Abu Dhabi: AD Ports Group has revealed plans to expand Khalifa Port, which is regarded as one of the world’s fastest-growing ports. The expansion will now encompass drydock services, according to the announcement made on 3rd May 2023.
The upcoming expansion of Khalifa Port, which now includes drydock services, will see an increase in its array of port and marine logistics offerings. In addition to container and cargo handling, the port will also provide vessel repairs and maintenance services. This strategic move is aimed at providing better services to existing clients while simultaneously drawing in new ones.
By adding drydock services to its repertoire, Khalifa Port will be well-positioned to meet the increasing demand for such services from both regional and global clients. The recent announcement regarding the expansion of Khalifa Port’s services through the addition of drydock services comes after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the port’s expansion last December. The inauguration was part of a larger celebration marking the AD Ports Group’s 10th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of Zayed Port, highlighting the group’s impressive achievements in the industry.
The expansion of Khalifa Port, which involved the development of its South Quay, Khalifa Port Logistics, and Abu Dhabi Terminals, required a total investment of $1.08 billion. This expansion led to a remarkable increase in the port’s size, from 2.43 KM2 to 8.63 KM2, and a substantial extension of its quay wall, from 2.3 kilometres to 12.5 kilometres.
Khalifa Port currently offers customized services for crucial strategic sectors and boasts 21 berths, solidifying its position as a world-class deep-water port with an estimated value of $5.55 billion. The expansion initiative is expected to make a substantial contribution towards AD Port Group’s objective of increasing Khalifa Port’s handling capacity to 15 million TEUs per year and its general cargo handling capacity to 25 million tonnes by 2030.
According to Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the CEO and Managing Director of AD Ports Group, the decision to include drydock services is a calculated move intended to promote growth and improve the company’s competitiveness in the market. With its rich experience in the marine logistics and port industry and a staunch dedication to innovation and excellence, AD Ports Group is well-equipped to excel in this new undertaking.
AD Ports Group’s announcement of its intention to expand Khalifa Port to include drydock services marks a strategic move aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s competitive position in the market. The Port, which is one of the fastest-growing in the world, has a strong track record of delivering high-quality services and solutions to its clients. The expansion of the Port’s services will enable it to meet the growing demand for drydock services from regional and international clients. Khalifa Port has been ranked in the top five of the global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) and hosts three of the world’s top four shipping operators, COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM.