emirates7 - AD Ports Group has signed a preliminary strategic agreement with Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co., Ltd. (Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group), one of China’s leading port operators, to develop a robust automotive logistics network. This network aims to link Chinese manufacturing with markets in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa by integrating terminal operations, fleet services, and multimodal transport solutions.
The agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Tao Chengbo, Chairman of the Chinese port group, during a ceremony celebrating the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher—the second LNG-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Erkport.
The partnership will tap into Ningbo Zhoushan Port’s automotive export strengths and UGR’s distribution capabilities, addressing the rising demand for Chinese vehicle exports. It includes plans to jointly develop Ro-Ro and automotive terminals at both Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group's hubs, with upgrades to handle larger vessels, increase vehicle capacity, and reduce port turnaround times. These improvements aim to enhance efficiency and provide top-tier customer service.
Under the agreement, UGR will serve as the primary Ro-Ro carrier. Its fleet of Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) and Ro-Ro vessels already supports routes between China and ports in the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Al Shamisi described the partnership as a milestone in building smart, interconnected automotive trade corridors across continents. He highlighted UGR’s readiness, fleet capabilities, and the environmental benefits of the LNG-powered UGR Zakher, which aligns with global decarbonisation goals. He also noted plans to integrate rail and maritime routes across the Middle Corridor to enable seamless multimodal transport.
Chengbo emphasized the importance of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, the world’s leading port by cargo volume, in facilitating global trade. He stated that the launch of UGR Zakher signals the beginning of a new chapter in their collaboration, with plans to expand joint efforts in logistics, warehousing, green energy, and talent exchange. This aligns with the broader vision of advancing the China-Arab Economic Corridor.
The UGR Zakher, with a 7,000 Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) capacity, complements its sister vessel, UGR Al Samha, in offering lower emissions and higher operational efficiency through LNG technology.
The agreement also outlines plans to integrate advanced technologies such as digital platforms for real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automation. These tools aim to simplify operations and reduce reliance on manual processes.
Both parties will also explore opportunities to connect sea routes with inland rail lines through the Middle Corridor, offering new multimodal options for trade between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
The agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Tao Chengbo, Chairman of the Chinese port group, during a ceremony celebrating the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher—the second LNG-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Erkport.
The partnership will tap into Ningbo Zhoushan Port’s automotive export strengths and UGR’s distribution capabilities, addressing the rising demand for Chinese vehicle exports. It includes plans to jointly develop Ro-Ro and automotive terminals at both Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group's hubs, with upgrades to handle larger vessels, increase vehicle capacity, and reduce port turnaround times. These improvements aim to enhance efficiency and provide top-tier customer service.
Under the agreement, UGR will serve as the primary Ro-Ro carrier. Its fleet of Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs) and Ro-Ro vessels already supports routes between China and ports in the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean.
Al Shamisi described the partnership as a milestone in building smart, interconnected automotive trade corridors across continents. He highlighted UGR’s readiness, fleet capabilities, and the environmental benefits of the LNG-powered UGR Zakher, which aligns with global decarbonisation goals. He also noted plans to integrate rail and maritime routes across the Middle Corridor to enable seamless multimodal transport.
Chengbo emphasized the importance of Ningbo Zhoushan Port, the world’s leading port by cargo volume, in facilitating global trade. He stated that the launch of UGR Zakher signals the beginning of a new chapter in their collaboration, with plans to expand joint efforts in logistics, warehousing, green energy, and talent exchange. This aligns with the broader vision of advancing the China-Arab Economic Corridor.
The UGR Zakher, with a 7,000 Car Equivalent Unit (CEU) capacity, complements its sister vessel, UGR Al Samha, in offering lower emissions and higher operational efficiency through LNG technology.
The agreement also outlines plans to integrate advanced technologies such as digital platforms for real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and automation. These tools aim to simplify operations and reduce reliance on manual processes.
Both parties will also explore opportunities to connect sea routes with inland rail lines through the Middle Corridor, offering new multimodal options for trade between China, Central Asia, and Europe.