DP World volumes rise

DP World volumes rise
   Marine terminal operator DP World Tuesday said it handled 23.7 million TEUs at its 50 operating terminals in the first half of 2010, a 16 percent increase against the same period last year and ahead of 2008.
   At the 28 terminals where it has majority ownership or operational/management control, DP World said volumes were 13.2 million TEUs through the first six months of 2010. That’s up 7 percent from the first half of 2009 or up 10 percent on a like-for-like basis, after excluding contributions from Callao, Peru, which opened in the second quarter of 2010; Saigon, Vietnam, which opened in the third quarter of 2009; and ATI Manila which became part of the company’s joint venture and associates portfolio in 2009.
   “Volume growth across our portfolio is largely driven by terminals in Asia, which are primarily reported as joint ventures and associates, in Australia, where volumes are well ahead of 2008 levels, and the recovery of some volumes across European ports,” the company said.
   The company said it had an “encouraging start to the year” in the United Arab Emirates region, handling 5.5 million TEUs in the first six months, 3 percent ahead of the same period last year.
   DP World said later this year it expects to open facilities in Vallarpadam, India, and Karachi, Pakistan.