Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Inaugurates AED 3.1 Billion CMA Terminals at Khalifa Port

Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a landmark event, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the state-of-the-art CMA Terminals at Khalifa Port. The AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) terminal is a joint venture between CMA Terminals (a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group) holding 70% and Abu Dhabi Ports Group owning 30%.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s Global Trade Position

During the inauguration, Sheikh Khaled received a briefing from Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group. This new facility is set to play a vital role in enhancing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading global trade and logistics hub.

Sheikh Khaled highlighted the terminal’s potential to drive sustainable economic growth while diversifying the UAE’s economy. He noted that the project exemplifies the UAE’s dedication to attracting international investment in pivotal sectors, including shipping, logistics, and maritime infrastructure.

MoU to Foster Maritime Training

As part of the event, CMA CGM and AD Ports Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance maritime training and education across the UAE and the GCC region. This partnership will enable CMA CGM to support training initiatives at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and offer placements for cadets aboard its vessels.

A Milestone in Khalifa Port’s Evolution

The CMA Terminals Khalifa Port represents a significant advancement in the port’s capabilities. Since its opening in 2012, Khalifa Port has become one of the world’s most efficient and technologically advanced ports. The new terminal boosts container capacity by 23%, raising its annual capacity to nearly 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).

Sustainability at the Core

The terminal integrates sustainability into its operations through innovative features:

• Automated gates and integrated systems for enhanced efficiency.
• Shore-power capabilities to minimize vessel emissions.
• Solar panels that supply power to terminal operations.
• The region’s first net-zero carbon administration building, powered by renewable energy, which won the Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award at the 2022 MENA Green Building Awards.

These initiatives support the UAE’s goals of fostering a circular economy and reducing waste.

Technological Excellence

With advanced equipment like eight Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, the terminal stands as one of the world’s most advanced commercial ports.

Boosting Trade Across Key Regions

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port serves as a crucial hub for trade spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. This aligns with CMA CGM’s commitment to decarbonizing the shipping industry, supporting its Net Zero Carbon goal by 2050.

Leadership Reflections

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, remarked:
“The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port reaffirms the UAE’s role as a prime investment destination and a key partner in global trade. This development will boost trade flows and foster sustainable economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, stated:
“This terminal strengthens Khalifa Port’s status as a global trade hub. With an emphasis on innovation and sustainability, it will meet the region’s growing logistics needs.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, noted:
“The new terminal cements Khalifa Port’s importance in global trade while advancing the UAE’s vision for economic diversification and sustainability. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to creating a sustainable global transport future.”

A Gateway to the Future

With CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable, smart trade solutions, driving economic diversification and setting a global benchmark in logistics and maritime transport.