Luanda - The modernization of the Multipurpose Terminal at the Port of Luanda will increase the country's logistical capacity and stimulate economic growth in the central and western region of the African continent, the Secretary of State for Civil Aviation, Maritime and Ports, Rui Carreira, said on Thursday.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony of this port infrastructure to the UAE business group, AD - Abu Dhabi Ports, which will manage the terminal for 20 years, the Secretary of State said that one of the main objectives is to transform this terminal into a modern one.
According to the official, the partnership represents the continuity of the modernization process and the expansion of access to global trade for a prosperous future for Angola and its partners.
"In the next three years, AD Ports will make an investment of more than 250 million US dollars to achieve the contractual results and the objectives of the government," said the official.
According to Rui Carreira, the maritime ports sector is a key player in boosting the national economy, being one of the main drivers of internal and external trade.
He added that the global scenario is increasingly competitive, making it imperative to adopt strategies that improve efficiency, promote innovation and guarantee the sustainability of national port and logistics operations.
The Secretary of State added that the partnership between the Port of Luanda, Unicargas and AD Ports Group represents an important step towards the realization of the project, since it involves investments in the modernization of infrastructure, the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and the training of national personnel.
The official reiterated that the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Transport, remains committed to continue promoting policies that encourage private investment and ensure the sustainable development of the sector.
Mohame Al Menhali, the regional director of the Arab group AD Ports, on his turn said that during the 20 years of operation, they will transform the multipurpose terminal in the port of Luanda, renamed "Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal", into a large commercial logistics center.
He assured that the Group has already started investing in the purchase of modern equipment, such as cranes, 30 tractors and other means, which are on their way to Angola, and that in a few days a public tender will be launched for the requalification of the terminal, in order to meet the objectives of the Angolan government and improve the living conditions of the population.
According to the director, by 2026, when the first phase of investments in the area of modernization will be completed, the group will launch, among other things, the charter service.
The United Arab Emirates business group "ADP - Abu Dhabi Ports" will explore the management of the multi-use terminal at the Port of Luanda, over the next 20 years, with the possibility of another 10, as a result of a concession agreement signed in April 2024.
The Arab group acquired 81% of the capital of the joint venture company that will manage the terminal, as well as 90% of the rights to modernize the operational facilities, in order to capitalize on the growth and importance of logistics activities in Angola.
ADP has an initial investment of 251 million US dollars to modernize the terminal, which is currently operated by Unicargas in close collaboration with Multiparques.
According to the concession contract, this joint venture is responsible for modernizing the multipurpose facilities and transforming them into a container terminal and "ro-ro" (the process of loading and unloading various goods onto cargo ships), on a concession area estimated at 192,000 square meters.
This includes an improved quay wall, additional ship-to-shore cranes, gantry cranes, increased draught (from 9.5 to 16 meters) and modern technological systems, among other state-of-the-art equipment.
During this phase, the operational capacity will increase from 25,000 TEUs to 400,000 TEUs in container handling and to more than 40,000 vehicles in ro-ro handling.
During the first three years, the terminal will be renovated and the containers will be moved to a nearby pier, while the excess volumes will be transferred to Multiparques' facilities in Viana, Luanda. OPF/QCB/AMP
