AD Ports and Vale to develop low-carbon steel mega hubs

(Posted on 31/05/23)

AD Ports Group , the Abu Dhabi based leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the world’s largest producer of iron ore and nickel, and one of the largest logistics operators in Brazil, Vale S. A. (Vale), to develop a Mega Hub in Abu Dhabi for industrial complexes that produce low-carbon products for the steelmaking industry for both the local and seaborne markets, with a significant reduction of CO2 emissions.

The agreement will see an allocation of land and related services from KEZAD for the Mega Hub, in addition to the development and management of a state-of-the-art handling facility at Khalifa Port, capable of accommodating Valemax vessels with a handling capacity of up to 50 million tonnes of cargo per annum.

Furthermore, AD Ports Group will develop and manage conveyor infrastructure to transport iron ore and finished products to and from Khalifa Port and KEZAD, and will be exploring commercial collaboration with Vale on the marketing and sale of various bi-products of the manufacturing process in the UAE and the wider region.

The agreement also includes a maritime collaboration to explore opportunities related to management and operation of very large ore carriers (VLOCs) as well as other possible avenues of partnership.

Speaking about the agreement, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO, AD Ports Group said: “The UAE is committed to not only finding ways to reduce carbon emissions, but also to supporting all efforts aimed at positively affecting the global environment. This signing with Vale represents our commitment to the sustainably objectives as set out by the visionary leadership of the UAE. “Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, our collaboration with Vale signifies a key step in our contribution towards meeting the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative.”

Eduardo Bartolomeo, the CEO of Vale said: “We are encouraged by this opportunity to build a Mega Hub in the UAE, a country which is strategically positioned to positively influence our drive to significantly reduce CO2 emissions around the globe. Our ability to leverage this new concept of using low-carbon technology in the production of hot briquetted iron (HBI) signals the success of our products globally.”   The Mega Hub initiative contributes to Vale’s commitment to reduce 15% of net Scope 3 emissions by 2035. Additionally, Vale seeks to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement, leading the evolution process towards sustainable mining.

By leveraging their collective strengths, AD Ports Group and Vale are seeking to enhance the overall efficiency of the global supply chain.

Latest News

Port of Antwerp Bruges' quarterly figures reflect resilience

The total cargo throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges amounted to 70.4 million tonnes in the first quarter... Read more

North Sea Port records Q1 cargo throughput decline

Seaborne cargo transhipment at North Sea Port fell by 3.2% in the first quarter of this year compared... Read more

Green light for river access channel to HAROPA’s Port 2000

The Administrative Court in Rouen, France has dismissed a summary motion seeking the suspension of application... Read more

Agreement to develop Al Faw Grand Port and Economic Zone in Iraq

AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi based facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, has entered into... Read more

Rotterdam calls on EU to position ports smartly for future-proofing Europe

The European Union faces the challenge of reconciling the transition to a sustainable economy with preserving... Read more

Study: ports not ready to handle onboard captured carbon dioxide

A recent study commissioned by the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), in collaboration... Read more

ABP pioneers grain-monitoring robot

Spearheading innovation in agricultural storage and safety at work, Associated British Ports (ABP),... Read more

Bilbao hosts intra-European green hydrogen corridor discussions

The Port of Bilbao has hosted a meeting organised by the business agency of the Netherlands, with representatives... Read more

Collaboration to reduce port emissions across North America

Technology group Wärtsilä has entered into a collaboration agreement with Seattle, USA based... Read more

Germany's first centre for remote-controlled inland navigation opened

SEAFAR, the Belgian tech and service provider specializing in remote-controlled and crew-reduced inland... Read more