DP WORLD HANDLES FIRST VESSEL AT SPCT

Global Marine Terminal operator DP World announced today that it has handled its first vessel at Saigon Premier Container Terminal (SPCT), an 80:20 joint venture between DP World and the Vietnamese state-owned Tan Thuan Industrial Promotion Company (IPC).  
The 1,200 TEU CMA CGM vessel Asta Rickmers made her maiden call to SPCT.  From today, Asta Rickmers maintains a weekly service between Ho Chi Minh City, Tanjung Pelapas and Port Klang
The DP World-operated terminal, which is located along the western shore of the Soai Rap River in the Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park, has a total capacity of 1.5 million TEU a year.
SPCT is a state of the art facility currently equipped with five quay cranes and 13 rubber tired gantry cranes (RTGs).  New and improved infrastructure including roads and bridges provides smooth access to the terminal, further improving the terminal’s competitive edge over the western and southern hinterland.
The official opening ceremony for the new terminal is expected in February 2010.
Peter Wong, SVP and Managing Director, DP World Asia Pacific said:
“I am delighted to announce the readiness of the terminal to handle its first vessel.  The on-time completion of the terminal reflects the success of our partnership with the government of Vietnam.
“We see long term public-private partnerships as a model that is win win for all – as the economy grows so does the business.  
“We also believe that operating the port in Vietnam will allow us to provide further, quality services for our customers and create an efficient, modern gateway for this region.”