The Russian terminal operator, Global Ports Investments PLC has seen a growth in container volumes during the second quarter and the first half of the year.
The company’s Vostochnaya Stevedoring Company (VSC) terminal had an increase of 23.4%, handling 138,000TEU during the second quarter of 2021. At the same time, First Container Terminal (FCT) of Global Ports handled 164,000TEU, an increase of 8.9% from 2020 Q2.
“VSC container handling growth in the second quarter of 2021 was 23.4% year-on-year with the terminal posting the highest monthly container volumes in its history so far this year, and we see further growth potential to come,” noted CEO of Global Ports Management, Albert Likholet.
In total, the consolidated marine container throughput had a growth of 10% in comparison to the same period of last year, by handling a total of 418,000TEU.
Likholet also talked about Global Port’s decision to gradually cease coal handling at VSC and concentrate on the ports’ core strategic operations of driving container volumes. “In the current environment, it makes strategic sense to prioritise container volumes in the Far East, delivering a lower environmental impact, which has always been at the core of our Group strategy,” he said.
As for the group’s consolidated marine box throughput during the first six months of the year, we see a slight increase of 1.9% in comparison to the corresponding period of 2020, with 789,000TEU to be handled.
In particular, VSC’s throughput for 2021 H1 was 250,000TEU, which represents a year-on-year growth of 17.8%. Additionally, FCT moved 321,000TEU during the first half of the year, presenting no change in comparison to 2020 H1.
