AD Ports Group has strengthened its control over its feeder shipping operations following a Dh1.1 billion deal involving GFS.
AD Ports Group has acquired an additional 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping for Dh1.1 billion, increasing its total ownership to 81%.
The Dubai-based container feeder shipping company becomes more firmly integrated under AD Ports Group’s control as part of its broader strategy to strengthen and expand its maritime and logistics portfolio.
AD Ports Group said the latest transaction was executed through a call option tied to its earlier purchase of a 51% stake in Global Feeder Shipping in February 2024.
The option agreement gave AD Ports Group the right to increase its ownership, which it has now exercised ahead of the original timeline, initially set for December 2026, further consolidating its control over the container feeder shipping business.
AD Ports Group acquired the additional stake in Global Feeder Shipping at the same enterprise value of Dh3.67 billion that was agreed in 2024.
The company said the transaction will be financed through a combination of debt and asset monetisation measures.
Why the deal matters
Global Feeder Shipping is the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping operator by capacity and plays a key role in AD Ports Group’s logistics network. It focuses on feeder services that transport cargo between major transshipment hubs and smaller regional ports using small and medium-sized vessels, making it a critical link in global supply chains.
The increased stake gives AD Ports Group greater strategic and operational control over Global Feeder Shipping at a time when regional trade routes continue to face disruption.
The company said deeper integration of GFS with its ports, economic zones, and logistics businesses will enhance its end-to-end trade and logistics capabilities, strengthening the overall value it offers to customers.
Global Feeder Shipping has also expanded AD Ports Group’s reach across key regions including the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Red Sea, Far East, Mediterranean, and Africa, linking its terminals to a wider global trade network. It has further helped maintain cargo flows in certain markets during periods of shipping disruption, when other operators reduced activity.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said the increased ownership in Global Feeder Shipping will allow deeper integration within the group’s portfolio and support further growth across its shipping business.
He added that the move strengthens the company’s ability to accelerate trade facilitation for stakeholders, aligning with the vision of the UAE leadership to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and long-term economic development.
The transaction follows a strong operational year for Global Feeder Shipping, which in 2025 transported 2.8 million TEUs and completed more than 700 voyages across 89 ports in 54 countries. Since AD Ports Group first acquired a 51% stake in February 2024, the company has generated cumulative EBITDA of over Dh1.8 billion.
Shipping business gains scale
Alongside SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar, Global Feeder Shipping forms a core part of AD Ports Group’s container feeder shipping operations, which facilitate cargo movement in and out of the UAE.
In 2025, revenue from the group’s container feeder shipping segment rose 17% year-on-year. The broader maritime and shipping cluster also delivered strong growth, with revenue increasing 33% to Dh10.7 billion and EBITDA rising 25% to Dh2.5 billion.
The cluster now represents a significant share of the group’s overall performance, accounting for 51% of revenue and 45% of EBITDA in 2025, highlighting the growing importance of maritime and shipping within AD Ports Group’s diversified portfolio spanning ports, logistics, economic zones, and digital services.
Amir Maghami said the deal marks an important milestone as Global Feeder Shipping becomes more closely integrated with AD Ports Group, strengthening their partnership.
He noted that despite ongoing volatility in the shipping industry, AD Ports Group’s support has helped GFS steadily expand its services and grow its fleet. He added that the company’s focus remains on flexibility and customer-centric operations, and expressed optimism about building on current momentum to expand its network and deliver greater value in the future.
