Abu Dhabi Ports has announced that it has signed a 35-year concession agreement to develop, manage and operate an upcoming port in Fujairah. As per the terms of the agreement, Fujairah Terminals will be a new operational entity that is fully owned by Abu Dhabi Ports.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and Captain Mousa Murad, general manager of Port of Fujairah. The signing ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy, Fujairah and chairman of the board of Port of Fujairah, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.

“Signing with the Port of Fujairah marks a major milestone for Abu Dhabi Ports. This significant investment will see Abu Dhabi Ports share best practices with Fujairah Ports, which is one of the most important economic and commercial ports operating in the UAE, to further complement services offered at both Khalifa Port and Zayed Port. This agreement will offer clients on the east coast more options, it will also allow the re-export of goods that arrive at Khalifa Port to India, Pakistan and East Africa, in addition to receiving general cargo for clients in the northern emirates,” explained Al Shamsi.

Abu Dhabi Ports says the announcement demonstrates its commitment to strengthening and developing port operations and terminals across the UAE, and serves as its contribution to the growth of a diversified, knowledge-based economy.

With the establishment of Fujairah Terminals, Abu Dhabi Ports can exclusively enhance existing infrastructure, and can manage all container, general cargo, ro-ro and cruise ships in the port. The agreement also includes the deepening of berths to enable the port to cater to larger vessels that serve clients and companies in the Gulf region, Indian Ocean and Indian Subcontinent.

“The agreement has numerous mutual benefits, including the witnessing of significant growth in the Port of Fujairah in the coming years with the objective of being able to receive vessels of all sizes, in addition to an increase in freight operations, general cargo and passenger services.” added Al Shamsi.

Abu Dhabi Ports will begin development of berths and yards in 2018, while day-to-day port operations are underway. Additional capacity and new quay cranes will be operational in 2021, which will include post panama quay cranes.