Dammam, KSA— Almajdouie Logistics, a leading integrated supply chain provider in the Middle East, became the first logistics company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain an operational license for hydrogen trucks from the Saudi Transport General Authority (TGA).
The company, which has been operating for over 50 years, recently welcomed its first hydrogen truck which it says speaks about its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Its newly acquired hydrogen-powered truck boasts zero carbon emissions and a safety-focused design
And it can cover long distances exceeding 400 km.
“As part of our vision for a sustainable future, we are collaborating with Air Products Qudra Company to enhance the hydrogen transportation sector. Our focus includes infrastructure development and the establishment of refueling stations across the Kingdom,” Almajdouie Logistics said.
Almajdouie Logistics is part of the Almajdouie Group, one of the largest conglomerates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Ali Ibrahim Almajdouie established the Group in 1965 as a land transport company. Over the years, the business has flourished and now caters to a diverse range of sectors and industries.
Dubai, UAE— Savoye was selected as the automation and technology partner to fully automate the e-commerce Global Distribution Center in KSA for iHerb, the leading global eCommerce retailer for health and wellness which has its base in Riyadh in the Middle East. Savoye is a leading global warehouse automation integrator and software publisher in the Middle East. For the project, it partnered with CJ Logistics, a 3PL services company operating for iHerb, in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to deliver world-class automation solutions for its e-commerce Global Distribution Center (GDC).
The strategic partnership is a significant development for Savoye in KSA, following its recent expansion into the region.
Under the terms of the partnership, Savoye will implement a fully automated fulfilment center, the first-of-its-kind in the region, which includes a X-PTS Goods-To-Persons (GTP) shuttle system, Warehouse Execution Software (WES), Zone to Zone fast picking system and automated
orders packing to process 15K orders per day. Savoye’s flagship X-PTS shuttle technology will be central to the project, serving as the foundation for an effective and ergonomic Goods-To- Person solution.
Savoye’s high-end solution is seamlessly designed to reduce picking and packing time byutilizing Savoye’s highly ergonomic GTP stations for prompt high-speed picking operations. In addition, Savoye has designed fully automated packing lines that are in charge of closing and labeling the prepared orders before automatically sorting them into the various shipping lanes. The latest agreement marks a significant milestone for all parties as they actively work towards
“We are proud to embark on this journey with CJ Logistics and iHerb to further explore the Saudi Arabian market with our tailored automated solutions. This partnership holds great significance as it demonstrates our dedication to advancing the supply chain and logistics industry. Our combined efforts are also focused on meeting the industry’s expanding needs while advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program. We thus look forward to making significant strides together and establishing new benchmarks for automated solutions in the region,” Alain Kaddoum, Managing Director of Savoye Middle East.
The partnership is in line with the Health Sector Transformation Program, a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to restructure the healthcare industry into a comprehensive, efficient, and integrated system based on the wellness of people and the community at large.
Dubai, UAE—The Union of African Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture & Professions (UACCIAP) and DP World have formalized a ground-breaking partnership to reshape intra-Africa trade by addressing the key challenges faced by businesses and enhancing opportunities for collaboration.
With focus on overcoming the hurdles hindering intra-Africa trade, the partnership seeks to make trade within the continent more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective. Under the agreement, UACCIAP and DP World will provide African businesses with a robust platform for connecting, sharing business information, access to fairs and exhibitions, sectorial and general delegations and logistics support.
UACCIAP Chairman Ahmed El Wakil and DP World Group Chairman & CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem signed the agreement in DP World’s Jebel Ali Free Zone.
“We are dedicated to supporting the growth of African businesses and fostering trade within the continent. Poor road, rail, and maritime infrastructure add as much as 40% to the costs of goods traded among African countries. At the same time, intra-African trade makes up just 13% of its total. This agreement will provide our members with a valuable platform to reach new markets and expand their operations,” said Sulayem.
El Wakil added: “This partnership is a significant step towards promoting trade and investment between African countries. We have witnessed many African countries drive their economies towards higher growth and we are fully confident in our continent’s offering to the world. We are delighted to partner with DP World, a global leader in logistics and e-commerce, to connect African businesses with new opportunities and markets.”
The partnership sets the stage for:
Muscat, Oman– Aramex (DFM: ARMX), a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has unveiled a new and advanced courier operation facility in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman, as part of its efforts to further streamline the entire shipping process – from package arrival to their final delivery.
The new state-of-the-art facility is strategically located near the Muscat Airport to serve as a central hub for Aramex’s operations, facilitating faster delivery times and more efficient logistics management. It is equipped with the latest sorting and processing technology, which ensures every package is handled with precision and efficiency.
It also puts extra emphasis on security, which, besides being equipped with non-stop CCTV surveillance, features improved access control and robust security protocols, thus ensuring peace of mind for customers by protecting their packages and information.
With a goal to significantly enhance the overall customer experience, the facility will also serve as a customer service center, delivering face-to-face assistance and swift support for any inquiries that customers might have.
The new facility was officially inaugurated on the 14th of November in the presence of Aramex’s team, including its senior management, along with local government officials and private sector partners.
Speaking on the occasion, Samer Marei, Vice President – GCC at Aramex, said: “We are delighted to open our enhanced facility in the Sultanate of Oman. Exemplifying our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the logistics industry, this facility marks a significant milestone in Aramex’s dedication to enhancing global shipping capabilities. It enables us to provide even more efficient and reliable services to customers, contributing to the growth of the logistics sector in the Sultanate. I thank our exceptional team and every partner involved for their collaborative efforts in making this achievement possible.”
Fadi Kasem, General Manager of Aramex in Oman, added: “This brand-new facility is a testament to our unwavering commitment to improving courier services in the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. I’m confident that it will enable us to deliver exceptional service to our valued customers, and it aligns with our goal of providing our customers with the best possible experience.”
The new facility is also set to support the local job market by creating new job opportunities, especially for the youth, and ultimately contribute to Oman’s economic growth and community development.
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates — Leading regional ports and terminals operator Gulftainer announced it has extended its concession agreements with the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority for a further 35 years, reinforcing their common goal of modernizing the key trade gateways in the Northern Emirates.
The extended agreements allow Gulftainer to manage, operate and further develop the Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) and Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) throughout this century.
Gulftainer signed the original concession agreements for operating and managing the container terminal at Port Khalid in 1976 and the container terminal at Port Khorfakkan in 1986.
Gulftainer and Sharjah Ports Authority have been the trade enablers not only for the Emirate of Sharjah but also for the Northern Emirates and the whole UAE, handling container, bulk, Ro-Ro and general cargo.
Additionally, KCT – one of the world’s most productive ports, strategically located outside the Straits of
Hormuz in Sharjah and the Indian Ocean serving the major east-west shipping routes, is capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels and is also fully equipped to handle general cargoes for the UAE market and the wider GCC region.
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, signed the agreement with Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer. Their continued collaboration spanning over five decades marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s maritime landscape, underscoring the value of public-private partnerships and their vital role in revolutionising port infrastructure and bolstering trade for the region and beyond.
“We look forward to continuing these endeavours and remain committed to fostering the right blueprint in advancing the UAE’s maritime sector by connecting our region with global markets. Sharjah is well positioned to contribute to the future and prosperity of the country’s economy, and with the extended concession agreements with Gulftainer, we strengthen the foundation stone for a new era of resilient trade and smooth connectivity for the supply chain and logistics industry, both within and from our region to the world,” said Sheikh Al Qasimi.
Peter Richards, Group CEO of Gulftainer, said: “I am delighted that our strategic partnership with the Emirate of Sharjah is going from strength to strength and these agreements are a win for both parties, reaffirming Gulftainer’s commitment to actively manage its growing portfolio; to ensure that we continue to deliver positive benefits for the economy and the communities in which we operate.”
DOHA/LONDON— Dronamics, the world’s first cargo drone airline licensed to operate in Europe, and Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s largest international cargo carrier, jointly announced their interline agreement, the first of its kind between an international airline and a cargo drone airline.
The interline agreement allows the extension of the delivery networks of both partners, significantly increasing their reach as well as providing access to areas previously hard to reach by traditional air freight.
Through the agreement, Dronamics can offer cargo services from any of its droneports, initially in Greece, to the wider Qatar Airways Cargo network, including destinations such as Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and the United States (JFK). Qatar Airways Cargo is able to access remote locations that Dronamics serves, such as the Greek islands, on the Dronamics cargo drone network.
Through this network expansion, Dronamics customers can make a single booking to transport goods from a Dronamics droneport to any destination that the interline joint network covers, and vice versa. The potential for the flow of goods, from pharma to food, from e-commerce, mail and parcels to spare parts, is significant, enabling rapid and reliable shipments to and from locations not sufficiently covered by air freight.
‘’We’re very excited to have the world’s largest air cargo carrier as our partner for the first-of-its-kind interline agreement with our category-defining cargo drone airline. While currently less than 1% of global trade moves by air, the vast global reach of Qatar Airways Cargo and their world-leading capacity and service give us the perfect platform to massively expand air cargo accessibility to countless more communities worldwide, enabling same-day delivery for everyone, everywhere,’’ said Svilen Rangelov, Co-Founder and CEO of Dronamics.
Elisabeth Oudkerk, SVP Cargo Sales & Network Planning at Qatar Airways Cargo, commented: “As part of our VISION 2027 5-year strategy, we are committed to remaining at the forefront of our industry by embracing new disruptive technology. It is also within our DNA to support young ambitious companies like Dronamics and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for this exciting business. It is a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous cargo drone transportation and we are proud to be the first international airline to offer this service.”
Dronamics is expected to begin commercial operations in Greece early next year, focusing on establishing a same-day service connecting Athens, the capital city, with the industrial north area of the country, as well as the islands in the south.
Earlier this year, Dronamics became the first cargo drone airline to obtain IATA & ICAO designator codes, granting it recognition on par with other international airlines, and the ability to issue air waybills to enable seamless bookings with its airline partners.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, announced its enhanced cool chain capabilities in the US through the expansion of its network with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of the SATS Group.
Etihad Cargo said its customers will benefit from consistent end-to-end cargo services via the carrier’s PharmaLife and FreshForward products in addition to the cargo handling facilities and services offered by WFS at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Etihad Cargo recently expanded its network with WFS to incorporate all the carrier’s US stations. Before adding Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the carrier partnered with WFS in New York and Washington to ensure Etihad Cargo’s robust quality standards are maintained throughout the cargo’s entire journey. In both New York and Washington, WFS operates specialised facilities for the handling of perishables and pharmaceutical commodities.
At JFK, two cool rooms provide storage for perishables and pharmaceuticals requiring temperatures of between +2 to +8 and +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. The JFK facility also features a ramp area located immediately behind the building and organised ULD storage area with a new racking system, making the handling of cargo more seamless.
The WFS Washington facilities include a 60,000-square-foot warehouse and perishables, pharmaceuticals and live animals capabilities. In recent months, Etihad Cargo has increased volumes of its premium product range transported into and out of Washington.
Thomas Schürmann, Head of Cargo Operations & Delivery at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo and WFS have been partners for a number of years in the US, Europe and Asia, and the cargo handling services WFS provides align fully with Etihad Cargo’s commitment to providing world-leading, compliant cargo solutions at every stage of a cargo’s journey.
“Adherence to Etihad Cargo’s robust quality standards and the capacity to handle increased cargo volumes while ensuring consistent service levels contributed to Etihad Cargo’s decision to appoint WFS as the carrier’s cargo handling partner at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. WFS currently handles approximately 110,000 tonnes of cargo on behalf of Etihad Cargo in the US annually, and this is anticipated to increase with the addition of Chicago to Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS and higher volumes of the carrier’s PharmaLife and FreshForward products being transported across Etihad Cargo’s global network.”
As the latest station to be added to Etihad Cargo’s network with WFS, the cargo handler’s facilities at Chicago O’Hare International Airport include a new state-of-the-art on-airport facility and off-airport location.
The new facility features a fully temperature-controlled warehouse with a Controlled Room Temperature (CRT) environment that maintains a constant temperature of between +15 to +25 degrees Celsius in addition to a dedicated 3000-square-metre +2 to +8 degrees Celsius cool room, which holds 120 skid and 10 ULD positions. The facility offers 37 active container charging stations and export, import, dangerous goods and cooler staging areas.
“WFS, in keeping with SATS’ emphasis on providing added value for our airline and freight forwarder customers, is investing in the development of cool chain solutions to become a key industry partner for pharma and perishable shipments. We are proud to provide this premium solution for Etihad Cargo, and value the confidence they have placed in us by expanding our partnership in Chicago. Thanks to the unique global network we now have as part of the SATS Group, WFS can leverage the capabilities and expertise of our North American pharma facilities with those of our other pharma centres around the world,” said Jose Canales, Senior Vice President, Commercial & Business Development, Americas, at WFS.
Etihad Cargo has demonstrated its commitment to quality, becoming the first Middle Eastern airline to achieve IATA CEIV Pharma, Fresh and Live Animals certifications. The airline has gone on to enhance its eight-strong premium product offering with the introduction of new features, including specialised thermal covers, the development of over 1,330 IATA CEIV / GDP pharma trade lanes and the adoption of digital tools to support the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global air cargo hub, with a strong focus on pharmaceuticals and life sciences products.
“Etihad Cargo is committed to being the air cargo partner of choice, and quality is a core pillar of achieving this vision. Working with partners, such as WFS, who share and adhere to Etihad Cargo’s robust quality standards and industry best practices will enable the carrier to further improve the customer experience and ensure partners receive consistently high-quality air cargo solutions across Etihad Cargo’s global network,” Schürmann concluded.
Meanwhile, WFS says it will increase its cargo capacity at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by 20% in early 2025 with the opening of a new 346,000 sq. ft. terminal incorporating advanced technology and sustainability solutions.
New York JFK is one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations. WFS already operates eight handling facilities at the airport, serving 38 airline customers. The new facility will take the company’s footprint at North America’s sixth-largest cargo airport to over 700,000 sq. ft. and grow capacity to more than 675,000 tonnes per annum.
Bocholt, Germany – A lower chassis and battery-powered too – they are the main features of a new generation of emission-free tractor units that the freight forwarding and logistics company, Duvenbeck, has welcomed into its fleet.
The new vehicle is a so-called “low deck” tractor unit which means it can only haul trailers with an interior loading height of three meters due to its low chassis height. These trailers, described as mega trailers, are particularly efficient and suitable for services in the automobile industry, because they enable the space to be fully used in the best possible way.
The low-deck tractor unit is based on the MID CAB model in Volvo’s FM range of vehicles. It has been electrified by the Volvo subsidiary, Designwerk Technologies, which has its headquarters in Switzerland.
Duvenbeck said it is using the vehicle for highly productive shuttle services for selected customers in the automobile industry – for example, between Herne in Germany and Ghent in Belgium. The battery-powered version is the first low-deck tractor unit that Duvenbeck is using for long-distance services in Germany.
“We’re taking another step towards electrifying our fleet by using the battery-powered electric tractor unit. In our role as a logistics partner for the automobile industry, we’ll support our customers’ transformation process towards e-mobility by providing even more electrical and eco-friendly transport services for goods in future,” said Bernd Reining, the Fleet Manager at Duvenbeck, explaining the latest development.
Robert Frehen, the Chief of Staff at Duvenbeck, added, “The new low-deck electric truck has already demonstrated its suitability for long-distance services during the last few weeks. If the battery is charged to a level of 340 kilowatt hours, the vehicle is able to travel up to 275 kilometres – even when fully loaded. When used in conjunction with the suitable charging infrastructure, this electric truck is making a market-ready and long-term contribution to reducing environmentally-damaging emissions in our customers’ transport networks.”
Sharjah, UAE— GT USA’s Canaveral Cargo Terminal (CCT) was successful in winning a bid to receive and assist in the assembly of one of Liebherr’s largest mobile harbour crane in the US at its terminal.
The heavy lift operation took approximately five days, where SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Jumbo-SAL Alliance, brought the vessel Frauke to Port Canaveral.
The heavy lift project consisted of multiple pieces of a Liebherr TCC-BOS 14000 cranes, where one of the pieces discharged weighed a GT record breaking 680 metric tonnes, this component was tandem lifted off the vessel utilising the ship’s gear where each crane had a safe working load of 700 metric tonnes each.
Another record was broken as the longest piece of cargo discharged over the quay when CCT discharged the boom of MHC, measuring nearly 350 feet in length. This operation also consisted of supporting the
manufacturer assemble the crane’s main components utilising the ship’s gear.
Once fully assembled, the new crane will remain on CCT’s facility to assist the Space industry operations carried out in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Luke Richards, Managing Director of GT USA, explained: “A substantial amount of meticulous planning was invested by all parties involved to guarantee the safe and efficient unloading of these heavy pieces. Our experienced team demonstrated a hands-on and professional approach, effectively ensuring the safe unloading of all cargo. With the successful completion of this project, we showcase our commitment to improving our capacity and driving operation efficiencies at Canaveral Cargo Terminal and across Gulftainer’s portfolio.”
Juan De Jesus, Director – Technical Services at Intermarine, the appointed port captain for the Shipping Line, said: “A successful transport, discharge and installation operation were achieved due to extensive heavy lift experience and cooperation between SAL crew, Liebherr team and GT USA. Challenges were overcome while making great times and strengthening relationships onboard and ashore. We look forward to continue working with our partners in the future.”
Ideally located on the East Coast of the USA, Gulftainer’s Canaveral Cargo Terminal offers end-to-end niche supply chain and dynamic logistics capabilities, providing both importers and exporters with highly efficient, unrivalled productive and competitive trade solutions.
Dubai, UAE—Emirates Post Group (EPG) has shortlisted three groups for the next phase of ‘Logistics Unleashed’ competition, which is being held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education and leading technology companies.
The competition offered an exciting opportunity for young innovators to exhibit their talent and creativity in the field of robotics and logistics.
EPG meticulously selected Robolgic, RoboPost and MASH Innovators, after conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their robotics and programming skills. These teams will now advance to the next stage of the competition, which involves developing a proposal and constructing a robot to address a specific case study.
As part of this journey, the Group will provide the shortlisted teams with coaching and exclusive access to a specially curated program. The tailor-made program encompasses tours of EPG’s facilities, including sorting centres and retail branches, enabling the teams to closely observe the advanced sorting, shipping, and delivery process.
Furthermore, the selected teams will get the opportunity to engage with EPG’s esteemed technology partners – Bayanat, a leader in AI-powered geo-intelligent solutions; Skygo, a trailblazer in drone technology; and Strata, an advanced manufacturing Company. These interactions with the industry leaders will not only offer participants the chance to gain profound insights into the latest advancements and cutting-edge technology but will also include immersive educational tours of their headquarters, to provide them a firsthand experience of innovation in action.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the shortlisted teams and wish them the very best as they prepare to exhibit their innovations. At EPG we are tirelessly working towards providing maximum support for the young talents. We eagerly look forward to continuing our journey with these champions and seek to pave paths toward a future entitled to the excellence of technology. Through this initiative, we aim to provide our students with valuable knowledge about the market trends and innovative technology that are capable of redefining the logistics landscape,” said Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Group CEO of Emirates Post Group.
The competition marks a significant stride in nurturing innovation and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth of the UAE. It will offer participants invaluable real-life experience, elevating their expertise in areas like project management, budgeting, planning, and presentation skills. The initiative underscores EPG’s commitment to continuously engaging with and empowering the youth with the aim to steer them toward a brighter future driven by technology.
Technology has made the world smaller and faster.Real time communication with people from all over the world at different time zones through phones and gadgets
