In a region where port efficiency drives billions in trade, Adnoc Logistics & Services has used the Gulf’s first artificial intelligence-powered smart port solution to cut service sourcing time for vessels from three hours to just 45 seconds.
The Abu Dhabi company developed the system with port software specialist Innovez One. The technology reduces vessel turnaround time by 90 per cent and has been introduced at key petroleum ports, including Das, Zirku, Mubaraz, Ruwais and Jebel Dhanna.
The expedited service sourcing – the process of hiring outside companies to provide services including maintenance and repairs – will improve efficiency and reduce costs.
It is expected to help save 3,000 hours a year, deliver $950,000 in operational savings by 2028, increase jetty utilisation by 20 per cent and improve vessel management by 10 per cent.
“The deployment of the smart port solution across our petroleum ports in the UAE underscores our commitment to harnessing AI, as we continue to invest in innovation to optimise our operations and drive further value for our business and customers," said Capt Abdulkareem Al Masabi, chief executive of Adnoc L&S.
Adnoc L&S oversees maritime, port and service operations across Adnoc’s supply chain. Its three business lines – shipping, integrated logistics and services – deliver energy products to more than 100 customers in more than 50 countries. The company said the new system reinforced its position as a leader in digital transformation.
The smart-port launch adds to Adnoc’s AI-driven projects. This month, the company signed a $500 million agreement with AI reinsurance platform RIQ to improve risk management with advanced data modelling.
In May, Adnoc Drilling was awarded a $1.15 billion contract for two offshore rigs fitted with AI features. Last November, Adnoc committed $920 million to extend its AI programme to 2,000 wells, using predictive analytics to boost recovery and reduce downtime.
Adnoc aims to embed AI across its value chain, from upstream exploration and drilling to risk management and logistics, in line with the UAE National AI Strategy 2031.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
The alternatives
• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.
• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.
• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.
• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.
• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases - but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
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