WAM Dubai, May 16th, 2012 (WAM)--Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, has congratulated the newly-elected President of Senegal, Macky Sall, pledging DP World's would to continue contributing to Senegal's economic growth through DP World Dakar, developed and operated by the global marine terminal operator.

The Chairman, accompanied by Jamal Majid bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, called on the Senegalese President in Dakar on Tuesday, May 14. They also met the new Prime Minister, Abdoul Mbaye and congratulated him on his appointment.

Their talks covered DP World's investments and operations in Senegal and efforts to step up mutual cooperation.

During their visit to the Senegalese capital, Bin Sulayem and Bin Thaniah also toured Terminal a Conteneur, West Africa's largest and most modern container terminal, managed and operated by DP World Dakar.

Four Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and 10 Rubber Tyred Gantries (RTGs) were installed at the terminal recently, completing the upgrading work, which also included a new gate complex and new reefer storage facilities. The terminal was opened to business last November after DP World carried out new expansion work that more than doubled capacity to over 600,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) under a concession agreement signed in 2007.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: "We are extremely honoured to meet His Excellency Macky Sall and congratulate him on his election as President of Senegal. DP World's commitment to Senegal is long term and is driven by the immense economic possibilities in this great country. As the most modern and efficient terminal in western Africa, DP World Dakar acts as a growth engine in a rapidly developing emerging market region. We look forward to building on our excellent relations with the Government of Senegal." For his part, Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, said: "As Africa's favoured first port of call for vessels south-bound from Europe, DP World Dakar occupies an important place as a commercial gateway for both Senegal and the west African hinterland. We remain committed to constantly improve efficiencies at DP World Dakar and offer world class, reliable, value added services to our customers and continue to support the economic growth of this great nation." Since winning the Dakar concession in 2007, DP World has introduced window berthing, where vessels book a specific time they can berth, virtually eliminating waiting time at anchorage. In addition, DP World has reduced truck turnaround time to less than half an hour, and introduced clear tariffs and processes supported by modern technology systems.

WAM/MN