His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has officially inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a state-of-the-art container terminal valued at AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million). This project is the result of a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals, which holds a 70% stake, and Abu Dhabi Ports, which owns the remaining 30%. The new terminal is expected to bolster the UAE’s position as a major global trade hub, supporting the country’s long-term economic growth and diversification efforts.
The inauguration ceremony included a briefing by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and the presence of Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, along with other key stakeholders. HH Sheikh Khaled was also witness to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Al Shamisi. This MoU focuses on advancing maritime training and education in the UAE and GCC region, with a particular emphasis on supporting the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy. The agreement includes initiatives to place cadets onboard CMA CGM’s flagship vessels, providing hands-on experience for the next generation of maritime professionals.
Economic Growth and Sustainability at the Core of the Project
During the inauguration, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, underscored the importance of the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port project in advancing the UAE’s vision for sustainable economic development. The facility is set to enhance the UAE’s competitiveness by attracting international investments, particularly in the fields of infrastructure, shipping, and maritime transport services. Sheikh Khaled highlighted that the project is integral to positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a global leader in trade and logistics services.
The opening of this terminal represents a major milestone for Khalifa Port, a flagship development of AD Ports Group, which has grown into one of the world’s fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports. Khalifa Port, which began operations in 2012, now boasts an expanded capacity with the addition of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, further establishing the port as a vital gateway for global trade.
Innovative Infrastructure and Sustainable Operations
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is designed with advanced infrastructure aimed at improving operational efficiency and sustainability. The facility is equipped with automated gates and integrated systems, which streamline port operations and enhance sustainability efforts. Additionally, the terminal offers shore power for vessels, helping to reduce emissions, and features several solar-panel areas to support its energy mix. The terminal also houses the region’s first Net Zero Carbon administration building, which was recognized with the Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award at the 2022 MENA Green Building Awards. This initiative is in line with the UAE’s broader goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable infrastructure.
The new terminal boosts Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23%, bringing it close to 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). It also enhances the port’s rail connectivity, offering greater logistical efficiency. The design incorporates sustainability principles that align with the UAE’s objectives for advancing a circular economy, recycling construction materials, and minimizing operational waste.
Technological Advancements and Global Trade Connectivity
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port features cutting-edge technology, including eight Ship to Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes. These innovations enhance the terminal’s capacity and efficiency, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in smart and sustainable trade. The terminal will facilitate growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, positioning CMA CGM as a key player in the decarbonization of global shipping. CMA CGM has set ambitious targets to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, aligning with its broader sustainability goals.
A Strategic Infrastructure Investment for the Future
The opening of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is also seen as a strategic move to increase the connectivity of Abu Dhabi, solidifying its role as a global trade hub. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, highlighted the terminal’s importance in positioning the UAE as a premier investment destination. He emphasized that the terminal would play a significant role in boosting trade flows and driving economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE.
Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, expressed that the inauguration of the new terminal marks a major step in the development of Khalifa Port. He highlighted the strategic nature of the investment, which will foster shipping and logistics activities in the region and beyond. The partnership with AD Ports Group is expected to deliver a modern terminal that focuses on innovation and sustainability, meeting the demands of global trade.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of AD Ports Group, added that the new terminal strengthens Khalifa Port’s position on the global trade map. The partnership with CMA CGM will bring long-term economic benefits to the UAE and Abu Dhabi, contributing to the sustainable development of global transport.
Phase 1 Completion and Future Growth
The inauguration marks the completion of Phase 1 of the CMA CGM terminal project, which includes the opening of an initial 800-meter quay wall, 18.5 meters in depth, and 8 STS cranes, increasing Khalifa Port’s capacity by 1.8 million TEUs. With this addition, Khalifa Port has expanded to cover 6.3 square kilometers, featuring 41 quay cranes, 159 yard cranes, and 11.7 kilometers of quay wall.
As Khalifa Port continues to expand, it will remain a key player in the region’s trade and logistics landscape, facilitating the UAE’s long-term economic growth and diversification strategies.
About AD Ports Group
AD Ports Group is a leading global player in integrated logistics, ports, and maritime services, providing a wide range of services through its strategic locations. Its comprehensive infrastructure and capabilities play a significant role in supporting global trade and economic development. The Group’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships continues to drive its success in the maritime and logistics sectors.
Source AD Ports Group