AD Ports Group (ADX), a leading provider of integrated trade, transportation, and logistics solutions, has announced the inauguration of the AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) CMA Terminals Khalifa Port. The event was officiated by His Highness Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. This marks a major milestone in the development of Khalifa Port, the flagship port of AD Ports Group, which has grown rapidly since its opening in December 2012 to become one of the world’s most efficient and fastest-growing commercial ports.
The new container terminal, managed by a joint venture between CMA CGM Group subsidiaries CMA Terminals (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%), features cutting-edge infrastructure. These include automated gates, integrated systems to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, shore power facilities to reduce emissions, and solar panel installations contributing to its energy mix. Additionally, it houses the region’s first carbon-neutral administration building powered by renewable energy, which won the “Net-Zero Building Project of the Year” award at the 2022 MENA Green Building Awards.
The opening of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port has increased the port’s annual container handling capacity by 23%, bringing it to approximately 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The terminal is designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating rail connections and principles of circular economy, such as recycling construction materials and minimizing operational waste.
Key technological advancements include eight state-of-the-art Ship-to-Quay (STS) cranes and 20 electric rubber-tired gantry (e-RTG) cranes. These enhancements further solidify Khalifa Port’s reputation as one of the most technologically advanced commercial ports globally, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s leadership in fostering a sustainable and innovative trading future.
His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, emphasized the terminal’s role in establishing the UAE as a premier investment destination and a pivotal partner for global businesses. He noted that the facility would facilitate trade flows and support Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic growth.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the new terminal in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub. He praised the collaboration with AD Ports Group in delivering a modern, sustainable terminal.
Colonel Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated that the facility would enhance Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity and diversify the regional economy in line with its leadership’s vision. He underscored the port’s role in placing AD Ports Group among the world’s top port operators and fostering a sustainable transportation future.
The first phase of the CMA CGM terminal project is now complete, featuring an 800-meter-long, 18.5-meter-deep jetty and eight operational STS cranes, adding 1.8 million TEUs to Khalifa Port’s capacity. With this expansion, Khalifa Port now spans 6.3 square kilometers, boasting 41 jetty cranes, 159 yard cranes, 11.7 kilometers of jetty walls, and a 3.8-kilometer breakwater.
The opening of the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port cements its position as a leading regional trade hub, further advancing Abu Dhabi’s role in global commerce and logistics while prioritizing sustainability and innovation.