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Ports in Abu Dhabi achieved a new record cargo throughput last year, it has been confirmed. Khalifa Port Container Terminal, which is operated by Abu Dhabi Terminals, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, handled 32 per cent more containers, moving just over 1.5 million teu, up from 1.14 million teu in 2014. Ro-ro traffic also registered a good level of growth, with a 27 per cent increase, to 134,272 vehicles compared with 106,071 units the previous year.
General and bulk cargo volumes were up by around 20 per cent, to 15.3 million tonnes, reflecting rising import and export activities related to industrial and infrastructure development projects in the Emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub port for cruise lines was also demonstrated by a 16 per cent growth increase in passenger numbers, with 170,360 passengers visiting in 2015, up from 146,997 the previous year. The newly opened Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, is expected to further accelerate this growth in 2016.
The investment made by Abu Dhabi Ports in infrastructure and equipment has attracted more customers to ports in the Emirate. Further investment is planned at the Khalifa Container Terminal, bringing in new cranes over the next two years, while Abu Dhabi Ports recently inaugurated Al Mirfa Port in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, after completing extensive redevelopment work. Three other ports in the region – Mugharrag Port, Delma Port and Sir Bani Yas – are also being redeveloped as part of a master development plan. The upgrade of these ports is expected to be completed by 2017, and will play a key role in supporting the Emirate’s economic diversification efforts.
