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29 March 2024

Container terminal to expand services

Published
By Staff Writer

(SUPPLIED)   



Khor Fakkan container terminal is planning to expand its shipping service to East Asia just a month after it was launched. The Sharjah terminal is attracting more ships from the Far East because of a boom in trade.

 

“We are adding more ships to the Far East routes because of increasing demand,” said Peter Richards, Director and General Manager of Gulftainer, which runs the east coast facility.

 

“Trade between the UAE and the Gulf and East Asian countries is growing rapidly. This necessitates continuously developing shipping lines and services to cater to the needs of traders and manufacturers.

 

“The progress is driven by the far-sighted development policies of the Emirates and neighbouring countries. The expansion is to ensure that customers receive comprehensive and reliable service.”

 

Far East shipping lines that have recently started using the terminal include South Korea’s Hanjin, Heung-A, Sinokor, STX Pan Ocean and KMTC. “We always enjoy seeing new services and new ships calling at Khor Fakkan,” said Richards. “But it is particularly pleasing for us to see the start of new relationships with companies at a time when they are establishing and starting to build up their presence in this area.

 

“We are delighted that they can see the benefits of calling at Khor Fakkan – like increasing numbers of lines and customers. We provide not only fast transshipment to the wider region but also a cost-effective gateway into the heart of the UAE’s commercial districts.”

 

Gulftainer was set up in 1976 to manage Port Khalid and Khor Fakkan container terminals on behalf of the Sharjah Port Authority. It now operates terminals in six other countries. The company owns one of the UAE’s largest heavy transport fleets, a container repair facility and a shipping agency.