AD Ports Group begins port, logistics operations in Angola

AD Ports Group has officially commenced the long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and associated logistics business in Angola, marking a key step in its expansion across sub-Saharan Africa.

In partnership with Angolan joint venture partners Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group began operations at the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, the largest port in the country.

The Port of Luanda handles approximately 76 per cent of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes and serves as a critical maritime gateway to landlocked neighbors, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Under the terms of a 20-year concession agreement signed with the Luanda Port Authority in April 2024, AD Ports Group holds an 81 per cent stake in the multipurpose terminal venture and a 90 per cent stake in the logistics venture with Unicargas.

The company has committed to investing around $250m through 2026 to modernise the terminal and develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics, a joint venture offering integrated logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services for regional and international clients.

“This marks a significant milestone for AD Ports Group as we begin operations at Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal and Noatum Unicargas Logistics,” said Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group.

“With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, we are positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are expected to rise by an average of 3.3 per cent annually over the next decade,” he added.

AD Ports Group investments to rise

In line with market demand, AD Ports Group’s investments could increase to $380m over the life of the concession, which may be extended by an additional 10 years.

These investments are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect local jobs and foster economic growth through infrastructure modernisation and the development of environmentally sustainable operations.

Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Transport of Angola, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will transform the Port of Luanda into an efficient, high-performance multipurpose facility, enhancing our logistical capabilities and driving economic growth across central and west Africa.”

The terminal, which is expected to handle Super Post-Panamax vessels, will be upgraded to a general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) terminal. AD Ports Group is investing in advanced port equipment and modern IT systems to ensure efficient container handling and high-density operations.

The terminal will feature a depth of 16 metres alongside, enabling it to accommodate large vessels up to 14,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

By Q3 2026, the installation of new container handling equipment will boost container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, with ro-ro volumes projected to exceed 40,000 vehicles.

AD Ports Group has also contracted Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) to supply three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and eight hybrid Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, which will enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.

The hybrid RTG cranes are expected to save up to 60 per cent in diesel usage, reducing CO2 emissions by 5,000 metric tonnes annually.

AD Ports Group’s expansion into Angola follows the signing of a 2023 framework agreement between the company and the Angolan government to explore cooperation in transport and maritime infrastructure.

The company has also invested over $800m in ports, logistics, and shipping sectors across sub-Saharan Africa, including Egypt, the Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.

The partnership between AD Ports Group and Angola is expected to play a pivotal role in driving Angola’s economic growth, enhancing regional connectivity, and bolstering its position as a key player in global trade.