Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) said it has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi Customs Administration (ADCA) to establish a solid framework for the development of customs facilities at the upcoming Khalifa Port in the UAE capital.

The first semi-automated port in the region to factor in rail freight, Khalifa Port is a key enabler for the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), said a statement from ADPC.

The port's key role is to accommodate Mina Zayed’s traffic as well as the new cargo generated by Kizad, set to become one of the world’s biggest industrial zones, it stated.

It will be one of the world's biggest ports when all phases are completed. Infrastructure for the phase I will be ready in fourth quarter this year with an initial capacity to handle of 2 million TEUs container traffic and 12 million tons of general cargo annually.

Through phased development up to 2030, Khalifa Port will grow to a capacity of 15 million TEUs and 35 million tons of general cargo, the statement added.

Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, the vice president of Ports Unit ADPC, and Mohamed Khadem al Hameli, the director of Abu Dhabi Customs Operations from ADCA signed the MoU at the ongoing World Ports & Trade Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The pact, which is aimed at developing a solid framework of collaboration between both parties, was signed in the presence of Sultan Al Jaber, chairman of ADP and other top officials at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The MoU focuses on outlining clear steps under which ADCA will provide the support needed to develop customs facilities at Khalifa Port and see that it is ready for operations on the opening day of its official launch of phase I this year.

Commenting on the deal, Captain Al Shamisi said, "Our collaboration with Abu Dhabi Customs Administration will facilitate the secure development and operation of Khalifa Port as it prepares to become a fully functioning port, and we are delighted to have signed this memorandum today."

"Khalifa Port is well on the way to completion, having received the final batch of the Ship-to-Shore cranes earlier this week. We look forward to more milestones as we near the official opening of the port later this year," he stated.

Al Hameli said, "We are delighted to be working closely with the developer of one of the capital’s major development projects, which will boost trade relations and the industry as a whole in Abu Dhabi."

"Our role will revolve around maintaining seamless security, clearance and goods monitoring services at the port. We will collaboratively work with ADPC to ensure a safe and secure working environment for all those involved in the project," he added.-TradeArabia News Service