DP World in talks to run first US container port in decades

Dubai’s DP World is in talks to develop and operate a container terminal in the US, its first in two decades.

The negotiation period will focus on terminal design, capacity planning and investment structure, the global ports operator said in a statement.

It would be DP World’s first container terminal development on the US Gulf Coast.

If agreed, DP World will design, build and operate the terminal under a long-term lease. The facility would expand capacity and bolster supply chain connectivity across the Gulf Coast.

Brian Enright, CEO of DP World in the Americas, said the US Gulf Coast is among the most important trade and economic corridors, with the Port of Corpus Christi serving as a major gateway for US energy, agricultural and industrial exports.

Kent Britton, CEO of the Port of Corpus Christi, said entering into negotiations with DP World is an important step in the port’s long-term strategy to expand its capabilities and attract new investment.

DP World’s regional headquarters for the Americas is in Charlotte, North Carolina. As well as operating the South Carolina Gateway Logistics Park, it runs 36 contract logistics centres across the US in California, Florida, Michigan and Texas.

Its freight forwarding network also connects 13 major hubs, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Further reading:

• DP World to expand free trade zone in Dominican Republic
• DP World evaluates stake in Associated British Ports
• DP World replaces chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

The company operates across 12 countries in the Americas through 14 ports and terminals and more than 40 warehouses.

This month DP World said it will invest a further $100 million to expand its logistics and warehousing infrastructure at the Caucedo free trade zone on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.

The company is owned by Dubai World, the state-owned investment company of the Dubai government.