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Ex-Heathrow high-flyer to steer Khalifa megaport project

Ex-Heathrow high-flyer to steer Khalifa megaport project

Abu Dhabi: A new CEO has been appointed at Abu Dhabi Ports Co to run its flagship Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) development and other projects. Tony Douglas is a previous CEO of Heathrow airport and former COO and Group Chief Executive designate of UK construction group Laing O'Rourke.

ADPC Chairman Dr Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber welcomed the appointment of Douglas as someone who "brings with him great experience and talent in the management of infrastructure projects across the world and in the region. The company is developing major projects as part of the Abu Dhabi Vision Plan 2030 and I am confident his stewardship will contribute to the success of their implementation."

Douglas said he looked forward to "exciting times ahead", including "creating one of the world's largest concentrations of industry and business at the Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone. ... With over 400 sq kms of land available for development it is larger than many cities. It is set to become a major trade and business hub and will contribute greatly to the development of the emirate and the UAE's economy."

Phase 1 of Khalifa Port, located midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will open in 2012, replacing Abu Dhabi's existing main port of Mina Zayed. The new port will have an initial capacity of 2m TEU of containers and 9m tons of general cargo. When all phases of Khalifa Port are completed, it will have a capacity of 15m TEU of containers and 35m tons of general cargo. [29/06/10]