PORTS-

DP World to set up two data centers in Australia: The UAE’s DP World Australia has tapped data center manufacturer DXN to set up two modular data centers in New South Wales’ Port Botany, AUManufacturing reports. The contract earmarks USD 2 mn for the project, with the centers slated to be delivered in 3Q 2025. DXN will be responsible for the design, engineering, and prefabrication of the data centers and their backup systems.

UAE is boosting its regional foothold: The UAE inked a freetrade agreement in November with Australia — the latter’s first in the region — removing tariffs and trade barriers. Under the agreement, tariffs will be eliminated on over 99% of Australian exports to the UAE. The DP World-operated Botany Port stands out as a key trade access point between the two nations, especially relevant as the FTA looks to increase non-oil bilateral trade to over USD 15 bn by 2032.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Construction on 17 LNG carriers commissioned by Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has kicked off at South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries Shipyard, according to a statement. The vessels — whose capacities stand at 174k cbm each — were commissioned by QatarEnergy to expand its LNG-moving fleet and replace older vessels. The carriers will be chartered to QatarEnergy’s affiliates under a long-term arrangement for 25 vessels.

REMEMBER- Construction on another eight LNG vessels for Nakilat — also commissioned by QatarEnergy under the same long-term arrangement — began last March at South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Shipyard.

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