Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 19, France’s CMA CGM Group and Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports have agreed to expand their joint container terminal at Khalifa Port, less than a year after its opening, following stronger-than-expected demand. CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, owned 70% by CMA CGM and 30% by AD Ports, began operations in December 2024 and quickly reached full capacity within 10 months. To meet growing volumes, the partners will invest AED 420 million ($115 million) in the next expansion phase, proportionate to their shareholdings.

The project, expected to be completed by early 2028, will increase the terminal’s capacity by nearly 50%, from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) to 2.7 million TEU. This expansion will raise Khalifa Port’s total handling capacity to 10.5 million TEU, a rise of around 9%. The upgrade will include an additional 400 meters of quay, more than 40% extra yard space, and enhanced infrastructure such as new reefer racks to support refrigerated cargo.

AD Ports’ ports cluster CEO Saif Al Mazrouei said the agreement highlights the port’s growth momentum and Abu Dhabi’s efforts to strengthen its global trade position. CMA CGM’s EVP for operations and assets, Christine Cabau, added: “The terminal reached full capacity within 10 months, prompting us to accelerate phase two.”

Khalifa Port has quickly become a key transshipment hub in the region and climbed in global port rankings. Operational performance has kept pace with growth: in Q3 2025, AD Ports’ ports cluster handled 20% more containers year-on-year, with CMA Terminals Khalifa Port close to reaching 1 million TEU for the year and operating at 87% utilisation.

The expansion follows a separate November agreement between the two groups, under which AD Ports acquired a 20% stake in Syria’s Latakia International Container Terminal for AED 81 million ($22 million). AD Ports will join CMA CGM in managing the facility, which handles more than 95% of Syria’s container traffic. The terminal is slated to increase capacity from 250,000 TEU to 625,000 TEU by 2026, further supporting regional trade growth.

The Khalifa Port expansion and Latakia collaboration reflect the partners’ commitment to enhancing port infrastructure and operational efficiency, ensuring the terminals can accommodate rising cargo volumes and provide advanced services, including refrigerated and specialized cargo handling. Both projects are aligned with broader regional trade strategies and aim to reinforce the role of Abu Dhabi and CMA CGM in global shipping networks.

By combining investment in new quay length, yard expansion, and modern equipment with strong operational performance, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is positioned to maintain its competitive edge while supporting the growth of Abu Dhabi’s maritime trade and global logistics connectivity.