UGR — 2025-10-10
Members Corner
Distinguished by its longstanding experience and operational strength in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping, Turkiye-based Erkport has established a new joint venture (JV) brand, United Global Ro-Ro, with Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, creating an integrated service model across automotive, oversized/project cargo and Ro-Ro transportation. With AD Ports Group’s purchase of two Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) feeder vessels, the venture will strengthen global connectivity, enhance supply chain efficiency, and cement the UAE’s central position in regional automotive logistics.
AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics solutions, has announced the purchase of two new Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) feeder vessels as part of its strategy to strengthen its automotive logistics platform and deliver a fully integrated, end-to-end automotive solution.
The two feeder vessels – ‘Arabian Gulf’ and ‘Al Reef’ – will join United Global Ro-Ro’s fleet, complementing existing deep-sea services and enhancing connectivity between key global automotive hubs and regional markets supporting Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) customers with reliable services and fixed schedules.
Arabian Gulf has a capacity of 4,125 Car Equivalent Units (CEU) across 11 decks and 29,449 m² of high-and-heavy cargo space. It will operate in the Arabian Gulf, using Autoterminal Khalifa Port as a hub taking advantage of dedicated Ro-Ro facilities and industry-leading turnaround times, linking the UAE with Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Omar, Djibouti and Jordan.
Al Reef, with a capacity of 4,900 CEU and 10,950 m² of high-and-heavy space, will serve Mediterranean routes connecting key ports in Turkiye and Spain with France andCroatia.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “The acquisition of Arabian Gulf and Al Reef represents another milestone in our mission to provide OEM customers with fully integrated, end-to-end automotive logistics solutions. By combining our deep-sea services with these new feeder routes, we are delivering a robust, hub and spoke network that connects global automotive hubs to key markets across the Arabian Gulf, Africa and Mediterranean. This investment reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of the automotive industry in the region.”
Tolga Emrah Gezgin, CEO – United Global Ro-Ro, said: “The addition of Arabian Gulf and Al Reef to our fleet significantly enhances UGR’s capacity in regional and global Ro-Ro shipping. These two new vessels will enable us to offer our customers greater efficiency, more frequent sailings, and stronger connectivity, while also supporting our vision to develop sustainable and integrated logistics solutions. Together with AD Ports Group, we will continue to serve as a reliable and innovative bridge within the automotive industry’s supply chain.”
This strategic expansion reinforces AD Ports Group’s role as a leading facilitator of automotive logistics in the Middle East, supporting the growing demand for vehicle distribution and creating new opportunities for global manufacturers.