CMA Terminals Inaugurates Advanced Container Terminal at Khalifa Port, UAE’s Logistics Infrastructure Expansion Gains Momentum
In a remarkable step towards bolstering the United Arab Emirates’ logistics capabilities, CMA Terminals has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art container terminal at Khalifa Port. This significant investment, totaling 5 million, is the result of a strategic partnership between CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals, which holds a 70 percent stake, and Abu Dhabi Ports, which retains a 30 percent interest. This new facility is poised to enhance the maritime infrastructure of the region, adding a considerable capacity of 1.8 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) to an already bustling port.
Khalifa Port, which commenced operations in 2012, has rapidly evolved into a pivotal logistics hub in the UAE. The port currently facilitates operations for more than 25 international shipping lines and boasts direct connectivity to over 70 global destinations. The inauguration of the CMA Terminals facility further amplifies Khalifa Port’s competitive edge, increasing its annual container capacity by 23 percent, bringing it close to an impressive 10 million TEU. With ambitious plans to reach a handling capacity of 15 million TEU by 2030, Khalifa Port is strategically positioned to meet the surging demand for maritime trade in an increasingly interconnected world.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM Group, emphasized the terminal’s far-reaching implications, stating, “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. This strategic infrastructure will boost shipping and logistics activities across the region.” The commitment to enhancing logistical efficiencies is further underscored by the terminal’s readiness for railway connectivity and its incorporation of shore-power infrastructure for vessels, a feature designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize efficiency.
In addition to the terminal’s operational capabilities, it is equipped with eight Ship to Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes. These state-of-the-art installations are expected to significantly enhance the terminal’s operational efficiency, enabling faster turnaround times and improved service delivery for shipping companies and freight operators.
The overarching Khalifa Port expansion plan, launched in 2022, reflects the UAE government’s commitment to fostering economic growth through enhanced trade and logistics capabilities. This initiative is part of a broader national strategy aimed at establishing the UAE as a leading logistics hub in the Middle East. The expansion not only creates job opportunities and stimulates economic activity within the region but also strengthens the UAE’s position in the global supply chain network.
Complementary to the operational advancements at Khalifa Port, CMA CGM and Abu Dhabi Ports have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance maritime education and training throughout the UAE and the broader Gulf region. Under this agreement, the CMA CGM Group will play a pivotal role in providing practical experience for cadets from the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy by offering placements aboard its vessels. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to investing in local talent and developing skilled professionals in the maritime field, further contributing to the sustainability of the industry.
In recent years, CMA CGM has actively expanded its terminal footprint in key maritime hubs across various regions, including the Mediterranean and the Americas, with notable investments at the Port of New York and New Jersey as well as Brazil’s Port of Santos. This aggressive expansion strategy signifies the company’s focus not only on enhancing its operational capacity but also on establishing a resilient and agile supply chain that can adapt to the ever-evolving demands of global logistics.
As the UAE solidifies its status as a transformative force in the logistics sector, the inauguration of the CMA Terminals container terminal at Khalifa Port stands as a testament to the promising future of trade and maritime operations in the region. This development not only reinforces Abu Dhabi’s standing as a crucial nexus of global commerce but also highlights the collaborative efforts between private entities and governmental agencies to foster sustainable economic growth.
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