AD Ports Group, Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group to establish automotive logistics ecosystem
The agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, and Tao Chengbo, Chairman of Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group Co. Ltd, at a ceremony marking the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher, the second LNG-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a Joint Venture formed between AD Ports Group and Erkport.
Leveraging the established automotive sourcing of Ningbo Zhoushan Port and distribution capabilities of UGR and responding to the growing demand for vehicle exports from China, the agreement outlines plans to reciprocatively develop Ro-Ro and automotive terminals at Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group's hub locations.
Enhancements considered under this agreement include accommodating larger vessels, increasing vehicle handling capacity and reducing turnaround times at the ports. These improvements aim to boost operational efficiency while delivering world-class performance standards and customer service.
Plans include using UGR as the designated Ro-Ro carrier, which has a specialised PCTC and Ro-Ro vessel fleet and the operational expertise. UGR already operates Ro-Ro services connecting China with terminals in the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean.
Al Shamisi said this preliminary strategic partnership marks a defining moment in both sides' efforts to establish smart, connected automotive corridors across continents. 'With our fleet and global experience in the Ro-Ro segment complemented by UGR's operations, we offer immediate vessel availability and operational excellence,' he stated.
He added, 'With the introduction of our second LNG-powered vessel in the UGR fleet, it not only increases cargo capacity for our customers but also demonstrates our commitment to investing in a fleet that supports global decarbonisation. The continued expansion of our Ro-Ro operations is a key element of our growth strategy, particularly as demand for automobile exports from China continues to rise; we are also excited at the possibility of seamless multimodal connectivity by integrating the Middle Corridor's rail and maritime routes.'
Chengbo stated, 'Ningbo Zhoushan Port, a key deep-water port in China, ranks first globally in cargo throughput and serves as a vital hub for world trade. The maiden voyage of the new UGR ship, UGR Zakher, at Ningbo Zhoushan Port marks a new phase in our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group. Leveraging the cooperation in car roll-on/roll-off services, we will further expand our business areas, enhance comprehensive cooperation in logistics, warehousing, green energy, and talent exchange, and inject strong momentum into the coordinated development of the China-Arab Economic Corridor.
Moving forward, Ningbo Zhoushan Port will continue to embrace the principles of openness and cooperation, continuously improve its service functions, strengthen cooperation with ports along the Belt and Road Initiative, and contribute more to building a more open and inclusive global economic landscape.'
UGR Zakher, with a capacity of 7,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs), mirrors the attributes of sister ship, UGR Al Samha, which was acquired earlier this year. Together, the two vessels boast the same lower greenhouse gas emissions thanks to the use of LNG, alongside improved energy and operational efficiencies.
Technology integration will also be considered as per the agreement, including comprehensive digital platforms providing real-time visibility, predictive analytics, and automated coordination capabilities to enhance operational performance while reducing complexity and manual intervention.
In addition, the partners will explore synergies between sea and inland rail routes to create a comprehensive multimodal transport network through the Middle Corridor and offer alternative routing options for China-Central Asia-Europe trade flows.
WAM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
15 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
BRICS nations to denounce Trump tariffs
Emerging nations representing about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output are set to unite over what they see as unfair US import tariffs, according to sources familiar with summit negotiations. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive tariffs. His latest salvo comes in the form of letters due to be sent starting Friday informing trading partners of new tariff rates expected next week on July 9. Diplomats from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have been busy drafting a statement condemning the economic uncertainty. Any final summit declaration is not expected to mention the United States or its president by name. But it is expected to be a clear political shot directed at Washington. "We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration," Marta Fernandez, director of the BRICS Policy Center at Rio's Pontifical Catholic University said. This is particularly the case for China, which has only recently negotiated with the US to lower steep tit-for-tat levies. "This doesn't seem to be the right time to provoke further friction" between the world's two leading economies, Fernandez said. Xi no show Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the summit's political punch will be depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. "I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi's absence," said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. "The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing," said Hass. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. Hass said Putin's non-attendance and the fact that India's prime minister will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xi's absence. "Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi," who will receive a state lunch, he said. "I expect Xi's decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors." Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run. Middle path Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel is also skipping the meeting. A source familiar with the negotiations said the BRICS countries were still in disagreement over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel. Iranian negotiators are pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully. Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Analysts say that it has given the grouping more potential international punch. But it has also opened many new fault lines. Brazil hopes that countries can take a common stand at the summit, including on the most sensitive issues. "BRICS (countries), throughout their history, have managed to speak with one voice on major international issues, and there's no reason why that shouldn't be the case this time on the subject of the Middle East," Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told AFP.
Gulf Today
20 hours ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Khaled leads UAE at BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro
On behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is leading the UAE delegation at the 17th BRICS Summit, taking place in Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, from 6-7 July 2025. The UAE joined BRICS during the 15th BRICS Summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in August 2023. The UAE's membership reflects its commitment to multilateral cooperation and constructive dialogue through platforms that represent developing and emerging economies on the global stage, while leveraging cultural diversity to promote peace, security and development both regionally and internationally. The BRICS nations will convene for a summit in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday and Monday, with members hoping to weigh in on global crises while tiptoeing around US President Donald Trump's policies. The city, with beefed-up security, will play host to leaders and diplomats from 11 emerging economies including China, India, Russia, South Africa and host Brazil, which represent nearly half of the world's population and 40 per cent of its GDP. Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will have to navigate the absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who will miss the summit for the first time. Beijing will instead be represented by Premier Li Qiang. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is facing a pending International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, will not travel to Brazil, but is set to participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, fresh from a 12-day conflict with Israel and a skirmish with the United States, will also be absent, as will his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, a Brazilian government source told reporters. Tensions in the Middle East, including Israel's ongoing war in Gaza, will weigh on the summit, as well as the grim anticipation of tariffs threatened by Trump and due next week. Trump said that starting Friday, his administration would send countries letters stating their tariff levels, as negotiations to avoid higher US levies enter the final stretch. 'We're anticipating a summit with a cautious tone: it will be difficult to mention the United States by name in the final declaration,' Marta Fernandez, director of the BRICS Policy Center at Rio's Pontifical Catholic University, told AFP. China, for example, 'is trying to adopt a restrained position on the Middle East,' Fernandez said, pointing out that Beijing was also in tricky tariff negotiations with Washington. WAM/ Agencies
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Russia becomes first state to recognise Afghan Taliban rule
Afghanistan's government said that Russia had become the first country to officially recognise its rule, calling it a 'brave decision.' In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime. It also saw significant trade and economic opportunities, especially in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure. 'We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,' the ministry said. The Russian foreign ministry also announced that it had received credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan. Afghanistan's foreign ministry called it a historic step, and quoted Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as welcoming the decision as 'a good example for other countries.' The Taliban swept back to power in 2021 after ousting the foreign-backed government and have imposed an austere version of Islamic law. The announcement was made after Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Russia's ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday. 'This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone,' Muttaqi said in a video of the meeting on X. 'Russia is the first country which has officially recognised the Islamic Emirate,' Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal told AFP, using the government's name for their administration. Muttaqi said it was 'a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement,' the foreign ministry posted on X. Russia's foreign ministry added on Telegram: 'We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will boost the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in several areas.' It highlighted potential 'commercial and economic' cooperation in 'energy, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure.' The ministry said that Moscow hoped to continue helping Kabul 'reinforce regional security and fight against the threats of terrorism and drug-trafficking.' China on Friday said it welcomed Russia's decision. 'As a traditional friendly neighbour of Afghanistan, the Chinese side has always believed that Afghanistan should not be excluded from the international community,' foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. China does not officially recognise the government but hosts a Taliban ambassador in Beijing. It has said the Taliban government will need to introduce political reforms, improve security and mend relations with its neighbouring countries before receiving full diplomatic recognition. But on Friday, Mao said: 'No matter how the internal or external situation changes in Afghanistan, diplomatic relations between China and Afghanistan have never been interrupted.' 'The diplomatic institutions of the two sides in each other's countries have maintained their normal functioning and have played a positive role in promoting the development of relations between the two countries,' she added. Russia has taken recent steps to normalise relations with the Taliban authorities, removing them from a list of 'terrorist organisations' in April and accepting a Taliban ambassador in Moscow. In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the Taliban 'allies in the fight against terrorism'. Russia was the first country to open a business representative office in Kabul after the Taliban takeover, and has announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas heading to Southeast Asia. This time, multiple other states, including China and Pakistan, have accepted Taliban ambassadors in their capitals, but have not officially recognised the Islamic Emirate since the end of the then-insurgency's two-decade war with US-led NATO troops. There has been limited but growing engagement with the Taliban authorities, particularly from regional neighbours, but also major global players China and Russia. Agence France-Presse
