Chartering services to help businesses bounce back

Even as countries mitigate the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are gradually opening up. Manufacturing, infrastructure and other sectors are picking up, leading to an increase in the demand for logistics services and cargo transportation for raw material, equipment, and more.

As one of the leading international freight shipping companies in the region, ECU Saudi Arabia partnered the efficient transportation of steel and set a new record for itself by handling its first General Cargo Vessel.

Setting sights on new firsts

Towards the end of May 2020 ECU Saudi Arabia was awarded a chartering service at Dammam Port and the team successfully completed handling its first General Cargo Vessel MV FALCON LINE, which was carrying 3457 MT of steel from Sohar Port, Oman to Dammam port. It all began when ECU Saudi Arabia received a call from a ship owner based on a recommendation of their agency after which the team discussed details, submitted documents and received an approval on the proposal.

“Our experience and expertise in Saudi Arabia’s logistics ecosystem and stellar performance for marquee customers have made us preferred business partners. When this opportunity came our way, we were geared to do our best. We believe our global network backed by sound local expertise is what creates a sense of confidence in our customers”, said Hammad Yaseen, Country Manager, ECU Saudi Arabia.

The chartering service for the General Cargo Vessel wasn’t easy with technical glitches leading to an initial delay. But the team made sure that once it sprang into action, timelines were met with zero compromise of safety or quality of services.

Excellent logistics services to stay unstoppable

Once the vessel was berthed, off-loading took place on the same day and was completed in just about three days after which the vessel departure clearance was received. In order to make up for technical issues that were faced prior to berthing, the team members planned operations thoroughly and worked so as to ensure delivery as per schedule.

“In these unprecedented times, businesses seem to be opting for ocean freight owing to its relatively lower costs and better capacity availability as compared to air freight. After handling charter services for our first General Cargo Vessel, I can say with confidence that ECU Saudi Arabia is well-equipped, capable and all set to provide such customised services to a much wider range of customers across geographies and industries”, said Osama Abdullah, Branch Manager, ECU Saudi Arabia (Dammam).

A glimpse of the cargo

Ensuring safety and care

Some of our ECU Saudi Arabia team members

Work mode on!

Safe logistics in the face of challenges

All the operations were managed during the lockdown due to COVID -19 as well as Eid holidays in Saudi Arabia. Along with ensuring trained manpower during the holidays, safety and precautions also had to be adhered to. The team ensured the use of masks and sanitizers, maintained social distancing and followed all COVID-19 precautionary measures and protocol to ensure safe operations.

Though it was the first General Cargo direct nomination being handled by ECU Line Saudi Arabia, there were no glitches or delays at any point and the task was completed within the set timelines. Operations progressed smoothly thanks to the experience and professional expertise of the team members who ensured thorough planning and flawless execution.

The team also received the Capt. Service Report remarks with an excellent service level.

Logistics services for businesses to widen horizons, digitally

In the new normal, logistics and other businesses are likely to see a marked shift towards increased use of digital tools and technology to optimise operations, reduce inefficiencies and make business supply chains cost and time-effective. Logistics services providers like ECU Worldwide operating through more than 300 offices in over 160 countries and offering LCL services across more than 2400 direct trade lanes can create unmatched synergies across offices by using the right technology.

With ECU360, a state-of-the-art online platform, ECU Worldwide gives customers the power to conduct business independently. They can get door-to-door quotations, book cargo shipment transportation quickly, access information easily across destinations and time zones. In just a few clicks, customers can make a booking, plan their shipping as per the available sailing schedule, and also be assured of end-to-end track and trace and visibility of their cargo.

Conclusion

Backed by its team of reliable experts, focused on delighting customers with ingenuity and solutions that are just right for their needs and motivated to achieve many new business milestones, ECU Saudi Arabia looks ahead to partnering many more businesses as they resume operations and move ahead.