Abu Dhabi Ports has announced the completion of an ambitious Dh1 billion ($272 million) expansion at Fujairah Terminals, marking a significant milestone in the UAE’s maritime infrastructure development. This expansion enhances the port’s capacity for both cargo handling and container management, positioning Fujairah Port as a leading player in the region’s logistics and trade networks. As a provider of shipping agency services in Fujairah, we understand the importance of such developments in enhancing the region’s maritime capabilities.
The newly expanded terminal aims to meet the increasing demand for both general cargo and containerized goods. This major investment underlines the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its logistics capabilities and strengthening its role in global trade.
Expanded Capacity and Cutting-Edge Infrastructure
The Fujairah Terminals expansion—which took three years to complete—includes several key upgrades that will allow the port to handle increased volumes of traffic and more diverse types of goods. With these improvements, Fujairah Port now boasts:
- General Cargo Throughput: The terminal’s general cargo throughput capacity has been increased to 1.3 million tonnes.
- Container Handling Capacity: The expanded terminal can now accommodate 720,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containerized cargo annually.
Key Upgrades to Fujairah Port:
- New Structures: Additional facilities have been constructed to boost the port’s cargo-handling capabilities.
- Increased Terminal Size: The container terminal has grown by 110,000 square meters, while 25,000 additional square meters have been added for handling Ro-Ro (roll-on, roll-off) cargo.
- Quay Wall Extension: The quay wall has been extended from 760 meters to 1,000 meters, providing space for larger vessels to dock.
- Deeper Approach: The approach depth has been increased from 12 meters to 15 meters, allowing the port to accommodate even larger vessels, enhancing its capacity for global trade.
Strategic Importance of Fujairah Port
Located just 70 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital oil trade routes, Fujairah Port plays a critical role in international maritime trade. The expanded terminal is strategically positioned to connect key trade routes between the Indian subcontinent, the Red Sea, and East Africa. As a shipping agency services in Fujairah provider, we recognize the significant role this port plays in facilitating smoother, more efficient shipping routes.
The inauguration of the expansion was led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, who highlighted the port’s growing importance in global maritime transport. “Fujairah has become a prominent global maritime transport center, attracting investment and supporting sustainable national development,” he said.
A Hub for Growth and Innovation
The Fujairah Terminals expansion is the result of a 35-year concession agreement signed in 2017 between Fujairah Ports and Abu Dhabi Ports. This partnership established Fujairah Terminals as an operational arm of Abu Dhabi Ports, focused on enhancing the terminal’s infrastructure and capacity to handle general cargo, Ro-Ro items, and cruise ships.
Abdulaziz Al Balooshi, CEO of Fujairah Terminals, emphasized the significance of the expansion. “The capacity expansion has enabled us to handle more than a million additional tonnes of general cargo,” he said. “This has been pivotal in elevating our service capabilities and furthering Fujairah’s standing as a prime logistics and trade hub.”
According to Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports, Fujairah Port is now uniquely positioned as the UAE’s only multipurpose port on the eastern coast, bridging regional and international trade routes. “With our new infrastructure and technological advancements, Fujairah Terminals is on its way to becoming a global trade and logistics facilitator,” he stated.
As a provider of Marine Engineering Services in UAE, we recognize the essential role that technological advancements and infrastructure upgrades like these play in supporting the growth of maritime and shipping services in the region.
A Vision for the Future: Fujairah Port’s Role in UAE’s Economic Growth
The expansion of Fujairah Terminals represents a key milestone in the UAE’s broader efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its maritime sector. With its enhanced infrastructure, the port is expected to drive increased trade activity, support regional economic growth, and attract new business and investment opportunities.
As the UAE continues to focus on growth and diversification, Fujairah Terminals will play a pivotal role in realizing the nation’s long-term strategic goals, positioning the port as a major player in the global logistics and shipping industry.
Conclusion: Fujairah Port’s Growing Global Influence
With the completion of this Dh1 billion expansion, Fujairah Port has solidified its place as a global maritime trade hub. The improvements in cargo handling, container capacity, and port infrastructure will allow Fujairah to cater to the growing demands of global trade. As the UAE continues to enhance its maritime and logistics capabilities, Fujairah Terminals is poised to play a key role in driving economic growth and international trade for years to come.
