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The AD Ports Group has signed two strategic agreements to operate terminals in Pointe Noire, Congo, and Karachi, Pakistan.
The 30-year extendable concession agreement to manage and operate a multipurpose terminal in Congo’s Pointe Noire port grants the Group the exclusive right to invest, develop, manage and operate the new facility, which will handle containers, general cargo, breakbulk and other types of cargo.
AD Ports Group will invest more than US$ 500 million over the duration of the concession, with around US$ 220 million allocated for Phase 1, which is expected to be completed over the next 30 months.
The group has also signed a 50-year concession agreement with Karachi Port Trust (KPT), under which a joint venture between AD Ports Group, as the majority shareholder, and Kaheel Terminals, a UAE-based company, has been formed to manage, operate and develop the Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL), which operates berths 6-9 at Karachi Port’s East Wharf.
The venture will undertake significant investments in infrastructure and superstructure over the next 10 years, with the bulk of it planned for 2026. The development works will include deepening of berths, extension of quay walls and an increase in container storage area. As a result, the terminal will be able to handle post panamax class vessels of up to 8,500 TEU and container throughput capacity will increase from 750,000 to 1 million TEU a year.
AD Ports Group has also signed three MoUs with the Government of Pakistan to establish a framework for cooperation in improving transportation infrastructure, facilitating efficient cargo movement, reducing logistics costs, and enhancing the competitiveness of Karachi Port. The MOUs cover Rail Connectivity, Free Zones and Digital Solutions.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group said, “AD Ports Group is delighted to embark on this landmark partnership with the Government of Pakistan. The signing of the concession agreement with Karachi Port Trust, and the three MoUs, exemplify AD Ports Group’s strategy of investing in key maritime trade routes for the UAE, replicating our successful integrated business model in regions that offer long-term, sustainable growth prospects.”
