logo
AD Ports Group expands sustainable fuel solutions with first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at Khalifa Port

AD Ports Group expands sustainable fuel solutions with first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering at Khalifa Port

Al Etihad16-04-2025
16 Apr 2025 11:40
ABU DHABI (WAM)AD Ports Group recently hosted its first ship-to-ship (STS) liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at its flagship deep-water Khalifa Port, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a key hub for alternative marine fuels and sustainable maritime solutions.The STS bunkering was part of a simultaneous operation in which the container vessel MSC Thais - berthed at Abu Dhabi Terminals, received LNG fuel from the dedicated LNG bunker vessel Green Zeebrugge, supplied by marine fuels provider Monjasa.The operation demonstrated the concurrent transfer of LNG and cargo, in addition to highlighting AD Ports Group's ability to integrate complex and efficient services into its port infrastructure and operations, whilst facilitating access to lower-carbon fuels, which support both the industry and global environmental objectives.CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, said, 'By adhering to the highest safety and environmental standards, AD Ports Group and Monjasa are ensuring that shipowners have reliable access to a diversified fuel mix that supports their decarbonisation objectives. AD Ports Group will continue to explore and implement forward-looking solutions that drive progress toward global sustainability goals.'Liquified natural gas offers reduced greenhouse gas emissions and significantly less sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions compared to traditional marine fuels.AD Ports Group and Monjasa will continue expanding LNG bunkering services across the Group's commercial ports in Abu Dhabi, including cruise vessels at Zayed Port, while offering a comprehensive fuel portfolio that includes Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and High-Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO).The STS operation was executed in accordance with international best practices and regulatory standards, that include LNG bunkering protocols and guidelines set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), and Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).
With this achievement, AD Ports Group is accelerating the shift toward sustainable marine fuels, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi's leadership in the global energy transition and advancing the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Abu Dhabi charts sustainable course for its maritime sector
Abu Dhabi charts sustainable course for its maritime sector

Al Etihad

timea day ago

  • Al Etihad

Abu Dhabi charts sustainable course for its maritime sector

19 Aug 2025 01:56 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi is not only rolling out greener ferries and eco-marinas – it's embedding sustainability into every aspect of its maritime sector, from its policies and digital services to a strong talent pipeline set to govern its waterways for decades to come. In a recent interview with Aletihad, Captain Saif Al Mheiri, CEO of Abu Dhabi Maritime and Chief Sustainability Officer at AD Ports Group, outlined the initiatives shaping a future-ready maritime ecosystem in Abu June 2025, Abu Dhabi published the new Maritime Safety Regulations (Administrative Decision no. 69/2025), consolidating safety, environmental, and operational standards for all waterway users. Abu Dhabi Maritime is responsible for issuing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for maritime development, a prerequisite for most shore and offshore construction in the Al Mheiri explained that developers must demonstrate climate resilience in infrastructure design, which includes considerations for sea-level rise, marine habitat protection, long-term material durability, public waterway accessibility, pollution control, and waste management. Digital Transformation Abu Dhabi Maritime continues to digitalise public maritime services to increase their accessibility and broaden awareness of maritime safety rules. Captain Al Mheiri noted that Al Nalia app, now in its second phase, allows residents and maritime operators to book marina berths, report hazards, and access digital safety maps. The app also integrates ticket booking for public ferries and provides push notifications for weather alerts and maritime circulars, making waterways safer and more accessible for residents and Dhabi Maritime also operates MARSDNA, a digital platform that allows maritime companies to measure and improve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Since its launch less than a year ago, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Mobility, MARSDNA has already helped over 50 companies benchmark sustainability and adopt targeted improvements, according to Captain Al Mheiri. With plans to gradually expand its scope, this digital platform is currently open to shipping companies, port and terminal operators, freight forwarders and cargo beneficiaries, marine and offshore services providers, and marina Saif Al Mheiri also noted that the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Abu Dhabi Mobility Abu Dhabi Maritime are studying opportunities to expand their current network of four water taxi routes (serving nine destinations) and two ferry routes (four destinations). The aim is to maximise connectivity and benefits for Abu Dhabi residents, enterprises, and visitors, he said. Investing in Emirati Talent Beyond infrastructure and digital tools, Captain Al Mheiri stressed that Abu Dhabi Maritime is investing heavily in human capital. The Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy celebrated its first cohort of 194 graduates in June 2025, with 26 joining AD Ports Group immediately. 'Abu Dhabi Maritime and its employees benefit from AD Ports Group's local talent development and Emiratisation initiatives,' Captain Al Mheiri said. These include Al Nukhba Programme, which provides top Emirati talent with industry experience, and the Voyage of Discovery one-year development programme for group also invests in its female workforce through initiatives such as the Empowering Women with Impactful Coaching and Mentoring Programme, which conducted 45 group coaching sessions in 2024. Its GLOW Programme (Gain Leadership Opportunities for Women) also prepares high-potential Emirati women for leadership opportunities. Recognising Excellence in the Maritime SectorIn collaboration with Abu Dhabi Mobility, the 2025 edition of the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards is introducing seven new categories to recognise people-driven contributions to the industry, pioneering projects, and outstanding emerging marinas. The upcoming edition complements the Awards' six existing accolades recognising organisations' overall performance. Details for all categories are available on the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards website: . 'The MENAT region's leading marina awards programme, the Abu Dhabi Maritime Awards aim to set new benchmarks for marina excellence while bringing international attention to an industry whose achievements are too often overlooked or underappreciated,' Captain Al Mheiri said.'The seven-category expansion this year builds upon the programme's goals and momentum, representing a holistic view of the elements that drive marina excellence: the dynamic compound of dedicated employees, pilot projects and targeted initiatives, and overall institutional quality.' In 2024, the Awards received 120 submissions from marinas in eight countries, triple the number of submissions in the inaugural 2023 edition.

Key US natural gas trends to track as LNG exports hit new highs: Maguire
Key US natural gas trends to track as LNG exports hit new highs: Maguire

Zawya

time5 days ago

  • Zawya

Key US natural gas trends to track as LNG exports hit new highs: Maguire

(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.) LITTLETON, Colorado - U.S. exports of LNG have scaled new highs so far this year, rising by over 20% from the same months in 2024 to cement the U.S.' position as the world's largest supplier of the super-chilled fuel. Demand for U.S. natural gas has also climbed to record highs among commercial and industrial users, which has helped lift total U.S. gas consumption by the largest gas users by 5% from the year before to new all-time highs. Gas prices for all major consumers have also increased notably from 2024, but are still holding below previous records scaled around 2022-2023. Below is a breakdown of the key trends and data points covering the U.S. natural gas market so far this year and going forward. LNG EXPORT BONANZA Over the first 8 months of 2025, total U.S. LNG exports climbed by 22% or by 12.4 million tons from the same months in 2024 to a record 69 million tons, according to commodities intelligence firm Kpler. Europe accounted for over two thirds of U.S. export volumes, followed by Asia. The top three markets were the Netherlands, France and Spain, which together accounted for 28% of total U.S. LNG shipments so far this year. Europe has accounted for over half of U.S. LNG exports since 2022, when Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered sanctions on Moscow and disrupted commodities flows to Europe. Declines in European wind and hydro power electricity generation this year have also helped underpin gas use, while several European nations lifted imports of U.S. LNG in an attempt to reduce trade deficits with the U.S. once President Donald Trump returned to office. All told, Europe's imports of U.S. LNG from January through August are up 61% compared to the first eight months of 2024. Higher global natural gas prices - in part due to higher LNG demand from Europe - sparked gas rationing in other regions, especially in Asia where purchases of U.S. LNG have dropped 35% compared to the year before. Declines in gas use across Asia and alongside strong U.S. LNG sales to Europe helped lift the U.S. share of global LNG exports to a record 24.5% so far this year, compared to a 21% share in 2024, Kpler data shows. RISING PRICES U.S. LNG export prices averaged $8.34 per thousand cubic feet over the first five months of 2025, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). That price was 38% more than in the same months in 2024, and marks the highest average LNG price for that period since 2023. Most major domestic gas consumers have also faced steep price climbs in 2025. Electric power generators - the largest single gas consumers accounting for around 31% of total U.S. gas use - saw prices rise by 52% during January to May compared to the same months in 2024. Industrial gas users, which account for 24% of U.S. gas use, faced a 32% price rise, while residential users (19% of gas use) and commercial users (12% of gas use) saw prices climb by 6% and 8% respectively compared to the year before. The overall average price across all major U.S. gas consumers was 27% higher at around $8.81 per thousand cubic feet. USAGE TRENDS While overall U.S. gas consumption from all major usage segments hit a new high so far this year, rising gas prices have sparked shifts in gas use patterns. The key electric power segment made its first year-over-year reduction to gas consumption since 2021 during January to May. The 4,704 billion cubic feet of gas used by electric power firms was 4% less than during the same months in 2024, EIA data shows, and was a result of higher production from cheaper coal plants and higher supplies of renewable power. All other major gas consumers boosted gas use this year from the year before, although by widely varying degrees. Industrial gas users lifted consumption by 1.5%, while commercial users boosted consumption by 11%. Residential gas consumers - which use gas mainly for heating - lifted use by 11.4% from the year before, although the trend in residential gas use remains downward as more homes boost energy efficiency and install heat pumps that run on electricity. FORWARD GUIDANCE Gas demand from LNG exporters continues to grow at a much faster pace than all other gas use segments, and will remain a key driver of U.S. gas market sentiment and price action. Between 2019 and 2024 gas demand for LNG exports rose by 140%, EIA data shows. That growth rate compared to a 20% rise in demand from the electric power sector, a 2% rise in gas demand from industry, and declines in gas use among residences and offices of 12% and 5% respectively over that same period. Total gas demand from the LNG export sector surpassed that of commercial users in 2021 and was nearly equal to that used by residences in 2024, EIA data shows. Gas demand for LNG exports is on track to surpass the gas demand from residences in 2025, which would mean that the LNG export sector would emerge as the third largest U.S. gas consumer after electric power and industry this year. As a result, even if gas demand from offices and homes continues to decline, sustained strength in U.S. LNG exports has the potential to set the tone for the overall U.S. domestic gas market, and could keep prices trending higher. The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters. Enjoying this column? Check out Reuters Open Interest (ROI), your essential new source for global financial commentary. ROI delivers thought-provoking, data-driven analysis of everything from swap rates to soybeans. Markets are moving faster than ever. ROI can help you keep up. Follow ROI on LinkedIn and X.

AD Ports Group's Q2 profit flat as tax offsets revenue growth, cash flow surges
AD Ports Group's Q2 profit flat as tax offsets revenue growth, cash flow surges

Gulf Business

time6 days ago

  • Gulf Business

AD Ports Group's Q2 profit flat as tax offsets revenue growth, cash flow surges

image: AD Ports Group Quarterly EBITDA rose 9 per cent to Dhs1.17bn, with the group's EBITDA margin at 24.2 per cent. Profit before tax increased 5 per cent to Dhs519m, supported by higher operating performance but offset by increased depreciation and finance costs. Net profit was flat at Dhs445 m, as higher income tax weighed on the bottom line. Earnings per share remained steady at Dhs0.07. Capital expenditure in the quarter reached Dhs928 m, focused on Maritime & Shipping, EC&FZ, and Ports assets. Capex intensity fell to 19 per cent of revenue, down from 28 per cent a year earlier. Operating cash flow nearly doubled from a year earlier to Dhs1.14 bn, aided by 97 per cent cash conversion, resulting in positive free cash flow to the firm for both the quarter and year-to-date. Over 90 per cent of Q2 EBITDA came from the Ports, EC&FZ, and Maritime & Shipping clusters. Container throughput jumped 17 per cent year-on-year, while general cargo volumes rose 13 per cent. The CMA Terminal at Khalifa Port, which began operations in early 2025, reached 80 per cent utilisation in the quarter and 62 per cent year-to-date. In EC&FZ, the group leased an additional 600,000 square metres of land in Q2, bringing total year-to-date leased land to 1.6 square kilometres. Sdeira Group's staff accommodation utilisation rose to 80 per cent, up from 63 per cent in Q2 2024 and 75 per cent in Q1 2025. The Maritime & Shipping cluster posted a 34 per cent increase in container feeder volumes, while its vessel fleet grew to 34 ships, up from 28 a year earlier. AD Ports H1 net profit rises 3 per cent MD and group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said the company's five-cluster business model continued to deliver sustainable growth despite macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges. 'The long-term profitable nature of our value-enhancing internationalisation… is positioning AD Ports Group as a leader in sustainable trade, transport, logistics, and economic development,' he added. The H1 earnings surged nearly 17 per cent to Dhs9.4bn, with net profit rising 3 per cent to Dhs668m, bolstered by continued cluster strength amid trade uncertainty and tariff headwinds. Read:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store