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Abu Dhabi Ports GroupOperators of emirate’s industrial cities and free zones are ‘on track’ to develop new CMA Terminals Khalifa Port The budgeted capital expenditure is AED 3.3 billion (US$ 89 million).
The group said on Thursday it had reached a “major development milestone” with the installation of the first 90-tonne blocks for the terminal’s quay wall.
“Today marks a pivotal moment for the development of the new terminal at Khalifa Port, which will boost trade volumes and increase new trade links with other prominent ports, boosting the UAE economy,” said Saif Al Maz, Chief Executive Officer of the Port Saif Al Mazrouei, a cluster of AD Ports Group, said.
The new terminal was announced in September 2021 and is expected to be operational in the first half of 2025. It will be managed by a joint venture 70% owned by CMA CGM’s subsidiary CMA Terminals and 30% by AD Ports Group.
“With the arrival of French shipping container company CMA CGM, Khalifa Port is now providing hubs for three of the world’s four largest shipping lines,” said Mr Al Mazrouei.
Founded in 2006, AD Ports Group owns and operates 10 ports in the UAE. These include Khalifa Port, Zayed Port, Mussafah Port, Fujairah Marina, Community Port, Kamsar Port and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, as well as a terminal in Guinea.
AD Ports Group also manages more than 550 square kilometers of industrial estate and end-to-end logistics, in addition to providing a range of maritime services.
The company said it is developing extensive supporting marine infrastructure for the terminal, which will provide a new regional hub for CMA CGM.
“In addition to the commencement of construction of the quay wall, other ongoing marine works include land reclamation for the new quay, construction of a new port basin and offshore breakaway breakwaters,” said David Gatward AD Ports Group, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer.
“Continued development and expansion of the terminal will increase our container handling capacity and improve operational efficiency.”
When the quay wall is completed, the contracted block will be able to accommodate the world’s largest container ship. Other facilities under development include a 3,500-meter free-standing breakwater at sea, a fully constructed rail platform and a 1 million-square-meter marina yard.
When completed, the new terminal will have an initial capacity of 1.8 million 20-foot equivalent units, be fully integrated with Etihad Rail and facilitate connectivity to Khalifa Port, the company said.
Michael Lund Hansen, CEO of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, said: “With our new terminal and the shipping line services it will attract, Khalifa Port will increase connectivity to global markets and further develop intermodal logistics facilities and advanced port infrastructure,” , said.
Updated: September 22, 2022 9:27am
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