Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports has started management and development operations at the 192k sqm Luanda multipurpose port terminal in Angola, according to a statement released on Friday. The move marks the beginning of a 20-year concession agreement to upgrade and operate the terminal via JVs with Unicargas and Multiparque. AD Ports is also investing some USD 250 mn in the port and a new logistics sector JV with Unicargas — Noatum Unicargas Logistics.

REMEMBER- AD Ports holds 81% of the port terminal JV and 91% of the logistics JV with Unicargas. The firm also said back in April that it could boost its investment to USD 380 mn over the period of the concession, in line with market demand, and increase the concession lifespan by another 10 years.

Why is this important? The port handles over 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes and serves as one of Central-West Africa’s key transshipment hubs by enabling landlocked countries — including neighboring DRC and Zambia — to access maritime trade. Angola’s container volumes are projected to see a 3.3% yearly growth over the next 10 years.

What will they be doing? The Noatum Unicagas Logistics JV is procuring new trucks and handling systems to boost Angola’s access to international markets. The new container handling equipment — to be deployed by 3Q 2026 — is slated to increase container capacity from 25k to 350k TEUs and RoRo volumes to over 40k vehicles.

AD Ports is making moves throughout the continent: AD Ports inked a 30-year concession agreement in June 2023 with the Republic of the Congo to manage and operate the multipurpose New East Mole Terminal at Congo’s Pointe-Noire Port. UAE-based East Africa Gateway (EAGL) — a JV between India’s Adani Ports and AD Ports Group — signed a share purchase agreement in June last year to acquire 95% of Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (Ticts) for USD 39.5 mn from Hutchison Port Holdings and Harbors Investments.

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