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TODAY: CMA CGM shipments are facing a port congestion surcharge + Fire breaks out in Marrakech warehouse

Good morning, friends, and welcome to a very busy start to the week in our neck of the woods. Does this mean the summer — and any associated news slowdown — is ending?

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY- DP World and India’s Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) signed a USD 510 mn concession agreement for a new mega container terminal at Kandla, Gujarat, while Morocco is planning a MAD 1.65 bn expansion and development project for two of its airports.

^^ We have everything on this story and more in the news well, below.

PSA- Port congestion surcharge for CMA CGM shipments to West Africa from Iskenderun, Turkey: CMA CGM is slapping a port congestion surcharge (PCS) at the rate of USD 200 per container for all cargo types bound for West Africa from terminals at Iskenderun, according to an announcement. The PCS came into effect for all cargoes loaded starting last Wednesday, 23 August and will remain in place until further notice.

Congestion at Iskenderun has also pushed the liner to reshuffle stops: CMA CGM’s NC Levant Express route connecting Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean and Levant region will stop calling at Iskenderun and call instead at Mersin, the company said in a separate announcement. Shipments between Northern Europe and Iskenderun will still be possible via a Lebanon-Iskenderun shuttle service that will see transshipments via Beirut, the notice said.

A ship has departed Ukraine’s Odessa port on the Black Sea for Bulgaria’s port of Varna, the second such departure following Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea grain agreement, Reuters reports, citing Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko. The first vessel departed from Odessa Port last week, using a new corridor that aims to allow for ships stuck in Black Sea ports to exit. However, these vessels may still face military threat from Russia, as Russian forces have been targeting ports with missiles and kamikaze drones, Reuters reports.

A freight train from Russia carrying 36 containers crossed Iran’s Inche Burun border crossing en route to Saudi Arabia on the North-South international transport corridor, according to Mehr News Agency. This route can reduce delivery time by several days and decrease the cost of goods in transit due to lower customs tariffs, the news agency cites the Golestan Province’s Customs Department Director-General Shahriar Shahriari as saying.

Transit restrictions through the Panama Canal will remain in place for at least 10 months, Reuters reports, citing a Panama Canal Authority (PCA) official. The PCA’s drought-related transit restrictions, which have resulted in a backlog of vessels at the canal, allow the canal to preserve more water prior to the upcoming rainy season, the article added. The PCA recently opened two additional daily slots for non-booked vessels.

A fire broke out at a warehouse in Marrakech’s wholesale fruit and vegetable market in the Sidi Ghanem area on Saturday, two days after a similar incident in Casablanca, Morocco World News reports. Witnesses on-site described substantial material damage and thick smoke. The cause of the fire was not disclosed, and no fatalities have been recorded so far. Residents nearby were temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure. Authorities are investigating both incidents.

An oil leak was reported on a transmission pipeline connecting Iran’s Kharg Island to Genaveh, Reuters reports, citing Iran’s Tasnim News Agency. Two vessels have been dispatched to assist with the cleanup, Reuters cites an official from Bushehr province as saying, although the magnitude of the spill was not disclosed. Kharag island is situated 25 km off the gulf coast of Iran and houses an oil terminal from where the country ships a significant portion of its oil exports.

A Turkish delegation proposed six conditions for the resumption of crude oil exports from Kurdistan through Turkey’s Ceyhan oil terminal, after a meeting between Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani and his Turkish counterpart, Al Sabah reports. The visit aimed to mend strained relations after Turkey was fined USD 1.4 bn in March by the International Court of Arbitration for receiving oil from Iraq’s Kurdistan region without authorization from Baghdad.

Details: These conditions include a proposed transportation cost of USD 13 / bbl for the oil transported through pipelines to the Ceyhan port, Al Sabah reports. Turkey is also calling for the withdrawal of the court’s compensation claim that pertains to the period from 2018 to 2020. Turkey is also seeking the payment of USD 7 / bbl as dues from the Turkish oil company. These negotiations also encompass discussions surrounding the terms of the oil agreement between the Kurdistan region and Turkey.

DATA POINT #1- The UAE’s Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported a 5% y-o-y rise in total revenue during 1H 2023, Emirati News Agency WAM reports. DIEZ witnessed a 10% y-o-y growth in revenue from leasing operations, a 36% y-o-y increase from government services, and a 39% y-o-y surge in licensing revenues during the same period. DIEZ’s three economic zones — the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity — saw revenues increase by a combined 17% y-o-y in 1H 2023.

DATA POINT # 2 – The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority Freezone has a 250% y-o-y increase in license renewals in 1H 2023, reaching 892 renewals, according to a sta tement. Company registrations also increased 32% y-o-y to 322 new companies during the same period.

DATA POINT #3- Cargo volumes at Iran’s Khorramshahr port increased 221% y-o-y in the fourth month of the current Iranian calendar year (22 June – 22 July), Azerbaijan’s Trend news agency reported. The month saw 302k tons of cargo loaded and offloaded at the port. 276k tons of cargo were exported and 24k tons were imported via the port during the month, Trend added.

DATA POINT #4- Jordan’s exports in 1H 2023 were up 2.3% y-o-y, reaching JOD 4.5 bn, Jordan’s Industry and Trade Minister Youssif Al Shamali said (watch, runtime: 43:30). Jordan’s trade deficit narrowed 10% in the same period, Al Shamali said.

WATCH THIS SPACE – New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff will make a stop in Iran soon after receiving a formal invitation, Islam Republic news agency reports. Roussef’s visit will allow Iran to have a “share as a new member in this bank and use its capacities to finance projects,” Mehdi Safari is cited as saying by the news agency. New Development Bank was formerly known as Brics Development Bank.

MARKET WATCH-

Middle East crude benchmarks, including Oman, Dubai, and Murban, declined as the Brent/Dubai EFS equalized, rendering crude from the Atlantic Basin and Americas more cost-effective for Asian refiners, Reuters reports. In the beginning of 2023, the EFS, which reflects the additional cost of Brent futures compared to Dubai swaps, averaged more than USD 4 / bbl. However, it decreased due to Middle Eastern crude oil performing better than Brent-associated types, prompted by extended OPEC+ production cuts. Analysts anticipated Saudi Arabia to extend its output cut for a third month into October. Russian crude prices for China may also peak as independent refiners shift to cheaper Iranian oil, with Iran’s exports reaching a 4.5-year high in August, according to traders.

Iraq’s Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee endorsed plans to boost Iraq’s oil production to 8 mn barrels per day by 2027, in a bid to achieve self-reliance in natural gas to reduce imports, INA reports. The committee announced substantial investments in the oil refining sector, with a committee member saying that the country’s Oil Ministry will offer up refineries for investment in the country’s northern, central, and southern governorates.

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit is taking place on 19-20 September at the Address Dubai Marina Hotel, UAE. The event, hosted by Economist Impact, will bring together some 500+ business and supply chain leaders, high level government representatives, and policymakers to discuss the implications of trade policy, business logistics, supply chain diversification from China, sustainability, product traceability, digital trade, customs compliance and evolution, supply chain resilience, and trade in emerging regions, among other topics.

The Saudi Maritime Congress will take place at Dhahran Expo in Dammam, Saudi Arabia on 20-21 September . The event will bring together regional and international professionals from the maritime, shipping, and logistics sectors to meet, network, and do business with some 120 leading maritime exhibitors.

The Duqm Economic Forum , hosted by Oman’s Public Authority for Special Economic Zones & Freezones (OP AZ), will take place on 16-17 October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Duqm, Oman. The two-day event will showcase green investment avenues offered by the Special Economic Zone at Duqm(Sezad). The event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, industrialists, trade specialists, logistics professionals, and experts to discuss and present case studies, assess future trends, and exchange knowledge, insights, expertise, and discuss upcoming investments, according to the event brochure (pdf).

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

DP World + India’s Deendayal Port Authority sign agreement to develop container terminal

DP World and India’s Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) signed a concession agreement for a new mega container terminal at Kandla, Gujarat yesterday, according to a press release. The agreement — valued at USD 510 mn — involves the operation, development, and maintenance of the new terminal through a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP).

The details: The terminal will be completed by 2027, with an annual capacity of 2.2 mn TEUs with an ability to accommodate vessels carrying more than 18k TEUs. Trade demand spanning from northern, western, and central India will be linked to international markets. It will also adhere to green port guidelines, ensuring sustainability in port operations. The 30-year agreement is under a build-operate-transfer framework and can be extended by up to 20 years.

The container terminal is poised to boost operation efficiency, lowering congestion and turnaround time at Kandla creek, as well as improving the handling of larger vessels, the press release adds. The project comes as the Indian government looks to quadruple its port handling capacity and enhance logistics infrastructure.

In context: DP World has been looking to strengthen its position on India’s western coast as its existing terminal contracts near expiry. DP World’s two terminal contracts at Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the second-largest container terminal in India, are set to reach the end of their 30-year terms in 2028. DPA granted the concession to Hindustan Infralog Private Limited — a joint venture between DP World and India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.Discussions to finalize the connection agreement for the terminal have been ongoing, but saw delays on the back of a court case challenging the environmental clearances.

What they said: “This project will create significant value for end-users and help the government achieve its goal of reducing logistics costs for trade” CEO and Managing Director of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Rajiv Dhar said.

Morocco earmarks MAD 1.65 bn for upgrades to Marrakech + Tangier Airports

Morocco’s airport authority issues two tenders for upgrades to Marrakech and Tangier airports: The Office Nacional De Aéroports (ONDA) has issued calls for bids for developments at Marrakech-Menara Airport and Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport with a combined value of MAD 1.65 bn, as the country ramps up its airport infrastructure on the back of growing regional demand for air travel.

What we know so far: The first tender (pdf) is valued at MAD 850 mn and calls for architectural plans and construction oversight for extensions to existing terminals at Marrakech-Menara Airport. The second tender (pdf) — valued at MAD 800 mn — specifies architectural planning and construction oversight for a new passenger terminal and control tower at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport. Both tenders have set deadlines of 5 October.

Upgrades to Marrakech-Menara International Airport: ONDA’s tender for Marrakech airport involves expanding passenger terminals to 120k square meters. The augmented space will include departure and arrival halls, check-in counters, passport and customs controls, and other auxiliaries. The tender also specifies improvements to external structures such as roads and parking spaces.

Upgrades to Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport: The planned improvements for Tangier’s flagship airport are similar in scope to those envisioned for Marrakech, according to the tender document. The tender sets out a specification for a new 55k square meter passenger terminal with associated border and customs controls, waiting areas, baggage handling, and other facilities. External improvements to the airport will be focused on a new eight-story control tower in addition to improvements to road and parking facilities.

Egypt’s Transport Ministry inks two dry port agreements

Egypt’s 10th of Ramadan getting new dry ports + logistic center: Egypt’s General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP) has signed a 30-year public-private partnership (PPP) contract for the development and operation of a dry port and logistics center in 10th Ramadan City with MSC cargo subsidiary Medlog, according to a Transport Ministry statement. The Transport Ministry also inked an MoU with Ocean Express Shipping for the study establishment, management, and operation for Borg El Arab Dry Port.

The first project: Medlog, which snagged the bid for the project in June, will design, build, finance, operate, and maintain the project, which will cover 250 feddans in 10th Ramadan City. The project will be divided into two sections, with 130 feddans allocated for the dry port and 120 for the logistics center, according to the statement.

The details: The first phase will cover some 40% of the project and will include a railway freight station, container handling yards, storage, inspection, customs buildings, facilities for empty container services, and government agencies, according to the statement. The dry port will also be complemented with a 85k sqm storage area and connected by rail and road to Alexandria, Dekheila, and Abu Qir Al Bahri ports, according to the statement.

The project should facilitate Egypt’s trade movement, enhance its logistics services, reduce transport costs and time by cutting customs clearance processes, and ease congestion at Egypt’s seaports.

Location is important: The project will serve adjacent industrial areas, enhancing the efficiency of Egypt’s supply chains, according to the statement. The project will also be connected to seaports by rail. The Transport Ministry’s General Authority for Land and Dry Ports has also connected road, electricity, water, and sewage facilities to the project. The railway link of Al Rubaki, 10th of Ramadan, and Belbeis will also connect the project to the Egyptian National Railways network.

The second project: GALDP has also inked an MoU with shipping firm Ocean Express Shipping to develop and operate Borg El Arab Dry Port, according to the Transport Ministry statement. The project will be split into two phases over 120 feddans in Burj Al-Arab and will be connected to the Banjar Al-Sukkar agricultural area. The port is expected to hold some 2.5 mn tons of dry bulk and 4.2 mn tons of general goods.

The timeline: Construction work on the project is set to cost some EGP 780 mn, with the first phase to be completed in 12 months and the second phase within 24 months, according to the statement.

No commercial arbitration for Chabahar’s users + operators

Iran and India have agreed to not turn to commercial arbitration for disputes that may arise between users and operators at Iran’s Chabahar Por t, Indian outlet Mint reports, citing two sources it says have knowledge of the matter. The countries will instead examine other modes of dispute settlement or investment arbitration.

What’s the dilemma? The countries have been relying on short-term one-year agreements for the developing and running of the terminal at Chabahar Port, and recently India has been wanting Iran to commit to a longer term, self-renewing 10-year agreement, which ultimately will provide certainty for investment and development for the India-designed port, the outlet writes. The delay in reaching a long term agreement is a result of Iran’s constitutional restriction on arbitration in foreign courts, and disagreements over the arbitration clause.

What’s next? Indian Port and Shipping Ministry officials are expected to visit Iran next month to come to an agreement over the rules of engagement and mode of arbitration that will be implemented by the countries, the sources told the outlet. The parties have agreed to pursue arbitration under the UN Commission on International Trade Law — which does not push for designated courts in specific jurisdictions, the outlet writes. Upon agreement, the countries will come to a formal arrangement for the long-term operation of the port. While India has initially suggested that arbitration matters be carried out in Dubai or Mumbai, the Port and Shipping Ministry did not give any further indication, the outlet writes.

Background: The long-term agreement covers the development of the port and will allow India to develop the Shahid Beheshti Terminal in the port.

Mawani + Rotterdam Port ink partnership on port corporatization

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Rotterdam Port have inked an agreement to collaborate on private sector partnerships,according to a Mawani statement. The two bodies will work to outsource terminal operations to private sector players while retaining government overwatch and ownership in a framework referred to as “port corporatization.” The widely-applied business model looks to up efficiency and productivity at ports while also boosting private sector experience and abilities.

They will also cooperate in other areas: Smart ports, human capital development, knowledge sharing, and performance optimization are all targets for collaboration, the statement said.

Last month saw KSA’s port regulator ink a similar agreement with Port of Antwerp International (PAI): The agreement looks to boost cooperation on port optimization, digitization, and capacity building.

Brics admits six new member states

Brics opens membership to six new countries: Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have all been invited to join the Brics group, Reuters reported, citing a statement on Thursday by South African President and Brics Chairman Cyril Ramaphosa. The question of expansion had topped the agenda for the three-day Brics summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the newswire wrote.

Not everyone was on the same page, however: Negotiations between member states on the question of expansion reportedly “went into the eleventh hour,” Reuters wrote separately. Despite all member countries publicly expressing a willingness to grow the bloc, there were significant differences in terms of who to admit and when. Attempts to reach a consensus were also complicated by considerable differences between member nations in terms of economic scale and foreign policy stance. The body’s decision-making process, which gives each member state de facto veto power, also stalled efforts to reach a consensus, the newswire wrote.

China + Russia were strongly for expansion: China — the bloc’s most powerful member — levied strongly for expansion as it looks to challenge the West’s economic dominance globally. Moscow was also keen to admit new partners as the Putin administration looks to break out of the isolation imposed on it due to the war in Ukraine, Reuters explained.

India + Brazil were less keen: India is wary of growing Chinese influence within the bloc, and both Brazil and India have been striving for better relations with the West and are therefore opposed to efforts that will see the platform positioned as a counterweight to the US and G7, Reuters reported. India’s misgivings had led to delays in negotiations as the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi came up with last-minute changes to proposed requirements for future members.

Iran is happy: Brics’ decision to admit Iran was received with great enthusiasm by Iranian policymakers. In a statement, the Iranian president’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs Mohammad Jamshidi referred to the step as “historic” and as a “strategic victory” for Iran.

What will happen to BRICS’ name? Nothing, probably. Brics — an acronym originally coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill — will probably not change its name to reflect new members, a South African diplomat told Russia’s TASS news agency. “Everyone knows Brics,” the diplomat said.

Malaysian companies on board for Iraq reconstruction

Malaysian companies are set to participate in infrastructure projects for the reconstruction of Iraq, Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir announced during his official visit to Iraq, New Straits Times reports. This visit comes as the two nations look to expand cooperation in various sectors. Malaysia is also set to reopen its embassy in Baghdad after a two-decade closure within two weeks, Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed during a press conference with Kadir, INA reports. The two leaders discussed several issues, including facilitating entry visas, economic ties, potential investments in Iraq, the potential for increased exports of goods and commodities to Iraq, as well as collaborations in sectors such as air travel, energy and tourism.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

Algeria ’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has inked an agreement withits South African counterpart to establish a joint business council. (APS)
Iraq’s Transport Minister Razzaq Al Saadawi discussed with Bulgaria’s ambassador to Iraq new transport investments, and cooperation in exchanging expertise to serve in boosting the countries transport sectors and economic relations. (Ministry statement)
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with his Singaporaen counterpart to discuss boosting bilateral trade ties between both countries. (Statement)

Riyadh Air isn’t competing with Gulf aviation hubs + Bahrain kicks off new silos project + Egypt, Israel agree on more natgas exports. Plus: News from Masdar, Talabat, and Al Futtaim

AVIATION-

Riyadh Air will focus on the niche markets of flights to and from KSA rather than compete with prominent Gulf hubs, CEO Tony Douglas said while explaining the airline’s “super aggressive” growth plan, The Financial Times reports. Riyadh Air will not directly rival gulf giants like Qatar Airways, Dubai’s Emirates, and Abu Dhabi’s Etihad, which have grown by providing connecting flights through their major home airports to various global destinations, Douglas said. Instead, Riyadh Air will instead focus on serving travelers to and from Saudi Arabia. Last March, the company announced its first order of 39 Boeing 787 jets, with options for 33 others, aiming to serve over 100 destinations by the end of the decade. Riyadh Air is expecting to receive its first 11 jets from Boeing in 2025.

Masdar + ZeroAvia collaborate on hydrogen production for aircrafts: UAE state-owned renewables giant Masdar inked an agreement with US-based hydrogen-electric aircraft developer ZeroAvia to explore hydrogen production and supply projects for aircraft, according to a statement. As part of the partnership , ZeroAvia will refuel its zero-emission aircrafts at commercial airports by 2030, with plans for a first hydrogen-fueled commercial flight by 2025. The companies will initially establish clean flight operations in North America and Europe, with plans to later expand operations in the UAE. The UAE government has set a target to produce 1.4 mn tons of hydrogen annually by 2031 before increasing its production capacity tenfold to 14-22 mn tons by 2050. Masdar aims to reach an annual 1 mn ton green hydrogen production volume by the end of the decade.

E-COMMERCE-

Talabat pro launches in Bahrain: Delivery platform Talabat has launched a new subscription service, Talabat pro, in Bahrain, Trade Arabia reports. The service will provide exclusive benefits to its customers, such as unlimited deliveries without charge from selected vendors and restaurants, for a monthly fee of BHD 2.5 or BHD 2 per month as part of a yearly plan, the outlet writes.

DHL receives Volvo electric truck from Al Futtaim: Al Futtaim Automotives has delivered a Volvo Heavy-Duty Electric Truck to logistics player DHL, according to a statement. The truck is set to operate in Dubai and serve as a pre-carriage solution for the Etihad Rail system. Al Futtaim delivered its first Volvo truck to Unilever a few weeks ago as part of a joint initiative to roll out EVs as part of Unilever’s last-mile delivery fleet in the UAE.

ENERGY-

Iraq + Turkmenistan agree to tentative gas agreement: The Iraqi oil minister’s undersecretary Ezzat Saber announced that a government delegation, including officials from various ministries, conducted meetings with Turkmenistan’s gas sector representatives and reached a preliminary gas import agreement, INA reports. The agreement involves importing gas to fuel electric power plants. A memorandum of cooperation is in the works, expected to be finalized by year-end, which will detail the proposed quantities.

Israel has approved an increase in natural gas exports to Egypt, Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz announced, Jewish Press reports. The gas will come from Israel’s Tamar natural gas field, which is owned and operated by a consortium of international companies including Isramco, Chevron, Mubadala Energy, Tamar Petroleum, Dor Gas, and Everest. Israel will raise gas exports to Egypt by an additional 38.7 bcm over the next 11 years, according to the ministry. This could later be increased to 44 bcm. Egypt imported 4.62 bcm of gas from Israel last year.

Timeline: Egypt aims to boost imports of Israeli gas by over 30% this October, which coincides with decreased domestic demand in Israel, Asharq Business reported.

Iran + Armenia mull streamlined border controls for road freight: Tehran and Yerevan are holding talks on cutting tariffs and rolling out e-customs procedures for crossborder truck movements, state-aligned Tasnim reported. The measures look to boost trade between both countries, as well as transit via the Aras Free Zone on the Iran-Armenia border, Tasnim reported, citing chairman of Iran’s Supreme Council of Freetrade-Industrial and Special Economic Zones Hojjatollah Abdolmaleki.

STORAGE + WAREHOUSING-

Bahrain is looking to boost its food security with a new BHD 20 mn silos project, Alwatan reports, citing Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry Food Committee Chairman Khaled Al Amin. The silos project aims to position Bahrain as a main distributor of Russian wheat regionally, Al Amin added. Economic studies for the project have been finalized with the implementation of the project still requiring several arrangements between both countries.

ALSO WORTH KNOWING-

Netherlands-based shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards Group has delivered a new Shoalbuster 3209 vessel — dubbed Al Mirfa — to AD Port’s subsidiary Safeen Group. (Press Release)
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, the emirate’s low cost airline introduced a new Abu Dhabi to Lar route with three weekly flights, starting 14 September, expanding its destinations to 33. (Press release)
The Dubai Maritime Authority of the Ports, Customs, and Freezone Corporation will launch a campaign over the next few months to strengthen the consumer rights of traders and beneficial cargo owners. (WAM)
The Iraqi Oil Tanker Company has received a new tanker with 31ktonnes of capacity, with officials expressing the company’s intention tobuild a new fleet. (Statement)
Iraqi national carrier Iraq Airways received a new Airbus A220-300, with crewmen from the carrier conducting the delivery flight between Oslo and Baghdad International Airport. (Statement)
Iraq’s Transport Ministry has received the fifth and final Airbus A220 aircraft as part of a contract with Airbus. The aircraft will join Iraqi Airways’ fleet. (Ministry statement)

New manufacturing flaw delays Boeing's 737 Max deliveries

New flaw in Boeing’s popular 737 Max aircraft to impact deliveries: Boeing has discovered improperly drilled fastener holes on the aft pressure bulkhead of some of its planes, CNBC reports. The manufacturer of the fuselages, Spirit Aerosystems, said that since it relies on various suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead, only some units are affected. It also stressed that the issue does not compromise flight safety and airlines can continue using the planes. However, inspections to determine how many aircraft are affected and completing the required reworks will delay near-term deliveries, Boeing said. This is the latest in a series of manufacturing issues the company has recently disclosed as it increases production to meet high demand. The problem could hinder Boeing’s plan to deliver 400 to 450 Max jets this year. As of July, Airbus is outpacing Boeing in terms of deliveries for 2023, having handed over 381 planes compared Boeing’s 309.

Hungary eyes extension of EU’s Ukraine grain import ban: Hungary wants an EU ban on the domestic sale of Ukrainian grains that is set to expire on 15 September extended beyond that date, threatening a national import ban otherwise, Reuters reported, citing statements by Hungarian officials. May saw the EU allow Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to ban domestic sales of Ukrainian grain to protect local producers while permitting transit for export to other states. The ban is set to expire next month and the group of five central European states are lobbying for its extension until year’s end at the least, the newswire wrote.

Calendar

AUGUST

Oman will award Ras Al Hadd Airport consultancy contract.

27 August (Sunday): Last day for companies to bid for the construction tender for Kuwait’s Mubarak Al Kabeer Port.

28 August (Monday): Registration for Emirates Postal Group’s Logistics Unleashed competition concludes.

SEPTEMBER

September: Hassan Allam Utilities + Agility to open Yanmu East logistics park.

4-6 September (Monday-Wednesday): The Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference, Ritz Carlton, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

4-8 September (Monday-Friday): Logistics and Transport Management, Dubai, UAE.

5 September (Tuesday): The Leaders in Logistics KSA Summit, Crowne Plaza Al Waha, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

6-7 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Sustainability LIVE London, Business Design Centre, London, UK.

11-14 September (Monday-Thursday): The Libyan Moroccan Forum for Trade and Business, Tangiers, Morocco.

11-15 September (Monday-Friday): London International Shipping Week 2023, International Maritime Organization, London, UK.

12 September (Tuesday): Global Pharma Logistics Summit 2023, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, India.

18-19 September (Monday-Tuesday): Enterprise Finance Forum, St. Regis Hotel, Cairo, Egypt.

19-20 September (Tuesday-Wednesday): Economist Impact’s Global Trade and Supply Chain Summit, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE.

20-21 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Saudi Maritime Congress, Dhahran Expo, Damman, Saudi Arabia.

20-22 September (Wednesday-Friday): Transport Evolution Africa Forum and Expo, Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex (Durban ICC), South Africa.

20-23 September (Wednesday-Saturday): MTB Workboats, Hyatt Regency, Dubai, UAE.

25-27 September (Monday-Wednesday): Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Middle East & Africa, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, UAE.

25-27 September (Monday-Wednesday): Agriculture Horticulture Development Board’s trade mission to Kuwait.

26-28 September (Tuesday-Thursday): ProcureCon, Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, Spain.

26-28 September (Tuesday-Thursday): Breakbulk Americas, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

OCTOBER

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) goes on a roadshow to South Korea.

3-4 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): IATA World Sustainability Symposium, Madrid, Spain.

3-5 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Smarter Mobility Africa Summit, South Africa.

10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Autonomous E-mobility Forum, Doha, Qatar.

10-12 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Cool Logistics Global 2023, Genoa Stock Exchange, Genoa, Italy.

16-17 October (Monday-Tuesday): Duqm Economic Forum, Crowne Plaza, Duqm, Oman.

24-25 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Future Fuels Europe, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

26-29 October (Thursday-Sunday): ICASM 2023, Conrad, Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

30 Oct-2 Nov (Monday-Thursday): IAPH World Ports Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

30 Oct-2 Nov (Monday-Thursday): XLP AGM 2023, Barcelona, Spain.

30-31 October (Monday-Tuesday): Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit, London, UK.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

NOVEMBER

1 November (Wednesday): Smart Maritime Network Dubai Conference, Conrad Dubai, UAE.

9-15 November (Thursday-Wednesday): Intra-AfricanTrade Fair, Cairo, Egypt.

15-17 November (Wednesday-Friday): Global Freight Summit 2023, Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE.

13-17 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Dubai World Center, UAE.

14-15 November (Tuesday-Wednesday): Supply Chain & Logistics Arabia, Narcissus, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

14-17 November (Tuesday-Friday): IATA Slot Conference, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.

15 November (Wednesday): Leaders in Logistics UAE Summit, Dubai, UAE.

21-23 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Intermobility Expo 2023, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE.

21-23 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Touchdown Middle East, Gulf Hotel, Bahrain.

23 November (Thursday): Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit, Grand Millennium Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, UAE.

30 November-3 December (Saturday-Tuesday): Handling Expo, Egypt International Exhibition Center, Cairo, Egypt.

September-November: Emirates Postal Group’s “Logistics Unleashed” competition, UAE.

DECEMBER

10-11 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Invest in Logistics, St.Regis Almasa Hotel, New Administrative Capital, Egypt.

EVENTS WITH NO SET DATE

2H2023:Construction of Neom’s first hydrogen fueling station will kick off.

2H2023: Expansion of Baghdad International Airport to begin.

3Q 2023: Design and supervision contract for Oman’s proposed Musandam Airport to be awarded.

Before the end of the year: The first phase of the Ain Sokhna port redevelopment will wrap.

2024

1Q 2024: Construction of phase 3 of Agility’s logistic park in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to be completed.

1H 2024: Work is scheduled to begin on the 162 km Rasht-Astara railway in Iran.

FEBRUARY 2024

13th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

12-13 February (Monday-Tuesday): Breakbulk Middle East conference, Dubai Trade Centre, UAE.

12-15 February (Monday-Thursday): African Air Expo, Cape Town, South Africa.

28 February-1 March (Wednesday-Friday): MENA Transport Congress and Exhibition 2024, Dubai, UAE.

MARCH 2024

5-6 March (Tuesday-Wednesday): MRO Middle East, Dubai Trade Center, Dubai, UAE.

12-14 March (Tuesday- Thursday): IATA World Cargo Symposium, Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong.

MAY 2024

2-3 May (Thursday-Friday): Geneva Dry, Hotel President Wilson, Geneva, Switzerland.

21-23 May (Tuesday-Thursday): WAGA 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JUNE 2024

19-21 June (Wednesday-Friday): World Freezones Organization’s Annual International Conference and Exhibition, Bari, Italy.

NOVEMBER 2024

13-15 November (Wednesday-Friday): The Bahrain International Airshow, Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain.

DECEMBER 2024

10-12 December (Tuesday-Thursday): Middle East Business Aviation, DWC, Dubai, UAE.

2025

Mid-2025: Iraq will complete phase one of the construction of the Grand Faw Port.

DHL and Aramco’s logistics and procurement hub in Saudi Arabia will commence operations.

2027

4Q 2027: Oman’s Musandam Airport construction to be completed.

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