Business

Gulftainer, the largest privately owned terminal operator in the Middle East, recorded a 14 per cent year-on-year growth in container volumes in the first six months (January to June) of 2014 at its Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT). The growth in volume was driven in part by the robust UAE-East Africa trade route, and new projects and developments in Sharjah.

SCT signed more than 20 new consignees and organically grew its market share during the first half of the year, putting it on track to exceed targeted throughput by the end of the year.

The strong performance of SCT, Gulftainers longest running operation, was underlined by a steady growth in import volumes of textiles, electronics, spare parts and tyres.

Peter Richards, Managing Director of Gulftainer, said: The positive performance of SCT is led by the improved trade climate, specifically between the UAE and African nations. The port continues to be a popular choice for shipping lines as it offers a flexible and cost-efficient alternative to access the UAE hinterland.

The terminal has been growing at a fast pace recording a sustained increase in cargo volumes over the last 12 months. SCT is well-positioned to meet the growth in traffic and will continue to maintain its high productivity standards by ensuring our customers have an efficient and quick turnaround of services at the port.

To enhance existing customs procedures and to ensure a more rapid and seamless movement of containers through the port, SCT has introduced an online application system to automate information exchange between the Sharjah Port Authority, Customs and Gulftainer. The new feature has helped to reduce delivery times for consignees.

Gulftainers current portfolio covers four UAE operations in Khorfakkan, Sharjah, Hamriyah and Ruwais, as well as activities at Umm Qasr, in Iraq, Recife in Brazil, Tripoli Port in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia where it manages container terminals in Jeddah and Jubail. The company has recently signed a 35-year concession with the Canaveral Port Authority in Florida marking Gulftainers first venture in the United States.

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