- Partners agree to explore development of e-methanol bunkering facilities in Khalifa Port and KEZAD
- Agreement supports decarbonisation of global shipping
- Strengthens UAE-France business ties and advances UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 04 June 2025: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a collaboration agreement with Masdar, Advario and the CMA CGM Group to explore the feasibility for the development of a state-of-the-art e-methanol bunkering and export facility at Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group.
The project will provide critical infrastructure to complete the supply value chain and bridge commercial e-methanol production with key off-takers, such as CMA CGM, in support of accelerating the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry.
The agreement also reinforces the UAE-France strategic partnership, fostered through the High-Level Business Council held annually between both countries, further leveraging mobilisation of the private sectors to deliver sustainable economic development and partnerships.
Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer- Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The signing of this agreement marks an important milestone in our journey towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible maritime industry. The development of an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Khalifa Port will not only support the growth of the shipping industry, but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of clean energy sources. We are proud of this partnership with distinguished corporations, and are confident to make a positive impact on the environment and the economy.”
Dr Faye Al Hersh, Head of Green Hydrogen Business Development (UAE), Masdar, said: “Green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as e-methanol, are pivotal in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like shipping, helping drive the global shift toward net zero. With over 80 percent of global trade transported by sea, fostering strategic partnerships is essential to establishing robust green hydrogen value chains and ensuring a more sustainable maritime industry. E-methanol has the potential to revolutionise the shipping sector by offering a viable pathway to significantly cut emissions. By collaborating with AD Ports Group, Advario and CMA CGM, we are strengthening the UAE’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation and making meaningful strides towards a cleaner, greener future.”
Bas Verkooijen, Advario CEO, said: “At Advario, we are committed to supporting the energy transition through innovation and collaboration. We are pleased to be partnering with Masdar, AD Ports Group, and CMA CGM to assess the feasibility of developing innovative solutions that will drive long-term, sustainable progress for the maritime industry.
“This partnership not only strengthens our position in the UAE’s chemicals and new energy sectors, but it also underlines our commitment to working alongside our customers and partners to accelerate the decarbonisation of critical industries.”
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group, said: “At CMA CGM, we are accelerating the decarbonation of shipping by investing in low-carbon solutions, with a fleet of more than 153 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies and synthetic fuels such as e-methanol operational by 2029. This collaboration marks a key milestone in developing the necessary infrastructure to scale up sustainable fuels, which are strategic for our industry’s energy transition.”
The collaboration agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between AD Ports Group and Masdar to explore the development of a green hydrogen hub within KEZAD. Last year, Masdar also signed a strategic supply partnership with CMA CGM to assess the long-term provision of green maritime fuels for the company’s fleet.
Today’s new agreement aligns with the Abu Dhabi Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which targets the scaling up of local hydrogen production to 1.4 million tonnes per annum by 2031 and 15 million tons per annum by 2050. It also corresponds with the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which focuses on decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors by 2050.
-ENDS-
For media information, please contact:
AD Ports Media Office
email: media@adports.ae
About AD Ports Group:
Established in 2006, AD Ports Group today serves as a global trade enabler of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: ADPORTS), AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the Emirate’s economic development over the past decade.
Operating five business clusters covering Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Maritime & Shipping, Logistics, and Digital, AD Ports Group’s portfolio comprises 34 terminals, with a presence in over 50 countries, and more than 550 square kilometres of economic zones within KEZAD Group, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East.
AD Ports Group is rated “AA-” Outlook stable by Fitch, and “A1” outlook stable by Moody’s.
For more information, please visit: adportsgroup.com
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About Masdar:
Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy leader, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transformation and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of 51 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future.
Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.
Contact:
For media inquiries, please contact: press@masdar.ae
For more information, please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/Masdar.ae and twitter.com/Masdar
About Advario:
Advario is a leading tank storage and infrastructure solutions provider for chemicals, gases, fuels and new energies, headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Building on 50 years of experience, Advario operates a global network of liquid storage terminals that are strategically located in key energy hubs. Committed to playing a frontrunner role in the energy transition, Advario actively collaborates with its business partners to drive innovation and sustainability in the energy sector and support its customers in their decarbonisation journey.
For more information, please visit https://advario.com/.
About CMA CGM:
Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group is a global leader in sea, land, air, and logistics solutions. CMA CGM is also diversifying into the media sector.
As the third-largest global container shipping company in terms of capacity, CMA CGM serves over 400 ports across five continents, supported by a fleet of more than 650 vessels.
Through its subsidiary, CEVA Logistics, the Group is one of the top five global logistics players, managing over 11 million square meters of warehouse space worldwide.
CMA Media, a subsidiary of CMA CGM and the third-largest private media group in France, includes RMC-BFM and a press division that brings together renowned titles such as La Provence, Corse Matin, La Tribune, and La Tribune Dimanche.
Committed to the energy transition in maritime transport and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group aims to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
The CMA CGM Foundation responds to humanitarian crises requiring urgent action by leveraging the Group’s maritime and logistics expertise to deliver humanitarian aid worldwide. The Foundation also undertakes initiatives to promote education for all and equal opportunities.
Operating in 160 countries, the Group employs 160,000 people globally, including 20,000 in France, with nearly 6,000 based in Marseille, where its headquarters are located.
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