36 minute read
NEWS
Etihad Cargo expands digital air cargo reach
n Etihad Cargo has announced it has strengthened its commitment to deliver heightened customer experience by inking a new partnership for digital air cargo with WebCargo by Freightos, the world’s largest air cargo rates and e-Booking platform.
The WebCargo partnership extends Etihad Cargo’s digital reach to more than 1,700 logistics providers and forwarder customers globally, with the platform serving as an additional strategic channel to avail Etihad Cargo e-Bookings following the successful launch of Etihad Cargo’s own portal at www.etihadcargo.com in 2018, which today receives almost 50% of the carrier’s overall bookings. The WebCargo platform will provide instant Etihad Cargo booking schedules, promotional rates and e-Booking, enabling sales and operations teams at forwarders to compare and book air freight in seconds.
“We are pleased to kick-start 2020 with yet another digitalisation milestone. During the past 12 months we have introduced several initiatives to improve our customers’ experiences and provide the company with greater accessibility and visibility,” asserted Rory Fidler, Head of Technology & Innovation, Etihad Cargo.
“Digital Air Cargo is going to become an industry norm and WebCargo is proud to be leading the movement with innovative industry partners like Etihad Cargo,” stated Manel Galindo, CEO, WebCargo.
Following its announcement, Etihad Cargo’s flight schedules and market rates in mainland Europe and the UK will roll out on the WebCargo platform progressively allowing all platform members to review and compare airline offers, whilst instant e-Bookings functionality will follow in April upon the successful completion of API (Application Programming Interface) testing and systems integration. Markets where e-Bookings will be enabled first are Spain, France and UK, with a gradual rollout to more markets to ultimately cover all of Europe throughout 2020.
Etihad Cargo and dnata extend partnership across four continents
n Etihad Cargo has bolstered its global handling partnership agreements with dnata, one of the world’s largest air service providers.
The new agreements align the two UAE-based companies until 2023, with dnata providing warehouse and cargo handling services to manage 180,000 tonnes of air cargo carried annually across 15 gateways in Etihad Cargo’s global network. For the first time, the Etihad Cargo-dnata alliance now extends to North America and South Asia Pacific, with dnata having commenced warehouse operations at Canada’s Toronto Pearson Airport from 5 February 2020, to be followed by Singapore’s Changi Airport on 1 May 2020.
The new North America and South Asia Pacific agreements add to existing Etihad Cargo-dnata warehouse and cargo handling operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) airports, as well as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia, together with Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad in Pakistan, and Zurich, Geneva, Manchester, Milan and Amsterdam in Europe.
“Our extended agreements with dnata reinforce a partnership that has grown rapidly during the past decade, and marks a significant milestone between two UAE entities with truly global presence,” remarked Andre Blech, Head of Etihad Cargo and dnata extend global handling partnership.
Operations and Service Delivery, Etihad Cargo.
“dnata continues to invest in our facilities, equipment and team to deliver best-in-class services for this important customer airline,” stated Stewart Angus, the company’s Divisional Senior Vice President for International Airport Operations.
DP World handles 71mn TEU in 2019
n DP World handled 71.2mn TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in 2019, with gross container volumes flat year-on-year on a reported basis and up +1.0% on a like-for-like basis.
Like-for-like gross volumes in Q4-2019 accelerated to +2.1% with growth driven by Asia Pacific and Africa. Jebel Ali handled 14.1mn TEU in 2019 down 5.6% year-on-year due to a decline in low margin cargo.
At a consolidated level, DP World terminals handled 39.9mn TEU in 2019, an 8.6% improvement in performance on a reported basis and down 0.5% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis.
“2019 has been a challenging year with the trade war between China and US and regional geopolitics causing uncertainty in the market. Despite this, our portfolio has delivered growth which once again demonstrates the resilience of our business,” stated Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World in a press statement.
DP World file photo.
Jeddah Islamic Port’s RSGT welcomes the first delivery of modern advanced terminal equipment
n Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), the world-class terminal, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Saudi Industrial Services Group SISCO, has announced the arrival of the first consignment of new advanced terminal equipment, which includes terminal trucks and trailers.
This will enable the Port operator to accelerate and speed up port and quay operations at the North Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP), the biggest and busiest port in Saudi Arabia. The value of the delivered equipment exceeds SAR 1bn (US$ 267mn).
Jeddah Islamic Port is the primary port of call and trade conduit for trade and shipping in and out of the Kingdom via the Suez Canal.
The delivery of the new advanced machinery follows the recent signing in December 2019 of the 30-year concession mega contract valued at SAR 6.6bn (US$ 1.76bn) by RSGT with the Saudi Port Authority (Mawani) to redevelop and modernise the North Jeddah Islamic Port.
The new Terminal Trucks and Trailers, the newest of its kind in the Kingdom, and especially customised for port operations come equipped with the latest and most demanding safety features, which will significantly contribute to increasing productivity and performance at JIP.
Red Sea Gateway Terminal is the first container terminal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which is built by the private sector under a ‘build, operate, and transfer’ (BOT) agreement, and the only terminal at the Jeddah Islamic Port capable of accommodating Ultra-Large Container Ships (U,LCS) of 20,000+ TEU capacity. Terminal tractors at RSGT.
The Red Sea Gateway Terminal is committed to regional and global infrastructure and facility investments to better serve the growing requirements of global shipping lines and domestic cargo, and container services, as well as expanding our presence internationally in the global logistics chain through organic growth and by obtaining new concessions or acquisitions.
Giant gas turbine transported by road to EGA Jebel Ali in logistical feat
RTA and Careem launch bike rental service in Dubai RTA and Careem officials at the bike launch ceremony.
n Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem have officially launched the first-of-its-kind bike rental service in the region, providing 780 bicycles and 78 stations across Dubai under the project’s phase 1.
The multi-phase project will provide 3,500 bicycles across 350 stations in Dubai upon completion.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA and Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder and CEO, Careem, recently inaugurated the service at the Jumeirah Lakes Towers’ rental station.
The solar-powered rental stations will allow users to hire and pay via the Careem Bike app, which allows them to unlock the bicycle by scanning the QR code on the bicycle and enter a 5-digit code from the application into the station.
According to its 15-year contract with the RTA, Careem will operate 1,750 bicycles and install 175 stations during the first two years, before increasing them to a total of 3,500 bicycles and 350 stations over the next five years. “We appreciate the great efforts made by the RTA to bring success to this project, while we value the contributions of our partners at Wasl Properties, Emaar, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), TECOM and Dubai Holding, who helped translate this project into a reality,” stated Sheikha.
Over the past few years, the RTA has laid 425 km of bicycle tracks across Dubai. The overall bicycle tracks across the Emirate will reach 647 km by 2023.
Seimen’s H-Class turbine transportation to EGA facility in Jebel Ali
n Emirates Global Aluminium announced that a giant gas turbine, the biggest in the UAE, has been moved by road from DP World’s Jebel Ali port and installed at EGA’s Jebel Ali site in a carefully-planned overnight operation.
The Siemens H-class gas turbine, weighing 457 tons and with a length of 13.5m, was transported the six kilometres from Jebel Ali port, using an over-sized truck.
On arrival at EGA, the turbine was placed in its permanent location at the heart of a new AED 1bn (US$ 273mn) sophisticated power block which will further improve the efficiency of EGA’s electricity generation.
The entire operation took just over four hours over two days. The new power block at EGA, developed by JA Power & Water Co, a joint venture formed by Mubadala and Dubal Holding, will be the first in the global aluminium industry to use a Siemens H-class gas turbine, a leading technology in efficient power generation.
“The arrival and installation of the turbine is a milestone in the new power block project, and we are pleased it has been completed safely and efficiently,” remarked Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO, EGA.
“The Siemens H-class is among the world’s most efficient and powerful gas turbines. The EGA power plant will be the most efficient gas-fired facility in the UAE and will significantly lower emissions and strengthen the industry,” affirmed Dietmar Siersdorfer, Middle East and UAE CEO, Siemens.
The new power block at EGA will have a generation capacity of over 600 megawatts of electricity and EGA intends to buy the output for 25 years following commissioning.
The H-class turbine was built by Siemens in Berlin and was shipped to the UAE by sea.
Larsen & Toubro advance BIM for rail projects
n The second phase of India’s Western Dedicated Freight Corridor is under construction to meet the growing demand for freight services in the states of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The project will reduce the unit cost of transportation and quadruple the current average freight speed from 20 kilometers an hour, introducing time tabled freight services and tripling container capacity from 5,000 to 15,000 tons.
Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) is constructing Package CTP-14, a 128-kilometer corridor between Rewari to Dadri.
Since the adoption of BIM methodologies in rail in India is still in its infancy, and in light of significant increases in government expenditure in infrastructure, L&T realised its success on the project could be a game changer.
Using a multi-discipline portfolio of Bentley applications, L&T was able to conceptualise, design, and construct the project in a timely manner, leveraging BIM methodologies to share information across the different disciplines involved in the design, delivery, and maintenance of physical assets along the railway.
As detail design progressed, the dynamic interface of OpenRail Designer allowed team members to compare different scenarios to help simplify logistics, reduce cost, and create a safe environment for site personnel during construction.
Bentley to empower rail networks.
“Bentley software helped L&T achieve its vision of digitalisation and implementation of BIM to enable designers, planners, and implementers to use a single repository for the free flow of accurate information and a collaborative way of working through the process of designing, delivering, and maintaining physical assets,” commented Nikhil Jose, Assistant Engineering Manager-Civil, L&T.
Serco ME & GCANS extend Air Traffic Control services contract
n Building on the success of its long-term partnership with the Ministry of Transport, international public services company, Serco Middle East has announced the awarding of an extension of its Air Traffic Control Services following eight-year tenure. The contract is valued at US$ 25.6mn and will be extended until the end of 2020.
Over 50 Serco employees currently provide support on the ground for the General Company for Air Navigation Services (GCANS) at Baghdad Airport, with the company providing operational Air Traffic Control staff and instructors as well as key advisors in AIS, CNS training and management.
As part of the partnership, Serco will continue to provide operational support, On‐the‐Job Training Instruction (OJTI) including the certification training of OJTIs and Examiner duties in the areas of Area, Approach and Tower Control. Serco’s remit also includes management mentorship programmes in Safety, Quality Assurance and ATC Training along with management support to all areas of Air Navigation Services.
Serco has been providing world-class air navigation services in the Middle East for over 70 years and the extension to the contract is testament to a number of key milestones that have Serco ME’s Phil Malem, Peter Mohring and the Baghdad Airport team.
been reached during the eight-year tenure, including the meeting the commitment of the Government of Iraq to transition and transfer Iraqi sovereign airspace and sectors to the Iraq Civil Aviation Authority
Serco ME will work closely with Iraq Civil Aviation Authority and GCANS in this endeavour.
“We are pleased to have been awarded with an extension of our partnership with the General Company for Air Navigation Services (GCANS) to deliver the best possible air traffic services and highest standard of aviation training to support Iraq’s aviation sector,” remarked Phil Malem, CEO, Serco Middle East.
Etihad Cargo picks key cargo service provider
n Consistent with the recent implementation of the new global sales distribution structure across its network, Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of the Etihad Aviation Group, has selected ECS Group, one of the world’s largest General Sales & Support services group, to deliver a significant scope of its new regional sales operating model across multiple-territories.
Etihad Cargo has entered into Cargo Service Provider (CSP) agreements with ECS Group’s subsidiary company Globe Air to provide customer service, reservations, post-flight support, operations support, accounting and billing support services in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Furthermore, through ECS Group’s subsidiary companies Globe Air, UniversalGSA and ExpAir, the parties entered into CSP agreements that also cover sales services in Canada, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Nordics, as well as Los Angeles and the offline Etihad stations in the United States. “ECS Group’s ability to deliver cost-effective sales operations through bundling multiple jurisdictions and maximising economies of scale was a key factor in their award,” affirmed Abdulla Shadid, Managing Director Cargo & Logistics Services, Etihad Aviation Group.
Etihad’s renewed regional distribution strategy is designed for the carrier to lead its own sales and commercial activities in select global cargo gateways, with key leadership appointments made across North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.
“We share Etihad Cargo’s vision of putting digital at the heart of efforts to expand air freight, and this shared vision is an essential aspect of our partnership,” stated Adrien Thominet, Chief Executive Officer, ECS Group.
Etihad Rail to expand locomotive fleet
n The Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway, has awarded a contract for the supply of locomotives for the UAE’s nationwide rail network to Progress Rail Locomotive, a Caterpillar company, expanding the company’s fleet to 45 locomotives, which is equivalent to 6 times the current fleet consisting of 7 locomotives.
In the presence of HE Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, the contract was signed by Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail, and Ramzi Imad, Progress Rail’s Regional Director of International Sales for North Africa and Middle East.
“In the year of “The cutting-edge fleet of locomotives will raise the bar in the transportation system and logistics services in the country and increase the network’s annual capacity to more than 60 million tons, compared to the current annual capacity of approximately 7.2 million tons,” asserted HE Sheikh Theyab on the occasion. Etihad Rail contracted Progress Rail, one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of diesel-electric locomotives, to design, manufacture, test, and ship 38 EMD locomotives especially designed to withstand the high temperatures and humidity of the gulf region.
Additionally, the locomotives fleet will be equipped with highly developed air filtration system that filters sand from the air intake and pulse cleaning systems, ensuring effective and efficient operations while passing through desert areas.
The locomotives feature powerful motors and will be supported by advanced emission reduction technology, reducing carbon emissions by 70-80%. The locomotives are designed to haul a 100-wagon train, which can replace 5,600 on-road truck trips per day.
The agreement increases the fleet of Etihad Rail to 45 heavy 4,500 HP locomotives, which are among the most powerful locomotives in the region. Since Etihad Rail became operational in 2016, the company’s current fleet of 7 locomotives has contributed to decreasing the number of truck trips on the roads of Al Dhafrah by more than one million, with up to 28 million tons of granulated sulphur transported from sources at Shah and Habshan to the processing and export point at Ruwais.
The signing of the contract follows the awarding of all civil works contracts for Stage Two of the national railway network, the launch of construction works of Package A of Stage Two, and the award of a contract to build a series of freight facilities for the rail network, underlining the company's consistent and strong performance to complete one of the biggest and most important infrastructural projects in the country.
Tristar Group signs US$ 24mn LNG shipping service contract with BP
n Dubai-headquartered Tristar Group has announced that it has signed a four-year contract with BP to provide liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipping services for a value of US$ 24mn.
The deal with BP, one of Tristar’s long-standing partners, follows the recent addition to the Dubai-based company’s shipping fleet of its first LNG tanker, the Tristar Ruby.
The four-year deal will cover a variety of LNG shipping services comprising trading and delivery capacity worldwide.
The Tristar Ruby, formerly the British Ruby joins Tristar’s 30-strong fleet of ocean-going tankers. The vessel was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2008 and has a cargo carriage capacity of 155,000cbm. She will be technically managed by Wilhelmsen Ship Management and commercially operated by Tristar.
“We are pleased to be able to announce the value of our deal with BP, the first as we expand our presence into the LNG shipping market. This represents a strengthening of our relationship with BP, one of our core partners,” remarked Eugene Mayne, Group CEO, Tristar Group.
Eugene Mayne, CEO, Tristar Group.
Tristar Group CEO shares Tristar’s sustainability initiatives at Dubai Chamber
n Dubai Chamber recently hosted the Sustainability Network Achievements ceremony to acknowledge the commendable work done by its members in implementing sustainable and responsible practices in 2019 and to motivate them to further integrate these practices in the community.
Last year, 17 new companies joined the Network, bringing the membership to 64. Launched in 2010, as a platform for the business community to identify and share expertise on CSR and sustainability challenges, the Network has initiated many initiatives to support businesses adopt sustainable practices. The ceremony was preceded by Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber, and attended by members of the Sustainability Network, business leaders, experts and decisionmakers in the field of sustainability.
Buamim congratulated the members for their commitment and success in putting in place responsible business practices and creating awareness about the impact of business on the environment.
Eugene Mayne, Group CEO, Tristar, joined Hassan Omar, Chief Operating Officer, Ducab, Abdullah Sharafi, Managing Director, Gerab Group to make presentations on responsible practices for businesses, the role of sustainability in shaping the future of business and how the Sustainability Network can be a platform to attain those goals.
In 2019, the Sustainability Network organised 20 events, ranging from high-profile best practices seminar to multiEugene Mayne addressing the Dubai Chamber Assembly.
stakeholder dialogues with more than 384 participants from private and public on topics such as employee well-being, sustainable supply chain, and waste management.
This year, the Network, through its eight sustainability Network Task Forces, which are based on the four pillars of CSR and sustainability, namely workplace, marketplace, community and environment, will continue to set actionoriented agendas.
SOHAR inks license agreement with Albwardy Damen
n Consistent with its commitment to provide highquality vessel services, SOHAR has recently entered into an agreement with Albwardy Damen.
The signing took place SOHAR Port and Freezone Head Office, with Mark Geilenkirchen, CEO of SOHAR Port representing SOHAR and Ibrahim Mohamed Al Shidi, representing Albwardy Damen. The agreement will see the installation of a 40- foot workshop container at a service jetty in the Port and will be Albwardy Damen’s fourth operational location in the Middle East.
Albwardy Damen is a joint venture between Albwardy Investment, based in Dubai and Damen Shipyards Group, headquartered in the Netherlands. The company provides shipbuilding and ship repair services to the marine and oil & gas-related industries in the Middle East.
Turkish Cargo maintains steady growth in December 2019
n According to the international air cargo information provider World Air Cargo Data’s (WACD) December 2020 data (cumulative) report, Turkish Cargo, which serves 127 countries of the world, grew significantly by achieving a tonnage increase of 7.1 percent in a sector wherein the global air cargo market shrank by -4.4 percent.
According to the released WACD data, Turkish Cargo, which has the largest growth rate among the top 10 airlines, rose to 7th place in the international air cargo industry and increased its global market share to 4.1 percent.
On the basis of the tonnage sold, the air cargo brand has grown by 17.1 percent in North and South America, 14.1 percent in the Far East Region, 9.7 percent in South Western Europe, 4.7 percent in the Middle East and South Asia, and 7.1 percent in Africa, thus achieving positive results in all regions wherein it provides air cargo service, and kept growing steadily in these regions.
In addition to the Turkish Airlines' cargo carrying capacity, Turkish Cargo operates direct cargo flights to 88 destinations with its cargo aircraft fleet and has achieved a sustainable growth through its current infrastructure and new investments.
Turkish Cargo continues to increase its capacity through extensive operations in over 300 destinations covered by its current flight network.
Turkish Cargo currently serves 321 destinations in 127 countries.
Agility reports earnings increase of 7% for 2019
Tarek Sultan, Vice Chairman and CEO, Agility
n Agility, the Kuwaitheadquartered global logistics provider, recently reported 2019 net profit of KD 86.8mn (US$ 284mn), an increase of 7% from 2018. Revenue for the year reached KD 1,578.6mn (US$ 5152.6mn) and EBITDA was KD 193.1mn (US$ 630.3mn), increases of 1.8% and 24.7%, respectively. For the fourth quarter 2019, Agility reported a net profit of KD 23.2mn (US$ 75.73mn), an increase of 4.4% over Q4 2018. “Global trade tensions, regional economic uncertainty, and financial market pressure in emerging markets all contributed to a challenging year for our logistics business. Internally, the costs associated with our investment in digitization also had an impact; one that we believe will continue in 2020,” remarked Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman and CEO.
Beyond digital, emerging markets also remain a key investment focus. This includes building logistics parks across the Middle East and Africa, the Reem mega-mall project in Abu Dhabi, bringing on new ocean vessels and fuel farms through our fuel logistics subsidiary, and growing rapidly in Africa through our airport services subsidiary.
“We move into 2020 cognizant that we are likely to see volatility in the global economy that may impact our logistics business, as well as slower market activities in certain markets in the Middle East and Africa that may affect certain portfolio companies. That said, we are confident that despite these challenges, we are well-positioned to navigate through them,” Sultan stated.
Q4 Air Freight volume decreased by 7% (in tonnage) as a result of falling trade volumes and lower demand from customers across industries and geographies. Ocean Freight TEUs grew 1.9%, but Q4 yields declined 2.2% vs. the same period in 2018. GIL Ocean Freight yields were strongest in the Americas and Europe.
Contract Logistics achieved healthy growth, mainly in the MEA Region (Kuwait, Saudi Arabia) but also in the US, Australasia and Singapore. Project Logistics also showed solid growth in multiple countries.
Dr Mohammed Zarooni (L) and Hamad Buamim
DSOA and Dubai Chamber ink agreement to attract entrepreneurs
n Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) recently signed a strategic agreement with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) to support start-ups and entrepreneurs in Dubai. The agreement was signed between Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech hub and coworking space in the MENA region, wholly owned by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), and Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Vice Chairman and CEO of DSOA, and Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, signed the one-year agreement at Dtec in the presence of several officials from the two entities.
Under the terms of the partnership, DSOA and Dubai Chamber will produce an annual report on start-ups in Dubai in a bid to attract business and direct investment, through Dtec and Dubai Startup Hub.
The agreement will also offer startups access to the “Soft Landing Program” that facilitates business setup in the emirate. In addition, they will have the opportunity to participate in the quarterly Dtec Forum that seeks to address key issues of the startup ecosystem, and other entrepreneurshipfocused workshops organized by Dtec.
“DSOA works to position Dubai as a leading destination for business setup and investment through offering world-class services to diverse sectors, especially in the technology field,” stated Dr. Al Zarooni.
“Our cooperation with DSOA marks the beginning of a new phase of Dubai’s endeavors to establish itself as the global startup capital,” remarked Buamim.
NFPC unveils transformative initiative at Gulfood 2020
Silver Jubilee edition Gulfood 2020 closely on healthy note HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated Gulfood 2020.
n HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, opened Gulfood 2020, the landmark 25th edition of the region’s longest-running annual food and beverage (F&B) trade show at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
As an industry pioneer and weathervane for global F&B sector trend-tracking, Gulfood attracted F&B producers that serve a global population that is set to race past eight billion by 2030. The global F&B sector seeks to keep pace with changing consumer habits and spiralling spending, which now stands at more than US$ 7.2tr annually, according to the Gulfood 2020 Industry Outlook Report.
The five-day Gulfood 2020 from 16 to 20 February showcased large-scale innovation in the F&B sector, with a wide array of industry disruptors exhibiting innovative products and solutions, new-to-region flavours and products, and the global networking opportunities with F&B businesses from every corner of the world.
Running alongside the main exhibition, the second edition of the three-day Gulfood Innovation Summit brought together major players from across the international industry to examine the latest challenges and opportunities in the global F&B market. To mark its silver anniversary, Gulfood 2020 rolled out a host of new features and initiatives to further enhance the visitor experience.
The Gulfood Innovation Summit attracted a power-packed line-up of speakers including high-ranking ministers, thoughtleaders and industry stalwarts. Speakers taking to the Summit stage included HE Mariam Bent Mohammed Saeed Hare Al Mohair, Minister of State for Food Security of the UAE; HH Prince Waleed Al Saud, President – Saudi Arabia Restaurant and Cafés Association, and Darien Al Kati, Goodwill Ambassador, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
NFPC and Tetra Pak officials display the new Oasis water packaging.
n Oasis, the water brand of UAE based National Food Products Company (NFPC) has staked its claim as the first beverage brand in the GCC.
In a new unprecedented initiative, Oasis Water will provide drinking water for the consumer market in Tetra Pak carton packages, environmentally-sound packaging material that boasts a wealth of biodegradable and recyclable properties.
The pioneering Oasis product was unveiled at Gulfood and reaffirms NFPC’s commitment to an innovative sustainability agenda.
The main material used in Tetra Pak package is paperboard, a renewable material made from wood. It is Forest Stewardship Council™-certified and features six layers that protect the contents from sun, air and light. Cardboard is the main component used, and it is sourced from trees with new trees planted to replace the ones used for production. A number of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies have assessed that the Tetra Pak carton is generally attributed with the lowest environmental impact of all packaging formats.
“Our decision to provide drinking water within Tetra Pak packages, which provides so many waste reducing benefits, is our keen commitment in addressing the serious issues of global pollution,” affirmed Iqbal Hamzah, Group CEO, NFPC.
“We are excited and proud to see our customers adapting sustainable packaging solutions in the UAE which is becoming more and more aware of the environmental cause,” asserted Amar. Zahid, President, Middle East & Africa Tetra Pak.
NFPC (National Food Products Company) was founded in 1971 with the establishment of a dairy production facility in a desert location. Brands under the NFPC umbrella include, Lacnor, Oasis, Blu, Royal Bakers, Gulf & Safa, Milco and Melco.
Bridgestone continues to invest in tyre innovation for cars of the future
n Bridgestone Middle East & Africa (MEA), one of the region’s leading tyre brands, continues to innovate its tyres to address the requirements of cars of the future, including autonomous vehicles, amid the steady transformation of global mobility. Bridgestone’s most recent innovation is the Smart Strain Sensor technology, which is equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT) tools. Through this feature, the vehicle owner can track tyre inflation pressure and temperature as well as measure the dynamic change in the strain that occurs when a tyre is in use.
Additionally, the data produced via the sensor can be transmitted to other drivers on the road, thereby preventing any untoward incident such as accidents. This technology is seen to result in improved vehicle and road safety and enhanced productivity for fleets.
“At Bridgestone, we continue to utilize tyre sensors to allow an autonomous car predict the type of surface being driven on. Also, through predictive modelling, drivers can better estimate the mileage left to fix their tyres for higher efficiency,”
Stefano Sanchini, Regional MD, Bridgestone MEA (extreme right), with other panellists at the Middle East Smart Mobility event.
said Stefano Sanchini, Regional Managing Director, Bridgestone MEA.
Sanchini was a panelist at the recent Middle East Smart Mobility held in Dubai. In the event’s panel discussion titled ‘MENA’s autonomous road map: the current vision, goals, and challenges for autonomous vehicles in the region,’ he shared Bridgestone’s vision to transform the functions and role of tyres.
Circ expands micro-mobility presence to Ras Al Khaimah
n Circ, the Middle East’s first regulator approved e-scooter operator, has partnered with RAK Transport Authority, RAK Tourism Development Authority and leading private real estate developers to provide e-scooters in the Al Hamra, Al Marjan Island and Corniche Al Qawasim districts.
Circ’s e-scooter service will offer residents and visitors safe, affordable, convenient, sustainable and better-connected journeys for riders in the Northern Emirate.
“We are excited to provide the residents and tourists of Ras Al Khaimah with an eco friendly, affordable and convenient transportation solution for short distance trips to better connect the many points of interest in the Emirate,” remarked Bader Al Kalooti, Co-Founder & CCO Middle East, Circ. “Mobility is a key theme of Expo 2020, and we are pleased to see innovative solutions of this nature arriving in our Emirate,” commented Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
“Circ e-scooters will offer an enjoyable and liberating way for people to explore Ras Al Khaimah in a new way, bringing equity in transportation access for everyone and facilitating local commerce in the Emirate,” stated Jaideep Dhanoa, Co-Founder and CEO, Circ. Circ has commenced operations in Ras Al Khaimah.
Intertek in Dubai gets top Quality Control recognition
Easa Saleh Al Gurg commemorates its diamond anniversary The Al Gurg family – (from left) Dr Raja Al Gurg, Abdulla Al Gurg, Maryam Al Gurg, Muna Al Gurg and seated Easa Saleh Al Gurg.
n Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG), the leading Dubai-based multidivisional conglomerate, has marked its 60th anniversary in 2020. ESAG’s present portfolio of 27 different companies across a diverse range of business verticals includes longstanding joint venture partnerships. Established in 1960 by Easa Saleh Al Gurg, the Group’s Chairman, the conglomerate began as a trading partner for Grundig in the early sixties.
ESAG’s growth trajectory led to partnerships with several international companies who wanted to gain a foothold in the UAE. The Group at present has more than 370 international brands within its various business verticals.
In these six decades, three generations of the Al Gurg family have steered the Group’s evolution into one of the region’s well-known family business houses, with diverse product and business interests in the retail and lifestyle, consumer, building & construction, real estate, industrial and joint venture sectors.
With the Group marking six decades of business in the same year that the Emirate hosts Expo 2020 Dubai, Dr Raja Al Gurg, the Group’s Managing Director, has pledged to continue the family’s commitment to focus on leading industry expertise that positively impacts the nation’s growth.
“The Group’s commitment to excellence and innovative thinking has made it one of the leading family businesses in the UAE,” said Dr Al Gurg.
ESAG has also championed gender equality and workforce balance. The Group employs 270 women, led by Dr Raja Al Gurg along with her siblings Maryam Al Gurg and Muna Al Gurg who continue to play an active role in executing the Group’s strategy.
Manufacturers, importers and exporters operating across multiple GCC countries to experience a faster and more cost-efficient process for obtaining G Mark Certificates.
n Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has been designated as a ‘Notified Body’ by the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) to issue Gulf Conformity Mark (G Mark) Certificates to locally-produced, imported and exported products across the Gulf countries.
The scope of notification covers Gulf Technical Regulation for Low Voltage Equipment and Appliances (BD-142004-01). Established in 2016, the G Mark certification programme applies to a number of low voltage electrical equipment and appliances as well as children’s toys imported or sold in the GSO member countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Yemen.
It is mandatory for all low-voltage electrical products subject to the regulation of GSO regulated products entering these markets to bear a G mark.
With this new designation and existing global capabilities, Intertek is currently able to offer importers and exporters in the Gulf a vast range of G Mark testing and certification services. Manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers will experience a simplified, more time, and cost efficient process for obtaining G Mark Certificates.
The new appointment for Intertek Dubai as a G Mark ‘Notified Body’ complements Intertek’s conformity offerings and provides a more comprehensive service to clients operating across multiple countries in the Gulf.
“Intertek has provided expert support and guidance on the Gulf Technical Regulations and overall G marking requirements and procedures since the inception of the G Mark programme. The new accreditation as notified G Mark body for Intertek Dubai will help shorten the time required to access the GCC market for clients across the world,” asserted Mutaz Yahia, Intertek Certification Manager, Electrical & Network Assurance.
Washmen launches advanced facility in Dubai
n After spending 18 months in R&D, scouring the world’s 20 best laundries, from traditional leaders in quality from France and Germany to tech pioneers in Singapore, South Korea and China, the Washmen team’s quest to provide the best laundry services available in the world is now a reality, according to a company press release. “Anyone that has seen the 30,000 sqft facility and the technology we use, even throughout development, is excited. It’s a testament to the team’s hard work,” remarked Rami Shaar, the company’s CEO and Co-founder.
Over the last 4 years, Washmen has risen to the top of the laundry space through its focus on customer experience, logistics and digital user experience.
Washmen now boasts Miele’s WetCare technology, a patented process designed to completely mimic the mechanics of handwashing garments in cold water, providing the ultimate level of care possible, extending the lifetime of a garment by up to 50%. Other offerings include Air Dry
An inside view of the new 30,000 sqft Washmen facility in Dubai.
technology. Unlike at any other laundry in the UAE, items are air dried when they’re sent to Washmen.
Additional services offered include steam pressing, Unique QR coding of every single item and RFID technology, wherein each item is tagged with an RFID chip when it enters the facility. This allows its movement to be pinpointed at all times.
This facility currently employs 150. The Washmen team also offers a free recycling service that collects all your recyclables from customers. Started in late 2015, Washmen is a digital laundry and dry-cleaning service in the UAE. The services are offered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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
www.logisym.org
Government of Dubai
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
n AG&P, the global downstream gas and LNG logistics company, has broken ground on its LNG Import Facility at Karaikal Port, Puducherry, paving the way to broader access to natural gas as a primary fuel in South India.
The Karaikal LNG Import Facility (Karaikal LNG) is expected to commence commercial operations by Q4-2021.
Owned and operated by AG&P, Karaikal LNG Import Facility is being built on a 12-hectare site within the Karaikal Port, which enjoys the only deep-water access on the East Coast of India south of Chennai, with all-weather capabilities and 24/7 operations.
Karaikal LNG, which will have an initial capacity of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will include a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) leased through a long-term charter agreement with ADNOC Logistics and Services (ADNOC L&S) from 2021, providing an efficient solution that will enable the supply of this clean fuel to be affordable.
Strategically located 280km south of Chennai, the capital of India’s Tamil Nadu state, the new terminal will provide natural gas to power plants, industrial and commercial customers within a 300km radius.
In addition, Karaikal LNG will serve the important city gas networks of AG&P and other city gas companies that bring CNG
AG&P breaks ground on its LNG import facility at Karaikal Port, Puducherry, South India.
and LNG to vehicles and piped natural gas to households and other establishments. Truck loading bays will enable delivery of LNG to remote customers by AG&P’s own fleet of trucks.
“AG&P takes on the value chain from import of LNG through to delivery of gas to end-customers, vehicles, kitchens, large and small factories, power, restaurants and malls,” stated JM Sigelman, CEO, AG&P.
“Our goal is to bring down the unit cost of regasification terminals for smaller volumes to make LNG commercially viable for scattered and smaller customers,” remarked Karthik Sathyamoorthy, President, AG&P Terminals and Logistics.
n Company in lead to drive local and global maritime sector growth. Furthering its commitment to contributing to the advancement of the maritime sector, Bahri has reiterated its support to Saudi Maritime Congress 2020 to be held at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on 22 and 23 March. “The Saudi Maritime Congress offers us a unique opportunity to discuss current and emerging trends in the logistics and transportation sector and create a roadmap for us stakeholders to play a vital role in shaping its future,” affirmed Abdullah Aldubaikhi, Chief Executive Officer, Bahri.
As Founding Strategic Partner of the event alongside the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI), Bahri will be participating in both the conference and the exhibition being held as part of Saudi Maritime Congress in order to provide the ideal platform to stimulate private sector investment in the maritime industry.
Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri.
Keynote Session: Vision 2030 Abdullah Aldubaikhi, Chief Executive Officer, Bahri, will participate in the keynote session at Saudi Maritime Congress. In this headline session, leaders of the organisations driving maritime business and policy within the Kingdom will discuss the opportunities for domestic and international maritime and logistics companies and the progress of key Vision 2030 objectives. Session: The fuel revolution to 2050 Abdulaziz Sabri, President of Bahri Ship Management, will chair an important session reflecting on lessons learned since the implementation of the IMO 2020 Sulphur cap. The panellists will explore what alternatives, including battery power, will be available in the near future. A key discussion point will consider whether ship owners and fuel suppliers are fully prepared for a changing energy landscape.
