20 year concession for Angolan multipurpose terminal

AD Ports Group starts port and logistics operations

ANGOLA: AD Ports Group officially began its long-term management and development of Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal with local partners in Angola yesterday.

Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority signed in April 2024, AD Ports Group committed to invest around USD 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.

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

The Port of Luanda handles about 76% of Angola’s container and general cargo volumes, as well as providing maritime access to landlocked neighbours Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

In line with market demand, AD Ports Group’s investment could increase to USD 380 million over the life of the concession, which could be extended by another 10 years.

“With the planned upgrade of Luanda’s multipurpose port terminal, and establishment of an integrated logistics and freight forwarding business leveraging our Group’s global network and reach, AD Ports Group is positioned to capture the growth in Angola’s container volumes, which are forecast to rise on average by 3.3% annually over the next decade,’’  said Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group.

Noatum Unicargas Logistics is making a significant investment in new trucks and systems and will be fully integrated with the Noatum Logistics global network to strengthen Angola’s access to international markets and drive investment-led growth in the Angolan economy.

The port terminal will be significantly upgraded to a general cargo, container and roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) terminal. It will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda with a draught of 16 metres alongside and able to handle Super Post Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs.

The terminal area of 192,000 sqm 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.

AD Ports Group has expanded into Africa over the past three years, announcing more than $800 million in planned investments in the maritime and shipping, ports and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Angola.

In late 2024, AD Ports Group also signed two agreements with the Angolan government that confer significant tax and financial benefits to the operating subsidiaries of the Group.

“This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our mission to modernise infrastructure and expand access to global trade, promising a prosperous future for Angola and its partners," emphasised Angola's Minister of Transport, Ricardo Viegas d’Abreu.

The investment is also expected to create thousands of local direct and indirect jobs, as well as provide training and upskilling opportunities. The planned investments include equipment and technology solutions that will enable environmentally sustainable operations, with lower carbon emissions.

“The ADP Group can count on the commitment of the Angolan Government in everything necessary so that the planned investment (over 250 million dollars) delivers the desired results for all parties involved,” added the Minister.

New container handling equipment will be installed by the third quarter of 2026 to boost container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, and Ro-Ro volumes to over 40,000 vehicles.

PHOTO: Mohamed Eidha Al Menhali, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and Alcina Rufina Safeca de Sousa, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Unicargas S.
 

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