Abu Dhabi Ports and Wintershall Middle East GmbH ink contract

Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone (Kizad) in the Emirate, and Wintershall Middle East GmbH have signed a contract, which will see the latter setting up a facility at Mugharraq Port in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The facility will cater to the Shuwaihat sour gas and condensate field, expanding Abu Dhabi Ports’ existing services to the exploration and production sector in the Emirate. 

Under the contract, Abu Dhabi Ports will lease out a plot of land consisting of yard, loading area and berth at Mugharraq Port to Wintershall, Germany’s largest E&P company active in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the chemical company BASF. Wintershall, in partnership with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), has completed the first Wintershall-operated appraisal well to explore the Shuwaihat sour gas and condensate field in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Preparations for a second appraisal well are underway. The second well will be drilled offshore. Therefore Wintershall will construct temporary tanks on the leased land at Mugharraq Port to store liquid bulk cargoes, and related facilities to support the Shuwaihat project.

“This partnership with Wintershall offers a new opportunity for Abu Dhabi Ports to serve the exploration and production sector in the Emirate, which is vital to the economy of the UAE and the region. The contract also supports our strategy to develop business portfolios for our ports, beyond the regular services we offer to clients in the maritime industry,” said Abdulkareem Al Masabi, Acting EVP - Ports, at Abu Dhabi Ports.

Uwe Salge, General Manager of Wintershall Middle East, said: “For Wintershall as Germany’s largest E&P company, the partnership with Abu Dhabi Ports is a milestone and a step in the right direction.”,First of all, modernization of Mugharraq port is the base for a successful appraisal in Shuwaihat. Secondly, we’re proud of contributing modern infrastructure to the Western region together with our partner Abu Dhabi Ports. Wintershall came to Abu Dhabi to contribute something with a long-term vision.

This initiative is part of Abu Dhabi Ports’ focus towards developing the ports in the Western Region to better serve the local community and oil and gas sector. Mugharraq Port, located 170 kilometres away from Abu Dhabi city, will undergo comprehensive redevelopment. Apart from offering local maritime recreation and fishing activities, the port also provides cargo services and supports ferry and logistics connections to Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island.