Khaled inaugurates CMA Terminals Khalifa Port worth Dhs3.1 billion

His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a Dhs3.1 billion ($845 million) container terminal managed by a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70 per cent) and Abu Dhabi Ports (30 per cent).

Sheikh Khaled was briefed on CMA Terminals Khalifa Port by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, in the presence of RodolpheSaadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group and a number of key stakeholders.

Sheikh Khaled also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, aimed at the development and enhancement of maritime training and education in the UAE and GCC region.

The CMA CGM Group will also support the training of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy students and contribute to the placement of cadets onboard its flagship vessels.

Sheikh Khaled highlighted the significance of this project in further advancing comprehensive and sustainable economic development while supporting efforts to diversify the national economy. He also emphasised the project’s role in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leading regional and global hub for trade and logistics services and in attracting international investments in vital infrastructure, shipping, and maritime transport services, which enhance the country’s global competitiveness and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth across various key sectors.

The inauguration is a major milestone in the development of Khalifa Port, AD Ports Group’s flagship port. The world-class container, roll-on/roll-off and multipurpose port facility opened in December 2012, and in 12 years has expanded to become one of the world’s fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port showcases advanced port infrastructure, including automated gates and integrated systems that enhance efficiency and sustainability. The facility offers shore-power for vessels to limit emissions, 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. The building won the Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award in 2022 from the Mena Green Building Awards.

The addition of the CMA CGM facility increases Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23 per cent to almost 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The new terminal is ready for rail connectivity and will significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s position as a major gateway for the region. The design of the new facility incorporatessustainability principles, which support the UAE’s wider targets for further developing a circular economy, recycling construction and reducing operational waste.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port provides CMA CGM with a modern, sustainably designed hub to serve growing tradebetween Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, as wellas the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. CMA CGM is a leader in efforts to progressively decarbonise the global shipping industry, with a goal to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port blends state-of-the-art technology and sustainability. The new facility includes eight advanced Ship to Shore (STS) cranes, and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, which enhance Khalifa Port as one of the world’s most technologically advanced commercial ports, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s role in driving the future of sustainable and smart trade.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said, “We are honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, which highlights the UAE as a premierinvestment 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 Chief Executive Officer of 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 partnerAD 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, AD Ports Group, stated, “It is a true privilege to welcome Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to the CMA terminal at Khalifa Port.”

WAM