German investors are keen to play a major role in the huge projects Saudi Arabia has earmarked to develop its transport network, according to the Federal Minister for Transport, Building and Urban Development Peter Ramsauer.

Ramsauer told the global publishing, research and consultancy firm Oxford Business Group (OBG) that talks held with the Kingdom’s Minister of Transport Jobarah al Suraisry explored possible collaboration on a number of key initiatives, including the development of the country’s railway sector, the Saudi land-bridge project and the renovation of port infrastructure.

“Saudi Arabia is the country of focus for Germany in the Middle East,” he said. “German companies are eager to invest and collaborate with Saudis and have proved themselves well able to collaborate with the Kingdom to solve some of the challenges present in the local economy.”

Ramsauer’s comments form part of the research for The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013, OBG’s forthcoming guide on the Kingdom’s economic activity and investment opportunities. The Group’s report will include a detailed, sector-by-sector guide for foreign investors, together with a wide range of interviews with the most prominent political, economic and business leaders.

Ramsauer said the growing number of Saudis choosing to move from rural areas to the Kingdom’s cities heightened the need for new infrastructure and transportation networks to be put in place. “At the same time, the regeneration of rural areas and the establishment of decent and adequate infrastructure to ensure people have equitable opportunities without leaving their home towns is key,” he said, “so it needs careful management.”

He added that the creation of a knowledge-based economy would be instrumental in moving forward Saudi Arabia’s bid to develop downstream activity and diversify its economy. “In Saudi Arabia the gas, oil and petrochemical industries must all work towards further development of downstream industries, which, when combined with knowledge-based industries, will create a real added value economy,” he said.

OBG’s operations in Riyadh are led by Country Director Elise Postigo and Editorial Manager Jose Maria Recio. Postigo’s appointment marks her return to the Middle East following a spell in Ghana where she headed operations on OBG’s first-time report on the African State. She previously made a contribution to the Group’s projects in Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon. Recio moves to Riyadh from OBG’s Jeddah office where he was tasked with overseeing the compilation of data on the city’s development.

Postigo said Saudi Arabia’s drive to expand its downstream activities through ventures such as petrochemicals production, together with the broader expansion of the non-oil sectors, would be given wide-ranging coverage in the Group’s forthcoming report.

“Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bring the private sector on board for its economic expansion are gathering momentum, with growth evident in areas such as construction, manufacturing and industry,” she said. “I look forward to meeting the key players who are participating in this wave of activity as we prepare to explore these and other significant developments in our new report.”

OBG’s Regional Director Michelle Solomon added that Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in infrastructure and transport projects on the back of increasing revenue streams and a growing population was sending out positive signals to investors about the health of the Kingdom’s wider economy.

“Saudi Arabia’s development plan gave investors a clear indication of the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy, while serving as a launch pad for a long list of major projects across the sectors,” she said. “I am confident Elise and Jose Maria’s understanding of the changing economic landscape both in the Kingdom and across the Middle East will help us to produce a report which provides comprehensive coverage of these exciting opportunities and will serve as a valuable tool for business leaders.”

The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013 will mark the culmination of more than six months of on-the-ground research by a team of analysts from the Group. The launch report will provide information on opportunities for foreign direct investment into Saudi Arabia’s economy and will act as a guide to the many facets of the Kingdom including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and sectoral developments. The Report: Saudi Arabia 2013 will be available in print form or online.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), represented by the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), has recently signed a contract with Al Dobowi for the supply of South Korean’s Hankook Tyres for taxicabs. The contract runs for two years subject to renewal, and the approximate contracted value for the first year is Dhs10,558,195.

The contract was signed on behalf of the DTC by Yousef Al Ali, Acting CEO of Dubai Taxi Corporation, and on behalf of Al Dobowi by Hargiev Singh Kandahari, CEO of Al Dobowi Co., in the presence of a number of Directors and senior officials from both sides.

According to Al-Ali, the selection of Al Dobowi came in view of their continuous cooperation as well as their extensive experience, excellent reputation and quality tyres, pointing to the crucial role played by tyres in maintaining the safety of vehicles, drivers and passengers.

Therefore, appropriate tyres should be selected and maintained regularly as provided for in the contract signed with Al Dobowi, he noted. “Dubai Taxi Corporation strives to provide all security and safety issues related to tires so as to achieve the best results in this regard and materialize RTA’s vision of providing Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” added Al-Ali.

“The Contract stipulates that Al Dobowi supplies the South Korean Hankook brand tyres to Dubai Taxi Corporation’s vehicles, conforming strictly to Gulf Standards as specified by the Standardization and Metrology Organization for Gulf Cooperation Council countries, at the value agreed upon. Al Dobowi shall provide the services of tyre fixing, wheel alignment, wheel balancing free of charge in case of changing two or more tyres, in addition to repairing tyre punctures of DTC’s vehicles and assigning agents to provide this service at their premises on their own cost.

“Al Dobowi shall fix the DTC identification mark on the sidewall of each tyre within the DTC premises at Muhaisnah 4 in Dubai, serving thirty to forty (30 - 40) cars per day (24 hours) (7 days) including holidays at an agreed timing between both parties. The DTC’s tyre service workshop shall be fully equipped with necessary equipment and will be manned by the staff of Al Dobowi.

For his part, Hargiev Singh Kandahari expressed his pleasure to resume working side by side with the RTA in general and Dubai Taxi Corporation in particular, for two extra years, indicating their readiness to fulfil what was agreed upon in this Contract, putting the benefit of the RTA, DTC and its vehicles and at the highest degree of security and safety.

“Al Dobowi shall install all equipment required for tyre changing, wheel balancing and wheel alignment services free of charge in their Tyre Service Centre at DTC’s workshop, which will be operated by experienced and skilled technicians. Moreover, Al Dobowi agrees to provide nitrogen gas inflation free of charge for all new tyres fitted at their Service Centre, in addition to providing Mobile Service Facility for any emergency or any rare jobs. The Hankook tyres supplied to DTC shall have a warranty on manufacturing defects for a period of (2) two years in addition to providing and fitting the required service equipment, issuing tyres safety certificates twice during the contract first duration.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), stated that since inception, the RTA had adopted creative and innovative methods to cope with the transportation challenges encountered by the Emirate of Dubai in line with the transition to innovation; which is being increasingly considered as the most important ingredient of any modern organization.

He pointed out that the creation of the RTA itself had been a creative idea whereby all sectors relating to roads, mass transport and vehicle licensing were put together under one umbrella in order to measure up to the challenges of traffic congestions and the limited usage of mass transport modes.

“The only option we have had in hand to confront major challenges for which the RTA was established, was to figure out innovation-oriented solutions to address such challenges. Thanks to the directives, unlimited support and persistent follow-up by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council; and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council, we were able to implement many of the innovative solutions which contributed to turning the dream into reality and achieving RTA’s vision of “safe and smooth transport for all,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer continued, “RTA has put in place an innovation strategy based on a comprehensive evaluation of various practices and operations reflected in the formation of the innovation team comprising elite RTA’s employees capable of supporting RTA with innovative and improvised ideas. The team examines the strategic challenges facing the RTA, seeks appropriate measures to bypass them and provides innovative ideas that contribute effectively to developing workmanship within the RTA.”

“The RTA has also launched its Scientific Research Award with a view to identifying experienced employees and capitalizing on their potentials to uplift the business of the RTA, supporting its efforts in knowledge management, and publishing the winning researches in world periodicals for further publicity and wider benefit. RTA also formed the Specialized Experts Team in order to avail itself of specialist human cadres with all-round experience in various RTA’s businesses. Accordingly, 18 male and female employees were spotted to have distinguished experience and competency in various specializations. The Team delivers training programs, offers customized guidance, and delivers personal tutorials and consultations. Quite recently, the RTA’s Talents Contest has been launched; which is the first of its kind at the level of government authorities and agencies aiming at showcasing individual and group talents from among the employees working in various fields,” said Al Tayer in concluding his statement.

On her part, Mrs. Laila Mohammed Faridoon, Director of Office of RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director, said, “During its first three years, the RTA had adopted creative and innovative working methods to achieve its strategic goals. However, those methods were not accompanied by any framework for streamlining and managing creative efforts because only few employees were involved in the innovation process. In 2009, the RTA decided to embrace the concept of innovation and creativity and integrate it into various operations and practices by providing all employees and organizational units with a package of stimulants capable of promoting the culture of innovation among RTA’s employees, devising a mechanism to evaluate the reality of innovation within the RTA through an innovative maturity model, identifying innovative areas within the RTA, monitoring initiatives developed by the organizational units to encourage employees to be creative, and providing a central log to follow up and document the work progress.”

She added that the general framework of innovation aimed to deal with various challenges facing the RTA, meet the requirements of employees and carry out complex operations. She pointed out that all authorities and agencies needed to improve innovation for the benefit of their customers by adopting initiatives based on maximizing efficiency, minimizing cost, adopting cost-effective methods, addressing the needs of sustained development, meeting the increasing expectations of customers, and keeping abreast of the current rapid changes.

Laila indicated that RTA’s Strategy Model consisted of four elements, namely: strategy, culture, procedures and ideas management system. “These elements have been taken into consideration when producing the innovation maturity map. She emphasized that RTA had carried out precise analysis and evaluation of its in-house operations and practices. The analysis and evaluation project comprised five domains, specifically: corporate culture, human resources, working procedures, management of innovative ideas, and measurement & evaluation mechanisms. A map showing the maturity path of each sphere was compiled to include five levels, namely corporate cognition, creation of innovative environment, development of innovative environment, corporatization of innovation (i.e. the transition into corporate innovation) and sustainability of innovation,” she added.

The RTA had put in place a working plan to upgrade RTA’s innovation maturity level to level III by the end of 2011, level IV by the end of 2012 and to level V by the end of 2013

DP World, UAE Region has applauded the role of the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airport Security in promoting a safe and transparent work environment at the country’s ports.

At an event held recently at Jebel Ali Port, Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, presented HE Sultan Bin Yakoub Al-Zaabi, the Executive Director of the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security, with an appreciation award, in recognition of the committee’s support and efficiency.

DP World, UAE Region reiterated its commitment to the strategic partnership with the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airport Security which helps the company augment the safety and security at its ports and plays a vital role in boosting the UAE economy.

Also present at the ceremony were Mahmood Amin, Chief Executive Officer, World Security, and other senior DP World officials. The event also featured the presentation of appreciation mementos to members of the security teams from World Security in charge of implementing the security system at Jebel Ali Port.

Thanking HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works and Head of the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airport Security , for his commitment to improving regulations governing security performance at the ports, Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said, “DP World has always taken port security and safety seriously, and is diligent about implementing security-related measures in the port environment. The Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security is a valuable partner in this exercise, and we thank them for their support. We are confident that our continued cooperation will uphold Dubai’s status as the premier maritime industry hub in the region.”

HE Sultan Bin Yakoub Al-Zaabi, Executive Director of the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security said, “The committee is following the instructions of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak to enhance the pioneering role of the UAE ports through a number of specified procedures. This pioneering role was promoted through the UAE’s implementation of The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).”

“As the most vital port operator in the region, DP World has always adopted best practices to enhance security of ships and port facilities while maintaining a commercially vibrant environment. We are proud of our accomplishments, because it shows the improved security level in the country’s ports and reiterates its distinction as a strategic partner to the committee at the country’s ports,” he added.

Mahmood Amin, Chief Executive Officer, World Security, said, “Seaport security operational practices have become an integral part of the day-to-day operations at all marine terminals and ports. World Security has a long-standing relationship with DP World, UAE Region, and we are totally committed to providing comprehensive security coverage to the various ports and facilities of DP World UAE Region.”

Last year, DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port won the prestigious Golden Award for Best Seaport Overall, the highest recognition in the UAE for civil maritime security from the Higher Committee for UAE Civil Seaports and Airports Security.

AhmedBin Saeed: Dubai World Central consolidates Dubai’s position as a majorinternational logistics hub

Dubai, UAE; February 22, 2012: MohebiLogistics, the leading distributor of many of the world’s top brands throughoutthe Middle East, has recently announced plans to invest up to AED 350 millionto build its new headquarters and logistics facility in Dubai Logistics City(DLC) at Dubai World Central (DWC). The 140 sq. km. Dubai World Central is partof Dubai Government’s overall strategy to enhance the emirate’stransport and logistics services and capitalize on its geographical location tostrengthen Dubai’s reputation as an international trading and commercialhub.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed AlMaktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, and Mohammed Mohebi, MohebiLogistics CEO, signed the lease agreement for the 1.5 million square feet plot.The Emirati company now joins the ranks of Aramex, Kuehne + Nagel, Panalpina,Hellmann Caliper, INL, RSA Logistics and other major industry players that aretaking full advantage of Dubai World Central’s infrastructure, multi-modaltransport accessibility, dedicated services and facilities.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed said: “DubaiWorld Central consolidates Dubai’s position as a major internationallogistics hub. It establishes a strategic link to global markets and plays acrucial role in meeting the present and future needs of Dubai’s aviation,tourism, trade and logistics sectors. Moreover, Dubai World Centraldemonstrates Dubai Government’s commitment to support key industryplayers such as Mohebi Logistics by providing the right combination ofworld-class infrastructure and value-added services.”

Mohammed Mohebi, Mohebi Logistics CEO,said: “We are proud and excited at the prospect of becoming a strategicpartner of Dubai World Central and key contributor to Dubai’s continuedeconomic growth. It is important that Emirati talent and know-how offered byhome-grown companies are developed to support our leadership’s vision ofcreating a knowledge-based economy. Dubai World Central will play a criticalrole in showcasing both Emirati talent and corporate capabilities, which in myopinion is key in serving our national interests.”

Mohebi Logistics, which is part of theZainal Mohebi Group, will build its state-of-the-art corporate headquarters andfacilities comprising approximately 110,000 pallet positions, expanding thecompany’s storage and logistics facilities and almost doubling itscapacity to serve its regional and global clientele. The headquarters andtemperature-controlled warehousing facilities will be constructed in two phases.

The construction of a new logisticsbase in DLC is part of AED 1 billion in investments that Mohebi Investmentsearmarked to establish itself as a major regional player. In order to expandand achieve a lean, efficient retail distribution business, Zainal Mohebi Groupwill consolidate its FMCG operations in a single location at Dubai WorldCentral.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman,Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: “Dubai Logistics City supports thegrowing logistical needs of the region’s burgeoning business community.Furthermore, it provides direct access to a comprehensive range ofstate-of-the-art infrastructure and services and multi-modal transport within acentralized location at Dubai World Central. This creates the perfect environmentfor the logistics community to synergize and unlock fresh opportunities forbusiness growth.”

Rashed Bu Qara’a, Chief OperatingOfficer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation: “Moving forward, Dubai WorldCentral will continue to focus on building strong relations with clients as oneof the cornerstones of our growth strategy. We are therefore working closelywith Mohebi Logistics to provide dedicated services and facilities that matchtheir business needs and give them greater flexibility to expand their operationsin the region. Given the strong value proposition of Dubai World Central, weare also actively in discussion with other major logistics companies and expectto announce additional partnerships in the near future.”

The Customer Service Center at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently received a visiting delegation from the Customer Service Department at the Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi to review the best practices and top-notch systems adopted by various sections, customers service centers, call center and quality and customers care section of the department.

They were also acquainted with the sophisticated systems in use; which are aligned with the highest global standards.

The delegation was received by Ahmed Mohammed Mahboob, Director of RTA Customers Service, who stressed the importance of these visits, considering them as key channels of achieving the single common objective of enhancing the business conduct which would be made possible through exchanging expertise with various entities across the UAE, and reviewing the best practices capable of enhancing the performance and achievement drive.

“RTA successes have made it a point of attraction for many others seeking to benefit from its advanced practices and cutting-edge programmes,” he noted.

“The Customer Service Centers feature high on the priority of the Dep’t as they are the front-end of the RTA and a point of communication between the community segments and all RTA officials. These centers provide a holistic range of diverse services that include responding to customer inquiries, and furnishing callers with a constant flow of information that concern them. Such offering is made through a sprawling network of centers spanning the Emirate enabling customers process their transactions in a handy manner without having to wait for long. After all, Customer Service Centers play a huge role in receiving customer feedbacks and constructive inputs that contribute to the enhancement of the business processes and the overall performance of RTA agencies,” added Mahboob.

The meeting was interceded by a visual presentation illustrating all sections of Customers Service Department focusing on the work mechanism of various affiliated branches and centers in Dubai along with the key services provided.

It also touched on the Call Center and its crucial role in giving a clear vision and proper destination for callers from different community segments in responding to their inquiries.

It also highlighted the careful employees’ selection mechanism in place at the Center covering assessing the professional competencies in establishing proper communication with others with a view to raising the profile of the RTA.

The Customer Service Team escorted the delegation in a tour of RTA’s Call Center as well as Umm Al Ramool Customer Service Center, and acquainted them with the latest systems in use at these sites aimed at maximizing customers’ satisfaction.

At the end of the meeting, the delegation members lauded the visit as it offered them exposure to vital and rich information about the job nature of RTA Customer Service Centers along with the applicable regulations and laws.

They stressed the importance of such meetings in strengthening the cooperative links between the two sides and exchanging expertise to leverage the business performance.

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has beefed up the selling points of the Unified Fare Cards (Nol cards) as part of its ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of service delivery, and make these cards readily available for mass transit commuters, spanning the metro, public buses, and the water bus as well as motorists in paying for parking fees in Dubai.

Mohammad Yousuf Al Mudharreb, Director of the Unified Automated Fare Collection at RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, stressed the importance of expanding the selling points of Nol cards to serve the largest possible segment of public transport users, particularly with the launch on 9 September last year of the Dubai Metro Green Line; which played a crucial role in integrating mass transit network in Dubai, and serving numerous landmarks & key business spots in the Emirate.

“To implement this Decision, the Unified Automated Fare Collection Dep’t at RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector increased the number of selling outlets of various types of Nol cards following the signing bilateral agreements with Al Fardan Exchange, Al Maya Group, and Aswaq; which are amongst the leading business entities with extensive selling outlets across the UAE. Accordingly Nol cards will be available for selling at 39 outlets at Al Fardan Exchange, 30 outlets at Al Maya Group, and 7 outlets at Aswaq,” announced Al Mudharreb.

“The new selling outlets will be subject to the same terms & conditions applicable to other selling outlets since the initial offering of Nol cards; which include a stipulation of maintaining a unified price at all existing and new selling outlets.

“The RTA is always seeking to open new channels & outlets for the delivery of services & products in collaboration with a plethora of government, semi-government and private entities to keep abreast of the growing demand for RTA services by public transport users in Dubai Emirate. We have high regards for the role to be played by Al Fardan Exchange, Al Maya Group, and Aswaq as they sprawl the entire Emirates of the country,” said the Director of the Unified Automated Fare Collection in a concluding remark.

It is note-worthy that RTA has launched a special offer involving a 50% discount on personalized Nol Blue Cards on the first of January and runs through the last day of February 2012.

The international transport and logistics company Cargo-Partner announces the opening of its Bahrain office. With this location the global logistics player strengthens its global position through offering its customers an extended network.

Cargo-Partner is one of the largest forwarding companies with private European ownership in this region. It runs a solid network of subsidiaries in Europe, USA, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and the Middle East.

Services offered by Cargo-Partner in Bahrain range from common transport business including air and sea cargo, road transports as well as insurance and customs brokerage services. Furthermore some warehouse facilities are available.

Mr. Stefan Krauter, CEO of the Cargo-Partner Group said: “Bahrain’s strategic location in the heart of the Gulf along with the proximity to the region’s largest market Saudi Arabia was one of the main reasons that made us decide to have a presence in Bahrain. Further advantages are the Kingdom’s world class logistics infrastructure and excellent road network. Bahrain offers a well established open economy and an easy access to a pool of educated and productive workforce along with a liberal and advanced ICT infrastructure, which makes the Kingdom a business friendly environment.”

Cargo-Partner has opened its first office in the GCC region in Jebel Ali in 2010, this was followed by offices in Dubai and Bahrain. These offices are run by well experienced management and operations team offering competitive services to the customers.

Cargo-Partner is an international forwarding company, represented in the whole world and specialized in providing complex services in the area of transport and warehousing. The fast growth has been achieved by providing air, sea and road transports for international and domestic customers. Services of Cargo-Partner are also focused on the optimization of storage capacities.

The Cargo-Partner group is present around the world with more than 100 offices and 2,400 employees in 29 countries and achieved a 2011 turnover of 470 million Euros.

Abu Dhabi, January 11, 2012 – Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) signed anagreement withAbu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company(IRSHAD) yesterday. The signing, which took place at ADPC’s HQ, was attended by Capt. MohamedJuma Al-Shamisi, Vice President PortsUnit  at ADPC, Martijn Van de Linde, Chief Executive Officer of ADT and Mr. Khalifa Al Qubaisi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company(IRSHAD).

Thisagreement comes as a result of the combined efforts between ADPC and ADT to provide IRSHAD with an allocated land area anddedicated berthsto supportthe construction and management of the Zakumoffshore oilfield project.

Commenting on the signing, Capt. MohamedJuma Al-Shamisi, Vice President PortsUnit at the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, said: “It gives ADPC great pleasure to facilitate and support the construction and management of one of the world’s largest offshore living structures.This agreement is an additional testament to ADPC’s role in providing its partners with the facilities required for the success of their projects and businesses.”

Martijn Van de Linde, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Terminals, stated: “We are pleased and proud to sign this agreement. Not only does it facilitate IRSHAD’s business, but it is also a testament to the continued strong cooperation between ADPC as the regulator and port authority, and ADT as the operator to create a joint value proposition that helps Abu Dhabi’s businesses grow and develop.”

Khalifa Al Qubaisi, General Manager of IRSHAD, said:

“It is an honour and privilege to be part of this new business venture with ADPC and that we, Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports Operating Company(IRSHAD),express our eagerness to developthe new temporary terminal at the New Free Port in Mina Zayed which is expected to be completed by June 2012as well as providing2 new passenger vesselsthat will transport up to 400 people daily to and from the Zakum field.”

DP World Vancouver and the Nanaimo Port Authority have signed a three year agreement that awards DP World Vancouver the right to operate the Port of Nanaimo’s facilities, including the general cargo Duke Point facility and Assembly Wharf.

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

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.

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

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

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

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 the Port of Nanaimo 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.”