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Arabian Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Saudi Post–Maersk tie-up gains early momentum in Jeddah logistics hub
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia's burgeoning e‑commerce sector has taken a strategic leap forward as the landmark partnership between Maersk Saudi Arabia and Saudi Post transitions from agreement to action. Evidence is already emerging that this alliance—anchored by Maersk's newly launched Integrated Logistics Park in Jeddah—is beginning to streamline the kingdom's supply chains and attract international players. Operations in Jeddah have officially begun, with Maersk overseeing global transport, bonded warehousing, and origin-end logistics, while SPL manages express customs clearance and last-mile delivery domestically. The MoU, signed on 3 July 2025, outlines joint digital integration, combined marketing, coordinated customer service and operational efficiency. ADVERTISEMENT Industry sources suggest that several multinational online retailers are in advanced talks to leverage the new gateway. Although specific names have been withheld, analysts view the integrated model as particularly attractive to Asia‑based brands seeking fast, low‑cost market entry into Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council. Experts highlight that Maersk's global reach combined with Saudi Post's local footprint addresses major bottlenecks in cross-border trade—namely customs delays and fragmented distribution networks. SPL's national infrastructure, originally developed to support Vision 2030's economic diversification goals, now aligns seamlessly with Maersk's logistics corridors. Karsten Kildahl, Maersk's Chief Commercial Officer, previously noted that global supply chains remain unpredictable, and enhanced visibility and resilience are crucial for upstream customers. This partnership directly supports those objectives via real‑time digital tracking, automated handovers, and unified service teams. Market response has been swift. Regional logistics analysts report a 15% increase in inbound parcel volumes through Jeddah's port cluster in the past month compared to the same period last year. While other factors—such as seasonal demand shifts—are at play, the increase aligns with the ramp‑up of cross-border operations facilitated by the Maersk–SPL alliance. Customs officials in Jeddah confirm expedited clearances under a 'premium e‑commerce lane' established within the SPL framework. They say this streamlining has shaved several days off processing times for inbound B2C shipments, helping foreign brands meet tight delivery schedules. Saudi Post's International Business Sales Director, Rouni Saad, stated the arrangement 'is pivotal in streamlining cross‑border e‑commerce flows to and from the Kingdom … enhancing connectivity, reliability and growth opportunities across the region'. Maersk's Ahmed Al Olaby added that combined networks would meet the growing demand for efficient fulfilment by global players entering or expanding in the Saudi market. Consultants note that Saudi Arabia is now positioned to compete more effectively with regional hubs such as Dubai, which has long served as the GCC's principal logistics centre. With the integrated infrastructure online, analysts predict intra‑GCC e‑commerce flows will re‑route through Jeddah over the next six to twelve months. The alliance also aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, reinforcing the kingdom's commitment to modernise its logistics backbone. By linking global ocean routes with domestic delivery channels, the partnership promises smoother, faster access to consumers in a market anticipated to grow double‑digit annually in e‑commerce sales. However, questions remain around digital interoperability. The MoU commits to systems integration, but execution will depend on effective collaboration between both entities' IT architectures. Some industry insiders stress the need for standardised APIs and seamless data sharing to avoid fragmentation. Scaling services beyond major urban centres, and replicating integration in other GCC markets, pose additional challenges. Achieving cohesive bonded fulfilment across borders demands regulatory alignment and bilateral coordination.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Supply chain visibility tops Maersk logistics trends survey; AI finishes last
Supply chain visibility and diversification, and the Internet of Things topped a new survey of most relevant logistics trends, as AI, while broadly hyped, finished at the bottom of the list. The Logistics Trend Map, developed by Maersk (OTC: AMKBY) in collaboration with Statista, leveraged expert interviews, deep data analysis and insights from over 500 industry leaders to construct a comprehensive guide to the most impactful trends shaping global trade and supply chains. Maersk in a preface to the study said the trends offer targeted solutions to key industry challenges including geopolitical disruptions, rising energy costs, trade barriers, regulatory complexity and increasing transportation costs. By adopting these trends, Maersk says companies can create new opportunities for cost optimization, improved customer satisfaction and accelerated degree of trend adoption varies significantly across regions. Asia-Pacific led in supply chain visibility and financial resilience initiatives but faces significant trade disruptions and tariffs. European logistics providers are focusing on digital transformation and last-mile delivery innovation but struggling with labor shortages and geopolitical disruptions. Latin American firms are prioritizing digital transformation and cybersecurity but grappling with infrastructure gaps and political Middle East and Africa are taking a leading role in AI and IoT adoption while dealing with trade restrictions and inefficient transportation. Companies in North America and Mexico are emphasizing digital solutions and last-mile innovations, the survey found, while navigating complex regulations and trade dependencies. 'In an increasingly complex and challenging world, staying ahead in logistics has never been more critical,' said Karsten Kildahl, chief commercial officer at Maersk, in the preface to the report. 'The question is no longer whether companies will face disruption in their supply chains, but how they can constantly and effectively navigate them. Identifying and analyzing trends therefore enables businesses to stay competitive in a dynamic industry.' The report provides detailed analysis for key industries including retail, fashion and lifestyle, technology, automotive, chemicals, pharmaceutical and health care, fast-moving consumer goods, and perishables. Each sector faces unique challenges and opportunities in implementing logistics trends. To future-proof their logistics operations, the report advised companies to develop internal competencies and focus on core processes; embrace diversification and develop flexible strategies; and enhance collaboration across the supply chain. Three emerging trends poised to shape the future of logistics are cold chain optimization, predictive analytics and blockchain, the decentralized digital ledger. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Yellow's new bankruptcy plan revealed, next steps still uncertain Truckload earnings estimates cut as Q1 draws to a close FedEx prepping LTL unit ahead of spinoff The post Supply chain visibility tops Maersk logistics trends survey; AI finishes last appeared first on FreightWaves. Sign in to access your portfolio
