PIF offloads its stakes in FedEx as part of a US-wide divestment push

1

What we're tracking today

TODAY: PIF offloads its stake in FedEx + A flurry of global, regional earnings

Good morning, folks. It’s an earnings-full issue as we kick off the week, with 1H financials still trickling in from regional and global industry players. We also have the latest on the PIF divestment from FedEx. Let’s get the ball rolling.

THE BIG LOGISTICS STORY- CK Hutchinson Holdings’ anticipated earnings received lots of attention from the international press, amid speculations about whether the USD 19 bn sale of its ports division will go through after China torpedoed it over security concerns.

The transaction is not dead just yet: The sale appears to still be in the mix, but will take “much longer than expected” and “would not in any case occur this year,” CK Hutchinson co-managing director Frank Sixt told analysts on Thursday. Chinese state-owned Cosco Shipping is reportedly eyeing a 20-30% stake in the sale. CK Hutchinson announced in July that a “major [Chinese] strategic investor” could be included alongside the initial bidding consortium led by BlackRock and the Mediterranean Shipping Company.

IN NUMBERS- The conglomerate’s ports division saw its revenue rise 9% y-o-y to HKD 23.6 bn in 1H, amid a 27% rise in income from storage services in Mexico and Europe terminals, as well as a 4% growth in throughput volumes mainly through Yantian Ports, Shanghai Ports, and terminals in Asia and the Middle East.

The story received ink in the int’l press: Reuters | Bloomberg | Financial Time

IN OTHER EARNINGS UPDATES- Hapag-Lloyd has tempered its 2025 earnings expectations, citing trade disruptions, geopolitical instability in the Red Sea route, as well as the costs of its Gemini Cooperation launched with Maersk this year.

This came after the world’s fifth-largest shipping player reported a 3.1% y-o-y drop in its bottom line during 1H, reaching EUR 709 mn. The company now expects transport volumes to increase moderately, instead of a previously pegged clear increase. Average freight rates and bunker consumption prices, previously expected to remain stable, are now both forecast to decrease moderately.

Red Sea crisis to persist until 2026, CEO says: Hapag-Lloyd will likely steer clear of the Suez Canal throughout the remainder of 2025 due to Houthi attacks on vessels transiting the waterway, CEO Rolf Habben Jansen said. This is in line with Maersk’s projection that the route disruptions are set to last for the remainder of the year.

This story was also picked up in the int’l press: Reuters | Bloomberg | Wall Street Journal

WATCH THIS SPACE-

#1- Egypt cancels dry port tender: The Transport Ministry has scrapped the tender for the Shaq El Tebaan dry port and logistics center, after none of the three bidders met technical requirements, sources told Al Borsa. The tender — launched by the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (GALDP) last year — was pursuing companies to manage and operate the port located in the largest marble and granite industrial cluster in the country. The port is set to be used as the base for marble exports and is expected to bring in some USD 100 mn in investments.

GALDP will now relaunch the project through a closed-envelope auction, with technical bids due next January and financial offers the month after. The authority has also lowered the initial deposit to EGP 10 mn from USD 1 mn to ease participation.

#2– Iraq decided not to back the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework, citing concerns that the new rules would raise marine fuel costs and cause global shipping tensions, Shafaq News reported on Thursday. Iraq joins a list of eight other IMO members — Bahrain, Kuwait, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Yemen, Venezuela, and the US — in opposing the framework ahead of the October vote. The framework will require a two-thirds majority to enter into force after IMO members voted to approve it last April.

The US has recently ramped up its campaign against the framework, threatening to retaliate against IMO members who support the framework in October. The nature of the retaliation was not made clear by US officials.

REMEMBER- The framework will set two escalating emissions targets requiring gradual cuts to ships’ GHG fuel intensity while imposing progressive levies against those who fail either of the targets. If ratified, changes will take effect by 2027 and apply to ships over 5k gross tons, covering 85% of international shipping emissions.

IN OTHER IRAQI UPDATES- Foreign consortium seeks to revamp Baghdad Int’l airport: An undisclosed six-company consortium met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al Sudani to discuss a bid to develop Baghdad International Airport, according to a statement published last week. Iraq is currently accepting bids to modernize the airport under a USD 400-600 mn public-private partnership, with the International Financial Corporation standing in as an advisor. Selected developers will be responsible for both the development and financing of the project.

ALSO FROM IRAQ- KRG oil export conflict nears resolution: Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has inked a preliminary agreement with the Iraqi Oil Ministry that could soon help resume crude oil exports from the Kurdish region through Turkey, Shafaq News reported on Wednesday. The framework would see an Iraqi federal firm — the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (Somo) — become responsible for trading all of KRG’s oil after earmarking 50k bbl/d of crude for KRG’s daily domestic consumption. Iraq’s been working to resume oil flows through the 970-km Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline since early 2025, but had faced several setbacks amid disagreements with Turkey and the KRG.

What’s next? Somo still needs to finalize an agreement with Turkey before the pumping begins. It remains unclear what will happen to the KRG’s export agreements with US oil companies that it unilaterally signed back in June.

#3- Starlink is coming to the UAE’s maritime sector: Starlink has secured a 10-year license to provide the government with maritime satellite internet services, The National reported last week, citing a Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) document.

Starlink services aren’t currently for general consumer use, but this could soon change with TDRA taking steps to ease regulations for satellite service providers. The telecom regulator has invited public feedback on a draft regulation that would enable licensed resellers to offer satellite-based services and sell devices across the country. TDRA will be accepting public feedback for its proposal until 25 September.

What’s Starlink? The low-Earth orbit satellite service can provide Internet access anywhere in the world, and is used particularly in remote and rural areas, with particular promise for the aviation, maritime, and offshore energy sectors.

REMEMBER- Emirates Airlines was recently linked to talks with SpaceX for in-flight Starlink internet, though regulatory hurdles including Starlink’s lack of full authorization in the UAE and its inability to function over Chinese or Russian airspace — both of which are on Emirates’ route map — posed challenges. Starlink is also reportedly in talks with Saudia, which is said to be finalizing terms of an agreement to install Starlink’s wifi services on its planes, and is also exploring an agreement with Gulf Air and Emirates’ budget carrier flydubai, Bloomberg reports, citing sources familiar with the matter.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices steadied this morning after the Trump-Putin meeting ended with no US measures against Russian oil trade, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures decreased slightly by USD 0.06 to reach USD 65.79 / bbl by 03.42 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) saw a small drop of USD 0.02 to trade at USD 62.82/ bbl.

#2- The Drewry World Container Index fell by 3% to USD 2,350 per 40-ft container on Thursday, according to the latest index readings. The drop comes on the back of market turbulence driven by the ongoing US tariffs’ bonanza since April. The container forecaster projects the supply-demand balance to fall in 2H 2025, causing spot rates to fall further.

DATA POINT-

Oman’s ports of Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm handled roughly 2.4 mn TEUs in 1H 2025, an 11.7% y-o-y increase, the Oman News Agency reports. Omani ports and marine docks received some 6.6k vessels in the same period, rising 11.1% y-o-y.

***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, and the UAE ***

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

The UAE will host the Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Leaders’ Conference on Monday, 25 August until Friday, 29 August in Dubai. The conference will host global industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders to discuss how AI is changing procurement and supply chain efficiency, sustainability and risk management.

Bahrain will host the Syria Recovery and Investment Forum on Sunday, 1 September and Monday, 2 September in Manama. The forum will host global industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss Syria’s most urgent rebuilding needs — and attract investments — across key sectors including education, energy, housing, smart cities, ports, and metro systems.

Oman will host Transport Middle East on Monday, 1 September until Wednesday, 3 September in Salalah. The conference will host 35 international speakers and over 50 exhibitors from the maritime sector to discuss global transportation and logistics.

Saudi Arabia will host the Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference on Wednesday, 3 and Thursday, 4 September in Jeddah. The event is set to gather over 60 speakers and more than 3k participants to discuss maritime decarbonization, digital transformation, regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and sustainable practices.

Algeria will host the Intra-African Trade Fair on Thursday, 4 September until Wednesday, 10 September in Algiers. The fair will host over 75 countries and 2k exhibitors across several sectors to explore investment prospects and exchange information on trade between B2B and B2G.

Oman will host the Comex Global Technology Show on Sunday, 7 September and run till Wednesday, 10 September in Muscat. The event will host over 360 participants and 133 tech startups to show achievements in eGovernment, fintech, smart cities, health tech, agritech and cybersecurity.

Saudi Arabia will host the Smart Ports and Logistics Transformation Summit on Monday, 15 September and Tuesday, 16 September 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.

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

PIF sells its stake in FedEx as part of US divestment push

The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has divested all its shares in US-headquartered e-commerce and last-mile delivery giant FedEx, Bloomberg reported on Thursday. The move saw the PIF offload 498.2k common shares in FedEx as part of a divestment push in some US-listed companies, including Meta, Shopify, PayPal, Alibaba, and Nu Holdings. A 13F filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission shows that the PIF no longer has shares in these companies.

Tariff-induced market volatility drove the PIF to divest these shares, with the sovereign fund’s US portfolio standing at USD 23.8 bn by the end of 2Q, compared to USD 25.5 bn in 1Q, according to Reuters.

REMEMBER- The PIF’s AUM rose 19.3% y-o-y to SAR 3.4 tn by the end of 2024, with 82% deployed locally, 17% internationally, and 2% in treasuries. Saudi equity holdings accounted for 36% of AUM, or SAR 1.2 tn, up 11 percentage points y-o-y, making it the only portfolio segment to increase its share of total assets. That aligns with PIF’s strategy to trim overseas exposure from 30% to the 18-20% range while doubling down on domestic diversification projects and attracting co-investment from foreign firms in the Kingdom.

China’s Zhenhua on track for double its Adnoc crude supply after Bu Hasa takeover

Adnoc’s crude supply to China’s Zhenhua Oil is set to double to 200k bbl/d after Zhenhua took over as lead developer of the UAE’s largest onshore oilfield, Bu Hasa, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing three Chinese industry sources. The company already receives 100k bbl/d offtake as an equity holder in Adnoc Onshore, after securing a 4% stake in its onshore concession in 2018, joining BP, TotalEnergies, and CNPC.

The details: Zhenhua Oil — the smallest of China’s state oil companies — will handle Bu Hasa’s development plan, production, and cost targets after replacing TotalEnergies as asset leader following a bidding process last January, the sources reportedly said. The combined 200k bbl/d of contracted crude is expected to be reached by year-end, the newswire said, citing one of the sources.

The offtake agreement, which should be reached by year-end, was finalized in April, according to the sources. Zhenhua is set to expand its trading footprint in Abu Dhabi’s flagship Murban crude and will post its first crude trader in Abu Dhabi this month, the newswire added citing the sources.

China is already digitizing the field: Adnoc has awarded a USD 920 mn contract to Chinese Jereh Oil and Gas Engineering Corp in November for the digitization of over 2k oil wells at its Bab, Bu Hasa, and Southeast fields. Slated for completion by 2027, the program aims to boost operational efficiency and optimize the performance of the wells through remote monitoring.

Not just oil: Adnoc has signed a long-term LNG supply agreement with Zhenhua Oil last April for a supply of up to 12 cargoes annually with deliveries benchmarked to the Japan Korea Marker and Brent oil prices.

A flurry of 1H earnings from DP World, Air Arabia, and ADSB

DP WORLD-

Dubai-based port operator DP World’s net income rose 68.5% y-o-y to USD 960 mn in 1H 2025, according to its financials (pdf) released on Thursday. The firm’s top line surged 20.4% to USD 11.2 bn for the same period, which management attributed to new logistics segment acquisitions and strong returns from the ports and terminals division.

Segment breakdown:

The logistics, parks, and economic zones division contributed the most to the top line, recording a 23.1% y-o-y revenue boost to USD 4.7 bn. However, ongoing investments to expand logistics capabilities are currently holding back the segment’s short-term profitability, management said. The company invested USD 301 mn in this segment, targeting expansions in Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, India, and the GCC.
Revenues from ports and terminals rose 22.2% y-o-y to around USD 4.4 bn. The growth was driven by a 6.7% y-o-y surge in handled volumes (45.5 mn TEUs) and rising rates for cargo handling, up by 11.1% per TEU. The company invested USD 539 mn in locations including UAE’s Jebel Ali, London Gateway , Sub-Sa haran Africa, Canada’s Fraser Surrey Docks, Ecuador’s Posorja, and Saudi’s Jeddah.
The marine services segment saw its top line rise by 11.9% to reach USD 2.2 bn, largely driven by contributions from subsidiaries Unifeeder and Drydock Worlds. DP World invested USD 221 mn in P&O Maritime Logistics and Drydocks World.

An upward trajectory: DP World’s financials in FY 2024 dropped 2% y-o-y to USD 1.48 bn, largely due to high financing costs. Revenues climbed 9.7% y-o-y during the same period to USD 20 bn, which the company attributed at the time to new concessions and acquisitions as well as stronger performance from ports and terminals.

AIR ARABIA-

Air Arabia net income dips in 2Q: Air Arabia posted a net income after tax of AED 349.9 mn in 2Q 2025, down 10.3% y-o-y, according to its financials (pdf). Meanwhile, revenues rose 2.2% y-o-y to AED 1.7 bn as passenger numbers increased 15% to 5.1 mn across its hubs, the carrier said in a separate earnings release (pdf).

In 1H 2025, net income after tax inched up 3.7% y-o-y to AED 655.0 mn, revenues rose 7.8% to AED 3.4 bn, and passenger traffic climbed 13% to 10.1 mn with an average seat load factor of 84%. The airline added two aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to 83, and launched 13 new routes across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Second wind: The carrier recorded a 26.5% y-o-y jump in net income after tax to AED 305.1 mn back in 1Q 2025, while revenues rose 14% y-o-y to AED 1.8 bn, driven by increased passenger demand and network expansion.

ABU DHABI SHIP BUILDING-

ADSB posts a rough 2Q: Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) recorded a 38% y-o-y drop in contract revenues to AED 265 mn in 2Q 2025, down from AED 428 mn the previous year, according to an ADX statement (pdf) released on Thursday. ADSB’s bottom line was in the red during the quarter, falling to an AED 821k loss from earnings of AED 11 mn in 2Q 2024.

On a 6M basis, the company saw its bottom line fall to AED 217k, down from AED 24 mn the year prior. Total revenues also took a dip, falling 26% y-o-y to AED 518 mn.

REMEMBER- The firm’s bottom line declined 91.8% y-o-y to AED 1 mn in 1Q 2025, whereas its top line slipped 8.3% y-o-y to AED 253.1 mn during the same period. The firm’s bottom line decline was attributable to delays in revenue recognition and accumulated accounts receivable of AED 20 mn.

Updates on aviation, zones, and shipping from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt

AVIATION-

#1- SaudiaCargo partnered with Ireland-based aircraft leasing operator ASL AviationHoldings to add two new A330-300P2F aircraft to its fleet to increase cargo capacity and global operations, it said on X on Thursday.

More details: The planes — scheduled for delivery in 4Q 2025 — will be operated by ASL under a comprehensive lease covering crew, maintenance, and ins. The A330-300P2F can carry up to 62 tons and 32 LD3 containers, making it suitable for fast and heavy cargo while being fuel-efficient.

#2- Budget carrier flydubai secured seven new aircraft in 2025, with an additional five jets — Boeing 737 Max 8s — slated for delivery by year-end, according to a statement released on Thursday. The Dubai-based airline is expecting its fleet size to reach at least 95 jets by year-end, supporting the low-cost carrier’s growing network of over 135 destinations across 57 countries.

ZONES-

Chinese flooring giant Jiangsu Zhengyong Flooring Decoration Material will set up an USD 85 mn flooring and wall panels plant in the Sokhna Industrial Zone, according to a Suez Canal Economic Zone statement. The 181k sqm facility will produce PVC and recycled-material flooring and wall panels, with an annual capacity of 27 mn sqm. Some 90% of the output will be exported, with the remainder earmarked for local sale.

The investment comes out of the SCZone’s July promotional tour in China, which included a stop in Jiangsu province’s capital Nanjing, where officials met with representatives from Jiangsu Zhengyong, one of the world’s largest producers of PVC, WPC, and SPC flooring products, with a footprint in multiple global markets.

DATA POINT- Egypt wants to double Chinese investment to USD 16 bn over the next four years, Trade Commissioner Abdelaziz El Sherif said last month.

SHIPPING + MARITIME-

#1- Egypt to secure two tugboats for EGP 1 bn: Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) is set to obtain two tugboats with a 70-ton towing capacity by the end of this year at an estimated cost of EGP 1 bn, Al Mal reports, citing unnamed sources. The transaction is self-financed and follows an earlier contract for four tugboats — of which two were delivered last fiscal year — aimed at boosting towing efficiency and pilotage services across RSPA’s ports. The company supplying the vessels was not disclosed.

Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has also been expanding its tugboat fleet, receiving two tugboats with a 90-ton towing capacity — AZM 1 and AZM 2 — last April from the local Misr Tugboat Factory as part of a 10-vessel order. The SCA is also planning to uptake two new tugboats from the Alexandria shipyard this year.

#2-Adnoc L&S receives first VLEC delivery for AW Shipping JV: Adnoc Logistics and Services (Adnoc L&S) has acquired Gas Yongjiang, the first of nine very large ethane carriers (VLECs) for AW Shipping, its joint venture with China’s Wanhua Chemical Group, state news agency Wam reported on Thursday. Built by Jiangnan Shipyard, the 98k cbm vessel will operate under a 20-year time charter and feature energy-saving technologies to cut emissions.

REFRESHER- The delivery is part of AW Shipping’s USD 1.9 bn order with Jiangnan Shipyard for 11 dual-fuel carriers placed last year — nine VLECs worth USD 1.4 bn and two very large ammonia carriers (VLACs) worth USD 250 mn, with an option for two more. The VLECs are due in 2025-27 and the VLACs in 2026-28, with the full fleet projected to generate about USD 4 bn in revenue from long-term contracts.

ALSO- A new LNG carrier is joining the fleet: The company also took delivery of Al Reef, the third of six new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers from Jiangnan Shipyard.

Centric, ECP acquire UK’s Isle of Grain LNG terminal

Centrica + ECP to acquire LNG import terminal in UK: British energy and services firm Centrica has partnered up with equity and credit firm Energy Capital Partners (ECP) to acquire National Grid Group ’s GBP 1.5 bn Isle of Grain LNG import terminal, according to a statement (pdf) released on Thursday. Each firm acquired 50% of the terminal, with Centrica’s equity investment totaling GBP 200 mn, and GBP 1.1 bn covered through a project-specific loan.

The Grain LNG terminal is capable of processing up to 20% of the UK’s gas demand, boasting a current regasification capacity of 21.7 bn cbm per year and a tank storage capacity of 1 mn cbm per year. The terminal is also undergoing expansions, with plans to add 5.3 bn cbm in regasification capacity and 200k cbm in storage capacity. It also boasts a robust pipeline of services contracts, suggesting a steady stream of income for the new owners. The terminal is 100% booked until 2029, over 70% booked until 2038, and over 50% booked until 2045.

Calendar

AUGUST

25-29 August (Monday-Friday): Africa Procurement and Supply Chain Leaders’ Conference, Dubai, UAE

31 August (Sunday): GCC Forum for Green Mobility, Salalah, Oman.

SEPTEMBER

1-2 September (Monday-Tuesday): Syria Recovery and Investment Forum, Manama, Bahrain

1-3 September (Monday-Wednesday): Transport Middle East 2025, Salalah, Oman.

3-4 September (Wednesday-Thursday): Sustainable Maritime Industry Conference, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

4-10 September (Thursday-Wednesday): Intra-African Trade Fair, Algiers, Algeria.

7-10 September (Sunday-Wednesday): Comex Global Technology Show, Muscat, Oman.

15 September (Monday): Logistics Leaders Saudi 2025, Riyadh, KSA

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

23 September (Tuesday): TradeWinds Shipowners Forum Greece 2025, Athens, Greece

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

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

25 September (Thursday): World Maritime Day.

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

OCTOBER

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is set to formally adopt the Net-zero Framework this month, stipulating new fuel standards for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions.

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

6-8 October (Monday-Wednesday): Maritime Cyprus Conference 2025, Limassol, Cyprus.

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

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.

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

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

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

24-26 November (Monday-Wednesday): World Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Summit & 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.

Sections

About

Privacy & Support

Get EnterpriseAM daily