UAE runs first intermodal transport under TIR aimed at improving connectivity

First ever intermodal TIR operation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU is launched today, with a container leaving the UAE bound for Europe under a single customs transit document and a single guarantee

The United Arab Emirates is an important trade hub with a robust economy. TIR offers huge potential for improving transit connectivity between ports and borders with free zones and integrating them into the global logistics chain.

The UAE’s strongest trading partners are India and China – both part of the TIR network – reinforcing the potential for the transit tool to transform trade along these corridors.

Today’s intermodal TIR transport leaves the SAIF Zone in Sharjah, bound for Olomouc in the Czech Republic via Jebel Ali Port in the UAE and the port of Hamburg, Germany. The goods are traveling by land and sea using TIR, the global customs transit, and guarantee system.

IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, comments “TIR’s potential for improving transit connectivity in the UAE is in the spotlight today with this first intermodal TIR transport. Once traders see the time and cost savings, TIR will become the go-to solution in the UAE and the region.”

Mohammed Jumaa Busaiba, Director General of the Federal Customs Authority in Dubai adds, “Using TIR in our intermodal transport increases substantially the UAE’s global competitiveness.”

The first TIR intermodal transport operation is the result of cooperation across the public and private sectors, with work from IRU together with UAE member ATCUAE, Federal Customs Authority (FCA), German member BGL, Czech member CESMAD Bohemia and the Czech customs administration. It involved the opening of a new customs office for TIR at Sharjah – the SAIF Zone.

Preparations for roll-out across all seven Emirates are proceeding, with plans for further TIR intermodal transport operations in the pipeline.

This latest development for improved logistics in the region, marked at ceremonies at Sharjah SAIF Zone and then Jebel Ali port, highlights the dynamic road transport landscape across the GCC states – which will take center stage at the IRU World Congress, to be held in Muscat, Oman from 6-8 November. 

The transport operator behind the intermodal transport of Miele goods is Kuehne + Nagel, UAE, one of the world’s leading logistics companies. Metrans, Germany will take over on the leg from Germany to the Czech Republic. Kuehne + Nagel is also participating in the World Congress, sharing insight into innovation and disruption in the logistics sector.