AD Ports Group has signed a framework agreement with Romania’s National Company Maritime Ports Administration, the operator of the Port of Constanța, to explore strategic investment and development opportunities at the Black Sea’s largest port. Moreover, the agreement supports efforts to expand trade connectivity between the region and wider European markets.
The agreement establishes a platform for cooperation across multiple areas, including greenfield and brownfield port development. Additionally, it covers the deployment of advanced digital solutions and sustainability initiatives focused on renewable energy adoption, improved waste management, and emissions reduction.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “This agreement provides a framework for dialogue and cooperation with the Port of Constanța, one of the most strategically significant maritime hubs in the Black Sea region. Guided by the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE, we look forward to exploring opportunities that further strengthen the Group’s presence along the Middle Corridor, while supporting our Romanian partners in unlocking sustainable economic growth through enhanced connectivity and trade.’’
Located on the eastern edge of Europe, Constanța serves as a key trade gateway on the Black Sea and ranks among Europe’s largest ports. Furthermore, the port handled 88 million tonnes of liquid, dry and general cargo in 2025, alongside around 1 million TEUs of container volumes.
Positioned at the mouth of the Danube–Black Sea Canal, the port provides a strategic link between Black Sea shipping routes and inland waterways serving Eastern and Central Europe. Moreover, it operates as a multimodal hub connecting sea, rail, road, and river networks, supporting regional and international trade flows.
The port also plays a key role in handling agricultural trade. Additionally, it facilitates large volumes of grains and cereals shipped from Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Middle Corridor expansion strategy
Over the past four years, AD Ports Group has invested across Central Asia and Pakistan to support the development of the Middle Corridor trade route linking China and Europe. As a result, the group has expanded its logistics footprint along key transit hubs.
In 2025, the group launched the Gulf Link logistics joint venture with KTZ Express, the freight arm of Kazakhstan Railways. Additionally, it inaugurated an intermodal logistics hub in Tbilisi, Georgia, and partnered with SEMURG Invest LLP to develop a grain terminal at Kazakhstan’s Kuryk Port on the Caspian Sea.
Since 2022, the group has also worked through joint ventures with Kazakhstan’s national oil and shipping companies, KMG and KTMF, to deploy tanker vessels transporting Kazakh oil across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan. Furthermore, in December 2025, it partnered with Avesto Group in Tajikistan to establish an integrated logistics and freight forwarding joint venture, strengthening its regional coverage.
