AD Ports Group, CMA CGM agree to develop rail-linked inland network across UAE
The collaboration will also explore opportunities to strengthen cargo flows across the UAE and regional markets.
UAE – AD Ports Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CMA Terminals Khalifa Port and CMA CGM Group to develop efficient intermodal solutions and extend inland reach across the UAE through AD Ports Group’s consolidated inland intermodal network.
This partnership links maritime terminals to an extensive inland rail and depot network, streamlining the movement of goods across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Extending Port Reach Beyond the Quay
Under the MoU, the three partners intend to cooperate to anchor cargo flows across AD Ports Group’s consolidated network of rail-linked inland container depots, dry ports, and cargo depots.
The collaboration will also explore opportunities to strengthen cargo flows across the UAE and regional markets.
For fresh produce importers, this rail-linked network enables temperature-controlled containers to move directly from the vessel at Khalifa Port to inland depots near major population centres, reducing road transport miles and lowering the risk of spoilage.
Direct Statements from Leadership
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This MoU marks an important step in consolidating the UAE’s inland intermodal logistics backbone under one integrated platform. By bringing CMA CGM as the first global shipping line partner into this network, we are extending CMA Terminals Khalifa Port beyond its traditional role at the quay and creating a more connected, flexible and resilient trade gateway for the UAE and the wider region.”
Jesper Stenbak, Regional Director in the Middle East Gulf, Indian Sub-Continent, and Indian Ocean at CMA CGM Group, said: “This collaboration strengthens CMA Terminals Khalifa Port’s role as an inland-enabled gateway terminal, extending CMA CGM’s reach beyond the port through integrated inland connectivity across the UAE and into regional markets. By linking maritime services more directly to inland cargo flows, this partnership supports more efficient routing, stronger supply chain resilience and improved service reach for our customers.“
Logistics View
By enabling more efficient inbound cargo flows to the industrial and manufacturing sectors, the collaboration aims to advance the UAE’s industrial growth agenda by creating flexible and resilient export corridors through multiple inland and gateway routing options.
For food industry investors, this integrated sea-rail-road system offers more routing options, reduced transit times, and enhanced supply chain resilience for perishable goods moving through the Gulf region.
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