Dubai | 25.03.2018

Why the UAE is developing chemical storage capacity?

Interview with ArabianBusiness Markus Koepsel, General Manager at RSA-TALKE, on the private-sector investment taking place at Jebel Ali Freezone. "We want the UAE to stand out as a chemical logistics hub with the aim of supporting the growing industrialisation of the UAE and the diversification of its economy".

Why is chemical storage capability a big deal here?

The total chemical industry size worldwide was estimated at $4.1tr in sales in 2016. To date, China continues to dominate world rankings, followed by the USA and Germany, but the chemical industry is growing in importance in the Middle East due to increasing production. The UAE is on its way being established as the regional chemical logistics hub.

Who are the clients that require storage and what facilities do they need?

Clients who require this are multinational chemical manufacturers, distributors and retailers. Chemicals constitute raw materials for the FMCG sector as well. Furthermore, current and prospective clients require high standard multi-user facilities to comply with their global health and safety standards. They move from all over the world, the US to Asia.

What does your company, RSA-TALKE, offer?

RSA-TALKE provides integrated chemical logistics solutions and has built a chemical logistics hub in JAFZA to deliver a one-stop solution to chemical manufacturers looking for bulk cargo solutions. The investments, the technology leveraged, the knowledge and expertise and, most importantly, the network at our disposal helps in establishing the UAE as a chemical destination. This enables the UAE and the region to be in line with, or better than, other hub options in the world for the chemical industry.

How unusual is it for a private company to offer this?

There are very few private company players in the chemical logistics sector. RSA-TALKE has certain unique offerings such as the capacity to store laden tank containers at its chemical logistics hub in JAFZA and is the only company to offer such chemical storage services outside of Jebel Ali port.

What are the future prospects for this space?

We want the UAE to stand out as a chemical logistics hub with the aim of supporting the growing industrialisation of the UAE and the diversification of its economy. Plans for an additional warehouse are currently in development. This will mean that we will expand our services and offer a wider portfolio to our clients.

read the interview on arabianbusiness.com