In the previous 24 hours, Dubai witnessed extreme weather conditions that delayed flights and disrupted shipping schedules. So, we asked our team to provide us with a quick lookout at the best logistical protocols they follow at such events!
$35.62 billion is the UAE gold export value in 2023, the country ranks as one of the top 5 gold exporters worldwide. With such valuable cargo, whether it’s bullion, coins, or jewelry, you can't afford any mistakes during international shipping. In logistics, there are essential considerations we keep in mind when shipping gold overseas!
Here is a comprehensive overview of the precautions and preparations needed to execute an international gold delivery flawlessly.
9.6% is the growth rate of the GCC battery market in the next 8 years. This accompanies a growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, which are extensively utilized in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras, as well as in renewable energy storage systems.
Li-ion batteries, for all their utility, are classified as dangerous goods under ADR Class 9, requiring a sophisticated process of regulatory compliance. Importing such cargo doesn’t only come with potential risks if not handled with informed care; it can also be easily denied entry for not following strict regulatory compliance requirements.
As a seasoned logistics, 3PL, and shipping company in the UAE, our team possesses a deep understanding of the technicalities that govern the safe and lawful transportation of Li-ion battery cargo. Take a quick look at the regulatory requirements for safely transporting Li-ion batteries into the region.
January 1, 2018, was the go-live date of the Value Added Tax (VAT) system in the UAE. For any UAE business involved in import and export activities, VAT adds a new layer of tax obligations and compliance. Although VAT is ultimately paid by the end consumer, businesses serve as intermediaries, collecting the tax and forwarding it to the state via periodic tax filings. Here is how to account for VAT on import transactions ⬇️
With stringent purity standards, shipping Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) overseas poses unique handling challenges. ULSD contains just 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur, which is like adding a mere 15 drops of water into a large fuel tanker truck that holds 20,000 gallons. This tiny amount of sulfur in the diesel makes it much cleaner, yet it is susceptible to contamination and stability issues during long voyages. Our logistics team explains in this blog how we maintain operational precision while handling this type of diesel cargo overseas. ⬇️
The dry bulk shipping industry faces uncertainty in 2024 due to the lingering impacts of, first, the recovery from COVID-19, besides the global decarbonization goals, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the slowdown China’s economy has faced, and finally the current situation in the Middle East. However, overall demand fundamentals remain relatively strong, with dry bulkers remaining in high demand among shipowners, according to Hellenic Shipping News.
Here is a quick outlook for the dry bulk shipping market in 2024 and implications for domestic growth. ⬇️
Unlike the customary trend, the UAE anticipates a 10 percent reduction in consumer spending this holy month, as reported by Redseer Strategy Consultants.
Yet, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insights, the majority still hold a positive outlook on the month's potential, particularly in the retail sector.
In light of the latest demand projections for the upcoming weeks, our team has compiled this guide to assist retailers in fine-tuning their inventory during Ramadan.
Structural steel, the skeleton upholding impressive new heights in Emirati construction, now accounts for over 60% of construction projects in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE structural steel fabrication market size was US$ 635 million in 2023. It is estimated at USD 1.79 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.65 billion by 2029. The majority of the UAE's structural steel comes from India, Spain, and Germany.
What explains structural steel's meteoric rise?
Radioactive pharmaceutical medications contain radioactive isotopes that allow clinicians to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from cancer to thyroid disorders. They are particularly useful in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
However, unlike usual pharmaceutical cargo, radiopharmaceuticals can pose risks, e.g., radiation exposure and contamination, if improperly shielded or handled. Their transport requires stringent safety protocols to protect them from radiation exposure.
The UAE enforces a stringent regulatory matrix to govern the transport of radioactive materials. In this article, Vervo Middle East’s team provides an overview of the UAE's strict regulations and best practices for transporting and handling radioactive pharmaceuticals.
Food, beverages, medicines, electronics, chemicals, and more—the cold chain sector is vast, and it plays a vital role in preserving and transporting refrigerated cargo around the world.
However, traditional refrigeration and cooling systems used in cold chains are highly energy-intensive. Conventional cold chain solutions rely heavily on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas-emitting equipment.
With the growing impacts of climate change and the need for more sustainability in supply chains, it is noticeable how the logistics sector is increasingly shifting towards adaptive solutions in the cold chains, particularly in countries with strict sustainability agendas like the UAE, which lay the groundwork for cold chains that are clean, green, and ready to withstand our inevitably changing climate.
For the last decade, the renewable energy market has been noticeably growing across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
With ample wind resources, countries like the UAE, KSA, Oman, and recently Qatar have already launched mega wind projects to increase their reliance on clean energy and sustainable power sources by 2030.
That is why we have seen a significant increase in the imports of wind turbines over the past few years. However, shipping wind turbines still presents unique logistical challenges.
Modern onshore wind turbines are considered oversized and heavy-lift cargo stand over 200 meters tall, and major components can weigh over 100 tons. The nacelle alone often exceeds 50 tons, while 112-meter blades can tip the scales at 40 tons each.
Turbine parts journey vast distances—by road, rail, or sea—from factories in Europe or Asia to windy Middle East installation sites.
So, how do we prepare these gigantic structures for shipping? Here is inside knowledge of the logistical processes wind turbines undergo to keep their delivery on course. ⬇️
Phosphoric acid is an inorganic chemical with numerous industrial applications. It is indispensable in sectors ranging from agriculture as a fertilizer component to the electronics realm as an etching and polishing agent for semiconductors.
Its uses extend to the food and beverage industry too, as a flavoring and acidity regulator, and into the manufacturing of detergents and even pharmaceuticals.
Given this widespread utility, phosphoric acid is one of the most highly produced inorganic acids globally. However, when improperly stored or transported, it can lead to costly leaks, spills, and serious injuries.
Phosphoric acid is corrosive to metals and human tissue, requiring careful containment. At higher concentrations, exposure can lead to severe burns. Strict adherence to established safety guidelines is essential.
The adoption of sophisticated warehousing strategies is not just a trend but a necessity, especially in the bustling trade hubs of the GCC region, where the flow of goods serves as the lifeblood of economic vitality.
The warehousing industry has been undergoing a quiet revolution. The sector went from a mere storage solution to a pivotal component of any supply chain.
Having the right warehousing solutions in place is essential for remaining competitive, particularly in the GCC region. That is a defining fact of today’s business world.
Why? Supply chains are expected to be both resilient and agile. So you are not only required to optimize operational costs but also enhance service levels to meet the expedited delivery expectations of a market that never sleeps.
We'll take a closer look at the three pillars defining the next generation of warehousing:
✅ Just-in-time inventory management,
✅ Demand forecasting methodologies,
✅ Automated picking and sorting.
Though the UAE produces some cereal crops domestically, it relies heavily on imports to meet local demand. In 2022, 1.61 billion worth of cereals such as wheat, rice, and corn were imported into the UAE; most of them were delivered by ocean.
However, not all cereal shipments arrive by sea in prime conditions, as any break in the process can lead to spoiled cargo that disrupts the whole supply chain.
So, what does it take to successfully deliver cereal crops by sea?
Each step—from container selection to in-transit monitoring until offloading in the UAE and cargo clearance—contributes to ensuring that the grains arrive in optimal condition.
This article dives into the granular details of best practices for the sea transport of cereal crops.
Heavy-lift shipping in the UAE is a sector where the enormity of cargo dictates an equally substantial comprehension of legal frameworks.
The United Arab Emirates imposes a sophisticated set of rules that govern the transit of oversized loads through its ports and across its logistics networks.
For businesses and individuals ready to move big items, here's a quick rundown of the regulations and compliance requirements for bringing in large project cargo to the UAE.
In project logistics, the stakes are high! For some out-of-gauge and heavy-lift cargo, the delivered objects should arrive brand new and without a hitch to preserve their value. That is why we apply shrink-wrapping to provide a tailor-made protective coating.
From preparation to execution, Vervo Middle East’s logistics team delved with us into the shrink-wrapping process. Let’s see how it works:
Shipping perishables across borders while keeping them fresh is like a race against time and temperature. This is particularly true in the UAE's demanding environment, where quality and freshness are non-negotiable.
Successful shipping of perishable cargo, from fruits to dairy, requires an intricate implementation of proven practices to ensure products arrive with optimal shelf life and in peak condition.
At Vervo Middle East, we have asked our team about the best practices for ensuring that when such a shipment arrives, it’s as fresh as the moment it was harvested or produced. They walked us through the science of perishables and environmental control in perishables logistics!
In maritime shipping, the safety of cargo transported across the globe's blue expanses is not guaranteed by the sturdiness of ships alone. That is why marine insurance stands as the first line of defense against the unpredictable.
Yet, when the time comes to file a claim, many find themselves in uncharted waters. The process of filing a claim is straightforward but detail-oriented and requires attention to policy specifics and language, deadlines, and procedural accuracy. Meanwhile, claim denials can surface, grounded in reasons like improper packaging or inadequate insurance coverage.
In an age where instant gratification is not just desired but expected, the logistics industry has been under immense pressure to deliver—faster, smarter, and more efficiently.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerges as a game-changing force that's transforming the logistics landscape.
As we stand on the cusp of 2024, let's explore the top three AI applications that will redefine logistics this year!
The logistics of shipping heavy-lift items are always filled with complexities that standard shipping doesn't encounter. Oversized and overweight cargoes require innovative strategies for successful delivery.
Beyond the obvious need for specialized equipment and meticulous planning, there are less obvious yet equally critical tactics that can make a significant difference. In this article, we explore strategies that are essential for successful heavy-lift logistics.
At Vervo Middle East, we’ve asked our team about the sophisticated methods that industry experts employ to tackle the challenges of moving exceptionally large or heavy items. Join us to learn how we deliver complex shipments without a hitch!