CMA CGM, AD Ports fast-track major upgrade at Khalifa Port

November 18, 2025

AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group have agreed to expand their joint container terminal at Khalifa Port — an early move driven by strong demand less than a year after the facility opened.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, owned 70 per cent by CMA CGM and 30 per cent by AD Ports Group, has seen rapid uptake since December 2024.

The partners will invest AED 420 million ($115 million) to accelerate growth, sharing costs in line with their stakes.

Set for completion in early 2028, the project will boost terminal capacity by 50 per cent, from 1.8 million to 2.7 million TEUs, lifting Khalifa Port’s total annual throughput capacity to 10.5 million TEUs.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with our strategic partner CMA CGM Group to expand our CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container terminal joint venture, which highlights the robust growth we are experiencing amidst Abu Dhabi’s rise as a world trade hub.

“Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), AD Ports Group remains committed to nurturing strong international cooperations with global leaders such as CMA CGM, delivering value to our customers, supporting the prosperity of the citizens of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and maximising benefits for our stakeholders, while further accelerating our global reach and capacity.’’

READ: AD Ports Group posts record Q3 profit

CMA CGM’s Christine Cabau added: “The attractivity and growth of this new facility over the year 2025 has been spectacular. After 10 months of operations, the terminal has already reached full capacity and has led us to the decision of accelerating phase 2 deployment to meet with the demand.

“This proves the efficiency of Khalifa container terminal, its remarkable location as a multi-regional hub and the dynamism of the economies of UAE and in the close area. As CMA CGM Group, we are very happy with the AD Ports cooperation and will continue to enhance operational productivity and support the commercial growth of our customers in UAE and in the Middle East thanks to this expansion.”

Opened in December 2024 on Khalifa Port’s North Quay, the terminal features two berths totalling 800 metres and an 18.5-metre depth capable of serving the world’s largest containerships.

The new expansion will stretch the quay to 1,200 metres and enlarge the yard by more than 40 per cent, with upgraded utilities, advanced reefer racks and modernised systems to strengthen operational efficiency.

Recently, AD Ports Group signed a Joint Venture and Shareholders agreement with CMA CGM Group to acquire a 20 per cent stake in the Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) for AED 81 million ($22 million).