Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, has formed a Joint Venture (JV) with Erkport, a Turkish company specializing in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipping.
Under the agreement, Noatum Maritime—the largest provider of diversified maritime services in the Middle East—will hold a 60% stake in the JV, while Erkport will own the remaining 40%.
Operating under the brand “United Global Ro-Ro”, the venture is strategically positioned to connect key ports within the automotive industry, facilitating global automobile transport and high & heavy cargo movement. Additionally, it will establish and integrate regional feeder networks to serve various markets, enhancing the accessibility and reach of Ro-Ro liner services across Europe, the Mediterranean, South Africa, the Arabian Gulf, and Asia, linking regional and international trade hubs.
By leveraging the combined fleet, infrastructure, and operational expertise of both companies, the partnership aims to optimize Ro-Ro feeder shipping operations. Noatum Maritime and Erkport will jointly deploy Container Ro-Ro (ConRo), Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC), and Ro-Ro vessels upon launch. The JV will commence operations with 11 vessels deployed across five service routes.
Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, commented: “The demand for efficient cargo transportation continues to rise, and this strategic partnership allows us to expand in the Ro-Ro shipping industry, consistently explore new markets and capitalise on emerging opportunities. This venture is set to further streamline operations through integrated regional feeder networks, reduce transit times, and enhance cargo delivery efficiency for our customers.”