DP World moving non-container cargo handling from Rashid to Jebel Ali

DP World moving non-container cargo handling from Rashid to Jebel Ali    Dubai-based terminal operator Dubai Ports World on Wednesday shifted its general and non-containerized cargo handling operations at Port Rashid in central Dubai to its flagship facility at the Jebel Ali 25 miles to west.
   DP World said the move was in response to customer demand.
   “Following requests from container shipping lines to move to the brand new container terminal at Jebel Ali opened in the third quarter of last year, most of the containerized cargo handled at Port Rashid has already moved to DP World's flagship terminal,” the company said. “Staff and equipment associated with general and non-containerized cargo handling will similarly relocate to Jebel Ali by the end of March. Some container handling capacity will remain at Port Rashid and cruise ships and ferries will continue to use Port Rashid as they do currently.”
   In a statement Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director of DP World's United Arab Emirates region said the move will allow customers to take advantage of the free zone opportunities at Jebel Ali.
   'There is also the potential for our customers, and their customers, the shippers, to explore opportunities to improve supply chain efficiencies with the free zone expansion and development of new airport facilities at Jebel Ali, which will be focused on cargo movement,” he said in a statement. “We will work with our customers and business partners over coming weeks and months to ensure a smooth transition to Jebel Ali.'