AD Ports Group has increased its ownership in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) to 81 percent after acquiring an additional 30 percent equity stake for AED 1.1 billion (US$300 million), strengthening its position in the container feeder shipping sector.

The Abu Dhabi-based logistics and transport group initially acquired a 51 percent stake in Dubai-headquartered GFS in February 2024, securing an option to raise its ownership by the end of 2026. The company has now exercised that option at the same enterprise valuation of AED 3.67 billion (US$1 billion) agreed during the original transaction. The acquisition will be financed through a combination of debt and asset monetisation initiatives.

GFS is the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping operator by capacity and represents a key component of AD Ports Group’s maritime strategy. The company operates feeder services that connect major shipping hubs with smaller regional ports, supporting trade flows across the Gulf, Indian Subcontinent, Red Sea, Far East, Mediterranean and African markets.

The increased stake is expected to provide AD Ports Group with greater strategic and operational control over GFS while enabling closer integration with its ports, logistics and economic zones businesses. The move also strengthens the group’s ability to offer end-to-end trade and logistics services across its global network.

Since joining the AD Ports portfolio in 2024, GFS has continued to expand its operations despite ongoing challenges in global shipping markets. The company transported approximately 2.8 million TEUs in 2025 and completed more than 700 voyages serving 89 ports across 54 countries. Since the initial acquisition, GFS has generated cumulative EBITDA exceeding AED 1.8 billion (US$500 million).

Together with SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar, GFS forms the backbone of AD Ports Group’s container feeder shipping operations. The segment recorded revenue growth of 17 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year, reflecting increased demand and an expanding service network.

The acquisition comes as AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster continues to grow. In 2025, the division reported revenue of AED 10.7 billion, up 33 percent year-on-year, while EBITDA rose 25 percent to AED 2.5 billion. The cluster accounted for more than half of the group’s total revenue and 45 percent of its EBITDA during the year.

The expanded ownership of GFS is expected to further enhance AD Ports Group’s global trade ecosystem, which spans ports, logistics, maritime services, economic cities, free zones and digital solutions.

For more information visit www.adportsgroup.com