AD Ports Group announced that it has acquired an additional 30% stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) for AED 1.1 billion (USD 300 million), increasing its ownership from 51% to 81%.
The transaction follows AD Ports Group’s initial acquisition of a majority stake in GFS in February 2024 and represents the exercise of a previously agreed call option. The deal values GFS at an enterprise value of approximately AED 3.67 billion (USD 1 billion).
Key highlights:
• AD Ports acquires an additional 30% stake in GFS
• Ownership increases from 51% to 81%
• Transaction value of AED 1.1 billion (USD 300 million)
• GFS is the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping line by capacity
• Acquisition funded through a mix of debt and asset monetisation transactions
• Provides greater strategic and operational control over the business
According to AD Ports Group, increasing its ownership will strengthen cash flow generation and enable deeper integration of GFS across the Group’s ports, logistics, maritime and economic zones businesses, further enhancing its end-to-end trade and logistics offering.
GFS has become one of AD Ports Group’s most strategic assets, helping expand the Group’s presence across the GCC, Indian Subcontinent, Red Sea, Far East, Mediterranean and Africa while maintaining trade connectivity during periods of global shipping disruption.
Operational highlights of GFS include:
• Transported 2.8 million TEUs in 2025
• Completed more than 700 voyages during the year
• Operated across 89 ports in 54 countries
• Generated cumulative EBITDA of more than AED 1.8 billion (USD 500 million) since AD Ports’ initial investment in 2024
The company also noted that its container feeder shipping business recorded 17% revenue growth in 2025, while the Maritime & Shipping Cluster generated AED 10.7 billion in revenue and AED 2.5 billion in EBITDA, accounting for 51% of AD Ports Group’s revenue and 45% of Group EBITDA.
Managing Director and Group CEO Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said the increased ownership reinforces AD Ports Group’s commitment to investing in one of its highest-performing assets while supporting future growth across its global shipping operations.
Source: AD Ports Group
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment or financial advice.