United Arab Emirates-based logistics company, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, has signed partnership agreements with Angolan institutions including the Ministry of Transport and state-owned logistics firm, UNICARGAS, to optimize port infrastructure development and operations across the Central African country.
The deal with the Ministry of Transport, Angola will see the parties collaboratively develop maritime services and infrastructure such as the Caio Deepwater terminal at Cabinda Port as well as ferry and cabotage services.
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The agreement will also include the development of maritime passenger terminals and logistics platforms, as well as the establishment of a Maritime Academy in Angola.
H.E. Ricardo Viegas D’Abreu, Minister for Transport of the Republic of Angola, stated that, “Modernizing our port infrastructure is a vital step for Angola to maximize the potential of our natural resources and promote economic growth for the benefit of our people. We are delighted to enter into the framework agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports Group and to benefit from its established knowledge and expertise as a global maritime player.”
Abu Dhabi Ports also signed a deal with UNICARGAS whereby the parties will form a new joint venture company which will be responsible for modernizing, managing and operating the Port of Luanda – Angola’s busiest port which handles over 70% of the country’s international imports and 80% of non-petroleum exports.
As per the terms of the agreement, Abu Dhabi Ports and UNICARGAS will deploy innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, boost capacity and improve services and turnaround times at the Port of Luanda.
According to Joaquim Nazaré Pimentel da Piedade, Management Committee Coordinator, UNICARGAS, “Our aim is to develop a state-of-the-art multipurpose terminal to enhance the Port of Luanda’s position as Angola’s busiest port, to accelerate trade flows and contribute to economic growth. We are delighted to work with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, which has the technical and operational expertise to take services at the terminal to the next level.”
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While Angola’s oil and gas sector accounts for 50% of the country’s gross domestic product and 90% of exports, the agreements signed with Abu Dhabi Ports are expected to play a crucial role in boosting the country’s energy sector growth and resource monetization.
