AMMAN — The Arab Potash Company (APC) has implemented a series of logistical measures to keep its export operations on track despite ongoing disruptions to maritime navigation in the Red Sea and mounting geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping, CEO said.

 

In remarks to The Jordan Times, CEO of APC Maen Nsour said, “Despite the challenging regional conditions, our export operations are continuing according to plan.”

 

He said that the pioneering mining company has “successfully loaded five vessels since the beginning of March through the Port of Aqaba, with additional shipments scheduled for later in the month.”

 

“Several vessels are currently either in the Port of Aqaba or positioned within the Red Sea awaiting loading,” he said, adding that its operations are proceeding according to schedule.

 

Overseas storage activated

 

To reduce the risk of supply disruptions, Nsour said that the company has activated shipments from strategic storage facilities outside Jordan, particularly in Northwest Europe.

 

“Maintaining inventories in overseas storage locations allows us to ensure uninterrupted supply to our customers even if shipments from Aqaba face delays.”

 

The APC also accelerated loading operations for vessels already in the region and utilised ships in the Red Sea that were seeking to depart the area, helping secure shipping capacity amid uncertainty.

 

“These measures help secure shipping capacity and maintain export continuity during a period of increased uncertainty in regional maritime routes,” Nsour said.

 

Adjustments to transport methods

 

APC confirmed adjustments to its transportation arrangements, particularly in response to disruptions affecting container shipping services.

 

Container shipments normally represent around 10 per cent of the company’s exports, but recent developments, including higher warrisk insurance premiums and suspension of services by several container shipping lines, have created challenges for containerised transport.

 

“To address these challenges, we have shifted part of the containerised shipments to bulk vessels and expanded the use of land transportation to supply customers in Gulf markets.”

 

These steps allow the company to continue meeting customer demand while managing higher logistics costs associated with the current regional environment, he said.

 

“Contingency plans remain in place should disruptions in the Red Sea intensify.”

 

“If necessary, shipments to Asian markets can be rerouted through alternative maritime routes, including around the Cape of Good Hope.”

 

While such routes may increase transit times, they provide a practical option for maintaining global supply flows if conditions deteriorate further, he said.

 

Potash production is one of Jordan’s key export industries, and the APC ranks among the world’s major producers of the fertiliser ingredient widely used in global agriculture.