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Speaking at the event, ACT’s Chairman and ASEZA Chi ef Commissioner H.E. Dr. Kamel Mahadin, said that the Berth Expansion project pres ents itself as an important step for the city of Aqaba, as the project is anticipate d to have its positive effect on investment. The expansion contributes to more produ ctive shipping lines bringing about cost savings through higher productivity and port capacity, along with faster trade. In a larger sense, such attributes will in t urn, strengthen the city’s position as a friendly investment hub for the region at large. Wh ile Aqaba is a city enjoying central positioning in the Levant, and a safe socio-politic al environment, the expansion comes at a strategic time as trade volumes are expe cted to increase. He further added that the ongoing development of the terminal’s facilities fall in line with ACT strategic expansion plans, stressing the company’s commitment to providing the best level of service to its customers. In his welcoming at the event, Mr. Hansen affirmed that the first part of phase two of the terminal’s berth expansion project was successf ully completed with the delivery of 200 meters of the expanded quay length alongside the expansion of the Terminal’s equipment inventory to include the arriv al of 2 STS and 4 RTG cranes. Hansen further pointed out that this development is expected to increase the terminal’s annual capacity to a projected 1.5millio n TEUs, and that it will bolster the terminal’s throughput capacity. Furthermore, the ne w cranes are set to demonstrate an ability to handle 22 rows of “post panamax” cont ainerships, while completing an average of 30 moves per hour, and serving 3 ships simultaneously APM Terminals Regional Manager, Mr. Peder Sondergaard further used this opportunity to speak positively of the fruitful partnership between ACT and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), confirming that the choice to invest in Aqaba is one that was strategically made, based on the great pot ential this city has. He further pointed out that the expansion project has been very well received by both the shipping and supply chain community. It se rves to ensure that Aqaba continues to accommodate the forecasted strong volu mes into the Levant and Iraq region. It will also allow shipping lines to upgrad e their vessels, which in turn will further improve the competitiveness of the City and benefit the end consumers. From another angle, it will also allow for transshi pment opportunities in serving other markets in the Red Sea, thus adding to the re gional hub concept while creating a sustainable gateway to Jordan and beyond. It is worth mentioning that Aqaba Container Termina l has reported notable improvements in container traffic through the termi nal, reaching a total container throughput of 16 percent increase in 2012. About Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) ACT is a joint venture between Aqaba Development Co rporation (ADC) which is the Jordanian Government's central development vehicle for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) and APM Terminals - one of the world's leading container terminal operators. After signing a Terminal Management Contract with A DC in 2004, APM Terminals took over the management and operation of the termi nal. A further 25-year Joint Development Agreement (JDA) was signed between ADC and the ACT in 2006. The joint venture represents the first Public Priva te Partnership (PPP) initiative launched by ADC as part of its program to rehabilit ate and expand port terminals of Aqaba and wider logistics and transport infrastruct ure within ASEZ. Aqaba Container Terminal Pvt Co. press release |
ACT Commemorates Timely Delivery of the First Part