Khalifa Bin Salman Port container volume increases 7pc

Manama : Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP) yesterday announced its performance statistics for the year 2017 reporting continued positive growth in container volume and general cargo, reflecting Bahrain’s strong economic and trade performance.

The results were revealed during a joint media briefing hosted by Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications’ Port and Maritime Affairs (PMA) and APM Terminals Bahrain. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Joseph, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Bahrain told reporters that KBSP, operated by APM Terminals Bahrain, has witnessed container volume growth by a CAGR of 10 per cent between 2009 – 2017. 

The port has also recorded an impressive 7pc growth in container volume in 2017, with an additional 21pc spike in general cargo with a positive outlook estimated for 2018. 

The CCO attributed majority of this volume to gateway cargo with the KBSP currently also handling two deep-sea services; The Ocean Alliance MEA3 & MSC Cheetah Servics

The port also operates a passenger terminal thereby directly contributing to developing the tourism sector in the Kingdom. The port witnessed a 3pc growth in cruise vessel calls and a 23pc increase in passenger flows last year,” Sunil added. 

“The growth volumes speak for themselves and I’m happy that our joint efforts have succeeded in achieving our common goals,” added Hassan Ali AlMajed, MTT Undersecretary for Port and Maritime Affairs (PMA). 

He also told the Press Conference that PMA is working on introducing a new maritime law and are also “working on deepening Bahrain’s channel to allow the third generation container vessels to access the port.”

When asked about future plans, he told reporters that APM Terminals Bahrain will be actively working on offering a range of transport and logistical solutions or value-added services to its customers in Bahrain. 

“This year, with customer centricity as one of the key focus areas for KBSP, APM Terminals Bahrain will be actively working on offering a range of transport and logistical solutions or value-added services to its customers in Bahrain. 

“Additionally, the port is also working on launching a dedicated IT self-service portal that will allow customers to track shipments, book appointments and make payments online. In 2018 APM Terminals Bahrain will be moving ahead with its drive to attract increased transhipment volumes to targeted countries in the Northern Gulf,” added  Hassan Ali AlMajed

Speaking at the briefing, Mark Hardiman, CEO of APM Terminals Bahrain said, “As we strive towards achieving further growth in KBSP our focus is to increase the service offerings to our landside customers as a port integrator of choice.