A.Special Needs and Aluminium Sheet Opportunities for the UAE Logistics Industry
As a trading hub in the Middle East, UAE container transport faces three major challenges:
Climate extremes: constant UV radiation, particle impact from sandstorms, material fatigue due to temperature differences between day and night, high temperatures of 45°C, high humidity and salt spray corrosion.
Efficiency: Port turnover is in the top 10 globally (Jebel Ali port has an annual throughput of over 14 million TEU).
Environmental policy: UAE's ‘2050 Carbon Neutral’ strategy promotes green logistics.
B. Advantages of aluminium sheet material
1. Corrosion resistance: against the high salt environment in the UAE.
Oxide film protection: Aluminium alloy naturally generates aluminium oxide layer (Al₂O₃) with a thickness of 2-6μm.
Salt spray test: passed 3000 hours without red rust (ASTM B117 standard)
Natural resistance to chloride attack in the marine environment.
2. Lightweight
Material Comparison Density (g/cm³) Single Box Top Weight Annual Fuel Savings
Steel plate 7.8 Density(g/cm³) 220kg -
Aluminium sheet 2.7 density (g/cm³) 75kg 5-7%
Source: International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Report 2023
Compliance with new IMO 2020 ship emission reduction regulations
3. Thermal conductivity and structural optimisation
Thermal conductivity of 237 W/(m-K) for fast temperature equilibrium.
Reduced temperature fluctuations of ±3℃ with thermal insulation coating
Curved top plate design disperses wind pressure load
4. Circular economy advantage
Recycling rate is up to 95%.
Energy consumption of recycled aluminium is only 5% of virgin aluminium.
5. Intelligent upgrade interface
Reserved sensor installation (temperature/humidity monitoring)
Compatible with photovoltaic panel integration solutions
C. Material Selection Guide: How to choose the right aluminium panels for the UAE market?
Alloy grade: Prefer Series 5 (e.g. 5083, 5754) or Series 6 (6061).
Surface treatment:
HDPE coating (resistance to sand and dust abrasion)
Anodised (to improve UV resistance).
Certification Requirements:
ISO, CE certificate
With the UAE's ‘2050 Clean Energy Strategy’, the container manufacturing sector is undergoing a profound change. The use of aluminium is not only a response to the operational needs of today, but also to the future of sustainable logistics.
It is also a strategic investment in a sustainable logistics system for the future. For Chinese aluminium exporters, understanding and meeting the technical specifications of the Middle East market will be a key competitiveness in developing overseas markets.
