AD Ports Group has signed an agreement with Masdar, Advario, and CMA CGM Group to explore developing a cutting-edge e-methanol bunkering and export facility at Khalifa Port, UAE. This initiative aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry and support the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 4, 2025 – In a major step towards sustainable maritime operations, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS) has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with Masdar, Advario, and the CMA CGM Group to explore the development of an e-methanol bunkering and export facility at Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD).
This landmark agreement aims to establish critical infrastructure that bridges the gap between commercial e-methanol production and key maritime off-takers, such as CMA CGM. The initiative aligns closely with the global push for decarbonisation in the shipping industry, which is responsible for more than 80% of global trade transport.
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A Milestone in Sustainable Maritime Logistics
The proposed e-methanol bunkering and export facility will play a pivotal role in supporting cleaner marine fuel alternatives. E-methanol, derived from green hydrogen and captured carbon, is seen as a transformational fuel for the shipping industry, capable of drastically reducing emissions.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO – Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, emphasized the environmental and economic significance of the agreement:
“The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in our journey towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible maritime industry. The development of an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Khalifa Port will not only support the growth of the shipping industry, but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of clean energy sources. We are proud of this partnership with distinguished corporations, and are confident to make a positive impact on the environment and the economy.“
Building on Strategic Green Hydrogen Momentum
The announcement builds on a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AD Ports Group and Masdar to explore the creation of a green hydrogen hub within KEZAD. Additionally, Masdar had entered a strategic agreement with CMA CGM in 2024 for long-term supply of green maritime fuels, establishing the foundation for today’s deeper collaboration.
Dr. Faye Al Hersh, Head of Green Hydrogen Business Development (UAE), Masdar, commented on the importance of partnerships in the global clean energy transition:
“Green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as e-methanol, are pivotal in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like shipping. With over 80 percent of global trade transported by sea, fostering strategic partnerships is essential to establishing robust green hydrogen value chains and ensuring a more sustainable maritime industry. By collaborating with AD Ports Group, Advario and CMA CGM, we are strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation and making meaningful strides towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Advario’s Commitment to Energy Transition
Bas Verkooijen, CEO of Advario, highlighted the importance of the project within the company’s broader sustainability strategy:
“At Advario, we are committed to supporting the energy transition through innovation and collaboration. This partnership not only strengthens our position in the UAE’s chemicals and new energy sectors, but it also underlines our commitment to working alongside our customers and partners to accelerate the decarbonisation of critical industries.”
CMA CGM’s Fleet Ready for the Future
One of the world’s leading shipping companies, CMA CGM, has committed to operating more than 153 vessels capable of running on low-carbon energy sources like e-methanol by 2029, and views this infrastructure development as essential to scaling up green fuels.
Christine Cabau Woehrel, EVP for Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group, stated:
“At CMA CGM, we are accelerating the decarbonation of shipping by investing in low-carbon solutions. This collaboration marks a key milestone in developing the necessary infrastructure to scale up sustainable fuels, which are strategic for our industry’s energy transition.”
Alignment with UAE’s National Hydrogen and Net Zero Strategy
This agreement directly supports the Abu Dhabi Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE National Hydrogen Strategy, which sets ambitious targets to ramp up hydrogen production to 1.4 million tonnes annually by 2031, and 15 million tonnes by 2050.
It also complements the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, aiming to drastically reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, such as maritime shipping, in line with global climate commitments.
Strengthening UAE-France Economic and Sustainability Ties
Beyond decarbonisation, this collaboration strengthens economic relations between the UAE and France, particularly as CMA CGM represents one of France’s leading global logistics players. The agreement emerges from bilateral cooperation fostered through the UAE-France High-Level Business Council, which aims to promote private sector involvement in sustainable economic development.
About Masdar
Masdar, also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is a leading renewable energy company founded in 2006. Jointly owned by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Mubadala Investment Company, and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), Masdar develops utility-scale power plants, community grid projects, and energy storage systems.
The company has developed projects in over 40 countries across six continents, with a combined capacity of more than 51 GW. Masdar aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 100 GW by 2030 and is a pioneer in green hydrogen technologies. The company also hosts the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) headquarters at Masdar City, a flagship project designed as a model for sustainable urban living.
About Advario
Advario, headquartered in Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port city, a global provider of tank storage and infrastructure solutions, operates 14 terminals across more than 10 countries. with a legacy spanning over 50 years of customer-centric innovation. Rooted in deep industry experience, the company is committed to delivering adaptive, forward-looking solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy and chemicals sectors. While preserving its strong heritage, Advario continues to embrace the future through strategic innovation and partnerships.
CMA CGM Group
CMA CGM Group is a French shipping and logistics company founded in 1978 by Jacques Saadé. Headquartered in Marseille, France, the company is the third-largest container shipping company in the world, with a fleet of over 650 vessels serving 420 of the world’s 521 commercial ports. In 2024, CMA CGM reported a revenue of $55.48 billion. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including container shipping, logistics, and freight forwarding. CMA CGM has been actively investing in low-carbon solutions and sustainable fuels, with plans to operate more than 153 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies and synthetic fuels such as e-methanol by 2029.
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