The UAE’s AD Ports to offer dry dock services at its flagship Khalifa Port: AD Ports is planning to expand its Khalifa Port to include a range of drydock services, including vessel repair and maintenance, “to meet the growing demand for these services from regional and international clients,” the company said in a press release last week. The timeline and cost of the expansion have not been disclosed.

The details: This is the latest move to expand Khalifa Port, which has already seen an AED 4 bn expansion to 8.63 sqkm from 2.43 sqkm, according to the press release. The expansion comes as part of plans to increase handling capacity at Khalifa Port by 2030 to 15 mn TEUs per year, and general cargo handling capacity to 25 mn tons, the press release said.

What they said: “The addition of the drydock services is a strategic move aimed at driving growth and enhancing the company’s competitive position in the market,” Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said in the press release. The expansion is part of the group’s “commitment to provide our clients with the best possible services and solutions,” and enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading hub for global trade, Shamisi added.

Background: The port serves more than 25 container shipping lines, linking more than 70 international destinations directly. Its shipping operator tenants include COSCO, MSC, and CMA CGM. The group has not only been expanding its flagship port, but also plans to expand its fleet with a AED 1 bn purchase of five bulk carriers.

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