Prime Highlights
- AD Ports Group acquired an additional 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping for AED1.1 billion, increasing its ownership to 81%.
- The move gives AD Ports Group greater strategic control over a key shipping asset and strengthens its integrated logistics network.
Key Facts
- AD Ports Group operates ports, logistics, shipping, and economic zone businesses across multiple markets.
- Global Feeder Shipping transported 2.8 million TEUs and operated across 89 ports in 54 countries during 2025.
Background
The AD Ports Group has raised its shareholding in GFS to 81% by buying another 30% of shares for $300 million. This action will improve the company’s performance in the market of container feeder ships and increase its control over its important asset.
The company had acquired a 51% stake in Dubai-based GFS in February 2024, along with an option to increase its ownership by the end of 2026. AD Ports Group has now exercised that option at the same enterprise valuation of AED3.67 billion ($1 billion) agreed during the original deal.
The acquisition will be financed through a combination of debt and asset monetisation transactions.
GFS is the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping company by capacity. The business operates small and medium-sized vessels that transport cargo between major shipping hubs and smaller regional ports. Since joining AD Ports Group, GFS has grown its trade ties over the GCC, the Indian subcontinent, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, the Far East, and also Africa.
The company continued operating in key markets during a period of disruption in global shipping, helping customers maintain cargo movement and trade connections. AD Ports Group said GFS has expanded its geographic reach, strengthened customer relationships, and improved links between its ports and international markets.
The higher ownership stake is expected to boost cash flow generation and allow closer integration between GFS and the group’s ports, logistics, and economic city operations.
GFS had processed 2.8 million TEUs and undertaken 700-plus voyages to 89 ports spread out in 54 countries by 2025.
