Dubai: Global marine terminal operator DP World on Monday announced that it handled 25.6 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio of 28 consolidated terminals in 2009, reflecting 8 per cent fewer containers handled than last year.
Excluding the contribution from new terminals which joined the portfolio during 2009, volumes declined by 10 per cent (having been down 13 per cent in the first half)
Across all 50 of its operational terminals in 2009 the company handled 43.4 m TEU a decline of 6 per cent over 2008.
“2009 has been a very challenging year for container port operators and we are pleased that we have delivered somewhat better results than the industry due to our focus on emerging markets which have remained more resilient to the global downturn.As anticipated, all our regions handled more containers in the second half of 2009 than in the first half and the early signs of stability seen in the third quarter have continued into the final quarter of the year,” Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive of DP World said in a statement.
During 2009, the company opened two new terminals it has been developing over the course of the last few years; Doraleh Container Terminal in Djibouti at the beginning of the year, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in the final quarter of the year. In addition, it was awarded concessions for two new terminals in Algeria.
