The agreement follows AD Ports Group's acquisition of a 30-year extendable concession for the terminal in June 2023. The joint venture, which will be majority-owned by AD Ports Group, aims to enhance trade and logistics capabilities at the country’s largest Atlantic port.
The terminal will handle various cargo types, including containers, break-bulk, and general cargo. Phase 1 of the project includes a planned investment of USD 220 million (AED 807 million) to construct a 400-meter quay wall at a depth of 16 meters and develop a 10-hectare logistics area.
This collaboration builds on the existing partnership between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM, which inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in December. The AED 3.1 billion (USD 845 million) facility will increase Khalifa Port’s container capacity by 33%, adding 2.6 million TEUs by 2024.
In Congo-Brazzaville, CMA CGM holds a leading position in exports and ranks second for imports and transshipment, maintaining a 35% market share of container volume. The terminal will operate as a multi-user facility, with AD Ports Group retaining control of its management and operations.
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, highlighted the terminal's potential to become a regional trade hub, supporting job creation, knowledge transfer, and access to global markets. Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations at CMA CGM, emphasized the project's role in modernizing and promoting sustainable port infrastructure in the region.
The terminal has ordered three Super Post-Panamax Ship-to-Shore cranes and nine hybrid Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes as part of its development. The hybrid RTGs are designed to reduce diesel consumption by up to 60%, saving approximately one million liters of diesel and reducing CO2 emissions by 5,000 tonnes annually.
An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), conducted in compliance with Congolese regulations and international standards, has provided recommendations to improve the project’s environmental and social performance during both construction and operation.
CMA CGM currently operates 60 port terminals across 30 countries and supports supply chains in Central and West Africa through its infrastructure, including Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria and Kribi Container Terminal in Cameroon.