AD Ports, CMA CGM and partners to explore development of e-methanol bunkering and export facility in UAE
AD Ports Group has signed a collaboration agreement with renewable energy investor Masdar, liquids storage specialist Advario ,and the CMA CGM Group to explore the feasibility for the development of a state-of-the-art e-methanol bunkering and export facility at Khalifa Port and Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group.
The project will provide critical infrastructure to complete the supply value chain and bridge commercial e-methanol production with key off-takers, such as CMA CGM, in support of accelerating the decarbonisation of the global shipping industry.
The agreement also reinforces the UAE-France strategic partnership, fostered through the High-Level Business Council held annually between both countries, further leveraging mobilisation of the private sectors to deliver sustainable economic development and partnerships.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO- Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The development of an e-methanol bunkering and export facility in Khalifa Port will not only support the growth of the shipping industry, but also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions and the promotion of clean energy sources. We are proud of this partnership with distinguished corporations and are confident to make a positive impact on the environment and the economy."
Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive Vice President for Assets and Operations, CMA CGM Group, said: “At CMA CGM, we are accelerating the decarbonisation of shipping by investing in low-carbon solutions, with a fleet of more than 153 vessels capable of using low-carbon energies and synthetic fuels such as e-methanol operational by 2029. This collaboration marks a key milestone in developing the necessary infrastructure to scale up sustainable fuels, which are strategic for our industry's energy transition.”
The collaboration agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between AD Ports Group and Masdar to explore the development of a green hydrogen hub within KEZAD. Last year, Masdar also signed a strategic supply partnership with CMA CGM to assess the long-term provision of green maritime fuels for the company’s fleet.
Today’s new agreement aligns with the Abu Dhabi Low Carbon Hydrogen Policy and the UAE’s National Hydrogen Strategy, which targets the scaling up of local hydrogen production to 1.4 million tonnes per annum by 2031 and 15 million tons per annum by 2050. It also corresponds with the nation’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which focuses on decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors by 2050.