State-of-the-art e-methanol bunkering facility

The export facility at Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group), will provide critical infrastructure to complete the supply value chain and bridge commercial e-methanol production with key off-takers, such as CMA CGM, in support of accelerating the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry.

“The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in our journey towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible maritime industry,” said Saif Al Mazrouei, chief executive officer- Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group

“The development of an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Khalifa Port will not only support the growth of the shipping industry, but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of clean energy sources.”

Strategic partnership

The agreement also reinforces the UAE-France strategic partnership, fostered through the High-Level Business Council held annually between both countries, further leveraging mobilisation of the private sectors to deliver sustainable economic development and partnerships.

Operators including CMA CGM are rapidly investing in alternative fuels so the agreement comes at the right moment for the ports group.

“At CMA CGM, we are accelerating the decarbonation of shipping by investing in low-carbon solutions, with a fleet of more than 153 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies and synthetic fuels such as e-methanol operational by 2029,” said Christine Cabau Woehrel, executive vice president for assets and operations, CMA CGM Group.

”This collaboration marks a key milestone in developing the necessary infrastructure to scale up sustainable fuels, which are strategic for our industry’s energy transition.”

The collaboration agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between AD Ports Group and Masdar to explore the development of a green hydrogen hub within KEZAD.

Last year, Masdar also signed a strategic supply partnership with CMA CGM to assess the long-term provision of green maritime fuels for the company’s fleet.

The news also comes hot on the heels of last month’s news that the UAE intends to build the Middle East’s largest hydrogen manufacturing facility, helping cement KEZAD’s role as a critical hub in advancing the UAE’s hydrogen economy and future-ready energy landscape.