Powering progress: GWC charts bold path for smart, sustainable logistics

Qatar Tribune

19-05-2025

In an exclusive interview with Global Supply Chain Magazine, Matthew Kearns, Acting Group CEO of Gulf Warehousing Company (GWC), shared a bold vision for the future of logistics in the GCC. Emphasising innovation, sustainability, and regional connectivity, Kearns outlined how GWC is scaling operations, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and reinforcing its presence across key markets to shape a smarter, greener, and more resilient supply chain ecosystem—fully aligned with Qatar's National Vision 2030. Excerpts:
GWC has seen rapid growth over the past few years. How do you plan to build on this in 2025?
The GCC logistics industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with projections exceeding $100 billion by 2030. At GWC, we're helping to drive this transformation. Our focus remains on expanding, innovating, and shaping the future of logistics in the region and beyond.
Over the past two decades, we've established a strong regional presence, built on trust, innovation, and consistent performance. As we step into the next chapter, 2025 marks a pivotal year of accelerated growth. We're scaling our operations, enhancing our diverse service portfolio and expanding our presence across key markets.
In Saudi Arabia, were advancing strategic infrastructure developments to support long-term growth and regional connectivity. In Oman, we're reinforcing our presence and expanding capabilities to meet evolving market needs. And here in Qatar, we've recently inaugurated a new supply base in Ras Laffan Industrial City, adding another strategic asset to our growing network.
But this is just the beginning. With e-commerce logistics growing across the region, we're making bold investments in infrastructure and technology to deliver faster, cheaper more reliable supply chain solutions. At the same time, we're intensifying our focus on regional connectivity - leveraging Qatar's world-class logistics infrastructure through new innovations. A standout example is our new re-export product GWC Flow Port that's has been designed to tackle the port congestion issues we are seeing in the region by offering fast, reliable cargo movement from China to Saudi Arabia.
The year 2025 will be a pivotal year as we take our growth to the next level, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
What new projects is GWCcurrently working on?
As part of our growth strategy, we have several exciting projects in the pipeline that will strengthen our position as one of the region's leading logistics providers. Our focus is on strategic expansion, innovation, and sustainability - ensuring that we grow in a way that adds long-term value to our partners and communities.
We're actively expanding our footprint with new specialised warehouses, logistics hubs, and acquisitions, both within the region and further afield. At the same time, we remain committed to sustainable growth. Our successful water and waste recycling initiatives are already driving progress toward our goal of reducing waste by 20 percent by 2030.
In a landmark move, we've also just announced one of the largest private solar energy projects in the region. The initiative will see us develop solar farms across several strategic warehouse locations generating enough clean power to offset close to a third of our energy requirements. It is estimated we will produce nearly 50,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy each year - eliminating around 25,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. That's the equivalent of planting over 405,000 trees, powering 1,900 homes for a year, or charging more than 3.1 billion smartphones.
As mentioned, another key priority is e-commerce logistics. We recently partnered with Huawei to streamline e-commerce deliveries across Qatar, leveraging our extensive network and last-mile expertise to provide faster, more efficient service for shoppers. We're looking to make more investments in digital technology to support the region's Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises so their online shops can interact with physical logistics infrastructure that we offer.
What is the GWC strategy to dominate the GCC's logistics sector?
A: Our goal is to make GWC the most trusted and forward-thinking logistics provider in the region. And we're making that happen by staying ahead of the curve. Our vision is built around four core pillars: Growth, Reliability, Innovation, and Impact. These pillars shape everything we do - from expanding our international footprint to pioneering new solutions for our clients and strengthening our partnerships.
Logistics is evolving fast, and we're integrating tech such as AI and automation to build smarter, faster, and more transparent supply chains. Our collaboration with Huawei is just one example of how we're pushing boundaries in e-commerce logistics.
But growth isn't just about business - it's about impact. We're committed to sustainability, from investing in clean energy to cutting waste, ensuring we create lasting value for our customers, partners, andcommunities.
What challenges has GWC faced due to global supply chain disruptions, and how have you overcome them?
The past few years have tested global supply chains like never before with disruptions, delays, and global uncertainty. Even now, ports across the region are seeing congestion issues. At GWC, we're facing these challenges head-on, by means of turning them into opportunities to reinforce the region's logistics resilience and offering clients smarter, more agile solutions.
A key advantage lies in our ability to fully leverage Qatar's world-class logistics assets. GWC Flow Port is a prime example - by capitalising on lower port congestion in Qatar, our extensive fleet of more than 1,600 vehicles, and our strategic presence within free zones, we're able to offer highly cost-effective, end-to-end solutions. Few logistics providers can integrate these capabilities within a single country, and even fewer can tie them together seamlessly across the GCC. This combination sets GWC apart in the region.
We've also enhanced multimodal transport options, strengthened partnerships with key carriers, and deployed advanced analytics to improve forecasting and inventory control. With AI-powered planning tools and digital fleet management, we're reducing inefficiencies and keeping client operations smooth.
GWC is putting sustainability at the heart of its expansion plans. How are you integrating sustainable practices into your operations?
Sustainability is a core part of our DNA. It drives everything we do, from reducing emissions to optimizing resources for the long-term. We've set clear targets, like reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 3 percent and 6 percent respectively by 2030, and we're aligning with Qatar's broader carbon reduction goals.
As well as the landmark solar project I've already mentioned, we're transitioning to Euro V and electric vehicles and optimizing transport routes to cut fuel use.
Waste management is another key focus. Through our Biobin project we processed food waste from our sites into 40 tonnes of premium compost that was donated to community garden projects last year. We also recycles up to 120,000 cubic meters of sewage water annually at the Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, using it to irrigate trees and shrubs
Forbes named us a Middle East Sustainability Leader for the last two years in a row and we're proud of the wider recognition we've received across the industry, but we're just getting started in our journey toward a greener, more resilient future.
How does GWC adapt to the fast-changing dynamics of international trade and logistics?
The logistics industry is evolving rapidly, and at GWC, we see every challenge as an opportunity to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead. We constantly refine our operations, diversify our offering, invest in new technology, and strengthen our global partnerships to keep pace with change.
But for me it's also about mindset. We embrace change, anticipate challenges, and find solutions before they become problems. That's what keeps GWC moving forward, no matter what the future holds.
What strategies does GWC employ to enhance customerexperience and satisfaction?
For me, customer satisfaction is the foundation of everything we do at GWC. Logistics is about trust, reliability, and delivering seamless experiences, and we've built our entire strategy around ensuring our clients get exactly that.
First, we listen. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and challenges, then tailor solutions that add real value. Whether it's optimizing supply chains, enhancing last-mile delivery, or integrating smarter technology, every decision is made with the customer in mind. Second, we invest in innovation to ensure faster and smarter logistics that holds more value. Finally, we focus on consistency. From our world-class logistics infrastructure to our dedicated client relationship teams, we ensure every interaction is smooth, efficient, and solution-driven.
How do you ensure that GWC's services remain competitive in such a price-sensitive market?
We maintain our competitive edge by embedding lean principles at every level of the business. Through structured continuous improvement techniques, a supportive organizational design, and targeted investments in new cutting-edge technology, we consistently find ways to reduce our cost to serve without compromising quality.
For instance, innovations like vision picking and investments in automated cycle count robotics have helped us enhance both efficiency and productivity. Ultimately, this is about more than just tools - it's about fostering a culture of operational excellence, where a lean mindset is embedded across all functions and reinforced through disciplined execution and robust controls.
Finally, sum up your overarching ambition for GWC.
As GWC continues to grow, our ambition goes far beyond scale - we're building a more connected logistics ecosystem that empowers businesses, supports the regional economy and sets new benchmarks for the industry.By leveraging Qatar's world-class infrastructure, expanding across the GCC, and launching new integrated solutions, we're redefining what regional logistics can achieve.
At the heart of this journey is our experienced team whose expertise and innovation are the driving force behind every milestone. From sustainability to technological transformation, we're committed to delivering consistent value to our clients and raising the bar for what logistics excellence looks like.