United Global Ro-Ro (UGR), established in early 2025 through a joint venture between Turkey-based logistics company Erkport and Noatum Maritime, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi–based AD Ports Group, is steadily advancing toward becoming a global leader in automotive logistics, driven by the commercial partnership between Türkiye and the UAE and the synergy this partnership has created in maritime transportation.
With its long-standing experience and operational strength in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) transportation, Erkport has launched an integrated service model in automotive, heavy, and oversized cargo transportation through its joint venture with Noatum Maritime, the maritime arm of AD Ports Group. This partnership, structured under the UGR brand, combines local expertise with global networks, ushering in a new era in Ro-Ro logistics.
UGR significantly enhances the efficiency and reach of Ro-Ro transportation across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Arabian Gulf, and Asia through its routes connecting critical ports of the automotive industry, sector-specific solutions, and high operational capacity.
Reflection of Türkiye–UAE Commercial Partnership at Sea
UGR, which stands out with the global maritime network it has established in finished vehicle logistics, also serves as a symbol of the strengthening trade relations between Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates. Emphasizing that this strategic partnership brings together local expertise and global strength, UGR CEO Tolga Emrah Gezgin stated, ‘With its routes extending from Europe to the Middle East and from Africa to Asia, UGR has built a new bridge in international trade.
Environmentally Friendly and High-Capacity Maritime Transportation
UGR’s flagship vessel, UGR Al Samha, which also transports Chery and BYD vehicles to Türkiye, stands out as a new-generation Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) ship operating on environmentally friendly fuel. Symbolizing the first operation of the joint venture, the vessel serves key markets in the Middle East, Asia, and the Mediterranean with a capacity of over 7,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEU) across 12 decks.
Thanks to LNG fuel technology, advanced vessel design, and integrated port infrastructures, UGR provides its customers with maritime transportation solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. Gezgin stated, ‘With this model that reduces carbon emissions, we lower costs while also enhancing our competitiveness.
Strong Reinforcement to the Fleet, Greater Depth in the Service Network
In line with AD Ports Group’s strategy to strengthen its automotive logistics platform, two PCTC-type feeder vessels, named “Arabian Gulf” and “Al Reef” have joined the UGR fleet, completing its deep-sea routes. These vessels provide OEM customers with fixed sailing schedules and reliable services, strengthening the connection between global automotive hubs and regional markets.
From 2025 to 2026: A Vision of Growth and Leadership
While 2025 marked a period in which the need for speed, flexibility, and integration in automotive logistics came to the forefront, UGR became one of the structures managing this transformation through a hub-and-spoke approach. The network established with strategic ports such as Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, and Haydarpaşa, along with new vessels added to the fleet, has positioned the company as a critical player on a global scale.
In 2026, UGR aims to expand its strong presence in the Far East, the Mediterranean, and the MEA region into Africa and to transform Türkiye into a regional distribution hub through new feeder routes. Emphasizing this vision, Tolga Emrah Gezgin stated, ‘We support our sustainability focus with LNG-tank PCTCs compliant with NOx Tier III standards, digital optimization projects, and our long-term zero-carbon goal. Our objective is to become a leader that sets the standards in global automotive logistics.