<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2024/11/08/ad-ports-partners-with-pakistan-to-boost-trade-transport-and-logistics/" target="_blank">Abu Dhabi</a> has boosted its position as a global trade and <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2024/05/28/ad-ports-led-consortium-to-develop-green-methanol-plant-in-egypt/" target="_blank">logistics hub</a> with the inauguration of the Dh3.1 billion ($845 million) CMA Terminals at Khalifa Port. The new<a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/economy/2024/04/23/ad-ports-to-invest-251m-to-upgrade-and-operate-angolas-luanda-port/" target="_blank"> container terminal</a>, which is ready for rail connectivity, is a joint venture between the French shipping company CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70 per cent) and AD Ports Group (30 per cent). It aims to bolster the port’s container capacity by 23 per cent to nearly 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. The facility was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The new facility intends to advance Abu Dhabi’s logistics and trade, offering greater connectivity across global shipping routes while supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability goals and economic diversification strategy. Equipped with the latest technology, the terminal comes with various sustainability features such as automated systems, solar power, and the region’s first net zero carbon administration building. “This strategic infrastructure will boost shipping and logistics activities across the region … we are pleased to deliver a modern terminal with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability,” said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive of CMA CGM Group. The inauguration is one of the key milestones in the development of Khalifa Port, AD Ports Group’s flagship port. Since its opening in December 2012, the world-class container, roll-on/roll-off, and multipurpose port facility has expanded to become one of the world's fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports. The latest infrastructure addition will expand Abu Dhabi’s connectivity, reinforcing its vital role on the global trade map and contributing to local economic diversification, said Capt Mohamed Al Shamsi, managing director and group chief executive of AD Ports Group. “This new facility places AD Ports Group firmly in the ranks of the world’s leading global port operators. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial partnership with CMA CGM that brings long-term economic benefits to the UAE and Abu Dhabi, as we work together to build a sustainable global transport future.” During the inauguration event, an initial agreement was also signed to enhance maritime training and education in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. As per the pact, the CMA CGM Group will support the training of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy students and facilitate the placement of cadets on-board its flagship vessels.
