DP World Ltd. (DPW), the third-largest port operator, plans to use proceeds from disposals in Hong Kong to tap fast-expanding African and Latin American markets.

Among investments being evaluated is one in Ecuador, Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Sharaf said today at a press briefing in Dubai. DP World booked a $158 million gain from the disposal of one Hong Kong port and the sale of a stake in another.

“We always look for emerging markets,” Chairman Sultan bin Sulayem said, adding that the company favors the development of completely new or semi-prime locations. Site openings in 2013 included the Embraport complex in Santos, southern Brazil.

DP World, where net income excluding items grew 11 percent last year to $604 million, has built on Dubai’s status as a Persian Gulf trade hub to expand into markets from Peru to Australia, aided by a $3.7 billion annual spending budget.

The $2.4 billion London Gateway port, which opened in 2013, should reach a capacity of 1.6 million standard 20-foot containers or TEUs within three years, Sharaf said.

Cargo throughput across the group slipped 3.8 percent to 26.1 million TEUs last year, with sales 1.5 percent lower at $3.07 billion. Volumes should resume growth in 2014, aided by an improving global economy and new capacity in locations including Rotterdam and Dubai’s own Jebel Ali port, DP World said.

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The United Arab Emirates company pay a dividend of 23 cents a share, from 21 cents a year ago.