APM Terminals says cranes are running faster

   APM Terminals said a push to improve efficiency at its marine terminals was successful last year with crane lifts per hour – a key indicator – improving “no less than 8 percent” across all its facilities in 2012.
   The company, part of the A.P. Moller-Maersk Group, has an objective to improve efficiency 15 percent within two years and Chief Executive Officer Kim Fejfer said that goal seems within reach.
   “When larger and larger vessels are being deployed, the customers will have an increased appreciation of the value of having the fastest possible turnaround time in port. So we are well on our way to develop a true pitstop mentality – similar to what you see in a good race car team – in all our facilities,” Fejfer said.
   Volumes handled by APM Terminals on an equity weighted basis grew 6 percent, ahead of market growth at 4 percent.
   “I am pleased that we can present a stable financial performance in a year heavily influenced by global economic downturn, challenged shipping sector and softening of Asia/Europe trade. In my view, we have been successful in two aspects: Developing attractive propositions to our more than 60 global shipping line customers – and developing the right port facilities with a strategic focus on growth markets,” Fejfer said. – Chris Dupin