Abu Dhabi’s ports, logistics, and trade group AD Ports Group signed a deal with France-based container major CMA CGM Group to expand their joint container terminal at Khalifa Port, less than a year after it opened.
The new expansion plan is valued at AED 420m ($115m), with the joint venture partners sharing the costs proportionate to their shareholding.
Since its opening in December 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, owned 70% by CMA CGM and 30% by AD Ports Group, has recorded strong demand and operational performance, according to AD Ports Group’s release.
Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the expansion will increase the terminal’s capacity by 50%, from 1.8 million to 2.7 million TEUs, enhancing Khalifa Port’s overall container handling capacity by 9% to 10.5 million TEUs annually.
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is one of three container terminals operated by major international shipping lines at Khalifa Port. The facility opened on the port’s North Quay in December 2024, with two berths totaling 800 metres and a depth of 18.5 metres, equipped to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
The expansion will extend the quay wall length at the terminal by 50%, from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, and expand the yard area by more than 40%, from 464,000 m² to 667,000 m².
The project will also include upgraded utilities and systems, such as advanced reefer racks to support refrigerated container storage.
