AD Ports Group and Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group have signed a preliminary agreement to develop an integrated automotive logistics network connecting Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa.
The agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi and Tao Chengbo during a ceremony marking the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher, the second LNG-powered vessel from United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Turkey’s Erkport.
This cooperation aims to connect Chinese manufacturing with key international markets through enhanced terminal operations, dedicated RoRo fleet services, and multimodal transport solutions.
The partnership capitalises on Ningbo Zhoushan Port’s automotive sourcing capabilities and UGR’s growing distribution network.
Plans include developing RoRo and automotive terminals at both Ningbo Zhoushan and AD Ports Group’s key hub locations.
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Infrastructure upgrades under consideration will enable the accommodation of larger vessels, improve vehicle handling capacity, and reduce port turnaround times, boosting operational efficiency and service delivery.
UGR, designated as the primary RoRo carrier, brings a specialised fleet of Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) and RoRo vessels, with routes already linking China to terminals in the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
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Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This partnership marks a defining moment in establishing smart, connected automotive corridors across continents.
“The addition of our second LNG-powered vessel boosts cargo capacity and reinforces our commitment to decarbonisation. Expanding RoRo operations is central to our growth strategy, especially as Chinese automobile exports rise, and we’re excited by the potential of seamless multimodal connectivity via the Middle Corridor.”
Tao Chengbo, Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co., Ltd, added: “The maiden voyage of UGR Zakher marks a new phase in our partnership with AD Ports Group. Through enhanced RoRo cooperation, we aim to expand into logistics, warehousing, green energy, and talent exchange — driving the development of the China-Arab Economic Corridor.”
