Updates on all things logistics from across the region

PIPELINES-

Jordan to integrate Risha field into its gas grid: Jordan has launched a tender for the design, engineering, financing, construction, and operation of a new 300 km-long natural gas pipeline to link the Risha gas field in Mafraq Governorate to the country’s main pipeline network, Al Mamlaka reported on Saturday. The Risha field produces 50 mn standard cubic feet of gas per day (scf/d), but only 18 mn scf/d are used for electricity generation at the nearby Risha power plant. The deadline for the tender application has not been disclosed.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR? In November 2024, Egypt and Jordan discussed the feasibility of a 300-km pipeline project that would integrate Jordan’s Risha field into the Arab Gas Pipeline, which links both countries.

STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Americold opens largest regional cold storage hub in Jafza: US-based cold chain giant Americold opened its cold storage hub in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Freezone (Jafza), according to a press release published last week. The facility is its largest in the Middle East and was developed through its RSA Cold Chain JV, in collaboration with DP World.

REMEMBER- RSA Cold Chain is a joint venture between Dubai-based RSA Global and Americold. It began construction of its facility in Dubai’s Jafza in May 2024. The site includes 40k pallet positions, bonded and non-bonded storage, 27 docks, and rooftop solar, and will serve GCC markets with multi-temperature food logistics. The hub targets grocery retailers, quick commerce, and quick service restaurants.

TRADE-

#1- Egyptian state-owned medical city complex Gypto Pharma will begin exporting to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait by the end of 2026, CEO Amr Mamdouh told Asharq Business on Thursday. Gypto Pharma and the US’s Dawah Pharma are also planning to invest USD 200 mn over three phases within 18-24 months, with the aim of exporting biological meds exclusively to the US, Dawah Pharma’s CEO Hossam Abdel Maksoud told the outlet. US-bound exports are expected to come in at USD 800 mn-1.2 bn in the first year and rise to some USD 8 bn within three years.

#2- Iran, EAEU make headway on FTA agenda: Iran has inked a three-year roadmap with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to implement their existing joint freetrade agreement (FTA) — covering transport logistics and a North-South corridor that will pass through Iran and Russia, Mehr News reported on Thursday. Other unsigned documents in the pipeline include improving bilateral halal trade, logistics, transportation, and customs procedures. The two will also form a green customs corridor, improve digitalization, and expedite deliveries by shifting to electronic transits.

ICYMI- Iran and the EAEU updated their FTA in May to lower average tariffs on EAEU goods entering Iran to 4.5%, down from 20%. The country and the union inked the FTA in December 2023, agreeing to scrap tariffs on up to 87% of bilaterally traded goods.

#3- Jordan, Syria ink logistics pact: The Jordanian Logistics Association signed an MoU with the Syrian Federation of International Freight Forwarders to strengthen logistics and trade, Jordanian news agency Petra reported on Thursday. The MoU aims to boost freight operations, enhance the financial health of the shipping sector, supervise freight forwarders and logistics providers, and develop strategies to minimize operational losses.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1- Abu Dhabi key port in new MSC route: Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) is launching a new shipping route focused on reefer cargo, with UAE’s Abu Dhabi serving as its major transhipment hub, according to a press release published on Thursday. The service, set to launch in October, will connect the emirate to East Asia and South America, including ports like Singapore, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, and Santos.

#2- Bahri subsidiary to move Luberef products: Bahri Chemicals — a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Bahri — has signed a contract of affreightment with base oil provider Luberef, according to a press release published last week. Per the agreement, Bahri Chemicals will convey Luberef-made base oils from Saudi ports to locations throughout the Arabian Gulf and India’s west coast.

About Luberef: Founded in 1976, the Aramco-controlled company produces base oils — including hydraulic, turbine, and transmission fluids — used in passenger vehicles, buses, and earth movers. Luberef possesses an annual capacity of 1.3 mn tons, according to its website.