MMI Logistics has entered the liquid logistics market with the launch of flexitanks, a revolutionary packaging and storage product to customers in the region. The development comes on the heels of the company's exclusive regional partnership with UK-based Trans Ocean Distribution, the world's largest manufacturers and operators of flexitanks.
Mike Lee, head of MMI Logistics, explained that while international logistics companies had used flexitanks since the 1970s to transport bulk liquids, it was only recently that the concept had gained popularity in the Middle East, and that the company was among the first to launch it for regional customers.
"Our resident experts have been closely following the changing demands in the logistics market and observed that more and more customers are beginning to seek the benefits of the flexitank logistics system over the classic tank container, particularly where transports have to be forwarded to long-haul destinations without any backloads. Flexitanks offer the most cost-effective means of bulk liquid transportation," Lee said, adding that MMI Logistics had already been approached by large companies in the region and was presently in discussions with them on the use of flexitanks as an important constituent of the supply chain process. Lee pointed out that apart from traditional logistics companies, manufacturers and retailers, flexitanks also addressed the needs of audience segments such as oil trading companies. "Together with our core business products - logistics support, warehousing, distribution and packaging - we will be able to offer a new dimension by introducing an efficient liquid logistics service to the region," he said.
Lee said it was a privilege to be chosen from among several supply chain companies in the Middle East, and that the partnership with TOD symbolised a new milestone for the company.
"With our representation of Trans Ocean Distribution in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, we aim both to maximise use of their products in the region, and offer significant value-additions for our existing and potential customers." he said.
"It also offers us an opportunity to launch cross-trading supply chain initiatives across the region, whereby we can control products originating in a destination other than the UAE and moving to a third country," he added.
TOD's manufacturing facilities in the UK, Germany and South Africa has made it the world's largest manufacturer of bulk liquid packaging and storage products.
Flexitanks are flexible tanks that convert a 20ft General Purpose (GP) container from a dry goods carrier to a liquid carrier, and are available in a wide range of guises for the purpose of transporting non-hazardous liquids. The collapsible thermoplastic or rubber tanks fit inside ocean containers, providing a healthier and cost-effective alternative to shippers of fruit juices, beverages, edible oils, base and finished lubricants, pharmaceuticals and similar bulk liquid products. Using flexitanks completely eliminates the costs of repositioning of tank containers, cleaning and disposal. Elaborating on the many advantages for customers, Malcolm Thornewill, freight manager, MMI Logistics, stated that flexitanks had a capacity of between 14,000 and 24,000 litres, which proved hugely effective in utilising the weight capacity of any container.
"Flexitank users can expect to carry 40 per cent or more cargo per container when compared to drums, 50 per cent or more than bottles, and 15 per cent additional payload when compared to Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs). They can also expect a significant reduction in the delivery prices of products," he said, explaining that the freight rates per container remained the same whether they chose to ship 80 x 205 litre drums equalling 16,400 litres or used a flexitank for the same purpose, accommodating up to 24,000 litres, where the specific gravity of the product allowed such volume to be carried.
"All our flexitanks are recyclable and are made of a variety of thermoplastic materials like reinforced PVC, PU or a PVC/PU combination, with a plasticised inner surface, and are approved by stringent international bodies for the carriage of potable products - rendering it safe and sound, and making it a highly environment-friendly packaging medium. Moisture and oxygen barriers are incorporated within the inner liners for sensitive cargoes, and these can also be irradiated for sterile filling," said Thornewill.
"Apart from the economically viable and environmentally sound packaging products, we can also provide larger flexitanks that have a capacity of up to 135,000 litres, for purposes of static storage applications," he added.
Thornewill, a former employee of TOD in the UK and Europe, will spearhead the joint venture account at the company's Jebel Ali headquarters, and all queries may be addressed to him at malcolmt@mmi.co.ae.
