DPA records 26 per cent increase in containers handled during the first quarter of 2005

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Dubai Ports Authority (DPA), one of the world’s fastest growing ports, announced a 26 per cent growth in containers handled during the first quarter of 2005, compared to the corresponding period in 2004. This growth in throughput is in line with DPA’s 25 per cent year-on-year growth in volumes, which has been substantiated by the completion of the first phase expansion at Jebel Ali Port.

Commenting on the growth, Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Chief Executive Officer of DPA, said, “DPA has responded effectively to the changing needs of the market and customer requirements by launching its expansion plan adding more berths, space and equipment. We are confident of maintaining the same levels of impressive growth in container and general cargo volumes during the rest of the year.”

The yearly statistics compiled by the Department of Statistics at the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation indicate that DPA’s total throughput handling in the first quarter of 2005 was 1.75 million TEUs, against 1.38 TEUs during the corresponding period last year.

DPA recently took delivery of the first batch of 10 mega gantry cranes, the largest of its kind in the world, and acquired many Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) as part of a move to add more state-of-the-art equipment to effectively handle business growth at Dubai Ports. The gantries, manufactured by ZPMC of China, can lift two 40-ft or four 20-ft containers simultaneously.

“The outstanding growth in container and general cargo volumes over the last three years spurred us to accelerate the completion of DPA expansion projects, particularly at Jebel Ali Port, to achieve our goals of delivering highest level of satisfaction and service to our customers,” Bin Thaniah concluded.