AD Ports and Aqaba sign development agreements

(Posted on 20/12/21)

AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of trade and logistics, has strengthened its regional footprint by signing a number of four strategic agreements and a Head of Terms Agreement (HoT) with the Aqaba Development Corporation that will see AD Ports Group support the development of logistics, transport, tourism and digital infrastructure within Aqaba.

The signing ceremony took place in Aqaba in Jordan in the presence of H.E. Nasser Shraideh, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, representing H.E. Dr. Bisher Al Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan; H.E. Ahmed Ali Mohammed Al Baloushi, UAE Ambassador to the kingdom; H.E. Dr. Mohamad Al-Ississ, Minister of Finance; H.E. Eng. Khairy Amr, Minister of Investment; and H.E.Dr. Nawaf Tall, Minister of State for Follow-up and Government Coordination; and H.E Eng. Nayef Ahmad Bakheet, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Chairman of Aqaba Development Corporation, along with a number of officials from both sides. The four strategic agreements and a Head of Terms Agreement were signed by Hussein Ali Alsafadi, CEO, Aqaba Development Corporation; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

The strategic partnerships concern the development of an advanced digital Port Community System, in addition to Head of Terms agreements to explore the development and modernisation of a multipurpose port, development of Marsa Zayed, a cruise terminal, and the and King Hussein International Airport.

Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, has signed a joint venture Agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation establishing “Maqta Ayla” to develop and operate an advanced Ports Community System (PCS). The system will oversee the communication between the Port of Aqaba and terminal operators, as well as the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Maritime Commission and other stakeholders within the Port’s ecosystem. The system is expected to complete around two million digital transactions per year, generate considerable cost and time savings for stakeholders and customers, reduce CO2 emissions and streamline services.

HoT on the Development and Modernisation of a Multi-Purpose Port

The HoT sees the Aqaba Development Corporation and AD Ports Group cooperating on exploring the development and modernisation of a multi-purpose port with world-class facilities including general cargo, grain and livestock handling.

H.E Eng. Nayef Ahmad Bakheet, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Chairman of Aqaba Development Corporation said: “We have found a key partner in AD Ports Group, which has the vision, expertise and track record necessary to develop world-class port and cruise and digital infrastructure.

“The agreements and HoT on the development of Marsa Zayed and a cruise terminal, exploring the modernisation of a multipurpose port, the development of King Hussein International Airport, and the establishment of “Maqta Ayla” for digital systems, represent a significant addition to our efforts that aim to develop Aqaba region, and enable rising volumes of visitors to come and experience the Golden Triangle of Jordan, with our unique tourism offerings of Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the ancient city of Petra.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “This strategic alliance will boost the wider efforts of the leadership of Abu Dhabi to drive trade and tourism with our neighbours in the region, and to develop world-class infrastructure to expand global reach.

“Collectively, these mega-projects represent one of the most significant integrated transport, logistics and tourism development programmes announced in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in recent years.

“Working with our partners in the Aqaba Development Corporation, these ambitious projects will significantly expand the facilities available to travellers and businesses via sea, land and air. This in turn will help grow the trade and tourism sectors, while strengthening Aqaba’s status as a major regional hub and support the kingdom’s economic development plans.”

Latest News

Rhenus becomes majority shareholder of Bulk Cargo – Port Szczecin

Germany based Rhenus Group has acquired an additional 58,5 percent of shares in the Polish port operation... Read more

AD Ports closes strong year of growth

AD Ports Group has solidified its position as a leading facilitator of global trade and logistics through... Read more

Mukran Port starts 2025 with new management

Mukran Port has welcomed Henry Forster as the new Managing Director of Faehrhafen Sassnitz GmbH. Ines... Read more

EIB provides €80m loan for Bilbao expansion and electrification

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an €80 million loan with the Port Authority of Bilbao... Read more

Steel supplier Outokumpu invests €40m at Mukran Port

Mukran Port on the island of Rügen, Germany, has gained a strategically important partner for the... Read more

AD Ports consolidates digital capabilities into Maqta Technologies Group

Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, has announced... Read more

Haivanship expands operations into northern Vietnam

Leading Vietnamese maritime-logistics operator Haivanship (HVS) is growing its Konecranes fleet with... Read more

Ghent boosts bulk handling with a Gen 6 Konecranes Gottwald MHC

Euroports Group is set to strengthen its bulk handling capacity at North Sea Port (Ghent) with the addition... Read more

Europe’s first fully electric tug delivered to Antwerp-Bruges

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD Tugs 2513 to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium. The... Read more

Hamburg bulks show mixed trends

Throughput of bulk cargo at the Port of Hamburg has experienced a slight recovery over the course of... Read more