AD Ports Group has announced its intention to further expand Khalifa Port to include drydock services.
With this expansion, Khalifa Port will broaden its range of port and marine logistics services, from container and cargo handling to vessel repairs and maintenance.
The addition of drydock services will enable Khalifa Port to meet the growing demand for these services from regional and international clients, according to the company.
The expansion, which included the development of the port’s South Quay, Khalifa Port Logistics, and Abu Dhabi Terminals, had an accumulated value of AED4 billion ($1 billion).
Khalifa Port has grown from 2.43 square kilometres to 8.63 square kilometres, while its quay wall has been significantly extended from 2.3 kilometres to 12.5 kilometres.
With an estimated value of AED20.4 billion ($5.5 billion), the port now provides 21 berths and offers a range of bespoke services for key strategic industries.
The expansion scheme is set to increase handling capacity at Khalifa Port to 15 million TEU per year by 2023, and general cargo handling capacity to 25 million tonnes.
This announcement came in the wake of the official inauguration by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, of Khalifa Port’s expansion last December.
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Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group said: “The addition of drydock services is a strategic move aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s competitive position in the market.
“This expansion is part of our ongoing commitment to provide our clients with the best possible services and solutions to meet their evolving needs,” Captain Al Shamisi added.
Khalifa Port’s expansion into drydocks is just the latest in a series of strategic moves the Group has made to position itself for long-term success.
This announcement comes in the same week that AD Ports Group announced plans to expand its fleet with the purchase of five bulk carriers and three crude oil tankers worth a total of $260 million.
