Abu Dhabi Ports Co. is preparing to launch a new shipping company this month that could benefit the United Arab Emirates to avoid interruptions to imports of food and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State-owned Abu Dhabi Ports (ADPC) initiated Safeen Feeders with an eye on imports from nine ports in India, Pakistan and the Arabian Gulf. ADPC also has proposals to spread the cargo service to the Red Sea and East Africa in the near future.
The UAE imports as much as 90 percent of its food and relies on overseas supplies of medical, consumer and industrial products to maintain its predominantly immigrant demography. The new initiative, Safeen Feeders will present better options for the UAE to quickly procure food and medical supplies.
“Our core objective remains focused on facilitating trade and connectivity.” – Ross Thompson, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer – ADPC
India and Pakistan are the UAE’s biggest trading associates. Safeen Feeders is expected to begin operations by the end of June, in conjunction with Singapore-based Bengal Tiger Line Pte.
Abu Dhabi Ports controls and operates 11 ports in the UAE and the West African country of Guinea.
