AD Ports, EGA invest US$23M to upgrade Khalifa Port berth for Newcastlemax vessels

UAE – AD Ports Group and Emirates Global Aluminium will jointly invest AED84 million (approx. US$22.87 million) to upgrade EGA’s dedicated berth at Khalifa Port, enabling the facility to accommodate Newcastlemax dry bulk vessels with 15%-20%more cargo capacity than Capesize vessels.

The multi-phase berth enhancement programme will upgrade EGA’s dedicated port infrastructure to handle 8 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually by August 2028.

The investment aims to deepen the water and reinforce docking facilities to accommodate larger vessels, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing transport costs for industrial bulk goods.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Vessel Capacity

The programme includes upgrades to the existing capping beam, installation of new bollards and fenders, extension of crane beams and foundations, provision of additional utility connections, and dredging.

Newcastlemax vessels can carry 15%-20 % more cargo than Capesize vessels currently calling at EGA’s berth, significantly increasing the volume of raw materials processed annually.

Strategic Partnership and Leadership Comments

Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer, Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, said the collaborative, long-term investment will enhance the capabilities of critical trade infrastructure and enable partners to grow and compete more effectively on the global stage.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, said Khalifa Port is a strategic gateway for the company’s global operations and that the new investment will strengthen the dedicated berth’s long-term capacity, efficiency, and performance.

For logistics investors, the Khalifa Port berth upgrade enhances the UAE’s maritime infrastructure capacity. The accommodation of Newcastlemax vessels will increase bulk cargo throughput, improving overall port efficiency.

Furthermore, infrastructure upgrades, including dredging and crane beam extensions, will reduce vessel turnaround times. In addition, completion by August 2028 provides a clear timeline for logistics planning.

As AD Ports Group and EGA continue to invest in critical trade infrastructure, Khalifa Port’s position as a strategic gateway for global operations will be strengthened, enabling partners to grow and compete more effectively on the global stage while supporting the region’s broader economic diversification and industrial growth objectives.

Lastly, the upgraded berth is expected to handle 8 million tonnes of bulk cargo annually, reinforcing Khalifa Port’s role as a strategic gateway and supporting the dedicated berth’s long-term capacity, efficiency, and performance.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.