The number of standard container handling by Abu Dhabi Ports has increased last year by 24 per cent, to reach 1.74 million containers, compared to 1.4 million in 2017, according to the latest statistics.

The statistics reflect the company’s commitment to achieving economic diversification in Abu Dhabi, through the development of non-oil sectors and the use of innovation in its operations.

The amount of general and bulk goods handled by Abu Dhabi Ports in 2018 also increased by 5.9 per cent, totalling 19.7 million metric tonnes (MT), compared to 18.6 million MT in 2017. The turnover of goods transported by vehicles increased by 4.2 per cent to reach 143,000 vehicles, compared to 137,000 vehicles in 2017.

Abu Dhabi Ports recorded an overall growth of 14.2 per cent in 2018, compared to 2017, in terms of its container operations and handling of general and bulk goods.

Abu Dhabi Ports and its subsidiaries accomplished significant achievements, including the launch of new ports, as well as the signing of agreements that will help it achieve the strategic priorities of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and promote the emirate’s leading position in commerce, industry and investment.

It also manages Khalifa Industrial City, which is a major integrated industrial city in the region.

Maqta Gateway, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports, launched the "Silsal Service," which provides an easy and safe link for stakeholders in the marine commerce community using blockchain technology.

It also launched "Mamar E-portal" to facilitate commercial activity primarily through marine ports. The portal will subsequently be adopted by the emirate’s land and airports and postal authority, to facilitate trade and the payment of customs fees.

In December 2018, Abu Dhabi Ports opened the Cosco Abu Dhabi Container Terminal, which is part of the Cosco Naval Ports Company, at Khalifa Port.

The new container terminal will help promote Khalifa Port as a regional centre of Cosco’s global operations and will be linked to the "Belt and the Road" initiative.

Khalifa Port also includes the largest container terminal in the Middle East, which has a total area of 275,000-sq metres and is the first semi-automatic container sorting facility in the region with a dedicated container and full-load cargo facility, along with a full range of container packaging services.-TradeArabia News Service