Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) the master developer of ports and industrial zones has signed a ten year agreement with Emirates Aluminium (EMAL), to handle the export logistics of finished aluminium products from EMAL's production site. The volume of exported metal will grow gradually from 600,000 metric tonnes in 2014 to 750,000 in 2015 onwards. The signed agreement covers all of the handling operations and transport logistics for the finished products from EMAL's site to the container freight station and export terminal at Khalifa Port.

EMAL's site in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), adjacent to the port, houses one of the largest industrial projects in the UAE, one of the biggest single site smelter in the world and the fastest to produce 1.3 million tonnes of hot metal.

EMAL and ADPC have worked closely with Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT), the container terminal operator at Khalifa Port, to develop a smooth and seamless cargo operation that will facilitate fast turnaround of product and containers through the KPCT facility. Furthermore, ADT is working with several container shipping lines and carriers to increase the frequency of direct calls at Khalifa Port to serve EMAL exports.

Mohamed Al Shamisi, Acting CEO of ADPC, and Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei, President and CEO of EMAL, signed the agreement, at the new Khalifa Port Visitor Centre.

Mohamed Al Shamisi said: EMAL is an important tenant at Kizad, and we have worked closely with the company to support its business development and expansion since they located here.

The company's purpose-built wharf, is a key element of this, shortening the distance between the supply of seaborne raw materials and the smelter. We will continue to provide effective and efficient services, supporting EMAL's business growth and maximizing supply chain efficiencies, wherever possible.

ADPC and EMAL are both important elements in the UAE's plan to diversify its non-oil economy and increase its GDP contribution. This agreement is an important and significant step along that path.

Saeed Fadhel Al Mazrooei President and CEO, EMAL, added: The unity of purpose that exists within the UAE is key to our economic prosperity. Local partnerships such as the one between EMAL and ADPC provide strong foundations for future success. The seamless operation provided by ADPC means that we are able to ship our high quality products around the world as efficiently and effectively as possible ensuring our customers get the best possible service. Excellence is the key to competing at a global level and the 10-year agreement we have signed is a reflection of our determination to excel for our nation.

EMAL currently exports high quality aluminium products to more than 150 customers worldwide and is actively expanding the markets in which it operates to accommodate future demands. As a result, any future growth will positively impact the volume handles by ADPC as part of the agreement.

World aluminium demand is forecast to increase by six per cent per annum over the next decade, growing from an annual figure of 40 million tonnes to over 70 million tonnes by the year 2020.