Global logistics leader A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and consumer goods giant Unilever have partnered to launch Saudi Arabia’s first electric delivery van, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing logistics operations in the Kingdom.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the country’s ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tons annually and increase the share of renewable energy to 50 percent.
This launch marks the beginning of a broader transformation, with both companies committed to scaling electric mobility across their Saudi operations.
They also plan to explore additional innovations, including solar-powered warehouses and intermodal transport solutions, further advancing their efforts to reduce the environmental impact of logistics in the Kingdom.
The electric van will serve the BinDawood Group, one of Unilever’s key retail partners, operating within a 50 km radius and covering up to 3,500 km per month.
This deployment follows Unilever and Maersk’s successful consolidation of warehouses into a single fulfilment centre at Maersk’s Logistics Park in Jeddah, already delivering a 5 percent emissions reduction.
This reduction is enabled by the Park’s strong sustainability infrastructure, including a 64,000 sqm rooftop solar plant and an advanced cooling system using natural refrigerant (Ammonia) and seawater instead of potable water.
Ahmed, Kadous, Head of Customer Operations, Unilever Middle East, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh, said that, “This is the first van deployment in our Saudi fleet, and it represents our commitment to reducing logistics-related emissions wherever feasible. This is another building block of our emission reduction plans in partnership with Maersk.”
“As electric vehicle technology advances and charging infrastructure expands across Saudi Arabia, we’re seeing more opportunities to deploy emission-free trucks in place of diesel units. We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking customers like Unilever, who are committed to decarbonizing logistics solutions that deliver value throughout their supply chain,” stated Ahmed El Esseily, Managing Director at Maersk Saudi Arabia.
