Global Port Operators: A Comprehensive Overview

Global port operators are companies that provide a wide range of services related to port operations, including terminal management, cargo handling, logistics, and freight forwarding. These operators are critical components of the global shipping industry, as they play a vital role in facilitating international trade and commerce.

Here is an overview of some of the leading global port operators in the world :

PSA International

PSA International is a Singapore-based port operator that was founded in 1964. The company operates 60 ports in 26 countries and handled 85 million TEUs of cargo in 2020. PSA International's anchor clients include COSCO, MSC, Maersk Line and Evergreen Line. With the launch of Tuas Terminal in 2022, PSA laid a claim to regain the global container terminal busiest port from Shanghai very soon

2. Hutchison Ports

Hutchison Ports is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings, a multinational conglomerate based in Hong Kong. The company operates 52 ports in 27 countries and handled 81 million TEUs of cargo in 2020. Some of Hutchison Ports' anchor clients include Maersk Line, MSC, CMA CGM, and COSCO Shipping. Hutchison has a presence in Malaysia via their 20% stake at Westports Malaysia Holdings

3. DP World

DP World is a Dubai-based port operator that was founded in 2005. The company operates 123 terminals in 61 countries and manages a total of 78 million TEUs of containerized cargo each year. DP World's anchor clients include major shipping lines such as Maersk Line, MSC, and CMA CGM, as well as global logistics providers such as DHL and Kuehne+Nagel.

There was quite an uproar when DP World acquired P&O Ports which include 6 terminals in USA due to national security. This was just 5 years after Sept 11 tragedy. The deal did not went through and DP World eventually offloads those 6 ports to STEVEDORING SERVICES OF AMERICA

DP World still have 4 terminals in Canada at Prince Rupert Port, Vancouver Terminals, Fairview Terminals and Prince George Bulk Terminal in British Columbia. For the record, ZERO attack or false alarm reported on America from these 4 terminals in Canada since.

4. APM Terminals

APM Terminals is a subsidiary of Maersk Group, one of the world's largest shipping companies. The company was founded in 2001 and operates 75 ports in 58 countries around the world. In 2020, APM Terminals handled 39 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of cargo, making it one of the largest port operators in the world. Some of the company's anchor clients include Maersk Line, MSC and Hapag-Lloyd. APM Terminals has a 30% stake in Ports of Tg. Pelepas. One of the leading ports in the world in term of productivity and growth.

5. COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited

COSCO Shipping Ports is a subsidiary of COSCO Shipping, a Chinese shipping company. The company operates 37 ports in 18 countries and handled 132 million TEUs of cargo in 2020, making it one of the largest port operators in the world. Some of COSCO Shipping Ports' anchor clients include Maersk Line, MSC, CMA CGM, and Evergreen Line.

It is interesting to note, COSCO owns and operates several terminals at the Port of Singapore, which is one of the busiest and most advanced ports in the world.

6. International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is the 2nd global port operator from ASEAN based in the Philippines. The company was founded in 1988 and operates 34 terminals in 20 countries. In 2020, ICTSI handled 10.8 million TEUs of cargo. The company's anchor clients include major shipping lines such as Maersk Line, MSC, CMA CGM, and Hapag-Lloyd. ICTSI is publicly listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and is majority-owned by the company's founder and chairman, Enrique Razon Jr.

In a nutshell,

Global port operators are essential components of the international shipping industry, providing critical services related to port operations, cargo handling, and logistics. These are some of the leading port operators in the world, with extensive global networks, large cargo volumes, and anchor clients that include some of the world's largest shipping lines and logistics providers.

The followings are some notable mentions, Shanghai International Ports Group, Terminal Investment Limited , EUROGATE Group China Merchant Ports, and CMA CGM-PSA LION TERMINAL

In the recent announcement by the Malaysian Government to launch Pulau Carey Terminal aka Port Klang 3rd Terminal, will some of the above global port operators be allowed to bid for the job or this is only open for the local Malaysian port operators?