The freshly constructed container terminal will be managed by a partnership between CMA Terminals, a division of the CMA CGM Group, and Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports). CMA Terminals possesses a 70% share in this venture, with AD Ports controlling the remaining 30%.
The official opening was conducted by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The event was attended by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group, along with other significant stakeholders.
The heads of AD Ports and CMA CGM also penned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing maritime training and education in the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Moreover, the CMA CGM Group is anticipated to back the training of students at the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy and assist in placing cadets on its leading vessels.
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port features state-of-the-art port facilities, including automated gate systems and integrated operations that boost efficiency and sustainability. The terminal provides shore power for ships to lower emissions, several solar panel fields contributing to the terminal’s energy mix, and the region’s first net zero carbon administrative building, powered by renewable energy.
The addition of this new container terminal has increased Khalifa Port’s annual throughput capacity by 23%, bringing it to nearly 10 million TEUs. As per the announcement, the terminal is primed for rail connectivity, reinforcing Khalifa Port’s status as a key regional gateway. The design of the new terminal aligns with sustainability goals, aiding the UAE in advancing towards a circular economy, recycling construction materials, and minimizing operational waste.
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is equipped with eight state-of-the-art Ship to Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes.
Rodolphe Saadé commented: “The launch of our new container terminal represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Khalifa Port, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a pivotal point in global trade. This strategic infrastructure will stimulate shipping and logistics across the region. In partnership with AD Ports Group, we are delighted to unveil a cutting-edge terminal that emphasizes innovation and sustainability.”
The launch of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port signifies the completion of the first phase of the new terminal project for CMA CGM, with the initial quay wall now operational at 800 meters in length, 18.5 meters deep, and eight STS Cranes, adding an overall capacity of 1.8 million TEUs to Khalifa Port.
With the new CMA CGM facility now open, Khalifa Port spans an area of 6.3 square kilometers, boasting 41 quay cranes, 159 yard cranes, 11.7 kilometers of quay wall, and 3.8 kilometers of breakwater.