The container terminal is being developed as part of AD Ports Group’s majority-owned joint venture with the CMA CGM Group, via its subsidiary CMA Terminals, following an agreement signed between the two parties in February 2025.
The contracts awarded, with a combined value of around AED 735 million (USD 200 million), mark a key milestone in the development of the new container terminal, delivered under AD Ports Group’s 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of Congo, renewable for a further 20 years.
The awards include two contracts for marine and superstructure works, worth around AED 551 million (USD 150 million), awarded to the joint venture MAR CONTRACTING SARLU and MBTP SA, as well as an AED 184 million (USD 50 million) contract for the supply of three quay gantry cranes (STS) and nine rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTG), awarded to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC).
The container terminal will initially comprise a quay wall some 420 meters long and 16 meters deep, capable of accommodating Patagonia-class vessels, as well as a 100,000 m² logistics area. In accordance with its concession agreement with the Congolese government, the Group has the right to develop additional multipurpose cargo capacity, which will be assessed in the light of evolving demand.
Mohamed Eidha AlMenhali, Regional Managing Director of AD Ports Group, commented: “These contract awards mark an important milestone in the delivery of a modern, forward-looking container terminal at the Port of Pointe-Noire, in partnership with CMA Terminals. This development reflects AD Ports Group’s long-term commitment to investing in high-growth markets and developing integrated maritime and logistics infrastructures that strengthen regional trade connectivity. This strategic investment will not only increase port capacity, but also create sustainable value for Congolese communities through job creation, skills development and better integration into global trade. In addition, this project will support economic diversification, attract the world’s leading shipping companies and generate sustainable value for the Republic of Congo and the wider region, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the United Arab Emirates.”
These groundbreaking contracts advance the development of the Port of Pointe-Noire’s new container terminal, strengthening its capacity to handle larger vessels and higher annual volumes, thereby consolidating its role as a regional trade gateway serving Central and West Africa. Work is scheduled for completion in around two years’ time.
Based on comparable port developments, the Pointe-Noire Noatum Ports terminal is expected to generate up to 9,000 direct and indirect jobs, from the initial construction phase through to start-up of operations.
Construction activities are expected to create up to 800 jobs, while the direct operation of the terminal will support around 400 additional positions. In addition, up to 7,000 indirect jobs are expected to be created by the new business opportunities made possible by the terminal.
The development of the Noatum Ports terminal in Pointe-Noire is fully in line with the vision of the Government of the Republic of Congo and the National Development Plan of Congo-Brazzaville, which make economic diversification, reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and inclusive growth priorities.
By modernizing port infrastructures, boosting commercial competitiveness and consolidating logistics capacities, AD Ports Group is supporting the government’s ambition to position Pointe-Noire as a leading maritime and logistics hub for Central and West Africa, while generating sustainable economic and social benefits.
The marine works contract covers the complete design and construction of the quay wall, marine structures, crane foundations, quay infrastructure and associated seaward works. The superstructure works contract covers the development of the concession area, including container yard infrastructure, operational and administrative facilities, utility networks, substations and terminal support infrastructure.
The crane supply contract covers the manufacture and delivery of Super Post-Panamax quay gantry cranes, among the largest and most advanced in container ports. The hybrid RTG cranes are expected to reduce diesel consumption by up to 60% compared with conventional diesel RTGs, representing a saving of around 1 million liters of fuel per year and a reduction of around 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
AD Ports Group continues to expand in Africa, with port terminals and logistics activities in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo, supporting regional trade integration and long-term economic development. The Group also provides shipping services in West and East Africa, and is developing a 20 km² industrial and logistics park in East Port Said, Egypt, at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.
