AD Ports Group, formerly known as Abu Dhabi Ports Co., achieved a 174 percent increase in solid waste recycling to 4,683 tonnes in 2023, revealed its latest sustainability report.

According to the report, this achievement marks the efficacy of its waste management strategies in enhancing recycling and resource recovery.

The report further revealed that the aggregate amount of solid waste recycled for its tenants and calling vessels rose 124 percent to 3,985 tonnes last year.

Tenants are businesses that lease space with the ports, while calling vessels are ships that come to load, unload, refuel and use other port services.

“The increase in recycling rates across our operations is the result of a successful collaborative approach to managing waste involving partners,” the report said.

Last September, ADP Group subsidiary Abu Dhabi Maritime collaborated with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Co., or Tadweer, to ensure the waterways remain safe, clean and free from debris and obstructions, reaffirming its commitment to effective waste management solutions.

The report further stated that the group also recycled 91 tonnes of hazardous waste last year.

Clean Energy Pursuits

Additionally, the global trade facilitator also recorded a 7 percent reduction in electricity consumption intensity as part of its sustainability gains.

The reductions were achieved through a substantial increase in solar photovoltaic generating capacity last year, leading to a decrease of 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

“The reductions were achieved through greater efficiency within the group’s container handling operations and more energy savings at its terminals,” the report stated.

The group has solar PV integration projects planned at Khalifa Port, Zayed Port and its administrative headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

It is also revving up clean energy resources at its multipurpose port operation in Safaga, Egypt, which the Group manages under a concession for Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority.

Governance improvements

The report also disclosed the successful introduction of 124 corporate social responsibility initiatives last year, an 84 percent rise in employee job satisfaction rate, a 57 percent increase in employee training hours and a 42 percent uptake in female employees.

“AD Ports Group has achieved significant progress in advancing its sustainability agenda. As we navigate an ever-evolving global landscape, our commitment to environmental, social and governance principles remains at the core of our strategy,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and CEO of AD Ports Group, in a statement.

Last year, the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence named AD Ports Group’s flagship Khalifa Port the world’s third-most efficient container port in its Container Port Performance Index.

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