CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal has announced the start of a direct, weekly service to several ports across Europe and the Indian Subcontinent as part of its goal to increase its regional connectivity.
In a statement, the terminal, the first overseas greenfield project of COSCO Shipping Ports Limited (CSP), said the new service will include a fleet of eight vessels ranging from 10,000 to 13,000 TEU.
It will service 37 ports, starting from Abu Dhabi Ports’ deepwater Khalifa Port, where the terminal is based. The terminal was launched in April 2019 after CSP and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a 35-year concession agreement in 2017.
Direct exports from Abu Dhabi to the ports of Rotterdam, Hamburg, London, Antwerp, and Le Havre, will consist primarily of polymers while returning vessels will carry a mix of general and project cargo imports. The ports of Karachi, Nhava Sheva, and Mundra will also benefit from the new service.
Naser Al Busaeedi, Deputy CEO, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, said: “More than a year on since CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal officially launched, we are now well-positioned to bring our direct service offering to a global audience.
“Our new services will significantly increase the movement of cargo exports and imports between Abu Dhabi, Europe and India, providing our customers with solutions to tackle their international shipment needs, as well as the opportunity to target new markets.”
Mohamed Eidha Tannaf Al Menhali, Acting Director, Khalifa Port, also commented: “This new dedicated service marks an important strategic step in Abu Dhabi Ports’ vision to transform Khalifa Port’s end-to-end logistics capability.
“The ability to connect with some of the world’s most important maritime hubs in Europe and the Northwest Indian Subcontinent will enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a leading facilitator and enabler of global trade in the 21st century.
“Not only does this announcement bolster our existing partnership with COSCO Shipping Ports Limited, but it also ensures our other customers will be well positioned to broaden their horizons by engaging with new trading and logistics opportunities all around the world.”
The direct services are expected to lend additional support to customers across the region and clients of the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), providing faster transit and competitive rates for their import and export activities.
With expectations that the new offering will increase CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal’s weekly handling of cargo, the development is also expected to help add more feeder services from CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal.
In April 2020, its deep-water semi-automated container terminal marked several milestones including the handling of over 540,000 TEU.
