Kuwaiti development projects boost logistics demand

Kuwait

Ravi Varrier, CEO of Al Rashed International Shipping, talks to The Energy Year about the opportunities arising from Kuwait’s offshore exploration programme and investing in talent and partnerships to develop services in alignment with the country’s diversifying economy. Al Rashed International Shipping is a provider of transportation, logistics, and project support services.

What do you see as the most promising areas of opportunity for the company over the coming years?
Kuwait is undergoing a major transformation, and this is creating significant prospects for logistics companies to support the country’s diversification, growth and modernisation. We are seeing opportunities in the offshore exploration programme, which calls for seismic surveys and the drilling of new wells, and we are also looking to participate in national development projects, from new roadways and port infrastructure to power generation and transmission capacity expansions.
Our capabilities allow us to support anything from renewables and desalination facilities to projects in the oil and gas downstream and petrochemicals arena. And by leveraging our long-term partnerships with global carriers, freight forwarders and logistics companies, we are well positioned to offer a broad range of tailored solutions for warehousing, distribution and smart logistics.

What capabilities can Al Rashed offer to companies operating in Kuwait’s offshore segment?
We have dedicated a workforce to offshore base logistics and marine handling in Kuwait’s commercial ports. Our team is experienced in rig support services such as crew changes, delivery of supplies and sundry logistics. It is a vital step forward in our expansion programme that will help us deliver in line with Kuwait’s offshore requirements.

How have you helped clients navigate supply chain disruptions over the past year and ensured continuity in logistics?
We work closely with partners who have a deep understanding of regional dynamics and assist us in monitoring geopolitical risk. A continuous mapping and analysis of key trade corridors has been essential to managing volatility, as it allowed us to inform clients of disruptions in a timely fashion and adjust proactively with alternative routes and modes of transport. For example, to protect delivery timelines, we have resorted to short hauls and cross-border trucking.

Al Rashed has supported key projects such as the Al Zour Refinery. What opportunities do you see arising from the Mubarak Al Kabeer Port expansion?
Al Rashed has been proud to play a central role in Kuwait’s flagship projects. At Al Zour, we were awarded an umbrella contract for offshore vessel agency services and onshore logistics, and we also handled customs clearance and marine support for different phases of development, including support for dredging works and the construction of the refinery’s jetty.
The upcoming expansion of Mubarak Al Kabeer Port will bring new economic zones and bonded warehouse developments. The government is looking to develop state-of-the-art facilities to attract demand for transportation services from both commercial and industrial clients. We are monitoring the evolution of the infrastructure and deciding how to prepare for these developments

Can you provide an overview of Al Rashed’s medium-term priorities in Kuwait and the region?
Al Rashed has a strong presence in the GCC’s shipping and logistics value chain, and we intend to grow it steadily as we introduce technologies to enhance our operational efficiency and reduce our environmental impact. We will maintain our competitive edge by investing in talent development and building new partnerships, both of which are essential elements to successfully adapt to evolving market demands.

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