Print
PDF
DP World handled 44.8 million teu across its international portfolio of container terminals in the first 9 months of 2014. This is around 9 per cent higher than in the equivalent months of 2013 on a like for like basis, increasing its global market share. DP World’s UAE terminals, mainly in Jebel Ali, delivered another strong performance, handling 11.4 million teu, which was 12.6 per cent up on last year.
Speaking at the announcement of this impressive set of results, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World chairman, said he was particularly encouraged by the third quarter performance, with Jebel Ali setting a new record in handling 3.97 million teu in the three month period, up from 3.61 million teu in the third quarter of 2013. ”It is evident that the significant investment of recent years is aiding in the delivery of stronger volume growth,” he added.”The solid nine-month performance leaves us well placed to outperform the market, which is forecast to grow at approximately 5% in 2014.”
In recent weeks DP World’s new Terminal 3 facility has become operational, adding 2 million teu of annualised capacity at Jebel Ali. A further 2 million teu of capacity is expected to come online in the second half of 2015, taking the Dubai port’s total annual throughput capability to 19 million teu a year.”This is part of our commitment to invest to meet future capacity demands in Dubai,” said Sulayem.
The maiden call at Terminal 3 was made on October 22nd by the 8500 teu capacity containership APL Phoenix. The new facility features 19 of the world largest and technologically advanced quay cranes and these are remotely operated in a control room located off the quayside staffed largely by Emirati nationals. This includes females, who make up the majority of the 50 Automated Rail Mounted Gantry crane operation team. Claimed to be the world’s largest semi-automated terminal, Terminal 3 will be 30% more carbon efficient than a traditional terminal.
Sultan Sulayem says,” Terminal 3 was built in direct response to feedback from customers like APL who told us clearly they needed more capacity at Jebel Ali. Shipping lines can now bring more of the world’s largest ships to our facilities and help improve the efficiency of the supply chain.”
