Doha is currently expanding its logistics capabilities
Paul de Jong, sales manager Middle East and Africa at Forkliftcenter, says that port buyers should be looking to choose empty container handlers over reach stackers in the current market in Qatar.
Forkliftcenter ships in equipment to the region, selling to traders and clients needing equipment from 1t material handlers and upwards, he explained to CMME.
Some countries like the UAE have well-established logistics hubs like Jebel Ali, others like Qatar are in the process of building up their capacities. With imports outstripping exports, he says that some customer needs are better suited for empty container handlers rather than reach stackers.
“The last time I was in Doha I had three meetings with empty container depot (companies),” he said.
“Here in the region, your DP Worlds, Abu Dhabi ports buy new equipment which they re-new every five years because containers are used. However there are also mainland/inland terminals that don’t have that intensity of use. For them to buy new doesn’t make sense. They have more time to maintain their equipment.”
Regional investment into ports and logistical hubs has raised the profile of material handling equipment in the market. Buyers have an enviable choice when it comes to equipment both all used and new. The used market has proven to be particularly strong as the combination of a higher demand in a difficult economic environment has made the importing of equipment a popular move for companies.
Reach stackers are also being used in other applications in the region said De Jong.
“I’ve seen them used in pipelaying. You can use the twist interlock on a reach stacker to do heavy lifting. If you have steel plates like you find on construction sites they can be used instead of cranes.
De Jong added: “The advantage for some companies is that they be resold afterwards.”