New Jebel Ali terminal to be operational in July
DP World's new container terminal at Jebel Ali Port will be operational in July, a senior official said.
The $1.5-billion phase 11 of port expansion now under way will increase the port's container handling capacity from 9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 15 million in 2008.
"The first phase will be operational in July of this year, with full completion expected in 2008. When finished, Jebel Ali will have an additional 2,500 metres of quay length with a draft of 17 metres," said Mohammad Al Muallem, DP World's senior vice president and managing director for the company's UAE operations.
The terminal will be able to accommodate the world's largest container vessels, Al Muallem said, adding the expansion will "see capacity rise from nine million TEUs to 14-15 million TEUs."
Industry experts expect a 200 per cent increase this year in ships with a capacity to carry more than 7,500 TEUs.
"The benefits of DP World investing ahead of the curve are obvious. The extra capacity will mean increased efficiencies, speed, flexibility and choice," he said at a company event in Dubai.
DP World-UAE handled 8.92 million TEUs in 2006 compared with 7.62 million units handled in the previous year.
"We have seen a 17 per cent increase in our local business and a 15 per cent increase in transshipments," Al Muallem said.
While most growth is at the Jebel Ali facility, the facilities in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah managed by the company are also showing an increase in business, he added.
The $1.5-billion phase 11 of port expansion now under way will increase the port's container handling capacity from 9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 15 million in 2008.
"The first phase will be operational in July of this year, with full completion expected in 2008. When finished, Jebel Ali will have an additional 2,500 metres of quay length with a draft of 17 metres," said Mohammad Al Muallem, DP World's senior vice president and managing director for the company's UAE operations.
The terminal will be able to accommodate the world's largest container vessels, Al Muallem said, adding the expansion will "see capacity rise from nine million TEUs to 14-15 million TEUs."
Industry experts expect a 200 per cent increase this year in ships with a capacity to carry more than 7,500 TEUs.
"The benefits of DP World investing ahead of the curve are obvious. The extra capacity will mean increased efficiencies, speed, flexibility and choice," he said at a company event in Dubai.
DP World-UAE handled 8.92 million TEUs in 2006 compared with 7.62 million units handled in the previous year.
"We have seen a 17 per cent increase in our local business and a 15 per cent increase in transshipments," Al Muallem said.
While most growth is at the Jebel Ali facility, the facilities in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah managed by the company are also showing an increase in business, he added.
