Peru: DP World Chairman Visits Callao Container Terminal

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World has toured DP World Callao, the largest and most efficient container terminal on South America’s Pacific Coast, and met with Oscar Valdez, Prime Minister of Peru, to discuss how the company can continue to contribute to Peru’s growth.

Mr. Bin Sulayem was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Ambassador Mohammed Eissa Al Zaabi, DP World Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Sharaf, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Suhail Albanna, and Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Americas, Matthew Leech.

DP World Callao, inaugurated in 2010 by Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez, is the busiest terminal in the port of Callao, about 15 km from the capital Lima.

DP World Callao has an annual average operating capacity in excess of 850,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units). It is located in the south zone of the port of Callao, covering an area of 245,000 square metres. Its two berths, each 350 metres with a 16 metre draft, are capable of handling two post-Panamax vessels of around 8,000 TEU at the same time.

Peru is one of the fastest growing emerging markets with the World Bank projecting a 5.1 per cent growth in GDP this year, the second highest in Latin America.

Additionally, the latest report of Business Monitor International (BMI), says that the future looks bright for Peruvian ports as they position themselves as a gateway to Asia. BMI sees private consumption being the main driver of growth as incomes rise and consumer credit becomes more widespread, boosting import volumes at ports. It expects growth of 8.6% in total tonnage throughput at the port of Callao, to 20.2mn tonnes.

HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said:

“DP World Callao is one of our strategic investments focusing on emerging markets. It has already contributed solidly to the local economy posting strong performances since it opened for business in 2010. DP World is proud to be a contributor to Peru’s economic development and is committed to strengthen DP World Callao’s position as a premier terminal serving Peru and the wider region.

“While uncertainty remains about the global economy, we are confident of the bright future of Peru under the guidance of its wise leadership. DP World is pleased to be an active participant in the country’s development and growth through its long term commitment and investment in the port.”

In June 2006, DP World was awarded a 30-year concession to build and operate the new terminal.

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World Maritime News Staff, February 14, 2012; Image: DP World Callao