Dubai witnessed several key developments in the logistics sector in recent weeks with construction work beginning in some and one company formally opening its facility.

Emirates SkyCargo has begun constructing its new state-of-the-art cargo terminal and supporting facilities at Dubai World Central (DWC) Al Maktoum International Airport, while RSA Logistics broke ground for a 9,500-sqm temperature-controlled facility adjacent to the company’s headquarters in DWC’s Logistics District. Total Freight International LLC commenced construction of its 5,600 sq m facility in the same area.

Barloworld Logistics, meanwhile, inaugurated a new cold storage warehouse inside the Jebel Ali Free Zone with Dumisa Ntsebeza, chairman, Barloworld Limited, personally presiding over the ceremony.

Emirates SkyCargo is building, in addition to the cargo terminal, various facilities including 46 truck docks and 80 truck parking spaces and 12 aircraft stands directly in front of the terminal, while additional interface facilities - east and west cross docks – will be built at Dubai International Airport.   

Amana Steel Buildings Contracting LLC was awarded the contract and the first phase will be ready in December 2013. The work of installing cargo-handling equipment and systems will be completed by mid-September.

Emirates SkyCargo currently operates a freighter fleet of 10 aircraft - eight Boeing 777Fs and two Boeing 747-400ERFs – all of which will move to Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport. Dedicated road feeder services between the two airports for connecting cargoes will be introduced to maintain the existing transshipment times between freighters to the passenger fleet and vice versa. 

“While the site is being developed, it remains business as usual for us. We are working very closely with Dubai Airports to ensure a smooth transition of our freighter operations. The move does not include passenger fleet belly cargo operations which will continue to operate from Dubai International Airport,” said Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, cargo.

The terminal will have an initial capacity to manage 700,000 tonnes of cargo per annum, which can be expanded to meet future growth. It also provides Emirates SkyCargo with the space to have a larger perishables handling area, with a dedicated pharmaceutical storage area, enabling it to expand its cool chain products and services.

RSA Logistics, whose new facility will be operational by March 2014, targets the automotive and high-tech industries. The company has a new open yard facility extending from the new premises, which is fully operational.

Total Freight’s facility, operational in April 2014, will primarily be used for general cargo warehousing, distribution and value-added services. It has 8,400 pallet positions with the temperature-controlled section having an initial capacity of 600 pallet positions.         

Barloworld’s newly opened 22,000 sq ft cold storage warehouse can maintain temperatures of between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius to carry a host of temperature and humidity-sensitive products such as food and pharmaceuticals. The facility can accommodate more than 7,000 pallet positions and features multiple loading bays for efficiently loading and unloading goods.