Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) Saturday reported that the number of containers handled at Mina Zayed port in 2011 rose 47 per cent on year to 767,713 TEUs (twenty foot equivalent container units).
"In five short years we have more than tripled container volumes, from 250,000 TEU in 2006 to more than 767,000 TEU last year.
"The growth so far has been impressive, but the most exciting years are still ahead of us and we are now working hard on preparations for the opening of the new container terminal at Khalifa Port," said Martijn Van De Linde, CEO of Abu Dhabi Terminals, in a statement.
"When this opens in the fourth quarter of 2012 it will be the region's first semi-automated container terminal," he added.
ADT also achieved 11 per cent growth in the cruise segment, with approximately 160,000 cruise passengers arriving at Mina Zayed in 2011.
Impetus
Mohammad Amerah, an Abu Dhabi-based economist, told Gulf News: ‘The figures of ADT are an indication Abu Dhabi's economy is booming and imports of all kinds are rising, which are needed to add impetus to the growth in the economy."
He added: "The rise in export numbers reflects the domestic production increase and the fact that there is demand for UAE exports both within the region and on the international markets."
ADT currently manages and operates the three leading ports in Abu Dhabi: Mina Zayed, the main gateway for cargo in Abu Dhabi; Mina Freeport that caters to smaller vessels, tugs and barges; and Mina Musaffah, located in the heart of the industrial area.
The diversified portfolio of services includes a dedicated container terminal, container freight station, warehousing, cold store and a general cargo terminal that is widely regarded as the market leader in the region.
ADT will also manage and operate Khalifa Port when it opens in the fourth quarter of this year.
