AVIATION-

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has reopened its Northern Runway after a rehabilitation project, according to a statement released on Saturday. The runway — resurfaced with 210k tonnes of asphalt — saw the integration of several technological advancements, including a ground visibility monitoring system for enhanced safety, an Instrument Landing System (ILS) for improved operational precision, and the replacement of over 1.2k energy-intensive halogen airfield lights with eco-friendly LED tech.

TRADE-

Saudi Arabia is launching its first project to store natural gas, which will involve injecting processed gas into its Hawiyah Unayzah reservoir, according to an Energy Ministry statement released on Saturday. The project, which aims to support government plans to begin exporting natural gas by 2030, is slated to cut down on carbon emission and reproduce natural gas at the rate of 2 bn cubic ft per day, Al Sharq Al Awsat reports.

DIGITALIZATION-

Freterium to digitize Emirate Logistics’ transport operations: Dubai-based supply chain and logistics provider Emirates Logistics will integrate transport management software provider Freterium’s TMS platform into its operations, according to a press release issued last week. Emirates Logistics will leverage Freterium’s all-in-one transport management platform to streamline its multi-client operations and enhance coordination across its supply chain network. The firm will deploy the technology across its operations in the GCC, Africa, and Asia.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Al Seer Marine acquires VLCCs in fleet expansion push: Emirati maritime player Al Seer Marine has acquired two new MR tankers — the first two of six — from K Shipbuilding Korea as part of its fleet expansion strategy, according to a press release (pdf) published last week. The oil and chemical tankers — dubbed M.T. Betelgeuse and M.T. Bellatrix — are equipped to carry six fully segregated grades of cargo, with a deadweight of 49.7k MT per tanker.

EQUIPMENT-

UAE’s DMC boosts ship handling capacity: Dubai Maritime City (DMC) has completed upgrades to its handling infrastructure that have more than doubled its annual handling capacity to 1k vessels, up from 400, according to a statement released on Thursday.

By the numbers: The zone has integrated major infrastructure upgrades, including 6k tonne and 3k tonne ship lifts, new ship cradles, and state-of-the-art substations and shore power supplies. DMC has integrated two ship cradle sets which are each designed to handle vessels up to 6k tonnes and 140 m long. In total, four cradles will be deployed at the port, which are together forecasted to boost docking capacity by an additional 100 vessels per year.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

  • DP World wants to expand operations in Iraq: DP World CEO Ahmed bin Sulayem and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Sudani met to identify opportunities for collaboration and how Iraq can leverage DP World's extensive expertise in rapid cargo transport and re-export, especially its proven success in moving goods between Asia and Europe. (Statement)
  • Marsa Maroc to start operating Benin’s Cotonou Port in October: Morocco’s main port operator Marsa Maroc is set to start managing and operating Terminals 1 and 5 at Benin’s Cotonou Port in October. Marsa Maroc took on a delegated management contract to operate the port’s terminals back in July. (Statement)
  • Tabadul + Energy City Logistics sign cooperation MoU: The Saudi Electronic Info Exchange Company (Tabadul) has signed an MoU with Energy City Logistics — a subsidiary of King Salman Energy Park — to exchange knowledge and expertise between the two companies in the logistics and supply chain sectors. (Statement)
  • Air Arabia adds new Russia route: The UAE’s Air Arabia is launching on 27 December three new weekly flights from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport to Moscow Domodedovo International Airport. (Wam)
  • Ooredoo + Schneider collaborate on digital transformation: Ooredoo Qatar has signed an MoU with Schneider Electric for a program to integrate cloud computing, AI, and green data centers to boost efficiency and sustainability in industries like utilities, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure. (Statement)
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