Dubai: Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately-owned independent port operator, based in the UAE, has named Fred Castonguay its new Group Chief Operating Officer. The appointment marks an important step in reiterating Gulftainer’s ambitions to strengthen its growing ports and logistics portfolio across the globe.
Peter Richards, Group Chief Executive Officer at Gulftainer, said: “We are pleased to welcome Fred Castonguay on board as Group Chief Operating Officer of Gulftainer. His expertise and strengths in terminal operations and leadership will continue to reinforce our global reputation. A seasoned industry veteran with a keen focus on operational excellence, he is well-qualified to join the team to steer Gulftainer into the next phase of strategic expansion.”
“Fred will ensure the team maintains Gulftainer’s quality standards and that we fulfil our commitment to providing best-in-class services to the thriving logistics industry in the markets we currently operate. We also believe his experience will add value to our business development pipeline in target markets, including the Middle East, North America and Africa.”
Over nearly 25 years, Fred Castonguay has held several international positions in terminal operations. Prior to his new role, he was instrumental in driving the growth of Ports America Group as Vice President of Operations, and as President and Chief Operating Officer for Ports America Outer Harbour in Oakland, California.
Fred also served in senior executive positions with major terminal operators in US, China, Hong Kong and South America, where he was responsible for overseeing strategy enhancements, ensuring operational efficiencies, turning around underperforming portfolios, as well as participating in the due diligence process in high-value mergers and acquisitions.
Speaking on his appointment, Fred Castonguay said: “Gulftainer’s operations are at a very compelling stage, given its strong vision for the Middle East region and robust global expansion strategy. I am very excited to help lead the company into its next crucial phase of evolution with a focus on operational excellence.”
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About Gulftainer
Gulftainer is the world’s largest privately owned independent port operator. Established in the emirate of Sharjah in 1976, the rapidly expanding ports and logistics company has built up a strong presence in various parts of the world. Gulftainer won the prestigious 2018 Gold Award for Occupational Health and Safety by UK-based RoSPA Award Scheme, and was also recognised for 'Technology Implementation of the Year' at the Logistics Middle East Awards 2017. In 2016 and 2017, the Seatrade Maritime Awards named Gulftainer the Terminal Operator of the Year in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa region.
In the UAE, the company operates three main ports on behalf of the Sharjah Port Authority – Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT), Khorfakkan Container Terminal (KCT) and Hamriyah Port. Its flagship terminal, KCT, was recognised by the Journal of Commerce as the fastest terminal in the MENA region and the third-fastest in the world.
Outside the UAE, the Gulftainer Group operates and manages ports and logistics businesses in several countries including Iraq (Iraq Container Terminal, Iraq Project Terminal and Umm Qasr Logistics Centre), Pakistan (GTL-MTI), Brazil (Recife Port), Lebanon (Tripoli Container Terminal) and Turkey (Momentum Logistics). In Saudi Arabia, Gulftainer acquired a 51 per cent stake in Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO) in June 2013 and operates the Northern Container Terminal in Jeddah, Jubail Industrial Port and Jubail Commercial Port. Gulftainer is the first and only port management company from the Middle East to operate in the United States. Under a 35-year agreement signed in June 2015, Gulftainer is tasked with managing the Canaveral Cargo Terminal in Florida, USA. In addition, it won a 50-year concession to operate the Port of Wilmington in Delaware, USA in 2018.
Currently handling an annual throughput of 6.4 million TEUs, Gulftainer aims to expand its global portfolio in the next 10 years to triple business volume worldwide to more than 10,000 vessel calls and increase container handling three-fold to 18 million TEUs. For further details, please visit www.gulftainer.com.
For further information, please contact:
Kathryn Bradley
PR and Communications Manager
Gulftainer
Tel: +9716 512 8888
Email: Kbradley@gulftainer.com
Tasneem Riyaz
APCO Worldwide
Tel: +971 52 863 1680
Email: triyaz@apcoworldwide.com
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