Abu Dhabi opens new facility at Khalifa Port to boost capacity

The development forms part of a Dh4bn expansion of the port

Khalifa Port’s South Quay has been completed and is now operational, according to Abu Dhabi Ports. Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Ports.

Abu Dhabi opened a new facility at Khalifa Port to boost cargo handling capacity.

Khalifa Port’s south quay facility, with two berths and a 37,000-square-metre terminal yard, has been completed and is now operational ahead of schedule, Abu Dhabi Ports said on Sunday. The development forms part of Dh4 billion expansion of the port.

“Khalifa Port’s upgrade and expansion not only enables dramatic growth in our bulk and general cargo handling capacity but further serves to demonstrate Abu Dhabi Ports’ firm commitment in supporting the individual needs of new and existing customers,” Saif Al Mazrouei, head of ports cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports, said.

Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the UAE outside the oil and gas sector, will use the facility in addition to its own nearby docks for bauxite shipments, according to Abu Dhabi Ports.

The first bauxite shipment destined for EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery anchored at Khalifa Port’s south quay, marking the commencement of operations at the newly launched facility. EGA's bauxite shipment was followed by the docking of two large general cargo ships.

Abu Dhabi is diversifying its economy amid a push to reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons, boost foreign investment and promote trade through the development of its ports.

“The introduction of the south quay, together with the adjacent Khalifa Port Logistics development will dramatically boost Khalifa Port’s ability to handle any type of cargo and service a wide variety of customers,” Abu Dhabi Ports said.

Abu Dhabi's non-oil exports and re-exports jumped 62.5 per cent to reach Dh32.8 billion ($9bn) between June and August this year, compared with the previous three months, despite the coronavirus pandemic, Abu Dhabi's Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said last month.

Abu Dhabi Ports is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies that owns stakes in companies spanning key sectors of the economy including media, utilities, aviation and healthcare, among others.