UAE-based AD Ports Group has signed a shareholders’ agreement with French shipping and logistics giant CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary CMA Terminals, to jointly develop, manage, and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire in Congo-Brazzaville.
Under this agreement, AD Ports and CMA CGM have formed a joint venture, with AD Ports Group holding the majority stake, to oversee operations at Congo’s largest Atlantic port. The terminal will handle containers, general cargo, break-bulk, and other types of freight, reinforcing the port’s role as a key trade gateway in Central West Africa.
Strategic Investment and Development Plans
AD Ports Group secured a 30-year extendable concession for the terminal in June 2023, committing an estimated $220 million investment in Phase 1. This phase includes constructing a 400-meter quay wall at a 16-meter depth and a 10-hectare logistics area, enhancing Pointe Noire’s cargo-handling capacity.
The agreement strengthens the strategic partnership between AD Ports and CMA CGM, following the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in December 2023. This AED 3.1 billion ($845 million) container terminal will expand Khalifa Port’s annual container capacity by 33%—adding 2.6 million TEUs to its existing 7.8 million TEUs by 2024.
CMA CGM’s Market Leadership in Congo
In The Republic of Congo, CMA CGM holds a leading position in exports and ranks second in imports and transshipment, historically commanding about 35% of the country’s container volume market share. The joint venture will operate the terminal as a multi-user facility, with AD Ports maintaining majority ownership and full operational consolidation.
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“This agreement further enhances our strategic partnership with CMA CGM across multiple markets and projects along global trade routes. Our collaboration at the Port of Pointe Noire builds on this successful association.”
He added that the partnership aligns with projected annual growth of 3% to 5% in container volumes for the Republic of Congo over the medium term.
Sustainability and Equipment Upgrades
The New East Mole multipurpose terminal has already placed orders for three Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) cranes, alongside nine hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) and other handling equipment. These hybrid RTGs are expected to:
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Reduce diesel consumption by up to 60% (saving approximately 1 million liters annually).
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Cut 5,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, aligning with Congo-Brazzaville’s sustainability goals.
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, highlighted the project’s importance:
“Our investment with AD Ports Group at the Port of Pointe Noire marks a new milestone in our strategic collaboration. Together, we aim to build modern, sustainable port infrastructure to support the next wave of global trade, bringing significant operational and economic benefits to the Republic of Congo.”