AD Ports Group, a leading global trade, logistics, and industry facilitator, has appointed Mar Construction Civil & Obras Publicas – LDA to design and construct the topside and marine infrastructure of the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal in Angola’s largest port. Additionally, Dar Al Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners has been engaged to provide project management and construction supervision services for the development.
The Port of Luanda, which handles approximately 76 percent of Angola’s container and general cargo, serves as a critical maritime gateway for landlocked neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia. Under a 20-year concession agreement with the Luanda Port Authority, signed in April 2024, AD Ports Group has committed to investing USD 250 million through 2026 to modernise the terminal.
Photo: Noatum Ports
On 30 January 2025, AD Ports Group officially commenced long-term management of the multipurpose terminal, marking a significant step in the Group’s expansion into sub-Saharan Africa and reinforcing its commitment to regional logistics infrastructure development.
Modernisation and Capacity Expansion
The terminal’s transformation will include extensive upgrades, establishing a state-of-the-art general cargo, container, and roll-on/roll-off facility. With a depth of 16 metres, it will be the only terminal in the Port of Luanda capable of accommodating Super Post-Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units). The 192,000 sqm facility will be optimised for high-density container handling and integrated with advanced technology and IT systems. The modernisation works are expected to be completed in Q1 2027.
Upon completion, the terminal’s capacity will significantly increase, with container handling rising from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, while Ro-Ro volumes are set to exceed 40,000 vehicles annually.
Commitment to Economic Growth
Mohamed Eidha Tannaf AlMenhali, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, stated:
“AD Ports Group is pleased to collaborate with Mar Construction Civil & Obras Publicas – LDA and Dar Al Handasah Consultants Shair & Partners on the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal project. This modernisation initiative will not only transform the terminal into a cutting-edge facility but also enhance its capacity and efficiency. By accommodating Super Post-Panamax vessels and increasing container and Ro-Ro handling capabilities, we are committed to delivering superior service and seamless logistics solutions. This project underscores our dedication to supporting Angola’s economic growth and strengthening its role as a key gateway for global trade.”
With a population of 34.5 million, growing at a rate of 3.2 percent, and a GDP of USD 74 billion, Angola is the sixth-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa. Its expanding domestic market requires significant gateway cargo volumes, making the modernisation of Luanda’s port infrastructure essential for future trade growth.
AD Ports Group has been expanding its presence in Africa over the past three years, announcing over USD 800 million in planned investments across the maritime, shipping, ports, and logistics sectors in Egypt, the Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Angola.
