DP World is continuing to make strategic investments in its terminalin Jebel Ali that handles cargo destined for the Middle East, India and Africa, said one of its top executives.
    Speaking at DP World's sponsored 8th Annual Marine Money Gulf Ship Finance Conference, in Dubai, the company senior vice president and managing director Mohammed Al Muallem, said: "We saw a 12 per cent increase in volume in UAE region last year with a record throughput of 13 million TEU. Because of this growth and because shipping lines are purchasing ever larger vessels, we are adding one million TEU to Terminal 2 and developing a new terminal with capacity of four million TEU. Together they take Jebel Ali's total capacity to 19 million TEU by 2014."
    The event attended by scores of top industry leaders, including ship owners and maritime analysts, focused on some of the key areas shaping the container shipping industry in the Gulf, including the offshore support sector, available financial structures, leasing and marine piracy, according to Dubai's Khaleej Times.
    Said Mr Al Muallem: "Today we must again quickly take stock of things and adopt business growth strategies in line with the emerging situation. The UAE and Dubai are a springboard for businesses and investors from around the world."

(source:shipping online)