ADPC reports record volumes for Khalifa Port and Zayed Port

Containers, RORO and Cruise ships all on the increase in 2013

Feb 18, 2014

Abu Dhabi Ports Company’s (ADPC) Khalifa Port and Zayed Port saw increased volumes last year with container traffic and RORO (roll on, roll off vehicles) seeing significant growth over the last 12 months[1].

RORO traffic which comes into Zayed Port in the centre of Abu Dhabi has grown by 11.7% over the last 12 months. The increase reflects consumer demand and a growing population in the region.

Container traffic at Khalifa Port’s container terminal which is operated by Abu Dhabi Terminals has increased by 14.6%. Since its opening, the port has become Abu Dhabi’s gateway to international markets.

The container terminal celebrated handling 104,000 containers (TEU) in December last year. This was the most containers ever handled in one month in the emirate and in November, the container terminal hit the 1 million TEU benchmark [2] - since the ports commercial opening in September 2012.

Khalifa Port’s import and export activities will continue to grow as the adjacent Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) is completed. More than 40 national, regional and international investors have signed lease agreements and started construction of their facilities in the industrial zone.

Many of the Kizad investors are already, or are close to starting production. Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), which has built one of the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelters on site, and Brasil Foods, South America’s largest food processing company, and Germany’s KSB are just a few of the high profile businesses that have discovered the industrial zone as an opportunity to expand into Middle East and Asian markets.

Zayed Port celebrates a record number of cruise vessels calling at the cruise terminal. 2013 saw 92 cruise ships calling at the city centre port, up from 72 in 2012. Abu Dhabi is growing in popularity as a winter sun destination and a city with many varied attractions and a rich cultural heritage.

Last but not least, the volumes of general and bulk cargo have remained steady with significant amounts of bulk cargo moving through Khalifa Port from Kizad’s anchor tenant Emal and large volumes moving through Musaffah Port from Emirates Steel.

All of ADPC’s commercial ports – Khalifa Port, Musaffah Port and Zayed Port handle general and bulk cargo. A significant amount of general and bulk cargo is linked to the construction industry which slowed slightly last year. It is anticipated that the volumes will increase in the year ahead as many significant infrastructure projects continue underway.

ADPC’s port activities are not just linked to cargo volumes though. As a port operator and master developer, ADPC has an ongoing significant programme of investment across its Western Region ports, where investment is targeted at improving facilities for local communities and businesses.

ADPC CEO, Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi says: “We are pleased to see the growth in RORO and Cruise at Zayed Port, both sectors are ones we are keen to develop as they contribute revenue not just to the port, but also to the wider economic community.

“We congratulate Abu Dhabi Terminals, Khalifa Port’s container terminal operator on the increased volumes last year and for hitting some significant milestone targets. The new ship to shore cranes which arrived last month, increase capacity by 750,000 TEU and the new automated straddle carriers increase the container yard capacity by a further 40%.

“Looking ahead to 2014, we will be working to build on the commercial success of our all of our business segments, while continuing to support local business in the Western Region. ADPC is an ambitious, progressive organization focused on its contribution to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and the development and empowerment of UAE Nationals”.

[1] The figures are for the last (Gregorian) calendar year.

[2] One million TEUS handled between the commencement of commercial operations on 1 September 2012 and 12 December 2013.

ADPC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company) press release