JAS People News

JAS has been named a Sapphire Ambassador by the Blue Whales Blue Skies (BWBS) Program, recognizing its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and marine conservation. This honor is awarded to companies demonstrating exceptional cooperation in reducing vessel speeds to protect marine life and improve air quality.  

BWBS is a collaborative initiative between federal and local government agencies, foundations, and environmental organizations. The program monitors the speeds of vessels 300 gross tons and larger that pass through voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones each year, awarding recognition based on the percentage of total distance traveled at whale-safe speeds. 

"Being recognized as a Sapphire Ambassador is a proud moment for us at JAS. It shows what’s possible when we align our operations with environmental responsibility. A key part of this recognition has been engaging with our carriers—strengthening relationships through a shared commitment to sustainability and making a difference together," Lars Huebecker, EVP Global Head of Ocean Freight, reflects on the recognition.  

The Sapphire Ambassador level is awarded to companies whose fleets achieve 85-100% of their total distance traveled within VSR zones at speeds of 10 knots or less. JAS earned this distinction by ensuring that over 90% of its import and export shipments through California ports in 2024 were handled by BWBS-participating shipping lines. 

At the annual BWBS awards ceremony held on April 16 at AltaSea in the Port of Los Angeles, JAS proudly received the Whale Tail Award, a symbol of its dedication to sustainable shipping practices. These efforts play a critical role in reducing the risk of fatal whale strikes, lowering air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing underwater noise pollution. 

“We’re honored to support the Blue Whales Blue Skies mission and proud of the progress made together with our ocean carriers. Protecting marine life and air quality is essential, and the BWBS team is doing incredible work to bring this to light. It’s a topic that often doesn’t get enough attention in the industry, yet it affects us all," Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability, emphasizes the importance of the initiative.  

As a Sapphire Ambassador, JAS continues to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability and logistics excellence go hand in hand. This recognition underscores JAS’s broader mission to drive meaningful change within the industry while delivering customer value with integrity and environmental responsibility. 

Dubai South, the largest urban master development focusing on aviation, logistics, and real estate, has inaugurated the new regional headquarters for JAS Middle East, a global leader in logistics and supply chain solutions.
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The inauguration ceremony was attended by HE Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of the Republic of Italy in Dubai, Biagio Bruni, Founder & Chairman of JAS Worldwide, Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South, Erwin Wittemaier, Area VP of JAS Middle East, as well as other senior executives from both entities.
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Designed to set new benchmarks in sustainability, efficiency, and technological innovation, the 19,170-square-meter ‘Build-to-Suit’ facility marks a milestone in the company’s regional expansion. This ESG-compliant warehouse is tailored to meet specific logistics needs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growth and excellence while enhancing its ability to serve the entire Middle East market.

The facility will include racked and bulk storage, three temperature-controlled chambers, and 12 loading bays with dock levellers and roller shutter doors. Standing over 14 metres at its apex, it will adhere to the latest firefighting regulations. The office space will span two floors. Additionally, solar panels will be installed on the roof of the facility to offset utility costs and allow the property to achieve ESG credentials.

In his comments, Mohsen Ahmad, said: "We are pleased to attend the official opening of JAS Middle East’s new headquarters at Dubai South. This new facility will cater to the UAE and the wider Middle East region through best-in-class logistics solutions. We are proud to see the Logistics District flourishing with global industry leaders such as JAS, recognising the strategic advantages we offer to support their growth and expansion. With its cutting-edge design and ESG-compliant infrastructure, this facility enhances Dubai South's role in shaping the future of aviation and logistics in the region."

Biagio Bruni said: “This facility is a testament to our focus on innovation, sustainability, and excellent service. We are proud to strengthen our presence in this dynamic region and look forward to continuing to support our customers with tailored and innovative logistics solutions."

Representing the pinnacle of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai South’s Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor. The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone.

As a trusted international freight forwarder, we understand the challenges that come with navigating global trade, especially with the recent announcement of reciprocal tariffs. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for businesses to stay agile and optimize their supply chains. We are excited to offer you strategic solutions through our Foreign-Trade Zones (FTZs) in the USA and Panama to help mitigate tariff impacts and streamline your logistics.

Take Advantage of Our FTZs in the USA

Our FTZs located across the South, East, and West Coasts of the USA offer unparalleled benefits to help you manage costs, build inventory close to your end-consumer, and remain competitive. Here’s why you should consider utilizing these zones:

• Duty & Tax Deferral: Import goods into the USA without paying duties and taxes when they are admitted to the FTZ. Duties are only paid when goods are entered for consumption  in the USA.
• Duty Elimination: Goods admitted into zone status and subsequently re-exported from the US Customs territory are not subject to US import duties.
• Inventory Management: Build up inventory close to your market without worrying about immediate tax and duty implications. This allows you to stay responsive to demand fluctuations, reducing costly delays and speeding up your time-to-market.
• Reduced Costs: With the current uncertainties around reciprocal tariffs, using FTZs can help shield your goods from excessive duties, offering a buffer against tariff hikes that might otherwise impact your bottom line.
• Strategic Locations: With our FTZs spread across key US regions, you can strategically position your inventory closer to major consumer markets, allowing for quicker distribution and reducing shipping costs.

Panama as a Key Logistics Hub for the Americas

Additionally, our operations in Panama provide you with access to one of the most important logistics hubs in the Americas. With direct access to the Colon Free Zone and proximity to major shipping routes, Panama offers several advantages for your logistics strategy:

• Strategic Location: Positioned between North and South America, Panama serves as a gateway to both markets, offering a prime location for distribution throughout the Americas, the Caribbean, and the USA.
• Colon Free Zone: As one of the largest free zones in the world, the Colon Free Zone offers significant tax and duty exemptions, providing an ideal environment for goods transshipment, warehousing, and re-exportation.
• Local Expertise: With our own offices and operations in Panama, we have a deep understanding of local regulations and logistics dynamics. We can help you navigate Panama’s benefits seamlessly, ensuring that your goods are efficiently moved through the region.
• Reduced Tariffs & Import Taxes: Similar to FTZs in the U.S., Panama’s free zones allow companies to store, process, or re-export goods without paying duties or taxes upfront. Taxes and import duties are only due if the goods are eventually brought into Panama for local consumption — otherwise, they can be re-exported tax-free to their final destination.

Why This Matters Now

With the new reciprocal tariffs being announced, it’s critical to find ways to lower your exposure to these increasing costs. Both our USA FTZs and Panama operations provide solutions that allow you to store, manage, and distribute goods with significant cost savings, particularly when facing unpredictable tariff changes.

By leveraging our FTZs and Panama’s logistical advantages, you gain flexibility, efficiency, and a competitive edge in today’s rapidly changing global trade environment.

Let’s Talk!

Our team is ready to discuss how our FTZs in the USA and our Panama logistics hub can benefit your business. Don’t wait—take full advantage of these strategic locations and the opportunities they present during these uncertain times.

Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our experts!