A new sustainable container terminal has officially opened at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a AED3.1 billion ($845 million) container terminal managed by a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70 per cent) and Abu Dhabi Ports (30 per cent).
The occasion also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, aimed at the development and enhancement of maritime training and education in the UAE and GCC region.
The CMA CGM Group will also support the training of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy students and contribute to the placement of cadets onboard its flagship vessels.
The new facility includes eight advanced Ship to Shore (STS) cranes, and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port showcases advanced port infrastructure, including automated gates and integrated systems that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The facility offers shore-power for vessels to limit emissions, several solar-panel areas contributing to the energy mix of the terminal operations and includes the region’s first net zero carbon administration building, which is powered by renewable energy sources.
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The addition of the CMA CGM facility increases Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23 per cent to almost 10 million TEUs. The new terminal is ready for rail connectivity and will significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s position as a major gateway for the region.
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port provides CMA CGM with a modern, sustainably designed hub to serve growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent.
The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port marks the completion of Phase 1 of the new terminal project for CMA CGM, with the opening of an initial quay wall of 800 metres in length, 18.5 metres of depth, and eight STS Cranes adding a total capacity of 1.8 million TEUs to Khalifa Port.
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Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group, said: “The inauguration of our new container terminal is a major step in the development of Khalifa Port, consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub.
“This strategic infrastructure will boost shipping and logistics activities across the region. Together with our partner AD Ports Group, we are pleased to deliver a modern terminal with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.”
