Khalifa Port Strengthens Position as Global Trade Hub with New CMA Terminals

Published: Monday, January 6, 2025

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has officially opened the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port.

Khalifa Port has reached a major milestone with the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facility that boosts container capacity by 23% to nearly 10 million TEUs annually. Combining advanced technology and sustainability, the new terminal enhances Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trade hub and supports the UAE’s green economy goals.

This AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) container terminal is managed through a joint venture, with CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals holding a 70% stake and Abu Dhabi Ports owning the remaining 30%.

His Highness was also present for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. This agreement focuses on advancing maritime training and education across the UAE and the GCC region. As part of the partnership, the CMA CGM Group will help train students from the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and assist with placing cadets on its flagship vessels.

The inauguration of CMA Terminals is a significant milestone for Khalifa Port, the flagship port of AD Ports Group. Since its opening in December 2012, this world-class container, roll-on/roll-off, and multipurpose facility has grown rapidly, transforming into one of the fastest-growing and most efficient commercial ports in the world.

The newly unveiled CMA Terminals showcases cutting-edge infrastructure designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. It features automated gates, integrated systems, and shore-power capabilities that reduce vessel emissions. Solar panels power several areas, and the terminal is home to the region’s first net-zero carbon administration building, running entirely on renewable energy. This building earned the prestigious “Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award” at the 2022 MENA Green Building Awards.

The addition of the CMA CGM terminal boosts port’s container capacity by 23%, bringing the total to nearly 10 million TEUs annually. Ready for rail connectivity, this new terminal further solidifies port’s position as a major regional gateway. Designed with sustainability at its core, it supports the UAE’s circular economy goals by promoting construction recycling and reducing operational waste.

CMA Terminals serves as a modern, sustainably designed hub for CMA CGM to facilitate growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. CMA CGM, a global leader in decarbonizing the shipping industry, aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, and this terminal aligns perfectly with their mission.

The facility combines advanced technology with sustainability. It is equipped with eight state-of-the-art Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, further enhancing port’s status as one of the world’s most advanced commercial ports and a key driver of sustainable trade.

At the inauguration, His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, expressed pride in welcoming His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, noting the terminal’s role in cementing the UAE’s reputation as a top investment destination and a key partner for global trade.

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Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, highlighted the terminal’s strategic significance, calling it a step forward for Khalifa Port and a boost to regional shipping and logistics. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the port’s enhanced global connectivity and contribution to local economic diversification.

The inauguration also marks the completion of Phase 1 of the CMA CGM terminal project, featuring an 800-meter quay wall, 18.5 meters of depth, and a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs. With these advancements, Khalifa Port now spans 6.3 square kilometers, with 41 quay cranes, 159 yard cranes, an 11.7-kilometer quay wall, and a 3.8-kilometer breakwater.

This new chapter firmly establishes Khalifa Port as a regional leader in trade, innovation, and sustainability, driving forward the UAE’s vision for economic growth and global connectivity.