DP World sees container volumes up 10%

DP World, the Dubai-based global marine operator, has seen a 9.5%jump in gross volumes in the first quarter handling 13.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of marine terminals, said a top official.

 Speaking at the annual general meeting, DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said excluding the contribution from new capacity, like for like growth was 7.4%for the year ended December 31, 2011.

 ‘This growth was driven by an excellent performance in our Asia Pacific and Indian Subcontinent region which reported 14.6%growth in volumes as new capacity across the region supported strong growth across our Asia Pacific portfolio, ‘ he stated.

Bin Sulayem said growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa region was 4.4%with a good performance in the Middle East and Africa mitigating the ongoing challenging operating environment in Europe.

 The Americas and Australia region reported growth of 8.7%driven by a very strong performance in the Americas region, he noted.

 “Our portfolio of consolidated terminals reported container volumes of 6.6 million TEU. Had our five terminals in Australia not been deconsolidated from the 12 March 2011, underlying growth would have been 5.9%when compared to the same period last year,’ said Bin Sulayem.

According to him, Jebel Ali has continued to deliver strong volume growth handling 3.2 million TEU in the first three months of the year, 8.5%ahead of the same period last year.

“The global macroeconomic uncertainty has continued into 2012. With our portfolio focused on the faster growing emerging markets and more stable origin and destination markets, we remain committed to delivering improved operational and financial performance over 2011,” he added.