The UAE-based operator is currently busy adding capacity at its flagship Jebel Ali Port through the deployment of container-handling equipment. The company looks set to complete Phase 2 of Container Terminal 2 in the first quarter of April which will raise total capacity of that terminal to more than 5 million teu and total capacity at Jebel Ali Port to 14-15 million teu.
In another recent development highlighting the significance of DP World’s growing role in international shipping, the operator together with US government officials formally commissioned state-of-the-art radiation scanners at DP World Caucedo in the Dominican Republic to check container traffic at the port for nuclear material.
DP World, one of the largest marine terminal operations in the world, has 48 terminals and 13 new developments across 31 countries.
In 2007, it handled more than 43.3 million teu across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia, an increase of 18 per cent on 2006. Throughput in the nine months to September 30, 2008 was 16 per cent up on the same period in 2007.

Algerian operations
DP World will operate the ports of Algiers and Djen-Djen
 The joint venture partnership, which is a 50:50 shareholding between DP World and the two Algerian port authorities, entails a 30-year concession at each of the ports, with DP World operating the two facilities. DP World has committed to an initial investment of $108 million over three to four years.
The joint venture will redevelop the main container terminal at Algiers to expand capacity to around 800,000 teu, investing in new cranes, equipment and training to improve efficiency and productivity. Currently, capacity is around 500,000 teu.
The joint venture will also invest in expanding the new Djen-Djen facility in eastern Algeria over time, according to market demand. Djen-Djen has the potential to handle the new-generation mega-vessels and become a major transshipment hub for the region.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Algeria and look forward to making a positive contribution to the Algerian economy, bringing DP World’s extensive experience and expertise to improve and develop the port operations at Algiers and Djen-Djen, creating jobs both at the ports and in the wider community,”  commented Dubai World and DP Wold chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. “Efficient infrastructure stimulates trade and the growth of business locally, which benefits both the local community and our business,” he added.

Security milestone
The installation at Caucedo is part of the US Department of Energy’s Megaports Initiative, run by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and implemented locally. More than 65 senior US Government officials, private sector associations and Caucedo-based customers attended the commissioning ceremony at the terminal.
The NNSA’s Megaports Initiative currently provides nuclear technology, training and technical support to 19 ports globally as part of efforts to detect dangerous radioactive materials, and is expanding to add more than 20 additional terminals to the programme in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
DP World senior vice president and managing director, Americas region, David Sanborn said:  “Our involvement in the Megaports Initiative reflects DP World’s lasting commitment to remain at the cutting edge of efforts to secure people, assets and cargo.” DP World Caucedo, often used as a transshipment port for cargo to the US, less than 1,500 km (900 miles) away, is a participant in the Container Security Initiative (CSI), placing US customs agents at the port to inspect US-bound cargo. In 2007, the port became one of the first in DP World’s network to be certified compliant with the stringent, independently audited ISO 28000 security standard, which helps identify vulnerabilities and plan for security-related contingencies. DP World aims to certify its growing, global network of 48 terminals ISO 28000-compliant within three years.
DP World is also the first international port operator to be granted membership of the US Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), a voluntary programme that increases the security and efficiency of global supply chain operations through active collaboration with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shipping lines and end-customers.

Aden operations
At Aden port, DP World is operating in a joint venture partnership with the Yemen Gulf of Aden Corporation which also includes Saudi Arabian company House of Invention. The agreement includes the lease of both Aden Container Terminal and the nearby Ma’alla Container Terminal, and a commitment by the joint venture to invest around $220 million in developments including building a new 400 m berth extension to Aden Container Terminal within five years. The capacity at Aden Port is 700,000 teu and is expected to grow to 1.5 million teu by 2012.