CSS ATTENDS THE GLOBAL NOATUM CONFERENCE IN KUALA LUMPUR

The global Noatum conference saw 107 agents across the world coming together for a time of learning. The Noatum Global meet-up was held between June 12 and June 15, 2023. The conference was held at the prestigious Shangri-La hotel situated in beautiful Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This event brought together key decision leaders and industry leaders from every part of the globe. The Noatum conference was truly a resounding success.

During the four days, there was an incredible amount of learning, networking, and forging of connections with industry leaders from over 70 different countries. A total of 33 delegates from various Noatum offices from different corners of the world were also a part of the event.

The Conference

The face-to-face meetings at the conference resulted in a pivotal sharing of knowledge. The attendees included sponsors, partners and delegates who made the event a success. Over 10 experienced speakers shared their experience and expertise at the conference. The event helped in forging meaningful connections and driving powerful innovation in the world of logistics.

Each day of the conference was planned with an impressive and power-packed agenda that included keynote presentations, face-to-face meetings and engaging social activities.

Presentations and learnings

On the first day of the event, a friendly Noatum Golf Fellowship game was planned for all the delegates. This was followed by a welcome cocktail where conversations took place and connections were made.

The second day started off with warm welcome addresses and opening remarks by the esteemed CEO Rafael, Torres Brinkmann, MD Asia Ramon Gallen, and GM Asia Network
Dragana Zankel. Next, Beatriz Garcia Jimenez rendered presentations on eSolutions, while Jorge Vicente de Vera Garcia presented on Noatum Projects. There were more presentations, with Jens Grimpe presenting on Noatum Airfreight, and Andrew Gordon sharing valuable insights with regards to Noatum Seafreight.

Next in line was the guest speaker Laetitia Jadeja, the Key Account Manager of CMA CGM who shared her expertise with everyone. This was followed by a presentation by Mohamed Roshmon, Vice President of Consolidated Shipping Services (CSS) LLC, Dubai, one of Noatum’s Platinum sponsors. The eventful day concluded with a group photograph and face-to-face meetings.

Fundraising and site seeing

On the second day, the entire team gathered at the Hard Rock Café for a fundraising event to benefit the less fortunate of Ukraine. There was everything from delicious food to fantastic music, refreshing drinks and networking. It was indeed remarkable to witness all the delegates coming together for a worthy cause.

This was a special fundraising event, which was held for a noble cause. Individuals, partners, and companies who were a part of the Noatum conference generously contributed to the event, making it possible to raise a sum of USD 1,500.00. With this sum, essentially required hospital beds were purchased for people in need.

     

 

On the third day of the event, all the delegates paid a visit to Batu Caves, which is a celebrated Hindu temple. The attendees climbed all the 272 steps of the temple to reach the top. It was both an enjoyable and memorable experience. The third day ended by another round of face-to-face meetings and a charming sunset cocktail,with everyone enjoying a breathtaking view of the city and witnessing the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.

The final day

On the fourth and final day of the conference, there were featured presentations from all the remaining sponsors. There were also face-to-face meetings. All the delegates gathered once again to celebrate the connections made and cherish the memories created. This included Brett Wilton from Cargowise, Abe Pirian from Abetrans, and Abdallah Najjar and Charles Sarkis from Motion Supply. The conference ended with the host felicitating all their partners and sponsors with special awards. The conference ended on a sweet note with thoughtful words from CEO Ramon Torres Brinkmann and a heartfelt farewell address from GM Asia Network Dragana Zankel.

CSS at the event

CSS is extremely delighted to have been a part of the global conference in Kuala Lumpur. The event was both valuable and informative. CSS was happy to be a part of this event and take back home key learnings. The team at CSS eagerly awaits next year’s Noatum conference.

AD PORTS GROUP EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT WITH ACQUISITION OF NOATUM

AD Ports Group, a renowned operator of industrial cities and free zones in Abu Dhabi, has taken a significant step in its global expansion strategy by acquiring the integrated logistics platform Noatum based in Spain.

Having secured the necessary regulatory approvals from Spanish authorities, AD Ports Group has gained complete control over Noatum, which operates across 26 interna tional markets. This development was officially announced in a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange,where AD Ports Group shares are traded.

Valuation and Financing of the Deal

The valuation of this strategic acquisition places the enter- prise value of Noatum at Dh2.5 billion ($681 million), a deal initially unveiled by AD Ports Group back in November. The financing for this acquisition will be facilitated through a newly obtained acquisition loan. Notably, the transaction’s valuation is represented by a multiple of 5.9 times the last twelve months’ enterprise value to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA).

Formation of a Trade and Logistics Powerhouse
This landmark acquisition is a transformative step, uniting two major players in the trade and logistics sector to establish a global powerhouse. Noatum’s extensive services, experience, and capabilities position it to lead AD Ports Group’s logistics cluster. The integration process, which will incorporate Noatum’s 2,800 employees into the cluster, is set to commence immediately.

Forward-Looking Vision
Mohamed Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group Chief Executive of AD Ports Group, expressed his anticipation for the collaboration, “We look forward to leveraging our integrated cross-cluster business model and working together to unlock unprecedented value for our respective customers, partners, and stakeholders. The future of trade and logistics relies on integration, resilience, and innovation, and by taking this transformative step together, we are charting a path to realising our collective mission of becoming one of the top global trade and logistics providers.”

Expanding International Ventures
This strategic acquisition aligns with AD Ports Group’s expansion strategy, as evidenced by their recent acquisitions and port management concession agreements across diverse markets. The company signed a 50-year concession agreement with Pakistan’s Karachi Port Trust.As part of the agreement, AD Ports Group will invest $220 million to develop a new concession at Karachi Port, accelerating its growth in the next decade.

Furthermore, AD Ports Group entered into a concession agreement with the government of the Republic of Congo last month to manage and operate a multipurpose terminal at the New East Mole port in Pointe-Noire. The company has also agreed with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal at PortSafaga. AD Ports Group is also set to work with Angolan organisations to develop and improve maritime connectivity along Africa’s west coast.

Expanding Strategic Partnerships

AD Ports Group partners with Kazakhstan’s state energy company, KazMunayGas, and the Ministry of Industry and Infrastructural Development in a significant collaboration. The aim is to cooperate in developing a national marine fleet and coastal infrastructure, focusing on the Caspian and Black Seas.


Maximising Growth and Innovation:
With the integration of Noatum into its portfolio, AD Ports Group is primed to significantly expand its service offerings, tapping into opportunities for revenue enhancement and cost-saving measures while embracing cutting-edge technology. Over the past year, Noatum’ impressive financial performance is highlighted by substantial revenue of Dh6.4 billion and an EBITDA of 448 million, alongside a net debt position of Dh220 million as of May 31.

Diverse Portfolio and Global Presence
Noatum’s widespread presence across key global markets- Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America – contributes to its diverse portfolio, serving a broad spectrum of industries. These sectors include automotive and aerospace, chemicals, construction, renewable energy, industrial manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, healthcare,and retail. This acquisition further solidifies AD Ports Group’s position as a driving force in the dynamic and ever-evolving global trade and logistics arena.