Tashkent taps DP World for a new logistics terminal: UAE port operator DP World has formed a JV — DP World Tashkent — with Uzbekistan’s Tashkent City Administration subsidiary Tashkent Invest to establish a multimodal logistics terminal in Tashkent City, according to a statement. The project, situated in the Yangi Avlod Special Industrial Zone, is earmarked for a total investment of over USD 288 mn — set to be dispersed across three phases.

A long-time coming: DP World CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem inked an MoU with officials from Uzbekistan to develop freezones and logistics centers in the country back in September 2024.

Who’s doing what? DP World will hold 85% of the JV equity capital, while Tashkent Invest will contribute with the remaining 15%. The project is earmarked for a total investment of over USD 288 mn — set to be dispersed across three phases.

First things first: The first phase will see the development of a 150k TEU per year rail terminal and 63k sqm warehouse complex by the end of the FY 2026-27. An additional 163k sqm in warehousing capacity will be set up in subsequent phases on the basis of demand.

What else is in store? The Tashkent Multimodal Logistics Terminal is scheduled to span over some 82 hectares in the zone. Once fully up and running, it will include a variety of logistics solutions, featuring a rail connected dry port for containers and covered cargo, customs clearance zones, vehicle storage zones, truck parking, cross-docking facilities, and Grade A warehouses. The terminal is set to operate as a vital link between the region, Central Asia, and Europe.

AD Ports also had its eyes on the terminal: AD Ports was reportedly in talks with Uzbekistan to establish a logistics center in the Tashkent region. The port operator founded a JV in 2023 with SEG Enera Group, focused on building dry ports and container yards, and specializes in engineering logistics services, multimodal transportation, warehouses, and customs clearance.

Supporting UAE + Central Asia trade links: UAE and Uzbekistan inked at least 15 investment agreements and contracts, covering the logistics, transportation, energy, infrastructure, healthcare, and agricultural sectors, earlier this year. AD Ports Group also partnered with Kazakhstan Railway’s freight arm KTZ Express to launch its new Central Asian logistics joint venture (JV) in July.

IN OTHER LOGISTICS NEWS-

Gulftainer launches landbridge operation in Khorfakkan: Sharjah-based Gulftainer has introduced a new logistics solution, Landbridge, in Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal (KCT) — slated to streamline the movement of cargo between the UAE and the wider GCC, specifically Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, according to a statement released on Friday. The landbridge offers greater connectivity to domestic and regional markets — boasting a fleet of over 300 trailers and round-the-clock operations. Under the new solution, customers will be able to accelerate the movement of cargo due to increased visibility and control with real-time tracking.

SOUND SMART- A landbridge is an intermodal transportation method that involves the movement of cargo via a combination of land, rail, and maritime corridors domestically, internationally, or across continents.

Saudi has one in the works: A USD 7 bn landbridge project is slated for completion by 2030 in Saudi Arabia. The landbridge will connect the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast to the Arabian Gulf and includes the development of six railway lines and seven logistics centers.

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