AD Ports Group has inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi – an AE$3.1bn (US$845m) container terminal.
CMA Terminals sustainable operations
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port– managed by a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70%) and AD Ports Group (30%) – offers shore power for vessels to limit emissions. It also has several solar panel areas contributing to the energy mix of the terminal operations and includes the region’s first net zero carbon administration building, which is powered by renewable energy sources.
According to the partners, the facility also houses advanced port infrastructure, including automated gates and integrated systems that reportedly enhance efficiency and sustainability. For example, it includes eight advanced ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and 20 electric rubber-tired gantry (e-RTG) cranes.
The new facility incorporates sustainability principles into the construction to support the UAE’s wider targets for building the circular economy, recycling construction and reducing operational waste. For this reason, the building won the Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award in 2022 from the MENA Green Building Awards.
Khalifa Port’s expansion
With the opening of the new CMA CGM facility, Khalifa Port now extends over 6.3 km2, with 41 quay cranes, 159 yard cranes, 11.7km of quay wall and 3.8km of breakwater length.
The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port marks the completion of Phase 1 of the new terminal project for CMA CGM, with the opening of an initial quay wall of 800m and 18.5m of depth, and 8 STS cranes adding a total capacity of 1.8 million TEUs (twenty foot equivalent units) to Khalifa Port.
Overall, the addition of the CMA CGM facility increases Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23% to almost 10 million TEUs. Additionally, the new terminal is ready for rail connectivity and is expected to enhance Khalifa Port’s position as a major gateway for the region.
HE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, chairman of AD Ports Group, said, “The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port highlights the UAE as a premier investment destination and solidifies its position as a key partner for global players. The new terminal will boost trade flows and foster long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
Rodolphe Saadé, chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, added, “The inauguration of our new container terminal is a major step in the development of Khalifa Port, consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub. This strategic infrastructure will boost shipping and logistics activities across the region. Together with our partner AD Ports Group, we are pleased to deliver a modern terminal with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated, “CMA Terminals Khalifa Port will significantly boost Abu Dhabi’s connectivity, reinforcing its vital role on the global trade map and contributing to local economic diversification in line with the vision of our leadership. 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.”
In related news, Cosco Shipping’s first green and smart port investment in South America, named Chancay Peru Terminal, recently started operations. Click here to read the full story.