AD Ports Group begins managing Luanda’s multipurpose terminal and logistics venture. (Image source: AD Ports)

AD Ports Group, a prominent player in global trade, logistics, and industry has began overseeing the long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an accompanying logistics venture in collaboration with local partners in Luanda, Angola, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion across sub-Saharan Africa

Partnering with Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group has commenced operations at the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, situated at Angola’s largest port. The Port of Luanda accounts for approximately 76% of the country’s container and general cargo traffic and offers vital maritime connections to neighbouring landlocked nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal joint venture, while it owns 90% of the logistics venture with Unicargas.

The agreement, a 20-year concession with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, includes an investment commitment of around US$250mn by AD Ports Group through 2026 for the modernization of the terminal and the establishment of Noatum Unicargas Logistics. This joint venture will provide comprehensive logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services to regional, local, and international clients.

With the terminal now operational, Noatum Unicargas Logistics has also begun trading. The logistics business is making substantial investments in new trucks and systems and will be fully integrated into the Noatum Logistics global network, improving Angola’s connectivity to international markets and driving growth in the national economy.

Based on market demand, AD Ports Group’s total investment in this project could increase to USD 380 million over the duration of the concession, which may be extended by an additional decade.

In late 2024, AD Ports Group also secured two agreements with the Angolan government that provide substantial tax and financial advantages to its operating subsidiaries.

These investments are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, alongside a focus on training and skill development. The planned upgrades will also introduce environmentally sustainable technologies, ensuring lower carbon emissions.

Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, commented, “With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and the establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our Group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3% annually over the next decade. In line with the direction of our wise leadership, this significant investment by our Group and its partners will strengthen the country’s ties with the UAE and bring jobs and economic prosperity to the citizens of Angola.”

Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, minister of transport, Angola, stated, “The Port of Luanda is the main maritime gateway to Angola, a critical hub for regional trade and an economic lifeline for the region. Our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, part of a broader effort involving multiple stakeholders, will transform the Port of Luanda into an efficient, high-performance multipurpose facility that transforms our logistical capabilities and drives economic growth across central West Africa. This collaboration is a significant milestone in our mission to modernise infrastructure and expand access to global trade, while delivering a prosperous future to Angola and its partners."

Hybrid vehicles (HEVs) combine an ICE model with an electric motor. (Image source: Al Futtaim Automotive)

According to the Global EV Outlook 2024, in the first quarter of 2024, electric car sales saw an increase of approximately 25% compared to the same period in 2023 and it is predicted to see 17 million in sales by the end of 2024. EVs and hybrid vehicles (HEVs) are among the most talked-about new vehicle models.

While both options present fascinating alternatives to the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) model cars, they also have distinct differences that potential buyers should understand before making their choice between Electric, Hybrid, or ICE. 

Traditional ICE vehicles rely solely on engines powered by petrol or diesel and have been the standard for over a century, with familiarity, widespread availability, and well-established refueling infrastructure – from the network of service stations to more recent ‘fuel-delivery’ innovations like Cafu. The European Environment Agency confirms that while ICE vehicles generally offer long-range and quick refueling times, they produce higher emissions than EVs and HEVs.

Hybrid Vehicles (HEVs)

Hybrid vehicles (HEVs) combine an ICE model with an electric motor, which supports the engine in moving the car forward to deliver improved fuel efficiency. Traditional hybrids do not need to be plugged in to recharge them. Instead, it charges itself through regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine. So, while HEVs still use petrol, they use far less of it, making them a greener option. Hybrids also offer the flexibility of using petrol for longer trips while benefiting from electric power for shorter urban commutes. 

Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs)

Plug-In Hybrids are a step up from traditional hybrids. They work similarly, combining an engine with an electric motor. However, they have larger batteries that you can charge by plugging them in. This means they can run on electricity alone for short trips, and then switch to petrol for longer journeys, giving you the best of both worlds.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Electric Vehicles run entirely on electric motor and have zero tailpipe emissions, making them the most environment-friendly or sustainable form of driving. One of the most common fears about EVs is ‘range anxiety’ - the worry that the battery will run out of charge before reaching a destination. Fortunately, today’s EVs provide a substantial range per charge, with many models capable of travelling over 300 km on a single charge. Also helping to reduce that anxiety is the fact that across the Arabian Gulf, governments and the private sector are working together to increase the network of charging stations - making it easier than ever to find a point to recharge, whether at home, at work, or on the go. 

Both EV and HEV batteries are designed to last for years, often exceeding the vehicle's lifespan – with many manufacturers offering 8-year battery warranties for increased peace of mind. Advancements in battery technology also drive down replacement costs, making long-term ownership more affordable.

Tips for choosing the right vehicle:

·        Assess Your Driving Habits Consider your daily commute and long-distance travel needs. EVs are great for urban driving and short trips, while hybrids offer flexibility for longer journeys.

·        Evaluate Charging Infrastructure Check the availability of charging stations in your area and whether you can access a home charger or recharge while you’re at work. 

·        Consider Maintenance Costs While EVs generally require less maintenance, hybrids might offer lower overall fuel costs compared to ICE vehicles.

·        Test Drive Take the time to test drive different models of ICE, electric, and hybrid vehicles. Pay attention to how each vehicle handles, accelerates, and the overall driving experience to see which one suits you best.

·        Long-Term Costs Factor in potential savings from EVs in terms of total cost of ownership, thanks to lower fuel costs, decreased maintenance, and other incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles.

This article was written by Marco Melani, managing director at Al-Futtaim Automotive – Trading Enterprises and DOMASCO. It has been slightly modified by the editors of Technical Review Middle East for brevity.

These plates will feature a distinctive yellow colour. (Image source: Abu Dhabi Mobility)

The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced the introduction of a new category of commercial motorcycle licence plates, set to launch on 1 January 2025.

These plates will feature a distinctive yellow colour, symbolising economic activities, and will be reserved for motorcycles used in commercial and delivery services.

This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi Mobility's dedication to advancing sustainable transport infrastructure and promoting operational efficiency within the emirate.

The new licence plates aim to streamline commercial transport operations, ensuring they adhere to regulatory standards while addressing the needs of businesses reliant on motorcycles for deliveries.

By distinguishing commercial motorcycles from personal-use vehicles, this measure enhances regulatory oversight, supports compliance with established transport guidelines, and fosters improved logistics across the commercial sector. It also aligns with broader efforts to boost economic efficiency and contribute to an elevated quality of life in Abu Dhabi.

H.E. Mohammed Al Braik Al Ameri, executive director of the drivers and vehicles licensing sector, highlighted that the initiative will significantly enhance road safety and streamline motorcycle traffic management. By introducing distinct licence plates for commercial motorcycles, the system will simplify the identification of private versus commercial vehicles, boosting the overall efficiency of traffic operations.

This measure will also facilitate improved database management and classification of motorcycles, supporting the development of streamlined governmental procedures related to motorcycles and economic activities. The initiative reflects a commitment to creating a more organised and secure transport environment.

A full LED light pack gives 360° visibility and turns night into day for the operator. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bobcat Waste Expert telehandlers are showing their mettle within waste and recycling industries across Europe, Middle East and Africa

Bobcat offers four Waste Expert machines, based on the TL35.70, TL34.65HF, TL38.70HF and TL43.80HF models from the company’s latest R-Series range of telehandlers. All are powered by Bobcat 74 or 101kW engines and offer lifting capacities from 3.4 to 4.3 tonne and lifting heights from 6.3 to 7.5 m.

“The Waste Expert range is based on our latest market-leading R-Series family of telehandlers, offering superior machines that combine all-day comfort, maximum productivity and reliability, intelligent features, a robust build with intuitive operation and excellent 360^o ergonomics,” remarked Clement Rousseau, product manager for Telehandlers.

“Waste and recycling businesses need versatile machines that can handle a large variety of tasks, manoeuvre well in tight spaces and provide maximum efficiency in full safety throughout the working day. With the toughest design on the market, impressive bucket breakout forces, efficient cooling systems, a low centre of gravity and a long wheel base to enhance stability and lift capacity, our Waste Expert Telehandlers are ideally suited for the waste and recycling markets.”

Tough working environments

Bobcat has explained that, to deal with the tough working environments that usually typify recycling and waste management sites often, the Waste Expert machines are designed to be robust. Heavy-duty Dana Spicer axles and additional reinforced protection ensure this alongside with an extra-large boom head, a high-tensile steel boom, boom cushioning and protected hydraulic rams under and inside the boom.

Like all Bobcat telehandlers, the Waste Expert machines have a box welded frame to meet heavy duty cycles and offer a high ground clearance, with a bottom plate along the entire length to protect vital parts. There are also multiple additional features for working in harsh conditions.

An emphasis on operator experience

Bobcat has highlighted that the Waste Expert machines utilise the same cab design used in R-Series telehandlers to offer a premium workspace for the operator. In the ergonomic design, all surfaces have been optimised to offer increased space and visibility, while the backlit controls are within easy reach and are quickly identified thanks to their colour coding.

Special attention has been paid to the storage spaces and the general soundproofing has been enhanced to reduce the noise level in the cab by a half as a result. In terms of comfort, a Grammer Maximo Dynamic air suspension seat is included and the LCD colour display provides interactive and streamlined information.

In terms of safety, the telehandlers offer efficient, simple and safe operation with an intuitive, variable transmission and an Automatic Parking Brake for enhanced safety and operator convenience. Loading and Handling work modes are standard as is the ECO mode, which maintains optimum hydraulic performance without using the engine’s full power. Meanwhile, the telescopic boom provides excellent reach capabilities and the ability to handle a range of different attachments, thereby enhancing their range and their flexibility.

High performance

To accommodate for the different types of surfaces encountered at waste and recycling sites, Bobcat offers several tyre options. The company has also paid attention to the HF/High Flow Technology in the HF models offers enhanced hydraulic capabilities and performance with a 190 l/min load sensing pump and flow sharing distributor. This allows the operator to work at significantly lower speeds, consume less fuel and benefit from remarkably shorter working cycles.

“Like all our machines, the Waste Expert telehandlers are made for the hardest jobs, whilst still providing all the agility and versatility any application would require,” noted Rousseay. “In the HF models, the very robust machine build is combined with high flow capability for unmatched loading productivity and lift capacity.”