TMCnet News
INTERVIEW: Abdulla Bin Damithan, DP World, UAE Region [ArabianSupplyChain.com](ArabianSupplyChain.com Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) What have been the highlights so far this year for DP World? Our focus is on opening our four million TEU capacity terminal at Jebel Ali Port. Following the best year recorded in our history in Jebel Ali Port in 2013, we continued the strong performance in 2014 with DP World UAE Region handling 7.4 million TEU in the first half, representing growth of 14.1 percent. This reflects the continued growth of Dubai, the UAE and the wider region. To ensure that we are well placed to handle future capacity demands, we are building the new Container Terminal 3, which will take total Jebel Ali capacity to 19 million TEU, once fully operational in 2015. T3 is set to be the world's most advanced maritime terminal, featuring 19 of the largest, most advanced and semi-automated ship to shore (STS) quay cranes and 50 fully automated rail mounted gantry (ARMG) yard cranes, which will be remotely operated from the comfort and safety of a control room. What does DP World do to attract talent? There are now new opportunities for skilled work at our flagship facility in Jebel Ali due to automation and technology, which is transforming the workplace. At Container Terminal 3, we introduced the remotely controlled quay cranes used for the first time. As it takes jobs from the quayside to the safety and security of the operations building, the work at the new terminal has proven attractive to skilled Emiratis, including women. Remote control technology allows them to operate the most modern quay cranes at the pioneering Terminal 3 from the safety and comfort of the purpose built hi-tech operations building. This innovation is in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, transforming Dubai with smart systems using technology. We are eager to offer young graduates opportunities to develop their skills and experience, and involve them in contributing to the growth of DP World and the UAE. We are strong supporters of the country's emiratisation drive. Why are CSR initiatives so important to you? We strongly believe that it is our responsibility to contribute to the long term sustainability of the community where we operate and we play a significant role in the UAE community. It is important that we act with integrity in the development of innovative solutions for our customers and partners, leveraging the talent of our people to contribute to a sustainable future. To date, we have worked in partnership on a number of innovative community projects, set in place a plan to reduce our carbon emissions and installed energy efficient equipment at our terminals. We have also led the discussion in the marketplace on tough issues such as marine piracy and its impact. DP World's approach to corporate responsibility is anchored in the 'four quadrant' model of community, environment, people and safety and marketplace. Within each quadrant we have a number of existing initiatives and will also implement new initiatives. Pivotal to the success of this approach is the integration of corporate responsibility principles into the everyday business process, planning and strategy as we recognise that this will bring long term benefits to the community, the environment, our people, our customers and the business as a whole. (c) 2014 ITP Business Publishing Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |