AD Ports Group, a global leader in trade facilitation and logistics, has solidified its presence in Angola through a series of agreements that aim to modernize and enhance the Luanda multipurpose port terminal. These agreements, signed with Unicargas and Multiparques, mark a significant step towards transforming Angola’s maritime infrastructure and stimulating economic growth across Central-West Africa.
AD Ports Group secured a 20-year concession agreement (extendable by another 10 years) with Angola’s Luanda Port Authority for operating and upgrading the terminal. With a commitment of $251 million over the next three years, AD Ports Group aims to modernize the terminal and develop logistics businesses, potentially increasing the investment to $379 million over the concession term.
Through agreements with Algola’s Unicargas and Multiparques, AD Ports Group acquired an 81 percent stake in a joint venture to operate the terminal and a 90 percent stake in another joint venture to serve the broader logistics market in Angola.
Enhanced infrastructure
AD Ports’ concession agreement with Angola’s Luanda Port Authority aims to significantly upgrade the existing multipurpose facility to a container and Ro-Ro terminal. Moreover, it seeks to expand the concession area, upgrade the quay wall, and upgrade equipment and IT systems. The redevelopment will increase container handling volumes from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles.
“The multipurpose terminal will be modernized to attract business from leading global shipping lines and offer the highest levels of service efficiency and quality, thereby benefitting our nations, partners, stakeholders, and customers,” stated Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO, AD Ports Group.
Joint venture with Unicargas
AD Ports’ join venture with Angola’s Unicargas will provide integrated logistics and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients. Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, will manage the movement of containers to Viana ICD and offer transport to neighboring countries.
Moreover, Noatum will manage and operate Unicargas’ existing truck fleet and logistics sites across the country. It will also boost business capacity through investments in machinery, reefer and flat-bed trucks. AD Ports’ Noatum will also upgrade the company’s IT systems and integrate them with Noatum Logistics’ digital ecosystem.
Exploring maritime sector opportunities
In addition, AD Ports Group is exploring opportunities to support Angola’s offshore industry and other maritime sectors through its maritime and shipping cluster. It is also looking into deploying assets such as work accommodation vessels, passenger ferries, platform supply vessels, and other maritime craft and infrastructure.
Port of Luanda’s strategic importance
Angola’s Port of Luanda serves as the main maritime gateway along the corridor. It plays a critical role in the domestic economy, handling more than 76 percent of cargo volumes. “The Port of Luanda is not just Angola’s main maritime gateway. It is a critical hub for regional trade and economic vitality,” stated Ricardo Daniel Sandão Queirós Viegas de Abreu, minister of transport, Angola. Moreover, it serves as one of the main transshipment hubs for Central-West Africa. Hence, it enables maritime trade access to land-locked countries like Zambia and Congo.
For more news on logistics, click here.
