AD Ports Group and IRH Global Trading have signed an MoU to develop alternative marine fuel infrastructure and advanced bunkering services at Khalifa Port, targeting LNG, biofuels, and methanol. The strategic alliance combines world-class port infrastructure with global commodity trading expertise to accelerate the region’s maritime energy transition and secure the UAE’s position as a future-ready logistics hub.
Abu Dhabi | June 30, 2026 – In a strategic move designed to accelerate the decarbonization of regional shipping lanes and solidify the UAE’s status as a critical maritime energy hub, AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IRH Global Trading Ltd. to co-develop comprehensive bunkering services and alternative marine fuel infrastructure at Khalifa Port.
The agreement bridges AD Ports’ extensive deep-water port infrastructure with the rapidly expanding energy trading footprint of IRH Global Trading, a subsidiary of International Resources Holding (IRH). Together, the entities aim to transform Khalifa Port into a multi-fuel bunkering destination capable of supplying transitional and zero-emission marine fuels to the global fleet.
Future-Proofing Khalifa Port’s Fuel Ecosystem
As the International Maritime Organization (IMO) tightens its greenhouse gas emission targets, major transshipment hubs are racing to secure alternative fuel supply chains. The newly minted alliance plans to tackle this shifting demand by evaluating the commercial and technical feasibility of several key areas:
- Multi-Fuel Provisioning: Developing supply frameworks for traditional bunkering alongside low- and zero-carbon alternatives, specifically targeting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), biofuels, and methanol.
- Infrastructure & Terminal Development: Exploring dedicated fuel storage infrastructure and specialized terminal facilities to handle the distinct safety and logistics profiles of next-generation marine fuels.
- Quality Assurance: Establishing state-of-the-art fuel sampling and testing capabilities on-site to ensure compliance with strict international maritime standards.
By embedding these capabilities directly into Khalifa Port, AD Ports Group’s flagship deep-water asset, the partnership aims to capture a significant share of the evolving Middle Eastern bunker market.
Strategic Leadership Perspectives
The collaboration emphasizes a shared vision of long-term economic resilience and sustainable logistics, aligned with the UAE’s broader net-zero mandates.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to forging strategic alliances that create long-term, sustainable value,” said Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group. “By working alongside trusted partners such as IRH, we are enhancing our capabilities and supporting the development of future-ready infrastructure and services that reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading global trade and logistics hub.”
For IRH, the agreement represents a vital commercial springboard into downstream marine energy markets.
“As we continue to develop our global energy trading platform, bunkering and alternative marine fuels represent a high-potential area of growth,” noted Ali Rashed Alrashdi, Group CEO of International Resources Holding. “We see Khalifa Port as an ideal base from which to explore these opportunities, and we look forward to working closely with AD Ports Group to bring them to life.”
Synergizing Infrastructure with Commodity Trading
The partnership leverages a distinct synergy between public asset management and private commodity trading agility:
| Partner | Core Strength & Contribution |
| AD Ports Group | World-class deep-water port infrastructure, integrated trade ecosystems, and established maritime traffic at Khalifa Port. |
| IRH Global Trading | Strategic global commodities trading capabilities across the mining and energy value chains, with explicit expansion plans into LNG, LPG, crude oil, and refined petroleum products. |
By pairing IRH’s international trading networks and commodity sourcing power with AD Ports Group’s operational footprint, the duo aims to build a highly competitive, resilient alternative fuel hub. As shipowners increasingly demand diverse fueling options to meet international compliance regulations, the development of Khalifa Port’s multi-fuel ecosystem could serve as a vital blueprint for the region’s maritime energy transition.
About AD Ports Group
AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), is a key enabler of trade and logistics, supporting the UAE’s economic diversification and growth. The company’s integrated business model spans across five major clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime & Shipping, and Ports. AD Ports Group connects global maritime routes and international trading partners, offering world-class services across its network of ports and logistics hubs.
Over the years, AD Ports Group has developed into an integrated premier enabler of trade, industrialization, and economic diversification. Established by Emiri Decree and owned by ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies, AD Ports Group continues to play a vital role in the UAE’s long-term economic vision.
Source: AD Ports Group