Heavy-duty Volkswagen
Al Nabooda Automobiles, the UAE dealer for Volkswagen, has recently introduced the German automaker's heavy-duty trucks. The truck range, which includes models like the 7.100 and 8.150, has a vehicle configuration offering larger cargo capacity and more power, besides an entirely re-styled cabin, according to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles export sales manager Seppo Hakkinen.
Firms to seek Kuwaiti tenders
Some 10 shipbuilding firms, mainly from Europe and Asia, are expected to seek prequalification by the end of the month in a Kuwaiti tender for 10 patrol boats possibly worth $65 million. The Coast Guard is seeking to buy water jet vessels with a speed of 30 knots and aluminium hulls, according to tender documents.
CargoLifter eyes Saudi market
CargoLifter AG, which manufactures the world's largest cargo airships, is considering Saudi Arabia as a potential market.
Two of the company's executives, Dirk Steffes, managing director in charge of market preparations, and Christoph Stubbe, head of investor relations, were in Jeddah to present the CL-160 airship to the local industry as a convenient means of transport. The CL-160 is 260-m long and can cruise at an average speed of 90km per hour with a payload of up to 160 tonnes.
Hvide to close Sharjah yard
Fort Lauderdale-based Hvide Marine has reconfirmed its decision to close its Sharjah yard while stressing that the UAE-based operation would still continue. Hvide reported a deficit of $3.1 million for the third quarter, bringing its total loss for the year so far to $19.3 million.
Feasibility study for cargo carrier
The government of Fujairah is conducting a feasibility study to set up its own air cargo carrier. Mohammed bin Majed Al Aleeli, director-general of the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy, said Fujairah airport was already a transshipment hub, with cargo being airfreighted to various parts of the Middle East, Europe, the CIS states and the Indian subcontinent.
MEIBDS in March
The Middle East International Boat Show (Meibs) will be relaunched on March 28 2001 at the Airport Expo Dubai in a new format, according to the organisers of the show. By developing a new style and approach, the event will serve as a launchpad for new marine products and technologies in the region, said Wahid Atalla, general manager of the Dubai World Trade Centre.
