Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Opens CMA Terminals at Khalifa Port

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Inaugurates CMA Terminals Khalifa Port: A Dhs3.1bn Boost to Trade

In a major milestone for Abu Dhabi’s maritime and trade infrastructure, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, officially inaugurated the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port on December 12, as reported by the state news agency WAM.

The Dhs3.1bn terminal is the result of a strategic partnership between CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of the global shipping leader CMA CGM Group (holding 70 per cent), and Abu Dhabi Ports (holding 30 per cent). This new facility is set to play a transformative role in advancing the UAE’s maritime industry and enhancing international trade.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Khalifa Port, where Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, along with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, outlined the terminal’s strategic importance. Sheikh Khaled was given an overview of the terminal’s innovative design and advanced infrastructure, which are positioned to further strengthen Khalifa Port’s status as a world-class logistics and trade hub.

A New Era for Khalifa Port
Since its inception in 2012, Khalifa Port has rapidly grown into one of the world’s most efficient and fastest-developing commercial ports. The addition of the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port has increased the port’s annual container capacity by 23 per cent, pushing the total to nearly 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). This significant expansion strengthens Khalifa Port’s position as one of the area’s most important trading hubs.

With its state-of-the-art equipment, including eight advanced ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and twenty electric rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) cranes, the new terminal is among the world’s most technologically advanced ports. A number of sustainability projects are also essential to the terminal’s operations, including as the first net-zero carbon administration building in the region, solar panels to diversify its energy sources, and shore power systems for ships to reduce emissions.

Advancing Maritime Education and Training
During the event, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CMA CGM and Abu Dhabi Ports. Improving marine education and training in the United Arab Emirates and the larger Gulf Cooperation Council is the main objective of the agreement. Through cadet training programs and placement possibilities on its flagship vessels, CMA CGM will support the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy as part of the initiative.

Sheikh Khaled underlined that the construction of the terminal strengthens Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s standing as a pioneer in international trade and logistics. Additionally, it is anticipated that this project will draw foreign investments into the region’s crucial transportation and maritime infrastructure sectors.

Strengthening Economic Growth and Trade Connectivity
An important milestone in Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic strategy has been reached with the launch of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port. The terminal’s contribution to increasing trade flows and promoting sustainable economic growth was emphasized by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Chairman of AD Ports Group. He underlined that this facility strengthens links with international trading partners and solidifies the UAE’s standing as a desirable location for foreign investors.

Similar remarks were made by Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, who pointed out that the new terminal will significantly improve regional shipping and logistics operations. He also stressed the strategic importance of infrastructure in advancing the UAE’s aspirations, as he strengthened the partnership between CMA CGM and AD Ports Group.

Future Development and Expansion Plans
The inauguration marks the completion of the first phase of the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port project. This phase includes the opening of an 800-metre quay wall with an 18.5-metre draft and eight STS cranes, expanding the terminal’s capacity by 1.8 million TEUs.

The terminal’s design is future-ready, featuring provisions for rail connectivity to streamline trade accessibility across key international markets. Khalifa Port now covers an area of ​​6.3 square kilometers and includes a total of 41 quay cranes, 159-yard cranes and an impressive canal wall covering an area of ​​11.7 kilometers.

This development reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a strong and advanced logistics environment, driving regional and global trade forward.