Records achieved for vessel movement, container throughput and gate turn times

Manama, Bahrain, March 15, 2010: The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) today announced the performance statistics for the Kingdom's state-of-the-art Khalifa Bin Salman Port, which remain high state-of-the-art US$ Khalifa Bin Salman Port, which remain high despite the difficult economic situation since it commenced operations in April 2009. The statistics report a marked development in the overall competence and outstanding performance in the port's commercial and operational activities. The Kingdom is also establishing itself as a regional transhipment hub through KBSP, with January recording the highest number of transhipment containers.

According to the latest statistics, vessel movement at KBSP increased in January 2010 and the port handled record container throughput, which was 21.7% higher than previous months. In addition, the berth productivity reached its highest 62.1 moves in January with an average growth rate of 14.9% per month since the commencement of KBSP operations.

Hassan Al Majed, Director General of GOP said: "KBSP's performance continues to improve month- on- month, both in terms of commercial and operational activities. The port's world-class infrastructure, including sophisticated state-of-the-art technologies, top-of-the-line equipment, and our team of experts at GOP and port operators APMT have collectively played a significant role in enhancing the efficiency and productivity of Bahrain's port.

"The latest operational statistics are evidence that KBSP has already begun to solidifying its prominence among the shipping hubs of the region. We continue to adhere to transparent business practices, and look forward to maintaining this success as we move forward" said Hassan Al Majed.

The statistics further reported an impressive improvement in KBSP's gate turn time, the global standard defined by the amount of time required for trucks to enter the port, load or discharge a container and leave the port. Furthermore, Gross Crane Productivity remained high at 32.8 Teus, increasing by an average monthly rate of 9.2% over the last 10 months.

The port operators, APM Terminals, played a significant role in these improvements by bringing their global experience and expertise in the management of international ports.

The Khalifa Bin Salman Port occupies an area of 110 hectares of reclaimed land and is located on the north-east of the Kingdom of Bahrain, only 13 kilometres away from Bahrain International Airport, and it is also linked to the road leading to the King Fahd Causeway. With a total quayside of 1800 metres and is designed to accommodate a container capacity, measured as twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU), of more than 1.1 million TEUs annually, as well as passengers, general break-bulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo. The port provides sea freight, shipping, and logistic services in accordance to the highest international specifications and standards in the industry.

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About General Organisation of Sea Ports: 
The General Organisation of Sea Ports (GOP) was established on September 2006 with a mission to develop Bahrain's maritime industry and infrastructure and regulate its operation in line with the Kingdom's Economic Vision 2030 development strategy. The GOP's overarching responsibility lies in guiding the development of strategies to position Bahrain as a global leader in the maritime industry. 

As a regulator, the GOP is responsible for supervising all maritime safety and environmental matters and ensuring adequate infrastructure is in place to serve the needs of the Kingdom's seaports, including the region's newest state-of-the-art port Khalifa Bin Salman Port. The GOP is also responsible for operating and developing the Bahrain Logistics zone.

Adhering to the highest international quality standards of safety, environment and security, the GOP aims to position the Kingdom as the strategic gateway and trans shipment hub to the northern Gulf.

© Press Release 2010