20-Dec-18, HKTDC
The official inauguration of the CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal marks the successful completion of yet another major Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. Representing a significant expansion to the existing facilities of the Khalifa Port - the principal marine cargo-handling facility serving the United Arab Emirates - this new semi-automatic terminal was jointly developed by China's COSCO Shipping Ports and Abu Dhabi Ports.
Image: HKTDC Research
The new terminal will be operated by CSP in line with a 35-year agreement signed with Abu Dhabi Ports in 2015. The Chinese developer is estimated to have spent about USD300 million on the terminal's construction, as well as a further USD130 million in a connected container freight station.
As well as its strategic and logistical significance, the success of the terminal is seen as paving the way for further China-UAE co-operation within the overall BRI framework.