AD Ports Group has kicked off construction works of its new container terminal, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port.
AD Ports Group, CMA CGM and marine contractor NMDC installed the first 90-tonne block for the quay wall.
The development of the new terminal was first announced in September 2021, with budgeted capital expenditure of AED 3.3 billion ($898 million).
The terminal is expected to be operational in the first half 2025 and 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 said it is developing a wide range of supporting marine infrastructure for the terminal as part of the project.
Upon completion, the quay wall will be made of more than 6,000 blocks within the 19-metre-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 square metres of the terminal yard.
The new terminal will have an initial capacity of 1.8 million TEU and it will be fully integrated with Etihad Rail, in a bid to enhance Khalifa Port’s connectivity and position as a key gateway for the region – according to the company’s recent statement.
“Today marks a key moment in the development of the new terminal in Khalifa Port, which will drive increased trade volumes and add new trade links with other high-profile ports, boosting the UAE’s economy,” said Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer – Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group.
“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.”
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“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,” said Michael Lund Hansen, CEO of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port.
“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.”
Khalifa Port is one of the world’s most technologically advanced ports, with the first autonomous transport truck system in the Middle East, automated stacking cranes, aerial drones, a 360-degree sensory system, and an automated Terminal Operation System.
Net profit growth accelerated to 59 per cent year-over-year (YoY), reaching AED300 million ($82 million) in Q2 2022, resulting in a 49 per cent YoY growth for the first half of 2022.
