During this exclusive interview, The Energy Circle by IN-VR spoke with Julio dos Santos, Air & Ocean Timor-Leste Manager at CEVA Logistics, about CEVA’s 25-year on-the-ground expertise supporting energy and mining operations, its control-tower and AI-driven logistics solutions, and its role in strengthening Timor-Leste’s infrastructure, local capacity, and resilient supply chains through partnerships and innovative technologies.
Q1. What role is CEVA Logistics playing in supporting Timor-Leste’s growing energy and mining industries?
A: Ceva is playing an important role in the Energy industry in Timor through the 25 years experience of it’s team in the country since gaining independence.
We are present at the Airport doing ground handling activity for the likes of Santos, Qantas, Airnorth and various chartered planes operators for the energy personal to be brought into the country.
We are also actively involved with shipping and ports operations being the local agent of Swire shipping and ad-hoc supply vessels,Seismic vessels, drilling rigs , FPSO and so on supporting activities closely linked to the Energy business here.
Recently, we also started collaboration with mining companies which our expertise can spread from handling rock samples to be sent for analysis abroad to rig moves from overseas to site location.
Q2. How is CEVA leveraging its global expertise to strengthen local supply chains and logistics capabilities in Timor-Leste?
A: Ceva leverages it’s global network & advanced supply chain technologies to enhance logistics operations in TL. Through it’s control tower model, Ceva manages global network 24/7, using real time analytics and business intelligence to optimize performance.
These scalable & repeatable solutions are adapted to local conditions, helping Timor-Leste build resilient supply chains that can support both commercial and humanitarian aid.
Q3. What challenges and opportunities do you see in developing reliable infrastructure and logistics networks in Timor-Leste?
A: Timor-Leste faces significant infrastructure challenges, ranking last on global logistics and infrastructure indices. However, recent developments such as the opening of the Tibar Bay Deepwater port and planned upgrades to key airports are presenting major opportunities for growth.
The country’s resilience on imports and limited exports diversity underscore the need for robusts logistics network. Ceva & others players can contribute by investing in multimodal transport, warehousing and digital logistics systems to bridge these gaps.
Q4. How does CEVA plan to collaborate with local companies and institutions to promote capacity building and knowledge transfer?
A: Ceva globally emphasizes partnerships with local entities to foster knowledge transfer and workforce development. This includes training programs, joint ventures and integration of local suppliers into global supply chains.
In the area of supply bases, we have strong experience in the region and overseas. In Timor, we have also strongly supported the Kitan field project having put in place a small support base activity in the country and our medium term plan is to be actively involved with the operations of the Supply base in the south of the country once this has been built. We would like as much as possible to train and deploy a team of Timorese and adapt all our procedures to the local market condition of the facility.
Q5. What innovative solutions or technologies is CEVA bringing to optimize logistics and transportation in challenging markets like Timor-Leste?
A: Ceva is at the forefront of logistics innovation, integrating AI, machine learning and automotion into it’s operations. These technologies enhance visibility, reduce errors and streamline processes – critiical in market with infrastructures limitations. Ceva also explores sustainables logistics solutions, such as alternatives fuels and optimised routing, to improve efficiency and environmental impact. Our flexibility and tech-driven approach allows us tto adapt quickly to the unique challenges of Timor-Leste.
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