Logistics AD Ports moves ahead with Angolan port upgrade By Pramod Kumar April 7, 2025, 10:47 AM AD Ports Group The Port of Luanda handles 76 percent of Angola’s container and general cargo, serving as a logistics centre for landlocked neighbours State-controlled Abu Dhabi ports operator AD Ports Group is to upgrade Angola’s largest port as it expands its reach in Africa, the company said in a statement. The company has appointed UAE-based Mar Construction Civil & Obras Publicas to design and build the port’s infrastructure, the statement said. Additionally, the company has engaged Lebanon-based Dar Al Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners to provide project management and construction supervision for Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal. The Port of Luanda handles 76 percent of Angola’s container and general cargo, serving as a maritime hub for landlocked neighbours, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. AD Ports plans to invest $250 million through 2026 to modernise the terminal under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024. On January 30, the company started long-term management of the multipurpose terminal. The modernisation is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027 and aims to transform the terminal into a modern general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facility. The terminal’s 192,000 sq m area will be upgraded for high-density container handling. Upon completion, the new container handling equipment will increase container capacity from 25,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an industry standard, to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to more than 40,000 vehicles. UAE’s AD Ports profit up to $1bn AD Ports to operate customs centre in Jordan AD Ports explores building new economic zone in Egypt AD Ports is 75 percent owned by the government of Abu Dhabi via Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ). Its shares have lost 19 percent in the year to date. Angola is the sixth largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a population of 35 million, growing at a rate of more than 3 percent a year, and a GDP of $74 billion. AD Ports has expanded into Africa over the past three years, announcing more than $800 million in investment in shipping, ports and logistics in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Angola, the company said. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
