Abu Dhabi Ports strikes a couple of digital deals

Abu Dhabi Ports has proceeded with a couple of agreements aiming to accelerate its digital transformation and improve the efficiency of its operations and processes.

In the first instance, Abu Dhabi Ports has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DNV GL, the class society and consultancy of independent maritime and energy experts, to accelerate the sustainable development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime ecosystem.

Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will collaborate in advancing the digital transformation and further economic development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector, through the deployment of leading-edge innovations including autonomous technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, electrification, as well as logistics and supply-chain authentication based on blockchain.

“Through the guidance of our wise leadership, we are committed to instilling a new generation of Emiratis with a strong ethos that values a sustainable model for economic growth, and embraces decarbonisation and digitalisation across the entire maritime and logistics supply chain,” commented captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO.

It is important to note that Abu Dhabi Ports has already announced the launch of the Smart Container Initiative aiming to slash carbon emissions and reduce power usage effectiveness (PUE).

Remi Eriksen, CEO and president at DNV GL, said, “Digitalisation and decarbonisation are important themes in shaping a maritime industry that are future fit, and by working together we will maximise the impact.”

The partnership will also create opportunities, according to an announcement, to encourage Emirati graduates to pursue a career in Abu Dhabi’s maritime trade ecosystem.

Another MoU has been inked by Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, and TruKKer, the region’s first and largest digital truck booking marketplace, based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).

The aim of this second deal is the digital transformation of truck logistics through Maqta Gateway’s digital logistics solution platform, MARGO. The MoU will enable Maqta Gateway to fully integrate MARGO with TruKKer’s expansive fleet of onboarded truck drivers and trucks situated across the Middle East.

“Our collaboration with TruKKer streamlines the complex needs of trade across the entire supply chain by leveraging MARGO and TruKKer’s logistics solutions to better meet the demand of those who seek to trade goods and services with the UAE,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, head of Abu Dhabi Ports’ digital cluster and CEO of Maqta Gateway.

Digitising Abu Dhabi’s land freight process will improve operational efficiencies for all customers who trade with the emirate by enabling last-mile delivery to anywhere in the emirate or the wider region, according to a statement.

At the same time, Maqta Gateway will be able to provide a higher quality of service by ensuring all onboarded trucks and drivers are fully licensed and approved on a case-by-case basis in line with the highest international standards.

Gaurav Biswas, founder and CEO at TruKKer, stated, “By working closely with Abu Dhabi Ports’ Maqta Gateway, our freight customers and stakeholders will be able to readily access a wider variety of cargo movement solutions including line haul in a seamless manner and with competitive prices.”

Launched in 2019, MARGO is a digital marketplace for innovative logistics services including cargo clearance and delivery solutions, enabling consumers importing personal goods from anywhere around the world through Khalifa Port or Abu Dhabi International Airport to clear and have their goods delivered directly to their homes anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Last April, Maqta Gateway expanded its digital logistics solution, MARGO, with the addition of a new service facilitating the booking of warehouses and storage spaces in Abu Dhabi.

The new offering presents customers with the unique opportunity to book standard warehouses or specialised temperature controlled-storage facilities to safely store their perishable goods including food items and medical supplies for short and medium periods of time, through simplified paper-free booking processing and remotely-managed reservations.

In addition, this new service leverages the simplicity, convenience and cost-effectiveness of the existing MARGO platform.

Source: Container News