AD Ports Group Strengthens Global Trade Position With Significant Growth In 2024

AD Ports Group has strengthened its role in global trade and logistics through significant international growth and strategic investments in 2024. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, highlighted the group's achievements, including the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port. This new infrastructure at Khalifa Port is set to enhance Abu Dhabi's connectivity significantly.

The group made its largest acquisition by integrating Noatum, broadening its economic reach. AD Ports Group also entered the global top 20 ranks of world container port operators for the first time, according to a survey by Drewry International. Their expansion into markets like Angola, Egypt, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Georgia further solidified their international presence.

AD Ports Group received an initial A1 credit rating with a stable outlook from Moody’s Ratings. This reflects their strong financial performance and growth prospects. In September, they signed agreements to refinance a US$2.25 billion syndicated loan on better terms. By December, they had refinanced and increased their Revolving Credit Facility from US$1 billion to US$2.125 billion.

KEZAD signed a 50-year lease with NMDC Energy for a new AED367 million modular fabrication facility. Another agreement was made with Titan Lithium for a lithium processing plant in KEZAD Al Ma’mourah, involving an AED5 billion investment. Azizi Developments committed AED1 billion to build 12 factories in KEZAD A, marking one of the largest land leases of 2024.

Additionally, KEZAD began developing over 250,000 sqm of warehousing capacity with an AED621 million investment. This project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Digital Transformation Initiatives

The Digital Cluster evolved into an independent profit centre focused on digitalisation. In 2024, AD Ports Group acquired a 60% stake in Dubai Technologies, known for its intelligent ports’ operations management platform using advanced digital twin technology.

The Cluster rebranded Maqta Gateway as Maqta Technologies Group to align with its digitalisation strategy. Through the Maqta Ayla joint venture with Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), they exported Abu Dhabi’s port digitalisation solution for Aqaba’s port operations.

These initiatives highlight AD Ports Group's commitment to leading digital transformation in trade and logistics sectors while maintaining sustainable innovation and operational excellence.

With inputs from WAM