DP World 2007 throughput increases 18%

Growth across all three reporting regions continued strongly in 2007.

The Middle East, Europe and Africa region grew 19% in 2007 compared with 2006. Terminals in the UAE increased throughput by 19% to 11m TEU, with the two Dubai ports of Jebel Ali and Port Rashid combined growing 20% to reach 10.7m TEU. DP World Jebel Ali alone grew more than 25%, reaching 9.9m TEU. This was due new vessel calls as well as the opening of a new second terminal at the port in the second half of 2007.

The Asia Pacific and Indian sub-continent region recorded more than a 17% increase as many of the terminals expanded capacity and continued to improve productivity and efficiency to serve those markets' growth in containerised cargo.

The Americas and Australia region delivered growth of 18%, with all terminals in the region performing well.

Mohammed Sharaf, CEO DP World said "2007 was another excellent year of growth for DP World, with our portfolio continuing to grow ahead of global container trade growth, estimated at 10.8%[1].

"Our global footprint underwent further significant change in 2006 and our operational performance in 2007 reflects why we are now one of the leading terminal operators in the world. But we are not stopping here. Our customers continue to look to us to help them manage their supply chains, and we will continue to grow in accordance with their needs.

"Our portfolio is well balanced and designed to meet the needs of our customers and of world trade today and tomorrow. During 2007 we announced four new wins - the agreement to develop two new terminals in Europe, Rotterdam and London Gateway; the concession to operate the existing port at Dakar, Senegal and to build the new port there; and the acquisition of Sokhna Port in Egypt.

"In addition, we expanded the operations of our existing terminals, increasing capacity at selected facilities and improving efficiency to help our customers manage their supply chains even more effectively."