MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Abu Dhabi ports signed an agreement on developing the container handling at Khalifa port. The signing ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 7, representing the developing potentials of Abu Dhabi’s cargo shipping hub.
Also, the signing agreement between the two partners reflects MSC’s support in favour of UAE’s maritime sector and economy growth.
MSC has been operating in the UAE for two decades; Thus, the company stated that its part in the area’s development is a natural progression.
For the time being, Khalifa port handles about 2.5 million TEUS of cargo, on an annual basis, whereas it forecasts that the cargo volumes will rise to more than 8 million TEUS in the following fice years.
The increase will be boosted with the addition of more ship-to-shore crabes and deeper berths.
Khalifa Port expects to benefit from an investment of AED 4 billion in the future. In addition, MSC plans to change its opertations from the current Jebel Ali in Dubai, to Khalifa Port, to ensure improved, seamless access to all Free Zones in the UAE in accordance with customer requirements.
Concluding, MSC made its first call to Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi in 2008 and cargo volumes have continually increased since then. Operations moved to Khalifa Port in 2012, with the 14,000 TEU MSC BARI making the inaugural call.
