interview with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem a chairman of DP World.
How are new technologies improving the efficiency and security of the maritime sector’s supply chain?
BIN SULAYEM: By 2027, blockchain could store up to 10% of global GDP, playing a key role in enhancing the maritime supply chain's efficiency and security.
This is part of a broader technological evolution, including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, automation, the Internet of Things, big data, and robotics, aimed at meeting the demands of on-demand logistics.
By 2050, global freight transport is expected to quadruple, with express delivery for high-priority shipments projected to reach $516 billion by 2025.
E-commerce is anticipated to grow to $4 trillion by 2020, significantly altering consumer and business behavior.
The demand for air freight of high-priority goods is expected to double in the next 20 years, stressing existing infrastructure.
Digital supply chains can reduce network process and procurement costs by 50% and 20%, respectively, while increasing revenue by 10%.
In response to these trends, investments in Hyperloop technology are being made, which could revolutionize manufacturing supply chains by delivering on-demand freight at speeds comparable to air travel but at trucking costs.
This could reduce a four-day truck journey to 16 hours and integrate with other transport modes, potentially cutting finished goods inventory and warehouse space by 25%, leading to significant savings beyond transportation costs for high-value and time-sensitive products.
How is Dubai prepared to mitigate the effects of a potential trade war between the US and China?
BIN SULAYEM: History has taught us that trade is resilient. We may see short-term effects, but fair trade and free trade issues between countries have been with us for millennia, and global organisations such as the World Trade Organisation were created to resolve them.
For Dubai, as a part of the global economy, diversification of our economic structure across different sectors has been the long-term vision of our leaders, which has reaped dividends over time and will continue to do so.
What role do you see the cruise segment playing in Dubai’s maritime industry going forward?
BIN SULAYEM: The cruise business will continue to contribute to Dubai’s leading position in global tourism, which is one of the main foundations of our economy.
The Mina Rashid Cruise Terminal is spread across 2m sq metres and is equipped to handle seven mega cruise vessels and 25,000 passengers simultaneously.
In addition, the Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal at Mina Rashid is the world’s largest covered cruise facility, capable of handling 14,000 cruise passengers per day. The ongoing expansion plans will enable Mina Rashid to include a recreational area, strengthening Dubai’s position as the leading regional cruise hub and integrating the Mina Rashid waterfront into the local community.
What opportunities are there for further maritime development and expansion in Africa?
BIN SULAYEM: The potential for development in Africa is enormous. Today, six out of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world are in Africa, and the continent is increasingly moving into the limelight as a investment destination.
We have a large footprint with operations in Senegal, Egypt, Mozambique, Djibouti, Algeria and Somaliland, where we are developing a multi-purpose port project at Berbera.
We have also secured a 25-year concession to develop and operate a new logistics centre in Kigali, Rwanda
We continue to seek opportunities in Africa, where there is significant structural growth potential with investments under way in Egypt, Senegal and Rwanda to expand our capacity in the region.
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