Khalifa Port ready for expansion

Since opening in 2012, Khalifa Port Container Terminal has been growing at double digit rates and has doubled the container volume that it handles.

Abu Dhabi’s main container port is currently on 78% of its handling capacity and the operator said that the next two years will see it enhancing its operational readiness through new infrastructure.

Martijn van de Linde, chief executive officer, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “Khalifa Port Container Terminal is now firmly on the world map as a key logistics hub which has been achieved through becoming an industry partner for our customers, as well as demonstrating that Khalifa Port offers a cost-effective, fast and reliable alternative to regional ports. We have also significantly developed our network, going from an initial five to a current 50 international destinations.”

It has been another good year for Abu Dhabi Terminals with around 1.48 million teu containers have been handled at Khalifa Port Container Terminal, up from 1.14 million in 2014.

It is anticipated that 2016 will see a more moderate growth of 10% with the port operator handling 1.62 million teu.

By 2020, the first phase of Khalifa Port Container Terminal will be at its maximum capacity of 2.5 million teu and then the second part of the port island will be commissioned, taking the capacity to 5 million teu annually.