Gulftainer launches mega, multi-purpose logistics facility in Khorfakkan

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: Mamoura wraps AED 3.2 bn du follow-on offering

Good morning, friends. The news cycle has slightly slowed down, leaving us with a brisk read this morning. Updates from UAE players take the lead, featuring Gulftainer’s new multi-purpose facility in Khorfakkan port, Du’s follow-on offering, and Lootah’s launch of SAF sales. Let’s dive right in.

HAPPENING TODAY-

#1- The Smart Ports and Logistics Transformation Summit will close its doors today in Jeddah. The summit will host over 40 global and local speakers, industry experts, and policymakers to explore smart port solutions, port operations, and logistics within Saudi Arabia.

#2- London International Shipping Week is on its second day and will run through until Friday, 19 September in London. The cluster event brings together hundreds of maritime industry decision-makers and government officials to network and discuss key issues facing the industry. The week-long event will host over 350 functions — including its flagship conference hosted by the International Maritime Organization on Wednesday, 17 September.

Regional players are hosting some of the week’s events:

Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone will showcase Oman’s strengths as a globally integrated maritime hotspot today;
KSA’s Mawani will also host Set Sail to Saudi Arabia today.

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Lootah Biofuels has begun supplying Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in the UAE market, and plans to unveil its three-phase roadmap for deployment at the upcoming Dubai Airshow later this year, Gulf News reports. The company completed engineering studies for a dedicated SAF production plant in the UAE, with plans to import SAF in the short term and transition to full local production over time.

About the fuel: Lootah’s SAF — produced from used cooking oil and waste-derived fats — meets the International Civil Aviation Organization’s standard and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Not the first venture: Lootah signed an agreement with Malaysian counterpart FatHopes Energy to study the feasibility of establishing 200k sqm SAF feedstock aggregation storage terminal in Malaysia in 2023. The company also partnered with Emarat Petroleum to explore providing biofuel for the maritime industry back in December.

IN OTHER UAE NEWS- Abu Dhabi test-drives autonomous delivery vehicles: Abu Dhabi Mobility, in collaboration with K2 and Emirates Post 7X’s logistics arm EMX, has launched Abu Dhabi’s first pilot program for autonomous delivery vehicles, according to a statement. The trial operations for the vehicles — developed by K2 subsidiary Autogo — were executed in Masdar City. The firm also issued the nation’s first official license plate for a self-driving delivery vehicle — aligning with the emirate’s goal to shift 25% of all trips to smart transport solutions by 2040.

Lots of driverless initiatives in Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November. Abu Dhabi Mobility has also expanded its autonomous taxi services to include Al Reem and Al Maryah islands back in July. Autonomous taxis are already operational on Al Saadiyat and Yas islands, along with routes to Zayed International Airport.

ALSO FROM UAE- Rakez + India launch start-up initiative: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zones (Rakez) and the UAE-India Cepa Council inked an MoU to launch the UAE-India Startup Series, helping Indian startups enter the Emirati market, according to a press release. The initiative will select 20 startups to participate in an event in New Delhi. Of those, five will receive incubation support to help them enter the UAE market, with Rakez set to provide full backing via a comprehensive package to one of the five. So far, 10k Indian startups have applied to the initiative.

#2- US port investments incoming to Egypt? A US business delegation is touring the country’s ports this week to explore collaborating with “Egyptian partners in developing world-class ports,” according to a statement from the US Embassy in Egypt. The delegation included representatives from Bechtel, Cisco, Hill International, TMEIC, OSI/Rapiscan, Aveva, and Alvarez & Marsal Holdings.

“The companies represented in Alexandria today embody the best of American innovation, technology, and expertise,” said US Ambassador Herro Mustafa Garg at the start of the tour, which includes stops at the ports at Damietta, Port Said, and Ain Sokhna. “This US business delegation is eager to support Egypt’s port development efforts, laying the groundwork for enhanced security, economic growth, and prosperity for both our nations,” she added.

#3- An MoU for joint road and rail projects between Jordan, Syria, and Turkey could be in the works, after transport officials from the three countries drafted and submitted a joint proposal to their respective governments following an Amman meeting, Jordan Times reports.

Here are some of the proposal’s main elements:

Restarting the Hejaz Railway with Turkish aid to expedite Syria’s reconstruction efforts;
Reopening the Bab Al Hawa–Cilvegözü crossing for Jordanian trucks via Syria;
Launching joint technical studies for a railway network to connect Jordan, Syria, and Turkey to global transport corridors;
Boosting the overland freight route from Jordan's Aqaba Port to Turkey and then to Eastern Europe.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices went up this morning as concerns of tightened supply continued to weigh in due to Ukraine attacks on Russian refineries, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures increased by USD 0.15 to reach USD 67.59 / bbl by 03.54 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained USD 0.15 to trade at USD 63.45 / bbl.

#2- Baltic index maintains upwards trajectory: The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index — which tracks rates for the capesize, panamax, and supramax vessel segments — rose 1.3% to 2,153points on Monday, its highest since 28 July. The capesize climbed 2.7% to 3,154 points, while the panamax index fell 0.1% to 2,003 points. The smaller supramax index rose by 0.1% to 1,493 points.

PSA-

Maersk revises its Qatar EXP: Shipping giant Maersk has revised its global export service surcharge (EXP) for Qatar-sourced containers to QAR 40, according to a statement. The EXP is applicable starting 15 October and is valid until further notice. The new surcharge applies to all 20-ft and 40-ft containers, as well as 45-ft high-cube dry containers traveling from Qatar.

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CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The UAE will host the Syria Recovery and Investment Forum on Wednesday, 24 September in Abu Dhabi. The forum will host leaders in business, regional investors, policymakers, and advisory experts to develop practical solutions for Syria’s road to recovery and economic revival.

Turkey will host the Global Freight Summit on Sunday, 28 September until Wednesday, 1 October in Istanbul. The summit will host over 330 attendees and over 250 firms for policy and knowledge and strategies exchange between forwarding partners.

The UAE will host the African, Middle East, and Islamic Finance Aviation 100 Awards on Monday, 29 September until Wednesday, 1 October in Dubai. The event aims to highlight and reward the most remarkable transactions closed by airlines and aviation manufacturing and leasing firms.

The UAE will host the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference on Tuesday, 30 September until Thursday, 2 October in Abu Dhabi. The event will be hosted by Etihad Rail and is set to welcome over 200 global speakers and upwards of 20k industry attendees to share innovative solutions and develop partnerships.

Saudi Arabia will host the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress on Wednesday, 1 October and Thursday, 2 October in Dammam. It will host over 200 registered exhibitors and some 15k attendees from over 90 countries to discuss AI-powered fleet optimization, shifts in global trade, and intelligence-driven infrastructure.

The UK will host the Marine Environment Protection Committee Extraordinary Session from Tuesday, 14 October until Friday, 17 October at the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) HQ in London. The session is set to see the intergovernmental body formally adopt its Net-Zero Framework — rolling out new fuel standards for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.

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

Gulftainer launches 50-hectare integrated logistics facility in Khorfakkan

Gulftainer expands its services in Khorfakkan: UAE-based ports and logistics solutions provider Gulftainer has launched a new scalable integrated logistics facility — named K-Flow — in the Emirates’ Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal, according to a statement. The 50-hectare facility is slated to reduce handoffs, ease dwell time, and cut the total landed cost for shippers.

What’s in store? The facility was developed in partnership with Khorfakkan Customs to offer customized supply chain solutions including warehousing, cold chain handling, distribution services, and container freight stations at the terminal. The terminal will also facilitate container transloading, inventory management, and repacking services.

Khorfakkan — the UAE’s only port located outside the Strait of Hormuz — stands out as Gulftainer’s flagship terminal, along with Sharjah Container Terminal at Port Khalid. The firm extended its 1986 concession agreement in 2023 for another 35 years to manage, operate, and develop the two terminals. Khorfakkan is an essential gateway for services to the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Subcontinent, the Gulf of Oman, and East African markets. The terminal spans some 450k sqm, hosting a 70-hectare facility area and a total capacity of 5 mn TEUs.

Gulftainer’s been making moves: Privately owned port operator Gulftainer launched the UAE’s first bonded inland container depot in Sharjah earlier this month. The facility — strategically located some 20 km from Sharjah Port and 140 km from Khorfakkan Port — will also offer multimodal transport services from inland markets to ports.

Mamoura wraps AED 3.2 bn du follow-on offering

Newly placed secondary shares of the Dubai-based telco and data center developer Du are due to hit the DFM at the opening bell today, after Mubadala-backed Mamoura wrapped an AED 3.15 bn sell-down priced at AED 9.20 apiece, according to a bourse disclosure (pdf).

The offering, which kicked off last week, was priced at the lower end of the range du was guiding on despite closing “multiple times oversubscribed,” with strong demand across retail, institutional, and international investors. The final offer price implies a market cap of AED 41.7 bn at listing, according to our calculations. It’s also a 6.1% discount to its close on Friday.

REFRESHER- The sale saw Mubadala’s debt issuing arm and du’s only selling shareholder Mamoura float an additional 342.1 mn shares — good for a 7.6% stake — in the Dubai-based telco, around six months after news of Mubadala’s plans to pare down its stake in the company first surfaced. Before the transaction, Mubadala held a 10% interest in du via Mamoura.

The move brings du’s freefloat to 27.7%, paving the way for future MSCI and FTSE inclusion — potentially boosting liquidity and broadening the company’s international investor base. Du will not receive any proceeds from the sale.

This is the first fully marketed secondary share offer in the UAE, according to the release. The roadshow-style transaction was marketed to both retail and institutional investors at home and abroad, despite secondary sell-downs in the region being typically handled via accelerated bookbuilds targeted overnight to institutional buyers.

IN CONTEXT- Emirati firms raised almost USD 4.75 bn from follow-on offerings so far this year, nearly tripling 2024 volumes and far outpacing IPO proceeds of just USD 905 mn. State-linked players are leading the charge as they seek to broaden their investor bases, secure index inclusion, and draw in global capital. September alone has seen a flurry of activity; Mamoura’s du selldown follows Adnoc’s secondary sales of stakes in its gas and logistics units earlier this year, and comes as AI firm G42 prepares an accelerated sale of about 2% of Presight AI.

ADVISORS- First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, Goldman Sachs, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank are acting as joint lead managers, with Linklaters, Clifford Chance, White and Case, and Al Tamimi and Co providing counsel. Emirates NBD is the lead receiving bank, with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Maryah Bank Community Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, FAB, and Wio Bank also acting as receiving banks.

Market reax: Du’s shares were up 0.1%, trading at AED 9.81 per share at market close yesterday.

Adnoc L&S taps Rahoof Khaleel Rahman as interim CFO

Adnoc L&S appoints new interim CFO: ADX-listed Adnoc Logistics and Services (Adnoc L&S) has tapped Rahoof Khaleel Rahman (LinkedIn) as interim chief financial officer (CFO), following the resignation of former CFO Nicholas Gleeson (LinkedIn), which will be effect as of 30 September, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The disclosure cited personal commitments as the reason for the departure.

About the interim CFO: Rahman has been with Adnoc L&S for over 12 years, mostly recently serving as its Vice President for Finance. He has led M&A transactions totaling USD 2.5 bn and held senior leadership positions globally, including at KPMG, Ernst and Young, and BP.

Updates on ports and aviation from the UAE and KSA

AVIATION-

Riyadh Air taps Unilode for MRO services: Saudi’s Riyadh Air has tapped global unit load device (ULD) MRO provider Unilode to cover its ULD supply chain and services, according to a statement. Under the agreement, Unilode will supply and manage new ULDs to streamline baggage and cargo transport across Riyadh Air’s network. The partnership aims to leverage digital solutions to facilitate irregular-operation recovery and real-time visibility by using bluetooth-powered tracking and reader infrastructure.

REFRESHER- Saudi’s newest airline delayed its takeoff from earlier this year to 3Q 2025, citing Boeing delivery setbacks. The airline voiced plans in June to serve 100 cities by 2030, aiming to add a destination every two months once operational.

PORTS-

Adnoc integrates AI into petroleum port operations: Adnoc Logistics and Services (Adnoc L&S) is rolling out an AI-powered smart port solution across its petroleum ports in the UAE in a bid to enhance operational efficiency, state news agency Wam reports. The firm has reportedly rolled out the system at five of its key petroleum ports — Das, Zirku, Mubaraz, Ruwais, and Jebel Dhana.

What we know: Developed by port management information system Innovez One, the solution features real-time marine tracking, streamlines resource allocation, reduces vessel turnaround time from three hours to forty-five seconds, and increases jetty utilization by 20%. The solution is also expected to save around AED 3.5 mn in operational costs by 2028.

Could AI prevent deadly fires aboard freighters?

Cargo fires, meet AI: After the number of deadly fires aboard ships reached a decade-high peak in 2024 — driven by the growing number of flammable cargoes — the shipping industry could reportedly resort to artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the toll, Financial Times reports. The World Shipping Council (WSC) attributed this to shipping agents failing — whether deliberately or not — to declare hazardous items, which incur higher fees.

Could AI be the solution? WSC unveiled a new AI-powered tool during London International Shipping Week, with shippers — representing 70% of global freight capacity — opting in. The technology is expected to scan up to mns of bookings in real time and identify risks by leveraging pattern recognition and algorithms.

How big is the problem? Allianz’ latest Safety and Shipping Review report (pdf) found that 30% of vessel fires in 2025 involved container, cargo, or ro-ro vessels. “Fire remains a major risk for container ships and car carriers. While regulatory changes are in progress… [W]e cannot say this is a risk that is under control. This is still very much a live issue and one that will only get worse [with electrification] if action is not taken to address mis-declared cargo and fire detection and fighting capabilities on these vessels,” Allianz Commercial’s Global Head of Marine Risk Consulting Rahul Khanna said.

Adani Group blocks shadow fleet from calling at its India ports, some refineries impacted

Adani Group — India’s largest private port operator — is turning away all vessels targeted by Western sanctions, Reuters reported last week, citing unnamed sources and documents it has seen. The move aims to shield the company’s commercial interest against any US backlash and affects two of India’s major oil refiners, HPCL-Mittal Energy and India Oil Corp, which rely on Russian crude shipments from Adani ports.

REMEMBER- India — the single largest buyer of seaborne Russian crude — has been under US pressure to limit its Russia-sourced oil imports. US President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on the Asian major to 50% as of 27 August — following through on his threat to punish New Delhi for its purchases of Russian oil, which the White House says is fueling the war in Ukraine. India is dependent on Russia for its crude consumption, with up to 40% of its country’s crude imports coming from there.

China imports more sanctioned Russian LNG: China’s Beihai LNG Terminal has received a delivery of over 166k cubic meters (cbm) of Russian LNG from the US-sanctioned Arctic LNG 2 project on Sunday, Reuters reports, citing LSEG data. The sanctioned Russian tanker — named Buran — is the fourth vessel to deliver to Beihai, the data shows.

China has received over 552k cbm of Russian LNG since late last month, according to the newswire. A fifth US-sanctioned vessel — the Iris — carrying over 166k cbm of LNG from Arctic 2 is currently making its journey to Beihai, though its arrival date is unknown. Four more vessels are reportedly en route to Beihai.

REMEMBER- China received another Russian fuel shipment last week. The country — through an undisclosed small firm — has been importing LNG from the Arctic LNG 2 project into the Beihai terminal since August to bypass retaliations similar to those imposed by the US on India. Chinese refiners have been increasing their purchases of Russian crude, taking advantage of reduced-priced cargoes dropped by India.

Calendar

SEPTEMBER

15-16 September (Monday-Tuesday): Smart Ports and Logistics Transformation Summit, Jeddah, KSA.

15-19 September (Monday-Friday): London International Shipping Week, London, UK.

23 September (Tuesday): TradeWinds Shipowners Forum Greece, Athens, Greece.

24 September (Wednesday): Syria Recovery and Investment Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

24-26 September (Wednesday-Friday): Routes World, Hong Kong.

25 September (Thursday): World Maritime Day..

28 September-1 October (Sunday-Wednesday): Global Freight Summit, Istanbul, Turkey.

29 September-1 October (Monday-Wednesday): African, Middle East, and Islamic Finance Aviation 100 Awards, Dubai, UAE.

30 September-2 October (Monday-Thursday): Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

OCTOBER

1-2 October (Wednesday-Thursday): Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress, Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

6-8 October (Monday-Wednesday): Maritime Cyprus Conference, Limassol, Cyprus.

7-8 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Global EV and Mobility Technology (Gemtech) Forum, Riyadh.

7-9 October (Wednesday-Thursday): World Aviation Festival, Lisbon, Portugal.

13-17 October (Monday-Friday): The Marine Environment Protection Committee’s second extraordinary session, London, UK.

14-15 October (Tuesday-Wednesday): Investing in Africa Conference and Expo, London, UK.

14-16 October (Tuesday-Thursday): AntwerpXL, Antwerp, Belgium.

15 October (Wednesday): Global Trade Review, Cairo, Egypt

16-18 October (Thursday-Saturday): International Forum and Expo on Mobility, Transport and Logistics (Logiterre), Casablanca, Morocco.

28-30 October (Tuesday-Thursday): Borneo International Maritime Week, Sarawak, Malaysia.

NOVEMBER

3-6 November (Monday-Thursday): Adipec Maritime and Logistics Exhibition and Conference, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

4-6 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Air Cargo Forum, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

9-11 November (Sunday-Tuesday): TransMea Expo, Cairo, Egypt.

11-13 November (Tuesday-Thursday): Freightcamp, Bangkok, Thailand.

17-21 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Dubai, UAE.

18 November (Tuesday): ShipTek International Conference and Awards, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

24-26 November (Monday-Wednesday): World Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Summit and Expo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

DECEMBER

9-10 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Rail Industry Summit, El Jadida, Morocco.

16-17 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Saudi Airport Exhibition, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JANUARY 2026

19-23 January (Monday-Friday): World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos, Switzerland.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): SkyMove Air Cargo MENA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East ProcureTech Summit, Dubai, UAE.

FEBRUARY 2026

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): Breakbulk Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): MRO Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

25-27 February (Wednesday-Friday): Air Cargo Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

MARCH 2026

10-12 March (Tuesday-Thursday): World Cargo Symposium, Lima, Peru.

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