Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) marked 2010 with two premier tenancy agreements as companies proceeded to build their warehouses and the park prepared for its second phase.

The two firms signed a 20-year tenancy agreement, leasing a total land area of 17,000 sq m at the state-of-the-art multimodal logistics park.

Shipping and transport company Almoayed Wilhelmsen leased 4,000 sq m while GLS Logistics Company leased 13,000 sq m.

The new agreements follow various other tenancy deals that have already been signed by international, regional and local companies with Bahrain Logistics Zone such as Ceva Logistics, Danzas AEI Intercontinental, Awal Gulf Manufacturing, Landmark Group and Marina Gulf Trading.

Meanwhile, BLZ actively promoted its world-class facility to international investors at the Dubai road show of the Bahrain Focus business briefing held in Dubai in November.

According to Hassan Al Majed, director general, General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP), Bahrain, the road show attracted a lot of interest among the more than 50 UAE-based industry leaders representing the maritime and logistics sector, who took part in the business briefing.

The Bahrain Focus briefing was part of the GOP’s drive to promote Bahrain’s maritime and logistics industries in the region and the world and attract and facilitate direct investment into the kingdom. The briefing was the fourth of a series of international tours held in 2010 targeting countries that represent major business capitals. Previous road shows included visits to Japan, Germany and London. 

“They generated serious negotiations with various international, regional and local companies and BLZ is expecting to sign more lease agreements in the coming months,” Al Majed said.

Looking ahead to Phase-2
Commenting on BLZ’s aspirations, Al Majed said: “The GOP is currently gearing to launch the second phase following the successful launch of the first phase of book building.”

BLZ is the first designated customs-free value-added logistics area in Bahrain. Strategically located within the Hidd Industrial Area adjacent to the new Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), BLZ offers companies specialising in the distribution and shipping industries the opportunity to add value to their products while enjoying a full suite of services including dedicated customs services and ready-built warehouses among other things.

It was designed to complement the new port and to offer an all-encompassing scope for the operation of modern logistics and valued-added services for its tenants, who will eventually contribute to the prosperity of the local economy.

The multi-modal logistics park is focusing on attracting a niche of re-export and value-added logistics activities, such as but not limited to: component assembly, packaging, repackaging, bottling, deconsolidation/consolidation, palletising for distribution, labelling, testing and repair.