Emirates Global Aluminium Signs Deal To Boost Aluminium Exports

The United Arab Emirates’ aluminium conglomerate Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) signed on Monday 16 June an agreement with the Dubai-based major port operator DP World Group. The partnership is the latest move by EGA to streamline its aluminium exports, and aims at enhancing EGA’s position as a major exporter of the metal.

The newly signed Strategic Long Term Service Agreement extends the current partnership between EGA and DP World Group. With the new lease of a dedicated storage area – the largest the company has ever used at Jebel Ali Port – EGA will be able to store and transport aluminium manufactured in the UAE. The new yard is over 175,000 square meters and has a storage capacity of about 60,000 tonnes.

Abdullah Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EGA, highlighted EGA’s position as an important aluminium exporter.

“Emirates Global Aluminium has customers in more than 60 countries, and our metal makes modern life possible. Proximity to the UAE’s efficient ports is one of our global competitive advantages.”

In the meantime, Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World Group, Sultan Bin Sulayem, said the synergy would support both countries’ economic diversification.

“This new agreement opens the door to an enhanced level of collaboration… It’s another step towards strengthening our nation’s diversifying economic base.”

The new terminal has been purpose-built by Abu Dhabi Ports in the proximity of EGA’s Al Taweelah alumina refinery to reduce the movement of EGA aluminium by about 17 kilometres and to enable fast export shipments.

In addition to Jebel Ali Port hub, EGA also plans to continue using Port Khalifa as its primary import route for raw materials. Abu Dhabi Ports, in the meantime, is completing dredging and widening works to the Khalifa Port approach channel and basin including EGA’s berth.

Around 90 per cent of EGA’s metal is exported, and its aluminium is the second largest segment in the UAE exports after oil and gas, making the UAE the world’s fifth-biggest aluminium-producing country.