AD Ports Group Increases Stake in Global Feeder Shipping to 81 Percent

AD Ports Group has increased its majority stake in Global Feeder Shipping (GFS) to 81 percent, strengthening its control over the Dubai-based maritime operator. The move follows the group’s initial acquisition of a 70 percent equity stake in the company in November 2022, which was valued at AED 2.9 billion ($800 million) at the time. Strategic Integration and Expansion The additional 11 percent stake consolidation integrates GFS further into AD Ports’ Maritime & Shipping Cluster. GFS operates a significant fleet of container ships and provides feeder services across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. By increasing its ownership, AD Ports aims to enhance the connectivity between its flagship Khalifa Port and major regional markets, optimizing supply chain efficiencies for global trade routes. GFS currently ranks as one of the world’s largest independent feeder operators. The company provides crucial links between "hub" ports and smaller regional terminals, a sector that has seen increased demand as global shipping lines seek to streamline their direct-call schedules. The acquisition of the additional stake ensures that AD Ports can more effectively direct the operator's growth…