AD Ports and Hong Kong operator and port investor Hutchison Ports will work together to expand operations across the GCC, Asia and Africa.
AD Ports Group, the Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics operation, and Hutchison Ports, a Hong Kong developer, operator and leading port investor, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to identify join investment opportunities in feedering, logistics and port activities across the GCC, Asia and Africa.
Dar es Salaam Port
The two organizations will partner in Tanzania to explore further opportunities to enhance the market competitiveness of ports across the country, including Dar es Salaam Port. Areas of opportunity include the improvement of services to landlocked regions and neighboring countries, developing additional cargo sources and the improvement of existing logistics and cargo facilities.
Dar es Salaam Port is the leading port in Tanzania and handles the majority of the country’s international trade. The port serves the landlocked countries of Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.
AD Ports: Growing reach
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, MD and group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “AD Ports Group continues to expand its reach around the world, in line with the vision of our leadership, and we offer our thanks for their wise guidance. We are pleased to announce the start of a new collaboration with Hutchison Ports.
“As a starting point, we will work together to enhance and elevate Tanzania’s standing as a world-leading trade hub. AD Ports Group will advance plans to develop and implement an innovative logistics, transportation, and digital port management system, as well as investing in the development of new infrastructure, such as logistics centers and new inland container depots around Dar es Salaam Port.”
A gateway to East Africa
Eric Ip, Group MD of Hutchison Ports, said, “Having operated in Tanzania since 2001, we are very committed to this market and its great potential. With strong support from local partners and the addition of AD Ports Group, this new partnership will certainly be greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we look forward to working closely with the Tanzania Port Authority to further develop Tanzania International Container Terminal Services as we strive to ensure Dar es Salaam Port remains the premier gateway to the East African region.”
AD Ports recently acquired two Egyptian maritime companies, Transcargo International and Transmar International Shipping Company, in a USD 140 million deal. The Group has also recently signed an agreement for the development of Egyptian ports.