New cranes for Aqaba

Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) has taken delivery of two new post-panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes. With an outreach of 18 container rows and a handling rate of 30 moves per hour, shipping line customers can expect cost savings through higher productivity and port capacity, according to APM Terminals, which operates ACT in a joint venture with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Klaus Laursen, CEO of ACT, commented "We’ve been working closely with shipping lines to serve their needs for port infrastructure, technology and service levels suited to their market ambitions."

In December 2009, the ACT announced an expansion project, including a 460-metre extension of the quayline, to increase annual container throughout capacity to 2m teu. The port’s 2009-2013 action plan called for capital expenditure of US$235m, bringing total investment since 2006 to $335m. The 50ha (124-acre) facility will double its wharf length to 1km.

Despite the severe drop-off in container traffic worldwide following the global financial crisis, ACT saw container traffic grow by 25% during the first three quarters of 2009. In 2008, container volume at the port surged by 42% to approximately 600,000teu.

APM Terminals CEO, Kim Fejfer, added "We believe Aqaba’s attractiveness will play a much larger role in global supply chains. Its location, market and cost-effective, high productivity operations create a clear edge for shippers."

Shadi Al Majali, CEO of the ADC and Chairman of the ACT board, said: "Investing in developing the infrastructure and technology is imperative to ensure our port is the business hub of choice for the logistics and transport sector serving the MENA region and Kingdom as a whole.

"The ADC-APM Terminals joint venture has proven to be a shining example of a successful public-private-partnership – one that is quickly redefining the logistical landscape of Aqaba and prosperity of the Kingdom."

(Source: Cargo Systems)