Abu Dhabi Terminals posts 56% Q1 growth

Abu Dhabi Terminals, or ADT, witnessed a 56 per cent year-on-year growth in container handling in the first quarter of 2011 on the back of heightened infrastructure construction activity.

During the period, ADT handled 161,716 twenty-foot equivalent units, or TEUs, compared to 103,608 TEUs in the same period last year.

The rise in container pick-up was marked by the construction activity in the hydrocarbon sector, as Abu Dhabi awarded contracts valued at $40 billion last year.

The emirate is expecting an economic expansion of 4.5 per cent this year. “I believe it is safe to say that the short history of the company has been extremely dynamic,” Chief Executive Officer Martijn Van de Linde said at a ceremony marking ADT’s fifth anniversary.

In the last five years, combined with the projections for 2011, the ports’ throughput has been almost tripled, growing from 250,000 TEUs and two million tonnes of general cargo in 2006, to a projected 700,000 TEUs and four million tonnes expected in 2011. As such, one could say that ADT truly is a product of the successful economic policies and strong growth of the Abu Dhabi economy,” he told stakeholders.

In general cargo, he expected a growth of 100 per cent, as ADT’s projection is four million tonnes against two million in 2006.

“This profile of growth is truly impressive. I believe that the most exciting years are still to come. Together with our partners, we are working hard on expanding our capacity and service in Abu Dhabi. While increasing efficiency in our current operations, we are working closely with our parent companies — Abu Dhabi Ports Company and Mubadala — in preparation for operating Khalifa Port in the third quarter of 2012.”

In the fourth quarter of 2012, ADT will open its new terminal — Khalifa Port — in Taweelah, which is designed to be constructed in five phases over 20 years.

“With the development and opening of Khalifa Port, ADT and Abu Dhabi will have an opportunity that is truly unique,” he said.

“Khalifa Port, being the first automated terminal in this part of the world, will have an opportunity to lead the industry and become the benchmark for efficiency, service and overall value provided to the market. Taking into account the additional capacity and specifications of the infrastructure we also have an opportunity to transform from a local port into a main port,” Van de Linde said, adding that this shift will drive tremendous value for Abu Dhabi’s economy.

The first phase of the main Khalifa Port, and Zone A of the Industrial Zone (KIZAD), is four times bigger than Abu Dhabi island, and will deliver a capacity of two million TEUs and eight million tonnes of general cargo.

“Attracting direct main line calls to our facilities will lower the total cost of logistics for importers and exporters. It will improve speed and access to overseas markets.”