Israel export boxes up 44% at Ashdod Port

Israel's ports are seeing a strong recovery in activity, despite strikes and the looming economic crisis in Europe, according to Euclid Infotech.

About 44 percent more full containers left Ashdod Port in the first quarter of 2010 than in the corresponding quarter of 2009.

However, Israel Shippers Council chairman Gad Sheffer warns that the European crisis is causing the sector to freeze up until the situation clarifies. He warned against a serious blow to exports and ports' activity if the EU rescue plan fails.

Shippers Council figures indicate that 17 percent more full containers left Israel's ports in the first quarter than in the corresponding quarter, when the global credit crisis was at its height.

The ports handled 9.38 million tonnes of cargo during the first quarter compared with 8.7 million tonnes during the corresponding quarter.

Source: Cargo News Asia