MSC to develop container hub at Khalifa Port

abu dhabi — Abu Dhabi Ports has 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.

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 the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on 12th December, 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.”