Sedres Group

COMMITTED TO PROVIDING SOLUTIONS

MARITIME MASTERCLASS

With a presence at all major ports across Saudi Arabia, and backed by over a quarter of a century of professional experience, Sedres Group provides the local expertise and insight required to achieve smooth clearances, hassle-free cargo operations, crew services, supplies, and the quick dispatch of vessels. We find out more with Fahad Al Daihani, CEO of Sedres Group, and Adil Zobair, Vice President of Sedres Maritime

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Connell Privett

The allure of the sea captivated me from a young age thanks to the thriving maritime industry in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Witnessing such prosperous marine trade ignited my passion for logistics.”

The opening words of Fahad Al Daihani, CEO of Sedres Group (Sedres), reflect the flourishing nature of the Middle Eastern maritime sector as a market that is increasingly dynamic and continues to embrace emerging trends across sustainability and digitalisation.

“There’s a strong push for sustainability, with alternative fuels and port innovations gaining traction. It’s a demanding space, but for those who thrive on problem-solving and shaping the future, it’s incredibly exciting,” he enthuses.

With a degree in marketing, Fahad joined the company in 2016 to gain hands-on experience in operations and supply chain management. Now, as CEO, he drives innovation and growth, leveraging his exposure and expertise to lead the company towards success while always upholding values of excellence.

For the past two decades, Adil Zobair, Vice President of Sedres Maritime, has steered a successful course in the industry, his expertise further bolstered by a degree in supply chain management. Having joined the company five years ago, his leadership and keen understanding of logistics have been instrumental in propelling the company’s growth.

BECOMING AN INDUSTRY GIANT

Today, Sedres stands proudly at the forefront of the maritime and logistics industry, offering a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its vast swathe of clients.

As a ship agency service provider, the company’s aim is to streamline operations for vessel owners,

EME OUTLOOK: HOW DO YOU CREATE A CULTURE OF TRUST AND CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS?

Adil Zobair, Vice President: “We understand that empowering our team is paramount. We create a culture of trust by delegating tasks with clear goals and providing the resources to succeed.

“We celebrate achievements – big or small – through recognition programmes and personalised feedback. It’s about fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring each employee feels valued for the unique contribution they bring.

“Our greatest asset is our team. Their dedication and expertise are what truly set us apart. We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every voice is heard, because together, we can achieve anything.

“With integrity and a goal-oriented approach, we empower our employees to provide solutions and deliver superior services through collaborative efforts, while creating value for our clients as well as for the organisation. Additionally, in order to maintain the highest standards and remain ahead of the curve, innovation remains part of our strategy.”

shippers, and charterers conducting business in Saudi Arabia.

From vessel agency, freight forwarding, customs clearance, chemicals trading, and marine stores, to managing the full supply chain spectrum and port operations, the multifaceted business provides end-to-end solutions that prioritise efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Headquartered in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Sedres’ strategic presence extends across the Middle East region with offices in Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, Ras Tanura, Khafji, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“Driven by a passion for efficiently serving our global clientele, we continuously expand our network of offices and business partners,” explains Fahad.

Established in 1993, Sedres has grown exponentially from a company catering to limited services to now being capable of providing complete marine and total logistics solutions for its range of esteemed clients.

“Our comprehensive array of services cover shipping agency, crew change, land transportation, customs clearance, ship handling, construction, and many more through joint venture (JV) partners, with the ability to provide bespoke services to suit individual client requirements,” he continues.

Now backed by over 30 years of profound industry experience, Sedres has developed an enviable industry reputation for reliable solutions, prompt responses, and timely delivery.

With an esteemed clientele spanning various sectors including oil and gas, shipping, and trading, this expanded customer diversity reflects Sedres’ ability to adapt and deliver tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of each industry.

Additionally, with a strong commitment to client satisfaction, Sedres has built a reputation as a

trusted partner in navigating the complexities of international trade and transportation.

The company’s ongoing success is driven by its dedicated team of over 500 professionals who are passionate about delivering excellence in every aspect of operations. With their expertise and unwavering dedication, Sedres’ team continuously strives to exceed expectations and set new industry standards.

STRATEGIC INNOVATION

Sedres navigates the ever-changing seas of the logistics industry by prioritising innovation and client satisfaction.

“We’re not content with simply following the current – we actively seek out emerging trends and translate them into cutting-edge solutions. We listen intently to our diverse clientele, understand their specific needs, and craft customised approaches,” Adil elaborates.

This ensures that every client, from long-established giants to nimble start-ups, receives the personalised service that keeps their businesses moving forward, reinforcing Sedres’ position as a trusted partner in maritime and logistics solutions.

At present, Sedres is incredibly excited about its upcoming Ras Al

Khair advanced ship support facility project, slated to be operational within the next 24 months.

This state-of-the-art facility will be strategically located to serve Aramco’s growing offshore activities and maritime traffic in the Arabian Gulf.

“The Ras Al Khair advanced ship support facility will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including essential supplies for dayto-day operations, as well as a fully equipped repair yard for maintenance and even emergency repairs. We will leverage the latest technologies to ensure efficient turnaround times, minimising downtime for our customers,” he excites.

Unlocking opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s fresh produce sector

Against the backdrop of increased global food security concerns and a demand for fresh produce, we look at how Global Star Group is leveraging its expertise in sourcing, warehousing and distribution, in order to bridge the gap between global supply and the needs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As arguably one of the most in-demand and all-encompassing sectors in the world, the fresh food and produce sector requires deep industry knowledge, a strong business presence, and a robust organisational structure.

Possessing all these attributes and more, since its founding in 2009, Global Star (GS) Group has evolved from its inception as a trading and distribution organisation to a comprehensive solution provider, spanning cold storage &

logistics, transportation, farming & harvesting, and international trade. More recently, 2022 saw the launch of GS Group’s own fresh fruit and vegetable brand, Delizia.

GLOBAL STAR GROUP AT A GLANCE

• 4 global offices (KSA, UAE, Bahrain & India)

• 220+ employees

• Yearly trade of 86,000 metric tonnes of fruits and vegetables; 19 countries of provenience

• 100+ vehicles in the transportation fleet

• 18,000 pallets storage capacity across 8 locations & 17,000 pallets storage capacity upcoming

Comprising 6 business divisions, GS Group has developed over the years a 360° ecosystem that positions the organisation as a trusted industry partner:

• Global Star Trading & Distribution

• Global Star Cold Storage and Logistics

• Global Star Transportation

• Global Star Farming & Harvesting

• Global Star International Trade

• Delizia

With each division specializing in its own unique area of expertise, while complementing one another, GS Group aims to ensure a seamless, efficient and uninterrupted flow of fresh produce.

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE RECENT EXPANSION OF GLOBAL STAR COLD STORAGE & LOGISTICS

As a key division of GS Group, Global Star Cold Storage & Logistics focuses on providing end-toend solutions to local and international partners, ensuring the freshness and safety of produce throughout the supply chain.

The division currently operates 8 cold storage spaces across multiple locations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with a total capacity of 18,000 pallets, and 3 new spaces with 17,000 pallets are ready to start operating, increasing the total storage capacity to 35,000 pallets. The cold storage spaces are strategically spread across the Kingdom, connecting key points of interest from Riyadh and Dammam to Jeddah, Madinah and Al Ahsa. Undoubtedly, this places the division at the forefront of the industry, equipped to meet the increasing needs of both the local market and global partners seeking to establish a presence in KSA. Together with its wide network of partners, Global Star Cold Storage & Logistics also offers secondparty (2PL), third-party (3PL), and fourth-party (4PL) logistics services. Selected according to shared values, a high standard of expertise, and a commitment to excellence, the division’s business partnerships have been established with the goal of driving a positive impact on the industry in Saudi Arabia.

The major business partners include DSV (formerly Agility), Arla Foods (formerly Dania Foods), BRF Foods, Saudi Radwa Chicken, Lulu Hypermarket, Sharbatly, and AFCO Food & Beverage.

A key part of the division’s operations is its commitment to innovative and responsible practices, which include the use of technology

to improve supply chain efficiency, energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems, just to name a few. Through its exceptional operational performance, Global Star Cold Storage & Logistics strive to minimise waste and reduce its carbon footprint, while playing an active role in achieving regional food security.

THE RISING STAR: DELIZIA

Since its launch just a couple of years back, in 2022, Delizia has rapidly expanded both its reach and produce portfolio, the latter now consisting of a diverse range of over 15 fruits and vegetables sourced from across continents, including South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Founded from the desire to redefine the world of global fresh produce, the cornerstone of Delizia’s quick success is the division’s focus on collaborating with trusted growers, thus creating a network that is equally dedicated to excellence. These partnerships only reaffirm Delizia’s commitment to quality and superior taste, while on its ongoing quest to bring the world’s finest fruits and vegetables to consumers around the globe.

E info@globalstar-group.com

T +966 13 8088868

www.globalstar-group.com

SEDRES’ KEY STRENGTHS

• Over three decades of industry experience.

• Expert and dedicated teams in each department.

• A global network of offices and agents.

• Strong understanding of local rules and regulations.

• Ownership of a fleet of boats and equipment.

• Superior quality services and supplies.

• Time-bound deliveries.

• Transparent and timely information sharing.

• Competitive pricing for highquality products.

• After-sales support.

• Strict adherence to health, safety, security, environment, and quality (HSSEQ) standards.

• Compliance with all local and international laws, rules, and regulations.

The base will also prioritise sustainability, as the company plans to incorporate eco-friendly practices like waste management solutions and potentially explore options for on-site renewable energy generation.

“This new facility is just one of many exciting projects in our pipeline. We’re constantly exploring opportunities to expand our service offerings and geographic reach, and this commitment to innovation ensures Sedres remains at the forefront of the maritime support industry,” Fahad adds passionately.

In addition to Ras Al Khair, the business is actively looking into similar projects in other key regions as it believes these strategic outposts will not only strengthen its presence but also empower Sedres to better serve the evolving needs of its global customers.

AT THE FOREFRONT OF A REVOLUTION

Fahad believes it’s an exciting time to be at the helm, navigating growth and shaping the future of maritime logistics in Saudi Arabia.

Fuelled by an unwavering commitment to effectively serve our global clientele, we consistently expand our network of owned offices and business partners. This dedication allows us to provide seamless and reliable services across international boundries

“Our future charters a selection of clear goals, and we are exploring strategic expansion into new ports within the region, while keeping a keen eye on potential diversification opportunities in the burgeoning energy sector,” he affirms.

Moreover, there is plenty of scope for exciting new technology in the maritime industry, as many companies are now exploring underwater drones for inspection and repair purposes which promise to revolutionise vessel maintenance.

Innovations such as this hold

immense potential to reduce costs and emissions, as well as improve safety for Sedres’ crew and the environment.

“We are expanding and will continue to do so by extending our activities into new fields and geographies, both by adding new partners to our business and by improving upon our own service models to maintain our leadership as an end-to-end supply chain solutions provider in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

“Overall, I feel thrilled about the future of shipping! Advancements in

artificial intelligence (AI) for optimised routes and maintenance, along with the potential of clean energy sources like hydrogen, promise a greener, more efficient future,” Fahad concludes enthusiastically.

Tel: 0133411774

sedres@sedres.com

www.sedres.com