Swiss-based MSC to establish new container terminal at Khalifa Port

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Abu Dhabi Ports signed a 30 year concession agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a Swiss-based leader in global transportation and logistics, to establish a new container terminal in the UAE located at Khalifa Port.
The new terminal will benefit from Khalifa Port’s advantages as one of the region’s most technologically-advanced ports and one of the world’s fastest growing ports, further showcasing Abu Dhabi’s importance in the maritime sector and in container handling regionally and globally.
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, witnessed the signings, alongside a number of high ranking officials. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO at Abu Dhabi Ports, and Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC Group, were signatories for both agreements
Developments include an increase in the current 12 ship-to-shore cranes to make a total of 25 of some of the most technologically advanced cranes in the world, over the next two years. In addition, deepening the berths, making Khalifa Port the first port in the region capable of receiving the largest shipping vessels in the world that specialise in bulk cargo shipment.
The agreement with MSC will lead to a faster and more efficient services, easier access to more markets in the region and the world. In addition to attracting more foreign direct investment to Abu Dhabi and the region, especially in the Khalifa Industrial City and KPFTZ, the largest of its kind in the Middle East.
Commenting on the signing, Dr. Al Jaber said, “Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has made historic strides in both economic and social development, striving to be a leader in the maritime sector, positioning itself on the global economic and trade map.
Since the inauguration of Khalifa Port by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa on December 12, 2012, it has become a real testament to the advanced engineering practices in the UAE, in addition to the success of the government’s strategic plans to build world-class infrastructure projects. Over the past five years, Khalifa Port has been recognised as one of the most modern and technologically advanced ports in the region and the world.”
He added that such achievements during a record period confirm the success of UAE plans and strategies and the contribution of public and private sectors in building an economy based on solid foundations that in return offers promising opportunities.
Dr. Al Jaber added that the guidance and vision of the leadership has played a pivotal role in the economic and social development of UAE, as they build a sustainable, diversified economy based on innovation and knowledge, offering outstanding new avenues for growth for future generations.
“These agreements cement the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s position as a global trading, shipping and logistics hub. This agreement will also promote economic growth and increased investment through the rise in container traffic.”

“The UAE has been successful in implementing large infrastructure projects, and this has been due, to a large extent, to the presence of the world’s most technologically advanced ports, modern and integrated transportation networks, as well as its strategic location as a central hub between Asia, Europe and Africa – attracting emerging and developed markets with excellent prospects for growth,” Dr. Al Jaber added.
In turn, Diego Aponte, President and CEO of MSC, said, “MSC is delighted to be part of the UAE’s maritime sector growth. The UAE has a rich history in international trade and after two decades of operating in the country, MSC is pleased to continue to support the growth of the local maritime economy. We are confident that with this investment we will continue to ensure a high level of service for our customers and have the capacity to grow the scale of our operations in the UAE.”
Fort his part, Al Shamisi said, “Khalifa Port plays a vital role in Abu Dhabi Ports’ strategy that aims to further enhance the capital and the UAE’s economic and trade positioning on a regional and global level. MSC will invest a total of AED four billion over the life of concession agreement in operational equipment.”
“Abu Dhabi Ports has successfully attracted two of the world largest companies in the field of shipping and container handling to develop a regional hub at Khalifa Port. Over the next five years, the capacity of two container terminals at Khalifa Port will increase to more than 8.5 million TEUs annually,” Al Shamisi added.