News Bites

A.S. Watson Group (ASW) unleashed a flurry of firsts as it celebrated its franchise agreement with Al-Futtaim, an international retail conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates, to launch a Watsons flagship location in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. This move breaks new ground in two ways – ASW’s first-ever franchise agreement and its first foray into the Middle East. 

A new container terminal is in the works in Abu Qir as Hutchison Ports confirmed a US$730 million project with the Egyptian Navy that will connect a two-way highway to Alexandria and a national road network to Cairo. The first phase is expected to commence operations in 2022. 

Husky Energy and Cenovus combined their businesses to become the third-largest Canadian oil and natural gas company. The combination will result in  C$1.2 billion in cost and capital synergies, enhance free funds flow generation and deliver superior return opportunities for investors. Industry analysts forecast that, as no equity accounting is required as it will hold less than 20% of the combined company, CKHH will have less earnings exposure to low oil prices but much greater value if prices rise. 

Copenhagen and Roskilde are the first spots to enjoy the beginning of 5G in Denmark for customers of 3 Denmark and those under the Oister brand. With this successful leap at the end of the year, the network will continue to expand and be made available to the whole country by 2022. 

Husky Energy has achieved first oil in Saskatchewan at its Spruce Lake Central thermal project, and started gas production from the Liuhua 29-1 field in the South China Sea. A strong and steady stream of free cash flow is highly anticipated upon the completion of both ventures. 

Northern Gas Networks received a £770,000 grant to link the Bradford Alternative Fuel Centre to the gas network which will, in turn, power the development of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling station. This funding from Ofgem will help the UK on its way towards reaching its decarbonisation goals, building on the green advantages of CNG as a fuel alternative. 

A.S. Watson Group marked its 180th birthday by celebrating with a 5G-powered virtual cocktail event attended by hundreds of business and charity partners from around the world. From its humble beginnings as a dispensary offering free medicine to the needy, to what is now the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer with 16,000 offline and online stores worldwide, it has been a remarkable journey during which the company has given back during the tough times. 

Breaking records is nothing new for Hutchison Ports Yantian, which once again broke a world record in September for its monthly throughput of over 1.46 million TEU. This breakthrough makes it the current highest total for a single terminal run by a port operator. Only one month ago, it broke the world record of 1.42 million TEU. 

Powercor opened two new depots, valued at A$10 million each, in Kyneton and Shepparton, Australia. These developments have replaced outdated facilities from the ’60s and ’70s, allowing its local workers an upgraded space to continue providing its services to their communities.

Fun fact: A heritage-listed tree graces the front of the Kyneton depot! 

Hutchison Ports HIT welcomed the world’s largest container vessel to its berths. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art technology and systems which allow it to function with reduced sulphur emissions and a lower impact on the environment. No one will look at the HMM GDANSK and think, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” 

Wales & West Utilities (WWU) brings mains gas to the new NHS Nightingale Hospital in Exeter. Building new infrastructure is normally a long, drawn-out affair, but the COVID-19 field hospital couldn’t wait. Connecting this high gas-usage facility was urgent and WWU delivered. 

Two UK-based gas and power companies have been recognised for their ambitious work, receiving prestigious awards for their latest endeavours. Northern Gas Networks’ H21 hydrogen project was awarded the 2020 Pipeline Industries Guild Award for the best onshore pipeline concept. And UK Power Networks was named ‘Network of the Year’, taking the top prize at the annual Network Awards.