AD Ports Group And CMA CGM Group Sign Agreement For Khalifa Port Terminal Expansion

AD Ports Group has entered into an agreement with France's CMA CGM Group to expand their joint container terminal at Khalifa Port. This decision comes less than a year after the terminal's inauguration in December 2024. The expansion, valued at AED420 million (US$115 million), will see costs shared between the partners according to their ownership stakes, with CMA CGM holding 70 percent and AD Ports Group 30 percent.

The expansion aims to boost the terminal's capacity by 50 percent, increasing it from 1.8 million to 2.7 million TEUs. This will enhance Khalifa Port’s overall container handling capacity by 9 percent, reaching 10.5 million TEUs annually by early 2028. The project highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global trade hub.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, stating, "We are pleased to sign this agreement with our strategic partner CMA CGM Group to expand our CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container terminal joint venture, which highlights the robust growth we are experiencing amidst Abu Dhabi’s rise as a world trade hub." He emphasised the importance of international cooperation for delivering value and supporting prosperity in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets at CMA CGM Group, noted the terminal's rapid growth since its opening. She said, "The attractivity and growth of this new facility over the year 2025 has been spectacular. After 10 months of operations, the terminal has already reached full capacity and has led us to the decision of accelerating phase 2 deployment to meet with the demand."

The expansion will extend the quay wall length from 800 meters to 1,200 meters and increase the yard area by over 40 percent, from 464,000 m² to 667,000 m². Upgraded utilities and systems will include advanced reefer racks for refrigerated containers, enhancing operational efficiency and service capabilities.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is one of three major container terminals at Khalifa Port operated by international shipping lines. It opened on North Quay in December 2024 with two berths totaling 800 metres in length and a depth of 18.5 metres, capable of accommodating large container ships.

Technological Advancements

The terminal features cutting-edge technology like eight next-generation ship-to-shore cranes and twenty electric RTGs. It also offers seamless connectivity to Etihad Rail network. An administrative building powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels was recognised with the MENA Green Building Awards in 2022.

Khalifa Port's rapid growth is evident as it climbed to become the world's 39th largest container port on Lloyd’s List of Top 100 World Ports this year. The port first appeared on this list in 2019 at position ninety-five.

Operational Performance

In Q3 of 2025, AD Ports Group reported a significant increase in quarterly container throughput within its Ports Cluster—up by twenty percent compared to last year—and general cargo volumes rose twelve percent. During this period, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port nearly reached one million TEUs year-to-date with an impressive eighty-seven percent quarterly capacity utilisation.

This strategic location serves as a key hub connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, Mediterranean regions along with Middle East Arabian Gulf areas including Indian subcontinent markets through sustainable technologies ensuring efficient operations across diverse geographies globally.

With inputs from WAM