Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi inaugurates CMA CGM Khalifa terminalCrown Prince of Abu Dhabi inaugurates CMA CGM Khalifa terminal

HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in a ceremony attended by CMA CGM Group CEO and chairman Rodolphe Saadé.

CMA CGM signed a 35-year concession for the terminal in 2021, entering a joint venture for its management between CMA Terminals, with a 70% stake, and AD Ports with the remaining 30%.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port adds 1.8m teu of capacity to Khalifa Port, a 23% uplift for the port, which is located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The terminal is also ready for rail connectivity, the partners said.

The newly-inaugurated terminal boasts automated gates, and shore power for vessels at berth. Equipment includes eight advanced ship-to-shore cranes and 20 electric rubber tyre gantry cranes (RTG). The quay wall measures 800 metres in length with a depth of 18.5 m.

Solar panels help to reduce emissions at the terminal, which houses the Middle East’s first net-zero carbon administration building, powered by renewable energy.

The inauguration event included the signing of a memorandum of understanding between CMA CGM and Abu Dhabi Ports on maritime training and education in the UAE and GCC. The Crown Prince witnessed the signing by Saadé and AD Ports Group CEO Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. 

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The CMA CGM Group will also support the training of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy students and contribute to the placement of cadets onboard its flagship vessels, it said.

HH Al Nahyan emphasised the project's role in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leading regional and global hub for trade and logistics services and in attracting international investments in vital infrastructure, shipping, and maritime transport services, which enhance the country's global competitiveness and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth across various key sectors.

“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,” said Saadé. “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.”

“This new facility places AD Ports Group firmly in the ranks of the world’s leading global port operators,” said Capt Al Shamisi. “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.”

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