"Abu Dhabi Ports" Three development contracts are awarded "Noatum Ports – Pointe Noire Terminal" In the Republic of the Congo

Brazzaville, 18 May / WAM / Abu Dhabi Ports Group announced that it has been awarded three major contracts for the design and construction of the container terminal, and the supply of cranes to “Noatum Ports – Pointe Noire Terminal” in the Republic of the Congo.

The container terminal is being developed by the joint venture in which Abu Dhabi Ports Group owns majority shares with the CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary, CMA Terminals, according to the agreement signed between the two sides in February 2025.

The value of the contracts awarded amounts to approximately 735 million dirhams (equivalent to 200 million US dollars), and is considered a step forward in the process of developing the container terminal under the 30-year concession agreement, extendable for an additional 20 years, concluded with the government of the Republic of the Congo.

The signed contracts included two contracts for marine and land works worth AED 551 million (equivalent to 150 million US dollars), awarded to MAR Contracting Sarlo and MBTP SAJV, in addition to a contract worth 184 million dirhams (equivalent to 50 million US dollars) for the supply of three quay cranes and nine gantry cranes with rubber wheels, which was awarded to Shanghai Shenhua Company. ZPM Heavy Industries.

The container terminal will initially include a berth approximately 420 meters long and 16 meters deep that can receive larger ships, in addition to a logistics area extending over an area of ​​100,000 square metres.

In accordance with the concession agreement with the Congolese government, the group has the right to develop additional capabilities for shipping and handling multi-purpose goods, which will be evaluated according to future developments in demand levels.

Mohammed Aidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO – Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said that these contracts constitute an important step towards establishing an advanced, future-proof terminal at Pointe Noire Port in partnership with CMA Terminals.

He added that this project reflects Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s long-term commitment to investing in high-growth markets and developing integrated maritime and logistical infrastructure that enhances regional trade connectivity, noting that this strategic investment will contribute to improving the port’s capabilities and will benefit the local communities in the Congo in the long term through job opportunities, skills development, and strengthening the country’s position on the global trade map.

The signed contracts contribute to advancing the development of the new container terminal at Pointe Noire Port, which helps improve its capabilities to receive larger ships and increase annual productivity, which enhances its role as a regional trade gateway serving the Central and West Africa region. Construction work is expected to be completed within approximately two years.

Compared to similar port projects, “Noatum Ports – Pointe Noire Terminal” is expected to contribute to the creation of up to 9,000 direct and indirect jobs starting from the initial phase of the start of construction work, all the way to the launch of the terminal’s operations.

Construction work is also expected to contribute to creating up to 800 job opportunities, while the direct operations of the station will provide about 400 additional jobs. In addition, up to 7,000 indirect jobs are likely to be created through the new business opportunities created by the plant.

The development plan for “Noatum Ports – Pointe Noire Terminal” is in line with the vision of the Republic of the Congo and the National Plan of Congo-Brazzaville, which gives priority to economic diversification, reducing dependence on hydrocarbon resources and achieving inclusive growth.

By modernizing the port’s infrastructure, improving commercial competitiveness, and enhancing logistical capabilities, Abu Dhabi Ports Group will contribute to supporting the ambitions of the Government of the Republic of Congo to consolidate the position of Pointe Noire Port as a maritime and logistics destination in Central and West Africa, and achieve sustainable economic and social growth.

The marine works contract provides for the complete design and implementation of the quay wall, necessary marine structures, crane foundations, quay infrastructure, as well as all works associated with the waterfront. While the land works contract will cover the development of a usufruct area that includes infrastructure for the container yard, operational and administrative facilities, utility networks, transfer stations, and infrastructure supporting the station.

In turn, the crane supply contract includes the manufacture and delivery of “Super Post Panamax” quay cranes, which are considered among the largest and most advanced in container ports. The hybrid bridge cranes with rubber wheels are expected to contribute to reducing diesel consumption by up to 60% compared to traditional diesel-powered cranes, equivalent to achieving savings estimated at one million liters of fuel annually, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 5,000 tons.

It is worth noting that Abu Dhabi Ports Group continues its expansion in the African continent, by operating port stations and providing vital logistical services in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, which supports the integration of regional trade and long-term economic development.

The group also provides maritime shipping services in West and East Africa, and is working on developing an industrial and logistics city with an area of ​​20 square kilometers east of Port Said in Egypt at the entrance to the Suez Canal on the Mediterranean Sea.

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