DB Schenker opened on December 9, 2019 its first fully solarpowered logistics center in Dubai with an area of 33,000 m². The regional distribution center, DLC II, is located in the logistics area of Dubai South, in the immediate vicinity of Al Maktoum International Airport. DLC II will become the central regional logistics hub in the Middle East for DB Schenker’s customers, including Unilever: the main local partner and one of the world’s leading suppliers of home care, beauty & personal care, foods and refreshment products.
After a successful first collaboration in Saudi Arabia, DB Schenker and Unilever officially inaugurated the new mega-site in Dubai under the patronage of His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin (Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South). A high-ranking delegation from Unilever Global and North Africa & Middle East was present, as were Xavier Garijo (Member of the DB Schenker Board for Contract Logistics), Christopher Smith (CEO of DB Schenker MEA), Ako Djaf (Head of Contract Logistics / SCM for Middle East and Africa) and numerous other guests.
Xavier Garijo said: "The DLC II clearly demonstrates: We plan and act sustainably. This makes us one of the world’s leading logistics providers. We use resources in an ecologically sensible way in order to reduce CO2 emissions and costs. Sustainability is a competitive advantage for our customers and for us.” The construction of the logistics center in Dubai, which is powered entirely by solar energy, is part of a series of Eco Warehouses at DB Schenker. Further green warehouses are located in Singapore, Helsinki, Klagenfurt, Tilburg and Dortmund. In addition, DB Schenker’s warehouses are gradually being converted to LED lighting. The temperature-controlled new logistics center in Dubai offers space for a total of 90,000 Euro pallets in an area of 33,000 m² and has a 3,000 m² mezzanine for value-added services.
The logistics center’s service portfolio comprises warehousing including hazardous material storage, various value-added services, distribution and delivery services as well as ocean and air freight transport. The DLC II is located in one of the most important free trade zones in the region. Direct connections to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport enable fast and uncomplicated transportation. With the completion of the DLC II, the second of three phases of the growth plan for the expansion of contract logistics in Dubai has been completed. By 2021, DB Schenker will have created logistics space with a total capacity of 80,000 m².
Sustainability in contract logistics
DB Schenker is committed to leading the way in environmental protection by becoming the leading green logistics services provider and supporting the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In May 2019, DB Schenker opened its first low-carbon city distribution center in Norway, the new Oslo City Hub. DB Schenker’s newest terminals and city hubs throughout Europe are virtually climate-neutral and meet the latest energy efficiency requirements.
(Source: DB Schenker)
