Global marine terminal operator DP World said today that operations at its flagship terminal at Jebel Ali had returned to the usual high service levels with no delays to shipping.
DP World introduced a number of initiatives to relieve congestion that began at the terminal over the summer, working closely with its customers. Growth in volumes had put pressure on ports in the region causing vessel delays, which had a knock on effect at Jebel Ali. Around 80% of vessels were arriving out of their berthing windows, with containers stacking up and taking time to clear. As well, traders were leaving containers on the terminal for much longer, putting pressure on yard capacity.
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World – UAE, said: “We are pleased the measures we have taken to relieve the congestion experienced during the summer have been successful. “We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding of the situation and their co-operation during this difficult period.”
The initiatives included expanding yard capacity, working with customers to manage berthing times and increasing storage fees to encourage traders to move their containers off the terminal. The deployment of new equipment at the new Container Terminal - 2 at Jebel Ali Port also increased handling capacity.
Mr Al Muallem said: “The decision to increase storage fees for containers left in the yard for more than the five-day free period has helped resolve the congestion problem. Since we introduced the new rates, we have seen a significant reduction in the time containers are being left in our yards, and this has also positively impacted our liner customers who no longer experience delays in berthing.”
Mr Al Muallem said DP World had moved quickly to resolve the issue out of its commitment to provide the best services to its customers. It held intensive meetings with all parties involved, including traders, shipping lines and the authorities, to find solutions to the issues involved and ensure the necessary steps were taken to ease the pressure.
Capacity at Jebel Ali will increase by around 5 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) in early 2009, when total handling capacity of the port will reach 14 million TEU.
