AVIATION-

The UAE’s Etihad Cargo has launched an instant offer rate (IOR) solution to streamline its booking process, according to a statement. The IOR solution, developed in collaboration with IBS Software, aims to increase response times and provide competitive prices based on customer requirements by generating prices using key booking and flight criteria, including density, departure day, direct or indirect flights, flight demand, and requested services. The system should help Etihad reduce the time taken to complete pricing transactions by up to 70%.

KSA’s Riyadh Airports has signed an MoU with Belgium-based aviation service provider ADB Safegate to develop aviation tech solutions,a statement reports. The two parties will jointly trial technical products related to the digitization of airside operations, with a focus on automation, monitoring, and preventive maintenance. The partnership will explore the potential of AI, machine learning, and advanced video analytics to improve airport efficiency.

The UAE’s Emirates National Oil Company’s (ENOC) jet fuel sales are set to reach 1 bn gallons by the end of 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to a statement.The company expects to supply more than 153k commercial, military, and general aviation flights around the world.

It also plans to supply sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Dubai Airports in 2024 and says it is exploring SAF production options within and outside of the UAE, according to CEO Said Humaid Al Falasi.

Background: ENOC provides more than 40% of Dubai International Airport’s jet fuel requirements through two major pipelines linking the airport to its storage terminals in Jebel Ali, UAE.

EVs-

Mylerz + Shift EV to electrify fleet: Egypt-based last-mile delivery and fulfillment firm Mylerz Egypt and Shift EV have inked an agreement to convert Mylerz logistics vehicle fleet to electric vehicles using Shift EV’s electro fitting technology over this year and 2024, according to a statement. The electro-fitting technology uses an industrial process to convert commercial vehicles from internal combustion engines to EVs by using lithium ion batteries manufactured locally at Shift EV’s factory in Egypt’s 6th of October city, according to the statement.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Dockendale Ship Management + Green Marine to launch company focused on methanol-powered vessels: Privately-owned Indian company Dockendale Ship Management Group has partnered with methanol marine specialist Green Marine to form a Dubai-based company focusing on methanol-fuelled ships, Splash reports.

SUPPLY CHAINS-

KSA’s National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC) and food and beverage producer Del Monte SaudiArabia have signed an MoU to launch a joint venturespecializing in fresh foods,according to a statement. The joint venture will be involved in distributing specific goods throughout KSA, including vegetables, fresh juices, and potato products. The agreement also covers the establishing of new manufacturing facilities to increase the supply of fresh products. Under the terms of the MoU, NADEC will own a 37.5% stake of the new company's capital. KSA’s privately-owned Abdul Qader Al Muhaidib and Sons Co is also a partner in the joint venture.

RAIL-

Morocco’s National Office of Railways (ONCF) intends to invest USD 1.5 bn to acquire 168 trains in a tender, Morocco World News reports, citing an ONCF statement.The move aims to meet growing demand for train travel in the country and to modernize part of the rail fleet. Eighteen of the new trains will be allocated to the country’s high-speed rail line and 150 will be used for urban transport services, including high-speed commuter and intercity trains. The tender will focus on train acquisition with a delivery program spanning over four years and a joint venture to provide maintenance services once delivered.

Background: The project was first announced in September 2022 to identify interest from potential stakeholders.

ZONES-

Volkswagen to carry out feasibility study for auto industrial zone in East Port Said:German carmaker Volkswagen will work alongside the Egyptian government on a feasibility study for the establishment of the planned East Port Said Automotive Zone (EPAZ) under an agreement inked with the Egyptian cabinet, according to a cabinet statement. The carmaker will provide the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and the East Port Said Development Company with technical assistance on the feasibility study for the zone, the statement added.

EPAZ? The prospective complex, which would be home to vehicle assemblers and parts manufacturers, is promising due to East Port Said’s proximity to global shipping lanes and access to African and Middle Eastern markets. It aims to attract investments worth some USD 240 mn and provide around 2.1k direct jobs and 4k indirect jobs as it attracts companies in feeder industries, according to the statement.

New SCA firm to manufacture, maintain marine units:Egypt’s cabinet has approved a draft decision to provide a license to the Suez Canal Authority to establish a joint stock company to manufacture, maintain and export yachts and marine units, according to a cabinet statement.

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