Gulftainer to link ports, rail and road under US$2bn plan

Gulftainer has unveiled a US$2 billion strategy to connect ports, rail, road and inland logistics into a single transport network aimed at improving cargo movement across the UAE. The plan is expected to reduce transport delays, improve shipment visibility and give businesses more reliable and flexible supply chain options as demand for multimodal logistics continues to grow.

Farid Belbouab, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer, said  the next 50 years will focus on connecting economies as global trade undergoes fundamental change, noting that customers are no longer seeking isolated logistics services but integrated, intelligent and resilient supply chain solutions.

The strategy will integrate maritime shipping, inland logistics, industrial ecosystems and AI-powered supply chains to create a connected logistics platform. Future integration with Etihad Rail will allow cargo to move more efficiently between ports and inland locations, helping reduce dependence on a single mode of transport and improving the flow of goods.

The company said Al Dhaid Logistics Park and Sajaa Logistics Park will support the network by providing a combined inland logistics capacity of 2.3 million TEUs. This will strengthen cargo distribution between ports, warehouses and industrial centres.

Gulftainer is also restructuring its business into four divisions covering container terminals, inland logistics, logistics parks and regional maritime services. According to Group CEO Farid Belbouab, customers are increasingly looking for integrated supply chain solutions that improve efficiency and resilience rather than standalone logistics services.