DP World launches work on new Peruvian terminal

Dubai: Peruvian President Alan Garcia and DP World Chairman Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayam launched the construction of the DP World Callao terminal with a foundation stone laying ceremony.

Peru's Minister of Transport Verónica Zavala and DP World officials were present at the occasion.

The event marked the beginning of work on the container terminal in the Muelle Sur area of Callao Port, near Peru's capital, Lima, and underlined the partnership approach and commitment of DP World in the construction of infrastructure in this rapidly growing economy.

In June 2006, DP World was awarded a 30-year concession to build and operate the terminal.

The first phase of the project will see around $210 million invested in two berths comprising 660 metres of quay line and 22 hectares of yard, capable of handling vessels of 5,500 TEU nominal capacity and about 800,000 TEUs (20 foot equivalent container units).

It is hoped the first phase will be operational in the second half of 2009. Further development will be phased in line with demand, with total capacity projected to reach around 1.3 million TEUs.

The development will also see improvements in port-related infrastructure including land access, widening of the port's sea entrance, navigation aids, security and protection systems, and the development of logistic centres.

Milestone

Bin Sulayem said: "This is a significant milestone for this important project. We look forward to its completion and contributing to the growth of this facility and Peru as both a key transshipment hub and gateway port for the west coast of South America.

"DP World has more than 35 years' experience constructing and operating state-of-the-art marine terminals in markets around the world. We are pleased to be able to share our expertise and look forward to investing over the long term in Callao and in Peru.

"We also see significant investment opportunities for other companies within the Dubai World group, including tourism, real estate development and logistics."