JAS Middle East recently broke ground on an innovative 'Build to Suit' Logistics Hub in Dubai South.  

This state-of-the-art facility will boast a unique blend of cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness, aligning with JAS’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Spanning a land plot of 212,160 square feet and a built-up area of 127,300 square feet, the ESG-compliant hub will be designed to tailor to specific logistic needs and prioritize eco-friendly practices. 

In addition to its functional aspects, the property will incorporate other sustainability measures such as the installation of solar panels on its roof—allowing JAS Middle East to achieve ESG credentials. These panels will not only offset monthly utility costs but will help JAS Middle East increase its independence from the national grid (DEWA).  

The office space within the hub, spanning 13,347 square feet over two floors, will offer modern amenities such as meeting rooms, open-plan working areas, and recreational spaces, ensuring a conducive environment for employees and clients. 

“This project represents a significant milestone for JAS Middle East and its esteemed customers,” says Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP for the Middle East, “This strategic investment underscores our commitment to our customers and the UAE market. We look forward to deploying new technology to provide best-in-class logistics solutions.” 

With the exciting groundbreaking of the Dubai Logistics Hub, JAS Middle East not only strengthens its position in the logistics sector but also sets a standard for sustainable infrastructure development in the region. 

JAS Worldwide is excited to welcome Christian Heinze as Global Head of the Technology Vertical, effective April 2, 2024. With this strategic addition to the leadership team, JAS reaffirms its push to expand its presence and expertise in the Technology and Semiconductor sector.  

Christian brings over two decades of success serving in senior operational and commercial roles within the global logistics industry. His deep knowledge of the semiconductor and solar industries has shaped critical supply chain transformations for clients across all modes of global transportation.  

Throughout his career, Christian has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative commercial strategies that have contributed to significant business growth and fostered customer collaboration. His innate understanding of the industry landscape and proven track record of driving operational excellence make him a valuable asset to JAS’s growing technology vertical.

"Christian’s wealth of experience and passion for innovation aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver exceptional services to our Technology clients. His leadership will play a crucial role in expanding our service portfolio and solidifying JAS's position as a key player in the dynamic and fast-evolving semiconductor industry," Manuele Mazzacurati, EVP, Sales & Marketing, JAS Worldwide, expresses with enthusiasm.  

Christian Heinze's appointment comes at a key time as JAS continues its focus on operational excellence, offering innovative solutions, and adopting a sustainable approach to drive growth and create value for its customers globally.

Dear Valued Customer, 

Due to the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, we are raising awareness that our services and contracts are affected by this situation.  

Therefore, in conjunction with similar actions taken by ocean carriers, Blue World Line hereby provides this notice, in accordance with the clauses 11 and 12 of its bill of lading, of the necessary re-routing of some vessels currently sailing to and from the Port of Baltimore. 

Cargo currently at the terminals in Baltimore will remain at the port until further notice and imports originally set to call the port of Baltimore have been rerouted to other US East Coast ports.  

JAS Worldwide, as agent for Blue World Line, is taking all necessary steps to preserve its transportation services for our customers and to mitigate the impact of this situation on your shipments. 

Lastly, this disruption will continue to impact our services along the east coast of the United States and drive booking and routing changes on both imports and exports calling the port of Baltimore.  We will continue our best efforts to keep you updated on the status of your shipments and any developments as they happen.  

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this difficult situation, and we will keep you updated on any additional developments. Please check back often at www.jas.com for the latest news. 

For any questions and concerns, please contact your local JAS office.  

Current Situation  

The ongoing Red Sea container shipping crisis, now in its fifteenth week, has not changed much since the last update, and a clear normalcy timeline remains uncertain; as we have witnessed, attacks have continued throughout this past week. Shippers and industry stakeholders should brace for continued disruptions and higher costs and adapt strategies accordingly. The coming weeks will be crucial for interpreting the outcome of the IMO meeting and its potential impact on the situation. 

Industry Insights, Facts & Market Developments

Below are some additional key facts and market developments surrounding the situation, including a timeline of major events.  

• Drewry's WCI Spot Index shows a continuing decline in rates week over week. However, Asia to Europe rates have not decreased as fast as in previous weeks. 
• US CENTCOM continues to report successful engagement and destruction of a variety of drones, missiles, and drone boats, as well as drones on land before they are ever utilized. In the last few days, four more drones have been shot down. 
• Houthis claimed attacks on multiple vessels during the last week; however, vessel operators have refuted these claims from the Houthis and said no container vessels have been attacked directly.  
• Sea-Intelligence is showing a small improvement in schedule reliability and delays, however performance is still poor. The new normal of transiting around the Cape of Good Hope is becoming more stable, and further improvements are expected in the coming months. 
• As per the IMO’s Maritime security update on the Red Sea crisis and international response efforts dated March 29th, the IMO continues down the path of diplomacy to help stabilize the situation. The IMO reports they are actively involved in a long-term capacity building project in the Red Sea and that the EU is funding a 4-year project aimed at enhancing port security and fostering regional dialogue to address the underlying security concerns.  ‍

Our Commitment‍

JAS Worldwide will continue to monitor the situation and keep you duly updated. Our public website update will occur once per week, every Friday.  

For any more detailed and / or shipment specific information, or alternative solutions, please contact your local JAS office.