Shipping Arabia, October 29, 2026 – Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi has climbed five positions to rank 34th globally in the Lloyd’s List Top 100 Container Ports 2026, following a 21.6% increase in container throughput during 2025. The port handled 6.6 million TEUs, recording the highest year-on-year percentage growth among the world’s top 40 container ports in the latest ranking.
According to AD Ports Group, Khalifa Port’s container throughput increased from 5.42 million TEUs in 2024 to 6.6 million TEUs in 2025. The latest results reflect the combined performance of three container terminals operated through partnerships with major international shipping lines CMA CGM, COSCO and MSC.
Khalifa Port Container Throughput Drives Global Ranking
Khalifa Port advanced from 39th position in the previous Lloyd’s List ranking to 34th in the 2026 edition. The ranking evaluates the world’s leading container ports based on their annual container throughput.
Since entering the global top 100 in 95th position in 2019, Khalifa Port has climbed 61 places. AD Ports Group attributed this progress to sustained investments in port infrastructure, additional handling capacity, advanced technology and operational efficiency.
The company also highlighted the importance of expanding international shipping connections and maintaining long-term partnerships with global terminal operators.
Strong market demand, increased terminal utilization and newly added capacity contributed to the port’s performance in 2025.
A major contributor was CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, developed through a partnership between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM. The terminal handled more than 1.3 million TEUs during its first full year of operations following its inauguration in January 2025.
Three Container Terminals Support Growing Capacity
Khalifa Port operates three advanced container terminals through partnerships with leading global shipping companies. These include Abu Dhabi Terminals with MSC, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal with COSCO, and CMA Terminals Khalifa Port.
Together, the terminals provide shipping customers with connectivity to major international markets, scalable handling capacity and access to AD Ports Group’s integrated logistics network.
Further expansion is underway at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port. The development will increase the terminal’s annual container-handling capacity by almost 50%, bringing it to 2.7 million TEUs.
Once the expansion is completed, Khalifa Port’s total annual container-handling capacity will reach 10.5 million TEUs, further strengthening its ability to accommodate container traffic.
The additional capacity forms part of AD Ports Group’s continued investments in port infrastructure and international maritime connectivity.
AD Ports Group Emphasizes Infrastructure and Connectivity Investments
Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, described Khalifa Port’s rise in the Lloyd’s List ranking as a reflection of the group’s long-term development strategy and commitment to operational excellence.
He emphasized that the 21.6% increase in container throughput and five-position improvement in the global ranking demonstrate the results of investments in infrastructure, capacity, technology and connectivity.
Al Mazrouei also acknowledged the contribution of the group’s workforce, customer confidence and strategic partnerships to the port’s performance.
Looking ahead, he reaffirmed AD Ports Group’s commitment to further investments in handling capacity, maritime connectivity and innovative solutions. These investments aim to strengthen Khalifa Port’s role as an international trade gateway and support the UAE’s position within global supply chains.
Integrated Logistics Network Strengthens Trade Connectivity
Beyond its container terminals, Khalifa Port serves as an integrated logistics gateway connecting maritime transport with road and rail networks.
The port also connects with AD Ports Group’s inland logistics network, dry ports, cargo-handling facilities and industrial zones. This integrated infrastructure supports cargo movements within the UAE while providing businesses with greater flexibility across regional and international supply chains.
AD Ports Group considers these connections an important element of its strategy to improve logistics efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of its port operations.
With container throughput reaching 6.6 million TEUs in 2025 and additional terminal capacity under development, Khalifa Port continues to expand its role in international container shipping.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to infrastructure investment, strategic partnerships and integrated trade and logistics solutions as part of its efforts to strengthen global competitiveness and support the UAE’s long-term economic diversification.
Source: AD Ports Group
