AD Ports Group starts port and logistics operations in Luanda, Angola

UAE port operating company the AD Ports Group has begun its long-term management and development of a major multipurpose terminal and an associated logistics business with local partners in Luanda, Angola, as part of its expansion in sub-Saharan Africa.

With Angolan joint venture partners Unicargas and Multiparques, the AD Ports Group started operations at Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal in the Port of Luanda, Angola's largest port.

The Port of Luanda handles about 76 per cent of Angola's container and general cargo volumes in addition to providing maritime access to landlocked countries the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

The AD Ports Group has an 81 per cent stake in the multipurpose terminal venture with Unicargas and Multiparques, and a 90 per cent stake in the logistics venture with Unicargas.

Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, the AD Ports Group committed to invest around US$250 million through 2026 to modernise the terminal and to develop Noatum Unicargas Logistics, the joint venture providing integrated logistics, transport and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients.

Under the AD Ports Group's management, the Luanda port terminal will be significantly upgraded to a general cargo, container and Ro-Ro terminal. It will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda with 16 metres of depth alongside and therefore be able to handle Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs capacity.

The terminal area of 192,000 square metres will be re-engineered to support high density and efficient container handling and will be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and modern IT systems.