Abu Dhabi Ports has signed a strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia-based Arabian Chemical Terminals (ACT) that will see the development of the emirate’s first greenfield commercial bulk liquid storage terminal at its flagship, deep-water Khalifa Port.

Further diversifying Abu Dhabi Ports’ portfolio with enhanced capabilities in the handling of liquid bulk products and gases, the project will benefit existing customers and attract new customers in the region seeking liquid bulk storage.

The agreement for the bulk liquid terminal was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, and Rakan Alireza, managing director of ACT and deputy managing director of Reza Investment Company Ltd.

The bulk terminal will be developed on a 50,000-square-meter land plot adjacent to a 16 meter deep-water quay access, with option for an additional 150,000 square meters of land.

Al-Shamisi said: “Providing technology-rich, end-to-end logistics solutions for customers of all sizes and industries is at the core of Abu Dhabi Ports’ diversification strategy.

“Working closely with ACT, we are pleased to now offer a comprehensive suite of integrated logistics solutions that are powered by the most advanced technologies available in the market.”

Alireza said:“We’re excited to be spearheading the development of our first commercial tank farm in the UAE, here in Abu Dhabi, as we previously pioneered in the Kingdom.

“Located between Abu Dhabi, Ruwais, and Dubai industries, the new liquid terminal will not only prosper as a result of its strategic location, but will be further bolstered by Khalifa Port’s multimodal connectivity with access to the sea and UAE’s extensive road and future GCC railway network.

“In addition to supporting our overseas expansion strategy, the project will also provide the foundation for other potential terminal activities within the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

As per the agreement, the project is set to be completed in two phases with the first stage slated for commissioning in the second half of 2022 entailing the deployment of 44 storage tanks sized 1,250 and 3,000 tons each. The terminal’s second phase will commence following expansion of the surrounding area and will consist of a number of larger industrial storage tanks and sphere