DECARBONIZATION-
QTerminal integrates green equipment at Rotterdam port: Qatar’s QTerminals is partnering with Project Zero Emission Services to fit out its Kramer Rotterdam operations with chargeable containers which will be equipped with advanced battery packs for inland vessels, according to a statement yesterday. Rotterdam port authority will also be collaborating with QTerminals to build charging stations at the firm’s Rotterdam Container Terminal, which will be handled by eco-friendly harbor cranes.
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SHIPPING + MARITIME-
Asyad Group expands Far East Express service: Oman’s Asyad Group is expanding its Far East Express Service to strengthen trade and sustainability in the Asia-GCC corridor, according to a press release last week. Slated to be operational this month, the upgraded service will offer fortnightly sailings that connect key ports in China, India, and the GCC region.
ZONES
Mawani + Al Jeri partner up on two logistics zones: The Saudi Port Authority (Mawani) and Al Jeri Logistics Services have inked two contracts worth SAR 160 mn to develop two logistics zones for storing and handling container at Jeddah Islamic Port and King AbdulAziz Port in Dammam, according to a press release last week. The zones aim to strategically position Saudi Arabia as a logistics hub and a gateway for the three continents.
SHIPPING + MARITIME-
Iran’s IRISL is getting a 7k ton ship from Russian firm: The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has placed an order with an unnamed Russian firm to manufacture a 7k ton vessel for Iran’s maritime transport fleet in the Caspian Sea, IRNA reported on Saturday. The agreement for the vessel — slated to be delivered to the Iranian shipping fleet this fall — is in line with IRISL’s plan to boost its cargo transportation and maritime trade in the Caspian Sea.
IRISL is ramping up investments: Iran has been ramping up its investments in shipping and maritime operations in the Caspian Sea as part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Iran and Russia are investing some USD 38 bn in the development of Trans-Caspian shipping lines as part of the corridor, while IRISL has also purchased rail wagons, containers, and vessels to boost capacity. It also signed agreements worth some USD 86 mn with Iranian shipyards for 10 newbuilds to bolster the national shipping fleet.
DATA CENTERS-
Omantel launches new data center in Oman: Omani telecommunications firm Omantel has launched the region’s second-largest data center in Salalah to boost digital infrastructure in Oman, Oman Observer reported on Saturday. The center will be home to data centers for global firms including Equinix, Facebook, and Google, helping position Oman as a hub for digital infrastructure in the region.
INVESTMENT WATCH-
Aramex partners with SME lender FlapKap: UAE-based logistics and transportation provider Aramex will offer funding to SME clients through a partnership with Egypt-born revenue-based financing platform FlapKap, according to a statement published last week. Aramex, which provides logistics and transport services to SMEs, says FlapKap will help give its SME clients access to working capital finance. FlapKap aims to give 48-hour turnaround on finance requests; the company is now headquartered in Abu Dhabi.
OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-
- APM Terminals Bahrain adds land transport to its roster: APM Terminals Bahrain has approved the integration of land freight transport to its activities. (Disclosure, pdf)
- AIQ deploys AI safety tech on Adnoc L&S vessels: AIQ has installed its SMARTi intelligent operational safety monitoring solution on Adnoc L&S vessels to detect and report hazards. (Press release)
- Saudi’s Arar receives its first flight from Egypt: Saudi Arabia’s state-owned airports operator Cluster 2 Airports Company said its Arar airport received its first flight from Cairo International Airport. (SPA)