AD Ports Group has signed a significant agreement with the CMA CGM Group to expand their jointly operated container terminal at Khalifa Port.
The move follows exceptionally strong demand since the terminal’s opening in late 2024, with operations reaching near full capacity far earlier than expected. To accommodate this growth, both partners will invest AED 420 million, with costs shared according to their respective ownership stakes in the terminal.
Increased capacity and improved infrastructure
The expansion project is set to raise the terminal’s annual handling capacity by 50 percent, increasing it from 1.8 million TEUs to 2.7 million TEUs once completed. In turn, Khalifa Port’s overall container capacity will also rise, cementing its position as one of the region’s fastest-growing transshipment hubs.
Infrastructure upgrades form a major part of the development plan. The quay wall will be extended from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, enabling the berth of larger vessels and multiple mega-ships simultaneously. The container yard will expand by more than 40 percent, allowing for greater storage and more efficient container flow. Utility enhancements, terminal systems upgrades, and advanced reefer rack installations will further modernize operations and support increased refrigerated cargo demand.
Executive perspectives and strategic alignment
Executives from both AD Ports Group and the CMA CGM Group underscored the importance of the expansion in supporting Abu Dhabi’s rise as a global logistics hub. The rapid growth of the terminal within its first year of operation highlighted the need to accelerate the second phase of development, originally planned for a later date. Both organizations view the terminal as a key asset that strengthens long-term cooperation and supports the region’s strategic ambitions in global trade.
The terminal’s design incorporates advanced, eco-efficient technology. It currently operates with next-generation ship-to-shore cranes, electric rubber-tyred gantries, and a solar-powered administrative building. The expansion will continue this focus on sustainability by enhancing energy-efficient systems and improving environmental performance across terminal operations.
The facility is also fully integrated with the national rail network, providing seamless multimodal connectivity that reduces road congestion and supports more sustainable inland cargo movement.
Impact on Abu Dhabi’s global trade position
The expansion is expected to elevate Khalifa Port’s standing among the world’s leading ports, further boosting Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness in global maritime logistics. With rising capacity, improved infrastructure, and stronger international partnerships, the port is positioned to support future trade growth, attract new services, and enhance supply chain resilience across regional and global markets.
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Source: AD Ports
