AD Ports and China’s Ningbo Zhoushan Port partner on auto logistics

AD Ports expands China trade ties with Ro-Ro partnership: AD Ports Group signed a preliminary agreement with China's Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment and Operation Group (Ningbo Zhoushan Port) to develop an integrated automotive logistics network connecting Chinese manufacturing to markets in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, according to a press release issued on Thursday.

The details: The partnership will establish roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) and automotive terminals at both AD Ports’ hubs and the deepwater Ningo Zhoushan Port. United Global RoRo (UGR), a joint venture between AD Ports’ Noatum Maritim and Erkport, will serve as the designated RoRo carrier. Technology like real-time visibility and predictive analysis will be integrated to improve operational efficiency.

The goals: The agreement aims to expedite turnaround times, work with larger vessels, and improve vehicle handling capacity. AD Ports and Zhejiang will also look into creating a multimodal transport network, integrating inland rail routes as well.

IN OTHER UAE-SINO PARTNERSHIPS

Abu Dhabi Airports has entered a joint venture with Jingdong Property (JDP) — the infrastructure arm of e-commerce firm JD.com — to develop more than 70k sqm of bonded and non-bonded warehouse space at the Abu Dhabi Airports Freezone (ADAFZ) Logistics Park, according to a statement and separate press release released on Friday. The facilities will be located near airport infrastructure to enable multimodal logistics and expand e-commerce and cargo distribution across the GCC and MENA regions. The project is JDP’s first in the UAE.

JD in the region: JD’s logistics arm JD Logistics (JINGDONG) launched its self-operated B2C express delivery services — JoyExpress — in Saudi Arabia last month. JD Logistics was reportedly slated to work on establishing an undisclosed number of warehouses, delivery, transfer stations, and distribution centers to operate JoyExpress locally.

Warehouses in UAE: UAE warehouse rents are set to increase by 5-10% in 2025 due to surging demand from logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce companies, coupled with a shortage of vacant warehouses and industrial land. Supply is expected to improve within 12-18 months. UAE’s KEZAD plans to add 250,000 sqm of warehouse space by late 2025.