ISC: Ports posted 17% throughput rise in Q1, 2010

In 2009 Israel's maritime gateways handled 979,500 loaded TEUs compared to 1,066,700 loaded TEUs in 2008, a drop of 8%
 
Trade analysis of January – March 2010 published last week by the Israeli Shipper's Council (ISC) show a sharp increase in container movements through Israel's three main maritime gateways, compared to last year's figures.
 
In 2009 Israel's maritime gateways handled 979,500 loaded TEUs compared to 1,066,700 loaded TEUs in 2008, a drop of 8%.
 
According to the figures, the port of Ashdod enjoyed an apparent increase of 7% in 2009. The ISC noted however, that the port of Ashdod actually experienced a drop of 1% in loaded container movement and 72% jump in empty TEUs.
 
The port of Haifa experienced a sharp drop of 11% in TEU movements, from TEU 821,600 in 2008 to TEU 728,000 in 2009.
 
In contrast the Red Sea port of Eilat experienced a rather sharp increase from TEU2000 in 2008 to TEU 5000 in 2009.
 
Israel's container throughput at ports saw a sharp 17% increase year-on-year in the first quarter of this year. During the first three months the ports handled TEU557,000 compared to TEU476,000 in the parallel.
 
The port of Ashdod handled 34% more loaded containers compared to the corresponding period last year. Figures indicate a sharp increase in export – TEU 36,800 compared to TEU 25,400 in the parallel.
 
The port of Haifa handled TEU152,200 in Q1 compared to TEU134,000 in the corresponding period last year.