HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World, has visited the company’s new terminals in Suriname, which joined the port operator’s global network just over six months ago.
During his visit, Mr. Bin Sulayem met Marcel Mulier, Manager Corporate Affairs Havenbeheer Suriname (Suriname Port Authority). They discussed mutual relations and potential port developments. The role of DP World‟s expertise and cooperation in enhancing further growth for the Port of Paramaribo was also highlighted.
Mr Bin Sulayem was accompanied by senior officials including 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 expanded its portfolio to Suriname on the northeast coast of South America in August last year when it acquired a controlling interest in both Integra Port Services (IPS), the Company holding a concession for a container and break-bulk terminal within Nieuwe Haven Port, Paramaribo; and in Suriname Port Services (SPS), the Company that owns a private break-bulk facility upstream from Paramaribo.
Nieuwe Haven terminal handles origin and destination cargo for Suriname. The terminal currently has a container throughput capacity in excess of 100,000 TEU per year, with the potential to double its capacity in accordance with market demand in future.
DP World also operates a separate private terminal near Paramaribo that is focused on handling project cargoes for the mining, oil and forestry sectors, as well as cement cargoes; as the off-shore oil industry develops in Suriname, the importance of this facility will continue to increase.
HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World , said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Suriname for the first time. With operations in the north east, and serving a much wider region, it is one of our strategic operations in South America. DP World is pleased to have added these terminals to its global portfolio, and we are committed to work along with our partners at IPS and SPS to actively contribute to the economic development of Suriname.”
Paramaribo is the primary multi-purpose port serving Suriname located on the Suriname River, handling containers and roll on-roll off break-bulk cargoes for the country. The port recently underwent a major redevelopment, and today is by far the most modern and efficient facility in the Guyana – French Guiana range. It is the only one with cranes to handle vessels. Traffic through the port has grown rapidly over recent years, and it is well placed to serve the strong resource-based local economy. Improved road connectivity to French Guiana will allow Paramaribo to act as a gateway for the western part of that country.
The upgrade of the port‟s terminals and their enhanced efficiency was critical in winning the Luddy Stewart trophy 2011 for „Best Multi-purpose Terminal‟ in the Caribbean for the port of Paramaribo.
[mappress] World Maritime News Staff, February 20, 2012