AD Ports completes 835 million dollar Brazilian port acquisition

AD Ports Group has finalized its largest-ever acquisition with the Dh3.1 billion ($835 million) purchase of Brazilian agri-bulk port operator Corredor Logística e Infraestrutura (CLI). The deal, approved by Brazil's National Waterway Transportation Agency (ANTAQ) and the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), marks the Abu Dhabi-based company's first entry into South America.

The acquisition, announced in June 2026, gives AD Ports operational control of CLI through its international ports arm, Noatum Ports. CLI manages two major agricultural export terminals at Brazil's Ports of Santos and Itaqui, handling commodities like sugar, corn, and soybeans.

Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, highlighted the deal's significance, stating it strengthens AD Ports' presence in a key agricultural export market. The group plans to establish direct trade routes between Brazil, Khalifa Port, and Abu Dhabi Food Hub, potentially creating new logistics links for Brazilian commodities into the UAE and other international markets.

Fernando Lohmann, head of Macquarie Asset Management in Brazil, praised CLI's competitive position in Brazil's port and logistics market. AD Ports aims to leverage CLI's infrastructure to support trade flows between South America, the Indian Subcontinent, East Africa, and Southeast Asia, while enhancing supply chain resilience.