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CUSTOMS-
Abu Dhabi Customs + Fedex partner to digitize operations: The General Administration of Abu Dhabi Customs has inked a Service Level Agreement with freight forwarding firm FedEx on digital integration, according to a statement. The agreement will result in a structured framework for digital integration in the areas of customs clearance to increase the volume of exports and imports through express shipping services
AVIATION-
Qatar Airways Cargo + Qatar Post partner to boost postal activity: Qatar Airways’ cargo arm and Qatar Post have inked a strategic cooperation agreement to boost in postal services and mail transportation to and from Qatar, according to a statement. The pair will collaborate to streamline the transportation and delivery of postal shipments, and competitive rates will be on offer for postal shipments transported by Qatar Airways Cargo to Qatar Post, according to the statement.
SHIPPING + MARITIME-
#1- Mawani signs tripartite agreement: The Saudi Port Authority (Mawani), Singapore’s Pacific International Lines (PIL), and the Saudi Transport and Logistics Services Ministry have inked an MoU to develop infrastructure for the transportation and logistics sector in Saudi Arabia, according to a statement. The agreement aims to boost maritime transport and logistics services, including developing rail connectivity services and shipping lines as well as enhancing storage and distribution services. The partnership also seeks to develop feeder ship services in local and regional markets.
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Mawani also added a new shipping service — MER1 — in partnership with C star line and UGL at Jeddah Islamic Port, according to a statement. The new service offers a capacity of 1.6k TEUs and will connect the Kingdom’s ports with ports in the Middle East, the Red Sea, and the Horn of Africa. The MER1 is the 22nd service added by Mawani since the beginning of 2024.
#2- The UAE’s DP World has received 47k TEUs of 20-foot branded containers, according to a statement. DP World will use its expanded container capacity to stay flexible in the face of rapid supply chain changes, increasing control over delivery schedules and reducing the risk of delays. The move also looks to modernize the firm’s existing container fleet, reducing maintenance needs and running costs.
#3- Algeria Telecom to modernize communications on Hyproc fleet: Sonatrach subsidiary Hyproc Maritime Transport Company for Hydrocarbons has signed a partnership agreement with the Algerian Telecommunications Space Corporation to provide satellite communication services aboard Hyproc ships using the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) technology, according to a statement.
What does this mean? The agreement will boost the connectivity needs of Hyproc while streamlining maritime operations. As part of this initiative, Hyproc will benefit from high-speed internet coverage and other satellite communication services.
FREIGHT FORWARDING-
DHL Supply Chains expands to UAE: Freight forwarding giant DHL is launching DHL Supply Chain in the UAE through a strategic transfer of specific business operations from DHL Global Forwarding, according to a statement. DHL will offer warehousing, fulfillment, and aftermarket services and is targeting industries including tech, automotive, aviation, energy, manufacturing and e-commerce.
UAE to integrate GIS tech in postage operations: The UAE’s 7X has inked an MoU with geo-intelligence firm Urbi to integrate the latter’s geographic information system (GIS) technology in its operations, Wam reports. Urbi will integrate its mapping and geospatial technologies into the operations of 7X’s entities including EMX and Emirates Post as an initial step in a larger initiative. The pair will establish a comprehensive “base map” that includes detailed information on residential and business listings, along with APIs for geocoding and reverse geocoding, which will allow for precise customer location identification for accurate deliveries.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-
- Delta Airlines extends suspension of flights between NYC and Israel: The US’ Delta Airlines is extending its flight suspension from New York’s JFK airport to Tel Aviv to 31 March 2025 due to safety concerns. (Reuters)
- IATA updates its PCR manual for 2025: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has updated its perishable cargo regulations (PCR) — effective 1 January 2025. The revision includes updates to existing chapters and new sections on booking, advance arrangements, shipment tracking, and quality and risk management. (Statement)
- US extends flight restrictions over Iraq: The US’ Federal Aviation Administration has extended restrictions on commercial planes flying over Iraq till 2027, citing security risks. This applies to US commercial and foreign airlines operating as codeshare flights for US carriers. (Zawya)
- Jazeera updates Kuwait-Larnaca route: The Kuwaiti Jazeera Airways has extended its Kuwait to Larnaca, Cyprus route to operate twice weekly till March 2025, then year-round when summer flight schedules start. (In-Cyprus)
- Hithium and MANAT launch new JV for BESS facility: China-based energy storage solutions provider Hithium Energy Storage Technology Co. (Hithium) and Saudi-based MANAT have formed a JV, Hithium MANAT, to establish a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, with an annual production target of 5 GWh. (Statement)
