AD Ports awards terminal contracts to Chinese firm

AD Ports Group has signed a contract with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) to develop buildings and topside infrastructure for the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, the UAE state-owned WAM news agency reported.

CMA Terminals is 70 percent owned by French container transportation and shipping firm CMA CGM’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals, while 30 percent is with AD Ports Group.

The agreement includes the development of the first net zero carbon administration building. The building will be energy efficient and powered by renewable energy sources and offsets.

In addition, the agreement will see the development of 28 offices and utilities across the terminal, more than one million square metres of yard paving, reefer stacks, cranes and access roads.

The terminal is expected to be operational in H1 2025. 

Once completed, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port will have an initial capacity of 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units and will be fully integrated with Etihad Rail. It will significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s connectivity and position as a regional key gateway.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO, ports cluster, AD Ports Group, said the group is incorporating sustainability principles into their construction plan by developing the first net-zero administration building. 

David Gatward, Chief Engineering & Technical Services Officer, AD Ports Group, said that the long-term benefits of building the net-zero carbon administration centre for CMA Terminals Khalifa Port will be significant and will create the opportunity for AD Ports Group to offer green business models for future tenants across its assets.