Abu dhabi: AD Ports Group has entered into a Joint Venture and Shareholders agreement with the France-based CMA CGM Group to acquire a 20% stake in the Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) in Syria. The acquisition is valued at AED 81 million (US$22 million).
According to Emirates News Agency, LICT is Syria's primary maritime gateway, handling over 95% of the country's container volumes, particularly for agricultural products and industrial goods. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Rodolphe Saad©, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Group.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating that it broadens their longstanding collaboration with CMA CGM Group. He emphasized that this strategic agreement highlights the growing international cooperation between the two organizations and reinforces AD Ports Group's role as a global enabler of trade, logistics, and industry.
The partnership aims to modernize terminal infrastructure, digital systems, and operational performance at LICT, with a strategic focus on reestablishing Latakia as a vital trade gateway for Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean. This initiative is expected to support enhanced trade flows and contribute to long-term economic growth in the region.
CMA Terminals has been operating LICT since 2009 and recently signed an amended 30-year concession agreement. The current capacity of LICT stands at 250K TEUs, with plans to expand it to 625K TEUs by the end of 2026.
Additionally, GFS, a container feeder shipping company 51%-owned by AD Ports Group, is poised to launch services on the East Mediterranean side, including Latakia port. This new partnership further strengthens the relationship between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM Group.
In December 2024, the partnership saw the inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a state-of-the-art AED3.1 billion (US$845 million) container terminal, operated by a joint venture between CMA Terminals and AD Ports Group. Building on this success, both parties signed a shareholders' agreement in February 2025 to develop, manage, and operate the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
Further expanding their connectivity, AD Ports Group inaugurated Al Faya Dry Port in February 2025. This customs-bonded inland facility is seamlessly connected to Khalifa Port and serves as a key transit hub, enhancing market speed and providing cost-efficient cargo handling solutions for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.