Gulftainer eyes US port opportunities

Mr Jafar told Arabian Business that he initially thought the US was “a saturated market for operators” but later realised “the infrastructure plays and the opportunities there are very exciting.”

He said: “There are two aspects to it. The first is dilapidated infrastructure that is in need of refurbishment and enhancement,” he added. ‘But in some cases, brand new infrastructure is required to connect new population centres together.”

UAE-headquarteredGulftainer, which recently agreed on a 50-year deal to operate the Port of Wilmington Delaware with owner and current operator Diamond State Port Corp. (DSPC), has not confirmed any plans to expand elsewhere in the US, but will actively look for opportunities.

“We’ve been highly encouraged by our experienced there so far,” Mr Jafar said. “We’re excited about the future and as opportunities come about we’re not going to sit on our hands.”

Gulftainer did not respond to Port Strategy’s request for comment by deadline.