Mohammed Al Muallem calls for industry to pull together to find new cost-effective solutions as DP World-sponsored Middle East liner shipping conference opens
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Wednesday, April 20th 2011 [ME NewsWire]
The global shipping and ports industry needs to pull together to meet ever-changing challenges even as it continues to recover from the effects of the financial crisis, said Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, today (April 20).
In his opening address to the Middle East Liner Shipping Conference 2011, sponsored by DP World and supported by the Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), Mr Al Muallem said: “Today there is a continued need for caution because of many uncertainties. Several issues including rising fuel and charter costs, political instability and piracy are affecting trade and the cost of shipping. It is in the interest of the industry to come together to find new cost-effective solutions to overcome these challenges.”
The focus of the two-day event attended by scores of top industry leaders, including ship owners and maritime analysts, is on some of the key areas shaping the Middle East liner industry, such as cargo growth, freight analysis for growth markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, terminal handling capacity, inter-modal transport, regional hub competition, the role of free zones and supply chain security, among others.
Mr Al Muallemsaid: “The world has seen a slow recovery from the economic crisis, but the Middle East’s economy has come back steadily, even better than expected. The regional economies are young and have managed to rebound relatively early and their growth is being fuelled by domestic demand, infrastructure development and projects that reflect the region’s economic potential.”
Referring to DP World, UAE Region’s experience with operational efficiencies at its flagship facility, Mr Al Muallem said: “Moving forward the industry needs to become more efficient and create value within the supply chain through innovation and by maximising the use of technology. At Jebel Ali Port we have pursued a steady policy of delivering what our customers want, and to be in a position to grow in line with market demand.”
In his speech to the conference, Rashed Ali Al Qahtani, Chief Operating Officer, DP World, UAE Region, explored the issue of whether enough container-handling capacity was being developed to match the growth in trade, as well the role of free trade zones in promoting sustainable development.
Other senior company executives are participating in panel discussions during the conference included Dirk Van Den Bosch, Chief Commercial Officer, DP World, UAE Region, Abdulla Bin Damithan, Director for Account Management – Container Terminals, DP World, UAE Region, and John Woollacott, Senior Vice President, Business Development, DP World.
About DP World
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminalsand 9 new developments and major expansions across 31 countries(1). Its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world.
DP World aims to enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo.
The company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people, working closely with customers and business partners to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them.
In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 16 consecutive years.
In 2010, DP World handled around 50 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 92 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.www.dpworld.com
Contacts
Natasha Bukhari
Global Corporate Communications Manager
DP World
Tel: +97156 6821699
Natasha.Bukhari@dpworld.com
Sanaa Maadad
Director, Media
Hasaad Communications
Tel: +97150 5522610
sana@hasaad.ae
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