New Khalifa Port expected to transform Abu Dhabi's local economy
ABU DHABI's Khalifa Container Terminal, which opened last September now stands to transform the local economy, according to the port operator, forwarding giant Agility and an engineering professor interviewed by Dubai's Khaleej Times.
"This brand new port will have a far-reaching and immediate positive impact on Abu Dhabi. It lays the foundation for a diverse economy and gives businesses the best possible opportunity to compete in the global market place," said Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) chief executive Martijn Van de Linde.
"If you can't import and export directly to the market, then your products have to come and go in other ways, more expensive ways. It drives down the cost of trade and puts the brakes on inflation by reducing the transport cost of imported consumer goods and construction materials. It also provides an ideal gateway for Abu Dhabi's fast-growing exports," said Mr Van de Linde.
Said Agility CEO John Wylie: "Developing the most cost-effective infrastructure and delivery is crucial to maintaining and supporting a healthy supply chain. Since Khalifa Port opened last year, ongoing and transparent dialogue with ADT helped us. The truck turnaround time at the port is far better and a major improvement on what we experienced in Mina Zayed."
Said Abu Dhabi University engineering professor Raid Al Alomar: "Khalifa Port will definitely increase the inflow of foreign direct investment because when you have a major port and industrial zone providing everything companies need, then foreign investors will seize the opportunity."
The terminal covers 2.7 square kilometres on a man-made port island between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The initial container handling capacity is 1.25 million TEU, but is expected to rise to 1.9 million TEU by adding an additional three of the world's largest container cranes to the six already deployed by the end of the year.
ABU DHABI's Khalifa Container Terminal, which opened last September now stands to transform the local economy, according to the port operator, forwarding giant Agility and an engineering professor interviewed by Dubai's Khaleej Times.
"This brand new port will have a far-reaching and immediate positive impact on Abu Dhabi. It lays the foundation for a diverse economy and gives businesses the best possible opportunity to compete in the global market place," said Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) chief executive Martijn Van de Linde.
"If you can't import and export directly to the market, then your products have to come and go in other ways, more expensive ways. It drives down the cost of trade and puts the brakes on inflation by reducing the transport cost of imported consumer goods and construction materials. It also provides an ideal gateway for Abu Dhabi's fast-growing exports," said Mr Van de Linde.
Said Agility CEO John Wylie: "Developing the most cost-effective infrastructure and delivery is crucial to maintaining and supporting a healthy supply chain. Since Khalifa Port opened last year, ongoing and transparent dialogue with ADT helped us. The truck turnaround time at the port is far better and a major improvement on what we experienced in Mina Zayed."
Said Abu Dhabi University engineering professor Raid Al Alomar: "Khalifa Port will definitely increase the inflow of foreign direct investment because when you have a major port and industrial zone providing everything companies need, then foreign investors will seize the opportunity."
The terminal covers 2.7 square kilometres on a man-made port island between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The initial container handling capacity is 1.25 million TEU, but is expected to rise to 1.9 million TEU by adding an additional three of the world's largest container cranes to the six already deployed by the end of the year.