DP World Becomes No. 3 Terminal Operator

DP World became the world’s third-largest terminal operator, according to the latest rankings of global operators by Drewry Shipping Consultants, which based the rankings on container throughput last year.

DP World climbed one spot last year as it opened new ports and suffered smaller declines at existing ones compared with global rivals.

The Dubai-based company handled 31.5 million 20-foot equivalent container units last year, helping it surpass APM Terminals, which handled 31.1 million TEUs, according to Drewry.

By The Numbers: Container Rate Benchmark.

DP World opened new terminals in Algeria, Djibouti and Vietnam last year, while expanding capacity at its flagship port in Jebel Ali. Overall, volume at its consolidated ports declined 8 percent last year. It has 50 terminals and 11 new developments across 31 countries, and a staff of nearly 30,000.

DP World, one of the most geographically diversified operators, holds a 6.7 percent global market share, just behind Hutchison Port Holdings of the British Virgin Islands, which commands 6.8 per cent of the global market.

PSA International of Singapore took the top spot worldwide, with a 9.5 percent market share.

In its annual report, Drewry said the ports industry had recovered well from the global downturn and a lack of spare capacity was now a concern over the decade.

The London-based consultancy has upgraded its forecast for this year in light of growing worldwide demand for sea freight.

-- Contact Peter T. Leach at pleach@joc.com.