< PreviousUD TRUCKS REPORTS 30% GROWTH IN MEENA REGION J apanese heavy vehicle manufacturer, UD Trucks said it has registered 30% growth in its sales in Middle East, East, and North Africa(MEENA) for the second straight year. “This boost for the Japanese truck manufacturerstrengthensits positionasa market leaderinalargely European- dominatedregionaltruckmarket,” the Japanese major said in a statement. UD Trucks continues to placeits “Better life” strategy for people and the planet at thecore of its objective to become the Japanese Sustainability Leader by 2025. The company said its sales of heavy-duty trucks in Qatar were up by 35% thanks to the brand’s reputation for producing robust and modern trucks. This also contributed to UDTrucks’steady performance in other key segments, including the waste management and construction sector in the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, UDTrucks’largest market by volume,the company registed a 32 % increase in sales,and the brand has now expanded into every segment,from construction and logistics to waste management, the company said while addingThe brand is now involved in a large number of the kingdom-wide projects– many of its partners are involved with the NEOM project. The company claims that its irrigation vehicles were used to clean up waste oil contamination from the soil in Kuwait as part of the second soil remediation project, while water tankers, vacuum trucks, and jet cleaners were provided by the brand to the Babil municipality in Iraq. In 2022, the brand added the Euro5- compliant Quester model with ESCOT as well as the Croner PKE19 with automatic transmission to its fl eet. On company’s persformance in Africa, UD Truck said it has delivered a signifi cant number of vehicles in Ethiopia and Uganda, primarily intended for general cargoes, despite the hard economic conditions and currency shortage. In 2023, further countries are set to be added to UD's operations as the brand continues with its plans for expansion on the continent, the company said. Commenting on their performance in the year under consideration, Mourad Hedna, president of UD Trucks MEENA, said, “2022 has been an excellent yearfor UD Trucks in the region, a confi rmation year that its trucks, services and values are well appreciated by our customers. UD is clearly recognised as a brand providing its customers with effi cient, reliable, and cost-eff ective products and services.” He said, "With a strong foundation in place, we are on track for another successful year in2023. We will continue to work on our growth and customer satisfaction in all areas." The Japanese fi rm said in line with the company’s commitment to focus on people, it has launched several initiatives in 2022,including supporting the Arabian Ocean Rowing team to raise awareness of plastic pollution and environmental sustainability,as well as supporting employees and partners participating in Dubai Marathon to promote physical and mental well being UD Trucks is a leading Japanese manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty diesel trucks, buses, and engines. As part of its expansion plans, UD truck is looking at entering new markets in 2023 10 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023 TRUCKINGAMANA DELIVERS STATE-OF-THE-ART GREEN LOGISTICS CENTRE FOR DB SCHENKER T he AMANA Construct, a vertical of Group AMANA, has delivered the third phase of the DB Schenker mega logistics centre in Dubai, which will serve as a key distribution hub for the GCC. AMANA completed construction of the enormous 37,000 square metres of green warehouse space utilising 100% renewable energy. This takes the Group’s total logistics footprint in Dubai to 84,000 square metres, Group AMANA wrote in a posted on its website. The statement claims that AMANA is at the forefront of disrupting the construction sector, making it faster, safer, greener, and smarter by leveraging technology and modular construction methodologies through its subsidiary DuBox. “As a market leader in building green logistics centers in the region, AMANA used the off site construction method at the DB Schenker logistics centre to deliver improved product quality and a 30% reduction in construction duration,” the group said. AMANA also used BIM and MEP services to streamline the construction process and to collaborate through cloud-based and network servers. According to the company, BIM enhanced project coordination between the various teams and clients. It also ensured standardised products were produced in a factory environment, then shipped and assembled on site. This ensured faster construction, better coordination between departments, safer sites and less waste. Commenting on the development, Joe Labaky, general manager of UAE and emerging markets at AMANA Contracting, said, “We are delighted to announce the completion of another milestone project in the UAE which will enhance its competitiveness as a key regional logistics hub.” ELECTRIC power The Snorkel S626E is the electric version of the SR626 TQWIJVGTTCKPVGNGJCPFNGTsCPKPFWUVT[ƂTUV+VUHWNNVKOG YJGGNFTKXGKURQYGTGFD[NKVJKWOKQPDCVVGTKGUHQT NQPINCUVKPIFWTCDNGRGTHQTOCPEG$WKNVEQORCEVVJG 54'KUJKIJN[OCPGWXGTCDNGYKVJTGFWEGFPQKUGCPF \GTQGOKUUKQPUVJCVKUUWKVCDNGHQTKPFQQTWUG FIT TO GO FURTHER 100% ZERO EMISSIONS 93% SERVICE COST REDUCTION 62% NOISE REDUCTION 4 X 4 ELECTRIC FAMILY FROM 5.79M - 16.3M 2 - IN - 1 WORK INDOORS AND OUTDOORS snorkelnetzero.com 6QCTTCPIGCFGOQPUVTCVKQPECNNSnorkel™ on +44 (0)845 1550 057QTXKGYQWTGPVKTG RTQFWEVNKPGCVwww.snorkellifts.com 11 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023 WAREHOUSECONSTRUCTING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE THE REGIONAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IS GEARING UP FOR A GREENER APPROACH AS A PART OF ITS COMMITMENT TO DO MORE TO BATTLE CLIMATE CHANGE COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023 12 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023Words: Angitha Pradeep COVER STORY 13 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023A s humanity is racing against the clock to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, the construction industry, which is regarded as one of the largest contributors to pollution, is also under pressure to take concrete measures to curb the emission of greenhouse gases. Globally, the construction industry is a massive consumer of raw materials and natural resources, and it generates an estimated 39% of the world’s carbon emissions, according to a study done by the World Green Building Council. As environmental and sustainability groups across the world advocate stringent regulations to put more pressure on the sector to reduce pollution and adopt greener practices, it is bound to impact the regional construction industry, which has one of the highest growth rates in the world. The construction sector is booming in the GCC region as a part of its long-term agenda to diversify their economies and generate jobs for local youths, are investing in developing mega projects, including new cities, large residential and commercial complexes, sports and entertainment parks and other industrial infrastructures. The improvement in economic conditions in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region due to the upward trend in oil prices, driven in part by the Russia-Ukraine confl ict is likely to provide further momentum to the construction sector in the region, GlobalData says in its report on the construction sector in the MENA region. As GCC countries have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the region’s construction industry because of its sheer size and its overall contribution to the economy is also bound to get impacted. Some leading companies related to the sector have already started implementing means and ways to reduce their carbon footprint. FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY According to a report by Forbes Middle East, engineering and construction leaders face a number of competing pressures as they try to control costs and maintain effi cient processes with multiple suppliers and subcontractors, and also focus on reducing energy costs and carbon footprint while using energy-intensive heavy equipment. All of this is on top of trying to develop structures that are scalable, taller, greener, healthier, and more technologically advanced than ever before, the report said. Sustainability is just one aspect of the deeply Electricfi cation of equipments is considered as most economic way to reduce emissions related to construction Regional construction industry is becoming more sustainable COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023 14complex construction industry that grapples with increasingly stringent regulations on health and safety and sustainability, it added. EMISSIONS FROM EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES Most industry experts, environmentalists, and consultants maintain that the path to sustainability for the regional construction sector is a very complex one as it involves a number of ancillary industries and service providers. And the sector also faces a signifi cant challenge in computing emissions from each of them to prepare a detailed plan to cut carbon footprint. From the client to the tenant, the architect to the engineer, and the contractor to the procurement manager, decisions related to the design and operation of a building can have signifi cant consequences for the overall environmental impact of the sector. As a result of this renewed focus on sustainability and going green, vehicle and diff erent types of equipment suppliers are proactively addressing this challenge by off ering more environmentally friendly options to the contractors. Electrifi cation of pieces of equipment and vehicles involved in construction is being touted as one of the most economically viable options for them to reduce emissions. Both competitors and customers are committing to proactively address climate change, UK-based heavy equipment maker JCB says in their report on sustainability. Echoing similar sentiments, Johnson Arabia, the UAE-based mobile cranes and aerial work platforms (AWP) hire company, says in an investor presentation, “We understand the challenge of electrifi cation in construction and are investing time in the development and engaging of future solutions.” The company says that it is also investing in the region’s fi rst electric construction fl eet. Electric power has previously been available in ‘slab’ scissors and booms but rough-terrain, construction-capable equipment. It is also in discussions with suppliers for the adoption of fuels that reduce the carbon impact of traditional fuel equipment, which in the future can power equipment with fuel cell technology. According to Snorkel, a leading lift manufacturer, increased regulations on emissions and noise have resulted in a steady decline in demand for diesel-powered equipment around the world and it resultd into an increase in demand for electric equipment that is expected to grow further as more and more users see the benefi ts to be gained and manufacturers take steps to overcome barriers to entry. Writgen views sustainability as a social responsibility and a business opportunity COVER STORY 15 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023To meet and fulfi ll market demand for direct alternatives to diesel aerial machines, Snorkel claims to developed a line of lithium- ion battery-powered models that deliver quiet operation with zero emissions, which includes its compact rough-terrain scissor lift family, two-speed levels, an articulating boom lift, and a compact rough-terrain telehandler. NEW TECHNOLOGY To achieve desired environmental goals, nearly all the stakeholders in the construction industry are banking on emerging technologies. According to a report by Deloitte on emissions in the construction sector, the route to reduced emissions requires architects, designers, builders, subcontractors, suppliers, technology service providers, and operating owners to come together in new ways to solve for sustainability. “It will likely also involve developers accurately measuring all carbon sources to reduce, reuse, and recycle wherever possible, as well as considering many aspects of their business models,” the Deloitte report says. As per the report, sustainable materials require end-to-end strategic sourcing capabilities, including cost, quality, and supplier management. Sustainable methods require eff ective supplier collaboration and development programs to manage cost and risk. And sustainable models require oversight across procure-to-pay processes and a high focus on spending compliance. “Commercialising technologies with disruptive new business models will help us reach this goal. Autonomous, electric, and connected solutions come with multiple opportunities for saving costs, lives, and resources through sustainable transport,” the report says. While the E&C sector has been historically slow to integrate and adopt digital technologies, industry players are now increasingly paying attention to and leveraging emerging technologies. Most E&C companies are utilising digital technologies to expand business opportunities and boost profi ts by reducing costs in the long run and enhancing project execution, Deloitte says in the report. IMPROVING EFFICIENCY THROUGH AWARENESS Besides adopting new technology and processes, companies engaged in the business of providing support to the regional construction industry are also banking on increasing awareness about environmental issues. “We are continuously focusing on the education of our employees and customers, through certifi ed IPAF training, soft skills training, and departmental-specifi c competency training,” Manlift, aerial work platform specialist, says Construction equipment industry is focusing more on environment friendly solutions Lithium-ion battery-powered Snorkel lift is quiet and maintenance-free COVER STORY PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023 16in a statement. The company claims that it places huge importance on sustainability, and aligns its objectives with the industry-standard sustainable development goals (SDGs) giving it a framework to create a bold strategy and to measure its success. “We are continually evaluating our suppliers and our work processes, to determine how we can improve effi ciency and reduce waste in the process itself and in the products and materials used,” Manlift says while adding, “We have many initiatives such as our recyclable wash bays, RECAPP recycling bins, and much more.” As a result of the increased awareness related to climate change and global warming, companies are changing their modus operandi. Some of them believes that hightened focus on sustainabilitycould open new business avenues for them.According to the road construction and maintenance equipment maker, Writgen Group, “We view sustainability as a social responsibility and a business opportunity; it enables us to help our customers move forward so that they can shape the world of tomorrow in a sustainable way.” CONCLUSION Nearly all major players in the construction industry starting from very small contractors to very large developed have shown commitment to battling climate change but concerns over cost escalation remains their biggest challenge while adopting a more environment friendly business approach. According to the Forbes report, cost effi ciency is still a key consideration for most engineering and construction companies. As the cost of raw materials continues to climb, business leaders need to plan and manage construction projects using the most cost-eff ective products and raw materials possible, while ensuring workers and heavy machinery are not sitting idle. Some industry captains believe technologies such as 3D printing, hydrogen fuel cells, and recyclable plastic manufacturing will become more popular and aff ordable, making it easier for everyone to adopt greener business practices. Johnson Arabia is investing in the region’s fi rst Electric Construction fl eet Snorkel claims diesel-powered equipment demand is falling due to increased regulations. COVER STORY 17 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023ALTERNATIVES TO REDUCE EMISSIONS Switching to alternate fuels such as bio-diesel, hydrogen, or electricity is being touted as the most economically viable way to reduce emissions ALTERNATIVE FUELS 18 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023H eavy industries like mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, along with the transportation sector, account for most of the global carbon emissions, according to multiple pieces of research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). These industries mostly rely on burning fossil fuels to meet their energy needs thereby emitting large amounts of harmful gases. Most of these sectors consume heavy fuels such as diesel, naphtha, and fuel oil to meet their energy requirements, and various research carried out by a number of reputed institutes acrosst the have recommended switching to alternative fuels such as biofuel, electricity, and hydrogen to reduce emissions without investing huge amount of money on revamping infrastructure developments. Among all the fuels which are used by heavy machines, diesel is the most preferred fuel globally. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), most products we use are transported by trucks and trains with diesel engines, and most construction, farming, and military vehicles and equipment also have diesel engines. As a transportation fuel, diesel off ers a wide range of performance, effi ciency, and safety features. Diesel fuel also has a greater energy density than other liquid fuels, so it provides more useful energy per unit of volume. According to a research report published by global power technology fi rm Cummins, burning one litre of diesel produces 2.62 kg of carbon dioxide. In addition, diesel exhaust includes nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, soot, and other air pollutants. All are known to be harmful to human health and have the potential to reduce air quality. Like other fossil fuels, diesel is part of the man-made climate change problem, the report pointed out. According to Cummins, diesel will never be a truly low-carbon fuel, but diesel vehicles have come a long way from where they were thirty years ago. Modern diesel engines are more fuel- effi cient and contribute less to global warming and to air pollution than older engines. Replacing an old diesel engine with a newer model has a positive impact on the environment. Modern engines also come with sophisticated after treatment systems that thoroughly scrub their exhaust from pollutants such as NOx and particulate matter. Diesel particulate fi lters (DPF), for example, are designed to remove soot from the exhaust of diesel engines. There are opportunities to lower engine emissions through a combination of the use of alternative fuels and advanced engine technologies. There are many real-life examples of companies ALTERNATIVE FUELS 19 PLANT / MACHINERY / VEHICLESwww.plantmachineryvehicles.comFEBRUARY 2023Next >