Abu Dhabi Ports, the developer, operator and manager of the emirate’s ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone of Abu Dhabi (Kizad), has reported good Q1 growth in the roll-on roll-off (RoRo) and general and bulk cargo segments.

RoRo traffic at Khalifa Port increased 31 per cent with 33,687 vehicles, up from 25,709 vehicles in Q1 2015. General and bulk cargo across Abu Dhabi Ports rose 13 per cent at 3.98 million freight tonnes. 
“The increased volume of general and bulk cargo indicates vigorous support and export activities related to industrial and infrastructure development projects in the emirate,” said a statement from Abu Dhabi Ports.

“Increased business activities of companies operating across the emirate, especially in the Kizad and Musaffah industrial areas, have also contributed to this growth,” the statement added. 

Khalifa Port Container Terminal, operated by Abu Dhabi Terminals – a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports – handled 5 per cent more containers compared with the same period in 2015. The terminal moved 316,996 teu, up from 302,151 teu year on year. Continuing last year’s upward trend, the container cargo volumes indicate increasing demands from the Abu Dhabi market. 

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “These achievements demonstrate Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to its strategy of sustaining performance and growth across all its operations. With the guidance of our leadership coupled with support from our stakeholders and the UAE’s economic stability, we are able to witness such success.” 

“We aim to continue investing in innovative technologies and solutions, remaining customer focused in our service offerings and in building the capabilities of our national workforce,” Al Shamisi added.  

Kizad also witnessed increased business activities during the first quarter of 2016. Four prominent companies, including KSB Service LLC and Polysys Additive Technologies Middle East (Pat ME), commenced operations from within the industrial zone, while National Food Products Company (NFPC) and Gulf Printing and Packaging Company started construction of their facilities.

Kizad has a total of more than 90 national and international investors, and 13 million sq m of land leased that represent a total investment of more than Dh55 billion ($14.97 billion).