The foundation of success is to have a clear and well-established vision driven by a strong and persistent entrepreneurial spirit.
In MAG Container Lines (MCL), this unique and exceptional vision has come to light from the idea of two friends and experienced entrepreneurs, Mr. Moafaq Ahmed Al Gaddah, the Chairman, and Mr. Hagop Gharnagharian, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder. As a result of a long experience and deep expertise in the region, the decision was made to establish a shipping company in 2005 aimed at responding to the urgent needs to transport goods from the United Arab Emirates to the ports of Iraq.
From the very beginning, MCL sought to be the preferred shipping line for customers and to be an integral part of the development of this service regionally. It was launched in 2005 and opened its doors for the first time with one vision: regional leadership in shipping and logistics.
MCL launched the first Al Kawthar vessel on the 31st of July, 2005 to start its maiden voyage and the company's first corporate milestone. The vessel made its way from Hamriya Port in Dubai to Abu Floos Port in Basra, thereby completing its mission of delivering goods and cargo efficiently and quickly to Iraq.
By January 7, 2006, MCL’s network had expanded to include monthly voyages from Port Khalid in Sharjah. By the end of 2006, MCL successfully increased the average monthly scheduled voyages from two to seventeen voyages to meet the growing regional demand.
In January 2007, MCL began launching voyages from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai to Abu Flous Port. In June of the same year, a new cargo line was also launched from Jebel Ali Port to Umm Qasr Port in Basra with two shipments weekly
Thanks to its flexibility and dynamism, the company succeeded in carrying out important and sensitive logistical transport tasks with high efficiency, which proved its prominent position in shipping and logistics services to Iraq.
Permanent Focus on Iraqi Market
The Iraqi market has been a major target from the very beginning. Since its establishment, MCL has been building a trust bridge with Iraqi customers based on fulfilling their needs for cargo shipments from the United Arab Emirates to Iraqi ports and vice versa duly and timely.
With the growth of sea freight operations to Iraq, MCL set a clear line for the significance of this market by ensuring regular trips from Port Khalid in Sharjah and Hamriya Port in Dubai at a minimum rate of three trips per week. Furthermore, MCL continuously ensures sufficient flexibility to arrange shipments when needed from Jebel Ali Port or Ras Al Khaimah Port to meet the needs of its customers.
Greater steps and expansion of services
MCL's success in transporting goods across the Arabian Gulf has enabled it to become a regional logistics force by acquiring a larger share of the cargo market in the region, specifically in Iraq. Consequently, MCL has continuously acquired additional assets, ships and containers to fulfill its customers’ needs.
This increase in capacity has enabled MCL to ship cargos to more ports and locations on the regional level, and in turn continue meeting the requirements of the customers confidently, smoothly and timely.
In line with this accelerated expansion, MCL has launched its own land transportation line, including a number of trailer trucks fitted to transport and deliver cargo shipments to all locations within the UAE.
In addition, Gulf Link Cargo was established in 2009 to serve the regional operations of MCL and provide better logistical support. With the establishment of its logistics department, MCL has facilitated and coordinated its customers' operations across the country and the region.
Global Vision
Today, MCL is named as one of the leading regional freight companies in the UAE. From its humble beginnings, the company has now grown to own a large volume of vessels and fully equipped trucks.
MCL today is working diligently and confidently to lead shipping operations from major international markets such as China, India and Malaysia.
In light of these achievements, MAG Continuer Lines remains faithful to its commitment during the crucial period of its early years: providing international freight and logistics services that meet customers’ needs in time, cost and efficiency.
“We are dedicated to care for our client needs and satisfaction through establishing of a worldwide network of connections because our clients are the main drive of growth, and the core for our future expansion and development plans”.
“We want to be the first shipping line of choice for our clients, and be part of the worldwide shipping line industry’’.
