DHL, UPS and FedEx join forces to speed up the global delivery of COVID-19 vaccines

Bolloré Logistics, CEVA Logistics, DB Schenker, DHL, FedEx Express, MICCO Logistics, RSA Global, and UPS join the HOPE Consortium, to expedite rapid global delivery of COVID-19 vaccines.  

 HOPE Consortium, the UAE-based public-private partnership tasked with coordinating the safe and efficient international distribution of billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, has announced the addition of new partners to expand its global reach and strengthen logistical solutions.

The collaboration of leading freight forwarders continues to cement the credibility of the HOPE consortium as the main platform for sourcing logistical solutions for distributing Covid-19 vaccines globally.

Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the HOPE Consortium comprises some of the UAE’s and global leading supply chain solution players, including Abu Dhabi Ports, as lead partner, Etihad Cargo and Rafed, as well as Switzerland’s SkyCell.

H.E Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Increasing our partners to 16 enables the HOPE consortium to continue to expand its reach and services to be a major player in the global logistical space for distributing billions of doses of Covid-19 vaccines, despite the great logistical challenge of transporting doses safely while maintaining their integrity. Partnering with more world-class freight forwarders enables the consortium to address the different needs of countries, NGOs, and pharma needs for most of the world. The consortium is part of the UAE’s efforts to provide solutions that support the global fight against Covid-19.”

Philippe Lortal, CEO, Middle East & South Asia, Bolloré Logistics, said: “Bolloré Logistics is gearing up with the various stakeholders for the global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and is committed to providing distribution solutions connecting vaccine production and distribution centres to destination medical centres. The company has created a special task force that will design logistics solutions ensuring the seamless distribution of the vaccines.”

Guillaume Col, Chief Operating Officer, CEVA Logistics, said: “The ongoing nature of the global pandemic means the delivery of vaccines is needed around the world. This is the number one priority for the logistics industry and our responsibility. The CEVA Pharma and Healthcare specialized teams have extensive experience in delivering vaccines. Backed by a network of temperature-controlled warehouses and vehicles we will use our expertise to help the HOPE Consortium achieve its goals.”

Christopher Smith, CEO of DB Schenker Middle East and Africa., said: “We are very proud of working with the HOPE Consortium to deliver high-quality logistics that is critical to the success of vaccination efforts.

“Through our DB SCHENKERlife+ logistics product and a global network of dedicated experts, we ensure reliability and speed in the vaccine supply chain for the Middle East region and beyond.”

Amadou Diallo, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East and Africa, said: “This partnership with the HOPE Consortium is an extension of our commitment to connect people and improve lives. Our team is always ready to take action, anytime. For decades now, our involvement with humanitarian projects globally have helped solidify partnerships with various health authorities including the World Health Organization (WHO). The pandemic has hit the world hard, and DHL has been leveraging our global network, resources and expertise to step up and support the transportation of essential medical supplies for respective government and health authorities.”

James R. Muhs, Regional President, FedEx Express, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, said: “We have the experience, global network, and technology solutions needed to transport COVID-19 vaccines across the region, and around the world. Time-definite express transportation of critical shipments — including vital medical supplies — is exactly what our FedEx Express air network was built to do. It’s an honour to be a part of the HOPE Consortium.”

Clifford D’Souza, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of MICCO Logistics, said: “Thanks to our temperature-controlled fleet and warehouses, MICCO is proud to be part of the HOPE Consortium and to join the fight against COVID-19. MICCO is privileged and honoured to be part of the Abu Dhabi-led initiative by servicing requirement for logistics and cold chain capabilities in the country and beyond.”

Abhishek Ajay Shah, Co-Founder & Group CEO – RSA Global, said: “We are incredibly honoured and proud to be part of Abu Dhabi’s HOPE Consortium’s network of selected logistics providers to support the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines. With our wide experience and network across the Middle East and Africa, along with our established cold chain infrastructure, we are determined to support the vaccine’s distribution across the region.”

Jean-Francois Condamine, UPS President for Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Africa, said: “UPS stands ready to help the HOPE Consortium deliver these life-saving vaccines to communities around the world. We have significant knowledge and extensive expertise to meet the needs and demands of the initiative and will provide the HOPE Consortium and our healthcare partners worldwide with smart, efficient logistics for the delivery of the vaccines, which will protect the same communities that we live and work in, every day.”

Through their combined expertise and capabilities, the global transport companies involved with the initiative will facilitate the delivery of billions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines.