Pioneering Initiative Supports Saudi Vision 2030 by Integrating Electric Mobility with Solar-Powered Infrastructure in Jeddah
Global logistics leader A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) and consumer goods giant Unilever have joined forces to launch their first electric van in Saudi Arabia. This pioneering initiative marks an important milestone in the decarbonization of logistics operations in the Kingdom, directly supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy usage to 50%.
The launch is the start of a broader transformation effort, with both companies aiming to scale electric mobility across their Saudi operations. They also plan to explore additional sustainability innovations, including intermodal transport solutions and further integration of solar-powered warehousing.
Driving Decarbonization in Jeddah Logistics Park
The electric van will exclusively serve 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 the successful consolidation of Unilever’s warehouses into a single fulfillment center at Maersk’s Logistics Park in Jeddah, a move that has already delivered a 5% emissions reduction.
The existing reduction is enabled by the Park’s strong sustainability infrastructure, which includes a massive 64,000 square meter rooftop solar plant and an advanced cooling system utilizing a natural refrigerant (Ammonia) and seawater instead of potable water.
Ahmed Kadous, Head of Customer Operations, Unilever Middle East, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh, noted that the electric van, combined with the on-site solar energy charging infrastructure, practically reduces emissions by 100% compared to a conventional truck. He emphasized that this initiative strengthens sustainability while delivering greater value to customers and supports both Saudi Vision 2030 and global environmental efforts.
Partnership for Sustainable Value Chains
The initiative showcases the strength of the Maersk-Unilever partnership, with collaborative efforts focused on infrastructure readiness, operational planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Ahmed El Esseily, Managing Director at Maersk Saudi Arabia, commented that as electric vehicle technology advances and charging infrastructure expands across Saudi Arabia, more opportunities are emerging to deploy emission-free trucks. He expressed pride in partnering with Unilever, who are committed to decarbonizing logistics solutions that deliver value throughout their supply chain.
Maersk currently offers low-emission trucking solutions in more than 14 countries globally and is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 across its entire supply chain. Unilever, as part of its commitment to achieving net zero across the value chain by 2039, is targeting a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its logistics network by 2030. The transition to electric vehicles is a key pillar of both companies’ strategies for building a more sustainable future.
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