DP World expands China footprint in Qingdao

Notes and media contacts

For further information please contact:

Bell Pottinger Communications
Dubai:
Tom Mollo/Elaine Boucher
+9715 0550 4203; +9715 0422 9680

London:
Dan de Belder
+44 207 861 3232

DP World is the result of a merger between Dubai Ports Authority ('DPA') and DPI Terminals ('DPI') in September 2005. This new entity continues the tremendous success of the DPA and DPI businesses, which have been at the forefront of Dubai's extraordinary transformation into one of the world's leading trade and commerce hubs.

DP World manages the commercial and operational aspects of the port network, formerly developed and managed by DPA and DPI.

In 2005, the terminals operated by DP World will handle an estimated 12.5 million TEU which include ports (on six continents if you consider Dominican Republic in North America) from the Americas to Asia.

DP World's unique cross-sector expertise offers solutions in all aspects of port operations, ultimately driving efficiency and financial returns for port users. DP World will continue to provide the same high level of service that customers have come to expect when they call at DPA and DPI operated terminals. DP World continues to provide a superior level of service to shipping lines at its flagship domestic operations of Port Rashid and Jebel Ali which has been voted 'Best Seaport in the Middle East' for 10 consecutive years. Dubai is ranked the 10th largest port operation in the world.

There are a number of significant projects in the pipeline that will strengthen the DP World network, including developments in India, Asia and the Middle East. In February 2005 an agreement with the Cochin Port Trust (CoPT) was signed to construct, develop and operate an international container transshipment terminal at Vallarpadam, Kochi, India. It is the largest single operator container terminal currently planned in India and the first in the country to operate in a special economic zone. The new terminal will make Kochi a key centre in the shipping world reducing India's dependence on foreign ports to handle transshipment.

One cornerstone project, which underlines DP World's position as a major player in Asia, is the development of Pusan Newport, South Korea. DP World has a 25% interest in and management contract for this 9-berth facility, which will have a capacity of 5.5 million TEU. It is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by 2006.

In March 2005, DP World was awarded a 30 year concession to develop and operate the container terminal at the Port of Fujairah, in the UAE. This was followed in July 2005 by the awarding of a management contract for Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi. These concessions will enable DP World to streamline operations at the major container facilities of the UAE, and further increase the choices available to its customers. In June 2005 DP World was short listed as preferred bidder to operate the container terminal at the Port of Aden.

DP World also has interests in logistics businesses in Hong Kong and China, notably ATL, the market leading logistics operator based at Kwai Chung, Hong Kong.