Abu Dhabi Terminals Unveils AI-Focused Partnership with Microsoft

Abu Dhabi Terminals, in the presence of His Excellency Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Ministry of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has announced a partnership agreement with Microsoft that heralds the next phase in the digital transformation of Abu Dhabi’s flagship maritime asset, Khalifa Port.

The landmark partnership will enable enhanced container tracking and autonomous shuttle capabilities across Abu Dhabi Terminal’s Khalifa Port terminal through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence Services of Azure, Microsoft’s Cloud.

Abu Dhabi Terminals is the management company and operator of Khalifa Port Container Terminal (KPCT), the region’s first, and one of the world’s largest semi-automated deep-water container terminals. KPCT is also one of the most technically advanced facilities of its kind.

The technology, deployed in partnership with Microsoft Consulting Services, will fuel the introduction of AI-based container smart tracking solutions that will ensure 100 percent traceability of all handled containers, as well as the potential to launch an autonomous vehicle system.

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Ralph Haupter, President, Microsoft EMEA said: “This collaboration ushers in a new era for autonomous vehicles in a terminal environment, and I’m excited to see Microsoft’s cloud, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies contribute to its success."

Ahmed Al Mutawa, CEO, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “The support of the UAE Ministry of AI and our partnerships with world-leading technology providers such as Microsoft Corporation, not only future proofs our nation’s maritime assets and infrastructure, but enables Abu Dhabi Terminals, and our shareholders at Abu Dhabi Ports, to reap tremendous long-term benefits.”

Arturo Garcia, Chief Automation Officer, Abu Dhabi Terminals, said: “AI and Automation Technology are not widely used in the port industry, but we firmly believe in its potential and are convinced that our approach will not only benefit Abu Dhabi Terminals and the UAE, but will extend to the entire shipping industry.”

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