Khalifa Port Container Terminal achieves 26 percent growth in 2014

ABU DHABI, 9th February, 2015 (WAM) -- Abu Dhabi Terminals, ADT, the Manager and Operator of Khalifa Port Container Terminal, is celebrating the solid performance and achievements in 2014 that saw its volume reach 1.13 million TEUs (20-foot-equivalent-unit containers). This represents a 26 percent year-on-year growth and sets a new standard in regional growth rates. ADT secured the exclusive right to manage and operate the first Khalifa Port Container Terminal, KPCT, by signing a 30-year concession in 2012 with Abu Dhabi Ports. The port operator garnered a number of achievements in 2014 and its more than 20 percent year-on-year growth over the past five years can be attributed to the strong relationships with the shipping industry and the trade community. It’s expected that this growth rate will be built on in 2015, and its strong performance will be maintained. Besides witnessing the handling of a record number of containers, 2014 saw productivity rise to an average of thirty-four CMPH (crane moves per hour) and KPCT named in the top ten growing container terminals in the world. For December 2014 alone, KPCT handled 132,339 TEUs, the highest number of containers handled in a single month in the emirate, and an increase of 26.7 percent compared to 2013. "2014 has been the busiest year at Khalifa Port Container Terminal and the fifth straight year that our compound year-on-year growth has risen more than 20 percent," said Martijn Van de Linde, Chief Executive Officer, ADT. "While we are incredibly pleased with this progress and everything we have achieved, we continue working on more expansion plans and further automation of our operations in 2015," he added. In November 2014, ADT signed a Dh300 million loan agreement with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, ADCB, for the ongoing development of KPCT, showing the sustained commitment to long-term investment in the facility. A contract signed with Borough in June 2014 will see ADT design, construct and operate a state-of-the-art packaging facility for Borouge’s export products at KPCT, set to begin operating this March. Supporting these milestones of achievement is ADT’s diversification of supply chain services that sees it offer a full suite of logistics services to benefit trade and shipping lines. This includes the packing facility for polymers as well as an offshore depot for empty container inspection and repair. "We are fully committed to constantly and consistently investing and improving our operations at KPCT. Our achievements and success in 2014 proves the quality of our services, our commitment to the health and safety of employees and compliance with client and legal requirements," said Van de Linde. "We are delighted to be setting a new standard of excellence and our mission is to continue this into the future," he added. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/economics/1395276184618.html