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SUPPLY CHAINS-
Etihad Cargo + Kezad Group ink MoU on pharma distribution: The UAE’s Etihad Cargo has inked an MoU with AD Ports Group subsidiary Kezad Group, the Abu Dhabi Health Department (DoH), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (IO) to boost pharma distribution in Abu Dhabi, according to a statement released on Friday. The MoU aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a regional pharma distribution hub, the statement said.
SHIPPING + MARITIME-
Hapag-Lloyd introduces TRE shipping line: Hapag-Lloyd has introduced a new shipping line, the Turkey Red Sea Express (TRE), that will begin operations on 15 June, according to a statement released last week. The rotation will pass through Turkey’s Istanbul, Izmit, Aliaga, Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah, and Jordan’s Aqaba.
Gulftainer receives its first ro-ro vessel at Jubail Container Terminal: Gulftainer ’s KSA subsidiary Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO) has received its first roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo vessel, the Grande Dakar, according to a press release issued on Thursday. The vessel discharged 287 buses with a “remarkably swift” turnover time, the statement said.
Gulf Energy Maritime to add two MR vessels to its fleet: Gulf Energy Maritime is turning to HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard for two medium-range (MR) tankers, the Gem Daniela and the Gem Delilah, Splash reported on Thursday. The 50k dwt units are slated to be delivered in 2026 for an undisclosed price, the outlet reports. Shipbrokers expect each of the vessels to be valued at a minimum of USD 50 mn, Imarinenews reports, citing Trade Winds.
About Gulf Energy Maritime: Formed in 2004 as a JV between Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Abu Dhabi’s International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), the Oman Oil Company (OOC) and Thales of France, Gulf Energy has seven ships in operation, with six MR newbuilds slated for delivery within the next two years from Hyundai Mipo, the outlet says.
PORTS-
Vahle to automate container blocs at Khalifa port: Shipping giant CMA CGM has signed a contract with German port automation solutions provider Vahle for the electrification and automation of container blocks at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port, the first phase for which will start this summer, according to a statement published on Thursday. Phase 1 will see around 16 container blocks fitted with Vahle’s automation systems, which will involve installing around 22 km of U35 conductor systems and data communication systems.
Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has inaugurated a command, control, and capacity building center at Jeddah Islamic Port, according to a statement released last week. This initiative aims to streamline Mawani’s maritime operations, including cargo throughput and operational readiness, and to contribute to crisis management by using advanced programs and systems that assist in data collection and analysis, according to the statement. The center will also integrate and coordinate operations and activities across various sectors and government levels to ensure business continuity, the statement adds.
AVIATION-
Hong Kong flag airline Cathay Pacific will launch direct passenger flights to Riyadh starting 28 October, it said in a statement. It will launch three weekly return flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh using their Airbus A350-900 aircraft on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
We’ve been expecting this: Last month, Saudi Air Connectivity Program CEO Majid Khan said the program was expected to announce “big news” in the first week of June on a new route connecting Asia to the Kingdom. Another announcement on a destination “from the west” is set to be made after the summer, Khan said, refusing to disclose further details.
RAIL-
DP World aims for 40% rail freight share at UK Southampton terminal in 2026: The UAE’s DP World aims to cut down on carbon emissions by reducing the share of freight owners who transport their goods via trucks, aiming for a 40% rail freight share in 2026, according to a statement published on Thursday. The firm is making the shift through its Modal Shift Program at the terminal, which encourages owners to use a strategically located railhead instead of trucks. The share of rail freight at Southampton has risen to 30% since the launch of the project in September of last year.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-
- Morocco adds second South Korean tanker: Morocco’s petroleum company Petrocab has ordered its second oil tanker from South Korean shipbuilder Dae Sun Shipbuilding & Engineering. (Morocco World News)
- Air Arabia resumes flights to Iraq’s Basra: UAE budget airline Air Arabia launched four flights a week to Iraq’s Basra from Sharjah International Airport. (Wam)
- Royal Air Maroc adds a new Brazil route: Morocco’s Royal Air Maroc will operate three direct flights from Casablanca to Brazil’s Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport starting 7 December. (Morocco World News)
- Gulf Air launches two more flights to Geneva: Bahrain’s Gulf Air is operating two weekly flights from Bahrain to Geneva via Milan from 4 June until 27 September. (BNA)
- Poland’s LOT flies to Riyadh: LOT Polish Airlines has launched three weekly flights from Warsaw Chopin Airport to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
