Partnership endorses Bahrain as the preferred transhipment hub in the region

Bahrain; 8 February 2012: SAMEL, a joint venture between Schmidt Heilbronn and Agility, a global specialist for bulk business, announced today that the company has selected Bahrain as its base to hub out its logistics operations in the Gulf region.  A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr. Wolfgang Hoppmann, CEO of SAMEL and Mr. Hassan Ali Al Majed, Director General of the General Organisation of Sea Ports and Bahrain Logistic Zone (BLZ).

SAMEL and BLZ will work together to set up an economical and efficient solution to store, handle and distribute different bulk materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, catalysts and additives for the chemical and petrochemical industry. The layout, concept, and the feasibility study will be prepared by SAMEL according to terms agreed in the Memorandum.

"This strategic partnership allows SAMEL and the BLZ to open the gates for highly specialized logistics in this region, with Bahrain playing an important role as a distribution hub for the GCC. Ultimately, this will lead to a drastic increase in the number of companies with specialised expertise and operational skills, especially in the bulk market, setting up shop in Bahrain, which will help support Bahrain's economy in the future," said Dr. Wolfgang Hoppmann, CEO, SAMEL.

Speaking on the importance of the partnership, Hassan Ali Al Majed, Director General of the General Organisation of Sear Ports (GOP) and the BLZ, said : "This partnership represents a key milestone for the BLZ, and will help support Bahrain's logistics offering and our position as a regional transhipment hub.  The BLZ has a truly unique offering that includes competitive rates, world-class services for commercial, import/export and re-export activities, efficient turnaround times and close proximity to the state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port, all of which help make it into an ideal destination for companies looking to establish a strong foothold in the GCC.

"As the Kingdom's maritime industry regulator, the General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) is committed to working together with SAMEL in order to facilitate the establishment of its operations in the Kingdom. We are confident that both parties will mutually benefit from this partnership to meet the growing demand of specialised logistics across the US$ 1 trillion top-tier markets of the Gulf," he added.

About SAMEL
SAMEL - Schmidt Agility Middle East Logistics- is a partnership that anticipate to meet the  increasing need - especially across the Middle East - for dry bulk solutions on the back of rapid growth in chemical manufacturing in the region. The joint venture combines Schmidt Heilbronn's expertise in bulk polymer logistics with Agility's global logistics network and in-house chemicals specialty. SAMEL's focus will be on the Middle East and other major developing economies around the world. SAMEL is envisaged to bring to market a complete package from design and construction, to ongoing supply chain management, operations and dry bulk transport. This venture brings together a unique blend of experience and technical knowledge. The degree of success with which the two companies have worked together is a tremendous platform for Schmidt and Agility as we look to the future and to the massive opportunity we see both in the Middle East and across emerging markets generally.

About Bahrain Logistics Zone
Bahrain Logistics Zone (BLZ) is the only dedicated customs - free, value-added logistics park in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Located strategically in close proximity to the Kingdom's new sea port and access to prime transportation links the Bahrain Logistics Zone plays a key role in the Kingdom's maritime and ports community. Occupying a pivotal location within the port's boundary - it is structured to complement the new port and to offer an all-encompassing scope for the operation of modern logistics and valued-added services for a portfolio of carefully selected client companies that are in a strong position to exploit the special benefits of Bahrain's focal position in the Arabian Gulf.

For more information, please contact: 
Neena Punnen/Sami Amin
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
Telephone: 532 533 17 973+
Fax: 370 533 17 973+
Email:  Neena.punnen@hkstrategies.com
Sami.amin@hkstrategies.com

© Press Release 2012