AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry; CMA CGM Group, a global player in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions; and Ecocean, an innovative company serving aquatic biodiversity, have signed a scientific cooperation framework agreement that will see the installation of 48 Biohuts in Khalifa Port.
Designed to restore biodiversity and promote marine life in coastal and harbour areas, the Biohut module is a submerged structure that provides a safe and supportive habitat for marine life to thrive. The modules are specially designed to provide a refuge and breeding ground for various marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and other marine life essential to the health of coastal ecosystems, particularly in environments disturbed or damaged by human activity.
Biohut® modules come in the form of modular cages made from eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, offering a solid, protective structure for marine wildlife while minimising its impact on the environment. These structures will be deployed in specific areas of Khalifa Port, where marine life needs support and regeneration. The Biohuts® will be installed in the port in Q1 2024 at the CMA CGM’s future terminal, which is currently under construction. This pilot phase will last 5 years with the inclusion of a monitoring part.
This project is part of both parties’ long-term commitment to marine and terrestrial biodiversity, based on key pillars, including reducing the impact of its activities, restoring fragile ecosystems, protecting endangered species, and supporting research and innovation. Integrating responsible management practices, marine conservation, and environmental innovation can preserve marine biodiversity and the oceans’ fragile ecosystems.
David Gatward, Chief Engineering & Technical Services Officer, said: “We understand that the infrastructure we develop serves our economy, industry, and community. Simultaneously, maintaining biodiversity is crucial for life-sustaining processes. At AD Ports Group ETS, we design with sustainability in mind and retrofit existing structures to ensure a sustainable legacy for the local community. It’s vital to adapt our infrastructure to enhance environmental conditions while consciously designing new projects with sustainability as a primary consideration.”
In recognition of its long-term environmental sustainability strategy, AD Ports Group has been awarded the Best Sustainability Initiative Award at the ADSG Awards 2023. The award underscores the Group’s innovative and strategic approach to preserving and enhancing the Ras Ghanada Coral Reef – a cornerstone of marine biodiversity in the UAE and the Gulf region. Additionally, this year, KEZAD Group, part of AD Ports Group, earned the prestigious United Nations Investment Promotion Awards 2023, acknowledging their significant role in attracting investment in renewable energy and clean technologies.
Furthermore, AD Ports Group is developing Sustainable Design Guidelines, which aim to standardise the infrastructure design process from a sustainability perspective and maximise environmental benefits.
Aware of its role and responsibility towards the environment, CMA CGM Group has chosen not to carry any plastic waste on its ships since 2022 as part of its commitment to protecting biodiversity and reducing its environmental footprint. CMA CGM has also redesigned the shipping routes of its container ships to account for cetacean breeding and migration areas. When this is not possible, it requires its ships to reduce speed to a maximum of 10 knots in certain areas recognised as whale breeding grounds.
CMA CGM Group has also long been involved in biodiversity protection and restoration projects worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. Aware of the importance of coral reefs for humanity, the Group is involved in a coral reef restoration project in the United Arab Emirates.
Félix de Carpentier, Group Vice President – Sustainability, CMA CGM, said: “Preserving biodiversity is part of CMA CGM’s “Acting for Planet” pillar, at the heart of the Group’s sustainability commitments. We have been working with experts for years to understand its preservation mechanisms better and support protection and restoration projects, which contribute to reducing human activities’ environmental footprint. Given the scale of the challenge, we strongly believe that ‘getting on board’ with our partners will speed up our action, and we’re delighted with this first example of collaboration with Ecocean in Abu Dhabi, which we hope to replicate in other countries.”
Ahmad Al Khayat, Acting Senior Vice President of Innovation at AD Ports Group, said: “We are delighted to launch this project with CMA CGM and Ecocean. As a Group, we recognise that we can actively and significantly boost biodiversity through thoughtful, innovative initiatives. Healthy ecosystems rich in biodiversity benefit human health and positively impact the economy. By installing biohuts at Khalifa Port, we aim to mitigate the environmental effects of construction. This reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and our focus on innovation to foster environments where natural flora and fauna can prosper.”
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