AD Ports Group and the CMA CGM Group have signed a shareholders’ agreement to jointly develop, manage, and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal at the Port of Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo.
This collaboration follows AD Ports Group’s acquisition of a 30-year extendable concession in June 2023. The joint venture, majority-owned by AD Ports Group, aims to handle various types of cargo, including containers, general, and break-bulk, at the nation’s largest Atlantic port.
In Phase 1 of the project, AD Ports Group plans to invest approximately $220 million to construct a 400-meter quay wall with a 16-meter depth and develop a 10-hectare logistics area. The terminal has already ordered three super post-panamax ship-to-shore cranes, representing the latest in high-performance port equipment.
Expanding global footprint
This agreement strengthens the existing partnership between AD Ports Group and the CMA CGM Group, following the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in December. That $845 million container terminal is set to expand Khalifa Port’s container capacity by 33%, or 2.6 million TEUs, in 2024.
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President of Assets and Operations at CMA CGM Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, stating that it marks a new milestone in their collaboration with AD Ports Group to develop modern, sustainable ports and maritime infrastructure. Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, highlighted that this partnership positions the Republic of the Congo at the center of maritime trade, aligning with projected annual growth of 3-5% in container volumes for the country over the medium term.
This development is part of CMA CGM’s broader strategy to expand its global footprint. In September 2024, the company announced a $1.1 billion investment to acquire a 48% stake in Brazilian port terminal operator Santos Brasil, with plans for a complete takeover. This move aligns with CMA CGM’s efforts to diversify into logistics sectors.