Dubai-based DP World, the world?s third largest port operator, increased container volumes at its terminals by 7.5 per cent in the first half of 2012
In the first six months of 2012, DP World handled 28.2 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent units) across its 60 terminals, compared with 26.2 million TEUs for the same period in 2011.
The Asia Pacific and Indian subcontinent region was the main driver of this growth, reporting a 12.1 per cent increase in volumes to 13.3 million TEU.
DP World revealed that its performance was driven by growth across its terminals in Asia Pacific as well as new capacity across the region as a whole.
The Americas and Australia region grew volumes by 6.1 per cent to 3.3 million TEU as solid growth in the Americas mitigated a more challenging environment in Australia.
The Europe, Middle East and Africa region grew 3.2 per cent to 11.6 million TEU. Weaker trade across Europe masked the stronger performance across the rest of the region including in Jebel Ali, UAE, which handled 6.6 million TEU in the first six months of 2012, 7.3 per cent ahead of the same period the previous year.
Mohammed Sharaf, chief executive officer of DP World, said, "The number of containers handled across our portfolio of global ports has increased again with 28.2 million containers handled in the first six months of the year. With gross volume growth of 7.5 per cent, DP World continues to deliver growth ahead of the industry.
"The global macroeconomic uncertainty seen in the first quarter of the year has continued and, if anything, has increased through the second quarter. Despite this more challenging environment, the majority of our global portfolio continues to show resilience and we remain committed to delivering an improved operational and financial performance over 2011."
Results for the half year to 30 June 2012 will be announced on 29 August 2012.
