AD Ports Group, the Abu Dhabi-headquartered operator of free zones, ports, logistics, maritime and digital services to acquire an 80% equity stake in the Dubai-based global container shipping company, Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), in line with its long-term strategy to become one of the world’s premier short-sea and feeder shipping players.
By integrating GFS into AD Ports’ Maritime Cluster – which already offers a comprehensive portfolio of shipping, offshore and subsea services – to complement the group’s other companies SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar’s operations, AD Ports Group will become the world’s largest independent feeder company by vessels owned, with a fleet of 35 owned vessels, and the third largest globally by the volumes carried, with a total container capacity of 100,000 TEUs.
The company has built one of the largest fleets of container ships globally, featuring 26 owned and operated vessels with a total capacity of 72,500 TEUs, covering the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia with services connecting the UAE to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Yemen, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China, South Korea, and Vietnam, among others.
The acquisition will boost the group’s trade activities and connectivity to core markets, as well as enhance its feedering business, providing significant economies of scale through an expanded route network and fleet.
GFS offers more than 30 years of experience and excellence in the provision of container feeder services in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, in addition to a diverse and fit-for-purpose fleet.