by Lloyd's List
3 February 2025 (Lloyd's List) - ABU Dhabi Ports has started operations at its new multipurpose terminal in the Angolan port of Luanda, as the UAE-based ports group continues to expand into sub-Saharan Africa.
In April last year, ADP agreed a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority for the long-term management of the facility at Angola’s largest port, which handles about 76% of the country’s container and general cargo volumes, and supporting logistics activities together with local partners, Unicargas and Multiparques.
The port of Luanda serves as a key transhipment hub for central and West Africa, and facilitates trade with Democratic Republic of Congo and the landlocked Zambia.
ADP committed to an initial investment of $250m in the rebranded Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal through to 2026, while also developing Noatum Unicargas Logistics, a joint venture providing integrated logistics, transport and freight forwarding services for local, regional and international clients.
ADP has an 81% share in the multipurpose terminal venture, which will also boast ro-ro capabilities alongside box and general cargo operations, with Unicargas and Multiparques, in addition to a 90% stake in the logistics business with Unicargas. Noatum Unicargas Logistics will be fully integrated into ADP’s subsidiary Noatum Logistics global network. ADP acquired logistics and terminal operator Noatum for $660m in 2022.
Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal will be equipped with modern container handling equipment, including three super post-panamax ship-to-shore cranes and eight rubber-tyred gantries, which will be installed by the third quarter of 2026, according to ADP. This will increase annual capacity from its existing 25,000 teu to as much as 350,000 teu, as the terminal becomes the country’s first able to handle containerships up to 14,000 teu. Upgrades will also see the terminal able to handle 40,000 vehicles each year.
ADP’s Angolan investment is part of more than $800m invested by the company in recent years across sub-Saharan Africa, which also includes investments in Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo and its acquisition of berths 8 to 11 at Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania in partnership with Indian port operator Adani.
ADP said investment in its Angolan concession, which has the option of being extended by another 10 years, could increase to $380m in line with market demand.
