APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Maersk, is set to boost its Middle East logistics capacity by upgrading a key inland hub in the Jordanian port of Aqaba. The upgrade comes as a response to customer demand for more efficient logistics services to and from the Levant region.
Rising demand for imports and exports to Jordan and Iraq has prompted APM Terminals – operator of Aqaba Container Terminal – to boost the supply chain capacity available at facilities managed by its subsidiary, Aqaba Logistics Village.
ALV, located in Aqaba Special Economic Zone, currently offers 13 hectares of logistics capacity including warehousing, a Container Freight Station and fully equipped distribution centre. The new facility, due to open next February, will add an additional 11 hectares suitable for cross-docking, storage, value-added activities and onsite office rentals.
“ALV’s plans will add essential infrastructure to the regional supply chain and generate more efficient cargo support options for the customers of Aqaba Container Terminal,” said Jeppe Jensen, CEO of Aqaba Container Terminal, which handled 872,000 TEU in 2013.
Much of the cargo at Aqaba is on-shipped to Iraq, especially to Anbar province and Greater Baghdad.
“Our Iraq market access will now be the industry’s safest, most economical and most reliable with this upgraded supply chain capacity,” said Sandeep Mehta, Regional Director of APM Terminals Inland Services.
The IMF forecasts 8% annual GDP growth for Iraq and Jordan for the 2014-2018 period.
