Under a massive expansion plans by the world's third largest port operator, DP World, plans were recently revealed to boost container handling capacity at its terminals worldwide.
Under a $1.5-billion expansion plan underway, the Jebel Ali port will have a new terminal with a quay measuring some 2.5 kilometers, according to Gulf News. By July 2007, say company sources, a 1.2-km quay will be completed and add three million TEU capacity to the port's capacity. The remainder of the project will be ready by the end of 2007.
The plan will increase capacity to some 70 million units a year within a few years, from about 46.5 million at present. This will include a five million TEU (20-foot equivalent container units) addition at the port of Jebel Ali by the end of 2007.
The company is currently involved in nine new projects worldwide, expected to add a total of 24 million TEU capacity when completed. DP World will have 13 million TEU extra capacity at the new developments.
"Once the new terminal is ready," said DP World senior vice-president and managing director Mohammad Al Muallem, "we will be able to handle 13 million TEUs in this area."
"Our capacity will increase to 70 million TEUs within a few years," he added.
