With plans to offer direct cargo services to major global destinations including the USA, the free trade agreement (FTA) with the US will serve as a catalyst in positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain as cargo hub in the region.
Chief Executive Officer, of APM Terminals, Marco Neelsen told media that Bahrain would be welcoming a new direct service shipping line to Malaysia, Singapore, China, Korea and the US markets by the NYK (Japanese) and Hanjin (Korean), opening up many opportunities for shippers and carriers alike.
Marco, was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the annual Ramadan Ghabgha, said that the first six month of the year 2013 were good and hope that in terms of cargo tonnage the business would be better compared with the figures of the 2012.
APM Terminals are handling the region’s state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) which is a BD131m newly designed harbor. A big part of this capacity will be taken up by trans-shipment, where KBSP will accommodate the region’s need for a major trans-shipment centre in the northern Gulf.
APM Terminals Bahrain, the operators of the state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) hosted a stylish Ghabga on the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, in the trendy Bushido Restaurant. The event was attended by dignitaries’ business partners, prominent business-persons, senior government officials, members of the media and senior APM Terminals management.
Earlier, Neelsen welcomes the guests and the senior management of APM Terminals. The event afforded guests the opportunity to relax together in the sharing spirit of Ramadan and celebrate in an authentic Arabian atmosphere inspired by Bahraini traditions. In keeping with the rich cultural heritage of Bahrain and the spirit of the Holy Month, the event provided the opportune platform for strengthening business relations between APM Terminals and its stakeholders.
Neelsen opened the evening by reviewing the company’s highlights of the last year and of the new initiatives planned to take place over the next few months. This included the positive news that Bahrain will be welcoming a new direct service shipping line to Malaysia, Singapore, China, Korea and the US markets by the NYK (Japanese) and Hanjin (Korean), opening up many opportunities for shippers and carriers alike.
“Ramadan is a time of giving and APM Terminals are delighted to bring our valued partners together again this year to further strengthen our relationship and celebrate in the spirit of friendship. We, at APM Terminals are grateful to all our partners and stakeholders for the valuable support extended in all our endeavours to develop a modern maritime service industry and contribute to Bahrain’s economic development,” Neelsen, said.
“With continued robust support from the government, our business partners and members of the media, we are confident in achieving our goals of sustainable value growth in the coming years and positioning Bahrain as the preferred port of choice in the region.”
APM Terminals operates a Global Terminal Network with interests in 69 port and terminal facilities and 170 Inland Services locations in 68 countries across five continents, staffed by 20,000 logistics professionals. The company provides port and terminal management and operational expertise to over 60 international container shipping line customers as well as inland cargo distribution, transportation and container sales, maintenance and repair services around the world.
With world headquarters in The Hague, The Netherlands, APM Terminals lifts global trade through enabling high productivity, offering efficient operations and providing world-leading port and inland transportation capacity while remaining committed to the highest standards of safety and economic, environment and social responsibity.