Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately owned terminal operating and logistics company, has won the Port Terminal Operator Award at the Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa Awards 2016.

Iain Rawlinson, group commercial director at Gulftainer, received the award on behalf of the company at a special ceremony held at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.

Rawlinson said: “Gulftainer is proud to be recognized as the best Port Terminal Operator in the region at the 2016 Seatrade Maritime Awards. This distinction is particularly special as it comes at a significant period in global trade, when the industry as a whole is evolving under the influence of fast-changing commercial and technological dynamics. At Gulftainer, we are determined to stay ahead of these trends through effective operational enhancements that keep us a cut above the rest.”

Gulftainer was among five other terminal operators that were nominated for the Port Terminal Operator Award.

The various criteria evaluated by the expert panel of judges included quality, tangible examples of innovation, improved efficiency, profitability and successful investment in port operations. A highly regarded accolade for the shipping industry, the judging panel also factored in evidence of sustained commitment to customer service, cost efficiency and operational leadership, and an outstanding safety and environment record.

Currently in its 14th year, the Seatrade Maritime Awards acknowledges industry best-practices, and convenes the most prominent and senior industry professionals in the shipping and maritime industry to network and share insights.

Flemming Dalgaard, CEO, Gulftainer, said: “The Port Terminal Operator Award from Seatrade Maritime is a prestigious honour that highlights our track-record in delivering quality across all aspects of our operations, and reinforces our commitment to upholding impeccable service and safety standards.

“We consider it a tribute to the efforts of Gulftainer and to our qualified and professional colleagues who work relentlessly to ensure the highest levels of operational efficiency. We have been investing in building our infrastructure and expanding our footprint globally, and this recognition validates our efforts at delivering industry-leading services to our clients across the board.”

Gulftainer’s current portfolio covers its UAE-wide operations in Khorfakkan Port and Port Khalid in Sharjah, as well as at terminals in Iraq. The operator is also engaged in maritime activities at Recife in Brazil, Tripoli in Lebanon, Jeddah and Jubail in Saudi Arabia, as well as Canaveral in Florida, USA.  – TradeArabia News Service