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APL Secures Terminal Rights at Chiwan Container Terminal -
mutual benefits in long-term agreement -
Chiwan, 08 June 2004 - Neptune Orient Lines' (NOL) global container transportation provider, APL, and Chiwan Container Terminal (CCT) have signed an agreement that will provide mutual benefits for both companies as they meet the needs of the fast-growing container trade out of South China and the Pearl River Delta (PRD). Under the 20-year agreement, APL will gain additional efficiency and berth capability at the western Shenzhen port of Chiwan. CCT, in turn, will benefit from APL's business expansion and container volume growth in western Shenzhen and the PRD. NOL's President and Chief Executive Officer, David Lim, visiting Chiwan today, said that the agreement at this key strategic port in South China would provide APL with greater flexibility to meet the growing needs of customers in the region and manage costs as pressure increases on berth access and rates. APL's business at Chiwan has grown dramatically over the last few years, and particularly in 2003 when it contributed significantly to the strong volume growth reported by CCT. "In order to continue to grow and respond to our customers' needs to ship directly out of the Pearl River Delta area, we need to provide reliable service at a time when terminal capacity is tight and demand is rising," Mr Lim said. "Our long-term relationship with CCT allows us surety of access that will benefit our customers." APL's President for the Greater China Region, Koay Peng Yen, also in Chiwan, said, "We have found CCT to be efficient, productive and committed to excellent service, and we are delighted to be entering into this partnership. This agreement enables APL to respond better to our customers' growing service needs wherever they may be located in South China." Managing Director of CCT, Edgar Zheng, says the agreement is a continued vote of confidence by APL and provides added impetus and support for the development of Chiwan's terminal with a fifth berth. "We are committed to providing APL with world-class services into the future and we will be working closely with them to meet their needs," says Mr Zheng. Mr Lim says the terminal agreement with CCT reflects APL's commitment to continue to enhance and expand its comprehensive service network connecting China with North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. APL offers direct calls to nine ports in China, including the commercial centre of Shanghai, the southern ports that serve the Shenzhen special economic zone and other manufacturing centres in the Guangdong province (including Yantian and Chiwan), and Dalian, Xingang and Qingdao in North China. About NOL Media Enquiries: |
