Author : Editor
A major deal has been struck between Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) and SAMEL which will see Bahrain act as a major hub for SAMEL's business across the Gulf.
SAMEL, a joint venture between Schmidt Heilbronn and Agility, and a global specialist for bulk business, announced during GIF 2012 that it had selected Bahrain as its base to hub out its logistics operations.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by SAMEL chief executive Dr Wolfgang Hoppmann and General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) and BLZ director-general Hassan Ali Al Majed to set up the hub in Bahrain.
SAMEL and BLZ will work together to set up an economical and efficient solution to store, handle and distribute different bulk materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, catalysts and additives for the chemical and petrochemical industry.
The layout, concept and the feasibility study will be prepared by SAMEL, according to terms agreed in the MoU.
"This strategic partnership allows SAMEL and the BLZ to open the gates for highly specialised logistics in this region, with Bahrain playing an important role as a distribution hub for the GCC," said Dr Hoppmann.
"Ultimately, this will lead to a drastic increase in the number of companies with specialised expertise and operational skills, especially in the bulk market, setting up shop in Bahrain, which will help support Bahrain's economy in the future," he added.
"This partnership represents a key milestone for the BLZ, and will help support Bahrain's logistics offering and our position as a regional transhipment hub," said Mr Al Majed.
"As the kingdom's maritime industry regulator, GOP is committed to working together with SAMEL in order to facilitate the establishment of its operations in the kingdom.
"We are confident that both parties will mutually benefit from this partnership to meet the growing demand of specialised logistics across the $1 trillion top-tier markets of the Gulf," he added.
Speaking at GIF 2012 yesterday, BLZ head of business development Bassam Ali Ameen said the agreement would further contribute to Bahrain's reputation as a regional logistics hub at a time when there was increasing interest in the zone.
"BLZ is a great platform for us from which to serve our clients in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran," said Agility head of business development Marcel Meyer.
"The feedback from our clients about this move has been very good and we will work with BLZ to build this hub," he added.
Source : gulf-daily-news.com
