ACT breaks record in container handling in February 2008.

Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the Kingdom's sole container terminal, has hit a new record in container handling last month as it has discharged and loaded a total of more than 44750 TEUs, registering an unprecedented increase of 75% compared with the same period last year.

"This distinctive record is another milestone for ACT. It is the first time in the history of the terminal that container handling exceeds 40 K TEU in one month. This record comes as a direct result of our continuous efforts to upgrade the facilities at the terminal and provide the best-in-class services to fulfill and exceed the expectations of our clients" Mr. Jerry Rickcord, ACT CEO, said.

According to Rickcord this result is also a result of the employees' constant efforts and dedication to ensure the smooth running and operation of container handling as well as delivering work on time.

The containers discharged during last month were 23811 TEUs while 21139 TEUs were loaded, compared with the same month last year in which 12341 TEUs were discharged and 13456 TEUs were loaded.

It is worth mentioning that an 8000 TEUs capacity vessel berthed at ACT during the month and will be calling the terminal regularly in the future.

ACT handled one vessel with total of 4200 TEUs import and export containers on one single ship that called ACT in February.

Furthermore, Mr. Kim Fejfer, APM Terminals CEO, paid a visit to ACT where he was introduced to the terminal's facilities. Adding to that, a comprehensive presentation about ACT was delivered to Mr. Fejfer highlighting the level of development it has reached as well as the state-of-art technology it deploys.

During the visit, Mr. Rickcord stressed on the fruitful partnership that brings APM Terminals, the recognized world leader in container terminal operations, together with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) as both companies have remarkably uplifted the performance level of ACT, placing it on the regional map as a reputable and highly efficient terminal

Aqaba Container Terminal:Aqaba Container Terminal Pvt Co. (ACT) is the only Jordanian container terminal. It is a major gateway for the Jordanian market, as well as for transit cargo moving to and from other countries in the region. In 2006 a 25 years JV contract was signed between Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and APM Terminals International, agreeing that the new ACT Pvt Company will operate, manage and market ACT.ACT is committed to providing a world class facility for its customers, and continuously looks for further enhancements and developments. This has already resulted in a number of upgrades to the facility and its equipment.

[c] 2008 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)