Gulftainer extends UAE terminal concessions

The agreement will see Gulftainer continue to manage, operate and further develop Sharjah Container Terminal and Khorfakkan Container Terminal, helping transform UAE’s supply chain and logistics industry.

“The extended concession agreements are a testament to Sharjah Ports Authority’s confidence in the limitless capabilities that we always strive to deliver in developing tailor-made supply chain and logistics solutions for our global customers,” said Peter Richards, group chief executive of Gulftainer.

“These agreements are a win for both parties, reaffirming Gulftainer’s commitment to actively manage its growing portfolio, to ensure that we continue to deliver positive benefits for the economy and the communities in which we operate.”

Sharjah Container Terminal was the first container terminal in the United Arab Emirates beginning operation in 1976. It is located at the heart of the Emirate of Sharjah which is the third largest of the seven emirates within the UAE.

Khorfakkan Container Terminal is strategically located outside the Straits of Hormuz on Sharjah’s Indian Ocean coast serving the major east-west shipping routes. Reportedly one of the world’s most productive, the terminal is capable of handling the world’s largest container vessels and can also handle general cargoes for the UAE market and the wider GCC region.

“Sharjah is well positioned to contribute to the future and prosperity of the country’s economy, and with the extended concession agreements with Gulftainer, we strengthen the foundation stone for a new era of resilient trade and smooth connectivity for the supply chain and logistics industry,” said Commenting on the concession agreement, Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, chair for Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority.

Gulftainer signed the original concession agreements for operating and managing the container terminal at Port Khalid in 1976 and the container terminal at Port Khorfakkan in 1986.