ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has marked a 16 percent increase in vessel movement at its ports, which rose from 19,434 between January and September 2011 to 22,477 in the same period in 2012. The largest increase was for roll-on-roll-off (RORO) traffic, vehicles driven on and off ships either as trucks carrying goods or vehicles being imported for sale within the UAE. Traffic in this area increased by 41 percent over the last year. Other areas of growth between January and September 2012 as compared to the same time period in 2011 included container units, known as TEUs, which grew by four per cent from 537,124 to 559,786 units. Additionally, Cruise liner passenger figures increased by six per cent, up from 107,560 to 113,902. Levels of bulk and general cargo also grew by five per cent, from 6.5 million to 6.8 million tons. Captain Mohamed Al Shamisi, Executive Vice-President, Ports' Unit, ADPC, said: “Port activity is often seen as a bellwether of the general economic climate. These excellent figures reflect the strength of the Abu Dhabi economy with its strong levels of consumer spending. It is great to see our customers placing more business with Abu Dhabi Ports Company following major investments in our new flagship Khalifa Port and other ports as well as Kizad, our industrial zone.” – Agencies
