Gulf News reported that Khalifa Port, the Middle East North Africa region’s first semi automated container terminal, is built to support the multi modal logistics capabilities and which integrates into the new Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi.
Mr Tony Douglas CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company said that the port accommodates up to 12 million tonnes of general cargo annually and 2.5 million TEUs of containerized cargo.
Mr Douglas said that “The Dh26.5 billion project will act as an economic gateway of trade for Abu Dhabi, and it has been completed before the required time while meeting the highest standards.”
He said that “As a sign of our success, we have attained profits in the last two years and we are expecting further profits in the years ahead.”
He added that UAE ports will be complementing each other and will play a pivotal role towards the overall economy of the UAE.
He said that “There is no doubt that Khalifa Port will be allotted for heavy industries in Abu Dhabi and some heavy and big vessels will be mobilized to it,” adding that Mina Zayed will be restructured to handle cruise shipping and commercial activities.
Mr Mohammad Al Shamsi executive VP at Ports Unit of Abu Dhabi Port Company said that it is expected that handling capacities will increase to 5 million containers within the first 5 years.
Mr Al Shamsi said that the cost of the port was less than estimated figures, with no further information about exact figures and savings.
He said that “The Khalifa Port will be built in 5 phases. Khalifa Port will also have the ability to expand up to 5 million TEUs by 2018. It is projected to support an annual capacity of 15 million TEUs and be able to handle an additional 35 million tonnes of general cargo by 2030.”
