UAE-based port operator, Gulftainer, has reported that its container terminals in Sharjah and Khorfakkan are continuing to perform well following creditable and remarkable increases in volume in 2009, despite the global economic downturn.

According to the port operator, its terminals are increasingly becoming the ‘sensible choices’ for many consignees and shippers – not only in Sharjah, but in the Northern Emirates and Dubai too.

Reacting to this buoyancy, the world’s largest shipping line, Maersk, has scheduled its East Africa/Gulf service, Masiika Express, to call at Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT) weekly. This gives SCT a regular, direct weekly call to and from the East African ports of Dar es Salaam and Mombasa, providing even more options for the substantial numbers of African exporters and importers in the region.

Paul Hennessy, Gulftainer’s SCT manager, was present to welcome the 2500 teu/27,000 GRT Er Lubeck.

“We have had a long and cordial relationship with Maersk, and their partner Safmarine, at SCT. Therefore, it is particularly pleasing to welcome the new Masiika Express service as it reflects the confidence they have both in us and the volumes of business moving to and from East Africa,” he said.

“Sharjah is already a major centre for trade to and from Africa, and this additional service through the SCT gateway provides another step forward for Gulftainer in a year that is already proving to be stronger than 2009.”