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.”
 

Dubai Trade adds Mashreq to its centralised e-payment gateway Rosoom

Dubai Trade, the innovative online platform of Dubai World, has signed an agreement with Mashreq, a premier bank in the UAE, to offer the bank’s Direct Debit Services to clients using Dubai Trade’s e-payment services.The partnership, the first of its kind to offer dual sign-in facility, enables customers of Dubai Trade’s centralized e-payment gateway ROSOOM to use Mashreqbusinessonline, Mashreq bank’s online Direct Debit Services platform, to settle their monetary transactions with global marine terminal operator DP World and Jebel Ali Free Zone, Jafza.The agreement was signed on June 3 by Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, in his capacity as Member of Board of Dubai Trade, and Yasmeen Javaid, Divisional Manager – Transaction Banking Services, Corporate & Investment Banking Group, Mashreq in the presence of Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade.The online payment service enables real-time transfer of funds from the customer’s Mashreq account to the accounts of DP World and Jafza.It is the first model of its kind that facilitates dual sign-in, enabling customers to access both services at the same time and make payments by simply using internet banking credentials.ROSOOM offers customers multiple transaction methods to settle their bills. This secure, single-window electronic facility helps them save on time and cost.Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, and Member of Board of Dubai Trade, said:"The partnership with Mashreq bank brings added value to all stakeholders. Our strategy has always been customer centric and we believe our association with Mashreq will further enhance this approach."Mahmood Al Bastaki, Director of Dubai Trade, said: "Dubai Trade is pleased to be associated with Mashreq on its Direct Debit Services. Our central e-payment gateway has by now become one of the most preferred online platforms for customers in their dealings with Jebel Ali Port and the Free Zone, and Dubai Customs. The agreement with Mashreq on the new dual sign-in model is another major step that brings these companies and their customers closer. At Dubai Trade, our primary aim is to serve our customers better by utilising technology, and ultimately benefiring trade in the emirate."Omar Bouhadiba, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking, Mashreq said: "We are proud to partner with Dubai World group, which includes some of the biggest companies in the country, to serve our customers better. Mashreq’s online payment platform ensures efficiency at the highest level. This agreement enables our customers to use Dubai Trade’s excellent e-payment services that have won wide acclaim for their user-friendliness and high technical standards."

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. “
 

MENA Infrastructure Fund Completes First Investment

MENA Infrastructure Fund today announced its first investment, acquiring a minority stake in Alexandria International Container Terminals SAE (“AICT”), Egypt for an
undisclosed sum. The investment represents a significant foreign investment in the Egyptian port sector and establishes the MENA Infrastructure Fund as the leading
infrastructure equity investor in the region.

AICT is a part of the Hutchison Port Holdings’ (HPH) global network of container terminals. HPH is the leading independent port developer and operator in the world with
47 terminals in 24 countries and handling 66.3 million twenty-feet equivalent unit containers (TEUs) in 2007. In its short operating history, AICT has established itself as
the preferred terminal operator by achieving high levels of operating efficiency and customer satisfaction.

The acquisition positions the MENA Infrastructure Fund in a fast-growing industry in a rapidly-emerging geography. Egypt has seen average annual cargo growth of over 12%
since 1996, and Alexandria/Dekhelia is the country’s leading gateway port.

Commenting on the acquisition, Robert Swift, CEO of the MENA Infrastructure Fund, said: “We are pleased to have completed our first investment and for that investment to
be in the ports sector in Egypt. AICT’s container terminals at the Ports of Alexandria and Dekheila completed their first phase of development in May 2007 and early growth in
throughput has been strong. We see strong growth for the Egyptian economy in the years ahead and this will drive further development of the container import and export
Abc business, the focus of activity at the Ports of Alexandria and Dekheila. As a specialised infrastructure fund we will work with the Alexandria Port Authority, the other shareholders and the management of AICT in the development of this economically strategic and important asset for Egypt.”

Mr Ahmed Lokma, Chairman of AICT commented: “We welcome the MENA Infrastructure Fund as a strategic investor in AICT. We are confident AICT will benefit from the knowledge and experience of the Fund’s investment team. This investment is a vote of confidence in not only AICT’s future prospects but also the positive investment climate that has been provided by the Egyptian government for attracting foreign
investment into the critical infrastructure sector.”

Mr Gerry Yim, Head of the Americas, Middle East and Africa, Hutchison Port Holdings, said: ”We are pleased that the business strength of AICT has been recognised by a
leading institutional investor. As part of HPH’s global network of world-class terminals, AICT is strongly placed to benefit from continued growth in Egypt’s external trade and we look forward to working with the MENA Infrastructure Fund in successfully executing the business plan.”

The MENA Infrastructure Fund targets a broad range of investments within the infrastructure asset class, including utilities, energy, transportation, social infrastructure and public private partnerships. Across this spectrum the Fund makes investments in projects and companies in their early stages of development, as well as being a provider of capital to companies which are in their operational or growth phases. The Fund is a long term investor and seeks to work with the developers and operators of infrastructure and energy assets.

The MENA Infrastructure Fund is sponsored by DIC Asset Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai International Capital LLC, the international investment
arm of Dubai Holding; HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (HSBC), a global bank with a long established MENA presence; and Waha Capital PJSC, a world-class leasing and infrastructure finance company. All three sponsors of the MENA Infrastructure Fund are Abc also investors in the Fund.

Other investors comprise leading pension funds and financial
institutions from across the MENA region and Europe.

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.