Construction of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port on track: AD Ports Group

AD Ports Group has installed the first 90-tonne block for the quay wall of the new CMA Terminals Khalifa Port.

The development of the new terminal, the first semi-automated container port in the GCC region,  is on track with a budgeted capital expenditure of Dhs3.3bn, the company said in a statement.

The terminal, launched in September 2021 and expected to be operational in H1 2025, will be managed by a joint venture owned by CMA Terminals (70 per cent ownership), a subsidiary of global shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM, and AD Ports Group (30 per cent ownership).

AD Ports Group is also developing a wide range of supporting marine infrastructure for the terminal, which will provide CMA CGM with a new regional hub.

A key milestone

When the quay wall is complete, the signed block will be one of more than 6,000 within the 19 metres deep berth pocket and will be able to accommodate the world’s largest container vessels. Other facilities under development include a 3,500-metre offshore detached breakwater, a fully built-out rail platform, and 1,000,000 sqm of terminal yard.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO – Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The scale of this 1,200-metre quay wall is indicative of the ambition of this project, which will create a major hub for CMA CGM, one of the leaders in shipping and logistics, supported by cutting-edge technology and services.”

“With the arrival of CMA CGM, Khalifa Port is now providing hubs for three of the world’s top four shipping lines, consolidating our position as a leading facilitator of trade, logistics and industry.”

Michael Lund Hansen, CEO of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, said: “This is an important moment for our company and our partners, as work continues to develop this new terminal, which will expand our group’s shipping and logistics network in the region. Khalifa Port is a leading global hub that supports trade flows in and out of Abu Dhabi. With our new terminal and the shipping line services it will attract, Khalifa Port will see increased connectivity to global markets and further development of multi-modal logistics facilities, and advanced port infrastructure.”

Once ready, the new terminal will have an initial capacity of 1.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), will be fully integrated with Etihad Rail and will significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s connectivity and position as a key gateway for the region.

In recent news, AD Ports Group completed the acquisition of a 70 per cent equity stake in Egypt-based Transmar International Shipping Company (Transmar) and Transcargo International (TCI).

Read: Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group completes first international acquisition