PARAMARIBO–Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World world’s second largest harbor terminal operator which owns a stake in a terminal operator at Nieuwe Haven harbor, recently visited the terminals in Suriname. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Suriname for the first time,” he was quoted afterward in a press release. “With operations in the north east, and serving a much wider region, it is one of our strategic operations in South America.”

DP World of Dubai expanded its portfolio to Suriname on the northeast coast of South America in August last year when it acquired a controlling interest in both Integra Port Services (IPS), the company holding a concession for a container and break-bulk terminal within Nieuwe Haven Port; and in Suriname Port Services (SPS), the company that owns a private break-bulk facility upstream from Paramaribo.

Nieuwe Haven terminal handles origin and destination cargo for Suriname. The terminal currently has a container throughput capacity in excess of 100,000 TEU per year, with the potential to double its capacity in accordance with market demand in future.

DP World also operates a separate private terminal near Paramaribo that is focused on handling project cargoes for the mining, oil and forestry sectors, as well as cement cargoes. As the off-shore oil industry develops in Suriname, the importance of this facility is expected to increase.

PARAMARIBO/DUBAI– Dubai’s port firm has bought controlling stakes in two seaport companies in Suriname, extending its presence in South America.

DP World said Wednesday it acquired an interest in Integra Port Services, which controls rights for a cargo terminal in the capital Paramaribo’s Nieuwe Haven Port. The Dubai government-controlled company also bought a stake in Suriname Port Services, cashing in on an expected increase rise in trade volumes in Suriname, the company said in a statement on Wednesday. DP World did not disclose the financial terms for the acquisition of controlling stakes in Integra Port Services (IPS) and Suriname Port Services (SPS), but said it expects to close the transactions in the third quarter.

IPS holds a concession for a container and break-bulk terminal in Nieuwe Haven Port, while SPS owns a private break-bulk facility, both in Paramaribo. IPS is the largest terminal in Nieuwe Haven Port, the statement said.

DP World said it will have a management services agreement for both terminals.

DP World is the world’s third-largest port operator, with operations at 49 cargo terminals on six continents, including the Middle East’s busiest port in Dubai. It is controlled by indebted state conglomerate Dubai World.

The company’s shares since last June began trading on the London Stock Exchange, as the company seeks to attract a wider range of investors. On its home market on the Nasdaq Dubai, shares there were going for $13.55, up 10 cents.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname – Paramaribo’s Nieuwe Haven (New Harbor) terminal claimed high points from the Caribbean Ship-owners Association. Figures published by the trade magazine Caribbean Maritime, show that as far as loading and unloading of container shipments was concerned, the harbor had the best performance in the Caribbean. As recent as 2008, Nieuwe Haven was at 15th place, handling 8.8 containers per hour.

Nieuwe Haven on the left bank of the Suriname river

“This year Paramaribo is at first place with 22,39 containers per berth hour,” NV Havenbeheer -the Harbor Operating Company –Suriname reports in a press release. The company expects that in 2011 Nieuwe Haven will outdo even the 2010 performance, and expand its lead on other harbors.

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