Bahrain launched the region's fastest multimodal logistics hub with only a two-hour turnaround time for all containers, allowing products to be with customers in half the time and at 40 percent reduction in cost compared to pure air freight.
The launch of the Bahrain Global Sea-Air Hub capitalizes both on Bahrain's strategic position midway between European and Asian markets and on its proximity to regional target markets by establishing the most efficient multimodal sea-air transshipment hub in the region with a global reach.
The hub will enable the growth of the Bahrain logistics sector, contributing to further diversifying the Kingdom’s economy.
Bahrain's non-oil GDP year-on-year growth reached 7.8 percent in Q2 in 2021, according to BNA.
Bahrain will grant partner status in this initiative to all markets globally, which will allow for granting their nationally based companies the opportunity to become an authorized Trusted Shipper at Bahrain's Global sea-to-air logistics hub.
Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed stated that the launch of the Global Sea-to-Air logistics hub, the fastest in the Middle East, in Bahrain is a real opportunity for global logistics companies and exporters across the world.
"We can only do this because of our unique position, the proximity of our ports, as well as our regulators, operators, and port authorities working closely together, and our state-of-the-art digital processing solution," he said.
Bahrain is among the top 20 countries in the sector with over 70 destinations, raising air freight to 1 million metric tons and the logistics sector's contribution to GDP.
The plans include increasing the total air cargo capacity at Bahrain International Airport to expand the current space to accommodate the increase in cargo traffic of over 1.3 million tons, announced the minister.
The current air cargo area will be allocated to companies specialized in logistics activities and interested in conducting their business at the International Airport.
