DP World invests Dh121m in Adelaide Port expansion

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

29 Feb 2008

Global terminal operator DP World is investing Dh121 million (A$35 million) in the expansion of the quay and other facilities in Adelaide Port, where it operates a container terminal, according to a top official."We have recorded 28 per cent growth in container throughput to 255,000 twenty foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2007, up from the previous year's 202,000 TEUs," Andrew Towers, general manager of DP World Adelaide, told Gulf News yesterday."We are investing A$35 million in upgrading facilities including buying cranes, other equipment and expanding the terminal's quay by 149 metres alongside the existing 510 metres, which will satisfy our needs till 2012."New equipmentThe planned investment include two new Post Panamax Cranes planned for commissioning by 2009, four new generation Noell Straddle Carriers due for delivery this year, upgrade and redevelopment of hard-stand, other heavy lift equipment for use in terminal and depot and the development of regional intermodal hub.The port's draft has been increased to 14.2 metres.DP World currently operates five container terminals in Australia's major ports - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in Western Australia.It acquired the management of Adelaide port through DP World's global acquisition of CSX World Terminals in 2004 while the rest came under its management through the acquisition of P&O."The port is running at nearly full capacity. By 2012, we might need to construct a third terminal to handle the demand," Towers said.Towers said, the company is investing A$800,000 in building an eco-friendly office for its management just near the terminal. It employs 180 people."DP World's taking over the terminal is good for the South Australian economy. They are willing to invest in infrastructure and employees," he said.