The development and growth of the U.A.E. is highlighted by the cargo volume throughputs in the ports of Sharjah, where container volumes in the first six months of 2008 have surpassed those in the same period last year by over 16%. Growth indeed!!

However, the term "success comes at a price" accurately depicts the results of the tremendous growth of the U.A.E., which indicates no hint of slowing down.Who would have believed that the cost of a gallon of diesel fuel would increase by 300% in two years. No, it's not an exaggeration. In July 2006 a gallon of diesel cost just Dhs. 6.5 at the pumps, in July 2008 a gallon costs Dhs. 19.5. Incredible! Or the price of a tonne of ship bunkers, (fuel), rose from US $250 per tonne to US $630 per tonne in the same period. Frightening!

As we are all aware the cost of fuel in the U.A.E. directly affects the cost of doing business in the U.A.E., as it does anywhere in the world. This, now, is the main reason that shipping lines, consignees and shippers are looking for alternative, more productive and economical gateways to the region. More, now than ever, the pressure is on to source solutions to reduce operating cost.

These solutions can be found in the Emirate of Sharjah, where industrial zones are developed alongside an infrastructure and supply route master plan that will ensure that the domestic and industry growth can be accomplished quietly, smoothly, simply and successfully.

Sharjah - where the informed find their solutions. Sharjah is the solution.

Let Sharjah fuel your success!

Peter Richards
Director & General Manager
Gulftainer Co. Ltd.

Gulftainer Co. Ltd was awarded the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award in the Trade Sector Category for large industrial and commercial organisations at a ceremony in Sharjah this week, patronised by HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

In his acceptance of the award, Mr. Peter Richards, Director and General Manager of Gulftainer Co. Ltd, said, "It is a great honour to be recognised for our efforts in this way, and we are particularly thankful to the Sharjah Government, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Sharjah Port Authority for their support, which is vital to the continued growth of our various activities. I would also like to thank our entire staff for their efforts and dedicated teamwork, without which the successes we have achieved would not be possible.

Our operations at both Khorfakkhan and Sharjah Container Terminals in particular continue to go from strength to strength, as an increasing number of customers recognise the benefits of 'Shipping via Sharjah' and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future - both in the UAE and overseas as the company expands and develops."

The Sharjah Economic Excellence Awards were initiated by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce

and Industry in a bid to recognise and encourage exceptional contributions by private and public sector organisations to the growth and sustainability of the emirate's economy.

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