Today, just about any commodity is transported in containers - from industrial products, over cattle feed and flat-screen TVs to bananas and frozen fish, so this is also a good indication that the economy is developing favourably.
"Our work here at Mina Zayed is really all about providing Abu Dhabi with access to the world, so it's very rewarding to see the surge in volumes." said Martijn van de Linde, ADT's Chief Executive Officer, adding "We planned for this, so we are doing well. But we are, of course, looking forward to moving to our new container terminal in Khalifa Port in Taweelah in the 3rd quarter of 2012. This will both allow us to grow the business and increase service levels to our customers." ADT manages and operates the leading ports in Abu Dhabi: Mina Zayed catering for all vessel and cargo types as well as storage and warehousing; Musaffah Industrial Port for project cargo, bulk, break-bulk and warehousing; and Freeport specializing in service and support vessels.
As the main gateways to the global markets, ADT handled more than 530,000 TEU, 5.25 million tons general cargo, 62,000 vehicles and 150,000 passengers on cruise vessels in 2010.
ADT, A Public Joint Stock Company owned by Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Mubadala and Mubadala Infrastructure Partners, has also signed a Letter of Intent, to manage and operate Khalifa Port, which is currently under construction and slated for opening in the 3rd quarter of 2012.