Poltavets Says Carrier Benefits from Rapid UAE Turnaround
Evgeny Poltavets, general manager of MLB Shipping, recently agreed to participate in a Q&A session with Breakbulk on the carrier’s role with the Etihad Rail project and prospects for 2022 and beyond.
Q: What has been MLB Shipping’s role with Etihad Rail?
A: MLB was nominated as a subcontractor to both rail construction and rail supplying companies. The first shipment of rail construction machinery was delivered into UAE in December 2020 with the second lot in May 2021, while transport of steel rails is still going on a bi-monthly basis.
(See "Etihad on the Front Line," from Breakbulk Issue 5 / 2021) https://breakbulk.com/Articles/etihad-on-the-front-line
Q: How has it been received? Any interesting insights from your role in the project?
A: Obviously, as a carrier we are not involved in the process of construction, however we are surprised how fast the UAE government developed the idea of diversification of the UAE economy by creating a national railway network to connect the UAE’s key centers of trade.
Q: Are there related or new projects on your horizon? Tell us about them.
A: MLB’s core business is a semi-liner service between Europe/Middle East and the Subcontinent. Hence, we are constantly looking at the development of those areas. There are few other projects where we will be definitely showing interest, such as: Ghasha Mega-Project in Abu Dhabi for ADNOC, WTE Project in Dubai for Itochu/Hitachi, Ras Abu Fontas station project in Qatar for QEWC and of course the World Cup 2022.
Q: What are your projections for the MENA market and your particular areas of concentration for 2022-23?
A: 2020 was a difficult year and we have witnessed one of the worst pandemic in the recent years, which put many investments on hold as well as ruined lots of business around the Middle East. I must admit that UAE was able to be one of the first countries to emerge from the crisis at a time when some countries faced great difficulties. We are definitely looking forward to the future now.
Q: What do you feel is your strongest focus and expertise that you bring to the market?
A: MLB differs from many other shipping companies by performing the complete package of ship management services. This starts from planning, building or purchasing of vessels through to technical, nautical, purchase, crewing, maintenance and repairs, legal matters, insurance and finance.
Q: AS GCC markets are looking to diversify beyond oil and gas, do you see opportunities to grow and expand your role in the market?
A: Definitely. That is the reason why our segment is called “multipurpose.” We are seeing lots of opportunities not only related to oil and gas but renewable energy, civilian and relief projects as well as private transport transportation.
