Firms appointed for modernisation of Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal

AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has appointed Mar Construction Civil & Obras Publicas - LDA to design and build the topside and marine infrastructure of the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, located in Angola’s largest port. Additionally, AD Ports Group has engaged Dar Al Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners to provide Project Management and Construction Supervision Services for the project.

The Port of Luanda handles approximately 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo, serving as a crucial maritime gateway for landlocked neighbours, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, AD Ports Group committed to invest $250 million through 2026 to modernise the terminal.

On 30 January 2025, AD Ports Group commenced its long-term management of the multi-purpose terminal, driving forward the Group’s expansion into sub-Saharan Africa and reinforcing its commitment to enhancing regional logistics infrastructure.

The modernisation project involves extensive upgrades, transforming the terminal into a modern general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facility. With a depth of 16 metres, it will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda capable of accommodating Super Post-Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). The terminal’s 192,000 sqm area will be optimised for high-density container handling and equipped with cutting-edge technology and IT systems. The extensive modernisation works are expected to be completed in Q1 2027.

Upon completion, new container handling equipment will be installed, significantly increasing container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles.

Mohamed Eidha Tannaf AlMenhali, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “AD Ports Group is pleased to work with Mar Construction Civil & Obras Publicas - LDA and Dar Al Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners on the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal project. This modernisation initiative will not only transform Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal into a state-of-the-art facility but also significantly enhance its capacity and efficiency. By accommodating Super Post-Panamax vessels and increasing container and Ro-Ro handling capabilities, we are committed to providing our customers and clients in the region with superior service and seamless logistics solutions. This project demonstrates our dedication to supporting the economic growth of Angola and its neighbouring countries, ensuring that the port remains a vital gateway for global trade.”

With a population of 34.5 million, growing at a rate of 3.2%, and a GDP of $74 billion, the Republic of Angola is considered the sixth largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa and a sizable domestic market also requiring meaningful gateway cargo volumes.

AD Ports Group has expanded into Africa over the past three years, announcing more than $800 million in planned investments in the maritime and shipping, ports and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Angola.

Two days ago, AD Ports Group achieved record-breaking results in 2024, with revenues reaching Dhs17.29 billion and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation), reaching Dhs4.51 billion, marking growth of 48 and 69 percent respectively compared to 2023.

The Group’s 2024 Annual Report highlighted a year of exceptional performance, during which it successfully integrated two major acquisitions and accelerated its international expansion strategy, boosting profitability.

The report shed light on AD Ports Group’s continued expansion, including the integration of Noatum, a global logistics leader, and Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), a Dubai-based regional container shipping company. Additionally, the Group secured multi-purpose terminal concessions and intermodal logistics facilities in some of the world’s fastest-growing trade corridors, including Egypt, Pakistan, Angola, Tanzania, and Georgia.

All of the Group’s business segments — Ports, Economic Cities and Free Zones, Maritime and Shipping, Logistics, and Digital — contributed to the record-breaking revenue.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment and Chairman of AD Ports Group, stated that the Group achieved exceptional results, navigating challenges skillfully while leveraging opportunities to drive its comprehensive international expansion strategy.

He added that AD Ports Group emerged as a key global player in 2024, achieving new levels of geographic reach, international recognition, and financial strength, all driven by the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership.

WAM