Maritime, cargo, and storage updates from KSA, UAE, and Algeria

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

Saudi Arabia’s Folk Maritime Services has inked an MoU with Bahri Ship Management to enhance its fleet’s capabilities, according to a press release. The agreement will allow Folk Maritime to connect Saudi Arabia to ports across MENA on the back of plans to expand its fleet with new purpose-built vessels for regional trade. PIF-backed Folk Maritime currently operates two feeder services along the Red Sea route.

CARGO-

Etihad Cargo + Teleport partner to boost freighter flights: The UAE’s Etihad Cargo has partnered with Malaysian logistics provider Teleport to increase its capacity and freighter frequency between Southeast Asia and the Middle East, according to a statement. Teleport will operate a freighter from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will then connect to Middle Eastern markets through Etihad Cargo.

STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Algeria has kicked off a national program to construct 30 grain storage silos, according to Sabq. The program was inaugurated with the completion of the first silo in Mascara with a capacity of 1 mn quintals. The program aims to increase total grain storage capacity to 9 mn tons through the construction of 30 silos and 350 neighborhood grain storage centers. The Mascara project will house nine neighborhood storage centers with a 50k quintal capacity each.

LOGISTICS HANDLING-

More VTOL support for KSA + UAE: UK-based manufacturing firm Overwatch has inked a strategic partnership with US VTOL firm PteroDynamics to facilitate the adoption of its Transwing technology in the UAE and KSA, according to a statement. The Transwing aircraft system can offer alternative support for logistics resupply in remote locations without runways or landing capabilities.

TRADE-

A boost for KSA’s non-oil exports: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Port, Johnson Controls Arabia, and Bahri Logistics have inked a strategic alliance agreement to boost non-oil exports and the Made in Saudi Arabia initiative, according to Al-Eqtisadiah. The cooperation focuses on enhancing Saudi Arabia’s logistics capabilities and exploring export opportunities for Saudi-made heating, ventilation, and air conditioning from Johnson Controls Arabia. The agreement also aims to enhance access to global markets, including the US.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING THIS MORNING-

• Air Arabia launches Sharjah-Athens flight: Air Arabia has launched a direct flight route between Sharjah in the UAE and Athens, Greece. The flight will operate four times a week, with plans to increase the frequency in the future. (Statement)