CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Adapting to a Changing World

As we enter the final leg of 2026, it feels right to pause and reflect on a year that has taught us, above all, to expect the unexpected. Uncertainty has been the one constant!

Climate patterns, influenced by a strengthening El Niño, are expected to dominate global weather patterns through August–October, bringing above-normal temperatures and shifting rainfall worldwide. The UN Secretary-General’s warning about a planet “on fire” isn’t just a headline; it’s a reminder that climate preparedness can no longer wait for tomorrow. It sharpens our own sense of responsibility today. As an organisation, we cannot treat sustainability as a side conversation; it has to sit at the centre of how we plan, build, and grow. Strengthening our green initiatives and making conscious, responsible choices in how we operate isn’t just good practice; it’s our duty to the communities and the planet we share.

The geopolitical landscape has also been marked by constant change. Fragile ceasefires between the US and Iran have collapsed repeatedly throughout the year, reshaping global trade in real time. Vessels’ rerouting, congestion near the Strait of Hormuz, and steep cuts to air and sea freight capacity have added days and cost to supply chains still recovering from earlier shocks. Even here, there’s been a silver lining: alternative corridors, from GCC road freight to the Europe–Egypt–Saudi Arabia route, have held firm, a reminder that adaptability is often our best asset when the ground beneath us keeps shifting.

Celebrating Progress and Embracing Possibility

Amidst all this, the world still found room to celebrate. Spain’s triumph at this year’s World Cup was built on patience, composure, and a clear sense of identity. It felt like a lesson in itself, a reminder that discipline and a clear sense of purpose, sustained over time, eventually deliver results.

Closer to home, we at CSS celebrated Onam with the same warmth and togetherness that defines this festival. For us, it has always meant more than tradition; it’s gratitude for what we’ve built together, unity across teams, and a reminder that real abundance comes from collective effort, not individual gain.

If these past few months have taught us anything, it’s that strength, responsibility, and resolve carry organisations through even the stormiest seasons. As the old proverb goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. I have no doubt that together, we’ll close this year even stronger.

ONE GLOBAL NETWORK. ONE CSS STANDARD.

How People, Partnerships and Coordination Make Complex Logistics Simple

Every shipment begins with a requirement, but delivering it successfully may involve several countries, transport modes, regulations, service providers and critical decisions. For more than three decades, Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) Group has built its reputation by bringing these elements together and transforming logistics complexity into coordinated, dependable solutions.

With over 30 international offices, more than 750 professionals and an extensive worldwide agency network, CSS combines global reach with local expertise. Yet the organisation’s true strength lies not only in the size of its network, but in how effectively its offices, people and partners work together as one.

Connected Across Markets

CSS Group has established a strong presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, India, Kenya and Türkiye, supported by trusted agency partners worldwide. Each location contributes essential local intelligence covering port procedures, customs requirements, carrier options, transportation conditions and market-specific regulations.

Through close inter-office coordination, this knowledge becomes a shared resource. A shipment originating in one country can be planned, monitored and delivered through multiple CSS locations without losing continuity or control. Customers benefit from fewer communication gaps, quicker responses and a single dependable point of coordination throughout the cargo journey.

People Behind Every Movement

Technology continues to reshape logistics, but people remain at the centre of every successful movement. Across CSS Group, professionals in sales, pricing, operations, customer service, documentation, customs clearance, transportation, warehousing and projects contribute their expertise to a common objective.

Sales teams understand the customer’s priorities. Pricing teams evaluate feasible routes and carrier options. Operations teams manage documentation and execution, while customs, warehouse and transport teams ensure that cargo continues moving towards its destination.

When these functions coordinate effectively, logistics becomes more than a series of transactions. It becomes one integrated solution supported by accountability, visibility and teamwork.

Simplifying Complex Logistics

Modern supply chains are rarely straightforward. A single movement may require ocean or air freight, customs approvals, specialised packing, warehousing, inland transportation and final delivery.

CSS simplifies this complexity by bringing multiple capabilities under one network. Its portfolio includes global freight forwarding, NVOCC services, ocean and air freight, GCC land transportation, supply chain management, project logistics, industrial packing and lashing, container freight station operations, automobile logistics, e-commerce fulfilment, and specialised aviation and defence logistics.

Instead of requiring customers to coordinate separately with numerous providers, CSS develops an integrated plan around the shipment’s complete operational requirements. The objective is clear: one responsible logistics partner from origin to destination.

Global Reach, Local Intelligence

A global network creates value only when supported by reliable local execution. CSS offices understand the day-to-day operating realities of their markets, while agency partners extend this capability across international trade lanes.

This combined strength allows CSS to evaluate alternatives, anticipate constraints and respond when conventional supply chains are disrupted. Whether the requirement involves urgent airfreight, an alternative seaport, cross-border trucking, dangerous goods or oversized cargo, CSS can draw on the resources and experience of its wider network.

Solutions are therefore shaped around the customer’s actual priorities—not restricted to a standard service template.

Tailored Solutions, Proven Excellence

No two customers or shipments are identical. A time-critical spare part requires a different strategy from heavy industrial equipment, temperature-sensitive cargo or retail inventory.

CSS begins by understanding what success means for the customer: required delivery time, budget, cargo characteristics, compliance obligations and operational risks. Its teams then select the appropriate mode, route, carrier, facility and supporting services. If conditions change, offices and departments work together to identify practical alternatives and protect cargo momentum.

More than three decades of service have given CSS the experience to manage routine movements efficiently and complex requirements confidently. At the same time, the Group continues to invest in technology, people, new capabilities and stronger partnerships.

Across every office and border, CSS works towards one promise: making logistics easier, more transparent and more dependable.

Its offices provide reach. Its partners extend connectivity. Its people bring knowledge and ownership. Inter-office coordination unites these strengths into one consistent capability.

One global network. One CSS standard. Tailored logistics solutions—delivered with confidence.

SEAMLESS MULTIMODAL HANDLING OF DG CARGO FROM ITALY TO KUWAIT

CSS successfully completed the multimodal transportation of S68 Export Putty Grey, a dangerous goods (DG) shipment, from Reggio Emilia, Italy, to Kuwait in just 22 days. The shipment was delivered efficiently, well ahead of the estimated 28–30-day transit time. It involved multiple modes of transport and border crossings, requiring careful planning and coordination throughout the journey.

Handled under EXW Incoterms, the cargo was collected from the shipper’s premises in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It was properly loaded, stacked, and secured inside the truck before beginning its journey to Trieste Port. From there, the shipment moved by Ro-Ro service to Pendik Port in Istanbul, Türkiye, before continuing by road through Iraq to Kuwait for the final delivery.

The routing was selected to address the challenges involved in moving DG cargo from Europe, including transportation restrictions and the limited availability of suitable vessel schedules. The multimodal solution provided a practical alternative while also helping achieve a faster transit time than the usual mode of transportation.

Strong Teamwork Behind a Successful Delivery

The shipment was successfully executed through close coordination between CSS Kuwait and CSS Türkiye. CSS Kuwait shared the shipment requirements and cargo details with the Türkiye team, which then arranged the transportation and provided the quotation.

CSS Türkiye worked directly with the shipper to coordinate cargo collection and loading and stayed closely involved throughout the journey. The team also coordinated closely with the truck driver to facilitate the required transit border formalities and keep the movement on track.

Regular updates were shared with the consignee, ensuring clear visibility of the shipment from origin to desti- nation. This close communication helped the teams respond effectively to the requirements of a complex cross-border DG movement.

Completing the journey in 22 days, against an estimated 28–30 days, demonstrates what can be achieved through effective planning and teamwork. The successful delivery reflects CSS’s ability to develop practical logistics solutions for specialised cargo while maintaining a focus on safety, reliability and timely execution.

FROM QUAYSIDE INSIGHT TO CUSTOMER VALUE

How CSS Group Is Bridging Commercial Strategy and Live Port Operations

In logistics, strong commercial solutions begin with a clear understanding of how cargo moves on the ground. Reflecting this principle, representatives from the Sales and Operations teams of CSS Group Abu Dhabi recently visited CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, gaining valuable firsthand exposure to one of the UAE’s most advanced container-handling facilities.

Hosted by the CMA CGM team, the visit combined strategic discussions with a live walkthrough of the terminal. The CSS delegation followed the container journey from vessel arrival at the deep-water berth through discharge by advanced Ship-to-Shore cranes, transfer to designated stacking blocks, digital yard management and final gate-out.

The team observed how terminal operating systems coordinate berth activity, equipment deployment, container positioning and retrieval. These interconnected processes directly influence vessel turnaround, container availability, dwell time, transport scheduling and final delivery performance. Understanding them enables CSS to anticipate operational challenges, communicate more accurately and offer customers practical, well-informed solutions.

The visit also highlighted the terminal’s focus on technology and sustainability. Automated gates, integrated digital systems, electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes, shore-power capability and renewable-energy initiatives demonstrate how modern infrastructure can improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact. With an initial annual capacity of 1.8 million TEUs and expansion planned to 2.7 million TEUs, the facility also reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing role in regional and global trade.

For CSS Group, this operational exposure carries significant commercial value. Sales teams gain a stronger understanding of the factors behind shipment status and delivery timelines, while Operations teams can further improve documentation, clearance coordination, equipment planning and transportation scheduling. By combining both perspectives, CSS can provide realistic commitments, proactive updates and faster responses when conditions change.

Beyond operational learning, the visit strengthened collaboration between CSS Group and CMA CGM. It reinforced the importance of close coordination among logistics providers, shipping lines, terminal operators, customs stakeholders and transport partners in delivering dependable end-to-end cargo movement.

As UAE maritime infrastructure continues to evolve, direct engagement with frontline operations remains essential. By connecting quayside realities with customer priorities, CSS Group continues to bridge commercial strategy and operational execution—delivering agile, transparent and value-driven logistics solutions with greater confidence.

CSS ELOGIX EXPLORES THE FUTURE OF ECOMMERCE AT SHIPROCKET SHIVIR 2026

The future of eCommerce is being shaped by technology, intelligent fulfilment, and stronger industry collaboration—and these themes took centre stage at Shiprocket SHIVIR 2026, held on 9 July at The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake.

Participating as a Technology Provider, CSS eLogix joined over 2,500 attendees, including D2C brands, logistics companies, technology providers, investors, and commerce enablers, to exchange ideas and explore the trends redefining digital commerce. With more than 100 speakers and 25 insightful sessions, the event provided a valuable platform to understand where the industry is headed and how businesses can prepare for the next phase of growth.

Key Trends Shaping the Future of eCommerce

Artificial Intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the event, with speakers highlighting its growing role in everyday business operations. From customer acquisition and marketing to order man- agement and supply chain planning, AI is helping businesses improve efficiency and make faster deci- sions.

Another major focus was the shift towards integrated commerce ecosystems, where connected platforms bring together warehouse management, marketplace integration, analytics, payments, and logistics to improve visibility and operational efficiency.

Fulfilment and logistics also remained central to discussions, with experts focusing on warehouse efficiency, inventory visibility, last-mile delivery, and reverse logistics. Speakers emphasised that fulfil- ment has become a key driver of customer experi- ence and brand loyalty.

Cross-border commerce featured prominently as more Indian brands look to expand globally. Industry leaders noted that successful international growth depends on reliable logistics, technology-enabled fulfilment, regulatory compliance, and seamless cross-border customer experiences.

Beyond the conference sessions, SHIVIR offered valuable opportunities to connect with brands, technology companies, fulfilment providers, logistics partners, and SaaS platforms. These conversations highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating scalable and future-ready commerce solutions.

For CSS eLogix, the event reaffirmed the increasing demand for technology-driven fulfilment, warehouse automation, integrated commerce solutions, and cross-border logistics expertise. It also provided an opportunity to build new relationships and gain valuable insights into the evolving needs of businesses.

Shiprocket SHIVIR 2026 demonstrated how technology, collaboration, and intelligent fulfilment are coming together to shape the next chapter of eCommerce—and CSS eLogix is proud to be part of that journey.

GCC LOGISTICS STRENGTHENS RESILIENCE THROUGH ROAD FREIGHT

The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has reshaped freight movement across the Gulf. Reduced vessel traffic has upended schedules, increased insurance costs, and created uncertainty for regional supply chains.

As maritime capacity comes under pressure, land transport is gaining strategic importance. Saudi Arabia’s road network provides a key alternative, linking the Arabian Gulf with Red Sea ports through an east-to-west corridor. This enables cargo to move across the Kingdom without relying on the Strait.

The UAE and Oman further strengthen regional connectivity. Fujairah provides access beyond the Strait, with road links to major ports and inland logistics hubs. Oman’s Sohar, Duqm and Salalah ports offer additional gateways to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

However, longer routes and rising demand for trucking capacity are increasing freight costs and placing greater strain on transport planning.

Fleet Expansion Supports Supply Chain Resilience

Logistics operators across the GCC are expanding their commercial vehicle fleets to meet growing demand. Ma’aden has increased its fleet to 3,500 vehicles to support cargo movements towards Red Sea ports.

Other major operators are taking similar steps. DP World has added 700 trucks to strengthen its GCC road network, while Noatum Logistics has bolstered its Middle East fleet with 152 long-haul vehicles. Companies across Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman are also investing in additional transport capacity.

This increased reliance on road freight brings new challenges. Longer journeys raise fuel consumption, maintenance needs and driver requirements, while higher energy prices add further pressure to operating costs.

Fleet growth alone, however, will not ensure long-term continuity. Sustained investment in cross-border infrastructure, efficient border procedures, digital freight systems and supporting facilities will remain essential.

Alternative vehicle technologies could also support this transition. Hybrid trucks can improve fuel efficiency on long-distance routes, while electric vehicles are better suited to ports, terminals and fixed-route operations.

As trade conditions evolve, commercial vehicle fleets and inland corridors are becoming increasingly important to GCC supply chain resilience. Their ongoing development will help create a more flexible, connected and responsive regional logistics network.

MAWANI BOOSTS CONNECTIVITY WITH NEW MSC SHIPPING SERVICE

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of a major new shipping service to Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdullah Port in Rabigh, strengthening the Kingdom’s maritime links between Europe and the Red Sea. The service, operated by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and known as the Middle East Express, is part of Mawani’s continuing efforts to deepen ties with global shipping lines and expand Saudi Arabia’s footprint in international trade.

Linking Saudi Ports to Global Trade Routes

Under the new arrangement, Jeddah Islamic Port will be directly connected to a network of key European ports, including Gdańsk in Poland, Bremerhaven in Germany, Antwerp in Belgium, the Spanish ports of València and Barcelona, and Gioia Tauro in Italy. With a capacity of up to 16,000 standard containers, the service is expected to support higher cargo volumes and provide businesses with improved access to important international trade routes.

Analysts note that the service should meaningfully improve cargo turnaround times and give shippers more flexible options for moving goods between the two regions.

Strengthening Domestic and Regional Distribution

A key feature of the new service is its integration with Saudi Arabia’s wider transport and logistics network. Cargo arriving at King Abdullah Port can be transported by land to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. It can then be distributed to other Arabian Gulf countries through feeder shipping services. This multimodal approach enhances connectivity between the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. It also supports more efficient cargo movement and better supply chain integration.

The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe and Africa. The MSC Middle East Express service expands links with major European ports while creating onward connections across the Gulf. As Saudi ports continue to solidify their international networks, such developments will further support the Kingdom’s role in regional and global trade.

A JOURNEY THAT MADE WAVES – Alleppey Ripples’ Historic Run: Breaking Records and Setting New Benchmarks in KCL Season 3

The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) Season 3 witnessed Alleppey Ripples deliver their most memorable and dominant campaign yet. Entering the tournament with a revamped setup and clear championship ambitions, the team etched a major milestone into franchise history by advancing all the way to the semi-finals—their highest-ever finish since the tournament’s inauguration in 2024. While the journey concluded in the knockouts, the Ripples left a permanent mark on the tournament through fearless, record-breaking cricket.

Laying the Groundwork: A Strategic Rebuild

The blueprint for this landmark season was laid at the player auction held on July 11 at The Leela Raviz Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. Backed by CSS’s continued commitment to nurturing premier sports talent, the management prioritized a balanced blend of seasoned leadership and match-winners.

The franchise retained explosive wicketkeeper-batter Mohammed Azharuddeen alongside premier all-rounder Jalaj Saxena to preserve team continuity. Complementing this core was the major signing of former Kerala Ranji skipper Sachin Baby, whose domestic pedigree and IPL experience made him the natural choice to lead the squad alongside Azharuddeen as vice-captain. The Ripples further underlined their intent by securing Sibin Gireesh for ₹11.80 lakh—the highest bid at the Season 3 auction.

Season Accolades & Milestones

• Table Toppers: Finished at the summit of the points table at the end of the league stage, setting the pace for the entire tournament.
• Historic Semi-Finalists: Marked the franchise’s strongest showing since the inaugural edition of the KCL.
• Player of the Tournament: Mohammed Azharuddeen, recognized as the league’s most impactful performer across the campaign.
• Top Run-Scorer & Boundary King: Azharuddeen dominated the batting charts, finishing with 596 runs in 11 matches to capture the Orange Cap honours, leading the season tally for the Most Sixes (48), and smashing the Most Centuries (3).
• All-Time Milestone: Azharuddeen also became the first player in KCL history to cross the 1,000-run mark across the tournament’s first three seasons.
• Mr. Consistent: Skipper Sachin Baby led from the front with the bat, recording the Most Fifties (3 half-centuries in 11 matches).
• Pure Power: Arun K.A. smashed his name into the highlights reel by launching a massive 101-metre strike for the Longest Six of the competition.
• All-Time League Record: The batting order wrote itself into Kerala Cricket League folklore by piling up 253 runs in a single innings—the highest team total ever recorded in KCL history.

A Strong Foundation for the Future

The historic campaign was powered by the steadfast backing of the franchise’s principal sponsors: Race Academy, RG Foods, CSS Kingston, and Freyer International—whose unwavering support fueled the squad’s fighting spirit.

While the semi-final brought a hard-fought run to an end, the team exits KCL Season 3 having set a new benchmark for competitive excellence in Kerala cricket, laying down a formidable foundation for seasons to come.

KCL Season 3 Special Moments