Luanda: AD Ports Group has officially launched its long-term management and development operations of a major multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business with local partners in Luanda, Angola. This marks a significant step forward in the company's expansion into sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Emirates News Agency, AD Ports Group, in collaboration with Angolan joint venture partners Unicargas and Multiparques, has commenced operations at Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal, located in Angola's largest port. The Port of Luanda is crucial, handling approximately 76% of Angola's container and general cargo volumes and providing vital maritime access to landlocked countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.
AD Ports Group holds an 81% stake in the multipurpose terminal venture with Unicargas and Multiparques, and a 90% stake in the logistics venture with Unicargas. Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, the group has committed to investing around USD 250 million through 2026 to modernize the terminal and develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics. This joint venture aims to provide integrated logistics, transport, and freight forwarding services for local, regional, and international clients.
With the terminal's inauguration, trading activities have commenced at Noatum Unicargas Logistics. This venture is investing significantly in new trucks and systems, fully integrating with the Noatum Logistics global network to enhance Angola's access to international markets, thus driving investment-led growth in the Angolan economy. The investment could increase to USD 380 million over the concession's duration, potentially extending by another 10 years based on market demand.
In late 2024, AD Ports Group secured two agreements with the Angolan government, granting substantial tax and financial benefits to its operating subsidiaries. These investments are anticipated to create thousands of local direct and indirect jobs, focusing on training and upskilling. The planned investments include equipment and technology solutions to enable environmentally sustainable operations with reduced carbon emissions.
Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized the importance of the planned upgrades to Luanda's multipurpose port terminal and the establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business. He noted the group's global network and reach would position them to capitalize on Angola's container volume growth, projected to rise by an average of 3.3% annually over the next decade.
Ricardo Daniel Sando Queir³s Viegas de Abreu, Minister of Transport, Angola, highlighted the strategic partnership with AD Ports Group as a transformative step for the Port of Luanda. The collaboration is seen as a significant milestone in modernizing infrastructure, expanding access to global trade, and delivering economic growth across central west Africa.
The seamless transfer of business assets today occurred without interruption in terminal operations, which will continue uninterrupted as AD Ports Group and its partners work on improving efficiency and performance. The group is also prioritizing health and safety at the terminal, implementing a comprehensive Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) program.
Under AD Ports Group's leadership, the Luanda port terminal will undergo significant upgrades to become a general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal. It will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda with a 16-meter depth alongside, capable of accommodating Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs. The terminal will feature state-of-the-art equipment and modern IT systems to support efficient container handling.
Over the past three years, AD Ports Group has announced over USD 800 million in planned investments across Africa, focusing on the maritime, port, and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Angola. The decision to enter Angola followed a 2023 framework agreement with the Angolan government to explore cooperation in transport and maritime infrastructure.
By the third quarter of 2026, new container handling equipment will be installed, significantly boosting container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles. On September 21, 2024, AD Ports Group awarded contracts to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC) to supply cranes for the Luanda terminal.
In the Angolan logistics venture, Noatum Unicargas Logistics will invest in new machinery, reefer and flat-bed trucks, and IT system upgrades for seamless integration across Noatum Logistics' digital ecosystem, providing enhanced operational efficiency and full end-to-end supply chain visibility.