Good morning, nice people. We’re heading towards the weekend with a balanced read, with news on the Qatar Airways-backed Virgin Australia’s strong market debut taking the lead. We also have M&A and data center updates from Egypt and Africa. Let’s dive right in.

HAPPENING THIS WEEK-

Global Transport Connectivity Forum will kick off in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday, 27 June and run to Sunday, 29 June. The forum will address climate change, transport connectivity, and global transport corridors. It will host ministers, industry leaders, and executives of financial institutions and organizations.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Morocco needs USD 1 bn for gas pivot: Morocco is looking to mobilize around USD 1 bn investments to expand its natural gas pipeline infrastructure, as the country works on transitioning away from coal dependence for domestic electricity, Asharq Business reports, citing comments made by Energy Minister Leila Benali.

Building up the domestic pipeline infrastructure is also critical to the country’s ambition to become a regional natural gas hub, as the Morocco works on connecting Europe and sub-saharan Africa through a series of planned projects, such as the LNG terminal at Nador West Med Port (NWM) and the African-Atlantic gas pipeline — formerly known as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.

The breakdown of the USD 1 bn figure:

  • About USD 273 bn is needed for a pipeline connecting NWM’s LNG terminal to the Maghreb-Europe pipeline. The connection was previously reported to cost USD 400 mn;
  • USD 639 mn for a pipeline connecting NWM’s LNG terminal to the city of Mohammedia;
  • Some USD 43 mn to set up sub-networks supplying Mohammedia and Kenitra.

#2- Saudia Cargo lands in Hong Kong with a new JV: Flagship carrier Saudia Cargo launched a new Hong Kong-based JV dubbed Saudia Cargo Global in collaboration with the Chinese general sales service agent TAM Group, according to statements here and here. The entity is set to be Saudia Cargo’s new command center for Asia-Pacific and Greater China.

Who’s doing what: The new JV will offer advanced services tailored to the Greater China market, including freighter operations, e-commerce solutions, and specialised pharma logistics solutions, says the statement. Meanwhile, TAM Group will contribute its knowledge of the Greater China market and its regional networks.

Growing China ties: The airline inked an MoU in April with China’s Henan Aviation Group to ramp up services between Riyadh and Zhengzhou via the Air Silk Road. It also inked an MoU with China Cargo Airlines the same month to enhance collaboration in air cargo operations and develop specialized logistics services.

About TAM Group: The Hong Kong-based firm offers general sales and service solutions to 32 carriers globally, according to the statement. The company has some 38 branches spread across 17 countries in Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe. TAM Group and Saudia Cargo first worked together in 1986, and the pair has maintained a steady partnership for nearly 40 years.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices went up this morning as markets continued to weigh the impact of the fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures increased USD 0.85 to USD 67.99 a barrel by 03.41 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures saw an uptick of USD 0.87 to trade at USD 65.24 a barrel. Despite the rise, the rates are still far below the crude’s surging rates during the preceding weeks of active Israel-Iran escalation.

#2- Baltic index dips once again: The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index — which tracks rates for the capesize, panamax, and supramax vessel segments — increased 0.4% to 1,681 points on Tuesday. Subindices of the index were not published.

DATA POINT-

The Arab region’s total LNG capacity is on its way to reach 200 mn tons per annum (mtpa) by 2028, Zawya reports, citing the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries’ gas industry expert Wael Abdel Moati. Another 28 mtpa could be added by 2030 if projects in the planning stage reach a final investment decision, Abdel Moati added.

This is driven by a steady rise in demand for gas domestically and abroad, with domestic gas demand in the region set to rise by 2.5-3.5% per annum over the medium term to accommodate electricity demand for cooling, desalination, and petrochemicals, according to Abdel Moati. Meanwhile, Arab LNG producers — dominated by Adnoc, QatarEnergy, and Oman LNG — have secured about 25 LNG long-term supply agreements since 2024 for up to 32 mtpa.

A big pipeline: “To meet this rising demand, there are 15 gas development projects underway across the region, expected to bring 10 to 11 bn cubic feet per day of new supply over the next three to five years — all designated for domestic markets,” he told the news outlet.

***YOU’RE READING EnterpriseAM Logistics, the essential MENA publication for senior execs who care about the industry that connects producers and retailers to global markets. We’re out Monday through Thursday by 9:15am in Cairo and Riyadh and 11:15am in the UAE.

EnterpriseAM Logistics is available without charge thanks to the generous support of our friends at Hassan Allam Utilities, Transmar, and AK-Ships.

Were you forwarded this email? Tap or click here to get your own copy of Enterprise Logistics.

Want to send us a story idea, request coverage, ask for a correction, or otherwise get in touch? Reach out to us on logistics@enterprisemea.com.

DID YOU KNOW that we also cover Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the MENAclimate industry ?
***

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

ASEAN Ports and Logistics will take place on Tuesday, 1 July till Thursday, 3 July in Jakarta, Indonesia. The conference will bring together industry leaders and keynote speakers for discussions in the transport and logistics sector — gathering some 400 delegates from governments, companies, and developers in the shipping, ports, cargo, trade, and rail industries.

Intermodal Africa will kick off on Tuesday, 22 July and run till Thursday, 24 July in Beira, Mozambique. The forum will host over 300 senior government officials, industry leaders, academics, senior executives, and harbor masters in the ports, shipping, and logistics sector. Attendees and speakers will be coming from countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Check out our full calendar at the bottom of this email for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events and news triggers.

Tags: