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38 Special Report
The principal gateway for Jordanian container trade
Aqaba Container Terminal
With its strategic location on the map,
Middle East maintains its position as
one of the important players in the
business of moving products for world
trade. And with the growing preference
for containerized shipment due to
volume, cost, and security concerns, the
maritime industry in the region
continues to thrive, placing its countries
on the prime list of players meeting the
demands of the complex supply chain.
And being the primary port linking Iraq
to the rest of the world, Jordan’s Aqaba
Container Termainal (ACT) proves to be
one of main drivers of the continuous
economic boom in the Middle East.
The LINK uncovers more about ACT
and its plans, with an exclusive
interview with its main man, CEO
Patricio Junior.
Kindly give us an idea of the position
of ACT in the Jordanian and
regional economies.
Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) is the
only container terminal in Jordan and
the main entry point for the growing
business of Jordanian importers and
exporters. We are also strategically
located at the crossroads of four
countries and three continents, and an
obvious gateway for the region – not
least Iraq.
At a local level, ACT is not just a very
large employer, but also one of the
corner stones in the development of the
Aqaba Special Economic Zone. We work
closely with Aqaba Development
Corporation to make it a success.
What are the advantages of ACT
compared to its neighbors?
ACT offers a great value proposition.
First of all, our unique strategic location
that is also supported by an excellent
road network to the hinterland
economic centres in Jordan and the
surrounding countries, especially Iraq.
We have also worked hard to ensure
ACT today offers services that are up to
international standards. We are proud
that congestion is a thing of the past,
and now offer berthing on arrival in
fixed berthing windows.
Patricio Junior
CEO , Aqaba Container Terminal
Another advantage comes from our
strategic relationship with APM
Terminals, one the world’s leading
terminal operators. We have undergone
massive positive changes as a direct
result of this relationship. We apply
international best practices, standards
and technologies in our business, and we
offer integrated transportation solutions
coupled with state of the art automated
systems and transparent operations.
Kindly expound on your association
with Aqaba Development Corporation
(ADC).
ADC wanted to partner with an
international operator that could make a
difference for the regional businesses.
Together, we have worked hard to start
with improved operational efficiencies
and customer service to bring it up to
international standards, and now we are
looking at developing further capacity at
the terminal. The plan aims at achieving
an annual capacity of 2.4 million TEU
through three phases, including
expansion of the terminal, acquisition of
new cranes and other equipment, and of
course continued operational developments.
Since APM Terminals took over the
management in 2004, we have
successfully implemented upgrades to
the port and focused on establishing
world-class performance. Vessels now
berth on arrival in guaranteed berthing
windows. Truckers benefit from
streamlined landside operations and
strict safety measures.
The last element has been a strong focus
on our people. We have developed tailormade
development programmes in
Jordan, and we do, of course, participate
in the programmes operated by APM
Terminals globally.
The results have been fantastic! Shipping
lines have long since cancelled the
congestion surcharges that once marred
Jordanian trade, they are again calling
Jordan with direct services. And we have
also received other recognitions – the
renowned Lloyd’s List has, for the the
past two years, nominated ACT as one of
the top three container terminals in the
Middle East and Indian Subcontinent.
Traditionally, ACT has served as the
principal gateway for transit cargoes to
and from Iraq and other regional
markets. Has ACT been able to
capitalise on the Iraq reconstruction
boom?
Yes. Aqaba remains a primary gateway
for cargo moving to Iraq. Currently, the
situation in Iraq means that volumes
have slowed down a bit, but we work
closely with shippers and shipping lines
to ensure we have the best possible
service offerings at all times.
What steps have you taken to increase
the flow from Far East?
At ACT, we work closely with the
shipping lines to facilitate their growth –
Far Eastern volumes increase, and we
support this in many ways. Not least
through offering guaranteed berthing
windows that ensure the main Asia-
Europe liners can run optimally and on
schedule so they can service the Levant
directly and take the opportunities of
"double-dipping."
What challenges do you foresee for ACT?
Our main challenge is to keep the
momentum, and keep moving forward
undeterred. We also want to ensure the
terminal grows so we can always support
the regional growth and broaden our
market appeal to attract further business
to Aqaba.
Supply Chain & Logistics Group | www.sclgme.org