Strong demand is driving expansion of the CMA Terminal Khalifa Port – less than one year after inauguration. CMA CGM is scaling up the facility’s capacity by nearly 1.8 million TEUs to 2.7 million TEUs, representing close to 50% increase in the terminal’s capacity.
This expansion will raise Khalifa Port’s handling total capacity to 10.5 million TEUs,
Inaugurated in December 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is a joint venture between CMA Terminals (70%), a subsidiary of the CMA CGM Group, and AD Ports Group (30%). Since its opening, the terminal has recorded strong demand and operational performance, prompting the acceleration of a new expansion plan valued at AED 420 million (USD 115 million), with costs to be shared pro-rata between the partners.
Now scheduled for completion in early 2028, the expansion project will increase the terminal’s capacity by 50%, from 1.8 million to 2.7 million TEUs, enhancing global Khalifa Port’s overall container handling capacity by 9% to reach 10.5 million TEUs annually.
The development of Khalifa container Terminal will extend the quay wall length by 50%, from 800 meters to 1,200 meters, and expand the yard area by more than 40%, from 46 ha to 67 ha. The project will also include upgraded utilities and systems, such as advanced reefer racks to support refrigerated container storage, further strengthening the terminal’s operational efficiency and service capabilities.
Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Operations and Assets, said : “The attractivity and growth of this new facility over the year 2025 has been spectacular. After 10 months of operations, the terminal has already reached full capacity and has led us to the decision of accelerating phase 2 deployment to meet with the demand. This proves the efficiency of Khalifa container terminal, its remarkable location as a multi-regional hub and the dynamism of the economies of UAE and in the close area. As 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 UAE and in the Middle East thanks to this expansion.”
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “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, supporting the prosperity of the citizens of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, and maximizing benefits for our stakeholders, while further accelerating our global reach and capacity.’’
