Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group has increased its ownership in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) to 81% after acquiring an additional 30% equity stake for AED 1.1 billion (USD 300 million), strengthening its position in the global container feeder shipping market.
The transaction follows AD Ports Group’s initial acquisition of a 51% stake in Dubai-based GFS in February 2024. The Group exercised a pre-agreed call option to increase its shareholding before the December 2026 deadline, maintaining the same enterprise valuation of AED 3.67 billion (USD 1 billion) established during the original deal.
The acquisition will be financed through a combination of debt and asset monetisation initiatives.
Strengthening a Strategic Maritime Asset
GFS is recognized as the world’s fourth-largest container feeder shipping operator by capacity and serves as a key pillar of AD Ports Group’s maritime strategy. The company operates extensive feeder services connecting major transshipment hubs with regional and smaller ports across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Indian Subcontinent, Red Sea, Far East, Mediterranean, and Africa.
AD Ports Group noted that GFS played a critical role in maintaining trade connectivity during periods of global maritime disruption, helping ensure uninterrupted cargo flows across its operating regions.
The increased ownership is expected to provide AD Ports Group with greater operational control, stronger cash-flow generation, and deeper integration between GFS and the Group’s ports, logistics, economic cities, and maritime businesses.
Leadership Highlights Growth Potential
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the acquisition underscores the Group’s confidence in one of its strongest-performing assets.
He noted that GFS has expanded the Group’s market reach, strengthened customer connectivity, and enhanced trade links across the Red Sea and Gulf regions, while enabling further growth within AD Ports Group’s shipping portfolio.
Amir Maghami, CEO of Global Feeder Shipping, described the move as a significant milestone that will further strengthen collaboration with AD Ports Group. He said the partnership has supported fleet expansion and service growth despite challenging market conditions and will help the company continue expanding its network and customer offerings.
Strong Operational Performance
In 2025, GFS transported approximately 2.8 million TEUs and completed more than 700 voyages, serving 89 ports across 54 countries. Since AD Ports Group’s initial investment in 2024, the company has generated cumulative EBITDA exceeding AED 1.8 billion (USD 500 million).
Together with SAFEEN Feeders and Transmar, GFS forms the backbone of AD Ports Group’s container feeder shipping operations. The Group reported that feeder shipping revenues increased 17% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting continued demand for regional and international connectivity services.
Maritime & Shipping Cluster Drives Growth
AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster delivered robust financial performance in 2025, with revenue rising 33% year-on-year to AED 10.7 billion, while EBITDA increased 25% to AED 2.5 billion.
The cluster accounted for 51% of the Group’s total revenue and 45% of EBITDA, highlighting the growing importance of maritime operations within AD Ports Group’s integrated trade, logistics, and infrastructure ecosystem.
The enhanced stake in GFS further consolidates AD Ports Group’s position as a major player in global maritime logistics and supports its strategy of building integrated end-to-end trade and supply chain solutions across key international markets.
