STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Jordan taps Petrojet to build LPG storage facilities: Egyptian petroleum projects firm Petrojet has secured a USD 21.8 mn contract to execute a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) storage facilities in Jordan’s Aqaba Port, according to a statement released last week. Petrojet was awarded the contract by the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company (JPRC) subsidiary Jordan Gas Manufacturing and Filling Company and the Jordan National Shipping Lines Company.

What’s in the cards: Under the agreement, Petrojet will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of two spherical LPG tanks — each with a capacity of 2k metric tons. The project is scheduled to be delivered on a ready-to-operate basis within two years from the date of signing. The facility is slated to support the development of a more accessible and efficient regional LPG distribution network, slash transport costs, as well as boost Jordan’s energy supply chain resilience, JPRC CEO Hassan Al Hayari added.

TRADE-

#1- Morocco has imposed temporary anti-dumping duties on Egyptian polyvinyl chloride imports, Moroccan news outlet Hespress reports, citing a circular from the country’s Customs and Indirect Tax Administration. The move will see duties on the material — known more commonly by its acronym PVC — of up to 92.2% imposed on shipments from Egypt for a four-month period starting last Friday.

Imports from the state-owned Egyptian Petrochemicals Company will be subject to a lighter duty of 74.9%, while all other Egyptian PVC producers and exporters face a higher rate of 92.2%, according to the circular. The decision was enacted under a joint decree issued on 22 May by Morocco’s Industry and Trade Ministry and Economy and Finance Ministry. All sums collected under the anti-dumping measure — including VAT on the applicable amount — will be held by Moroccan customs authorities until further notice, the circular states.

Rabat already has import restrictions and anti-dumping measures on some Egyptian goods — and more could be on their way, including on galvanized wire from Egypt and the UAE which is currently under anti-dumping investigation. The Moroccan kingdom already has restrictions on Egyptian air conditioning units due to a lack of local components, a 35% anti-dumping duty on Egyptian carpets, and a five-year 35% anti-dumping duty on canned tomatoes exported from Egypt.

#2- Dubai’s DP World and banking giant JP Morgan are collaborating to bolster access to trade finances and working capital in emerging markets, as supply chain issues and limited credit adversely affect global trade, according to a press release published last week. The partnership will tackle the trade finance gap between businesses and financial institutions, which the statement values at USD 2.5 tn. The collaboration kicked off its effort by backing a global food firm in facilitating cocoa procurement from the Ivory Coast, bringing over USD 70 mn in annual procurement capabilities for the client.

RAIL-

EGA eyes Ghana bauxite play: Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) signed an agreement with the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation to explore possible rail and port infrastructure projects in Ghana as part of a larger push to cooperate on bauxite production in the country, according to a statement released last week. The agreement will also see the pair explore long-term bauxite offtake agreements and other related projects.

IN CONTEXT- The possible collaboration comes as EGA works to increase its production and diversify upstream supply within the next few years, especially in the US, CEO Abdulnasser Bin Kalban said. Ghana has more than 900 mn tonnes of bauxite resources and produces 1.5 mn tonnes per year, with the potential for further expansion. Bauxite is a rock that contains a relatively high concentration of aluminum, making it the world’s primary source of the metal, as well as a major source of gallium.

ICYMI- Other recent Emirati-Ghana developments include an MoU exploring a Ghana-UAE economic zone and technology hub in Accra that was signed earlier this month between Dubai’s PCFC, G42-backed Presight AI, and the Ghanaian government.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1-Oman’s MGIC sets up new shipyard: Omani investment outfit Musandam Global Investment Company (MGIC) and unnamed Turkish partners have signed binding commercial terms and a shareholders' agreement to set up a shipbuilding and repair facility in Musandam governorate, the Oman Observer reported last week. The project has an initial investment of USD 15 mn (c. OMR 5.8 mn). No timeline has been disclosed.

What we know so far: The joint venture project — named Musandam Drydock and Marine Industries LLC — will immediately begin constructing and maintaining aquaculture cages, fishing vessels, tugboats, and service and transport vessels up to 35 meters long. Its first phase will see the development of slipways, fabrication workshops, and maintenance yards tailored for small to medium-sized vessels. Future phases are expected to include handling larger vessel classes.

#2- Automated STS cranes land at Port of Neom: Saudi Arabia’s Port of Neom has received its first remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, according to a statement released last week. The cranes will facilitate the port’s automation strategy and its goals for a future-ready workforce model — allowing operators to manage equipment from secure and comfortable environments.

REFRESHER- Hassan Allam Construction Saudi was awarded a contract to develop Port of Neom’s Container Terminal 1. The terminal’s development continues apace for its 2026 opening, the statement added. Recent construction works include deepening the port channel to 18.5 meters to enable the world’s largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal to call at Port of Neom.

#3- Kezad could get a new e-methanol bunkering facility: AD Ports Group inked an agreement with Masdar, Rotterdam-based energy storage Advario, and French shipping giant CMA CGM to explore setting up an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (Kezad), according to a statement released last week. The facility will support commercial e-methanol production for off-takers, including CMA CGM, to accelerate decarbonization in the global shipping industry.

ICYMI- AD Ports Group signed a heads-of-terms agreement with Advario to mull a joint venture to develop and operate green energy and liquid bulk storage projects in the UAE and internationally last month. The proposed JV would be 51% owned by AD Ports and 49% by Advario.

REMEMBER- The shipping industry has its eyes on an October meeting of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which is set to vote on ratifying the Net-zero Framework introducing new fuel standards and a global pricing mechanism for emissions in the shipping industry. If ratified in October, changes will take effect by 2027 and apply to ships over 5k gross tonnes, covering 85% of international shipping’s emissions. The framework draft was passed in April with support from 63 countries with 16 countries voting against it, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

AVIATION-

Etihad sets its sights on China: Etihad Cargo signed an agreement with China’s Ezhou Huahu Airport to boost its cargo links in Asia, according to a statement released last week. Etihad’s logistics arm will increase its presence at the airport, which serves as a gateway to access the broader Chinese market, including Shanghai and Shenzhen. Under the partnership, the pair will look to increase flight frequencies, launch new routes, and expand collaboration for cross-border supply chain transactions.

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