DP World buys up remaining 49% stake in Southampton terminal

2015-11-03

DP World has purchased the remaining 49% stake in its terminal at the Port of Southampton from Associated British Ports (ABP), making it the sole owner of the operation, as well as extending its license agreement until 2047.

"We are delighted to announce the 25 year extension of the license agreement for DP World Southampton, which is one of the most efficient terminals in the UK and the only deep-sea container terminal on the south coast of England,” said chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. “Also, through full ownership of DP World Southampton, we will now be able to combine with DP World London Gateway, the newest deep-sea container terminal and logistics park at the heart of the UK’s biggest consumer markets, to offer our customers the best possible service and long term growth in the UK. A unique and very exciting proposition.”

Ganesh Raj, senior vp and md of DP World in Europe and Russia said: “This news underlines our commitment to the UK and our ongoing presence in developed markets as an important part of our global network. I look forward to the synergies that the two ports will bring to our operations and the contribution they make to the UK economy, infrastructure and local employment.”

ABP chief executive James Cooper said: “This isn’t just good news for the port of Southampton but this is good news for the entire city. The deal provides a solid foundation for the continued growth and development of the UK’s most productive container port.”

Southampton is only one of small number of terminals in North Europe that has been retrofitted to handle ultra-large containerships (ULCs).

Source from : Seatrade Global

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