Investment at APM Terminals Algeciras puts it on top of the Med
APM TERMINALS Algeciras, run by Maersk's standalone global port operator, has become the busiest container port on the Mediterranean with a US$73 million investment to upgrade cranes and other infrastructure.
Spain's largest port with an annual throughput of 4.33 million TEU, up 6.6 per cent over 2012, APM Terminals Algeciras is the busiest terminal in the global APM Terminals network.
By equity share, the terminal handled handled 3.29 million TEU last year, accounting for 76 per cent of the port's container throughput, enabling Algeciras to overtake Valencia.
Most APM Terminals Algeciras volume was transshipment cargo for Africa and Latin America.
Four new cranes were delivered last month to APM Terminals Algeciras by Shanghai manufacturer, ZMPC.
"Our ongoing programme of improvements aims to set the standard for operations, safety, sustainability and community outreach," said APM Terminals Algeciras managing director Javier Lancha.
The terminal, which opened in 1986, now generates 3,000 jobs directly, including 300 office staff and 1,900 dockers handling 40 vessel calls per week.
Customers include Maersk Line, CMA-CGM, DAL, Mediterranean Shipping, Mitsui-OSK and United Arab Shipping Line - which also has six 18,000-TEU capacity vessels on order.
The terminal has also introduced 102 new, advanced fuel-efficient trucks that reduce diesel consumption by 12 per cent while reducing CO2 emissions by 12 per cent.
