Massar Solutions - Innovation in Transportation & Logistics

Company: Massar Solutions, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Company Description: Massar Solutions offers a range of services across transportation and mobility solutions to government, semi-government and private sector clients. Massar’s services include vehicle leasing and rental, fleet management, supply chain solutions and smart driving technologies. Operating in the UAE’s industrial and commercial sectors since 1998,
Nomination Category: New Product Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Award for Innovation in Transportation & Logistics

Nomination Title: Carrefoure by Majid Al Futtaim Solar Powered 3PL Trucks

We want to make a difference to our planet. Through our long-standing relationship with Carrefour UAE (Majid Al Futtaim Retail) as Logistics providers, we implemented an industry first solar powered transportation solution for perishable goods. Standard temperature-controlled vehicles use a lot of power from the engine, which uses more fuel, and ultimately creates more emissions. This solar-powered solution is fitted to the roof of the vehicle and the sun powers the motor that chills the goods.

The primary objective was to begin a process of realigning our business to be sustainable and to act as good corporate citizens. In the logistics environment, there are major advancements in warehousing, technology and management. The ground transportation industry is also very competitive and cost management is key. In the UAE, having solutions at various acceptable temperatures is paramount. Most chilling equipment is powered by Diesel generators. These have high energy demands and maintenance costs, as well as environmental impacts both in terms of emissions, which contributes to the greenhouse effect, and noise levels. In Comparison, the solar-powered refrigeration unit offered by Massar Solutions uses considerably less energy than a standard diesel-driven unit improving the vehicles’ insulation and design to keep operating throughout the year. We have seen the improvement of the fuel consumption using this Technology on our trucks by over 20% (proportionate to consumption). Fuel is one of the major cost drivers in land-transportation activities. We have also created interest in our brand as many multi-national businesses are looking to include sustainable solutions in their supply chain.