MN Shariah-compliant ‘Ijarah’ facility to Oman Shipping Company (OSC), a member of the ASYAD Group, for the financing of two VLCCs (Very Large Crude Carriers) tankers.
The transaction represents OSC’s first Shariah-based leasing ‘Ijarah’, as well as ADIB’s ongoing commitment and ability to finance significant assets in the marine and energy sectors.
“Over the years ADIB has been able to add significant value to partners across a wide range of innovative structures in terms of both bilateral and syndicated facilities,” stated Christopher Phillips, Head of Ship Finance, ADIB.
“ADIB’s team were able to provide a competitive loan facility which served our needs, allowing us to finance two VLCC tankers and further support our expansion plans,” noted Michael Jorgensen, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Chief Executive Officer, OSC.
Oman Shipping Company receives US$ 80mn financing from ADIB
ADIB and Oman Shipping Company officials at the deal signing ceremony.
Founded in 2003, OSC is today an international full-scale shipping company having a well-diversified fleet of 53 modern vessels (owned and chartered-in) and is a leader in shipping transportation services. The company’s business investments and growth strategy are closely aligned with the strategic maritime transportation interests of the Sultanate’s rapidly industrialising economy.
Tabreed set for growth in 2020 Bader Al Lamki, CEO, Tabreed
n UAE-based National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) CEO Bader Al Lamki, is bullish about further growth for the company in 2020, and is exploring new opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Oman and India.
The UAE public joint stock and DFM-listed company was established in June 1998 and is now one of the world’s largest district cooling utilities.
Tabreed has 75 ongoing projects in the region with 65 in the UAE. The infrastructure projects include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, Dubai Metro, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jabal Omar Development in the Holy City of Makkah, Aramco in Dhahran, King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh and Bahrain Financial Harbour in Manama.
Apart from big plans for Saudi Arabia, Tabreed is also eyeing new markets in India, Egypt and Kuwait. The company increased its stake in its subsidiary Saudi Tabreed to 28 percent anticipating good potential consistent with the ambitious projects emanating from the grand Saudi Vision 2030.
Tabreed reported a 20.8 percent increase in its third-quarter 2019 net income as revenues climbed on the back of new customer connections. Revenues for the reporting period climbed 3.8 percent year-on-year to AED 456m (US$ 124 mn).
“Tabreed is committed to providing energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions that have become an integral part of the infrastructure for major developments across the region,” affirmed Al Lamki.
The company has recently commenced supplying 12,000 RT (refrigeration tonnes) of cooling services to the expansion of the Galleria Mall on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, covering an area of 1.4 million square feet.
The new connection comes as part of Tabreed’s long-term concession, as the exclusive provider of district cooling services for developments on Al Maryah Island through a partnership with Mubadala Infrastructure Partners.
France’s Engie and Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company hold stakes in the company.
Veolia breaks ground on major new utilities facility in Saudi Arabia
n Veolia, a leader in optimized resource management and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY) via its investment arm JYIC, have started work for the development of a central utilities and waste valorization plant in the PlasChem Park of Jubail Industrial City.
Designed on a Design-Build-Own-Operate model, the plant will be operational by September 2021. It will feature an incineration annual capacity of 60,000 tons, along with advanced technology and environmental compliance systems based on Veolia’s extensive international experience as a resource management specialist. Veolia operates 29 hazardous waste incinerator lines world-wide. The commencement of the project was announced by HE Mustafa Mohammed Al Mahdi, CEO, Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu, and Sébastien Chauvin, CEO, Veolia Middle East, during an unveiling ceremony held at the development site. Dr Faisal Al Faqeer, CEO, Sadara, was also present to witness the occasion.
“This project is a top priority for us and we are keen to accomplish it at the earliest and with minimal effort,” stated Al Mahdi.
“Once operational, the facility will be able to safely treat and produce energy from industrial waste sources that can then be offered to companies active in the industrial park,” affirmed Chauvin.
Stemming from an agreement signed between Veolia and the Sadara Chemical Company (Sadara) back in December 2018, the sustainable industrial waste-toenergy facility currently in development will be located adjacent to the Sadara Chemical Complex and will receive Sadara waste streams at the opening of the plant.
Veolia, RCJY and Sadara officials at the inaugural ceremony on Jubail Industrial City, KSA.
n Italian energy giant Eni announces a gas and condensate discovery in the Mahani exploration prospect located onshore in the Area B Concession of Sharjah (UAE), which was awarded to Eni in the first International Competitive Exploration Licensing Round conducted by the Petroleum Council of Sharjah a year ago. The Mahani-1 was drilled to a total of 14,597 feet measured depth. The well encountered a thick gas-bearing limestone reservoir. The well was tested with flow rates up to 50 Mscf/d (million cubic feet per day) of lean gas and associated condensate.
The size of the discovery will be further assessed with additional appraisal drilling.
Eni holds a 50% stake in the Concession Area B with SNOC, the Sharjah National Oil Company, holding the remaining 50% and acting as Operator. Eni’s presence in the Middle East has continued to grow during the last couple of years.
The current exploration acreage in the UAE alone amounts to more than 12,000 square kilometers gross, comprising the onshore of Sharjah and offshore areas of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
Eni has been present in Abu Dhabi since 2018 and today holds three offshore development and production concessions and two offshore exploration concessions.
Eni’s current equity production in Abu Dhabi is around 50,000 bbl/day. Eni is also a shareholder with a 20% equity interest in ADNOC Refining. Eni in the Middle East is also present in Bahrain, Oman, Lebanon and Iraq with both exploration and development activities.
Dubai Government Workshop inks MoU with Al-Futtaim Toyota
n Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Futtaim Toyota for the maintenance of its fleet of Toyota vehicles.
The agreement illustrates the shared commitment of both parties to ensure the delivery of safe vehicles and provide leading services in the emirate, in line with Dubai Plan 2021. “Our partnership has allowed us to exchange expertise and technical capabilities, provide the latest innovations and emerging technologies in the automotive world and develop services in line with our current and future requirements,” commented Fahad Ahmed Al Raeesi, Deputy CEO, DGW.
“This partnership emphasizes both our organizations’ commitment to unwavering quality when it comes to servicing, maintenance and consequentially safety and satisfaction,” stated Saud Abbasi, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Toyota.
Transguard to transport TRIGEM diamonds
n Transguard, a leading UAE security and logistics firm, has recently signed an agreement with TRIGEM DMCC, an independent diamond service company, to provide exactly that – secure transport services.
TRIGEM Charlotte Boiling, set to launch in February 2020, is a joint venture between TRIGEM DMCC in Dubai and Charlotte Quality Boiling in Antwerp, Belgium. It offers boiling services to mining companies worldwide and to diamond traders in Dubai.
Diamond traders can now drop off their wares at Transguard’s offices in Almas Tower, DMCC six days a week and pick it up the next day, after the stones have been processed by TRIGEM.
This complements Transguard’s services tailored for its large clientele base of diamond traders based in DMCC. The firm offers special logistics and preferred prices to TRIGEM’s customers worldwide and its global partners.
“By partnering with Transguard, the most respected security provider in the UAE, along with being located in one of the safest countries in the world, we know this partnership will offer a level of security to TRIGEM Charlotte Boiling customers,” commented Shaikh Ahmed Bin Manna Bin Khalifa Saeed Al-Maktoum, Partner at TRIGEM DMCC.
“Managing secure logistics and solutions for high-end valuables requires another level of expertise and experience, which is why we’re the trusted partners for hundreds of businesses in the UAE,” remarked Dr. Abdulla Al-Hashimi,
Shaikh Ahmed Bin Manna Bin Khalifa Saeed Al-Maktoum(L), Partner at TRIGEM DMCC, and Dr. Abdulla Al-Hashimi, Divisional SVP EK Group Security.
Divisional Senior Vice President Emirates Group Security and CEO Transguard Group.
With Transguard’s new transport service, TRIGEM Charlotte Boiling will be able to process and deliver over 1.4 million carats of diamonds per month.
Hino bags order for delivery of 150 trucks to Dubai PepsiCo bottler
n Al-Futtaim’s Commercial Vehicle Division, exclusive distributor of HINO trucks in the UAE, has announced that is has delivered a major order of 150 Light Duty HINO 300 series trucks to Dubai Refreshment Company, local bottler and distributor of PepsiCo Beverages in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
This new agreement further extends HINO’s association with PepsiCo bottler in Dubai which will use the new trucks to boost its fleet of refreshment delivery trucks in the UAE.
“The 150 HINO trucks are tailor-made to enhance PepsiCo beverages’ delivery operations in the UAE, and we have coupled the delivery with eco-driving training sessions to help the fleet users drive more efficiently and improve their road safety,” remarked Ramez Hamdan, General Manager, HINO, Al-Futtaim’s Commercial Vehicle Division.
“We chose HINO trucks for their quality, performance and fuel efficiency, as they adhere to Euro-4 emission standards, helping our operations to have a positive impact on the environment, in line with our commitment to support the UAE government’s 2021 vision,” stated Tarek ElSakka, CEO, Dubai Refreshment Company.
Conforming to UAE safety standards, HINO has partnered with GORICA for the customization of the body of the trucks to suit the specialized needs of Dubai Refreshment Company – local PepsiCo bottler.
A speaker at the GIAS Conference 2020.
GIAS 2020 concludes on a high note
n The second edition of the Global Investment in Aviation Summit (GIAS 2020) concluded on a high note, after three days of constructive discussions on the changing aviation landscape due to rapid technological advances and the Fourth Industrial Revolution that will shape the future of industry in the upcoming decades.
The event was organised by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) under the theme ‘Enabling global aviation growth through fundraising and key partnerships’. The 2020 edition featured a line-up of interactive panel discussions that engaged top industry experts from more than 57 countries from all around the world.
The GIAS 2020, one of the world’s most influential knowledgesharing platforms for the airline industry, attracted more than 1000 representatives from various entities including: Government officials, speakers, delegates, experts, media representatives, academics and 120+ corporate investors.
The three-day event spotted light on pressing topics including smart airports and sustainability, airport privatization models, successful business models, airport future solutions, airport finance and ways to channel more investment into the sector, amongst other topics.
The third and final day of GIAS 2020 saw four panel discussions, the first of which was ‘Woman Entrepreneurship in Aviation: Global Leaders and their Visions’.
The second session titled “How will Urban Mobility shape aviation Investment? A necessary Outlook to Avoid Being Left Behind”, discussed how to pump capital into the industry, the issue of looking for stable destinations and markets, as well as the most successful tools in guiding and developing the aviation industry.
HE Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of GCAA, thanked top government officials, high-level delegates and giant airline companies for their active participation and contributions to the summit.
n Emirates Global Aluminium recently announced that its bauxite mining subsidiary Guinea Alumina Corporation has shipped one million tonnes of bauxite ore since exports began in August.
GAC is currently ramping up production, which is expected to reach some 12 million tonnes per year.
“We are making good progress with our production ramp-up in Guinea, with mine, rail and port facilities all performing as planned. Our priority throughout ramp-up and for the decades of production ahead is the safety of the 1,000 staff and contractors who work at GAC,” stated Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO, EGA.
Bauxite is the ore from which aluminium is derived and is refined into alumina, the feedstock for aluminium smelters. EGA supplies GAC bauxite to third party customers, including in China and India.
EGA invested some $1.4 billion to develop GAC, one of the largest greenfield investments in the Republic of Guinea in the past 40 years. GAC, and Al Taweelah alumina refinery in Abu Dhabi which began production in April, expand EGA’s business upstream in the aluminium value chain. The projects create new revenue streams for EGA and help secure the supply of raw materials EGA needs at competitive prices.
Strata delivers first Pilatus flap track fairings shipset
n Strata Manufacturing (Strata), the advanced composite aero structures manufacturing facility wholly-owned by Mubadala Investment Company, is celebrating the delivery of its first shipset of Flap Track Fairings for the PC-24, the twin-engine Super Versatile Jet produced by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd of Switzerland.
The delivery of the first shipset of Flap Track Fairings comes within eight months following the agreement between the two companies and affirms Strata’s position as the major supplier of both Belly and Flap Track Fairings for the world’s first ‘Super Versatile Jet’.
Flap Track Fairings are designed to enhance the aerodynamic of the aircraft, reduce drag and improve appearance. “The successful delivery is testament to Strata’s determination to fulfil its commitment and firm resolve to deliver such products to customers within worldclass standards, and our ‘Made with Pride in the UAE’ seal is raising the bar of quality benchmarks in the aerospace supply chain,”
Strata Manufacturing, led by CEO Ismail Ali Abdulla, marks another historic milestone with the delivery of the first Pilatus PC-24 FTF shipset comprising 22 components.
stated Ismail Ali Abdulla, CEO of Strata. The partnership between Strata and Pilatus began in April 2018 when the two companies signed a long-term agreement to manufacture the PC-24 Belly Fairings. “The delivery of the first complete PC24 Flap Track Fairing shipset in just eight months after contract signature in May last year is a very significant milestone that again demonstrates the capabilities and performance of Strata,” remarked Roman Emmenegger, VP Manufacturing at Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.
Strata works with leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo, and Pilatus. Based at Nibras Al Ain Aerospace Park, Strata supports the development of a leading aerospace hub in Abu Dhabi as part of the emirate’s economic diversification initiatives.
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.
Healthcare Logistic Services: Air Freight Sea Freight Land Transportation Value Added Services Warehousing & Distribution Return logistics Documentation
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
UPS simplifies international shipping for Middle East customers with website upgrade
n UPS has launched a significant upgrade to its shipping website, by making the process of creating an international shipment smarter and easier for its small and medium business (SMB) customers in 116 countries, including 36 countries in the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa (ISMEA).
“With SMEs contributing over 40% of GDP in emerging economies, there is no doubt about the huge potential this sizable and fast-growing segment possesses,” stated JeanFrancois Condamine, President, High Growth and Emerging Markets, UPS.
Set to take effect in phases throughout 2020, it will help simplify international shipping by guiding customers through the process and by providing proactive insight into total landed costs, including duties and taxes.
“Despite the incredible growth of e-commerce sales across the globe, estimated to hit US$ 6.5 trillion by 2023, we know that many companies are hesitant to trade internationally due to the complexity of cross-border shipping,” said Nando Cesarone, President, UPS International.
n Emerson, a global automation technology and engineering company, has been named the “Industrial IoT Company of the Year” by IoT Breakthrough for an unprecedented third consecutive year.
The honour recognizes Emerson’s commitment to helping customers in industries such as chemical, life sciences, power, and oil & gas define a practical and successful path to digital transformation.
Emerson recently introduced a new, dedicated digital transformation business that combines Emerson’s leading sensing technology, operational analytics and broad services capabilities to deliver targeted digital solutions to customer challenges. Winners were selected by a panel of senior-level professionals experienced in the IoT space, including journalists, analysts and technology executives.
The IIoT space is crowded and can be confusing, so the goal of this organization is to help customers achieve measurable business improvement through a focused strategy and relevant technologies,” said Stuart Harris, group president for Emerson’s digital transformation business. “This award reinforces our leadership with capabilities that are proven to deliver measurable results.”
“The industrial IoT market is inundated with confusing promises and complex issues as organizations look to embrace innovation and new technology while leveraging their existing investments,” said James Johnson, managing director at IoT Breakthrough.
www.logisym.org
8 June 2020 Jumeirah Creekside Hotel
Learn: How Dubai will shape up to retain its regional logistics and distribution gateway role beyond 2020. Logistics Gateway Dubai BEYOND 2020
Topics discussed by industry leading speakers n Logistics infrastructure developments n Multi-modal freight hub Dubai n Regional E-commerce retailing n Robotics and automation n Big Data in logistics
