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DEUTZ, a provider of innovative and sustainable mobility and energy solutions, has presented its new G-Drive lineup as part of an exclusive customer event at Motorworld Cologne

The new lineup, designed for power generation units, offers a comprehensive and scalable range of G-Drive engines across multiple power classes. It combines high power density, robust performance and global applicability, making it ideal for demanding applications. The range comprises two new product lines, each consisting of an engine with a matched radiator, with a continuous power range: from 30 to 800 kVA for unregulated applications and from 30 to 600 kVA for EU Stage V gensets.

Entry into higher power segments

As a highlight, DEUTZ showed the TCD 24.0 V12 GDU-L engine at the event for the first time: with this 24-litre power package, DEUTZ is opening up a new higher performance class for its customers for installation in power generation units, enabling the system to handle high loads and complex duty cycles with ease.

At the same time, the portfolio is designed to be scalable, offering solutions that can be precisely tailored to growing energy demands and adapted as requirements evolve over time.

The lineup delivers maximum output from a compact displacement, enabling high energy generation with a small footprint. At the same time, it ensures stable power quality even under peak and highly dynamic local conditions and is engineered for maximum availability wherever machine uptime is critical.

Highly economical

The new G-Drive models are designed to be highly economical, helping operators significantly reduce their total cost of ownership. The engines feature efficient fuel consumption to lower day-to-day operating costs and are built with a robust design that ensures long-term durability. Extended maintenance and service intervals further reduce downtime and service expenses. The engines are optimised in terms of displacement and architecture to keep overall lifecycle costs low, including a Stage V-optimised design that avoids unnecessarily high TCO and reliably accepts low-load operation, ensuring that exhaust after-treatment works efficiently even at low load. All relevant emissions standard are met, the entire range is HVO-ready, and overall the lineup is engineered from the ground up to deliver economic performance, regulatory compliance and a consistently low total cost of ownership.

Supported by the proven worldwide DEUTZ 24.7 service network, the new G-drive range offers dependable, efficient power solutions that push the boundaries of performance, innovation and efficiency, the company says.

Markus Villinger, CEO Business Unit Engines at DEUTZ, explained, “Highly reliable, high-performance engines are in demand, especially in the field of emergency power systems and generators. These qualities distinguish our engines and the associated global service. With the new DEUTZ G-Drive lineup, we are now systematically providing our customers in the genset market with an engine portfolio that is perfectly tailored to their specific requirements.”

Growing market

The market for decentralised energy supply is growing worldwide. Rising electricity demand, the increasing share of volatile renewable energies, and the expansion of digital infrastructure, especially data centres, are driving demand for gensets in all regions.

That includes the Middle East and Africa, where the company sees strong potential for the new range, particularly in backup power for data centres, hospitals and the rental sector, where reliability and fast response are critical. To support customers in these regions, the company offers fast and reliable spare parts availability worldwide as well as expert technical support to ensure maximum uptime. A dedicated G-drive team – including technical specialists, product management and local sales experts – focuses specifically on these markets and actively promotes the portfolio through targeted energy trade shows and customer events. In addition, DEUTZ provides dedicated sales and technical training for its sales and service partners to ensure the new range is specified, installed and serviced to the highest standards.

Customers can identify the product line in the DEUTZ G-Drive lineup for unregulated markets by the suffix GDU-L in the model designation (= G-Drive Unit Low Regulated Markets). The engine sets suitable for EU Stage V analogously end in GDU-H (= G-Drive Unit High Regulated Markets).

Detailed information on the new G-Drive portfolio is available on the website at g-drive.deutz.com.

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Qatar is intensifying efforts to diversify its water sources as concerns over long-term supply security grow, despite its advanced desalination capacity. A new report by Oxford Business Group highlights the increasing need for alternative solutions across the country and the wider MENA region.

Frequently identified by the United Nations as one of the most water-stressed nations globally, Qatar faces a complex challenge: while desalination has enabled reliable supply, it also creates dependency on centralised systems that can be vulnerable to disruption.

The analysis, produced in collaboration with Skydrops Sustainable Water Technologies, explores how decentralised water solutions are gaining traction as a complementary approach. As demand rises alongside population growth and urban expansion, policymakers are increasingly evaluating how distributed systems can strengthen resilience.

The report points to several factors shaping this shift, including fluctuations in energy costs, supply chain pressures and climate-related risks. In addition, heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the region has reinforced concerns around over-reliance on large-scale, centralised infrastructure.

Within this context, technologies such as atmospheric water generation are emerging as viable supplementary sources, particularly in densely populated urban areas where demand is concentrated. These systems can operate independently of traditional networks, offering flexibility and reducing pressure on existing desalination facilities.

The video also highlights the role of digital innovation in transforming water management. Advanced tools, including artificial intelligence-driven optimisation and smart distribution networks, are being deployed to improve efficiency while lowering the carbon footprint associated with water production.

Industry leaders note that while desalination will remain a cornerstone of Qatar’s water strategy, diversification is becoming increasingly important. Decentralised solutions are seen as a way to address distribution challenges and support expanding urban centres without requiring extensive infrastructure buildout.

From a broader regional perspective, water security is now closely linked to economic resilience and sustainable development. Qatar’s evolving approach illustrates how established systems can be enhanced through emerging technologies, creating a more adaptive and balanced model for the future.

As water demand continues to climb across the Gulf, integrating alternative solutions alongside traditional infrastructure is expected to play a critical role in ensuring long-term sustainability.

UAE-based interior fit-out and joinery specialist Abanos has revealed that its use of PSB (Palm Strand Board) across three major projects has resulted in the sequestration of more than one million kg of biogenic carbon and over four million kg of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e).

The company said the achievement highlights how material selection within the construction and fit-out sector can play a significant role in reducing embodied carbon emissions and supporting long-term sustainability goals.

Abanos integrated PSB into several large-scale developments delivered for Transemirates Contracting at District One-FZ, using the material across a range of interior applications. The company explained that the carbon remains stored within the built environment rather than being released into the atmosphere through conventional construction processes.

PSB is currently being used in products including fire-rated doors, partitions, flooring systems, vanities, railings and door frames, demonstrating its suitability for commercial-scale applications.

Ravish Kishore, general manager at Abanos, said the industry is increasingly being driven by measurable environmental performance rather than sustainability pledges alone.

“The sector has reached a stage where environmental responsibility can no longer come at the expense of quality or performance,” he said. “By incorporating PSB into these projects, we have demonstrated that it is possible to embed sustainability directly into the material itself while delivering at scale.”

Kishore added that the company’s recent projects alone had enabled the storage of more than four million kg of CO₂e within the structures.

“This is not a carbon offset initiative,” he said. “The carbon remains locked within the built environment, contributing to Scope 3 decarbonisation efforts and supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 ambitions.”

The projects highlighted by the company include The Edge and The Peninsula developments for Select Group, as well as Kempinski La Reserve for Swiss Properties.

Collectively, the developments accounted for more than 1.1 million kg of biogenic carbon stored within PSB products and over four million kg of CO₂e captured through interior fit-out works.

Abanos noted that sustainable materials are becoming increasingly important as the UAE construction industry responds to evolving environmental regulations and green building targets.

Kishore said, “As the UAE accelerates its sustainability agenda, manufacturers and fit-out specialists have a responsibility to rethink how materials are sourced, produced and integrated into projects. Carbon-sequestering materials are quickly becoming an operational necessity rather than a future aspiration.”

Established in 1985, Abanos has expanded from a Sharjah-based manufacturer into a regional fit-out specialist with more than 1,100 employees and over 1,000 completed projects across the Middle East and North Africa.

The company currently operates a 23,775 sq m manufacturing and joinery facility and continues to deliver projects across the residential, hospitality, retail, healthcare and commercial sectors.

Pilot Crushtec has been named Metso’s Best Dealer in the EMEA region, a prestigious international accolade recognising the company’s strong commercial performance, customer support strength and long-standing commitment to delivering high-value crushing and screening solutions across the Middle East and Africa

The award positions Pilot Crushtec among Metso’s top distributors globally, while specifically recognising its leading performance across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It also reflects the company’s sustained sales success, technical capability and customer-focused service approach across its Southern and sub-Saharan African territory.

According to Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at Pilot Crushtec, the recognition marks an important milestone for the business and highlights the collective effort of its people.

“This recognition is a significant achievement and a powerful testament to the commitment, expertise and passion of our entire team,” commented Marais.

“Being recognised on an international stage among leading distributors including others across Europe, the Middle East and Africa reinforces our position as a trusted partner and industry leader.”

Marais says several factors contributed to the company securing the award, including continued market growth across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa, robust aftermarket support capabilities and deep product and application knowledge.

“Our consistent sales performance and market growth across Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa has been a key contributor,” explained Marais.

“Despite challenging market conditions in many sectors, we have continued to grow the presence of Metso’s crushing and screening solutions in the region.”

He adds that Pilot Crushtec’s established service teams, technical expertise and parts availability ensure customers receive dependable support throughout the full equipment lifecycle.

“Our team works closely with customers to understand their operational requirements and provide solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency and long-term value,” said Marais.

The recognition follows the recent five-year renewal of Pilot Crushtec’s distributorship agreement with Metso, further underlining the strength of the partnership and ensuring customers across Southern and sub-Saharan Africa continue to access globally recognised crushing and screening technology.

“The five-year renewal of our distributorship agreement with Metso is extremely significant for Pilot Crushtec’s long-term strategy and reinforces the strength and stability of our partnership,” Marais says.

Through the renewed agreement, Pilot Crushtec will continue supplying Metso’s static and mobile crushing and screening equipment to customers operating in some of the region’s toughest mining and quarrying environments. It also supports ongoing investment in technical training, spare parts availability and support infrastructure.

Customers benefit from the combination of world-class technology and strong local backing, with Pilot Crushtec maintaining strategic stock of equipment, wear parts and critical components to minimise lead times and maximise uptime.

“Our highly trained service teams work closely with Metso to ensure that customers receive expert installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting support,” Marais explained. “This ensures machines operate at optimal performance levels throughout their lifecycle.”

The company’s aftermarket portfolio includes genuine spare parts, wear parts, service agreements, technical upgrades and operator training, helping customers maximise productivity and long-term returns.

Looking ahead, Pilot Crushtec plans to build on the latest recognition by expanding its footprint across Africa and further strengthening its support and service capabilities.

“Our priority is to continue delivering exceptional value to our customers and strengthening our position as a leading provider of crushing and screening solutions in Africa, while continuing to build our broader presence and reputation in the global market.,” Marais commented.

This will include broader reach across Sub-Saharan Africa, increased equipment availability and continued enhancement of its aftermarket support network to deliver fast and reliable service wherever customers operate.

“We will also continue investing in skills development and technical training to ensure our teams remain at the forefront of industry expertise and are fully equipped to support the latest technologies from Metso,” he concludedPilot Crushtec Secures Metso EMEA Dealer Honour.

By combining deep regional understanding with global technology partnerships, Pilot Crushtec continues to support the growth and performance of Africa’s mining, quarrying and construction sectors.

According to IDTechEx analyst Lily-Rose Schuett, advances in coatings, graphene and critical material recovery are reshaping the global materials landscape, with growing demand for sustainable, high-performance solutions across sectors ranging from aerospace and EV batteries to energy and data centres.

In her analysis, “The Top of the Material Chain – Advanced Coatings to Critical Minerals”, Schuett highlights how advanced coatings are increasingly being adopted to improve durability, efficiency and safety. Citing IDTechEx research, she notes that the coatings market is currently valued at around US$202bn, with Germany, China and the US leading exports. Demand is being fuelled by industries seeking lightweight materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, particularly in aerospace and energy applications.

Schuett explains that advanced coatings are also being developed with sustainability in mind, as environmental regulations and consumer expectations push manufacturers towards PFAS-free and heavy metal-free alternatives. Applications highlighted in the research include improving fire safety in EV batteries, aerospace systems and data centres, while also reducing maintenance requirements in sectors such as wind energy, oil and gas, and construction.

The report further identifies manufacturing efficiency, coating performance and sustainability as the three main priorities shaping coating development. Desired properties include long shelf life, low viscosity, short curing times and lightweight composition, although balancing performance with sustainability remains application dependent.

Schuett also explores developments in graphene and other advanced materials. Graphene, a 2D nanocarbon material, is valued for its exceptional strength, thermal conductivity, electrical properties and gas impermeability. It is increasingly being used in thermal management systems, conductive inks, sensors, membranes, concrete and asphalt applications.

However, she notes that maintaining graphene quality remains a challenge, as pristine graphene sheets must be carefully transferred from their growth substrate to the final application without damage. Future developments may include genuine monolayer and bilayer graphene additives, as well as more sustainable production methods using green or waste-derived feedstocks such as methane, coke and end-of-life lithium-ion batteries.

According to Schuett, competition from materials such as carbon black and carbon nanotubes remains strong, yet the graphene sector continues to expand. IDTechEx forecasts the graphene market will surpass US$1bn by 2032, with continued growth expected over the following decade.

The analysis also examines the growing importance of critical material recovery as geopolitical tensions and supply chain risks increase pressure on global access to strategic materials. Critical materials, which include metals, elements and composites essential to key industries, are becoming increasingly important as countries seek greater supply security.

Schuett outlines several extraction and recovery methods covered in IDTechEx research, including hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, electro-leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, biosorption and electro-winning. Established secondary sources for material recovery include platinum group metals from automotive emission control systems, while emerging opportunities are centred on lithium-ion batteries and rare-earth magnets from EVs.

The report also evaluates extraction technologies based on factors such as scalability, energy consumption, waste-source versatility and circularity, reflecting the increasing emphasis on sustainability within the critical materials sector.

UAE's DP World has introduced a new integrated logistics corridor linking Brazil with Africa, aimed at improving trade connectivity between Latin America’s largest economy and rapidly expanding African markets

Named the Brazil-Africa Link, the new service was launched during Intermodal South America 2026 in São Paulo. It offers a fully integrated end-to-end logistics solution connecting export cargo from the Port of Santos to DP World’s operations in Angola and Mozambique, with additional support from its wider logistics network in South Africa.

Developed under a “one-stop shop” model, the corridor combines ocean freight services with inland logistics capabilities, allowing customers to manage their complete supply chain through one provider. The platform provides access to three port terminals, 52 warehouses and a fleet of more than 4,250 vehicles, helping improve efficiency, visibility and reliability across cargo movements.

The service is intended to support major Brazilian export industries such as animal proteins, agricultural commodities and consumer goods. It is designed to help exporters improve transit certainty, lower operational complexity and widen access to African markets.

Fabio Siccherino said, “This Brazil-Africa Link simplifies the journey for Brazilian exporters to a market with enormous growth potential. By integrating the entire logistics chain – from port of origin to final delivery – we reduce complexity, increase predictability, and enable our customers to unlock new business opportunities between Brazil and Africa.”

Mohammed Akoojee said: "The Brazil-Africa Link marks a transformative step in connecting Latin America's largest economy with high-growth markets across Africa. This integrated logistics corridor leverages our investments in port infrastructure, economic free zones, and digital technology across Angola, Mozambique, and South Africa to enable growth, create jobs, and deepen economic partnership between our continents."

Expanding integrated logistics in Brazil

DP World said it is continuing to strengthen its end-to-end logistics presence in Brazil through three strategic areas:

Ports and Terminals: The company operates one of Brazil’s leading multipurpose terminals at the Port of Santos, which serves as the foundation of its local operations and supports increasing container and bulk cargo volumes.

Freight Forwarding: DP World manages six freight forwarding offices across Brazil, providing multimodal transport services covering ocean, air and road freight, alongside warehousing, container freight station (CFS), insurance and customs clearance solutions.

Contract Logistics: The business is also expanding warehousing capacity through multi-client facilities in São Paulo and Espírito Santo, delivering integrated B2B services covering storage, distribution, reverse logistics and value-added solutions.

Strengthening Santos capacity

DP World is also investing further in capacity growth and operational capability at its Santos terminal, reinforcing its status as a strategic South American trade gateway. Following a record 2025, during which the terminal handled 1.3 million TEUs and 5 million tonnes of pulp, the company is advancing investments worth more than R$2 billion (approx. US$400 million).

These upgrades include quay expansion, new equipment, a new berthing pier and the development of a grains and fertilisers terminal in partnership with Rumo, with annual handling capacity of up to 12.5 million tonnes.

A further R$1.6 billion (approx. US$320 million) investment is expected to lift container handling capacity to 1.7 million TEUs by 2026 and 2.1 million TEUs by 2028.

DP World said these investments reinforce the infrastructure supporting the Brazil-Africa Link, connecting expanded Santos port operations with its African logistics network to create more resilient and dependable trade corridors between Brazil and fast-growing African markets.