Within one year of its launch, the capacity of the CMA Terminals at Khalifa Port, the joint container terminal of AD Ports Group and France’s CMA CGM Group, will be increased by 50 per cent.
The two joint venture partners – AD Ports Group and CMA CGM – have signed an agreement to invest AED420 million (US$115 million) in the new expansion plan. The cost will be shared proportionally to the partners’ shareholdings.
The expansion will increase the terminal’s capacity from 1.8 million to 2.7 million TEUs, enhancing Khalifa Port’s overall container handling capacity by 9 per cent to 10.5 million TEUs annually. It is scheduled for completion in early 2028.
Since its opening in December 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, owned 70 per cent by CMA CGM and 30 per cent by AD Ports Group, has recorded strong demand and operational performance.
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is one of three container terminals operated by major international shipping lines at Khalifa Port. The facility on the port’s North Quay has two berths totalling 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 per cent, from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, and expand the yard area by more than 40 per cent, from 464,000sqm to 667,000 sqm. The project will also include upgraded utilities and systems, such as advanced reefer racks to support refrigerated container storage.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, commented: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with our strategic partner CMA CGM Group to expand our CMA Terminals Khalifa Port container terminal joint venture, which highlights the robust growth we are experiencing amidst Abu Dhabi’s rise as a world trade hub.
“Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the United Arab Emirates, AD Ports Group remains committed to nurturing strong international cooperations with global leaders such as CMA CGM, delivering value to our customers.”
Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets, CMA CGM Group, added: “The attractiveness and growth of this new facility over 2025 has been spectacular. After ten months of operations, the terminal has already reached full capacity and has led us to the decision to accelerate phase two deployment to meet the demand.
“This proves the efficiency of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, its remarkable location as a multi-regional hub, and the dynamism of the economies of UAE and the region. At CMA CGM Group, we are very happy with the AD Ports cooperation and will continue to enhance operational productivity and support the commercial growth of our customers in the UAE and in the Middle East.”
The project marks another step in the rapid growth of Khalifa Port, which advanced this year to become the 39th largest container port in the prestigious Lloyd’s List of Top 100 World Ports. The Group first entered the Lloyds ranking table at 95th place in 2019.
In Q3 2025, AD Ports Group reported that quarterly container throughput in its Ports Cluster soared 20 per cent year-on-year, whilst general cargo volumes increased 12 per cent. During the period, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port was close to reaching 1 million TEUs year-to-date, with a quarterly capacity utilisation of 87 per cent.
The CMA Terminals is outfitted with state-of-the-art, sustainable technology, including eight next-generation ship-to-shore cranes and 20 electric RTGs, and connects to the Etihad Rail network.
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