The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

DP World has joined forces with Brazilian railway operator Rumo to build a new terminal at the Port of Santos, to handle 12.5 million tonnes a year of grains and fertilisers, positioning the port as Brazil’s primary trade gateway and a key hub for South America.

Rumo estimates the total investment for the construction of this state-of-the-art facility at BRL 2.5 billion (US$500 million), which will be financed through a combination of Rumo’s resources, loans, and potential strategic partnerships.

This is in addition to recent investments in DP World container handling facilities increasing capacity from 1.2 million TEUs to 1.4 million TEUs, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100 metres to 1,300 metres.

Once complete the new terminal will handle 9 million tonnes of grains and 3.5 million tonnes of fertilisers a year. With construction expected to take 30 months, all other services including container handling at Santos will continue, with no impact to container handling operations.

Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country. The collaboration solidifies DP World’s position as the country’s leading multipurpose port operator, capable of simultaneously handling containers, cellulose, grains and fertilisers.

The new terminal marks DP World’s fourth round of investment since operations began in Brazil in 2013. It comes at a crucial time with the port achieving record cargo movements in January, handling 11.9 million tonnes of cargo. Bulk solids, such as sugar and soy, accounted for 5 million tonnes, up 13.9 percent compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Port of Santos.

Commenting on the agreement, Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Rumo on this transformative project, which underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in Brazil’s logistics sector. This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.”

In line with DP World’s global decarbonisation strategy, the new terminal will be equipped with 21 new pieces of equipment, featuring advanced technology to reduce consumption and emissions of polluting gases. DP World began the process of electrifying its Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Santos in 2023.

DP World already invested US$35 million in 2023 to expand and modernise its facilities at the Port of Santos. The terminal currently inhabits 845,000 square metres, with an additional 130,000 square metres available for expansion.

Meanwhile, , the UAE’s national carriers have witnessed significant growth in their destination network. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, they reached approximately 603 destinations worldwide, compared to 586 at the close of 2023.

This 3 percent increase reflects the rebounding aviation sector and caters to the rising demand for travel. The UAE’s position as a preferred global destination for tourism and business is further strengthened by this expansion.

Based on official data from the national carriers obtained by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), these national carriers have consistently outperformed many of their regional and global counterparts. They excel not only in the number of destinations offered but also in terms of operational performance and the quality of services provided to travelers. This success stems from their broad base of experience and proven ability to transform challenges into opportunities. With this track record, they are well-positioned for continued growth, contributing to the overall revival of the UAE’s aviation sector.

For a more detailed breakdown, Emirates Airlines currently leads the pack with 143 destinations. Flydubai follows closely with 129, while Air Arabia boasts an impressive network of 215 destinations. Etihad Airways offers service to 76 destinations, with Air Arabia Abu Dhabi reaching 29 and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi serving approximately 40 destinations. These airlines operate from strategically located operational centres across the UAE, Morocco, Egypt, Armenia, and Pakistan.

Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways has achieved significant growth, reaching approximately 76 destinations by the end of the first quarter of 2024. They have set ambitious goals, aiming to expand to more than 125 destinations by 2030. This growth capitalises on their strategic location connecting Asia and Europe. Furthermore, Etihad aims to increase the number of passengers they serve to over 33 million annually.

WAM