H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in the presence of Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a state of-the-art prestige AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) container terminal managed by a joint venture between the CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary CMA Terminals (70%) and Abu Dhabi Ports (30%).

His Highness also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by Rodolphe Saadé and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, aimed at the development and enhancement of maritime training and education in the UAE and GCC region. The CMA CGM Group will also support the training of Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy students and contribute to the placement of cadets onboard its flagship vessels. His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the significance of this project in further advancing comprehensive and sustainable economic development while supporting efforts to diversify the national economy. His Highness also emphasised the project’s role in positioning Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a leading regional and global hub for trade and logistics services and in attracting international investments in vital infrastructure, shipping, and maritime transport services, which enhance the country’s global competitiveness and reaffirm its ongoing commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth across various key sectors.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port showcases advanced port infrastructure, including automated gates and integrated systems that enhance efficiency and sustainability. The facility offers shore-power for vessels to limit emissions, solar panels’ areas contributing to the energy mix of the terminal operations and also includes the region’s first net zero carbon administration building, which is powered by renewable energy sources. The building won the Net Zero Building Project of the Year Award in 2022 from the MENA Green Building Awards.

The addition of the CMA CGM facility increases Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 23% to almost 10 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units). The new terminal is ready for rail connectivity and will significantly enhance Khalifa Port’s position as a major gateway for the region. The design of the new facility incorporated sustainability principles which support the UAE’s wider targets for building the circular economy, recycling construction and reducing operational waste.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port provides CMA CGM with a modern, sustainably designed hub to serve growing trade between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Mediterranean, as well as the Middle East and the Indian sub-continent. CMA CGM is a leader in efforts to decarbonize progressively the global shipping industry, with a goal to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

The new facility includes eight advanced Ship to Shore (STS) cranes, and 20 Electric Rubber Tyred Gantry (e-RTG) cranes, which enhances Khalifa Port’s reputation as one of the world’s most technologically advanced commercial ports, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s role in driving the future of sustainable and smart trade.

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: “The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, highlights the UAE as a premier investment destination and solidifies its position as a key partner for global players. The new terminal will boost trade flows and foster long-term economic growth in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group, said: “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. Together with our partner AD Ports Group, we are pleased to deliver a modern terminal with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “CMA terminal at Khalifa Port will significantly boost Abu Dhabi’s connectivity, reinforcing its vital role on the global trade map and contributing to local economic diversification in line with the vision of our leadership. This new facility places AD Ports Group firmly in the ranks of the world’s leading global port operators. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial partnership with CMA CGM that brings long-term economic benefits to the UAE and Abu Dhabi, as we work together to build a sustainable global transport future.”

The inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port marks the completion of Phase 1 of the new terminal project for CMA CGM, with the opening of an initial quay wall of 800 metres in length, 18.5 metres of depth, and 8 STS Cranes adding a total capacity of 1.8 million TEUs (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) to Khalifa Port.

With the opening of the new CMA CGM facility, Khalifa Port has reached a new dimension as one of the region’s leading port trade hubs. Khalifa Port now extends over 6.3 km2 , with 41 quay cranes, 159-yard cranes, 11.7 km of quay wall and 3.8 km of breakwater length.