Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Gordon Brothers seeks buyers for GCC steel production plant

Gordon Brothers, the global asset experts with headquarters in Boston, US, has announced that they have been appointed as the exclusive selling agent for a never-utilised two million tonnes-per-annum (TPA) flat and long steel production plant.
 
The factory is owned by one of the largest and most reputed steel manufacturers in the GCC.
 
Gordon Brothers pointed out that through this sales offer, it is giving buyers a chance to fast-track their entry or expansion into the growing market for high-quality steel products.
 
Originally purchased in 2007 from Posco to enhance the seller's manufacturing capacity, the plant assets include 10,200 cases weighing over 53,000 tonnes. 
 
Delayed by the 2008 financial crisis and further postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the equipment has remained unused, crated and stored according to OEM recommendations, said Gordon Brothers in its statement. 
 
"This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to fast track the setup or diversification of a small-to medium-sized steel production plant," remarked Nicholas Schofield, Senior Director, Commercial & Industrial at Gordon Brothers. 
 
With market conditions stabilizing, the owners decided not to proceed with their initial expansion plans, thus making this advanced, near-complete steel production setup available for sale, he stated.
 
"With this unutilized flat rolling steel output module, buyers can quickly enter the rolled steel market while avoiding the lengthy lead times and risks associated with commissioning new equipment," explained Schofield. 
 
"The equipment is upgradeable with modern electronics, ensuring this package meets current production standards and offers the buyer long-term value." he noted.
 
According to him, the plant will be apt for steel producers and large-scale manufacturers aiming to accelerate their diversification plans and meet the growing demand for high-quality steel across various sectors. 
 
The plant's potential outputs include hot-rolled coils, cold-rolled sheets, steel rods, structural beams and rebar, catering to industries such as automotive, construction, infrastructure and manufacturing, he stated. 
 
With the capacity to deliver a wide variety of products, this facility can help purchasers rapidly diversify and enhance their supply chain capabilities while remaining cost effective in competitive international markets, he added.
 
Phillip Weston, Director, Commercial & Industrial at Gordon Brothers, said it has already received strong interest from buyers and was impressed by the level of interest globally. 
 
"This is the final chance for an enterprising steel mill owner to secure a near-complete, unused package of equipment ideal for tapping into the growing demand for flat rolling steel," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

American School of Bahrain gets key AI endorsement from US body

American School of Bahrain (ASB) has announced that it has become one of the first 10 schools worldwide, and notably the first in GCC, to receive the Responsible AI in Learning (RAIL) endorsement from the Middle States Association, a leading US accreditation body for colleges and schools. 
 
This endorsement recognizes the school’s leadership in implementing AI literacy and ethics across its educational programmes, ensuring that students and staff are equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence with responsibility and foresight, said ASB in a statement.
 
ASB is taking a whole-school approach to AI literacy, safety, and ethics across all grade levels, ensuring that students, staff, and the broader community are equipped with the knowledge to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. 
 
Dave McMaster, the Director of the American School of Bahrain, emphasising the significance of this milestone, said: "Aligned with MSA's vision, our goal is not merely to adapt AI tools to perform everyday tasks, as we did two decades ago. Rather, we see AI as a transformative force, capable of reshaping the very nature of learning."
 
"We aim to integrate AI not as a superficial addition to traditional practices, but as a means to unlock new possibilities and create exceptional learning experiences. Through RAIL, we aspire to use AI as a catalyst for inspiring creativity, deepening understanding, and preparing our students and staff for the future," he stated.
 
ASB said its participation in the RAIL initiative is rooted in the school’s drive to stay at the forefront of emerging technologies. 
 
The RAIL endorsement involved meeting rigorous benchmarks, including the development of updated policies, procedures, and a comprehensive change plan to enhance AI literacy, it stated. 
 
The school has implemented these policies across all grade levels, from elementary to high school, ensuring that AI is introduced in a way that is age-appropriate and ethically sound. From creating podcasts in elementary classes to utilizing AI in written assessments for older students, ASB is embedding AI as a key learning tool in a responsible manner, it added.
 
Hiba Oker, American School of Bahrain’s Technology Integration Coordinator, pointed out that this endorsement represented a tangible commitment to the future of its students.
 
"Our AI education ensures that children from as early as Grade 3 are equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate this evolving landscape. From integrating AI into creative classroom projects like podcast creation to utilizing AI for advanced assessments, students will learn to engage with this powerful technology responsibly and meaningfully," noted Oker.
 
Throughout the school, teachers integrate supervised AI tools into lessons, helping students explore AI’s capabilities while understanding its ethical implications. 
 
Moreover, ASB’s policies ensure that teachers and staff maintain high standards of AI usage, and ongoing training helps educators stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools, said the statement.
 
The RAIL initiative aligns with ASB’s mission of innovation and community leadership, thus reinforcing its status as a trailblazer in AI education within the GCC and beyond, it added.-TradeArabia News Service

Industry, Logistics & Shipping

Deal signed to enhance Khalifa Bin Salman Port facilities

Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and APM Terminals, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port, have signed a letter of intent to further enhance the port facilities and develop national talent.
 
Dr Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, highlighted the importance of collaborating with APM Terminals and the importance of integrating advanced technologies and innovative solutions to enhance operational capacity and environmental sustainability. These efforts contribute to long-term economic growth, a Bahrain News Agency (BNA) report said.
 
He emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with global companies to develop the transport, ports, and maritime sectors. He highlighted efforts to improve infrastructure quality, further developing Bahrain’s position as a regional logistics hub, and support sustainable development in line with Economic Vision 2030.
 
Jonathan Goldner, APM Terminals' regional Chief Executive for Asia and the Middle East, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its strategic partnership with Bahrain. He emphasised efforts to enhance port capacity, provide advanced logistics services, and develop human capital to support environmental and sustainable development goals.