AD Ports Group And Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group Collaborate On Automotive Logistics Ecosystem Development

AD Ports Group and Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co., Ltd. (Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group) have signed a preliminary strategic agreement. This partnership aims to create an automotive logistics ecosystem linking Chinese manufacturing with markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. The collaboration will focus on integrated terminal operations, dedicated fleet services, and multimodal transport solutions.

The agreement was formalised by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Tao Chengbo, Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co. Ltd. This took place during the maiden voyage ceremony of UGR Zakher, the second LNG-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Erkport.

Plans under this agreement include developing Ro-Ro and automotive terminals at Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group’s hub locations. Enhancements will accommodate larger vessels, increase vehicle handling capacity, and reduce turnaround times at ports. These improvements aim to boost operational efficiency while delivering high performance standards and customer service.

UGR is set to be the designated Ro-Ro carrier due to its specialised PCTC and Ro-Ro vessel fleet and operational expertise. UGR already connects China with terminals in the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean through its Ro-Ro services.

Al Shamisi highlighted that this partnership is crucial for establishing smart automotive corridors across continents. "With our fleet and global experience in the Ro-Ro segment complemented by UGR’s operations, we offer immediate vessel availability and operational excellence," he stated.

He further added that introducing their second LNG-powered vessel not only increases cargo capacity but also shows their commitment to investing in a fleet supporting global decarbonisation efforts. The expansion of Ro-Ro operations aligns with their growth strategy as demand for automobile exports from China rises.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port's Strategic Role

Tao Chengbo emphasised Ningbo Zhoushan Port's significance as a deep-water port ranking first globally in cargo throughput. He noted that the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher marks a new phase in their strategic partnership with AD Ports Group.

Chengbo stated, "Leveraging cooperation in car roll-on/roll-off services, we will expand business areas, enhance logistics cooperation, warehousing, green energy initiatives, talent exchange, and inject momentum into developing the China-Arab Economic Corridor."

Technological Integration

The agreement also considers technology integration through digital platforms offering real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and automated coordination capabilities. These advancements aim to enhance operational performance while reducing complexity and manual intervention.

The partners plan to explore synergies between sea routes and inland rail networks to create a comprehensive multimodal transport network via the Middle Corridor. This will provide alternative routing options for trade flows between China-Central Asia-Europe.

UGR Zakher has a capacity of 7,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), similar to its sister ship UGR Al Samha acquired earlier this year. Both vessels benefit from lower greenhouse gas emissions due to LNG use alongside improved energy efficiencies.

Ningbo Zhoushan Port will continue embracing openness principles while strengthening cooperation with ports along the Belt and Road Initiative. This effort aims to contribute more towards building an inclusive global economic landscape.

With inputs from WAM