CMA CGM, AD Ports open sustainable container terminal at Khalifa Port

December 13, 2024, by Naida Hakirevic Prevljak

A new, sustainable container terminal has been inaugurated at Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port. The terminal is operated under a 35-year concession by a joint venture between French shipping major CMA CGM and the UAE-based terminal operator AD Ports Group.

On December 12, 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port was officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, in the presence of Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM.

The AED 3.1 billion ($845 million) container terminal is managed by a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70%) and Abu Dhabi Ports (30%).

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is said to feature ‘advanced’ port infrastructure, including automated gates and integrated systems that enhance efficiency and sustainability. The facility offers shore power for vessels to limit emissions, solar panels’ areas contributing to the energy mix of the terminal operations and also includes the region’s first net zero carbon administration building, which is powered by renewable energy sources.

The addition of the CMA CGM facility increases Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23% to almost 10 million TEUs. The new terminal is ready for rail connectivity and is expected to significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s position as “a major gateway for the region”.

Specifically, the design of the new facility incorporated sustainability principles which support the UAE’s wider targets for building the circular economy, recycling construction and reducing operational waste.

The new terminal provides CMA CGM with a sustainably designed hub to serve growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. The French shipping giant has a goal to reach net zero carbon by 2050. The new facility includes eight ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, and 20 electric rubber tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes, enhancing’s the port’s position as “one of the world’s most technologically advanced commercial ports”.

“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,” His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said.

“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,” Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group, commented.

“CMA terminal at 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,” Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, pointed out.

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 800 meters in length, 18.5 meters in depth, and with eight STS cranes adding a total capacity of 1.8 million TEUs to Khalifa Port. With the opening of the new CMA CGM facility, Khalifa Port now extends over 6.3 square kilometers, with 41 quay cranes, 159-yard cranes, 11.7 km of quay wall and 3.8 km of breakwater length.