CMA Terminals Inaugurates Container Terminal in Khalifa Port

CMA Terminals has recently unveiled a state-of-the-art container terminal in Khalifa Port, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s port expansion efforts. The $845 million facility, operated as a joint venture between CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70 percent) and Abu Dhabi Ports (30 percent), is set to bolster the port’s capabilities with an additional capacity of 1.8 million TEU.

The inauguration of this terminal comes as part of the UAE’s ambitious Khalifa Port expansion plan, initiated in 2022 to fuel economic growth and enhance the country’s maritime infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2012, Khalifa Port has evolved into a key logistics hub, catering to over 25 container shipping lines and offering direct connections to more than 70 international destinations.

With the incorporation of the CMA Terminals facility, Khalifa Port’s annual container handling capacity has surged by 23 percent, nearing the 10 million TEU mark. The port’s long-term vision aims to achieve a handling capacity of 15 million TEU by 2030, solidifying its position as a premier maritime gateway in the region.

Designed to facilitate seamless operations, the terminal is equipped for railway connectivity and features advanced shore-power infrastructure for vessels. Boasting eight Ship to Shore (STS) cranes and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, the facility is geared towards enhancing efficiency and productivity at Khalifa Port.

“The inauguration of our new container terminal signifies a significant stride in Khalifa Port’s development, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global trade hub. This strategic infrastructure will catalyze shipping and logistics activities across the region,” stated Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM Group.

Furthermore, CMA CGM and AD Ports have formalized a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at enriching maritime education and training in the UAE and the Gulf region. As part of this collaboration, the CMA CGM Group will facilitate the placement of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy cadets on board its vessels, fostering hands-on learning experiences.

Over the past few years, CMA CGM has made substantial investments in expanding its terminal network across key ports worldwide. Notable regions targeted by the ocean carrier include the Mediterranean and the Americas, with significant presence in ports such as the Port of New York and New Jersey and Brazil’s Port of Santos.