APM Terminals, which operates Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) as part of a 25-year concession agreement, was announced the winner of the Lloyd's List "Port Operator of the Year" award during the 2015 North American Maritime Awards recently held in Houston, Texas.
APM Terminals is the leading global provider of advanced logistical services, boasting a global terminal network of 20,300 professionals and 186 port and inland services operations in 63 countries around the globe. The company became the operator of ACT after signing an agreement with the Aqaba Development Company in 2006, and has since transformed the terminal into the most sustainable gateway to Jordan and beyond.
In addition to APM Terminals' latest award from Lloyd's List, ACT itself has received several awards honors from the awarding body and was recently shortlisted by Lloyd's List as one of the top five terminals in the Middle-East and Indian Subcontinent regions. At the award ceremony held in Dubai last November, ACT was awarded second place in the Highly Commended Port Operator category, in recognition of its performance, constant investments and its continued dedication to developing the overall efficiency of Jordan's logistical chain.
"The latest honor received by APM Terminals demonstrates the unparalleled quality of its network, of which ACT is a highly successful example," commented Jeppe Jensen, CEO of ACT. "ACT is leveraging on APM Terminals' longstanding experience in the global maritime industry, capitalizing on international best practices to revolutionize its operations for the benefit of Jordan's supply chain and national economy."
One of ACT's key achievements has been the completion of its berth expansion project, which delivered an additional 460 meters to the terminal's quay without any stowage restrictions, thereby doubling the terminal's quay length to a full 1,000 meters. The berth expansion, which represents an infrastructure and superstructure investment of USD $140 million, provides the logistical infrastructure to host Jordan's ever-growing trade activities.
ACT also has a measurable positive impact on the local community, be it through the many training and employment opportunities offered through its activities or its various CSR initiatives that support community development, education and environmental awareness. It is the first terminal in Middle East and the second outside of Europe to receive the Port Environmental Review System certification from the European Sea Ports Organization. The terminal's Environmental Steering Committee continually works to reduce its overall environmental footprint through effective energy, water and waste management policies.
In 2014, ACT published its third sustainability report, becoming the first container terminal in the Middle East tomeet the G4 guidelines for transparency and disclosure outlined by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This publication marks yet another milestone in its efforts to serve as a shining example of a large-scale establishment operating under a progressive leadership with an uncompromising dedication to sustainable growth.
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© Press Release 2015
