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Day: 22 January 2025

British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour Tailored Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

The British and Irish Lions rugby team has announced DHL Express as the official tour logistics partner – marking 20 years together.

The 2025 Qatar Airways Lions Men’s Series will be the 20th anniversary of DHL being a proud partner of the Lions, delivering seamless logistics solutions to ensure the team can focus on what they do best. As with the 2021 Series in South Africa, the players in Australia will sport the DHL logo on the back of their Lions jerseys – highlighting that DHL is the team behind the team.

John Pearson, CEO DHL Express said: “Twenty years of delivering The British & Irish Lions is a huge achievement and privilege – one which we do not take lightly. Rugby plays a key role in our extensive sponsorship portfolio, and over the years of ‘delivering rugby to the world’, our brand has become synonymous with rugby on a global level, with longstanding partnerships with the likes of Harlequins, Munster, DHL Super Rugby Pacific and European Professional Club Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.

“The sport of rugby represents key values that resonate strongly with our own DHL brand values. For this reason, I am delighted to be continuing our partnership with The Lions – further affirming our commitment to rugby and to keeping the world connected and we look forward to engaging with the fans along the way.”

As a key partner of the Lions since 2005 DHL will support both in Ireland and on Tour during next year’s Series.

Ben Calveley, CEO of The British and Irish Lions said: “To have DHL as our trusted team behind the team for 20 years now shows just how crucial their support is to The British & Irish Lions. Getting all of the details right off the pitch, like ensuring the safe delivery of our kit and equipment, gives the Lions the best possible chance of success on the field of play. So we are delighted to be working alongside DHL again as our Official Logistics Partner as we head to Australia in 2025 – following our first ever home game on Irish soil in Dublin next June.”

In 2025 the Lions will bring together the best players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a Tour of Australia from June 28 to August 2, including three highly-anticipated Test matches against The Wallabies.

As Official Logistics Partner, DHL will provide specialised and tailored logistics solutions for the team – delivering around 8 tonnes of equipment, ranging from scrum machines, and training gear to medical equipment. From coaches, support staff and management, to DHL employees and fans, they all play a key part in the team behind the team.

The DHL logo will appear on the back of the Lions Player Jersey, which will be available to buy in Spring 2025. This slim-fit design will be identical to what the players will wear on the field, with the looser-fitting supporter replica jersey available now. The premium Canterbury jersey will feature the full range of tour sponsors that will be worn on the field – Howden, DHL and the Qatar Airways Series mark.

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Global Supply Chains Forced to Change Rapidly

Posted on by David Priestman

Three quarters of businesses worldwide are overhauling their supply chains by working with more rather than fewer suppliers to mitigate risks in an increasingly fragmented global environment.

Research unveiled by Economist Impact and DP World at the World Economic Forum highlights this strategic pivot, driven by geopolitical uncertainty which is likely to grow with the ‘America first’ policies of the new administration in the United States.

The fifth annual Trade in Transition study surveyed over 3,500 supply chain executives across the world. The findings reveal firms are being forced to adapt at speed to rising protectionism and shifting geopolitical alliances.

Countries perceived to be non-aligned, such as Vietnam, Mexico, India, the UAE or Brazil, are emerging as vital trade hubs. A significant 71% of executives agree these countries mitigate trade risks, while 69% view them as critical for addressing gaps created by global conflicts.

Around 40% of firms are increasing their US-based sourcing and a further 32% are adopting dual supply chains to mitigate against geopolitical risks. Friendshoring — relocating supply chains to politically aligned countries — complements these strategies, with about 34% of businesses pursuing this approach to navigate tensions between global powers.

Economic challenges remain a priority, with 33% of executives citing prolonged inflation and high interest rates as chief concerns. By leveraging neutral hubs, diversifying suppliers and adopting advanced technologies like AI, businesses are better positioned to navigate this era of economic and geopolitical complexity.

Speaking at the launch of the report at the World Economic Forum in Davos today, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said:

“Global trade today is more complex than ever, demanding agility, resilience, and innovation. At DP World, we empower businesses with the global infrastructure, local expertise, and advanced technology needed to thrive in this evolving landscape across fragmented markets. The latest research by Economist Impact provides invaluable insights into the future of trade in this new era. With it, we aim to foster dialogue, innovation, and resilience within the global supply chain ecosystem, empowering businesses to adapt and thrive in an increasingly dynamic world.”

John Ferguson, Global Lead, New Globalisation, Economist Impact, added:

“In 2025 and the foreseeable future, global trade will be shaped by three forces: shifting geopolitics, climate change, and a new wave of AI and automation. Yet, businesses are not retreating from international trade but are stepping up to the challenge. Firms that stay agile and cost-efficient will have the edge. Firms that also combine risk management with AI experimentation and openness will be best placed to win in this new chapter of globalisation.”

Click here to view the full report.

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AI-Powered Pallet Transporter for Rough Environments

Posted on by David Priestman

A pioneer in AI-driven robots for logistics, Pixel Robotics GmbH, will showcase innovative, intralogistics-optimized transport robots at LogiMAT from March 11-13th, 2025 (Hall 4, Stand F05). The Pixel PT combines cutting-edge technology with practical AI to make intralogistics more efficient, safer, and more flexible.

New Technology: The Optimized Foil Process

A highlight at this year’s trade show is the Pixel PT’s new foil process. Traditionally, loose foil hanging from pallets that encroach on safety zones triggers emergency stops for the transport robots. Pixel Robotics has resolved this issue: thanks to an innovative process, the Pixel PT recognizes the hanging foil as foil – rather than a safety-critical object (such as a person’s foot) – and continues its movement without compromising safety or efficiency. This advancement significantly boosts productivity and prevents delays in warehouse operations.

In addition to this innovation, the Pixel PT continues to impress with its proven, practical features. Key Features of the Pixel PT at a Glance:

Intelligent Fork Detection:

Thanks to camera-based AI, the robot reliably detects forklift forks and adapts to rough floor.

Flexible Pallet Handling:

Pallets can be picked up regardless of their position or slight deviations.

Secure Handling of Wrapped Pallets:

The AI differentiates between foil and solid obstacles, ensuring smooth pallet handling, even for pallets wrapped to the ground.

Rule-Based Placement:

Pallets are placed pragmatically and adaptively, just like a forklift operator would do.

Obstacle Avoidance:

The Pixel PT identifies people, vehicles, and both moving and stationary obstacles, responding with remarkable flexibility.

Using a digital twin of the operational area, Pixel Robotics enables seamless collaboration between humans and machines – without the need for adjustments to existing processes or WMS integration.

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Asyad Shipping Company to Float on Muscat Stock Exchange

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Asyad Group SAOC, a global integrated logistics provider, today announces its intention to offer at least 20% of the issued share capital in Asyad Shipping Company SAOG  through an Initial Public Offering and to list its ordinary shares for trading on the Muscat Stock Exchange.

The Offering comes as part of Asyad Group’s vision to drive its operational growth, diversify its business portfolio, and achieve sustainability and long-term growth. Since its inception through the end of 2023, Asyad Group has consistently delivered a strong and sustainable financial performance, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% in revenue and 73% in net profit. This growth has been underpinned by the Group’s expansion into over 90 geographical markets, including into major global economies such as China, India, the United States, and the GCC.

Asyad Group’s success is anchored in its competitive strategy to address global market needs with integrated logistics solutions. This has been made possible by the efforts of a dedicated team of more than 10,000 members who have propelled exceptional growth in the Group’s commercial and operational performance. By combining innovation, expertise, and a customer-centric approach, Asyad Group has established itself as a global leader in the logistics sector.

Established in 2003, Asyad Shipping is one of the world’s largest providers of diverse shipping and maritime solutions. It is competitively positioned to meet the needs of high-growth markets such as Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and the Americas. ASC operates 89 multi-purpose vessels reaching over 60 countries, linking Omani and global ports, and providing reliable and competitive shipping solutions to all major industrial sectors. It is also distinguished by its long-standing strategic and commercial partnerships with many major international clients.

Wholly owned by Asyad Group, Asyad Shipping leverages the Group’s advanced infrastructure and shared resources to provide comprehensive solutions to customers around the world. Additionally, its integration within Asyad Group’s major ports, economic and free zones supports the efficient handling, exporting and importing of cargo and containers with reduced waiting times at ports, and thus maximizes its competitiveness and sustainable business growth across major markets.

Sohar International Bank has been appointed as the issue manager. Oman Investment Bank, Sohar International Bank, EFG Hermes, Jefferies and JP Morgan, have been appointed as joint global coordinators. Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Société Générale have been appointed as joint bookrunners.

Key details of the offering

Asyad Group SAOC owns 100% of Asyad Shipping prior to the Offering. The Selling Shareholder expects to offer at least 20% of the total issued share capital of Asyad Shipping, with the Selling Shareholder retaining the right to amend the size of the Offering at any time at their sole discretion in line with the applicable laws and the approval of the FSA.

The Offering will be offered in two tranches to eligible and qualified institutional investors in Oman and other institutional investors in a number of countries and retail investors in Oman. It will be conducted in the manner approved by the FSA and will be carried out concurrently.

Asyad Shipping Company offers a comprehensive range of maritime shipping solutions across five key business segments: Container Ships, Product Tankers, Dry Bulk Carriers, Crude Tankers, and Gas Carriers. The Liner Shipping segment, operated through its subsidiary Asyad Line Co., connects Omani ports to strategic markets in the GCC, China, and Southeast Asia, while also providing value-added services such as storage, transportation, and customs clearance. Additionally, ASC transports crude oil, liquid cargoes like refined petroleum and chemicals, and handles both raw materials and finished goods under long-term contracts in the metallurgical sector.

Asyad Shipping also plays a pivotal role in global LNG and LPG transportation and is poised for growth with plans to expand its fleet by adding two eco-friendly LNG carriers, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

With one of the largest globally diversified fleets, ASC is competitively positioned to supply high-growth markets, such as Asia, the Middle East and North Africa through its fleet of 89 vessels, with a total aggregate capacity of more than 9.5 million DWT as of 30 September 2024.

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