Rafael Vicens
Head of Global Projects & Industry Solutions MEA DB Schenker Middle East
Head Of Global Projects & Industry Solutions Mea, Managing Director, Iraq Db Schenker Middle East
Rafael Vicens began his career as a civil engineer, working as senior site manager with Carbonell Figueras on projects for clients including Alstom and Siemens in Europe. The job of Deputy General Manager with Islas Engineering and Consulting brought him to the Middle East in 2010 to lead the company’s commercial activities, opening India and MENA markets.
Moving to ALE in 2011, Vicens worked on several large projects in the MEAC, first as a project manager, progressing to contracts/business development manager and finally as regional commercial manager.
Before joining DB Schenker in 2020, he was General Manager Heavy Lift & Projects Logistics in Al Majdouie Logistics and Regional Head of Projects MEAC for Panalpina. He holds an EMBA from London Business School, a MSc in Civil Engineering, a Master’s in Environmental Health and Safety and an Executive Program at Columbia University.
Event Agenda Sessions
North Africa’s Rise as a Regional Trade Hub
Discover how shifting global trade patterns are highlighting North Africa as a critical hub for breakbulk and project cargo, driven by major infrastructure developments and increasing investment in energy, mining, industrial projects and construction. This session explores how the region’s ports and inland transport networks are evolving to support heavy-lift and oversized cargo. Experts will discuss key trade corridors linking North Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa, the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and strategies for overcoming logistical and regulatory challenges to unlock North Africa’s full potential as a project cargo powerhouse.
Wednesday 14 May 13:30 - 14:15 Main Stage
Global Trade
Discover how shifting global trade patterns are highlighting North Africa as a critical hub for breakbulk and project cargo, driven by major infrastructure developments and increasing investment in energy, mining, industrial projects and construction. This session explores how the region’s ports and inland transport networks are evolving to support heavy-lift and oversized cargo. Experts will discuss key trade corridors linking North Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and the rest of Africa, the impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and strategies for overcoming logistical and regulatory challenges to unlock North Africa’s full potential as a project cargo powerhouse.
Main Stage Europe/London
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