New Bahrain port sees first call

New Bahrain port sees first call    The first container vessel has arrived at the new Khalifa Bin Salman Port – Bahrain Gateway, said APM Terminals, which operates the terminal.
   The 2,500-TEU APL Dalian called, as part of APL’s SRX service between the Indian Subcontinent, lower Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports.
   'The first call highlights the vision of Bahrain becoming a major shipping hub for the northern Arabian Gulf and strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as the best location for global business and access to the growth potential of Middle East markets,' APM Terminals said in a statement Wednesday.
   The terminal has 1,800 meters of quay, four post-Panamax quay cranes and a draft of 15 meters. The approach channel to the terminal will reach 15 meters by 2010, the terminal operator said.
   Work started on the port in 2002 and in 2005, APM was given a 25-year concession to operate it. Existing container operations at Bahrain's old port will cease on May 1, as operations are migrated this month to the new port.