DP World unit to operate Canadian port

Monday, 16 January 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

DP World, one of the world’s largest marine terminal operators, said its Vancouver unit has signed a three-year agreement to operate cargo terminals of Nanaimo Port Authority, Canada.

Under the agreement, DP World Vancouver will have the right to operate the Port of Nanaimo’s facilities, including the general cargo Duke Point facility and Assembly Wharf.

The current commodities handled at the three berth Port of Nanaimo facilities consist of traditional forest products along with salt and kaolin.

The facility also handles cruise ship passengers at a newly built berth opened for the cruise season 2011, said a statement from Dubai-based DP World.

The two parties are looking at diversifying and pursuing commodities along with short sea shipping of containers to and from Vancouver Island, it added.

Bernie Dumas, President, Nanaimo Port Authority said, “We are very pleased to be working with DP World over the coming years.”

DP World currently operates more than 60 marine terminals around the world, including general cargo and container handling facilities, as well as cruise terminals.

“The port wants to import and export a greater variety of commodities and our agreement with DP World with its extensive experience in both container and commodity handling allows us to explore new business opportunities and to reduce our reliance on a single market,” he noted.

The plans also include a short sea shipping opportunity moving containers between the Mainland and Vancouver Island, said Dumas.

Today, Vancouver Island is one of the world’s highest population, non-road connected islands without any lo-lo (lift-on, lift-off) container terminal facilities, instead relying on inefficient ro-ro (roll on, roll off) services, he stated.

The short sea shipping project will ensure greater connectivity for trade to and from Vancouver Island, Dumas added.

Matthew Leech, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, Americas, said:

“At DP World we have extensive global experience and expertise that we will apply at Nanaimo port to help customers expand their businesses efficiently, contributing to the growth of the local economy in Vancouver and Canada as a whole.”

“We are excited to be given the opportunity to expand our capability in this growing and dynamic market and look forward to working in partnership with the Port of Nanaimo into the future,” he added.