AD Ports Group has awarded three major contracts worth approximately $200 million (AED735 million) for the development of the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Container Terminal in the Republic of the Congo.
The contracts cover marine and landside infrastructure construction and the supply of crane equipment. Two contracts, valued at $150 million (AED551 million), have been awarded to MAR CONTRACTING SARLU and MBTP SA JV for marine and topside works, while a $50 million (AED184 million) deal for three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and nine rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes was awarded to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC).
The terminal is being developed under AD Ports Group’s majority-owned joint venture with CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary CMA Terminals, following an agreement signed in February 2025. Construction is expected to take approximately two years.
Under a 30-year concession agreement with the Congolese government, extendable by 20 years, the terminal will feature a 420-metre quay wall, 16 meters deep, capable of accommodating Patagonia-class vessels, and a 100,000 sqm logistics area. The concession allows AD Ports Group to explore additional multipurpose cargo capabilities in line with market demand.
Mohamed Eidha AlMenhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said that the project reflects the company’s commitment to high-growth markets and integrated maritime and logistics infrastructure. He added it will boost port capacity, generate jobs, support economic diversification, and strengthen Congo’s integration into global trade.
The initial phase is expected to create up to 9,000 jobs, including 800 in construction, 400 in terminal operations, and 7,000 indirect jobs through related business opportunities. The development aligns with the Government of the Republic of the Congo’s National Development Plan, supporting economic diversification, reduced hydrocarbon dependence, and inclusive growth.
The marine works contract includes the design and construction of the quay wall, crane foundations, marine structures, and waterside infrastructure. Topside works cover container yard infrastructure, operational and administrative facilities, utilities, and supporting terminal facilities. The crane contract will provide Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and hybrid RTG cranes, which are expected to cut diesel use by 60%, saving 1 million liters of fuel annually and reducing CO2 emissions by around 5,000 tons.
AD Ports Group continues its expansion across Africa, operating port terminals and logistics businesses in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon, and Congo, while also developing a 20 km² industrial and logistics park in East Port Said, Egypt.
