DP World clings on to throughput growth

But in a sign of better things to come, second half 2013 volumes were significantly better than the first half recording 3.6% growth.

The improvement was driven, said the operator, by an “improved performance from our Asia Pacific, Australia and UAE terminals, while Europe continues to show signs of stability”.

Group chief executive Mohammed Sharaf said: “Our full year throughput performance is pleasing, particularly given the softer market conditions we experienced in the first half of 2013.

“While the macroeconomic outlook in some regions remains uncertain, we have made an encouraging start to the current year.”