2:04 pm - February 16, 2026
AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals are partnering to develop the UAE’s first private-sector LNG and LPG terminal hubs at Khalifa Port, aiming to boost the country’s role in low-carbon energy transport and maritime sustainability, with a combined investment exceeding AED 30 billion.
AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals have announced a groundbreaking partnership to develop the UAE’s very first private-sector hubs for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at Khalifa Port. This bold project, with a combined investment exceeding AED 30 billion (about US$8 billion), aims to position the UAE as a major player in energy and logistics, all while backing the country’s Net Zero 2050 goals.
The agreement, which spans 50 years, plans for the creation of two cutting-edge LNG and LPG terminal hubs. These facilities are strategically designed to boost Khalifa Port’s role as a global center for low-carbon energy transport and petrochemical logistics. The new terminals will be able to handle large, long-distance gas carriers—allowing vessels to refuel with LNG and LPG—two rapidly growing alternative marine fuels around the world. It’s expected that this development will improve the port’s sustainability image because it pushes the maritime industry towards cleaner fuels.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, the Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, called the deal a “transformative milestone” for Khalifa Port and the UAE’s energy sector. He emphasized that AD Ports Group’s focus on investing in sustainable infrastructure—well, at least, to me—really seems like it will create ongoing value for the UAE, its people, and the global shipping industries. The new LNG and LPG hubs will take advantage of Khalifa Port’s modern infrastructure, excellent multimodal links, and strategic positioning at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Plus, its proximity to Khalifa Economic Zones—KEZAD—along with other economic cities and free zones, makes for a pretty compelling case for integrated supply chains and smooth trade.
Azmat Mahmood, who’s the Executive Chairman of Nimex Terminals, expressed pride about their partnership, noting their commitment to fostering sustainable growth through advanced, low-emission fuel tech. He pointed out that investing in LNG and LPG infrastructure will boost Khalifa Port’s appeal—especially since it’s one of the fastest-growing container ports in the world.
Now, the investment commitments from both sides show a phased, strategic plan. AD Ports Group will pour in up to AED 1.3 billion (roughly US$354 million), mainly to upgrade port infrastructure—think dredging and jetty construction. Nimex Terminals, on the other hand, plans to invest around AED 2.6 billion (about US$700 million) to build state-of-the-art storage tanks for LNG and LPG, regasification facilities, pipelines, flare systems, and firefighting infrastructure. The LNG terminal will span about 130,000 square meters with a storage capacity of 400,000 cubic meters, while the LPG terminal will cover 90,000 square meters, offering 280,000 cubic meters of capacity. These hubs are mainly geared towards import, export, and transshipment activities in emerging Asian energy markets.
Timing-wise, things are progressing well. The initial groundwork should kick off by mid-2028, with the LNG terminal expected to operate at full capacity by 2031 and the LPG terminal by 2033. This phased approach allows the project to start capturing market share early on, while also supporting steady long-term growth in LNG and LPG trade.
Of course, beyond just infrastructure, this project is expected to create a pretty big economic impact. It should attract foreign investment, generate high-value jobs, and boost sectors like shipping, logistics, and energy services. And, as you might expect, it aligns perfectly with the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable industrialization and aiming to lead the way in low-carbon energy.
AD Ports Group has also been pushing forward with eco-friendly marine fuel solutions. For instance, they successfully carried out the first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at Khalifa Port. The operation involved LNG fueling the container vessel MSC Thais, with the help of the LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge and fuel provider Monjasa. It was performed following strict international safety and environmental standards, emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s emerging role as a maritime hub during this global energy transition.
Supporting these efforts, Khalifa Port recently saw the maiden voyage of United Global Ro-Ro’s LNG-powered vessel, the UGR Al Samha. This deep-sea vessel, a Pure Car and Truck Carrier powered by LNG, actually highlights the industry’s move towards more sustainable maritime logistics—and clearly exemplifies Khalifa Port’s dedication to innovative, environmentally friendly shipping solutions.
As for Khalifa Port itself, its rising importance is reflected in its 39th position in Lloyd’s List Top 100 ports for 2025. The new LNG and LPG terminals, along with expanded green fuel services and eco-friendly vessels, really cement its role as a crucial hub for energy trade and sustainable logistics in the region.
All in all, the partnership between AD Ports and Nimex Terminals marks a significant strategic step forward, boosting the UAE’s energy infrastructure and maritime capabilities. It’s a key part of the country’s broader climate ambitions—supporting the shift to low-carbon options—and really underlines Abu Dhabi’s push to become a pioneering, sustainable energy center in the Middle East and beyond.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://thefinanceworld.com/ad-ports-group-and-nimex-sign-deal-for-lng-lpg-hubs/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2025/11/04/ad-ports-group-signs-landmark-agreements-with-nimex-terminals – AD Ports Group has entered into long-term agreements with Nimex Terminals to develop two major terminal hubs for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) at Khalifa Port. This partnership marks a pivotal advancement in positioning the United Arab Emirates as a global energy and logistics powerhouse. The new LNG and LPG hubs will be the first private-sector facilities of their kind in the UAE, capable of accommodating large, long-haul gas carriers. Together, these terminals are designed to enhance Khalifa Port’s role as a hub for low-carbon energy and petrochemical logistics, while directly supporting the nation’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. Valued at over AED 30 billion (US$8 billion), the agreement spans 50 years and introduces multiple revenue streams for both partners. The project will also enable the port to refuel vessels with LNG and LPG—two of the fastest-growing alternative fuels in the maritime industry, thereby enhancing its sustainability credentials.
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/11/04/ad-ports-signs-agreements-with-nimex-to-develop-uaes-first-private-lng-and-lpg-terminal-hubs/ – AD Ports Group has signed agreements with Nimex Terminals to establish the UAE’s first private-sector liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals at Khalifa Port. The deal, valued at over AED 30 billion (over USD 8 billion), aims to position Khalifa Port as a leading trade hub for low-carbon energy and petrochemical logistics. The LNG and LPG terminals will expand the port’s capabilities to meet growing demand for international energy and support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. Under the agreements, AD Ports will invest up to AED 1.3 billion to develop the infrastructure, while Nimex Terminals will invest up to AED 2.6 billion in advanced LNG and LPG storage tanks and other major construction projects. The terminals are expected to benefit from Khalifa Port’s maritime infrastructure and its proximity to the Khalifa Economic Zones, which is AD Port’s system of economic cities and free zones. Khalifa Port is ranked 39th in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 ports for 2025.
- https://www.blackridgeresearch.com/news-releases/ad-ports-group-nimex-terminals-sign-aed-30-billion-deal-lng-lpg-terminal-hubs-khalifa-port-uae – AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals have signed two long-term agreements to establish the UAE’s first private-sector Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal hubs at Khalifa Port. The deal, valued at over AED 30 billion (over USD 8 billion) based on projected 50-year multiple revenue streams from the two terminal hubs, represents a major step toward strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ position as a global energy hub. The agreements will position Khalifa Port as a leading trading hub for low-carbon energy and petrochemical logistics, with facilities capable of accommodating large, long-haul gas carriers. These developments will expand Khalifa Port’s capabilities to meet the evolving demand of international energy trade while supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. Under the agreements, AD Ports Group has committed to invest up to AED 1.3 billion (USD 354 million) to develop the required infrastructure, primarily through dredging and the development of jetties. Nimex Terminals will invest up to AED 2.6 billion (USD 700 million) in advanced LNG and LPG storage tanks and other superstructure, including regasification facilities, pipelines with instrumentation and controls, loading arms, flare structures, and firefighting systems. The two facilities will be developed in phases over a 5-year period, with the associated investments spread over the same timeframe. The LNG terminal will span an area of 130,000 square meters and feature cryogenic storage facilities with a total capacity of 400,000 cubic meters. The LPG facility will occupy 90,000 square meters and ultimately offer a total capacity of 280,000 cubic meters. Both terminals will serve as hubs for import, export, and transshipment operations, primarily catering to the growing demand from Asian markets. Initial operations are expected to commence by mid-2028, with steady-state operations projected to be achieved by 2031 for the LNG terminal, and by 2033 for the LPG terminal. This phased approach ensures early market readiness while supporting medium and long-term growth in LNG and LPG trade volumes. Beyond infrastructure development, the agreements are expected to deliver significant economic impact by attracting foreign direct investment, creating high-value employment opportunities, and stimulating ancillary sectors such as shipping, logistics, and energy services. The announcement was made on November 4, 2025, from Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2025/04/16/ad-ports-group-expands-sustainable-fuel-solutions-with-first-ship-to-ship-lng-bunkering – AD Ports Group has hosted its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at Khalifa Port, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a key hub for alternative marine fuels and sustainable maritime solutions. The STS bunkering was part of a simultaneous operation, in which the container vessel MSC Thais, berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals, received LNG fuel from the dedicated LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge, supplied by marine fuels provider Monjasa. The operation demonstrated the concurrent transfer of LNG and cargo, highlighting AD Ports Group’s ability to integrate complex and efficient services into its port infrastructure and operations, while facilitating access to lower carbon fuels, which support both the industry and global environmental objectives. Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, stated that by adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards, AD Ports Group and Monjasa are ensuring that shipowners have reliable access to a diversified fuel mix that supports their decarbonisation objectives. AD Ports Group will continue to explore and implement forward-looking solutions that drive progress toward global sustainability goals. Liquefied natural gas offers reduced greenhouse gas emissions and significantly less sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions compared to traditional marine fuels. AD Ports Group and Monjasa will continue expanding LNG bunkering services across the Group’s commercial ports in Abu Dhabi, including cruise vessels at Zayed Port, while offering a comprehensive fuel portfolio that includes Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO). The STS operation was executed in accordance with international best practices and regulatory standards, including LNG bunkering protocols and guidelines set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO). With this achievement, AD Ports Group is accelerating the shift toward sustainable marine fuels, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the global energy transition and advancing the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
- https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2025/04/11/united-global-ro-ro-celebrates-maiden-voyage-of-lng-powered-vessel-at-khalifa-port – United Global Ro-Ro, the joint venture between Noatum Maritime (part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster) and Erkport, has celebrated a key milestone with the maiden call of its first LNG-powered Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) at Autoterminal Khalifa Port. 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. Tolga Emrah Gezgin, CEO of United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), stated, “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.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being November 4, 2025. The report originates from reputable sources, including AD Ports Group’s official website ([adportsgroup.com](https://www.adportsgroup.com/en/news-and-media/2025/11/04/ad-ports-group-signs-landmark-agreements-with-nimex-terminals?utm_source=openai)) and The National ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/11/04/ad-ports-signs-agreements-with-nimex-to-develop-uaes-first-private-lng-and-lpg-terminal-hubs//?utm_source=openai)). No evidence of recycled or republished content was found. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi and Azmat Mahmood are unique to this narrative, with no earlier matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations: AD Ports Group and Nimex Terminals. Both entities have a verified online presence, lending credibility to the report.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the establishment of LNG and LPG terminal hubs at Khalifa Port align with recent developments in the UAE’s energy sector. The reported investments and operational timelines are consistent with industry standards. The narrative includes specific details such as investment amounts, facility sizes, and operational dates, providing factual anchors that enhance its credibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, originating from reputable sources with unique quotes and verifiable details. The claims are plausible and supported by specific factual anchors, indicating a high level of credibility.
