Alliance with Microsoft Corporation to Enhance Abu Dhabi Terminals’ Container Tracking and Autonomous Shuttle Capabilities at Khalifa Port
Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 05, 2021: Abu Dhabi Terminals, in the presence of His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Ministry of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has announced a partnership agreement with Microsoft that heralds the next phase in the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi’s flagship maritime asset, Khalifa Port.
The landmark partnership will enable enhanced container tracking and autonomous shuttle capabilities across Abu Dhabi Terminal’s Khalifa Port terminal through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence Services of Azure, Microsoft’s Cloud.
Abu Dhabi Terminals is the management company and operator of Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT), the region’s first, and one of the world’s largest semi-automated deep-water container terminals. KPCT is also one of the most technically advanced facilities of its kind.
The technology, deployed in partnership with Microsoft Consulting Services, will fuel the introduction of AI-based container smart tracking solutions that will ensure 100 percent traceability of all handled containers, as well as the potential to launch an autonomous vehicle system.
Ralph Haupter, President, Microsoft EMEA said: “With its ongoing commitment to the adoption of new technologies, the UAE is reimagining the world of global shipping and logistics to ensure it is robust, resilient and future-ready. This collaboration ushers in a new era for autonomous vehicles in a terminal environment, and I’m excited to see Microsoft’s cloud, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies contribute to its success.
I applaud the UAE’s bold and ambitious investments in digital infrastructure and technology, which is creating an excellent launchpad for this new, autonomous generation of vehicles. The local Microsoft Cloud Regions are ready to provide all of the computing power necessary to handle the complex data processing required and also scale these new technologies.”
Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “By driving innovation through the implementation of Artificial Intelligence and automation, Abu Dhabi Terminals is committed to modernising our port environment, while also dramatically reducing our carbon footprint, and costs, as well as turnaround times for those accessing Khalifa Port.
“We are confident that by improving operational efficiencies, we are encouraging economic growth and bolstering business continuity, while also providing UAE Nationals with new opportunities to pursue careers in the ever-growing field of Artificial Intelligence.
“The support of the UAE Ministry of AI and our partnerships with world-leading technology providers such as Microsoft Corporation, not only future proofs our nation’s maritime assets and infrastructure, but enables Abu Dhabi Terminals, and our shareholders at Abu Dhabi Ports, to reap tremendous long-term benefits as we continue this exciting digital transformation journey.”
Arturo Garcia, Chief Automation Officer, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “Abu Dhabi Terminals has constantly worked to improve operational efficiency in a manner not controlled by industry norms and conventions thanks to our firm commitment toward introducing and developing ground-breaking top-tier technologies. AI and Automation Technology are not widely used in the port industry, but we firmly believe in its potential and are convinced that our approach will not only benefit Abu Dhabi Terminals and the UAE, but will extend to the entire shipping industry, transforming the way business is done.”
About Abu Dhabi Terminals:
Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) manages and operates the Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT), one of the most technologically advanced container terminals in the Middle East. Under a 30-year concession agreement, signed in 2012, ADT is the exclusive manager of the deep-water hub at Khalifa Port. Abu Dhabi Terminals is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi Ports, part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy, and Terminals Investments Limited (TIL).
Since its establishment in 2006, ADT has won regional and international recognition for its unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, excellence, and its rapid evolution into a highly competent organisation.
With leading-edge infrastructure and outstanding levels of productivity, KPCT is the region’s first semi-automated terminal and one of the fastest-growing in the world.
Since its inauguration on 12 December 2012, KPCT has been supporting local markets with more than 30 weekly container line services directly calling more than 100 global destinations, thereby offering the ideal hub for connecting local trade with an extensive global logistics network.
ADT’s diversification of supply chain services offers a full suite of logistics solutions to benefit trade partners and shipping lines.
About Abu Dhabi Ports:
Established in 2006, Abu Dhabi Ports today serves as the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy, Abu Dhabi Ports’ vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the emirate’s economic development over the past decade.
Operating several clusters covering Ports, Industrial Cities & Free Zone, Maritime, Logistics, and Digital, Abu Dhabi Ports’ portfolio comprises 11 ports and terminals in the UAE and Guinea, and more than 550 square kilometres of industrial zones within Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) and ZonesCorp, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East.
For more information, please visit: adports.ae
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About Microsoft:
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991, which, today, oversees operations across the region.