DP World Appoints A New Managing Director For Africa Region

Global marine terminal operator DP World today announced the appointment of Joost Kruijning to the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the company’s Africa Region, effective 1st September 2009.

Mr. Kruijning had been Chief Operating Officer of DP World’s UAE Region. Prior to joining DP World in 2001, he spent thirteen years at Sea -Land, working on various assignments in Russia and the Sultanate of Oman.

Mr. Kruijning takes over from Anil Singh, who in turn will assume the position of Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World Subcontinent Region.

Joost Kruijning said: “I am very proud to have been part of a team that realised the completion of additional capacity at T2 of Jebel Ali Terminal and oversaw volume growth of approximately 11% last year. I am looking forward greatly to my new role as SVP and Managing Director for Africa Region. DP World believes in Africa’s potential, and is fully committed to developing local markets over time, as demonstrated by recent additions to our global portfolio in Algeria and Djibouti.”
 

Municipality Praises DP World, UAE Region for Contributions to Dubai’s Development Goals

The Dubai Municipality recently commended DP World, UAE region for its significant and long-term contribution to Dubai’s development goals:  “Through the active alignment of its growth trajectory with Dubai’s growth requirements, DP World has been a model for all Dubai companies,” said Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director of the Dubai Municipality.Eng. Lootah spoke at Jebel Ali terminal during a meeting between Municipality officials and DP World executives, headed by Mr. Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, UAE Region.  The goal of the talks was to investigate additional avenues for policy coordination.Mohammed Al Muallem, SVP and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “DP World is always ready to cooperate with Dubai Municipality. We are jointly responsible to the community and seek ways to contribute to the qualitative development of Dubai.  Such meetings are an excellent opportunity to share information and deepen coordination.  As always, we appreciate Dubai Municipality’s strong support.”Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General, Dubai Municipality, said: “DP World is doing a commendable job in integrating its development projects with the needs of this emirate.  Dubai Municipality is committed to the welfare of the people and we deeply value our close relations with DP World, UAE Region and the common interests that bind us.”

An Official Saudi Delegation Visits Dubai Customs And Ports

Received by the Director of Ports Security Management at DP World, Mr.Mahmoud Amin, a delegation from Saudi Arabia had recently visited Dubai Customs and Ports. The delegation included officials from the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Saudi Customs and King Fahd University headed by General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair with the purpose of getting informed about Dubai Customs and Ports experience in security systems, customs systems and weapon diffusion combat.Mr.Mahmoud Amin welcomed the Saudi delegation stating: "this visit expresses both parties’ mutual desire to enhance coordination and exchange of expertise and to boost the distinguished relationship level between both parties, wishing the Saudi delegation a fruitful visit".During its meeting with Dubai Customs and DP World officials, the delegation learned more about the security and safety measures at Customs and Ports and got the opportunity to attend a presentation on Ports security and the programs for combating the massive destruction weapons’ diffusion as well as the adopted customs systems used for preventing the smuggling of dangerous products.After that, the Saudi delegation had a field visit at Dubai Ports to be acquainted with the dangerous products storage locations, the containers’ yards and facilities as well as the security, safety, transportation and storage systems adopted physically in those facilities.The Saudi delegation Head, General Abdel Ghani Bin Ibrahim AlKhoudair praised the development level reached by Dubai Customs and Ports, the modern techniques adopted in their facilities, their beneficial expertise as well as the future cooperation and coordination regarding information and expertise’ transfer and exchange between both parties.The meeting was attended on the part of Dubai Customs and DP World by Abdullah Al Khaja, Director of Customs Intelligence Department at Dubai Customs, Said Al Tayer, Jebel Ali Customs Center Director, Ibrahim AlSaadi, Director of the Special Tasks Department at Dubai Customs and Mohammad Foulaz, Expert and Consultant- massive destruction weapons’ diffusion combat as well as other officials.
 

DP World Voted Best Global Container Terminal Operating Company In Asia

Global marine terminal operator DP World has won Best Global Container Terminal Operating Company award at the 23rd Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards (AFSCA).Readers of Hong Kong-based Cargonews Asia, a leading transport and logistics newspaper, were the competition’s judges, voting for the best-performing companies in the Asian transport and supply-chain sector, across a number of categories. DP World won against established Asia-based, global operators in the competition.The awards were received by Mr. Rufin Mak, Managing Director of DP World Hong Kong, from Eva Cheng, Hong Kong’s Secretary of Transport and Housing,Last year, DP World’s Asia Container Terminal Ltd (ACT) in Hong Kong won Best Container Terminal – Asia Under 4m TEUs Per Annum award, for the first time; the award went to DP World’s Container Terminal 3 (CT3), Hong Kong, in 2007. DP World operates 17 marine terminals in the Asia-Pacific and South Asia regions.The Asian Freight and Supply Chain Awards were established by Cargonews Asia in 1987 and are the industry’s most prestigious regional honour for freight and logistics service providers.Mohammed Sharaf, CEO, DP World, said:
“We are thrilled that our customers have voted us the best port operator in Asia. Our focus has always been on going the extra mile for our customers. This award is a testament to the success of that approach. I would like to thank everyone for their support. “
 

Dubai Trade, Standard Chartered Bank Sign Agreement On Online Payment Service

Dubai Trade, the innovative online service provider of Dubai World, today, April 15, signed an agreement with Standard Chartered Bank to enable the bank’s clients to make use of the trade facilitator’s ROSOOM online payment gateway.

Dubai Trade’s e-payment gateway facilitates electronic payment for services provided by entities directly concerned with commercial transactions such as DP World, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Economic Zones World – flagship companies under Dubai World – and Dubai Customs.

The agreement was signed by Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region in his capacity as a Member of the Board of Dubai Trade, representing Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Executive Vice Chairman, DP World, Group CEO of Ports and Free Zone World, and Chairman of Dubai Trade, and Shayne Nelson, Regional Chief Executive, MENA, Standard Chartered Bank, at the DP World Headquarters in Jebel Ali Free Zone.

Under the agreement Standard Chartered Bank account holders can make online payment transactions through the Dubai Trade portal with DP World, EZW and Dubai Customs by using their internet banking credentials.

Mohammed Al Muallem said: “We are pleased to be associated with Standard Chartered Bank in expanding this very important service. The Redirect Payment Service Agreement reflects the commitment of Dubai Trade and the companies it supports, to enhance customer satisfaction. The online payment platform has been received enthusiastically by the trading community here and this agreement will further strengthen ROSOOM and widen its user base.”

Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, said: “This is another major step for Dubai Trade in its continuous drive to serve the trading community. The ROSOOM platform has already proved its value by bringing individuals and companies closer to some of the most important trade facilitators in the country. Our association with Standard Chartered Bank opens the gates for the huge number of its customers to directly benefit from ROSOOM, increasing the trade flow in Dubai.”

Shayne Nelson said: “We are pleased that our relationship with DP World and its subsidiaries has, once again, enabled us to deliver on our strategy to provide innovative products and services through new delivery channels to our clients. Dubai Trade is recognised as a leader in their field and ROSOOM is a well established platform for electronic payments. As a leading international bank with award winning ‘Straight 2 Bank’ online facilities, expanding our capabilities in this arena is another significant development for Standard Chartered.”

ROSOOM offers customers multiple payment methods to facilitate instant settlement of their payments with the companies through real time transfer of funds. It is a 3D-Secure transaction module connected to a single online payment platform, helping customers save time and cost considerably.

Dubai Trade’s online platform has become hugely popular in the business community. ROSOOM facilitated 95,825 transactions for an amount of Dhs107, 553,821 between March 2008, when it was launched, and March 2009.

Dubai Trade has developed its innovative concepts to the level of becoming a key player in Dubai’s trading sector. Constant upgrading keeps its services at pace with the changes in technology. By covering the entire supply chain, Dubai Trade brings together into a single community a vast majority of companies that interact with Dubai’s ports, customs and the free zone for the purpose of trade.

DP World Saves Dhs14 Million Through Group Suggestions And Rewards Scheme

Global marine terminal operator DP World saved Dhs14 million in the period 2004-2008 by implementing the Group Suggestions and Rewards Scheme (SRS) originally designed by Dubai World and administered by the Group’s Business Excellence Center (BEC).

The scheme, a pro-active employee engagement programme endorsed by Dubai World’s subsidiary companies, generated a recurring revenue and cost-saving of Dhs645 million for the group from 2003 to 2008. The group’s savings amounted to Dhs31 million through SRS in 2008. DP World alone saved Dhs14 million through SRS during 2004-2008.

The announcement was made last week at a special ceremony organised by the Group SRS and DP World to recognise and reward the port operator’s international award winners.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region, and Abdul Qader Obaid Ali, Director, Group Internal Audit and Business Excellence and Chairman of Group SRS, jointly presided over the award ceremony held at DP World’s flagship terminal in Jebel Ali.

Senior DP World management and Awatif Mohammed, Manager, Group SRS, also attended the event, at which winners were presented with trophies and certificates.

Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DP World, UAE Region, said: “The suggestions made by DP World employees have contributed greatly to saving time, money and effort, which in turn has considerably improved the company’s performance. By rewarding their efforts we are inspiring them to further excel in their work. We congratulate the winners and urge others to follow their example.”

Abdul Qader Obaid Ali, Director, Group Internal Audit and Business Excellence and Chairman of Group SRS, said: “Group SRS’ mission is to empower employees. Our strength and effectiveness comes from the feedback and suggestions of Dubai World staff. Our focus is on making the scheme transparent and the rules flexible. SRS aims to spread awareness among the employees that everyone in the organization has a role to play, and the right to submit suggestions, irrespective of job title.”

Awatif Mohammed, Manager, Group SRS, said: “The innovative ideas and excellent motivation by the DP World management and Group SRS have helped us achieve a number of international honours. The total savings for Dubai World was Dhs31 Million in 2008. I am confident that we will achieve more in the coming years and set up a new bench mark for global business excellence.”

DP World staff honoured at the ceremony include Masoud Al Nouri, Director of Technical Department, DP World, UAE Region; Nabil Qayed, Senior Manager of Technical Department, and Mohammed Al Mas, Manager of General Cargo Department. All received trophies for their outstanding contributions and support for Group SRS.

John Martin Pugh, Manager, Container Operations, and Jifry Cottage, Chargehand, Technical Department, were honoured as finalists in the ideas UK International Competitions.

Silver and Bronze award winners as well as Highly Commended and Commended Suggestions winners also received trophies.

Jaber Mohammed received a certificate for his outstanding contribution and support to Group SRS as Area Representative of the Technical Department.

Three students from Dubai Men’s College – Rashid Mahmood Al Dallal, Khalid Mohamed Al Balooshi and Majid Sultan Al Mannaei, were recognised for successfully completing a Tandem-Spreader Container Crane Project under the guidance of DP World, UAE Region. The project constituted part of the student training programme.

Group SRS, launched in 2003, has brought to Dubai World companies numerous intangible benefits such as improving safety, environment, customer satisfaction, administrative and office procedures and personnel affairs.

The benefits of involving the staff in enhancing workplace efficiency and rewarding them for their initiatives are reflected in high staff morale and a more efficient channel of communication between the management and the employees.

International recognitions that Group SRS has won include: 2004 Idea of the Year Award in Technology Category from IdeasUK, the Cardiff-based independent association dedicated to the development of effective staff suggestion schemes from within companies; 2006 Idea of the Year Award – Health & Safety Category – from ideas UK; Idea of the Year Award – Technical and Productivity Categories – from ideasArabia; 2007 Idea of the year Awards – Productivity Category from ideasUK and ideasArabia; and 2008 Runners up in Productivity Category from ideasArabia. The scheme has also won eight Highly Commended Suggestions and nine Commended Suggestions awards from ideasUK.

Apart from this, recognition also came from the US-based Employee Involvement Association (EIA) which awarded Group SRS nine Silver Awards and 20 Bronze Awards.

Dubal and DP World Sign New Four-Year Contract

Dubai Aluminium Company Limited (“DUBAL”) – the world’s largest modern smelter with a captive power station, and DP World, UAE region have extended their strategic partnership, signing a new four-year contract to handle DUBAL’s inbound and outbound cargo management services. The contract entails DP World handling more than 14.5 million tonnes of imported raw materials and close to 5 million tonnes of aluminium products for export to destinations across the globe.

“The signing of this new contract between DUBAL and DP World brings great pleasure to me, as it reinforces the long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between two world-class UAE entities, both of which are strong brands in their respective fields of expertise,” says Abdulla J M Kalban (President & CEO: DUBAL). “The partnership between our two organisations will undoubtedly be enhanced.”

Mohammed Sharaf (CEO: DP World), said, “We are delighted to extend our contract with DUBAL. We have had a close relationship over 30 years, during which time we have grown with DUBAL, expanding and developing to continue to meet their needs. We value the new contract with them as recognition that our advanced technology and focus on excellent service helps DUBAL achieve high levels of operational efficiency.”