60 thou. TEU at the Gdansk Container Terminal

25.11.2005

Back in 2003, it used to be considered a success that the Gdansk Container Terminal had processed 20 thou. TEU (20-feet containers). Dynamic changes, however, so typical of the Port of Gdansk over the previous three years, have also affected the Gdansk Container Terminal, which was reflected in a constant growth in the container handling. In 2005, the processing rate was expected to reach some 60 thou. TEU, which yet again was to indicate that the estimated capacity of the Terminal had been exceeded. However, the determined policy aimed at building up the customer-friendly port pursued by the Terminal employees, combined with the care of quality standards and timely handling of vessels and cargo, has contributed to the increase in turnover at a rate even higher than previously expected. This brought about the result at 60 thou. TEU that was reached already on November 19 - the 60-thousandth container (calculated as per 20-feet containers) was processed on the vessel "George Mitchell" operating as part of the Kursiu Linija service. This constitutes not only a record-breaking rate of cargo handling, but also the volume achieved nearly a month and a half prior to the year end. Consequently, it is common knowledge already today that the end of the year will carry another all time high result at the Gdansk Container Terminal.

These results have very quickly attested to the legitimacy of the decision taken by the Port of Gdansk Authority SA on modernisation and re-development of the Szczecinskie Quay operated by the Terminal, and the adjacent grounds. The work was commenced towards the end of 2004 and involves a total cost of some PLN 13 million. This investment will afford the Gdansk Container Terminal reaching the throughput capacity in excess of 100 thou. TEU.