DP World throughput increases 18 per cent

Global port operator DP World has announced it handled more than 43.3 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio of 42 terminals last year, an increase of 18 per cent on 2006.

Growth across all three reporting regions continued strongly in 2007.

The Middle East, Europe and Africa region grew 19 per cent in 2007 compared with 2006. Terminals in the UAE increased throughput by 19 per cent to 11 million TEUs, with the two Dubai ports of Jebel Ali and Port Rashid combined growing 20 per cent to reach 10.7 million TEUs. 

 

DP World Jebel Ali alone grew more than 25 per cent,

reaching 9.9 million TEUs. This was due to new vessel calls as well as the opening of a new second terminal at the port in the second half of 2007.

The Asia Pacific and Indian Subcontinent region recorded more than a 17 per cent-increase as many of the terminals expanded capacity and continued to improve productivity and efficiency to serve those markets’ rapid growth in containerised cargo.

The Americas and Australia region delivered growth of 18 per cent, with all terminals in the region performing well.

“The year 2007 was another excellent year of growth for DP World, with our portfolio continuing to grow ahead of global container trade growth, estimated at 10.8 per cent,” DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf said in a statement.

“Our global footprint underwent further significant change in 2006 and our operational performance in 2007 reflects why we are now one of the leading terminal operators in the world. But we are not stopping here. Our customers look to us to help them manage their supply chains, and we will continue to grow as well as meet their needs.

“Our portfolio is well balanced and designed to meet the needs of our customers and of world trade today as well as in the future. During 2007 we announced four new wins – the agreement to develop two new terminals in Europe, Rotterdam and London Gateway; the concession to operate the existing port at Dakar, Senegal and to build the new port there; and the acquisition of Sokhna Port in Egypt,” added Sharaf.

DP World has also expanded the operations of its existing terminals, increasing capacity at selected facilities and improving efficiency