AD Ports Group, Hutchison Ports sign MoU for strategic partnership

AD Ports Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hutchison Ports, the world's leading port investor, developer and operator.

AD Ports and Hutchison Ports, as per the MoU, will identify joint investment and business opportunities related to feedering, logistics, and port activities across the GCC, Africa, and Asia, says a release issued by AD Ports.

"Additionally, the two organisations will form a partnership to operate within Tanzania where they will work closely together to explore opportunities to further enhance the capabilities and market competitiveness of port operations across the East African country including Dar Es Salaam Port."

Potential areas of focus include improving servicing to several of Tanzania's landlocked remote areas and neighbouring countries, cultivating more cargo sources, and the enhancement of existing supporting logistics and cargo processing facilities, the statement added.

"AD Ports Group continues to expand its reach around the world, in line with the vision of our leadership, and we offer our thanks for their wise guidance," says Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director & Group CEO, AD Ports Group. "We are pleased to announce the start of a new collaboration with Hutchison Ports. As a starting point, we will work together to enhance and elevate Tanzania Port's standing as a world-leading trade hub. AD Ports Group will advance plans to develop and implement an innovative logistics, transportation, and digital port management system, as well as investing in the development of new infrastructure, such as logistics centres and new inland container depots around Dar Es Salaam Port."

Eric Ip, Group Managing Director, Hutchison Ports, adds: "Having operated in Tanzania since 2001, we are very committed to this market and its great potential. With strong support from local partners and the addition of AD Ports Group, this new partnership will certainly be greater than the sum of its parts. Together, we look forward to working closely with the Tanzania Port Authority to further develop Tanzania International Container Terminal Services as we strive to ensure Dar Es Salaam Port remains the premier gateway to the East African region."

While Hutchison Ports handled a combined throughput of 88 million TEU in 2021, AD Ports Group's portfolio includes 10 ports and terminals, and more than 550 square kilometres of economic zones within KIZAD and ZonesCorp, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East, the statement said.