Arabian Chemical Terminals (ACT) will see the development of the Abu Dhabi first greenfield commercial bulk liquid storage terminal at Abu Dhabi Ports’ flagship, deep-water Khalifa Port.

Early this year, a strategic agreement was signed by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports and Rakan Alireza, Managing Director of Arabian Chemical Terminals and Deputy Managing Director of Reza Investment Company.

It will serving as ACT’s first terminal to be developed in the UAE and specifically in Abu Dhabi. In addition to benefiting existing customers and attracting new customers in the region seeking liquid bulk storage, the project will further diversify Abu Dhabi Ports’ portfolio with enhance its capabilities in the handling of liquid bulk products and gases.

Commenting on the agreement, Alireza says: 'We’re excited to be spearheading the development of our first commercial tank farm in the UAE, here in Abu Dhabi, as we previously pioneered in Saudi Arabia.'

Located between Abu Dhabi, Ruwais, and Dubai industries, Alireza says the new liquid terminal will not only prosper as a result of its strategic location, but will be further bolstered by Khalifa Port’s multi-modal connectivity with access to the sea and UAE’s extensive road and future GCC railway network.

'In addition to supporting our overseas expansion strategy, the project will also provide the foundation for other potential terminal activities within the emirate of Abu Dhabi,' says Kasper Castricum, General Manager, ACT in UAE.

The facility’s strategic location and advanced facilities will allow it to deliver world-class logistics and industrial services, and is expected to appeal to ACT’s current clientele that includes some of the world’s largest oil and gas firms.

Meanwhile, Al Shamisi says: 'Providing technology-rich, end-to-end logistics solutions for customers of all sizes and industries is at the core of Abu Dhabi Ports’ diversification strategy.

'Working closely with ACT, we are pleased to now offer a comprehensive suite of integrated logistics solutions that are powered by the most advanced technologies available in the market'.

The project will see a bulk liquid terminal developed on a 50,000 sq m land plot adjacent to a 16 m deep-water quay access, with option for an additional 150,000 sq m of land.

It will be completed in two phases, with the first stage slated for commissioning in July 2022 entailing the deployment of 44 storage tanks sized 1,250 and 3,000 tonnes each. The terminal’s second phase will commence following expansion of the surrounding area and will consist of a number of larger industrial storage tanks and spheres.

Upon completion, the facility will be able to handle a number of liquid bulk products. Broadening the range of capabilities and value offering for Abu Dhabi Ports’ clients, the new bulk liquid storage terminal at Khalifa Port will provide customers with the opportunity to reduce their costs of outsourcing their liquid and gas expenditures.

Beyond the development of the bulk liquid terminal, ACT is exploring different opportunities to expand its service offering at Khalifa Port and its surrounding environment. This includes the facilitation of fuel bunker services for port customers, drumming and ISO filling services, the development of an independent laboratory, realisation of Marpol slops reception facilities, ADR qualified trucking and distribution services, as well as offering stevedoring services that will support other liquid product custody transfers.

ACT is also considering new avenues to support Kizad and its clients, such as providing them with feedstock offerings or assistance in selling their yields, in addition to cooperating with the industrial zone to develop warehouses for both dry and liquid goods.