10 Years of Connecting the Middle East's Mega Projects

Rafael Vicens

Vice President IMEA Maersk Project Logistics

Rafael Vicens is the Vice President of Maersk Project Logistics for IMEA, a position he assumed in October 2025. In this role, he leads Maersk’s strategic project logistics operations across India, the Middle East, and Africa, driving performance, innovation, and sustainable solutions in the complex and dynamic world of project cargo logistics.

Prior to joining Maersk, Rafael spent over five years at DB Schenker, where he served as Managing Director Iraq and Head of Global Projects and Industrial Solutions MEA, successfully turning around the division’s financial results and leading major infrastructure and industrial projects across the region. His earlier career includes senior leadership roles at Panalpina, Almajdouie Logistics, and Abnormal Load Engineering (ALE), where he developed deep expertise in heavy lift, project logistics, and port operations, managing multimillion-dollar projects in energy, mining, and renewables.

Rafael holds an Executive MBA from London Business School, along with executive programs at Columbia Business School and DB Schenker’s Global Leadership Program in Germany. A Master Civil Engineer by training, he brings over 20 years of experience combining technical precision, commercial acumen, and strategic leadership to advance the logistics and transport sector in emerging markets.
 


2026 Event Agenda Sessions

Africa Spotlight: Critical Minerals, Cargo Flows, and Gulf Partnerships

New investment across Africa’s infrastructure, shipping, and mining industries is transforming trade with the Middle East. With Gulf investors moving into critical minerals and new trade corridors via Gulf ports, this session explores opportunities and challenges in building stronger Africa–Middle East logistics partnerships.

Wednesday 04 February 15:30 - 16:15 Main Stage

Add to calendar 02/04/2026 15:30 02/04/2026 16:15 Africa Spotlight: Critical Minerals, Cargo Flows, and Gulf Partnerships

New investment across Africa’s infrastructure, shipping, and mining industries is transforming trade with the Middle East. With Gulf investors moving into critical minerals and new trade corridors via Gulf ports, this session explores opportunities and challenges in building stronger Africa–Middle East logistics partnerships.

Main Stage Asia/Dubai