RAIL-

More Chinese locomotives for Iraq? A delegation from Iraq’s General Company for Iraqi Railways (GCIR) met with officials from Chinese rolling stock manufacturer CRRC to discuss the acquisition of locomotives and spare parts, according to a transport ministry statement. Iraq will review bids from CRRC and will seek formal approvals for the locomotives, head of operations at GCIR Riyad Katea said. CRRC had previously supplied Iraq with 50 locomotives in 2002, the statement added.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Bahri to charter pair of VLCC tankers from South Korean shipowner: KSA’s Bahri has secured an agreement with South Korean ship owner Sinokor that will see the liner charter two newbuild 115k dwt Aframax tankers, dubbed Jill Glory and Sabrina Glory, for a two year period, Splash reported. The rate for the scrubber-fitted vessels has been agreed to USD 42k per day each, with a daily USD 40k one-year extension option also attached to the contracts.

Asyad to install wind power tech on world’s largest ore carrier: Omani shipowner Asyad has inked an agreement with Brazilian mining and logistics operator Vale to install rotor sails on the world’s largest ore carrier, Valemax, according to a press release. The technology, developed by British manufacturer Anemoi, uses wind propulsion to provide energy efficiency gains and reduce emissions, the release explains. The adaptation work on the Sohar Max ship is slated for completion in 2Q 2024, after which trials will begin. The endeavor will involve installing five cylindrical rotors, each 35 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, which should cut up to some 3k tons of CO2 annually, according to the release.

This is Asyad’s sixth agreement with Vale, as the Omani ship owner has already piloted technologies on four ships chartered by Vale, the release states. The technologies they piloted include the use of silicone paint to reduce resistance, installing frequency inverters to reduce electricity consumption, the usage of hydrodynamic devices for propulsion, and the installation of real-time data collection systems, all of which is aligned with ambitions to decarbonize shipping, according to the press release.

Oman-based Asyad Group inked four agreements with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as part of its vendor development program, which is set to boost SMEs’ role in Oman’s economy, according to a press release. A rundown of the agreements:

  • Serag Electrode will offer Asyad Drydock with welding electrodes for the Drydock’s technical operations;
  • Capital Development will offer maintenance and repair services for the mobile equipment used at Asyad Ports;
  • and Golden Depth Marine Services will provide Asyad Drydock with buoy inspection and maintenance.

INVESTMENT WATCH-

Transport Ministry workshop identifies new prospects for investment in Oman’s logistics sector: A workshop run by Oman’s Transport, Communications and Information Technology Ministry and Civil Aviation Authority, in coordination with the National Programme for Investment and Export Development (Nazdaher), has identified 27 new projects for investment and six enablers for boosting the country’s logistics sector, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported. The ministry had earmarked OMR 2.5 bn for investments in Oman’s transport and logistics sector between 2021 and 2025, the ministry’s undersecretary, Khamis Mohammed Al Shammakhi, said. Declared projects and as yet unassigned projects are valued at OMR 1.4 bn, he added.

TRANSPORT-

The Board of Directors of the Arab Union of Land Transport meeting kicked off yesterday with discussions around key land transport projects, ground safety and training, according to a statement. The pan-Arab organization of Arab passenger and cargo transportation companies discussed a project that aims to establish a database for ground safety, as well as training courses to enhance drivers’ skills on hazardous materials transport, the statement added.

E-COMMERCE-

Dubai-based e-commerce shipping platform Shiplifer has kicked off operations, according to a press release. The platform looks to help businesses automate and streamline their logistics operations by allowing them to efficiently process, track, and monitor shipments. It also offers competitive rates from couriers which include I Mile Delivery, DHL, FedEx, Aramex, Zajel and SMSA Express, the release adds.

About Shiplifer: Since its founding in March, the platform has amassed 300 customers, witnessing a 100% m-o-m hike in the number of clients. The platform’s web based application allows users to choose from top-rated shippers while integrating with leading e-commerce platforms. Ali Javaheri (LinkedIn) is the startup’s CEO, the statement adds.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

  • Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al Jasser, visited Djibouti’s Doraleh and Damerjog Ports, to inspect infrastructure and operational capabilities,while the Saudi-Djibouti Business Council also inked a number of MoUs. (Statement | Statement)
  • DP Worldhas slashed carbon emissions from its UAE operations by c. 50% in 2023 by utilizing renewable power from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority. (Statement)
  • Etihad Airways will add new flights to Nice, Mykonos, and Santonrini in its summer 2024 schedule, while also increasing frequencies to Ahmedabad, Athens, Bangkok and Colombo. (Press release)
  • Suez Canal Authority subsidiaryTimsah Shipbuilding Company has inked a contract with the authority’s supply department to build two new marine tugs. (Statement)
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