Gulf News reported that South America's largest and most modern cruise terminal, Quinquela Martin developed and operated by global port operator DP World was inaugurated this week by Ms Cristina Fernández de Kirchner president of Argentina.
The ultra modern cruise terminal complex located in DP World's Terminales Rio de la Plata covers 12,300 square meters and has a capacity to handle 600,000 passengers a year. The cruise terminal has can berth four 300 meters cruise ships at the same time. During the current season, 135 vessels have called at the terminal bringing more than 365,000 tourists a record for Buenos Aires.
Mr Sultan Ahmad Bin Sul ayem chairman of DP World said that "We thank the President, Her Excellency Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for inaugurating the expanded new cruise terminal.
He said that Terminales Rio de la Plata is one of our busiest facilities in the region, and the new cruise terminal will add further strength to our operations here. DP World is privileged to play a role in contributing to the growth of tourism and trade in Argentina.
The new terminal building consists of two levels and includes an air conditioned waiting area with a capacity for 2,000 people and a vast carousel area that can accommodate more than 12,000 pieces of luggage.
Two new passenger check in facilities have created 100 new jobs in line with DP World's policy of delivering benefits to the local community. Terminales Rio de la Plata located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires is the largest container terminal in Argentina. It also handles general cargo and cruise vessels. The terminal services deep-sea vessels from Europe, Asia and North America as well as feeders to both the east and west coasts of South America and barges up river to Rosario.
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminals and nine new developments and major expansions in 31 countries. Its experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world.
In 2010, DP World handled around 50 million TEU across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 92 million TEU by 2020.
(Sourced from Gulf News)
