AD Ports Group and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have signed an agreement to upgrade EGA’s dedicated berth at Khalifa Port through a joint investment of $23 million (AED84 million).
The investment is part of a multi-phase berth enhancement program under the companies’ longstanding strategic partnership.
The project will upgrade EGA’s dedicated port infrastructure to accommodate Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels, which can carry 15 to 20 percent more cargo than the Capesize vessels currently calling at the berth.
The upgrades are expected to improve berth productivity, operational efficiency, and cargo-handling performance.
The project is scheduled for completion by August 2028. Once completed, the upgraded berth will be capable of handling around 8 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually. It will also provide the flexibility to install additional unloader facilities to support future cargo volumes.
The program includes upgrades to the existing capping beam, installation of new bollards and fenders, extension of crane beams and foundations, additional utility connections, and dredging works.
These improvements will enable the berth to safely accommodate larger Newcastlemax vessels. They are also expected to support higher bulk cargo volumes and improve operational efficiency.
Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer – Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said that, “This agreement enhances the capabilities of critical trade infrastructure while enabling our partners to grow and compete more effectively on the global stage. Such partnerships remain central to AD Ports Group’s strategy and continue to support our profitable growth as a leading trade enabler across global markets.”
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, remarked that, “Khalifa Port is a strategic gateway for EGA’s global operations. This collaboration with AD Ports Group will strengthen long-term capacity, efficiency, and performance of our dedicated berth at Khalifa Port, ensuring the safe and reliable handling of the raw materials essential to our operations.”
Khalifa Port is ranked 39th in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports for 2025. The port serves as a regional container hub for CMA CGM, COSCO, and MSC, three of the world’s largest shipping lines.
The port also provides multimodal connectivity to Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), the Middle East’s largest integrated network of economic cities and free zones.
Inland connectivity is supported through the dry ports of Al Faya and Al Ain, linking Khalifa Port with destinations across the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
