Smart logistics provider DP World has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Angola to develop the country’s trade and logistics sector.
The MoU enables the two parties to begin formal discussions and explore cooperation in the areas of ports and terminals, special economic zones, logistics parks, cross-border trade facilitation, trade finance, marine services and logistics support in other commodity-based sectors.
DP World began operations at the multipurpose terminal (MPT) at the Port of Luanda in Angola’s capital on March 1, 2021, after it was awarded a 20-year concession to manage, operate and modernize the facility. Since then, DP World Luanda has invested in new equipment and facilities, technology and the development and training of staff as part of a US$190m initial investment to transform the terminal into a major maritime hub along the western coast of southern Africa. Following the implementation of the MPT’s development and modernization plan, the teams at DP World Luanda reportedly improved operational efficiency threefold within the first six months of starting operations.
The MoU was signed in Luanda by Eugenio de Lima Fernandes, the National Director for Concession Economics, and Suhail Al Banna, CEO and managing director of DP World in the Middle East and Africa, in the presence of His Excellency Dr Ricardo Viegas de Abreu, Angola’s Minister of Transport, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World.
Sulayem said, “The Angolan government has an ambitious plan for this sector. Through this MoU, our primary objective is to find ways in which we can support the country to significantly maximize its strategic location and increase trade flows domestically and in the surrounding region. Alongside the multipurpose terminal, there is still tremendous opportunity to further develop and integrate the country’s logistics and trade infrastructure and unlock more economic benefits.”
De Abreu said, “DP World is a strategic partner for the transport and logistics sector in Angola because it brings together the professionalism and skills necessary to drive the vision of an integrated and sustainable economy, with an effective and efficient logistics chain. With this partnership, it will be possible to promote and boost Angola’s industrial development, as well as its cross-border and international trade.”
In the UK, DP World saw a throughput of 1,804,871TEU in 2021 at the port-centric logistics hub at London Gateway, which represented a 15% increase on its previous annual record. At DP World Southampton, the company’s container terminal throughput in 2021 was 1,871,081TEU, which contributed to a total of 3,675,952TEU. DP World has also invested a further £300m (US$405m) into a new fourth berth at London Gateway on top of the £40m (US$54m) invested in Southampton in 2021. Globally, the company reported EBITDA growth of 18.2% year on year.
Strong throughput from existing customers and the arrival of six new major international shipping services at the two terminals drove the year’s performance. Imports and exports through London Gateway and Southampton included automotive parts, white goods and household furniture, as consumers spent more on physical products during the pandemic; foodstuffs remained important in the overall cargo mix.
Ernst Schulze, chief executive of DP World in the UK, said, “We also plan to continue our investment in rail interconnectivity at both hubs, easing congestion on the roads. Already, 30% of containers at the Port of Southampton are moved by rail – the highest proportion in the UK.”