AD Ports Group’s Noatum Maritime announces expansion strategy

ABU DHABI: Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, announced the official opening of its first office in Shanghai dedicated to its agency and maritime services arm - Noatum Maritime Services.

The new office contributes to the Group’s international expansion strategy and capitalises on Shanghai’s prominence as a major trade and logistics hub.

Noatum Maritime Services provides comprehensive solutions to charterers, owners, operators and ship managers for all vessel and cargo types, from load to discharge, leveraging expertise gained from operating in more than 814 ports worldwide across 118 countries.

The new office aims to deliver enhanced support to a growing client base, both in China and internationally, adding to an already well-established physical presence in 77 ports within 17 countries.

Strategically located in the heart of Shanghai, the new facility was officially opened during a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by senior officials, including Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Under-Secretary of UAE Ministry of Investment; Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group CEO - ADQ; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.

The branch shares premises with Noatum Logistics’ existing commercial office in Shanghai, reflecting the integrated and synergistic service offering that defines AD Ports Group’s business approach.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO - Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said, "Establishing a presence in Shanghai for our Noatum Maritime Services team is a significant step forward in our expansion strategy. Shanghai is a key node in the global supply chain and our presence here enables us to work more closely with charterers and owners in the region while offering responsive, high quality services to our global clients. As we continue to grow our network, proximity and local knowledge remain key to delivering the operational excellence that our clients expect.”

The launch of Noatum Maritime Services' office in Shanghai follows AD Ports Group’s recent expansion of its global network of offices, with the launch of its first international office in the Chinese capital, Beijing. This step further demonstrates its commitment to growth and expansion in China and broader ambitions to establish a foothold in Asia’s key maritime hubs.

The move expands the Group’s footprint across Greater China, which is part of its growing global network of over 140 locations.

Earlier AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, officially launched its first International Office in China, marking a major milestone in its global expansion strategy.

Located at the centre of China’s policymaking and planning, the new office will lead and coordinate the Group’s commercial and investment activities across the country and the broader Asia region.

Complementing the Group’s network of more than 140 offices worldwide, the new international office in China was officially opened by Samir Chaturvedi, Chief International Business Officer - AD Ports Group and CEO of Noatum Logistics; Abdulaziz Zayed Al-Shamsi, Regional CEO - AD Ports Group; Ellie Hioe, General Manager of Noatum Logistics – Greater China.

By establishing a presence in China’s capital, the office will enable closer engagement with key government stakeholders, strategic partners, clients and investors, and help the Group align with the nation’s development priorities and respond swiftly to emerging trade and logistics opportunities.

From the same location, Noatum Logistics, the logistics arm for the Group, will also operate its new commercial branch for the Beijing-Tianjin region, a key domestic market with combined population of over 110 million.

Specifically, the office will play a key role in advancing the Group’s presence domestically and along China’s Belt and Road network, which includes maritime routes linking Asia, Africa, and Europe, and multimodal overland corridors connecting markets across China, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It will also serve as a vital platform to connect potential clients and investors into AD Ports Group’s integrated global trade and logistics ecosystem, while coordinating investments, fostering new business ventures, and facilitating capital inflows from Chinese investors into the UAE.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “As the world’s largest exporter and driver of supply chain development, China is actively reshaping international trade. AD Ports Group shares China’s vision for greater cross border integration, and through our newly established Beijing office, we will work closely with our Chinese partners to support the expansion of key local, regional and international trade corridors and deliver cutting edge shipping, infrastructure, and logistics solutions. We look forward to furthering our mutual investment flows and unlocking lasting value for our customers, investors and communities, creating a more connected, resilient and prosperous future for all.” As part of its China growth strategy, the Group will be expanding Noatum Logistics in-country capacities to offer a full suite of holistic end-to-end logistics solutions tailored specifically to the needs of China’s own rapidly expanding domestic market, whose GDP is expected to grow at CAGR 3.5 per cent through 2030.

With its logistics market projected to rise at a 4.6 per cent CAGR through 2030, the Group aims to become a major logistics player serving China’s key industry sectors across every link of their supply chain.