The agreement could lead to opportunities for Abu Dhabi Ports to potentially upgrade ports and logistics infrastructure abroad. Credit: Emirates Global Aluminium PJSC.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) based Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ports to explore joint opportunities in the development of ports, logistics infrastructure, and services outside the UAE.

The MoU is expected to bring new business opportunities for Abu Dhabi Ports to potentially upgrade the relevant infrastructures used by EGA abroad to load raw materials destined for UAE.

Abu Dhabi Ports CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said: “What we want to create are win-win-win opportunities for Abu Dhabi Ports, EGA, and port operators and their communities around the world.

“Abu Dhabi Ports’ expertise in developing ports and interest in investing internationally, combined with EGA’s demand to use port facilities, should make upgrade projects economically attractive to the benefit of everybody.”

Abu Dhabi Ports is currently involved in the operation of a container quay built by EGA at Kamsar in Guinea.

“This MoU paves the way for further opportunities through which Abu Dhabi Ports can develop its international business.”

The quay is used by EGA to unload materials and equipment for the construction of a bauxite mine, while it is expected to be opened for other businesses in the future.

EGA managing director and CEO Abdulla Kalban said: “EGA already works with Abu Dhabi Ports at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and at Kamsar in the Republic of Guinea.

“This MoU paves the way for further opportunities through which Abu Dhabi Ports can develop its international business, whilst lowering EGA’s shipping costs through the upgrading of the ports that we use.”

In December last year, EGA signed a long-term port facility agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports to import bauxite for its Al Taweelah alumina refinery at Khalifa Port in UAE.