Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) – the Kingdom’s primary connecting hub to the international shipping lanes of the Red Sea and beyond – announced that the terminal has succeeded in implementing a new collective bargaining agreement, through which it will conduct non-stop container and ship handling operations 24/7, with the objective of bolstering the terminal’s productivity, to reduce spent in ACT of traders and ships.
This accomplishment comes in response to the proliferating demand for high quality maritime shipping services such as those provided by ACT, in addition to the terminal’s growth strategy which aims to reinforce its position as an ideal gateway to the region. The terminal had conducted a field study identifying these to be top priorities for the users of ACT.
“Ever since we were handed over the management of ACT, our prime objective has been to transform it into a preferred regional connecting hub servicing global shipping lanes,” said ACT’s CEO Klaus Laursen. “This is the vision that our strategy is working towards. We are uncompromising in our commitment to meet the needs of our stakeholders, many of whom operate on fixed schedules that require expedited processing around the clock. We are confident that this will strengthen Aqaba’s position as a preferred commercial hub, and improve the business for our customers and the Jordanian supply chain."
Klaus added that the new operational schedule, which was outlined in close collaboration with the Labor Union (LU), paid particular attention to local customs and traditions and the respect for workers rights.
Furthermore, he commented the foresight of the labour union in understanding and supporting the needs of our customers and the Jordanian supply chain, which allowed ACT to reward the workforce in return with a new collective bargaining agreement
ACT is a joint venture between the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and APM Terminals, the leading global provider of advanced logistical services, operating under a 25-year agreement signed in 2006. Under the contract, APM Terminals operates, manages and markets the terminal. The terminal is committed to providing its clients with high quality services bundled with various facilitations, in addition to implementing a series of upgrades and expansion plans to its berth and facilities.
