American President Lines (APL) has signed an agreement with Taiwan Branch and Taiwan International Ports Corporation to renew its terminal lease at Taiwan’s Port of Kaohsiung.
The signed deal retains APL’s current terminal plot in the Kaohsiung port for another 10 years from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2027.
“Today, Intra-Asia container volume accounts for one-sixth of all containers moved globally. We see further growth prospects in this trade where APL is seeking to be a major player,” Nicolas Sartini, APL Chief Executive Officer , said.
“Our terminal in the Port of Kaohsiung will therefore be strategic for our advancement in Intra-Asia where we are connecting the key markets of Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam amongst others via the relay hub today,” Sartini added.
The terminal currently receives the vessels of APL and other carriers, including the company’s parent, French shipping major CMA CGM. With an annual capacity of 1.5 million TEU, the facility boasts a productivity rate that tops 36 container moves per hour, APL said.
With two cargo berths and a linear quay length of 640 metres and draft of 15.2 metres, APL informed that the terminal is well-situated and equipped to handle ships of up to 14,000 TEUs.
In the months ahead, APL will be upgrading its terminal operating system, “increasing its capability to enhance operational excellence.”