AD Ports, Ningbo Zhoushan Port to establish smart automotive corridors serviced by green car carriers

The UAE-based terminal operator AD Ports Group and Zhejiang Provincial Seaport Investment & Operation Group (Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group), one of China’s largest port operators, have entered into a preliminary strategic agreement to establish an automotive logistics ecosystem connecting Chinese manufacturing capabilities with Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and African markets through integrated terminal operations, dedicated fleet services, and multimodal transport solutions.

The agreement was signed at a ceremony marking the maiden voyage of UGR Zakher, the second liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered vessel operated by United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), a joint venture formed recently between AD Ports Group and Turkish logistics and port services provider Erkport.

Responding to the growing demand for vehicle exports from China, the agreement outlines plans to reciprocatively develop roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and automotive terminals at Ningbo Zhoushan Port and AD Ports Group’s hub locations.

Enhancements considered under this agreement include accommodating larger vessels, increasing vehicle handling capacity, and reducing turnaround times at the ports. Plans include using UGR as the designated RoRo carrier. UGR already operates RoRo services connecting China with terminals