September 2022 Issue 94 ENHANCING THE BUSINESS OF LOGISTICS Taking ‘Made in the UAE Automation’ Global GWC Logistics-ready for World Cup Loqsquare In growth mode GENAVCO Celebrating partnerships
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NEW IVECO S-WAY: HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND EFFICIENCY FOR ON-ROAD MISSIONS
NEW T-WAY: HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND SAFETY ON OFF-ROAD TERRAINS With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.
NEW WAY
The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator. 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.
IVECO
DRIVE THE
Artmalcolm@signaturemediame.comDirector: Johnson Machado Prjohnson@signaturemediame.comoductionManager: Roy Varghese –TDistributed–UnitedPrintedroy@signaturemediame.combyPrintingPress(UPP)AbuDhabibyawseelDistribution&LogisticsDubaiContributor’sopinionsdonotnecessarilyreflectthoseofthepublisheroreditorandwhileeveryprecautionhasbeentakentoensurethattheinformationcontainedinthismagazineisaccurateandtimely,noliabilityisacceptedbythemforerrorsoromissions,howevercaused.ArticlesandinformationcontainedinthispublicationarethecopyrightofSignatureMediaFZLLE&SIGNATUREMEDIALLCandcannotbereproducedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermission.
Staying with automation and warehousing solutions, we once more turned the spotlight on 55-year-old GENAVCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of the long-established business colossus—the Juma Al Majid Group. In 2020, the company took on the representation of Godrej Storage Solutions, part of one of India’s leading business conglomerates, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd. There has been no looking back since and the partnership has grown from strength to strength. Asif Sayeed Khan General Manager, Heavy Equipment, GENAVCO, gave us the lowdown in an exclusive interview. Winds of optimism are also blowing across the region as the new academic year begins and vacationing families return home. There is renewed hope for surge in business across the board and in no small measure on account of the impending FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 to be staged in November-December.
All this and of course a full suite of additional news reports, features, OpEds and professional contributions. Happy reading! Malcolm Dias malcolm@signaturemediame.comEditor
Malcolm Dias
Jason Verhoven
SIGNATURE MEDIA FZ LLE P. O. Box 49784, Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 3795678
In the words of Navin Narayan, Founder-CEO: “Acme’s corporate vision since has been to drive efficiency for regional businesses by reducing the reliance on manpower for monotonous operations and help businesses to implement industry 4.0 solutions that improve productivity as well as product quality.” Read on for the full interview-feature.Continuinginthe same vein, UAE-based Logsquare has also been the subject of interest as part of our focus feature and broader coverage of regional logistics automation companies.“Automation and advanced handling solutions are key to attaining and maintain the pace of growth of development that is taking the industry by storm. It offers supply chain measurable performance and is the main asset for fulfillment operators to enhance their capability,” affirmed Jacques Adem the company’s Co-founder and Managing Director.
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Automation indispensable
It is this perspective that propelled us to focus on automation in warehousing and the wider logistics ecosystem in this September 2022 edition of Global Supply Chain.
Acme Intralog is our cover story for this issue. This 47-year-old home grown company is the epitome and embodiment of automation for the logistics and supply chain.
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Staying with the World Cup, we have a report on the state of logistical preparedness for the mega event by leading Qatari LSP—Gulf Warehousing Company.
Editor:jason@signaturemediame.com
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The logistics, supply chain and warehousing sectors are undergoing rapid digitalization and faces challenges from growing customer requirements and demands, stiff competition, government regulations and globally networked markets among others. The solution then is the automation of logistics processes by capturing shipments and goods, and the logistics digitalization using intelligent data management. The main target is the perfect networking of all supply chain processes.
Acronis OpEd
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Savoye OpEd
NOCs must look towards new operating models for decarbonized future. Dark Kitchens Coming of age and adopting new technologies? GAC Bahrain Harnessing solar energy. 60 Cathay Pacific Doing its mite for sustainability.
The importance of skill development in the evolving supply Abu Dhabi Ports ADP enters a new partnership with Uzbekistan. Etihad Airways Etihad Airways joins UAE’s In-Country Value Programme to boost Aviation’s contribution to the industrial sector.
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GENAVCO Celebrating partnership with Godrej Storage Solutions. Logsquare Home grown automation solutions provider with a European provenance.
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Up to date news of the Global Suppy Chain industry
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DP World DP World UAE recently announced the signing of two new development projects in Jebel Ali, Dubai.
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Acme Intralog Logistics Automation solutions provider expanding regionally and internationally.
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Unprotected entry into the Metaverse brings accrued cyber risks FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Host country logistically prepared— GWC.
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The new facility, being built by the Bangladeshi Government, will feature 600m quay and will be able to handle three vessels simultaneously augmenting the ship handling capacity at Chattogram port.
6 SEPTEMBER 2022 Almajdouie Logistics signs key agreement with CMA CGM Saudi Arabia
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Almajdouie terminals operate 24/7 and offer a wide range of services to meet our customers’ requirements, including container handling, material handling, and reefer plug-in. Through its container service centre, the logistics services provider also offers repair, sea bulk, washing, and pre-trip inspection services, according to a pressPresentcommunique.inKSAsince 1984, the CMA CGM Group has offices in all major cities across the kingdom, including in Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Madinah, the press statement concluded. n In a recent development, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Gateway Terminal has been selected by the Bangladeshi Ministry of Shipping as the preferred operator of the 500,000 TEU annual throughput capacity facility now under construction at the busiest container port on the Bay of Bengal.
The majority of import shipments are destined for Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Capital, and largest city, a distance of 265 km (165 miles) distance from Chittagong. The port also serves as the main gateway for Bangladesh’s fast-growing exports including its garments trade, one of the largest globally.
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n Kris Brusselmans, COO, Almajdouie Logistics, and Michel Azrak, General Manager, CMA CGM, recently signed an agreement for the handling and repair of shipping containers at a dedicated depot in Dammam. “We are pleased to enter this new partnership and look forward to working together. Almajdouie has extensive experience providing storage and repair services to a variety of leading shipping lines, helping to facilitate trade and improve container turnover,” stated Brusselmans. “The supply chain in Saudi Arabia has gone through a paradigm shift in the last few years and our vision is to help facilitate the Kingdom’s goal of handling 4mn containers annually by providing smart, efficient, and competitive depot services,” he “Withcontinued.Almajdouie’s extensive services and the comprehensive range of CMA CGM can offer in Saudi Arabia, this partnership is a great opportunity for both our companies,” commented Azrak.
The Port of Chittagong (recently renamed as Chattogram), handled a record 3.2mn TEUs in FY-2021, with 4,209 vessel calls, and is the busiest port in the Bay of Bengal, serving as the gateway for 90% of Bangladesh’s import and export ocean cargo.
RSGT nominated to operate Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port
Almajdouie’s state-of-the-art terminals are equipped with the latest technology and operated by specialized staff adhering to the highest safety standards in the industry. These facilities are strategically located near the main seaports and industrial cities across Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), operator of the largest terminal facility in Saudi Arabia, at Jeddah Islamic Port, has been nominated over several competing proposals by the Bangladesh’s Ministry of Shipping to respond to an upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) to operate the new US$ Patenga240mn.Container Terminal (PCT) currently nearing completion at Chittagong, Bangladesh’s primary port.
“We are very confident that, through this investment, we will be able to contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s fast-growing trade and economy” noted Gagan Seksaria, Director, Global Investments, RSGT.
Kris Brusselmans (r) and Michel Azrak at the deal signing ceremony.
Etihad carried 4.02mn passengers in H1-2022, over three million more than the number for the 2021 corresponding period), with an average seat load factor of 75%.
SEPTEMBER 2022 7 Etihad Airways reports recordbreaking H1-2022 profits
“Our results would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of the entire Etihad family, and our focus now is on continuing this momentum into the second half of the year,” commented Tony Douglas, Group Chief ExecutiveEtihad’sOfficer.passenger revenues tripled in the first six months of the year, climbing to US$ 1.25bn (H1-2021: US$ 320mn) as more business and leisure travellers returned to theCargoair. operations continued to deliver exceptional results with revenues of US$ 802mn in the first half of 2022, representing an increase of 6% on the same period last year. Revenues remained strong despite the increase in passenger volumes limiting belly-hold capacity, leading to a 19% reduction in freight carried (295,020 tonnes). n Abu Dhabi’s Al Seer Marine (ASM), a global player across multiple marine sectors and subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), is expanding to provide freight solutions for bulk cargoes globally through its subsidiary, ASM Chartering, a press statement indicated. This subsidiary will focus on delivering effective and efficient freight services for cargo interests internationally, focused on the Middle East market. As part of ASM’s worldwide growth strategy on commercial management, ASM Chartering intends to transport approximately 2-3mn tonnes of bulk cargoes in 2022. At present, ASM manages a total of five dry bulk and general cargo ships and provided freight solutions to an international mining group for approximately 850,000 MT of iron ore from Asia Pacific to East Asia. Al Seer Marine is currently in negotiations for a longterm contract for carriage of 2mn tonnes annually.
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“We have seen a global rise in demand for dry bulk tonne-mile trade with 2021 recording a 3.7% increase, while this year, continued growth is forecast at about 1.4%,” commented Guy Neivens, CEO, Al SeerAlMarine.SeerMarine is a global leader in marine services and has been expanding rapidly in the commercial shipping segment, the press communique concluded. Al Seer Marine
“Our Officer,Adaminproudefficient,substantiallyprogrammetransformationhasmadeEtihadmoreresilientandandweareextremelyofourreturntoprofitabilitythefirsthalfof2022,”statedBoukadida,ChiefFinancialEtihadAirways.
n Etihad Airways lately announced its financial and operating results for the first half of 2022, posting a recordbreaking core operating profit of US$ 296mn.
Etihad Cargo Beijing
Al Seer Marine to move up to 3mn tonnes of bulk cargo globally in 2022
An Oman-based company, Arkan Sohar Logistics has become one of the fastest-growing logistics service providers in the region with a total investment of RO2.7mn (US$ 7mn).
With the new move, Bahri Line will offer direct service from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and India to Jakarta, Indonesia. The company will also offer direct service to the United States from the Southeast Asian city. The one-year contract will allow Caterpillar to load its heavy vehicle shipments from Chennai, India to Jakarta on every Bahri Line vessel. “With the launch of the new direct liner service to Jakarta through a strategic partnership with Caterpillar, we have made a great leap in our efforts to expand Bahri Line’s liner network and market presence,” commented Soror Basalom, President, Bahri Logistics.Thefirst of six business units within Bahri, a global leader in logistics and transportation, Bahri Logistics is one of the top 10 break bulk carriers in the world and ranks among the top five in Europe. for cargo, a racked warehouse facility and custom-built dock levelers to facilitate easy access to trailers for safe and efficient loading and unloading. “Arkan Sohar Logistics have a wellearned strong reputation as an excellent and dependable service partner and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Sohar,” commented Omar Bin Mahmood Al Mahrizi, CEO, Sohar Freezone and Deputy CEO, Sohar Port.
Arkan Sohar Logistics and SOHAR partnership announcement ceremony. Eng. Abdullah Aldubaikhi, CEO, Bahri.
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The CFS will allow importers and exporters using Sohar Port to securely store goods and products for consolidation and expedited shipping. Arkan Sohar Logistics’ CFS services have become a landmark success for the company,state-of-the-artofferingcustoms-bondedareas
“Our experience in operating CFS, and warehousing facilities for frozen commodities will benefit Sohar Port’s clients and ensure they can meet the needs of a growing consumer market by handling goods safely and securely and providing end-to-end logistics solutions,” remarked Ali Al Muttawa, CEO, Arkan Sohar Logistics.
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Arkan Sohar Logistics to develop CFS Logistics Complex at Sohar Port
Bahri Line signs contract with Caterpillar to launch new liner service to Indonesia
n As part of its business expansion and growth plan, Bahri Line, a new business unit under Bahri Logistics, has extended its liner service to Jakarta in Indonesia after signing a contract with Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives. Marking the launch of the new service, Bahri Abha RoCon vessel sailing under the flag of Saudi Arabia recently called at Jakarta’s Port of Tanjung Priok.
n Sohar Port and Freezone has partnered with Arkan Sohar Logistics to develop a port-based container freight station (CFS) and logistics complex that will occupy 26,000sqmThrougharea.this agreement, Arkan Sohar Logistics will offer bonded and nonbonded facilities, ambient and covered storage, as well as temperature controlled, dry, chilled and frozen storage facilities, according to a press statement issued by Sohar Port and Freezone. These facilities will also provide value added services such as cross stuffing for import, re-export and transshipment cargo, lashing, crating, staging, labelling, repacking, kitting, and order processing.
“I am thrilled to welcome LF Logistics to Maersk. Maersk in Asia has historically been primarily focused on ocean transportation out of Asia and related logistics services. With the addition of LF Logistics, Maersk gains unique and best in class capabilities to servicing the important and fastgrowing consumer markets in Asia. Furthermore,” commented Ditlev Blicher, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, AP Moller-Maersk. Following the acquisition, Maersk will add 223 warehouses to the existing portfolio, bringing the total number of facilities to 549 globally, spread across a total of 9.5mn sqm. “LF Logistics has an enviable track record of profitable growth in the region for more than two decades. Maersk’s global presence provides an ideal platform for our next phase of organizational expansion and development,” remarked Joseph Phi, Group CEO, Li & Fung and CEO, LF Logistics.
LF Logistics, with its Asia-Pacific wide footprint and industry leading fulfilment capabilities, matches Maersk’s strategic intent to support customers’ supply chain needs end-to-end as a trusted partner in control of the assets.
Ditlev Blicher, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, AP Moller-Maersk.
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AP Moller-Maersk completes acquisition of LF Logistics
n Imperial, owned by DP World, recently announced that all the requirements relating to its 100% acquisition of the J&J Group have now been fulfilled. J&J Group offers end-to-end logistics solutions along the Beira and NorthSouth corridors in South-East Africa, specialising in the transport of break-bulk, containerised, project, fuel and outof-gauge cargo between Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo“This(DRC).acquisition strengthens DP World’s position in Africa as an end-toend logistics provider, by adding J&J’s significant presence along these key corridors in Africa,” remarked Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World. “This acquisition complements our ‘Gateway to Africa’ focus as it optimises and expands our reach in Africa by providing scale in end-to-end crossborder transportation services in key n AP Moller-Maersk (Maersk) recently announced the completion of its acquisition of LF Logistics, a Hong Kong-based contract logistics company, with premium capabilities within omnichannel fulfilment services, e-commerce, and inland transport in the Asia-Pacific region. As consequence, LF Logistics will be rebranded to Maersk.
As part of the transaction to acquire LF Logistics, Maersk has entered a strategic partnership with Li & Fung to develop a comprehensive range of end-to-end global supply chain services with Li & Fung focusing on the upstream supply chain and Maersk focusing on the downstream supply chain. countries and new industries,” stated Mohammed Akoojee, COO, DP World Logistics and Group CEO, Imperial. Through the acquisition of the J&J Group, Imperial will be positioned for quicker go-to-market outside of South Africa and end-to-end access to certain key countries and corridors (port to customer) in Africa, a press communique concluded. DP World’s Imperial has acquired Africabased J&J Group.
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DP World’s Imperial acquires Africa-based J&J Group
Partner to build the largest solar system for Oman’s desalination plant
n In yet another landmark achievement, King Abdullah Port recently received a maiden call from leading global container shipping company MSC’s Indus 2 service.With this development,majortheport will help to further develop the Kingdom’s thriving export market while also facilitating trade between North America and the Indian subcontinent, a key Saudi trade partner and one of the AbdullahcontainerPort,importedonforprovideeconomiesfastest-growingintheworld.KingAbdullahPortwillefficientservicescontainerstransportedMSCvesselsforgoodsfromMundraIndia’slargestprivateport,toKingPort,inaddition to exported goods from King Abdullah Port to European major ports and North American ports.
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n TotalEnergies and Veolia recently signed an agreement to start the construction of the largest solar photovoltaic (PV) systems providing power for a desalination plant in Oman, on the site of the Sharqiyah Desalination plant in the city of Sur. This 17-megawatt peak (MWp) solar project will be the first of its kind to be installed in the region. It produces annually over 30,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of green electricity, or more than a third of the desalination plant’s daily consumption, enabling it to avoid close to 300,000 tons of CO2 emissions. The plant will be equipped with more than 32,000 high-efficiency solar panels and will use an innovative East-West tracker system to increase energy production. It will cover an area of 130,000sqm, equivalent to approximately 18 football“We’repitches.delighted to launch the construction of the solar plant on our desalination unit in the city of Sur, to be able to power it with the green electricity while drastically reducing its carbon footprint,” affirmed Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO, Veolia. “As a global multi-energy company, our goal is to contribute to the development of renewables in Oman and its region,” remarked Vincent Stoquart, Senior Vice President Renewables, TotalEnergies.
“Employing solar energy as another energy source for desalination operation contributes to the sustainability objectives in Oman.,” commented Yaqoob Al Kiyumi, CEO, Oman Power, and Water Procurement company OPWP. King Abdullah Port Veolia TotalEnergies partnership.
Veolia and TotalEnergies
“The addition of King Abdullah Port to MSC’s liner service reaffirms our role as a major enabler of international Saudi trade and one of the world’s most important ports,” affirmed Jay New, CEO, King Abdullah Port. The port serves as a regional logistics hub connecting three continents on the East-West trade route, a key commercial network that accounts for 13% of globalLeveragingtrade. its advantageous position in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the port features world-class infrastructure used to deliver innovative solutions to customers and help develop the commercial shipping landscape within SaudiKingArabia.Abdullah Port recently reached a milestone of handling 15mn TEU in a record amount of time since container terminal operations began in 2013. The milestone follows a 31% rise in container throughput in 2021.
King Abdullah Port underscores support for Saudi exports in partnership with MSC
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Dubai Customs discusses additional cooperation with Uzbek delegation
Sipchem-Maersk partnership signing company.
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Sipchem’s strategic position amongst regional and international petrochemical producers, enabling it to market its products worldwide in a timelier and cost-effective manner.
Director General Dubai Customs meets with the Uzbek delegation.
Sipchem signs Integrated Logistics Solutions Agreement with Maersk
n Saudi International Petrochemicals Company (Sipchem) recently signed an agreement with AP Moller–Maersk (Maersk) in the Kingdom’s King Abdullah Economic City, which will see the two parties collaborate on ocean transportation and storage through the King Abdullah Port integrated logistics park. Through this agreement, Sipchem will export its products to wider international markets.Thisnew collaboration with Maersk reflects Sipchem’s great interest in bringing its diverse range of products to a wider global market through ports, logistic hubs, and new shipping lines and sea lanes. This new business direction will see us take full advantage of the Kingdom’s unique geographical position, which has helped make it a major global trade hub,” noted Eng. Mater Aldhafeeri, Vice President— Commercial, Sipchem. “Through this partnership, Sipchem will be provided with cargo storage options at our integrated logistics park and gain access to King Abdullah Port’s Ocean network,” commented Mohammad Shihab, Managing Director, Maersk Saudi Arabia. n Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General, Dubai Customs, and CEO, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently received an Uzbekistani delegation headed by Akmalkhuja Mavlonov, Chairperson of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Abdulaziz Urolboevich Akkulov, the Uzbekistan Ambassador to the UAE. “We work hard to enhance our relations with customs organizations in friendly states to help grow mutual trade and exchange knowledge and expertise,” commented Musabih. Dubai Customs, in a press statement said that it has succeeded in achieving great progress by enabling customers to benefit from the Authorized Economic Operator, which provides excellent facilities for member countries of the programme and enable traders and companies to overcome the current challenges in the international trade
Recently, King Abdulla Port reached 15mn TEU in container throughput, a stellar achievement in under 9 years since the launch of its container terminal.
Division delivered a presentation on Siyaj Unit, which Dubai Customs launched to monitor the customs ports in the emirate more efficiently relying on the latest AI technologies and highly trained inspectors. The Uzbekistani delegation also visited the control room at Dubai Customs, and they were briefed on the smart system for tracking movement in customs centers by cameras. The delegation members also conducted a field experience of the VR training system that provides inspectors practical training.
Theenvironment.CustomsInspection
During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to enhance cooperation between Dubai World Trade and Uzbek Customs. Mavlunov Akmalkuja Yusupovich, Chairman of the Government Customs Committee of Uzbekistan and Engr. Mahmood Al Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Trade World, signed the MoU. “We are confident that Sipchem will tremendously benefit from the marketleading services King Abdullah Port and the Maersk Integrated Logistics Centre provide, while this agreement translates to further growth in our business and an increase in Saudi Arabia’s exports,”remarked Jay New, CEO, King Abdullah Port. This agreement aims to strengthen
12 SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWSNEWS RAKEZ welcomes US artificial intelligence company Falcons.AI
Montfort Maritime acquires debut vessel n Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) recently welcomed Falcons.AI, an American company which provides software programmes and consultation services driven by artificial intelligence (AI). With pre-existing business-to-business and business-to-government products in its portfolio, Falcons.AI aims to leverage artificial intelligence for creating solutions to technological issues faced by businesses as well as end users. “We aim to improve the speed, precision and effectiveness of machines and human efforts to create entirely new capabilities. Our projects help global companies reimagine the possibilities to enhance their existing processes and add new abilities through innovation with artificial intelligence,” commented Michael J. Stattelman, Founder, Falcons.AI. “RAKEZ provides opportunities for tech-based startups and SMEs to collaborate and grow in a nurturing ecosystem,” said Ramy Jallad, Group CEO, RAKEZ. n Montfort Maritime, the shipping division of Montfort with offices in Singapore, Switzerland and UAE, acquired its first vessel, the ‘Vialli’, in collaboration with its partners. The ‘Vialli’ is a modern 2012 IMO Type 3 Medium-Range (MR) tanker built by GSI in 2012. The tanker was formally handed over in August. Montfort is a global commodity trading and relatedasset investment company with a diverse portfolio of assets and innovative services in trading, shipping, retail, upstream and downstream.Initially,the vessel will operate on time charter with a multinational commodity trading and logistics company. In the course of time, the tanker will be used for trading across international freight markets.“AtMontfort, a global trader of energy and commodities, shipping is at our core,” stated Martin Marcus Hansen, Head, Falcons.AI’s setup in UAE is a part of its global expansion plans. Currently, they intend to test their latest technologies in the region. Among these products, is an emotion detection application which is being developed in collaboration with AI companies in France and Egypt. Company’s presence in the UAE is part of global expansion plans
MontfortMontfortMaritime.ismanaged and operated by a diverse group of highly trained professionals with decades of expertise. They strive to deliver an innovative approach to energy and commodities trading, supply chain, logistics, and services. Montfort’s debut vessel.
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and by bearing significant legacy costs, additional pandemic related costs and an operating cost increase of running the port of over 45%. Despite having unforeseen costs imposed upon it, GTW has made timely payments to its lenders and remains resolutely committed to Delaware.
“Since taking over the leadership of the operation we have focused efforts on securing additional and new business from all corners of the globe, streamlining operations and improving productivity,” asserted Joe Cruise, CEO, GT Wilmington.USA
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n October 2022 will mark GT USA Wilmington’s (GTW) fourth year into a 50-year concession agreement managing and operating the Port of Wilmington in Delaware.Theyear 2022 has seen a robust increase in throughput. The Port’s 20212022 winter fruit season was highly successful with imports of both South American and Moroccan produce rising over 140% on the previous season. Additionally, the Port of Wilmington recently received its first ever shipment of summer fruit (establishing the start of the port’s year-round fruit services.) These recent successes have contributed to the increase in bulk cargo volumes by 56%. These positive developments have been achieved by GTW’s highly productive operational and commercial abilities, according to a press release. In just the first three years GTW has provided over US$ 200mn of direct additional value to the State of Delaware by investing in long term improvements n CHEP is one of the world’s largest supply chain businesses based on a circular economy, operating a ‘share and reuse’ concept for the pooling of its 345 million pallets, crates, and containers, according to a recent corporate press communique. Leasing pooled pallets is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing oneway white wood pallets, which have steadily increased in cost, commonly exhibit quality issues, and often end up in landfills as waste. CHEP has been recognized by different international organizations for their contribution to reducing waste and carbon monoxide emissions, as they are considered a key example of the circular economy at a global scale. Reusable pallets are durable and of consistent quality and strength, minimizing the chance of customers’ product damage. In an ever-changing environment where pallet availability is key to keep the supply chain moving, non-returned or destroyed pallets can have a very negative impact on the whole supply chain and ultimately on the end consumer. CHEP manages the entire administrative procedure, retrieval, and quality assurance of the pallets in a closed-loop system. CHEP equipment or its pallets are owned by CHEP. CHEP never sells its equipment, and all customers acknowledge CHEP’s full ownership rights. “As pioneers of the circular economy, we are proud to be one of the most sustainable businesses globally and are passionate about protecting our pallets, and other assets, so that they can fulfil our customers’ needs,” commented Feras Abual Hamayel, Manager, Asset Management, CHEP MENA.
14 SEPTEMBER 2022 GT USA enables a turnaround of the Port of Wilmington CHEP emphasizes pallet ownership right
Gulftainer USA-Port of Wilmington, Delaware.
News News NEWS in Dubai and was also attended by Marco Bachechi, Group CFO; Balaji Nagabhushan, Group CAO; Raed Al Souki, Director, Business Development ME and Africa for Tristar Group, and Marwan Ramadan, Regional Business Manager and Project Manager, Shell, and other officials from both companies.
The Logistics Zone will be built over an area of 1,000,000sqm and will provide a boost to the business growth of the Madina region. The development of such enabling logistics platforms comes in line with the National Strategy for transport and logistics services under the Vision 2030.
Over the past two decades, LogiPoint has established itself as the Kingdom’s premier developer and operator of Logistics Zones and Parks and developing the Logistics Zone in Madinah Al Munawarrah will be a part of its expansion strategy in the Kingdom.
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Shell completes sale of terminal in JAFZA to Tristar
n Shell Markets (Middle East) recently announced that it has completed the sale of its oil products storage facility terminal located in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) to energy logistics firm, Tristar Group.
The completion of the sale was celebrated at an announcement event The Tristar and Shell Management teams at the deal finalizing ceremony.TheLogiPoint and ALMQR Development Company delegations at the deal signing ceremony.
The full ownership transfer of the terminal to Tristar Group will be effective from July 1, 2022. “While this agreement enables us to focus on our core operations and products, it also allows us to continue to provide our customers high quality bitumen and lubricants products and services. It reflects our commitment to United Arab Emirates (UAE) and our customers,” asserted Azmat Jafri, General Manager, Customer Operations in Asia Pacific and China, Shell.
LogiPoint inks deal with Madina’s ALMQR Development Company
“This strategic asset transition allows n Saudi Arabia’s LogiPoint recently signed an MoU with Madina’s ALMQR Development Company to develop the Kingdom’s latest Logistics Zone and usher in a new era of pioneering Logistics Real Estate Development in the Kingdom.Heldunder the patronage of HRH Prince Faisal Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Madinah Province, the two organizations signed a strategic partnership to build the first fully integrated Logistics Zone with world class logistics infrastructure in the Madina Province. HE Fahad Mohammad AlBelahshi , Mayor of Madina Municipality, was also present at the MoU signing.
“This agreement between Shell and Tristar is a testament to both our companies’ single-minded focus on our respective customers, and our shared vision to support the UAE to reinforce its role as a global logistics hub,” affirmed Eugene Mayne, CEO, Tristar Group.
ALMQR Development Company was founded by a Royal Decree to represent the Municipality of Madina and considered as the investment arm of the Municipality. us to expand our presence in JAFZA and our capacity to better serve our customers, offering them a fully integrated distribution service, which is now able to provide storage and distribution of bulk bitumen and lubricants,” he continued.
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Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation.
“This is a new chapter for Agility, Menzies, and NAS. By acquiring Menzies and combining it with NAS, Agility has the opportunity to unlock greater value in both,” asserted Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. Managing Director, AFET. “The new proposed package of Managed Security-Services will enable the organisations we work with to accurately assess the security postures of their cameras so that they are not vulnerable to cyberattacks and insider threats,” commented Razi Hamada, General Manager, Digital Transformation, Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies. “Beyond known vulnerabilities and security misconfigurations, protocolprone threats, our solution provides OEM Agnostic Scans across all IPenabled cameras, network DVRs, and complex topologies, including grouped scans distributed across clusters,” commented Divyanshu Verma, Managing Director, Redinent.
Agility Completes £ 763mn acquisition of Menzies Aviation
n Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies (AFET) has announced that the company has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Redinent to support the UAE’s secure IoT ecosystem.
Once integrated, the combined company will operate as Menzies Aviation and will be the world’s largest aviation services company by number of countries and second largest by number of airports served. Operating as Menzies Aviation, the combined company will provide air cargo services, fuel services and ground services at airports on six continents. Combined revenues of Menzies and NAS exceeded US$ 1.5bn in 2021. The new company will have approximately 35,000 employees and operations at 254 airports in 58 countries, handling 600K aircraft turns, 2mn tonnes of air cargo and 2.5mn fuelling turns per year. “Menzies and NAS will create the world leader in aviation services,” stated Hassan El-Houry, who becomes Chairman of the combined company, having previously held the role of NAS CEO. “With the combination of Menzies and NAS, our customers will receive world-class service, expanded product offerings, and the industry’s best safety practices at airports on six continents,” commented Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation who will be CEO of the combined company.
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The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate future alliance for protecting the CCTV networks across the UAE. With the rapid deployments of CCTV cameras and IoT devices and increasing rate of cyber-attacks, there was an urgent requirement for an automated Enterprise Grade CCTV camera threat scanning tool.
Redinent is one of the fastest emerging players in IoT Cybersecurity based out of Bangalore, India. Redinent provides specialized and advanced technology security solutions in embedded systems and IoT devices like CCTV IP cameras, smart energy meters and more. Redinent’s automated threat assessment solution finds vulnerabilities and weaknesses in IoT, a press statement noted. “At AFET, signing the MoU with Redinent will offer even stronger support for our business. Redinent has delivered one of the world’s first enterprise grade threat scanners for CCTV,” remarked Murali Serpakkam, n Agility recently announced that it has finalized its acquisition of UK-based John Menzies PLC and will combine the business with its National Aviation Services (NAS) business to create a world leader in aviation services in 58 countries.
Al-Futtaim Engineering & Technologies signs MoU with Redinent to support the UAE’s secure IoT ecosystem.
16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies signs MoU with Redinent
“Prime Shipping is providing specialized services with sole focus on shipping and logistics services, enabling the company to pay attention to innovation and deliver higher quality services,” stated Vaibhav Raval, General Manager, Prime Shipping Services.
The world’s most widely used quality management system standard, ISO 9001:2015 helps businesses prove that they can consistently provide products and services that meet customer requirements. On the other hand, ISO 14001:2015 certification provides the framework for protecting the environment by using a holistic approach for product life-cycle and putting in place compliance measures for minimizing negative impact on the environment.Lastly,ISO 45001:2018 is a globally time can be reduced by 70-80%.
P&O Maritime Logistics expands containerised cargo transport across the Red Sea Prime Shipping Services is now ISO-certified
18 SEPTEMBER 2022
“Seeing such niche feeders operating successfully forms a blueprint for further expansion with new and existing clients,”
Two of P&O Maritime Logistics’ recently modified MCVs, the Topaz Lena and the Topaz Volga, have been contracted for the new route and work has already started for both vessels.
MaritimeCEO,MartincommentedHelweg,P&OLogistics.“Withcontinued growth in the containerised cargo business across the Red Sea, the new service will capitalise on the market opportunities,” remarked Hui Khoon, COO, Network of Unifeeder FZCO. recognized occupational health and safety standard to help organizations improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks and create safer working conditions.
Achieving ISO 45001:2018 certification demonstrates Prime Shipping’s commitment to its employees, community and customers, and a drive to continually improve and evaluate its work environment, the press statement concluded.
n P&O Maritime Logistics will help debottleneck customer supply chains by ensuring there is a faster cargo turnaround, enabled by the company’s unique and recently modified Multi Carrying Vessels (MCVs) that now can carry containerised cargo. In partnership with Unifeeder, P&O Maritime Logistics will increase connectivity across the Red Sea between Port of Jeddah and Port Sudan. As a ‘micro’ feeder, the new MCV line has the unique ability to bypass congestion. The shallow draft MCVs use less space and can access areas of the port where larger ships cannot fit due to their size and length. This is useful when connecting feeder ports, such as Port Sudan, with hub ports, such as Port of P&OJeddah.Maritime Logistics began modifying MCVs following the successful trials with the Topaz Lena, where they found they could deliver faster turnaround times to their customers with their cargo, where the port turnaround Qatar’s Prime Shipping Services was recently awarded three ISO certifications— ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2015 for Environment Management System and ISO 45001:2008 for Occupational Health & Safety Management System. These certifications are an affirmation of the company’s relentless pursuit of excellence and setting new benchmarks in the shipping and logistics industry. By meeting the extensive criteria of these standards, Prime Shipping as proved its commitment to protecting the environment and consistently delivering quality outcomes for clients and employees, a recent press communique stated.
The
The Prime Shipping Services team with the ISO Awards.
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It was signed by HE Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies.
“We look forward to working with TotalEnergies to unlock the opportunities presented by the agreement across the energy value chain,” stated HE Dr. Al Jaber.
ADNOC and TotalEnergies sign Strategic Partnership Agreement
n Alliance Care Technologies (ACT), the value-based healthcare provider offering advanced technology and artificial intelligence solutions that solve the industry’s most pressing challenges, has joined Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global techACTecosystem.hasbeen selected as one of only 16 startups invited to the latest cohort, and joins a growing community focused on accelerating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading innovation hub.
The agreement was signed in the presence of the UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the French President Emmanuel Macron, during the UAE President’s state visit to France.
Alliance Care Technologies joins Hub71
Hub71 entrepreneurs ADNOC HQ Abu Dhabi.
“Our partnership across the entire energy value chain allows our two companies to join forces to contribute to the energy supply of global markets, while reducing carbon emissions from our operations,” commented Pouyanné.
n Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and TotalEnergies recently signed a strategic partnership agreement to deepen their long-standing partnership and explore new opportunities for growth across the energy value chain.
Under the terms of the agreement, ADNOC and TotalEnergies will explore opportunities to collaborate in areas of mutual interest including in gas growth, carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) and trading and product supply.
This strategic partnership agreement follows the signing of the UAE-France Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership (CSEP) which is focused on enhancing energy security, energy affordability and decarbonization, as well as progressive climate action ahead of COP28 (28th Session of the Conference of the Parties) take place in the UAE in 2023.
The new startup cohort, which has already raised more than AED 231mn (US$ 62.9mn) in funding, will have the opportunity to develop advanced technologies and gain access to the market, investment, and talent Hub71 provides. In this partnership, ACT will have the opportunity to engage with a broad ecosystem of investors, startupspartnersgovernment,corporations,andacademiathatprovidetechwiththeessential elements to grow and succeed in the UAE and abroad, while also benefiting from Hub71’s accelerator program and a new range of flexible incentives. “By joining Hub71, we will gain access to Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem with opportunities to scale and facilitate knowledge exchange. This is an corporateinvestors,communityHub71Investmentofpressimprovesmanagesadministrativeexperience,thatuniversalTechnologies.andstatedteamopportunityunparalleledforACT.Ourcan’twaittogetstarted,”MicheleTarnow,FounderCEO,AllianceCareACTisdriventoenableaccesstohealthcareenhancesthepatientstreamlinesprocesses,costs,andultimately,healthcareoutcomes,acommuniquenotified.BackedbytheGovernmentAbuDhabiandMubadalaCompany,isgrowingitsvibrantoftechstartups,government,andpartners.
SEPTEMBER 2022 19
As part of this initiative and agreement, MoE and TBC are procuring schools in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using a PPP Model under different waves, a press statement concluded.
SNC-Lavalin awarded FM services for PPP Schools projects in Saudi Arabia
“The repeated wins of TBC’s Wave 1 and 2 Schools Projects are testament to our successful track record as a leading FM services provider and trusted partner to maintain these facilities according to the highest technology, quality, and safety standards,” explained Mohamed Youssef, Senior Vice-President, Middle East & North Africa, Projects and O&M, Engineering Services, SNC-Lavalin.
20 SEPTEMBER 2022 Alfanar consolidates its leading position in energy transition
The Wave 2 is a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme that aims to finance, design, build, and facility manage 60 public schools in Medina, western Saudi Arabia, for a duration of 20 years. The Wave 2 Schools Project is expected to benefit more than 50,000 students and is expected to cover another 60 schools in Jeddah and Makkah also in the western Hijaz region of the Kingdom.
n SNC-Lavalin has been awarded facilities management (FM) services contract by the Wave 2 Schools Project of the Ministry of Education (MoE) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which is jointly procured with Tatweer Buildings Company (TBC), as part of a consortium that includes Vision Invest, Al Omran Group, and SNC-Lavalin.
In line with the ‘Middle East Green Initiative’ launched by the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, Alfanar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), the Sovereign Fund of Egypt (TSFE), the Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) and the New and Renewable Energy Authority (NREA), aiming to develop a green ammonia facility in Sokhna.
The US$ 3.5bn project will use renewable energy sources and produce 500,000 tons of green ammonia from 100,000 tons of green hydrogen perTheyear.agreement was signed in the presence of a high-ranking Egyptian Government delegation led by Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy; Hala Elsaid, Minister of Planning & Economic Development, along with Saudi officials, Faisal A. Al-Yemini, Deputy Minister of Investment, and Mazeed Al-Hoshan, the Saudi Consul to Egypt.
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“Through this agreement, we will be developing a project to produce green hydrogen and green ammonia,” commented Sabah Al-Mutlaq, Chairman of Board of Directors, Alfanar GlobalAlfanarDevelopment.wasone of the first companies across the globe to operate a 50MW solar project in the Benban Solar Park in the Aswan region of Egypt. The electricity generated from this solar plant currently offsets around 57,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. News NEWS Mohamed Youssef, Senior Vice-President, MENA, SNC-Lavalin. The Al Fanar delegation with Egyptian Government officials.
n
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Global Supply Chain (GSC): How is automation and digitalization getting indispensable in the present context fuelled in part in a pandemic-ridden era?
The baton has since passed on to a new generation with Navin Narayan, Founder-CEO, now at the helm of the company. He spoke exclusively and expansively to Global Supply Chain on a wide-ranging interview for the Acme Intralog lead story.
The turning point occurred in 2018. That year triggered the biggest transition undertaken by Acme when the company set up a full-scale manufacturing facility in Jebel Ali that focuses on designing, manufacturing, and installing a wide range of automation systems including complex warehouse as well as factory automation solutions.
Navin Narayan (NN): Clearly, the pandemic has opened the eyes of stakeholders in the region. They now understand how dependent a lot of industries are still on manual labour for their production as well as
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG T
he origins of Acme can be traced back to 1975 when the company was founded in Dubai by visionary Indian entrepreneur Nambron Narayanan. His goal then was modest—to support the needs of the local logistics industry by providing manual shelving and storage solutions and other industrial hardware products.
Acme: Taking ‘Made in the UAE Automation’ Global
The home-grown company has since expanded radically over the past 47 years. Since then, it’s vast range of sophisticated industrial hardware products and solutions for warehouse and factory automation have evolved with changes in the industry, while maintaining and staying the course of adhering to its core values of supporting the regional industry and retaining its family business ethos.
The focus was on working as a system integrator and introducing new international technology to the region.
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG SEPTEMBER 2022 23
“Acme’s corporate vision has been to drive efficiency for regional businesses by reducing the reliance on manpower for monotonous operations and help businesses to implement industry 4.0 solutions that improve productivity as well as product quality.” – Navin Narayan Founder – CEO, Acme Intralog intralogistics operations. When the workforce had to be reduced to implement safety protocols or in cases where there was work stoppage due to contracting Covid-19, while demand for many industries was at all-time highs, the financial repercussions were often grave.
The adoption of automation and digitalisation of processes therefore has seen a drastic increase. Even though the pandemic has waned, it is still difficult to get manpower that is keen to work in such environments. Most companies start with simple solutions and scale up over time as they, seeing the positive effects and are able to gain savings due to the new systems.
GSC: Given growth in demand, challenges in supply chain and a Navin Narayan is the CEO of the Acme Group with over 22 years of entrepreneurial experience in the UAE. He is an industrial engineering graduate with a master’s degree in business administration and an avid technologist.
Under Navin’s leadership, Acme has expanded beyond a traditional hardware trading company founded in 1975, to offering intralogistics automation and system integrations to customers of all industries since 2018.
GSC: How do you perceive the role of Acme in this transformed ecosystem?
NN: Since the beginning, Acme has transformed with the changing demands of our customers, and this is our ethos we firmly believe in. We have established a strong standing in the ecosystem and are able to deliver on different scales of requirements with a quick turnaround: we have built a portfolio that offer both smaller, scalable solutions
changed working ambience wrought by Covid, do you see a greater focus and orientation towards technology going forward in the logistics and supply chain sectors? NN: I believe the focus on technology will always continue to increase in the future, however, the type of technology the logistics and supply chain sectors are looking for, will vary. We currently see an increasing demand for Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems both for pallet and tote handling, which drastically enhances visibility and traceability of available stock among other benefits. Also, more and more operations are looking for automated or semiautomated order picking solutions as well as sortation systems. Order fulfillment is one of the most labour-intense processes in most businesses, while not being a value-adding one. Modular automation solutions that can be bolted on as the business grows, are expected to find a niche market with start-ups and SME companies that have a vision for growth.
There is also a growing market for modular automation solutions for smaller operations. When warehouse space is limited and expensive, vertical storage systems can be a good start in automating processes.
GSC: Is Acme planning to take on new partnerships and representations— perhaps mergers and acquisitions?
NN: We have seen a similar trend in our books - the e-commerce sector has increasingly contributed to our revenue and now generates over 40% of our turnover. Both existing and new customers have been rethinking their processes and are looking for ways to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
Businesses have understood the need to implement automation to deliver a truly seamless omnichannel experience to their customers.
GSC: How is the exponential surge in e-commerce over the last say three years impacting the financials for Acme?
GSC: What are your short and / or longterm expansion plans for the region?
NN: We have been focusing on our geographical expansion in the last few years and have meanwhile opened operations on two more continents with our offices in India, Germany and since beginning of this year also in Colombia in Latin America. working on increasing our market share and bringing our technology to a wider range of Besidescustomers.wearefocusing on expanding our product range as well as our team to keep up with the increasing demand. Our R&D department is always looking for the most efficient ways to solve our customers’ challenges. We are developing new systems that will offer suitable and scalable solutions.
As for the challenges, the current semiconductor shortage is one that effects many industries including automation. It has become harder to source key elements which bears the risk of delays in project deliveries. Particularly in the UAE, we have seen great opportunities in the push for the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative by our government as well as the increasing appetite for Industry 4.0 solutions across the whole region.
24 SEPTEMBER 2022 complex automation as well as fully automated turnkey solutions for businesses that are ready to embark on a larger scale transformation.
GSC: What opportunities in store and challenges do you foresee going NN:forward?
GSC: What trends do you foresee in intra-logistics automation for the region? e-commerce combined with the increasing impatience of consumers, who expect to receive orders as fast as possible, will lead to the rise of micro-fulfillment centres. More businesses see the benefit to being closer to their customers and there with able to better react to their expectations. Through automation they can further enhance their operational efficiency.
NN: We are always open to building new partnerships and representing global brands that we believe would add value in the regions we are operating in. Recently our focus has been heavily on robotics as we see the high potential these solutions have for a wide range of industries. We have great partners for robots and collaborative robots themselves as well as grippers and applicators and AI vision that complement our offering and
NN: We have worked with some of the largest companies in each of these industries in the GCC on both small and largeOneprojects.ofthemajor food & beverage players has appointed us to build multiple new warehouses for them in the recent years, automating their entire supply chain in these facilities. We have completed a sortation facility for one of the largest supermarket chains earlier this year, to handle fresh fruits and vegetables. With our system, the customer is now able to handle perishable goods faster and distribute these more efficiently and accurately to their retail stores as well as end customers ordering online while at the same time minimising the amount of manpower needed on the shopfloor. We also delivered an automated kitting centre for a humanitarian agency in Dubai that helps them prepare much needed pharmaceutical as well as emergency response kits to disaster hit areas globally.
NN: 2022 has been an extension of the previous year. Our order books remain strong as we still see customers focusing on transforming their operations and focusing on implementing industry 4.0 solutions in the region. With the added emphasis on digitalization and improving process efficiency, customers are increasing their focus on end of line solutions as well as intralogistics automation. Though supply chain disruptions with regard to semiconductors do plague the industry, we have worked closely with our strategic partners to ensure that the delays are limited and that we are able to deliver on projects within the project timelines.
GSC: Make the case for Acme; what sets Acme apart and what are your USPs (Unique Selling Propositions)?
NN: Acme is the largest warehouse automation developer and integrator in the MENA region. We are the only integrator with local manufacturing as well as an on-ground R&D department, where we continuously work on new products and solutions as well as customised approaches to specific needs. We have a proven track record of reliable and highly durable products with a growing list of references.
I believe, our most important USP is our highly experienced, multi-cultural team. Our company culture is based on family values, and we are proud to have a team of highly committed, solution-oriented experts in their respective fields working closely together driving our success.
To get up close personal and get the low down on the company, Global Supply Chain also conducted supplementary interviews with the top company quartet comprising Atanas Khagerian, VP Sales, MENA; Uli Pausch, Sales Director Europe, Acme Intralog Europe GmbH; Jaideep Bauskar, Head of India Operations, Acme Intralog India Pvt. Ltd and Manuel López, Regional Sales Director –Latam, Acme Intralog Latam S.A.S.
GSC: How big is the Acme footprint in the food and cold chain sectors?
GSC: How is Acme currently faring thus far in 2022 and how does that compare with 2021 and what is your outlook for the remainder of this year?
Part II
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG SEPTEMBER 2022 25 expertise and therefore allow us to serve our customers better. In automation there is no one size fits all solution, hence, we remain on the look-out for innovative products and build partnerships when we see a long-term benefit for our customers.
The MENA region has a different economic growth pace compared with other global markets.
The shortage of skilled manpower in the region is one of the fundamental triggers for automation in the logistics industry.
GSC: What advantages are there generically in manufacturing products and processes indigenously in the UAE?
AK: We are proud to be a homegrown business and we have heavily invested to develop our capability to design and manufacture advanced automation solutions here in the UAE. Having operated in this market for as long as we have, we believe this is the best location for us to support the specific requirements of the regional industry as well as globally with customBesides,solutions.theinfrastructure the UAE government provides and initiatives such as ‘Operation 300bn’ and ‘Make it in the Emirates’, have been fostering our growth and supporting our expansion to other global markets.
The following are the transcripts. Interview with Atanas Khagerian, Vice President Sales, MENA, Acme Intralog
The number of on-going mega projects and the upcoming project plans are huge, we are very confident that our expansion plan is in the right place and on the right track and that the MENA region has the vision and the ability to invest in the latest automation technology.
GSC: Make the advocacy case for Acme’s ‘Make it in the UAE’ mantra?
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG 26 SEPTEMBER 2022
GSC: For Acme it all started in Dubai in the UAE. As the official based on its home turf, how significant is the MENA, the region you oversee for Acme? Atanas Khagerian (AK): Over the past 47 years since inception, we have gained great trust and respect within the MENA region and developed a huge base of customers. We are keen to continue supporting our existing and new customers in the region with our unique products and services. We see a high potential for us in our home region. Our customers appreciate the benefit of Acme’s local manufacturing capabilities and our mission to deliver customised solutions that are tailored to the needs of the region.
AK:perspective?
GSC: What Acme product lines and range are manufactured in Dubai? AK: Our team is manufacturing all types of conveyors, including roller and belt conveyors and accessories, a range of AS/ RS, such as ‘Mother and Child’ shuttles, miniloads, stacker cranes, high bay stacker crane and tote shuttles. We also manufacture and integrate robotic palletisation as well as end of line solutions for the logistics and manufacturing industry.
GSC: How does the MENA region stack up vis-a vis the other global theatres of operation from a performance
AK: As a local manufacturer, we have strong design and consulting capability based out of our Dubai and Riyadh facility. This enables us to provide quick and accurate solutions that cater to our customers’ requirements. With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Jebel Ali, we are able to manufacture to European specification
Atanas Khagerian is the VP Sales of Acme Intralog with more than 20 years of sales experience in pallet racking and warehouse automation in the Middle East and Africa. Atanas strives to help regional businesses increase their operational efficiency with smart automation solutions.
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GSC: How well received are Acme products in other markets?
AK: Having 47 years of presence in the Middle East, customers in the region trust the products and solutions offered by Acme. This has provided us the track record and references that global customers are looking for. By ensuring the quality and reliability of our systems in addition to conforming with global certification requirements, we can build confidence in the eyes of our global customers. They know that they are in safe hands with solutions from Acme! continent for Acme?
GSC: What challenges do you encounter in the region and what are the opportunities ahead?
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 and CE standards at affordable prices with short lead times and therefore fast project delivery times. In addition to this our large after sales team in the region can support our customers with life cycle maintenance as well as operation support so that they are never left without support once the system is handed over.
GSC: What are your expansion products for the region? Do you also have another GCC country in mind to opening manufacturing facilities?
AK: At the moment we would like to centralise manufacturing here in Jebel Ali to ensure better control of production and delivery.
UP: Within the last year Acme Intralog Europe was facing and fighting two major challenges as a newly founded branch: the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent increase of gas / fossil fuel prices, especially in Europe. However, these developments have shown most industrial companies clearly what they need to do to prepare for similar challenges in the future – as material, skill, and staff shortage are more real than ever: Implementing intelligent industrial and warehouse automation operations become crucial to remain competitive.
Uli Pausch (UP): With almost 50 countries and a population of more than 750 million people, Europe is the third most populous continent in the world. Considering only the European Union (EU) within Europe, the EU is worldwide on second place in view of shares at world trade exports and trading inside the European continent. This level of industrialisation and the acceptance of automation within the intralogistics space makes it a very attractive region for Acme.
Uli Pausch is the Sales Director Europe for Acme Intralog Europe, located in Germany.
With Acme being the leading solution provider in the Middle East for such solutions, we see a great opportunity to now support European companies with our knowledge, technology, and experience to help them eliminate bottlenecks in their operation and create more efficiencies.
Uli holds a Master of Science in Engineering, with 8+ years’ experience in sales and a specialisation in strategic business development. His skill sets combined with Acme’s competitive solution portfolio allow Uli to support European companies with their individual project needs
Meanwhile, we now have a service and maintenance hub that is staffed with experienced engineers and service technicians in Saudi Arabia. This will help us to warrant on time support to our existing as well as upcoming customers in Saudi Arabia.
PART III Interview with Uli Pausch, Sales Director Europe, Acme Intralog Europe GmbH GSC: How significant is the European
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG SEPTEMBER 2022 29
GSC: What potential do you foresee for Acme in India? JB: The Indian market has a strong base of manufacturing industries, including FMCG, pharma, white goods, automotive, heavy engineering and more. These sectors are traditionally prone to automation and offer great potential for us. Particularly with government initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, we see the demand for automation further increasing for the manufacturing industries. The e-commerce industry has also grown rapidly, which is another high potential sector for us.
GSC: What are the opportunities and challenges for Acme in India? Jaideep Bauskar heads the operations at Acme Intralog India. With more than 22 years of experience in the field of materials handling and automation, Jaideep thrives to provide tailor-made solutions that are sustainable and suitable for Indian market demand. After analysing processes and bottlenecks, Jaideep works closely with Acme’s engineers to build smart automation systems that solve individual challenges. At Acme we are proud to have a highly talented R&D department who are committed to come up with customised solutions, combining new technology with our standard repertoire as required.
PART IV: Interview with Jaideep Bauskar, Head of India Operations, Acme Intralog India Pvt. Ltd GSC: How rapidly is automation in logistics increasing in the India? Jaideep Bauskar (JB): Automation in Logistics and related industries is growing with a CAGR of 8-10% in India. We have seen a drastic increase particularly in e-commerce order fulfillment automation as well as AMR and AGV based automation.
GSC: What makes Acme stand out of the clutter in Europe? UP: One of our key priorities is customer focus; supporting customers to find the best automation solution to achieve their desired operational efficiency goals. With our high quality and service standards as well as fast project delivery times, we are well equipped to meet the needs of European customers.
In the future, Europe is bound to have rising personnel costs paired with skills & staff shortage. This coupled with the need for more efficient internal processes, larger SKU portfolios and little available land will lead companies to further invest in automation solutions in logistics. We also see more and more companies working or considering working with ‘Industry 5.0’ solutions in Europe, such as human-robot collaboration, cognitive systems, mass customisation, etc. This means ‘Industry 4.0’ (IoT, networking, machine learning, etc.) have become a standard for most, pushing simple automation within the last decade. ‘Industry 5.0’ implies a steady increase in new, elegant, and demanding requirements, challenging automation companies to continuously up their game.
GSC: Which Acme solutions do you see highest demand for in Europe?
UP: Automated Storage and Retrieval systems are seeing highest demand currently. This includes stacker cranes, mini loads and mother and child systems.
GSC: What trends are you seeing for automation in logistics on the European UP:continent?
3PL businesses in India are now expanding their services to the manufacturing industries and are providing value added services such as re-packing, labeling, assembly, etc. This has further necessitated the need for automation within the warehouse.
Like for any new company that launches in a new market, there are several challenges, but to mention a few: Customs and political restrictions in the ports of some of our regional markets as well as the political and economic situation some countries are facing, which also affects currency exchange rates. As a new brand in Latin America, we are still bringing in awareness of our solution portfolio and providing technical consultancy to businesses that are keen to explore automation.
PART V Interview with Manuel López, Regional Sales Director–Latam, Acme Intralog Latam S.A.S.,
GSC: What challenges do you encounter in the region and what are the opportunities ML:ahead?
GSC: What is the level of receptivity for ‘Made in the UAE’ Acme products in India?
JB: We see an acceptable level of receptivity in the market for products ‘Made in the UAE’, however, that depends of course on the products. In our sector, the key drivers for deciding for a vendor are quality, price and of course how well a solution is meeting the customer’s requirements. In 2022, India and UAE have signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) which provides the benefit of reduced or zero import duties between the two countries and this has helped our pricing become even more competitive in India.
Besides, our USP is our ability to provide tailor-made solutions as per the customers’ needs and that gives us an edge in the market.
Colombia is projected to have the highest growth in Latin America over the coming years. Due to its geographical location and air connectivity with other countries, we believe it will play an important role for our growth and performance in the region.
Manuel López (ML): Latin America is a region with constant growth and a lot of potential to explore as most organisations have turned their focus towards automating theirDuringprocesses.thecritical months of the pandemic in Latin America, we have seen a slight growth in the implementation of new technologies in storage and picking solutions, particularly in sectors such as Pharmaceutical, Food & Beverage and Fashion. We are not oblivious to the importance that this will have for Acme in the coming years.
GSC: What trends are you seeing for automation in logistics in your region?
JB: India is a highly competitive market when it comes to the automation field. Entering as a relatively new brand with a headquarter abroad, we had faced the typical challenges. We have set up a complete, albeit lean organisation in India to be able to support our customers on-ground to provide the same level of service our customers in MENA receive. Our close collaboration with our headquarters, the expertise across multiple markets and industries provides us with the opportunity to compete with local players on big projects, which a typical start-up would not be able to do.
Colombia GSC: How significant is the LATAM continent for Acme and Colombia where you are based?
30 SEPTEMBER 2022
JB: Nowadays, we are seeing that end users in the industry are looking to go vertically to increase the storage capacity, while focusing on cost effective and scalable solutions that are capable of providing accurate and high throughput order processing.
GSC: What are among the most popular Acme product range in India?
JB: ASRS (for pallets & totes), radio shuttles, Mother and Child systems, robotic palletisation and various robotic applications as well as complete solutions for material flow are popular Acme product ranges.
Manuel López is the Regional Sales Director at Acme Intralog Latin America. Manuel is an Industrial Engineer graduate with an Executive MBA and a Master in Logistics Management. With more than 14 years of experience in sectors such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods, Retail and Intralogistics, Manuel has led a great amount of semi-automation and automation projects in the Latam Region.
GSC: What is the appetite for UAE manufactured Acme products in LATAM? ML: Latin American customers give high value to quality and reliability. Systems manufactured by Acme at our Dubai facility are known for being reliable, state of the art and built to European specifications. Therefore, there has been a growing appetite for ‘Made in the Emirates’ Acme solutions in countries such as Colombia, Mexico, Argentina and Peru.
GSC: What trends are you seeing for automation in logistics on the LATAM ML:continent?
COVER STORY: ACME INTRALOG SEPTEMBER 2022 31
GSC: Which are among the top three performing countries on the continent? ML: With regard to businesses investing in warehouse automation we have seen Mexico, Brazil and of course Colombia being the top three performing countries. As the industrial base in regional countries grow, we expect that there would be an increase in demand for intralogistics solutions coming for neighbouring countries too.
GSC: What are the fast-moving Acme products in LATAM? ML: Our core product portfolio for Latin America is pallet handling solutions such as conveyors, stacker cranes and highdensity mother and child solutions. We have also seen demand for sortation solutions increase in the region as the e-commerce market heats up. We also provide conventional solutions, such as racking and multi-level mezzanines for retailers and manufacturers.
GSC: What prospects do you foresee for Acme in LATAM? ML: It is hard to pin a number to our expected growth as we only begun operations early this year. However, our expectations are high given the big appetite for scalable automation solutions in the region. Our solution portfolio is in line with the needs of the region, and this gives us enormous confidence in our ability to help local industries in their journey towards intralogistics automation. Customers in the region value the quality, reliability, and experience that Acme brings to Latin America.
Lately, there has also been an increased demand for picking and sortation solutions from the e-commerce industry as this market begins to heat up.
As for the opportunities, our ability to develop competitive solutions that fit our customers’ needs in terms of space, performance, price, and after-sales service will set us apart. The experience of our team makes us more competitive and attractive to the customer.Ourspeed of response when it comes to developing a concept, providing an offer and right to manufacturing and delivering the solution sets us apart from other global players.
We are seeing a demand for High Bay Warehouses fitted with stacker cranes and mother and child solutions to handle industrial pallets.
32 SEPTEMBER 2022
Bonds of
GENAVCO has since operated in the UAE for 55 years and is one of the leading and most-diversified companies in the UAE with interests in multiple industrial verticals including commercial vehicles, road construction equipment, quarry and mining equipment, material handling equipment, lubricants, and other industrial / construction equipment, representing the world’s leading brands from USA, Japan, Storage System Installed for UAE’s PharmaceuticalLeadingCompany
In 2020 GENAVCO acquired the landmark representation in the UAE of Godrej Storage Solutions (GSS), a strategic business unit of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the long-established Godrej Group, one of India’s highly diversified and the country’s largest engineering and consumer product groups. The partnership has grown from strength to strength and there has been no looking back since.
Partnershipendearment:formutual good G
ENAVCO was founded as a wholly owned subsidiary in 1967 by visionary entrepreneur and leading UAE businessman HE Juma Al Majid, following the establishment of the Juma Al Majid Group in 1950.
Genavco and Godrej Storage Solutions have great synergy going for them
Growing product portfolio Godrej help companies to function smoother with its product & service portfolio which includes Pallet Racking Solutions & Shelving Solutions for warehouse excellence, Software Enabled Solutions for intelligent warehousing, Work Centre Solutions for enhancing shop floor productivity and value adding warehouse consulting. The company also prides in its expertise in the field of Storage & Material Handling with world-class design, precision manufacturing, robust project management, distribution & after sales support to service all your warehousing needs
Heavy Equipment, GENAVCO and Varun Vishwanath, Sales Manager, in a joint exclusive interview with Global Supply Chain, spoke at length about the growth of the company, its prospects for the future and how new partnerships are bringing fresh momentum to the financial performance.
GSC: How vital is
SEPTEMBER 2022 33
Asif Sayeed Khan, General Manager, Heavy Equipment Sales, GENAVCO Germany, UK, and France. Godrej Storage Solutions is a pioneer, futuristic and market leader for over six decades in the field of racking and shelving storage systems in India. The company’s state-of-the art warehousing solutions are implemented and harnessed in over 40000+ warehouses and distribution centres in multiple geographies across the world, including 2500+ Installation in the Middle East Region.
Asif Sayeed Khan, General Manager, Project completed for a leading Heavy Truck Spare Parts Distribution company in Dubai Industrial City and warehousing industry in 1993, GENAVCO is in pole position in this sector in terms of representation and products
The UAE in general and Dubai in particular is a major hub for logistical, supply and distribution activities for a vast geographical hinterland that comprises the GCC, the wider Middle East, the African Continent, even the CIS and South Asia. The Warehousing-Storage-Shelving sector is a very significant and an integral and indispensable component of the region’s wider logistics and supply chain ecosystem. As major stakeholders and with its vast active expertise and experience spanning almost three decades since it first debuted in the logistics, distribution,
AsiflogisticsSolutionsWarehousing-Storage-Shelvingthesectorintheregionalandsupplychainindustry?SayeedKhan(ASK):
Meanwhile,availability.theindustry continues to grow by leaps and bounds and as a fall out that has also implied our own progress as a major stakeholder. This also meant that our product range was also expanding and growing.
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The big breakthrough came when we partnered with Godrej Storage Systems in 2020 and there is now no turning back. Today, we are synonymous with the Godrej brand in this country.
GSC: Briefly, how would you characterize your partnership with ASK:Godrej?
ASK: The emergence and partnership with Godrej has had far reaching and tremendous impact on both our profile, image, and bottom line. With Godrej’s induction to our fold, we have synergy and a partnership that was founded on a near perfect goodness of fit. Our performance since has been remarkable and clearly boosted our bottomline. Apart from such parameters such as the long-established companies we both are and privately owned, we also have similar ethos and corporate philosophies and objectives. Both companies enjoy excellent reputation and products that are well regarded and have premium value.
GSC: What are GENAVCO’s strengths, capabilities, and portfolio of service offerings in this Varunarea?Vishwanath (VV): Beyond physical products we are offering solutions and capabilities. We pride in presenting end-to-end and value-added solutions and take this mantle seriously. Warehousing and racking in particular is our forte.
Mega facility for a Leading Retailer and E-Commerce giant in Sharjah
One of the largest drive-in installations in the UAE for a food Storage unit in Dubai Industrial city to accommodate 20,000 Pallets
As explained earlier, both GENAVCO and Godrej are strong, recognized, well-established household brand names. Both companies enjoy an excellent working equation with one another. The partnership is working for mutual good. One key component is the philanthropy and charity endeavours of both companies. They are deeply involved and committed to giving back to their communities. There is the element of Godrej’sreciprocity.product range is also very good and quality incontestable. We did our due diligence spanning over one year before we took Godrej as a partner. During our visit to their Mumbai offices and Chennai facilities, we saw first-hand the quality Varun Viswanath, Sales Manager, GENAVCO and craftsmanship of their work and adherence to quality and professionalism. It met all of our expectations, aspirations and standards of performance and durability
GSC: Briefly describe the origins and growth of GENAVCO’s partnership with Godrej Storage Systems?
Earlier we only had Crown warehousing equipment from the USA and then added racking to our product offering and portfolio. We subsequently also added the Flexi range manufactured by UK’s Narrow Aisle Ltd. and China’s Shantui construction machinery to our mix.
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GSC: How important is sustainability as part of your CSR and as a corporate motto?
strategy and accord it high priority. This is also reflected in the brands and companies we represent.
GENAVCO has provided fully customized storage system, meeting all the design criteria to support the farm. The company has installed High Quality Powder Coated Heavy Duty Shelving System with wire mesh decking and Stainless-Steel Anchor Bolts provided.
VV: The market is clearly adopting automated and semi-automated equipment and therein lies the future. Furthermore, we foresee the advent and emergence of automation as e-commerce gainsOurmomentum.ownstakes and fortunes are closely intertwined with the rapid growth of e-commerce.
I would like to make specific mention of Godrej, a company that keeps sustainability at the heart of its business.
GSC: What prospects do you foresee for GENAVCO going forward?
As a long-established company, our credentials lie in our steadfastness, and we continue to grow organically. We are among the top five companies in this genre in the UAE and one of the fastest growing.
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Godrej, Crown and Flexi Solution for UAE’s Number 1 Stationery Wholesale Business Unit
ASK: At GENAVCO we value sustainability, adopt it as our core Bustanica has opened the doors to the world’s largest hydroponic farm, backed by an investment of US$ 40mn.
GENAVCO – Godrej has had a strategic role in developing the world’s largest vertical hydroponic farm in Dubai Project Bustanica Brief
As a case in point consider the paint the company uses for its products finishing— these are lead-free that contribute to a cleaner environment as part of its responsible business strategy. We believe and recognize that our operations can greatly contribute to a sustainable world through the way we conduct our businesses and in turn influence others.
GSC: What is the GENAVCO vision for the future?
The facility is the first vertical farm for Emirates Crop One, the joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), one of the world’s largest catering operations serving more than 100 airlines, and Crop One, an industry leader in technologydriven indoor vertical farming. This is a joint venture between Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) and Crop One Holding (California), project is for Construction of World’s largest Vertical Farming Facility on an area of 330,000 square foot in Dubai South near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
ASK: In the course of the next three years, we anticipate Godrej to become among the top two performers and key brand in the region. Godrej is a player and a force to reckon with here and there is considerable interest in the company and its product suite. Godrej has indeed been a game changer in the region as elsewhere and we are proud to be associated with it!
LogSquare is the partner of choice to tackle logistics operational and fulfillment challenges in a fast-paced industry and ecosystem that are experiencing new dynamics at play. LogSquare main differentiators are its local engineering and implementation capabilities with a European provenance
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW SEPTEMBER 2022 37
Since LogSquare was founded in Dubai, UAE in 2009, the Supply Chain industry has experienced a new level of integrated material handling solutions and services, right from planning to execution. LogSquare offers the latest ingenious services to achieve next-level customercentric experience in the Gulf and MENA, according to an official company statement. .
Leveraging dedication, expertise, and optimised operations as its hallmarks
The company affirms that its technologies empower logistic operators to strengthen their capabilities and support the growing e-commerce, FMCG, and omni-channel retail sectors.
The products and services categories are multiple and comprehensive and include among other conveyors and sortation systems, automated storage and retrieval systems, advanced picking modules, Systems and controls, garmenton-hanger applications (GOH) and verticalLogSquaremovers.has had several major accomplishments to date and has successfully completed several projects in the Middle East region. Global Supply Chain recently had a one-on-one engagement with the LogSquare official at the helm. Jacques Adem, Co-Founder and Managing Director, responded to a comprehensive questionnaire and provided the lowdown on the company’s past successes, its track record, its current endeavours, and ambitions for the future.
Leveraging on academic studies in engineering and management, Jacques has compiled more than 20 years of experience in the supply chain solutions and logistics fields. He keeps strong links to the maritime industry where he enjoyed his initial career in the family-owned business.
Automation and advanced handling solutions are key to attaining and maintain the pace. It offers supply chain measurable performance and is the main asset for fulfillment operators to enhance their capability.
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW 2022
LogSquare retail and E-commerce solutions have had their share of success with many projects across the region for renowned entities (Amazon, Noon, Gulf TamerGroup-GMG,MarketingBFL,andmore).
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Global Supply Chain (GSC): Give us the 30-second corporate spiel on LogSquare. Jacques Adem (JA): LogSquare is an intra logistics automated storage and handling solution provider. Since its inception, LogSquare has enhanced its capabilities and diversified its applications. It gained recognition throughout the Gulf with landmark references in several verticals and prominent clientele names. We have practically ventured into all verticals and delivered effectively and capably. Our support and operations cover a wide geographical region.
GSC: How critical is automation and the provision of advanced material handling solutions in today’s logistics landscape? Why? JA: Logistics is in continuous evolution with more stringent requirement in terms of delivery timelines, visibility, proliferation of stock and smaller orders. This comes at a period where energy costs are high, and competition is fierce for superior customer experience.
Jacques Adem Co-Founder & Managing Director LogSquare FZCO Jacques Adem is the Co-founder and Managing Director of LogSquare.
As a business director, Jacques has headed projects in different supply chain applications covering the cycle from Inception till Hand Over. He is currently spear heading in LogSquare and spreading automation in the industry.
JA: Our set of Combi lines has been under the spotlight recently and in turn have been well received in the marketplace. We combine in relatively small affordable systems transport, picking and sortation. The seamless of combination of several technologies into a simple working solution is something the team is extremely proud of and hope
JA: MENA—Middle East & North Africa was the focal interest for our activities in the last decade, we belong to this region, and it will remain key for our growth. LogSquare has engaged as well in an African ‘exploration’ with several projects in the pipeline.
GSC: How significant is the Middle East region for LogSquare?
LogSquare has a rich suite of solutions and product lines starting with transport solutions (conveyors and rail based), sorters, Automatic Storage & Retrieval in different configuration and formats, advanced picking modules and engineered solutions (Rack Supported Buildings and large storage structures). Add to that Robotics featuring AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) suites. Our suite of capabilities implies LogSquare leverages well on proven Warehouse Execution and PLC software in house development.
GSC: Briefly state LogSquare’s USPs (unique selling propositions) / distinctive attributes?
GSC: What are among the most solutions that find high acceptability among potential clients?
JA: LogSquare retail and E-commerce solutions have had their share of success with many projects across the region for renowned entities (Amazon, Noon, Gulf Marketing Group-GMG, BFL, Tamer and more). We have been closely associated with the growth in these verticals and keep on enhancing our products and solutions offerings.
GSC: Enumerate the full suite of products and solutions offered by JA:LogSquare?
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW
JA: LogSquare’s main differentiator that the pandemic are its local regional engineering and execution capabilities. It is a company that understands, works, and flourishes in the region with an entrenched understanding of the local logistics requirement and synergies. On the technical front as well, we join a wealth of skills and expertise covering the solutions spectrum that are rarely under one roof and we remain focused on the solution approach.
GSC: What are among your new ingenious introductions and innovations?
GSC: What are the two top markets in the region?
GSC: Do you have any imminent plans for mergers and / or acquisitions?
JA: Beyond a doubt, accomplishment in our industry is measured by the number of successful projects and solutions implemented, established partnerships, and repeat collaboration. Despite our young age and regional size, we have enjoyed a good track record. Yet our main accomplishment remains our partner focused approach. Dedication and team spirit throughout the process from conception, execution to after sales support are what keeps partners content.
GSC: How did you fare in 2021 and what is your outlook for 2022?
JA: Our industry at large has definitely benefitted from the growth in e-commerce and so did LogSquare. Our focus shifted since a few years now from the conventional verticals into e-commerce.Weevenimplemented dedicated approaches namely our “Adapt and Leverage.”The e-commerce sector will resume its growth yet at a more moderate pace. It is an established, stand-alone vertical with its own set of requirements.
JA: UAE and Saudi Arabia lead the market in our region with sparks from Egypt. Established Services and Industrial sectors paired with a growing population in the before mentioned countries are positive indicators going forward.
GSC: What are your expansion plans for the region?
JA: Expansion steps have been laid for the region since 2020. We are working towards a stronger presence in KSA with a business unit in Africa.
Our partnersaretoconception,thespiritDedicationfocusedremainsaccomplishmentmainourpartnerapproach.andteamthroughoutprocessfromexecutionaftersalessupportwhatkeepscontent.
JA: The year 2021 was pivotal when we have resumed our growth path post pandemic and paved the way for 2022. We are currently engaged on several fronts and are confident that 2022 will be another landmark in our path.
GSC: How would you characterize your accomplishments over the past 13 years since your inception in 2009?
GSC: How is the exponential growth of e-commerce impacting your fortunes and what future growth potential does it hold for you?
LogSquare’s main challenge going forward is to maintain its client focus and the spirit which has given its success since inception especially as the team grows and is spread further over a larger territory and set up. Several opportunities from existing and new partners are in the pipeline with a challenging set of newly embraced technologies.
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW 40 SEPTEMBER 2022
GSC: What are the opportunities and challenges for LogSquare going JA:forward?
JA: Our plans are mostly focused on new technical associations with companies that can enrich our technical offering. We keep on adapting and embracing cutting edge technologies suitable for the regional requirement.
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GSC: Do you have manufacturing facility in this region?
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW
Speed: Next-day or even same-day deliveries are an elementary promise of most online retailers and postal service set up a CBS at their Dubai Excellence Centre
JA: LogSquare is s system integrated mostly with a model based on valueadded activities and intellectual knowhow. We are setting up a valueadded assembly, R&D and services facility in UAE. Our modules are from a bouquet of established OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with a proven reliability track record. Contemporary worldwide logistics trends such as just-in-time and e-commerce have led to an increasing freight volume to be transported under tight delivery schedules. Many supply chains have opted therefore to implement fully automated sorting systems in their distribution processes.
LogSquare
Moreover, LogSquare leverages its integration capabilities with a complete spectrum of sorters to suit every application paired with a variety of assets including controls, dimensioning, weighing, and scanning (DWS) systems and material flow software.
Recently, the company has upgraded its offering by installing a Cross Belt Sorter (CBS) solution at its excellence centre in Dubai, as part of its commitment to continuously enhance its software and engineering capabilities and offer its customers a testbed to familiarise and test the solution’s suitability.
Automated Sortation Systems
Automated Sortation systems are becoming an essential component of many supply chains such as postal services, retailers, and e-commerce due to three main reasons:
Depending on the operations in place, sortation might be carried out at inbound, outbound and/or to handle the returns.
For most companies, processing the incoming flow of goods is a laborious task. Adopting an automated sortation there will render the activity easier; inbound goods can be counted and received quickly and accurately by running them through the automated sorter to be ready for putaway.
LOGSQUARE: FEATURE-INTERVIEW SEPTEMBER 2022 43 providers. If we deduct the transportation time, the time remaining for all retrieval and sorting operations is very limited.
RECEIVINGPICKINGOR SORTING
The flexibility of having the option to sort the incoming products immediately to outbound, to the next batch or directly to an order will be also available. A similar activity usually requiring sortation as well is Returns. Items returning from customers to Distribution or Fulfilment centres need to be handled before re-storing. The most common sortation is done at Outbound. Items in warehouses or distribution centres are sorted based on their destinations. Random flows of items are consolidated for shipping.
Fixed Sorter Lines: The industrial range of sortation featuring a fixed sorter solution usually with transport and identification technology. Sorter can be of different types and shapes (Circular, Linear, CBS, Shoe, Narrow belt, Bombay, Tilt Tray, ARB, Pouch andWithmore)anarrow limitation on unit load dimension, shape and weight and an array of throughputs ranging up to 30,000 + units per hour, the cross-belt sorter is the solution offering the highest performance.
Sorting parameters
The viable solutions in sortation activities vary according to several factors: Operation guidelines and preference Data and growth forecast Level of investment and ROI Logistics school (Reactive, adaptive, avant-garde…)
In light of all of the above, LogSquare decided to invest in the studies of all possible applications to help their partners achieve their goals in an optimal way.
The answers to these elements will result in adopting one of the following sorting methods: Transport and picking aids: Basic Solutions Focused on automating transport and providing picking technology (Put-toLight, Voice, Display Guided, OVR).
On that account, LogSquare, as part of the continuous endeavour to promote technology to their partners, have invested in a Cross Belt Sorter for their excellence centre.
Automatic Sortation is mainly adopted by CEP, Retail and E-commerce; however, all industries will eventually implement automated sortation in a part of their supply chain. Any distribution or fulfilment centre is currently or will in the near future instigate automatic sortation in one or more areas.
The purpose of this activity is two-fold: Fulfil LogSquare continuous R&D objectives by continuously enhancing its software and engineering capabilities, and offering its customers, a test pad to familiarise and test the solution LogSquaresuitability.leverages its integration capabilities with complete spectrum of sorters to suit every application married with ancillaries such as Controls, Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) systems and Material Flow Software.
Reliability: Parcels sorted automatically will reach accurately the desired destination and the margin of error shall be close to zero.
Sorting parameters depend on the type of company or application within the supplyBelowchain.isadiagram of a typical sorting system application within the retail, 3PL or e-commerce outbound sorting process.
Volumes: The automated sortation systems have the capacity to handle large amounts of parcels. For instance, UPS largest hub has a capacity of sorting in excess of 100,000 parcels per hour.
Autonomous Mobile Robots: New Appealing Solutions comprising in majority of small moving robots transporting goods using navigation technology and fleet management software
New software.andnavigationgoodsRobotsAutonomousinSolutionsAppealingcomprisingmajorityofMobiletransportingusingtechnologyfleetmanagement SHIPPING
Owing to the challenges posed by the pandemic, industries, including supply chain have witnessed significant transformations in their operations with the rapid adoption of digital technologies across sectors. The recent years of challenges have necessitated a demand for efficient and advanced supply chain management, along with requisite business, analytical, and soft Despitecompetencies.manychallenges in the recent years, the Middle East is seeing development as the industry is quickly adopting digitised methods for efficiency. Yet, if these businesses lack the skill to understand and operate the new technologies, it can add to the existing challenges.According to a McKinsey report, 50 per cent of the current operations in supply chain could be completely digitalised by 2030, altering work processes and workforce requirements. However, the report also reveals that 45 per cent of the supply chain workforce does not have requisite skill sets to meet the current expectations of the market.
Effective technology training
Companies see the demand for advanced digital supply chain management technologies
Alain ManagingKaddoum,Director, Savoye Middle East
The increased use of automation in warehouse processes and end-to-end supply chain operations, from gesturebased warehouse picking to sophisticated trends and predictive analysis, has resulted in customer satisfaction and time management.Forexample, utilizing robotic and AI for stacking storage shelves up to five meters high and delivering a significant capacity of load to the goods-to-person picking station have been facilitated with the adoption of automated technologies. These innovative solutions are proving to be more flexible and effective, even at extremely harsh weather conditions, as it relies less on manual labour and accelerates productivity. With the help of these contemporary technologies, supply chain organisations may function more transparently with improved management of data collected, procurement procedures, and internal processes.
OPED—SAVOYE 44 SEPTEMBER 2022
Companies involved in supply chain management are adopting end-to-end digital processes for smooth and flexible operations, considering the prevalent market trends after the EXPO 2020 and growing market demands affirms Alain Kaddoum, Managing Director, Savoye Middle East, in this OpEd contribution.
Skill development in the evolving supply chain management technologies era
It is essential that employees of an organisation are fully aware of new developments in digital technologies to deliver an efficient performance across supply chain operations. To ensure improved operations, companies must provide effective technology training for different roles to improve skill sets of employees so that they are in tune with the drastic changes that are taking place due to digital disruptions and technological developments.Analysingthe recent trends in the logistics and supply chain, as well as utilising technologies effectively, can help industries keep abreast with modern developments. It can advance their skills and improve speed, accuracy, and flexibility of supply chain operations. Companies need to understand the differences and improvements in the supply chain work cycle after involving technology.Earlier,industries relied on manual processes due to lack of integration in decentralised supply chain procedures including siloed operations. For instance, demand planners redesigned and improved planning procedures for themselves. They manually derived data from multiple systems and approached other departments by phone or email to gather information. WMS However, with the arrival of advanced technologies such as combined Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transport Management System (TMS) have enhanced productivity and delivery solutions for the warehouse and transport management sector.
OPED—SAVOYE SEPTEMBER 2022 45
The increase in the prevalence of integrated digital supply chains has driven businesses to reimagine their outlook and adapt to the evolving market trends.
Over the years, successful companies have recognised the potential of innovative digital tools and procedures in furthering supply chain visibility and agility.
Logistics and supply chains solution providers are encouraging and raising awareness on these technologies, to improve efficiency and productivity of businesses. They are not aiming at turning supply chain professionals into technology experts but informing and making them aware of the capability of these technologies.
Leveraging the benefits of these technologies, businesses have observed positive transformations in their operations.
Leveraging benefits
Utilizing robotic and AI for stacking storage shelves up to 5 meters high and delivering a significant capacity of load to the goods-toperson picking station
Integration To easily become acquainted with new technology companies are integrating cloud-based software and technologies, which are strengthening employee skillset. SaaS models, for example, offer more user-friendly and affordable ways to access artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and other tools in supply chain management.Mostofthese platforms are payper-user and provide a wide range of customisation choices, making it easier for businesses to understand, implement, and invest in technology.
Crucial skills such as end-to-end supply chain perspective, cross-functional communication skills, data proficiency, and analytical talents should be a priority for companies while recruiting new talents, as these skills can provide a competitive advantage to companies in the industry.
services, including multimodal forwarding services, road, rail and air transportation, development of container warehouses, warehouse and other logistics infrastructure, contract logistics and customs clearance. This partnership with one of the largest global leaders in the field of logistics continues SEG’s development strategy to build a vertically integrated oil and gas company able to extract and process hydrocarbon raw materials into high value-added products, and supply these products to anywhere in the world, thanks to the creation of trade corridors.
In support of the project, AD Ports Group will establish its first foreign office in Uzbekistan. Joint venture will enable SEG product line to be brought to international markets
AD Ports Group (Abu Dhabi) and Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (SEG, Uzbekistan)
AD Ports Group, and SEG, one of the largest oil and gas companies in the Republic of Uzbekistan, recently signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to accelerate the development of logistics infrastructure and services in Uzbekistan and the output of Uzbek products, in particular SEG products, to the global market.
The ceremony attendees from Uzbekistan included Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan; Aziz Voitov, First Deputy Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan; Sherzod Khodjayev, Deputy Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan; Kakhramon Yuldashev, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of Uzbekistan; and Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Board of SEG.
Dr. Saeed Matar Al Qemzi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan
The ceremony attendees from the UAE delegation included Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Dr. Saeed Matar Al Qemzi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan, among others. “Our capacity to build one-stop economic hubs and logistics centres will be put to good use through the creation of a dedicated food hub, as well as the creation of inland ports and depots.” commented Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman, AD Ports Group.
ABU DHABI PORTS GROUP 46 SEPTEMBER 2022
AD Ports Group and SEG to create the largest logistics cluster in Uzbekistan
“Via new joint ventures, we will be able to bring a wider range of our products to the global market, which is fully consistent with the policy of our country and the policy of transforming SEG into a vertically integrated company,”indicated Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Board, SEG.
Trade Transformation
Key UAE delegation
will launch a joint venture to open new businesses in the field of logistics and cargo transportation, it was announced at a recent joint press ceremony.
“This is a major new agreement that will help transform trade and logistics for Uzbekistan, which has a fast-growing economy and rich natural resources. With our expertise, we will develop multimodal transport connections that will bring goods to market faster and more efficiently,” stressed Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group. Under the joint venture agreement, the two companies will establish a partnership in logistics and forwarding
Join NAFL & FIATA Get connec ted Network ing & Business Oppor tunities MOST ELABORATE NET WORK IN THE WORLD FOR FREIGHT AND UFORSCHOLARSHIPSLOGISTICSDESERVINGAENATIONALS Here’s why you should consider being a member: + The FIATA member cer tificate + Use of the FIATA logo + Entr y in the FIATA members direc tor y & network ing events + Adver tising in the FIATA members direc tor y, review and information (FIATA e Flash) + Special Rates for FIATA publication and ar ticles + Access to secretariate assistance + FIATA arbitration support + Use of FIATA documents(FIATA Bills of Lading) + FIATA worldwide member connec tivity + Talent Connec t Worldwide, E-Learning International Benefits: + The NAFL member cer tificate + Use of the NAFL logo + Free access to network ing events + Discounted rates for par ticipating in global and regional conferences + Asssistance in case of legal advocac y + Discounts for cargo/logistic events and exhibition stands + Discounted training rates for NAFL members + Training/Cer tification for regional/international courses + Insurance at discounted rates (cargo/liability/medical) ++ Complimentar y internship & Sk ills upgrade Mentoring & Innovation ideas + Discounted supplier rates for industr y produc ts National Benefits: Be the Industr y voice, protec t yourself by STC, Insurance and maritime advice, Network B2B, B2C ALEARNINGFIATACADEMYthe global voice of freight logistics ssocitionalation of eight & Logistics ACCREDITATIONS NAFL : National Association of Freight & Logistics P.O. Box 60944 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3431112, Mobile: +971 50 7802631 Register at info@nafl.ae / shankar@nafl.ae, ww w.nafl.ae DGR-CAT1-6 / IMDG NETWORKINGADVOCACY & EVENTS Join NAFL & FIATA Get connec ted Network ing & Business Oppor tunities MOST ELABORATE NET WORK IN THE WORLD FOR FREIGHT AND UFORSCHOLARSHIPSLOGISTICSDESERVINGAENATIONALS Here’s why you should consider being a member: + The FIATA member cer tificate + Use of the FIATA logo + Entr y in the FIATA members direc tor y & network ing events + Adver tising in the FIATA members direc tor y, review and information (FIATA e Flash) + Special Rates for FIATA publication and ar ticles + Access to secretariate assistance + FIATA arbitration support + Use of FIATA documents(FIATA Bills of Lading) + FIATA worldwide member connec tivity + Talent Connec t Worldwide, E-Learning International Benefits: + The NAFL member cer tificate + Use of the NAFL logo + Free access to network ing events + Discounted rates for par ticipating in global and regional conferences + Asssistance in case of legal advocac y + Discounts for cargo/logistic events and exhibition stands + Discounted training rates for NAFL members + Training/Cer tification for regional/international courses + Insurance at discounted rates (cargo/liability/medical) ++ Complimentar y internship & Sk ills upgrade Mentoring & Innovation ideas + Discounted supplier rates for industr y produc ts National Benefits: Be the Industr y voice, protec t yourself by STC, Insurance and maritime advice, Network B2B, B2C ALEARNINGFIATACADEMYthe global voice of freight logistics ssocitionalation of eight & Logistics ACCREDITATIONS NAFL : National Association of Freight & Logistics P.O. Box 60944 Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 3431112, Mobile: +971 50 7802631 Register at info@nafl.ae / shankar@nafl.ae, ww w.nafl.ae DGR-CAT1-6 / IMDG NAFL TRAINING NAFLMEMBERSHIP COURSES IN FREIGHT FORWARDING & LOGISTICS NETWORKINGADVOCACYLEGAL & EVENTS
Carrier flies past targets as EBITDA improves to US$ 691mn
tihad Airways has become the country’s first airline to join the InCountry Value (ICV) Programme. The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) is expanding the programme’s scope to include new sectors like aviation as part of the national industrial strategy to sustain economic growth and raise the efficiency and competitiveness of the industrial sector.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS 48 SEPTEMBER 2022
The In-Country Value Programme, part of the UAE’s ‘Projects of the 50’, is a pillar of the national industrial strategy and benefits certified companies by increasing local demand for their products and services. By joining the ICV programme, Etihad Airways will prioritize local suppliers and UAE companies in the procurement process. It will also encourage global suppliers to establish branches in the UAE, attracting more foreign investments to the country.Thesigning ceremony was witnessed among others by HE Sarah Bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology, and Mohammed Ali Al Shurafa, Chairman of Board of Directors, Etihad Aviation Group. The MoU was inked on behalf of MoIAT by HE Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry and for Etihad Airways, Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group.
Etihad Airways joins UAE’s In-Country Value Programme E
Move to toAviation’sboostcontributiontheindustrialsector
“Our results would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of the entire Etihad family, and our focus now is on continuing this momentum into the second half of the year,” commented Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer. Etihad’s passenger revenues tripled in the first six months of the year, climbing to US$ 1.25bn (H1-2021: US$ 320mn) as more business and leisure travellers returned to the air. Cargo operations continued to deliver exceptional results with revenues of US$ 802mn in the first half of 2022, representing an increase of 6% on the same period last year. Revenues remained strong despite the increase in passenger volumes limiting belly-hold capacity, leading to a 19% reduction in freight carried (295,020 tonnes).
Etihad Airways lately announced its financial and operating results for the first half of 2022, posting a recordbreaking core operating profit of US$ 296mn.Etihad carried 4.02mn passengers in H1-2022, over three million more than the number for the 2021 corresponding period), with an average seat load factor of 75%.
“Our transformation programme has made Etihad substantially more resilient and efficient, and we are extremely proud of our return to profitability in the first half of 2022,” stated Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer.
Etihad Airways record-breakingreportsH1-2022 profits
“The In-Country Value Programme is one of the pillars of the national strategy for advanced industry and technology, Operation 300Bn. It benefits certified companies by increasing demand for their products and services by redirecting government expenditure towards local companies,”” commented Al Suwaidi.
DP World recently announced the continued expansion of its e-commerce platform Dubuy.com in Africa, with launches in both Ghana andTheZambia.latest roll-out of the wholesale marketplace opens access to global supply chains for even more African businesses.Dubuy.com provides advanced technology and secure transactions for wholesale traders, connecting them safely and efficiently to international markets. These digital tools are underpinned by DP World’s robust physical infrastructure across Africa, such as the port at Maputo and its connections with East and South Africa. On the West Coast, DP World currently offers port-centric logistics solutions through Senegal and Angola. With Dubuy.com already offered in the UAE, Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya, the latest launches demonstrate DP World’s continued commitment to creating strategic trading gateways for the region, both physically and digitally, a press statement noted. “Dubuy.com continues to offer African businesses new ways to trade and expand. The latest launches connect our users with even more opportunities for growth,” stated Mahmood Al Bastaki, COO, Dubai Trade.
“Most importantly, through these projects, we hope to support the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and Operation 300bn, which aims to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to AED 300bn by 2031,” affirmed Bin Damithan.
E-commerce platform launches into Ghana and Zambia
P World UAE recently announced the signing of two new development projects with multinational agricultural commodity processors, strengthening the F&B cluster and capabilities within Jebel Ali in Dubai.
DP World UAE has signed two new development projects with multinational agricultural commodity processors.
Dubuy.com expands in Africa
D
“Our successful collaboration started from our presence in Jafza and continues with our new agri-facility in Jebel Ali,” commented Raipuria. “Our new facility in the Jebel Ali Port will serve as a gateway to the world, expanding our reach and preparing us to meet the demands of the rapidly growing pulses market,” remarked Ranani.
The signing ceremony was attended by Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director, DP World UAE and Jafza; Yogesh Raipuria, CEO, Adroit Canada; Yasin Abdul Majid Ranani, Managing Director, Al Amir Foods; and other officials from the entities.
The two facilities will account for an estimated annual trade of AED 900mn
The new integrated quayside facilities will enhance year-round availability and production of essential grains and pulses.
DP WORLD SEPTEMBER 2022 49
Adroit Canada and Al Amir Foods invests in Jebel Ali’s Agri Terminal
DP World UAE’s Food and Agriculture Terminal at the Jebel Ali Port has positioned Dubai as a key gateway for global trade in the F&B sector. With an estimated investment of AED 200mn, the facilities will have a singular eco-system for bulk silo storage and agri-processing.
CYBERSECURITY
Unprotected entry into the Metaverse brings accrued cyber risks – Acronis Enterprises that are considering joining the metaverse bandwagon have been put on high alert against imminent cyberattacks that could expose their valuable data to crippling cyberattacks, data exfiltration and breaches, a recent report by Acronis has revealed.
It is an important milestone for the Maersk Group today as it opened its first Integrated Logistics Centre in the UAE in a move that would strengthen its commitment towards its customers in the Middle East,” noted Morgan. As brands get increasingly engulfed in the metaverse, largely driven by the exciting opportunities that this relatively new digital concept presents, IT and cybersecurity experts are seriously concerned that most of them are rushing to establish their presence without a proper cybersecurity strategy.
Metaverse, an attempt to create an immersive virtual world that combines augmented and virtual reality, includes economic and social spaces where users from anywhere in the world can enjoy a wide range of content and experiences. This, according to cybersecurity experts, also significantly exposes individual internet users and brands that are playing in that space to a plethora of risks that could lead to a surge in cases of account hacking and tampering, phishing, and assets theft, according to a top Acronis official.
Futuristic Concept “Metaverse is an exciting and futuristic concept that is creating enormous opportunities for enterprises as well as innovators. However, enterprises that are considering operating in that space should also be weary of the imminent cyber threats that come with new innovation,” affirmed Candid Wüest, VP, Cyber Protection Research, Acronis. “As soon as digital property in the 3D universe, for instance, becomes of value, cases of account hacking, theft, ransomware, and phishing will also increase significantly. Partly to blame will be the lack of a solid cyber protection strategy to safeguard private and confidential information from potential attackers,” he continued.
Data Regulation
According to the ‘Acronis Cyber Protection Week Global Report 2022’, cybercriminals are exploiting the IT complexity to launch catastrophic cyberattacks. With most users still not fully aware of the magnitude of the cyber threats they are facing in the wake of increased metaverse adoption, daily data theft (credit card, identity, passwords, for example) lack of a cyber protection master plan. Main Risks Device security remains high on the cyber protection priority list as platform and device hacking is widely expected to soar as the metaverse uptake also skyrockets. Threats and breaches to devices is likely to worsen and could subsequently also have actual terminal consequences in the physical world. “For individual users of Metaverse, hacking of metaverse-enabled devices like specific headsets, for instance, can cause seizures, if someone is epileptic. It can also hurt their vision or hearing at least temporarily as well as expose their physical location, and more,” noted Wüest. Metaverse will not have entirely new security issues as it will have the similar issues as the gaming industry. The explosive popularity of gaming, which is arguably the biggest segment of the entertainment industry, with over three billion regular participants, paints a picture of just how lucrative the metaverse can become for cybercriminals based on the number of users it can attract.
While the concept of a virtual world was developed primarily for social platforms to help them boost engagement, the immersive multi-dimension will also create more opportunities for complex cyber-attacks.“Metaverse for information warfare is now emerging as a real threat that could be used to spread malicious information. Issues such as deep fake news will be more convincing in metaverse, news coverage will get more gruesome, and sports and entertainment will feel more real,” concluded Wüest. (Acronis, founded in 2003, is a global technology company with its corporate headquarters in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and global headquarters in Singapore.)
CYBERSECURITY SEPTEMBER 2022 51
With regulation lacking, cybercrime could become the fastest-growing type of crime currently valued at US$ 1-2tn and growing at a faster rate. However, despite the commitment by social media giant Meta that it will invest US$ 50mn in external research that will primarily focus on privacy and security in the metaverse, including a partnership with the National University of Singapore, to investigate data use more still needs to be done, especially by enterprises to secure their data. These safeguard measures include a comprehensive artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven cyber protection strategy combined with vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. Other effective security measures include blockchain technology to identify users; tokens assigned by an organization and use of biometrics in a headset to confirm user identity.
Metaverse Warfare
Candid Wuest, VP Cyber Protection Research, Acronis.
The lack of data collection and usage regulation has also emerged as a possible enabler of cyber threats within the virtual reality platform. This, IT security experts warn, could create a myriad of loopholes that cybercriminals could exploit to infiltrate private networks and gain unrestricted access to sensitive data from enterprises and individuals.
GWC LOGISTICS 52 SEPTEMBER 2022
Another trump card for both the host nation and GWC is Qatar’s compact nature. The longest distance between stadiums is just 75km and –when coupled with GWC’s extensive logistics network – means the company can operate end-to-end operations, which is almost unheard of for a major tournament like the FIFA World Cup™.
Like the State of Qatar, GWC has come a long way in a short space of time. Being named the Official Logistics Provider for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was an incredibly proud moment for the company – and testament to its rapid growth over the last 18 years.
A decade of hard work
Three phases
Qatar’s GWC Logistics is ready for the big kick-off as the countdown begins
GWC, the official and exclusive Logistics Services Provider, will deliver advanced logistics and supply chain solutions during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the company affirmed in a pre-opening report.
“Our extensive hubs, resolute workforce and world-leading IT solutions mean we have the capacity to oversee every part of the operation and, with 100 days to go before the tournament begins, we stand ready to support Qatar and FIFA in their efforts to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime mega-event,” explained Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC Logistics.
Tournament time
The FIFA World Cup™ journey for GWC can be split into three phases: the lengthy and incredibly busy build-up; the tournament itself; and the final stage, reverse logistics, which involves returning items to their country of origin.
“We are also determined to leverage this tournament to deliver a robust economic legacy that benefits businesses large and small for generations to come – in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030,” affirmed Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, GWC.
Delivering the logistics requirements for Qatar 2022TM demands a forwardthinking approach. And thanks to its 4,000-strong workforce, 1,600 specialist vehicles, 20 logistical hubs and near 4 million square meters of developed logistics infrastructure, GWC is perfectly positioned to deliver world-class logistics solutions throughout the event.
During the tournament, GWC will operate a control tower approach, where Spotlight on the logistics and elaborate operational arrangements for the global showpiece in the host country Ranjeev Menon, Group CEO, GWC Logistics.
GWC’s status as the Official Logistics Provider, aligned with its strategic partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organisation responsible for delivering the tournament infrastructure and legacy projects, meant it was in the perfect position to deliver the vast array of required logistics solutions for the FIFA World Cup™.
The 100-day countdown began until Qatar hosts what is being dubbed the biggest show on Earth: the FIFA World Cup™ to be staged in the country from 20 November to 18 December Preparations2022.forthe
event have lasted more than a decade, with GWC Logistics, the country’s biggest LSP, at the forefront of planning as Qatar looks forward to welcoming fans from across the globe later this year. With the opening match between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium, and while the fans soak up the atmosphere at eight state-of-the-art stadiums and entertainment zones across the country, GWC will be firmly focused on delivering logistics solutions for the host country, FIFA and numerous service providers, a press communique stated.
Sheikh Abdulla Bin Fahad Bin Jassem Bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman, GWC.
“Integrated with GWC’s strategicallylocated warehousing facilities and inventory management systems, the control tower will have clear visibility of everything – right from the time an order needs to be picked up and where it has to be delivered, to when the delivery is due and its current status,” asserted Menon.
GWC will play an important role in Qatar’s FIFA World Cup™ legacy by helping to support the country’s burgeoning small and medium enterprises (SME) sector, the press statement concluded.
“With our extensive hubs, resolute workforce and world-leading we have the capacity to oversee every part of the operation and we stand ready to support FIFA 2022, Qatar to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime mega-event”
GWC LOGISTICS SEPTEMBER 2022 53 a centralised command centre with provision for the master delivery schedule will be implemented. This will function as the central point for managing all logistical activities related to FIFA, its commercial affiliates, brands, distributors, service providers, broadcasters, and others.
Reverse logistics After the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy is lifted at Lusail Stadium on Qatar National Day, the country will be basking in the afterglow of hosting the most prestigious event in the region’s history. Fans in Qatar and around the world will be glued to the celebrations. For GWC, the focus will firmly be on reverse logistics and ensuring everything that arrived in the country temporarily returns to its point of origin.
As Qatar’s number one provider of logistics and supply chain solutions, GWC will also play a critical role in helping service providers across the country operate their businesses during the tournament, when the population –and associated challenges – will increase significantly.
Legacy After the reverse logistics, attention will immediately turn to legacy. Tournament organisers have spoken about legacy from day one, with lofty goals to accelerate Qatar National Vision 2030 by delivering projects which boost the economy, support human and social development, infrastructure, and the environment.“Werecently opened Phase 1 of our largest logistics park to-date, a 1,500,000msqm one-stop-shop that caters specifically for MSMEs. The site caters to all their commercial needs, as well as affording an opportunity to network with like-minded businesses. We function as an enabler or catalyst between these MSMEs and the companies that will come during the FIFA World Cup,” added Menon.
“The transition to low-carbon energy sources is fundamentally reshaping how energy is produced and consumed, and Middle Eastern NOCs have remained ahead of this evolutionary trend to date –broadening operational scopes to include alternative energy areas, approving decarbonization investments, to lowcarbon liquefied natural gas (LNG),” commented Szabolcs Mihalik, Partner & Associate Director, BCG. “Hosting COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the UAE in 2022 and 2023 will place NOCs in Africa and the Middle East in critical positions to review the challenges of climate change,” he added.
CAPEX. Utilizing predictive maintenance and management by exception to increase uptime can lower maintenance expenses by 15-25%.
This starts with redefining its operating philosophy – a term encompassing its vision, mission statement, principles, aims, and key business practices. NOCs will need to build cost and carbon considerations into all aspects of their operating philosophies. This may include embracing the lean
THE FUTURE OPERATING MODEL FOR NATIONAL OIL COMPANIES 54 SEPTEMBER 2022
National Oil Companies must look towards new operating model for a decarbonized future
Transforming an O&G company’s operating model is a three-step journey:
IOCs have realized that current upstream operating models are not sustainable; oil price volatility, oversupply, and energy transition are forcing them to evolve. Individual portfolio strategies may differ, but it has become clear that success in any future model requires radically new ways of working. To a similar extent, NOCs are also in the same position as IOCs, and a transformational change is a requirement.
Transforming operations International Oil Companies (IOCs) have already started to transform their operations. After decades of maintaining a long upward trajectory, O&G companies’ total shareholder return (TSR) has underperformed the S&P for the past 3-, 5- and 10-year investment periods with little relief in sight.
National Oil Companies (NOCs) need to rethink their operating model and clearly link it with their strategic objectives to deliver the expected future production, cost, and greenhouse gas reduction impacts, asserts a recent Boston Consulting Report (BCG).
The new BCG report entitled ‘The Future Operating Model for National Oil Companies’ observed a clear value of implementing lean operating models, as they can deliver 30-40% efficiency gains across the whole O&G upstream value chain. This includes levers such as applying deeper resolution reservoir models and linking them with production optimization that can result in a 4-6% increase in well production and 80% shorter cycle time in early design and evaluation.“Likeany transformation effort, implementing a new operating model requires a detailed roadmap, a defined team with clear accountabilities, active change management, risk assessments, and supporting IT systems,” affirmed Bjorn Ewers, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG. “For NOCs, an integrated transition approach should focus on various critical levers, including activities and processes, new ways of working, digital and technology, and decarbonization,” he continued. Multiple parameters Additional levers include applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) models and digital twins to predict non-productive-time events and optimize oil recovery can result in a 2-6% production increase and ~25% reduction in drilling & completions
1. Transform the way to operate
Bjorn Ewers, Managing Director and Senior Partner, BCG.
3. Develop a digitally enabled holistic operating model for the future Digitalization – including big data and predictive analytics, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and the Internet of Things (IoT) – has the power to strengthen and enable every aspect of O&G companies’ operations.Thethird step in the transformation journey is to develop a digitally enabled and holistic operating model for the future. This means building advanced capabilities and fully leveraging the range of digital tools. Companies must be able to move at pace from localized pilots to integrated large-scale implementation delivering maximum impact.
2. Streamline core processes and rationalize activities This begins with simplifying core production, maintenance, and safety processes. This simplification removes unnecessary steps and eliminates unwanted redundancies, making full use of newly available technologies and information. It includes reducing the volume of activities such as routine checks.
At this stage, companies should optimize their ratio of corrective to preventative maintenance, and preventive maintenance planning and frequency. This is also the time to revisit and rationalize the integrated operational planning process, correcting gaps and cutting non-value-added work.
THE FUTURE OPERATING MODEL FOR NATIONAL OIL COMPANIES SEPTEMBER 2022 55 approach to continuous improvement – optimizing operations, eliminating waste, and increasing customer value. It may be anchored around key operational shifts, like commitment to unmanned operations.
“Innovative ventures are rapidly unfolding in the sector, equipping NOCs— along with the countries that depend on their revenues—with long-term capabilities to facilitate green solutions,”noted JeanChristophe Bernardini, Partner & Associate Director,“NOCsBCG.are thus providing important elements of stability for economies during this process, especially if streamlining innovative processes within their future operations,” he further observed. (Boston Consulting Group is an American global management consulting firm founded in 1963 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.)
With restaurant deliveries soaring, an entirely new delivery and takeout business model has emerged Naji Haddad, General ManagerMiddle East, Deliverect.
6. Outsourced dark kitchen: This model outsources anything they can, so people working there only have to add the finishing touches to the meals. It is more customer-facing as it allows the team to focus on delivering a perfect order. This diversity in such a new business model is at least fascinating and opens new opportunities, but it also raises a big question… Is there a future for dark kitchens? Thanks to millennials being the driving force, by 2026, the restaurant-to-home delivery industry will be a US$ 500bn market globally with an annual growth rate of 8.29%.
Millennials spend most of their income on online food ordering because they like to taste different cuisines that offer a quick and smart solution to save time. They also have high purchasing power and prefer third-party delivery sites (with over half (54 percent) ordering this way). As a digital-first generation, millennials are critical of their experiences and enjoy sharing reviews and feedback online. That is why a brand’s strong digital presence is essential, and providing excellent services is crucial. And that implies an evolving relationship with customers and their new habits, leading to more considerable revenue in an industry expected to be worth US$ 1tn by 2030.
2. Multi-brand dark kitchen: Multiple brands share a single cloud kitchen under the umbrella of a parent company. While sharing the kitchen and equipment, brands offer different cuisines and dishes. This ecosystem enables them to maximize efficiency while minimizing operational costs.
The Future of Dark Kitchens: Efficiency, growth, expansion?
4. Aggregator-owned dark kitchen: When delivery service providers (Zomato, and Deliveroo) offer a fully equipped kitchen for restaurants to rent. These dark kitchens can concentrate on meal preparation while the place owner handles everything else.
1. Traditional dark kitchen: When a single brand owns or rents a single dark kitchen location, typically specializing in a single type of cuisine. It relies on thirdparty delivery channels.
Customer demand for outstanding food delivered directly to their door is rising. According to a report by BusinessWire, the global delivery industry is now projected to be a potential market that will cross the US$ 54.34bn mark by 2023. That is big news for dark kitchens (also known as ghost or virtual kitchens), a new business model that is also booming and has six different models, each with its pros and cons. Let us have a quick look:
3. Takeaway dark kitchen: Like the traditional ones, except they allow customers to wait and collect their orders.
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5. Aggregator-owned dark kitchen plus: Like the prior, this model provides an extended service. Aggregators provide more infrastructure and optimize the kitchen process. This may also include a storefront similar to that in the takeaway model.
Food delivery has been reshaping the restaurant industry since the late 2000s. It is no secret that the on-demand food industry is booming and has significantly capitalized on the shift in consumer behaviors driven by the global pandemic and mobile technology expansion, writes Naji Haddad, General Manager-Middle East, Deliverect.
4th Edition
GAC Bahrain will be installing photovoltaic solar panels on the rooftop of its warehouse in Bahrain Investment Wharf in Al Hidd as part of the wider GAC Group’s commitment to environmental protection and reduce its carbon footprint, the company revealed in a recent press communique.
Leading shipping and forwarding agency GAC Bahrain has recently partnered with local renewable energy construction company Al Mannai Projects to install 552 solar panels that will generate approximately 300 KW of power to the meet the facility’s electricity needs.
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It is also linked to Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% through local decarbonisation projects and doubling the development of regional renewable infrastructure.
The development is the latest part of the wider GAC’s Group’s commitment to promoting sustainability and accelerating decarbonisation across the wider maritime and logistics industries. GAC Bahrain joins the growing number of GAC offices utilising renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint.
Bahrain Economic vision 2030
Al Mannai Projects is a leading developer of renewable energy technology and is part of the Mannai Group Bahrain, one of the country’s oldest and leading business corporations. Its Renewable Technology division provides solar energy solutions to homes, offices, retail buildings and residential developments across Bahrain.
Sustainability strategy
GAC Bahrain boosts renewable output with strategic solar development project
“We are proud to be working with GAC Bahrain on this solar project as we all strive towards a sustainable future. We deliver high-quality, reliable, and sustainable solar power across the region, and our designs all meet the strict standards of international and Bahraini Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) standards,” asserted Talal Al Mannai, CEO, Al Mannai Projects.
This solar project is in line with the wider GAC Group’s sustainability strategy, which includes a commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals and a net carbon zero future. As part of its Roadmap to Sustainability, GAC has committed to adapt, innovate and reduce in its activities and engage with local stakeholders to create long-term value towards a sustainable future.
In 2014, Bahrain formed its Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) as a joint initiative between the Office of the Minister of Electricity and Water Affairs and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop a sustainable energy policy and promote renewable energy.
Move is part of wider group’s ‘Roadmap to Sustainability’
“Our latest solar project is a vital step in our green journey and demonstrates our pledge to use renewable resources in line with the country’s Economic Vision 2030 and the GAC Group’s commitment to adapt and innovate its activities towards a sustainable future,” affirmed Johan Fulke, Managing Director, GAC Bahrain.
The carbon-offset programme follows the launch earlier this year of Cathay Pacific’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme, which brings SAF into Hong Kong International Airport for the first time in history.Itprovides corporate customers the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint from business travel and air cargo shipments by contributing to the use of SAF. Cathay Pacific was also among the first carriers in the world to announce a target of 10% SAF in its total fuel use by General2030.Manager Cargo Commercial George Edmunds said: “In tandem with our promotion and development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel capabilities, the calculator will give our customers flexibility to offset their carbon emissions via a suite of accredited carbon offsetCustomersprojects.”have already been able to estimate their potential carbon emissions by searching for flight connections with the emission calculator, but now registered customers using the website will be able to offset their shipments by air waybill (AWB) number.
The new carbon emissions calculator works out the carbon emissions of shipments and the cost to offset them in just a couple of simple steps. Customers can then contribute to purchase carbon offsets that come from carefully selected carbon-offset projects.
Quantifiable “Multiple factors can lead to variance in the amount of emissions generated by a booked shipment. GLSHK helped refine this system with Cathay Pacific Cargo by using a variety of data sources to calculate the emissions for a shipment to maximise the accuracy of the offset for our customers,” explained Simon Ng, CEO, Global Logistic System (HK) Co., Ltd (GLSHK), a Cathay Pacific-owned subsidiary.Themonetary contributions go directly to fund third-party validated projects that help to offset the CO2 generated by shipments, through carbon credits bought by Cathay Pacific and passed on to customers at cost. The airline makes no profit in the carbon-offset transactions, the press statement continued.
Cathay Pacific Cargo introduces Fly Greener–the uniquely green initiative
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“We believe that the ease and simplicity of Fly Greener and the carbon emissions calculator makes the rigour and complexity that goes into carbon emissions calculations straightforward and user-friendly,” concluded Chris Bowden, Head of Cargo Global Partnerships, Cathay Pacific Airways.
Fly Greener is a carbon-offset programme powered by an integrated carbon emissions calculator, as part of the Cathay Pacific’s commitment to tackling climate change by achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The programme’s carbon emissions calculator makes offsetting emissions easy
All selected projects are certified under the Gold Standard to ensure their carbon reductions are verified and come with societal and developmental benefits, the airline said in a press communique.
Carbon Offset programme
sustainabilitytakingPacificCathayistheleadinaviation’seffortsinAsiawiththeextensionofFlyGreenertoitsaircargoservices.
W i t h a s y s t e m a t i c o r g a n i z a t i o n a n d i n n o v a t i v e s o l u t i o n s , w e o f f e r y o u Q u i c k , P r o A c t i v e , c r e a t i v e s o l u t i o n f o r y o u r m o s t c o m p l e x t r a n s p o r t a t i o n C h a l l e n g e s O u r s e r v i c e p a c k a g e i n c l u d e s t h e h a n d l i n g o f O v e r S i z e d a n d H e a v y L i f t c a r g o , a s w e l l a s p r o v i d e R i s k A s s e s s m e n t a n d t h e m e t h o d s t a t e m e n t f o r t h e d e l i v e r y o f c a r g o O u r P r o j e c t P r o f e s s i o n a l s a n a l y s e s t h e s c a l e o f t h e p r o j e c t a n d o r g a n i z e s a l l t h e n e c e s s a r y r e s o u r c e s a n d p e r m i t s t o c o m p l e t e t h e d e l i v e r y w i t h g r e a t e s t e f f i c i e n c y Integrated and highly complex logistics services +971 56 408 7656 emirhan turhan@hellmann com G E T C O N N E C T E LD E T ' S D O B U S I N E S S ! Emirhan Turhan Head of Sales UAE
