Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi

AD Ports Group’s integrated network of business clusters provides a highly competitive edge, with its ports serving the world’s top shipping entities and playing a key role in global maritime trade.

In what ways is AD Ports Group leveraging on the initiatives to reach carbon neutrality by 2050?

AD Ports Group believes that true sustainable development embraces a cohesive approach to economic, environment, and social aspects. We chart our business roadmap by entrenching sustainable initiatives, policies, and plans to protect and preserve the ecosystem and communities around our projects. Across our projects, we implement Estidama Building Standards, an initiative developed by Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, to promote responsible design and sustainable development. In 2020, we launched the Smart Container Initiative to house our digital solutions in a resilient, safe, eco-friendly mobile environment. Powered by clean energy, the solar-paneled steel and aluminum smart container uses environmentally friendly technologies such as in-row cooling, renewable energy and efficient space allocation to reduce Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) by more than 20% and slash carbon emissions by half. We are also prioritizing creating infrastructure and services for hydrogen production and shipping, recognizing its potential as a green energy of the future. We are working with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA) on a project for a green ammonia export facility to be based in KIZAD fueled by hydrogen produced by an electrolyzer facility paired with a 2-GW solar PV power plant. The green hydrogen would be turned into liquid ammonia to supply ships converted to use ammonia as a bunker fuel and for export via specialized gas carriers. Ammonia, which is relatively easier to transport than pure hydrogen, has a number of industrial uses and can also be easily turned back into hydrogen.

AD Ports Group has signed two MoUs with Egyptian partners to establish a foothold of operations in Egypt. How would you characterize the potential of this expansion?

We see significant potential for growth, as the strategic location of these new assets along the Red Sea holds great potential for a significant role within the global supply chain for trade and for boosting tourism. We are confident that our collaboration will prove beneficial for both sides, bolstered by AD Ports Group’s experience in managing and operating port and cruise terminals, along with our extensive capabilities in delivering end-to-end services across the entire supply chain.

Where else is AD Ports Group looking to operate globally and in the region?

We view ourselves as a global organization and continue to assess international opportunities according to how they align with our prudent investment strategy. Over the past year, we have signed agreements with maritime and port organizations in Jordan, Iraq, Bahrain, and Turkey with a view to developing trade and shipping infrastructure, in addition to discussions with partners in Africa and the Asian subcontinent.

What is your assessment when it comes to AD Ports Group’s competitive edge in the sector in the region?

We are in a competitive position. We have established key partnerships with leading shipping companies based on long-term concessions, providing stability to revenue in scope for exponentially growing trade volumes. In 2021, CMA CGM Group became the third leading shipping company to establish a container terminal at Khalifa Port. This confirms Khalifa Port’s standing as one of only a few major ports in the world providing hubs for three of the world’s top shipping entities, as well as serving an instrumental role in global maritime trade. AD Ports Group’s integrated network of business clusters also provides a highly competitive edge in a competitive market. For example, take two of our key assets: Khalifa Port and KIZAD, which have a highly symbiotic relationship. Khalifa Port is the Emirate’s flagship deep water port, providing state-of-the-art facilities and maritime infrastructure. The relationship between Khalifa Port and KIZAD is synergetic through increased volumes for the port and transport efficiency for KIZAD tenants. The port enables KIZAD tenants to efficiently import production inputs and directly export final products and intermediates. The free zone has a wide portfolio of investment sectors including aluminium, automotive, engineered metals, port logistics, food processing, and other industries that rely on Khalifa Port.