AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group’s CMA Terminals have partnered to co-develop and manage the New East Mole terminal in Pointe Noire. Credit: CMA CGM Group.

AD Ports Group has entered into a shareholders’ agreement with CMA CGM Group’s subsidiary, CMA Terminals, to jointly develop and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Republic of Congo.

This follows AD Ports Group’s acquisition of a 30-year extendable concession for the terminal in June 2023.

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The joint venture, majority-owned by AD Ports Group, will manage the terminal handling various cargo types.

The initial phase includes a $220m investment to construct a 400m quay wall and a 10ha logistics area.

AD Ports Group regional CEO Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali said: “Our Group’s decision to invest with CMA CGM Group to develop Phase 1 of the New East Mole multipurpose terminal at the port of Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville, is another example of AD Ports Group’s strong, collaborative approach to partnering with governments and businesses in Africa.”

The New East Mole terminal is expected to operate as a multi-user facility. It has ordered three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and will receive nine hybrid RTGs along with additional handling equipment.

These hybrid RTGs are expected to reduce diesel consumption by up to 60%, saving around one million litres of diesel and cutting 5,000t of CO2 emissions annually.

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the terminal has been completed, adhering to Congolese regulations and international standards.

CMA CGM Group assets and operations executive vice president Christine Cabau Woehrel said: “Our investment with AD Ports Group at the Port of Pointe Noire is a new milestone of our strategic collaboration between CMA T and ADP as we enable modern, sustainable ports and maritime infrastructure for the next wave of global trade.”

The partnership follows the recent inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a $845m investment set to increase Khalifa Port’s capacity by 33% in 2024.

In July 2024, CMA CGM partnered with quantum computing firm Pasqal, investing in the integration of quantum technology into maritime operations.

Together, they will create a Quantum Computing Centre of Excellence at CMA CGM’s TANGRAM innovation hub.