Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inaugurates CMA Terminals Khalifa Port

In a significant move to boost Abu Dhabi’s growing maritime and trade infrastructure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially inaugurated the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port on December 12, reported state news agency, WAM.

The Dhs3.1bn container terminal, a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals (70 per cent), and Abu Dhabi Ports (30 per cent), is poised to become a key driver in boosting the UAE’s maritime industry and international trade.

The inauguration event, held at Khalifa Port, saw Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, MD and group CEO of AD Ports Group, alongside Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, provide insights into the strategic significance of this new facility.

Sheikh Khaled was also briefed on the terminal’s innovative design and advanced capabilities, which are set to enhance Khalifa Port’s role as a premier global logistics hub.

New chapter for Khalifa Port

Khalifa Port, which first opened in 2012, has rapidly evolved into one of the fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports worldwide.

With the addition of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, the facility’s annual container capacity has surged by 23 per cent, bringing the total to almost 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This marks a significant leap forward, positioning Khalifa Port as one of the leading port trade hubs in the region.

The state-of-the-art terminal includes eight advanced ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and 20 electric rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes, making it one of the most technologically advanced ports globally.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port incorporates several environmentally friendly initiatives, including the use of shore power for vessels to reduce emissions, solar panels to contribute to the terminal’s energy mix and the region’s first net-zero carbon administration building.

Strengthening maritime education and training

During the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CMA CGM and Abu Dhabi Ports aimed at enhancing maritime training and education across the UAE and the broader GCC region.

The agreement includes support for the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, with CMA CGM contributing to the training of cadets and offering placement opportunities on its flagship vessels.

Sheikh Khaled stressed the development of this advanced terminal would further position Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global leader in trade and logistics services, attracting international investment in vital infrastructure and maritime transport.

A boost for economic growth and connectivity

The opening of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port also marks a major step forward in Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic strategy.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, chairman of AD Ports Group, highlighted the terminal’s role in bolstering trade flows and long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. He emphasised that the new facility solidifies the UAE’s position as a key investment destination, strengthening its ties with global trade players.

Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, echoed this sentiment, noting that the new terminal would significantly enhance shipping and logistics activities across the region.

He also pointed out that the strategic infrastructure supports the UAE’s ambitions to further establish itself as a leading global trade hub, reinforcing the partnership between CMA CGM and AD Ports Group.

Next steps and future expansion

The inauguration marks the completion of Phase 1 of the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port project, with the opening of an initial quay wall of 800 metres in length, an 18.5-metre depth, and the addition of eight STS cranes, boosting capacity by 1.8 million TEUs.

The terminal’s design is fully prepared for future rail connectivity, further enhancing Khalifa Port’s accessibility and trade connectivity across key global markets.

Khalifa Port now spans 6.3 square kilometres, with 41 quay cranes, 159-yard cranes, and a total quay wall length of 11.7 kilometres.