DP World’s new technology drives GCC supply chain efficiency
DP World’s UAE Region Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Mohammed Al Muallem, said that the dynamic changes in the shipping industry and the diversification of developing GCC economies underpin the growing efficiency of the region’s supply chain. In his address to the “Seatrade Shipping and Investment Forum 2013” in Abu Dhabi, Mr. Al Muallem said that the supply chain is playing a vital role in boosting the GCC’s trade volumes coupled with infrastructure projects, growing populations and increasing consumerism. He highlighted the need to factor rapid changes in the shipping industry, so that ports can continue to be an integral part of the supply chain, the company said in its press release.
He added: “Bigger ships and slow steaming strategies require ports with deeper drafts, longer quays, bigger cranes, larger container yards and shorter s tays for vessels. And this is why we are exp anding our facilities in Dubai. “Furthermore, and in order to retain our position at Jebel Ali Port as the gateway of choice for the GCC, Middle East, India and Africa regions , we have created our smart port co ncept, one that offers traders mobile applications and round the clock electronic transaction facilities giving them real - time information, 365 days a year through their smartphones and from any location.”
Reflecting growth in Dubai, the UAE and the wider region, DP World, UAE Region handled a record 10 million TEU ( twenty - foot equivalent unit ) for the nine months to September 2013. With its additional capacity of 1 million TEU in June this year and the new 4 million TEU capacity Terminal 3 due to open in 2014, Jebel Ali Port is well placed to cater for future growth. The “Seatrade Shipping and Investment Forum 2013”, was attended by more than 200 senior executives ranging from international financiers and insurers, to ship owners and port operators, a cross the international maritime industry.
About DP World
DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents, including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2012, DP World handled more than 56 million TEU (twenty - foot equivalent container units). With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, capacity is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand. DP World has a dedicated, experienced and professional team of 28,000 people serving its customers around the world, and the company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them. In taking this customer - centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 19 consecutive years.
