AD Ports, CMA CGM link port to inland rail network

AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CMA Terminals Khalifa Port and CMA CGM Group to expand rail-linked inland connectivity and strengthen cargo flows beyond the quay.

The agreement targets tighter integration between Khalifa Port’s container operations and AD Ports’ inland network of rail-linked container depots, dry ports and cargo facilities.

The aim is to anchor volumes across this network and extend the terminal’s reach into inland consumer and industrial markets across the UAE and wider region.

The partners will also assess opportunities to enhance corridor optionality, including links to the Northern Emirates and cross-border connectivity towards Oman and Saudi Arabia via rail-enabled inland nodes.

By improving inbound cargo efficiency to industrial and manufacturing sectors, the initiative is positioned to support the UAE’s industrial growth strategy while offering more flexible export routing through multiple inland and gateway options.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU marks an important step in consolidating the UAE’s inland intermodal logistics backbone under one integrated platform. By bringing CMA CGM as the first global shipping line partner into this network, we are extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port beyond its traditional role at the quay and creating a more connected, flexible and resilient trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region.”

Commissioned in December 2024, CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is a joint venture between CMA CGM (70 per cent) and AD Ports Group (30 per cent), and one of three container terminals at Khalifa Port operated by international shipping lines.

Jesper Stenbak, Regional Director in the Middle East Gulf, Indian Sub-Continent, and Indian Ocean, CMA CGM Group, added: “This collaboration strengthens CMA Terminals Khalifa Port’s role as an inland-enabled gateway terminal, extending CMA CGM’s reach beyond the port through integrated inland connectivity across the UAE and into regional markets.

“By linking maritime services more directly to inland cargo flows, this partnership supports more efficient routing, stronger supply chain resilience and improved service reach for our customers.”

In April, AD Ports Group signed a MoU with Azerbaijan Transport and Communications Holding to explore cooperation across ports, shipping, logistics and digital trade infrastructure in Azerbaijan.