Ports World

Dubai Finishes Buying P&O

Reports indicate that Dubai Ports World, a state-owned international port operator, cleared its last major hurdle yesterday in acquiring a British company that helps run several U.S. terminals the companies said yesterday. The acquisition of Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co., whose shareholders agreed yesterday to accept Dubai Ports World's offer of 3.9 billion pounds, or $6.8 billion, in cash, would create the world's third-largest port operator, with 51 terminals in 30 countries. It will also give the aggressive Dubai a larger foothold in the booming trade between Asia and the United States. P&O officials have said they expect the company to be run separately out of London and do not expect changes in U.S. operations in New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Baltimore. P&O is the terminal operator and stevedore for container cargo at the Seagirt and Dundalk marine terminals, where it has about 65 employees. The Dubai Ports World's purchase of P&O has not drawn opposition from world regulators or U.S. Homeland Security officials, who have labeled ports as potential terrorist targets. Dubai Ports World, formerly Dubai Ports International, began as the port authority in Dubai. In 1999, it began aggressively buying up other port operations in the Middle East and around the world, Shaerf said.

Another Tanker Explosion Kills One

A January 5 report from Port World stated that an explosion on an oil tanker docked in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong has killed one person and left two others missing.valve-replacement works on the deck. (Source: Port World)

Hearing on National Security and DPW Acquisition

On March 2, the House Armed Services Committee will conduct a Hearing on the national security implications of the Dubai Ports World acquisition of P&O Ports. source: HK Law

Bill Introduced Investigation of Port Facility Acquisition

Representative King (R-NY) introduced the Foreign Investment Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4807) to require an investigation under the Defense Production Act of 1950 of the acquisition by Dubai Ports World of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, and for other purposes. This is a companion bill to S. 2333, introduced earlier by Senator Schumer. source: HK Law

Briefing on DPW acquisition of P&O

The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs received a Briefing from Administration personnel on the Dubai Ports World (DPW) acquisition of the Peninsular & Oriental (P&O) company. Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) issued a Press Release stating that she introduced a resolution calling for a thorough review and Congressional consultation before the transaction could proceed. Source: HK Law

$1B Sought for Port Security

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., called on Congress on March 10 to fund technology that would scan 100 percent of the cargo containers entering America. Menendez wants Congress to add $1 billion to the 2006-07 federal budget to improve scanning technology, help developing countries improve their ability to inspect containers and provide for additional inspectors at U.S. ports. President Bush said Friday that he was troubled by the political storm that forced the reversal of a deal allowing

Mermaid Marine to Merge with P&O Maritime Services

Mermaid Marine Australia Ltd will merge with Dubai Ports World subsidiary P&O Maritime Services Pty Ltd through a share-trading arrangement. Mermaid will issue 221.9 million shares to DP World in return for 100 per cent of the shares in P&O Maritime Services Ltd and P&O Polar Australia Pty Ltd, subject to shareholder approval. The deal will result in DP World owning 60.4 per cent of Mermaid, with existing shareholders holding the remaining 39.4 per cent.

Deep-water Ports Give Region Competitive Edge

Managing new larger-draft ships, key to future growth of Mid East trade - technology and environmental issues also major challenges for region’s ports Senior executives from the region’s largest ports and shipping organisations, including ADPC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company) and DP World, took to the stage today (Tuesday 29 March) at the World Ports and Trade Summit. Tony Douglas, CEO, ADPC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company), joined Dirk Van Den Bosch, Chief Commercial Officer

Jebel Ali Port Wins Scata Award

DP World, UAE Region has been named Shipping Port of the Year for the third time at the prestigious annual Supply Chain and Transport Awards 2010 (SCATA). The award was presented to DP World, UAE Region, at a gala ceremony held at the Grosvenor House on Wednesday, June 2. The event was attended by several hundred supply chain industry leaders. Jebel Ali Port, which previously won the Outstanding Achievement and Port Operator of the Year Awards in 2007 and the Port Operator of the Year

ISS World of Ports Service Meets Growing Demand

ISS World of Ports is responding to the demand for more collaborative marine assurance data with new feedback features, improved accessibility and online mapping tools. With safe operations always at the forefront of tanker operations, the service available at www.iss-worldofports.com provides marine assurance teams with the data to assess whether a vessel matches up with the particular requirements of load, discharge and husbandry port.