DP World achieves key container milestone

Dubai-based global marine operator DP World celebrated a marquee milestone in its history when its Dubai ports handled the 100 millionth container to pass through DP World, UAE Region terminals in ten years.

The 100 million TEU record was achieved between January 2003 and January 2013 and covers all container boxes handled in both Mina Rashid and Jebel Ali Port, said a statement from DP World.

DP World, UAE Region’s annual container throughput increased more than 150% over the decade, from around five million TEU in 2003 to 13.3 million TEU in 2012.

In all, the two container ports have handled 135 million TEU since the opening of Jebel Ali Port in 1979, around 75% of it since 2003.

In recognition of the crucial roles they have played in DP World’s success story, members of the DP World Alumni Network were invited as special guests to celebrations at Jebel Ali Port where the chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem unveiled a container box painted in company colours.

Bin Sulayem said it was made possible by the high level of support the company has received from Dubai’s leadership, loyal customers, stakeholders and committed employees.

“Our flagship facility Jebel Ali is counted among the crown jewels of Dubai’s economy. We remain committed to supporting Dubai’s unparalleled position as the region’s commercial hub. The proud moment of seeing our 100 millionth container was possible because of the support of our loyal customers and employees, both former and present,” he stated.

Senior officials, including vice chairman Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO Mohammed Sharaf, and senior VP and managing director of DP World, UAE Region Mohammed Al Muallem – all of whom have played pivotal leadership roles in the company’s emergence as the third largest global marine terminal operator – were present.

Bin Thaniah said DP World’s journey to the top ranks of the global marine terminal business is anchored in Dubai’s long sea-faring traditions.

“The past decade is a golden period in our history during which we supported economic development in Dubai, the UAE and the rest of the GCC. DP World remains committed to continuing its pivotal role as a supply chain catalyst and strengthening Dubai’s position as the region’s premier commercial hub,” he noted.

Sharaf said handling 100 million containers in 10 years was a remarkable feat for a port by any measure and was enabled only by decades of hard work and commitment of its employees, including former employees represented by the DP World Alumni Network, who struggled against great odds to build a truly global company.

“Special thanks go to our customers who have consistently found value in our services and have travelled with us on our journey. Together, they have raised the bar for the coming decade that we hope DP World, UAE Region will strive to exceed,” he added.

Al Muallem said DP World has consistently kept pace with the emerging demands of its customers and delivered efficiencies in cost and time.

“Our ongoing plans to increase capacity by five million TEU to reach 19 million TEU by 2014 at Jebel Ali is in line with our growth strategy to provide quality services when and where customers need them. Our ability to handle the growth in volumes over the past decade was made possible by the dedication and team work of our UAE Region managers and employees. We thank them for it,” he added.

The expansion work currently underway at Jebel Ali includes adding one million TEU in new capacity to Container Terminal 2 (T2) during the first half of this year and the development of a four million TEU capacity mega Container Terminal 3 (T3) by 2014, said the chairman.

When the expansion work is complete, Jebel Ali Port will be able to handle ten of the next generation 18,000 TEU mega vessels at the same time – the only port in the region able to do so, he added.