Khalifa Port welcomes first LNG-powered vessel
As the JV's inaugural deployment, the arrival of UGR Al Samha marks the beginning of United Global Ro-Ro's vision to provide sustainable, efficient, and high-capacity Ro-Ro logistics across global trade routes.
Utilising Khalifa Port as its hub the deep-sea vessel is strengthening and supporting feedering links across an already robust network.
The state-of-the-art vessel with a cargo capacity of more than 7,000 car equivalent units (CEU) across 12 decks, is meticulously designed to optimise high & heavy cargo transportation serving vital markets across the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
By combining LNG propulsion technology, advanced vessel design and strategic port integration, United Global Ro-Ro offers customers an economically viable and environmentally responsible shipping solution, while the vessel's reduced emissions align with the UAE's decarbonisation targets and the partners' commitment to cleaner shipping.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said, 'The maiden call of UGR Al Samha at Khalifa Port is not just a milestone for United Global Ro-Ro, but a significant step forward in our strategy of investing in vessels and technologies which reduce our impact on the environment. With this vessel now in active service, we are enhancing our ability to provide competitive, reliable Ro-Ro solutions to global trade partners in an eco-conscious manner.'
Tolga Emrah Gezgin, CEO - United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), said, "We are pleased to successfully complete our first voyage at Khalifa Port, marking the initial step of our recent partnership with Noatum Maritime in Ro-Ro transportation and finished vehicle logistics. Through the eco-friendly model we have developed, we are minimising both costs and our environmental impact, while offering sustainable and economically viable solutions by reducing carbon emissions in Ro-Ro logistics. This voyage also marks the beginning of a new era, and we are committed to making bold strides in maritime transportation with many more voyages ahead.
Following its successful maiden call, UGR Al Samha will be deployed on regular routes connecting key automotive and industrial hubs, supporting the growing demand for sustainable and efficient vehicle transportation. The vessel is part of Noatum Maritime's broader strategy to expand Ro-Ro services while transitioning towards alternative fuels.
The maiden call event at Khalifa Port brought together key industry stakeholders, partners, and potential customers to showcase the vessel's advanced capabilities and the strategic role UGR will play in enhancing global Ro-Ro trade.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
6 hours ago
- Gulf Business
AD Ports Group, Kazakhstan Railways kick off GulfLink JV operations
Image: Supplied AD Ports Group has launched operations of its Central Asian logistics joint venture, GulfLink, in partnership with KTZ Express, the freight arm of Kazakhstan Railways. GulfLink is jointly owned by AD Ports Group (51 per cent) and KTZ Express (49 per cent), the multimodal transport and logistics subsidiary of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). The venture is designed to support trade flows across the region by developing international transport corridors and boosting Kazakhstan's role in the global logistics system. Key link to AD Ports Group's strategy for the Middle Corridor route 'We are pleased to announce the commencement of operations for our GulfLink joint venture with KTZ Express in Kazakhstan, one of Central Asia's fastest growing economies, and a key link in our strategy to upgrade the Middle Corridor route,' said Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, regional CEO of AD Ports Group. 'This initiative will help turn the corridor into a major East-West trade artery linking consumers and manufacturers in Asia and Europe.' The new venture offers cargo connectivity from Central Asia through Pakistan, Türkiye, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. GulfLink aims to provide more resilient and efficient supply chains for regional and international customers. Damir Kozhakhmetov, general director and chairman of the Management Board at KTZ Express, called GulfLink 'a bold, value-enhancing joint venture' that would provide 'a new level of unique, end-to-end connectivity for Kazakhstan regionally and globally'. Kazakhstan, where approximately 70 per cent of freight moves by rail, plays a pivotal role in regional logistics. KTZ, with 16,000km of rail lines, is one of Central Asia's largest and most strategic state-owned enterprises. Kamal Huseynov, CEO of GulfLink, said the new entity will bring value to customers through innovation and the integration of logistics resources from both parent companies. GulfLink will play a crucial role GulfLink is also expected to play a key role in reviving the Middle Corridor, a strategic East-West trade link connecting China and Europe through Central Asia. The group's growing Central Asian logistics network complements its maritime and port assets in Türkiye and Pakistan, as it continues to position itself as a global trade enabler across key emerging corridors.
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Zawya
AD Ports Group signs MoU with Critical Minerals Forum to strengthen global supply chains
AD Ports Group, a leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Critical Minerals Forum (CMF) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening global critical minerals supply chains. This collaboration leverages AD Ports Group's extensive network of operational ports, terminals, and shipping routes to support the Forum's mission of expanding critical mineral supply chains and trade. The partnership aligns with AD Ports Group's overarching goal of Enabling Trade and driving global economic growth, particularly as demand for critical minerals such as graphite, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and lithium is projected to increase significantly to support decarbonisation and the production of electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency states that six times more materials are required to produce an electric vehicle compared to a conventional car, demand for graphite, cobalt, and nickel is projected to increase 20-fold, while lithium demand is expected to rise 13-fold by 2040. The World Bank estimates three billion tonnes of critical minerals will be needed to decarbonise the global energy system by 2050. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said, 'Our collaboration with the Critical Minerals Forum, represents a pivotal step in addressing the growing global demand for critical minerals, which are essential for decarbonisation and sustainable energy solutions. Leveraging AD Ports Group's world-class infrastructure, including our expansive network of ports, terminals, and shipping routes, we are uniquely positioned to support resilient and diversified supply chains. This collaboration underscores our commitment to enabling trade and driving global economic growth, while contributing to the transition to a greener future.' Rob Strayer, President of the Critical Minerals Forum, said, 'This partnership marks a significant step forward in ensuring the resilience and diversification of critical minerals supply chains globally. Critical minerals often move between multiple continents from mine to processor to manufacturer. AD Ports Group's extensive logistics capabilities will be instrumental in achieving our shared goals.' The Critical Minerals Forum is dedicated to fostering resilient and diversified supply chains by uniting key stakeholders, including miners, processors, manufacturers, investors, and the public sector, while promoting transparency in pricing, cost structures, and supply-demand projections. Both organisations emphasised the importance of this MoU in driving international growth and delivering competitive advantages through enhanced supply chain resilience and diversification. This collaboration not only strengthens their capabilities in addressing the rising global demand for critical minerals, but also opens new opportunities for mutual success and growth in high-potential regional and global markets. Together, both organisations aim to contribute to sustainable economic development and the transition to a greener future.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: Gulf markets show mixed reaction to Trump's tariffs
Major stock markets in the Gulf were mixed in early trade on Thursday, as investors weighed the potential impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on global economic growth. Trump escalated his tariff campaign on Wednesday, announcing a 50% tariff on U.S. copper imports and a 50% duty on goods from Brazil, both effective on August 1. Trump also issued tariff notices for seven minor trading partners, adding to 14 others issued earlier in the week, including 25% levies on imports from South Korea and Japan, set to take effect on August 1 unless agreements are reached. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index edged 0.1% higher, supported by a 1.2% gain in Saudi National Bank, the kingdom's largest lender by assets. However, oil giant Saudi Aramco slipped 0.1%. Aramco is in talks with Commonwealth LNG to buy liquefied natural gas from the U.S. company's proposed facility in Cameron, Louisiana, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the market for the fuel, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Dubai's main share index added 0.1%, with Gulf Navigation advancing 3.3%. Elsewhere, Drake & Scull International jumped more than 10%. Earlier this week, the contracting company launched its first self-owned commercial project in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the index fell 0.2%. By contrast, Abu Dhabi Ports Company advanced 2.9% after AD Ports Group launched Gulflink JV operations with Kazakhstan Railway. The Qatari index eased 0.2%, hit by a 1.2% fall in Commercial Bank.
