DPA reports 22 per cent growth in container traffic in the first half of 2005 compared to the same period last year

DPA handled a total of 3,631,108 Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in the first six months of the year.

Over the same period, DPA handled 7,651 vessels of all types, which was an 11 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Container vessels made up 3,279 of the total vessels, marking a 34 per cent increase over 2004.

The total cargo discharged and loaded in 2005 has increased by 21 per cent compared to the previous year. Loading and discharging of forest products grew by 9 per cent, foodstuff increased by 21 per cent, metals increased by 8 per cent and petroleum products grew by 23 per cent this year compared to 2004.

"We are extremely pleased with the performance of DPA in the first half of this year. We have carried forward the momentum we created in 2004, and have touched new levels of performance in our operations this year. DPA has achieved a significant increase in all areas of port operations which is mainly due to the efforts of our staff, customers, the state-of-the art infrastructure facilities and equipment available at the port," said Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Ports Authority.

Dubai Ports, which includes Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port was ranked among the top 10 container ports of the world, in terms of container traffic, which touched 6.42 million TEUs in 2004.

Jebel Ali Port expanded its berthing facilities to accommodate more quay length and yard space, with a maximum berth depth of 17 meters. This scale of expansion at the port ensures the efficient handling of a variety of container vessels, arriving from around the world.

This year DPA successfully handled the arrival of several large container vessels, such as MSC Rachele. The 335 meter long MSC Rachele is one of the world's largest container ships, with a capacity of 8238 TEUs.

"The fact that DPA continues to attract such huge volume of business from all parts of the world, underlines our efficiency in container handling and highlights our sustained focus on providing high quality service to our customers. DPA is investing in the most sophisticated container handling equipment and is providing superior berthing facilities to accommodate all types of vessels. We are committed to build on this growth in the months ahead," concluded bin Thaniah.