APM TERMINALS, Maersk's standalone port operator, has posted a 29 per cent year-on-year first quarter net profit increase to US$215 million, drawn on revenues of $1.1 billion, up five per cent.

Quarterly container volumes were up nine per cent year on year to 9.4 million TEU, accounting for rising revenues, though offset by a decrease due to the divestments in North America and Asia in inland services.

Pre-tax profit (EBITDA) increased 24 per cent, attributed to greater volumes and increasing terminal efficiency.

"APM Terminals first quarter results reflect the company's continuing focus on creating long-term customer value," said CEO Kim Fejfer.

"The benefits of our continuous improvement approach to productivity, operational excellence, liner network solutions and portfolio management continue to deliver positive results for our customers and shareholders," Mr Fejfer said.

The company statement said: "Customers are demanding higher specifications and performance of the terminal industry to handle the larger vessels on all trades and the increased network complexity with the alliance structures."

The company also said it continues to invest in upgrading facilities and improving operational processes to cater for these increased demands.

In Russia, Global Ports Investments (GPI) in which APM Terminals has a co-controlling ownership share, completed the integration of the National Container Company (NCC), the acquired competing operator. "The impact of the political developments are continuously being assessed," said the company.

In Rotterdam, the new APM Terminals Maasvlakte II terminal took an important step with completion of civil works.

"Step-by-step integration of automated equipment, system testing and job training is progressing and will continue into the summer. The terminal remains on schedule to open late 2014," said the company statement.

In Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia, berth 13 was inaugurated during the quarter. The berth is equipped to handle the largest container vessels in operation and served the 18,000-TEU Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller in April.

APM Terminals also announced a 50-50 joint venture, subject to regulatory approval, with Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management for ownership of the APM Terminals Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is currently fully-owned by APM Terminals.

Other deals include the completed sale of a 29 per cent share in APM Terminals Callao to TIL, as well as the 24 per cent share sale of APM Terminals Zeebrugge to China Shipping.

"In Santos, Brazil, dredging to remove a high spot in the access channel has been completed and the company expects to receive permission to handle large vessels within a few weeks," said the company statement.