DP World

DP World (Dubai Ports World) is the "Dubai firm that won Bush administration backing to run six U.S. ports." DP World gained the administration's "blessing" of its "purchase of Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation, which currently runs those ports," and "sparked a firestorm of opposition on Capitol Hill." [1][2]

Background

"In January 2005 DPI transformed its network with the strategic acquisition of CSX World Terminals (CSX WT), the international terminal business of CSX Corporation, renaming itself DP World to reflect the change. This acquisition gave DPI a strong presence in Asia with major operations in Hong Kong and China as well as operations in Australia, Germany, Dominican Republic and Venezuela. Importantly for the future development and expansion of its network, DPI also acquired CSX WT’s strong project pipeline." [3]

DP World is "a leading global port operator with a portfolio of operations in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East" with "company has 22 container terminals in 15 countries," according to the company's website.

"DP World is the result of the integration of Dubai Ports Authority ('DPA') and DPI Terminals ('DPI') in September 2005. This new entity continues the tremendous success of the DPA and DPI businesses, which have been at the forefront of Dubai's extraordinary transformation into one of the world's leading trade and commerce hubs.

"DP World manages the commercial and operational aspects of the port network, formerly developed and managed by DPA and DPI.

"In 2005, the terminals operated by DP World handled an estimated 13 million TEU which include ports on five continents from the Americas to Asia."

"On 29 November 2005, DP World announced the terms of a recommended cash offer to acquire all of the issued and to be issued Deferred Stock of the P&O Group. When completed, this deal will make DP World a top three global port operator.

"DP World also has interests in logistics businesses in Hong Kong and China, notably ATL, the market leading logistics operator based at Kwai Chung, Hong Kong."

• Chart: Management Structure.
• Map: Terminal Facilities.

Controversies

"The United Arab Emirates (UAE), under new leadership upon the November 2, 2004 death of its president, Shaykh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nuhayyan, has undergone a smooth transition, but it remains weak militarily and surrounded by several powerful and ambitious neighbors. Political reform has been minimal, but its relatively open economy and borders, particularly in the emirate of Dubai, have caused problems in proliferation, terrorism, and human trafficking. In March 2005, the United States opened negotiations with UAE on a free trade agreement (FTA)." --"The United Arab Emirates (UAE): Issues for U.S. Policy," Congressional Research Service, Updated May 9, 2005. See Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA). Note: emphasis added.

"Dubai was also an important base for the 9/11 plotters, and as one of the seven tiny states that make up the United Arab Emirates, it does not recognize Israel," Corky Siemaszko wrote in the February 21, 2006, New York Daily News.

Contact Information

General Switchboard: :+971 4 881 1110
Email: info AT dpworld.com
Website: http://www.dpiterminals.com/

Lobbyists and PR Consultants for DP World

• Albright Group
• Alston & Bird
• Bell Pottinger
• Clark & Weinstock
• Downey McGrath Group

Related SourceWatch Resources

• Dubai International Capital LLC
• homeland security
• Mansoor Ijaz (opinion)

External Links

Websites

• Dubai Government website.
• P&O Ferries website.

Timelines

• "Timeline of events in proposed ports deal," Associated Press (International Herald Tribune), February 28, 2006.

2005

• "P&O 'preliminary' takeover talks," BBC, October 30, 2005.
• "P&O jumps on hope of bidding war," BBC, October 31, 2005.
• "P&O agrees bid from Dubai Ports," BBC, November 29, 2005.
• "Bid talk sends P&O shares higher," BBC, December 2, 2005.

2006

• Press Release: "DP World Executive Nominated for Prestigious US Govt Position," DP World, January 24, 2006: "Global ports operator DP World today welcomed news that one of its senior executives, Dave Sanborn, has been nominated by US President George W. Bush to serve as Maritime Administrator a key transportation appointment reporting directly to Norman Mineta the Secretary of Transportation and Cabinet Member."
• "Dubai firm raises stake for P&O," BBC, January 26, 2006.
• "Dubai Ports World wins $6.8 billion P&O bidding war," Trade Arabia, February 10, 2006.
• "P&O shareholders back Dubai bid," BBC, February 13, 2006.
• Sharon Kehnemui Liss, "Lawmakers Urge Greater Review of UAE Firm's Deal to Run Six U.S. Ports," Fox News, February 16, 2006.
• Judd Legum, "Administration Outsources Operations Of Six U.S. Ports To The United Arab Emirates," Think Progress, February 17, 2006.
• Emad Mekay, "U.S. Free Traders Retreat on UAE Ports Deal," Inter Press Service, February 18, 2006.
• Tony Karon with Douglas Waller, "Who's Behind the Dubai Company in U.S. Harbors? Middle Eastern ownership has stirred controversy, but U.S. security procedures may be the bigger issue," TIME, February 20, 2006.
• "P&O confident of Dubai takeover," BBC, February 20, 2006.
• Audrey Hudson, "Congressmen threaten probe of U.S. seaports deal," Washington Times, February 20, 2006.
• "US lawmakers criticise ports deal," BBC, February 21, 2006.
• Press Release: "President Discusses Port Security," White House, February 21, 2006.
• Ted Bridis, "Bush Shrugs Off Objections to Port Deal," Associated Press, February 21, 2006.
• Will Lester, "Frist to Offer Bill Halting U.S. Port Deal," Associated Press, February 21, 2006.
• "Grassley Questions UAE Ports Deal, Potential Impact on National, Trade Security," Sen. Chuck Grassley, February 21, 2006.
• Press Release: Senators Collins, Lieberman, Coleman and Levin Express Concern Over Sale of U.S. Port Operations to Dubai-Controlled Company," Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, February 21, 2006.
• Michael McAuliff, "W aides' biz ties to Arab firm," New York Daily News, February 21, 2006. re John Snow and David Sanborn
• Corky Siemaszko, "Dubai-ous ports deal," New York Daily News, February 21, 2006.
• Ivan Eland, "Dubai Ports World: Commercial Racial Profiling," AntiWar.com, February 21, 2006.
• Ted Bridis, "Arab Co., White House Had Secret Agreement," Associated Press, February 22, 2006.
• Jim VandeHei and Jonathan Weisman, "Bush Threatens Veto Against Bid To Stop Port Deal. State-Run Arab Firm Poses No Threat, President Says Amid Bipartisan Criticism," Washington Post, February 22, 2006.
• Ted Bridis, "Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval," Associated Press, February 22, 2006.
• Tom Raum, "Bush Port Defiance Fuels Bipartisan Anger," Associated Press, February 22, 2006.
• David E. Sanger and Eric Lipton, "Bush Would Veto Any Bill Halting Dubai Port Deal," New York Times, February 22, 2006.
• "Bush, Congress clash over ports sale. Lawmakers want to halt UAE takeover; Bush threatens veto," CNN, February 22, 2006.
• Press Release: Fact Sheet: "Securing U.S. Ports," Department of Homeland Security, February 22, 2006.
• White House Press Briefing with Scott McClellan (re port decision), February 22, 2006.
• Elana Schor, "Showdown over ports," The Hill, February 22, 2006.
• "White House: Port deal should have gone to Congress earlier. UAE firm hires Dole to lobby amid bipartisan concern about takeover," CNN, February 22, 2006.
• David E. Sanger, "Big Problem, Dubai Deal or Not," New York Times, February 23, 2006.
• James P. Pinkerton, "Bush won't fight ports deal. President's 'different standard' spin doesn't fly; U.K. looks sterling, UAE looks unfriendly," Newsday, February 23, 2006.
• "Kaptur Calls for Special Congressional Hearings and Treasury Inspector General to Investigate Dubai Deal to Manage U.S. Ports," Rep. Marcy Kaptur, February 23, 2006.
• "Top Homeland Security Democrat Calls for GAO Investigation into Dubai Port Management Approval," Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, February 23, 2006.
• Pamela Hess, "UAE terminal takeover extends to 21 ports," UPI, February 24, 2006. "A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal operations in 21 American ports, far more than the six widely reported." Note: emphasis added.
• David S. Cloud and David E. Sanger, "Dubai Company Delays New Role at Six U.S. Ports," New York Times, February 24, 2006.
• Patrick McGeehan, "Port Agency to Break Lease in Bid to Block Dubai Sale," New York Times, February 24, 2006.
• Donna de la Cruz, "Bush Admin. Won't Reconsider Ports Deal," Associated Press, February 24, 2006.
• Jeffrey Gold, "Port Authority Sues to Block Arab Company," Associated Press, February 24, 2006.
• "Arab firm to delay US ports deal," BBC, February 24, 2006.
• ODWYERPR.COM, "C&W Vouches for DPW," February 24, 2006.
• Press Release: "CFIUS and the Protection of the National Security in the Dubai Ports World Bid for Port Operations. History of the Dubai Ports World proposed acquisition of P&O," Department of the Treasury, February 24, 2006.
• "Ports company will delay takeover. Firm says it will work with White House, Congress on issues," CNN, February 24, 2006.
• Ted Bridis, "Homeland Security Objected to Ports Deal," Associated Press, February 25, 2006.
• Ted Bridis, "Bush Accepts DP World's Offer of Review," Associated Press, February 26, 2006.
• "DP World faces fresh P&O legal challenge; vows to press on - reports," AFX News Limited (Forbes), February 26, 2006.
• Edward Simpkins and Sylvia Pfeifer, "Dubai Ports presses on with P&O plan despite lawsuits," The Standard (Hong Kong), February 27, 2006: "Dubai Ports World has insisted it will press on with its 3.9 billion (HK$52.82 billion) purchase of Britain's Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation despite three new court cases seeking to derail the deal following a political storm in the United States."
• Lila Rajiva, "Double Standards on Foreign Owners: Amdocs vs. DP World," CounterPunch, February 27, 2006.
• Liz Sidoti, "Paper: Coast Guard Has Port Co. Intel Gaps," Associated Press, February 27, 2006. See unclassified text: "U.S. Coast Guard Intelligence Concerns Over How DP World’s Proposed Purchase of P&O Could Affect U.S. Port Security" posted by FindLaw.
• Press Release: "Senator Collins Introduces Resolution Calling for Thorough Review, Congressional Consultation Before Dubai Ports World Deal Could Proceed," Sen. Susan Collins, February 27, 2006.
• "Lou Dobbs told to Shut up!" Crooks and Liars, February 27, 2006. QT and WMP video links provided.
• "British Court hears challenge to Dubai Ports takeover bid," Monsters and Critics, February 27, 2006.
• "High Court asked to stop P&O bid," BBC, February 27, 2006.
• "P&O asks court to throw out objection to Dubai Ports bid," AFX News Limited (Forbes), February 27, 2006.
• Frank Gaffney, "Bait and Switch. The delay for a review of the port deal is just a diversionary tactic," National Review Online, February 27, 2006.
• "Miami firm behind Arab ports deal flap," Monsters and Critics, February 28, 2006: "Eller & Co., which runs the Port of Miami in partnership with Britain`s Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. filed lawsuits in London and Miami against Dubai Ports World`s buyout of P&O ... Eller`s campaign included a lobbying blitz on Capitol Hill that has produced a groundswell of Democratic Party opposition to the deal."
• Peter Klinger, "Court takes P&O partner to task," Times Online (UK), February 28, 2006.
• Jonathan Weisman, "Coast Guard Saw 'Intelligence Gaps' on Ports," Washington Post, February 28, 2006.
• Liz Sidoti,"Update 16: Coast Guard Worries Reanimate Ports Debate," Associated Press (Forbes), February 28, 2006.
• Judd Legum, "BREAKING: Dubai Ports World Boycotts Israel," Think Progress, February 28, 2006.
• Press Release: "Increased recommended cash offer by DP World for The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company ('P&O')," DP World, February 28, 2006.
• Caren Bohan and Susan Cornwell, "UPDATE 1-Amid dispute, Bush still backs Dubai ports deal," Reuters, February 28, 2006.
• Richard Cohen, "Bush, Speaking Up Against Bigotry," Washington Post, February 28, 2006.
• "Wash. Post's Cohen repeated Bush falsehood in alleging ports deal xenophobia," Media Matters for America, February 28, 2006.
• "Spy chief calls threat from port deal low. Coast Guard initially raised issue of 'intelligence gaps' in review," CNN, February 28, 2006. re John D. Negroponte
• "New Information Fuels Criticism of UAE Port Deal," Voice of America, February 28, 2006.
• Carl Hulse and David E. Sanger, "Coast Guard Concerns Settled Before Port Deal, Official Says," New York Times, February 28, 2006.
• Douglas Waller, "Why Port Insecurity Starts Abroad. Critics say cargo intelligence overseas must improve, but big business resists," TIME, February 28, 2006.
• "Port deal cannot be undone, DP World tells US Congress," AFX News Limited (Forbes), February 28, 2006.
• "UK court delays verdict on P&O takeover by DP World to Thursday," AFX News Limited, February 28, 2006.
• William Rivers Pitt, "The Boomerang," truthout, February 28, 2006: "When a president spends every day of five years terrorizing his own people about potential attacks from west Asia, frightening them on an hourly basis for no other reason than that it makes the populace easier to govern, a degree of anti-Arab racism is bound to flower. ... In short, the administration bought this scandal with five years' worth of hard propaganda work. Observed from a distance, it should not surprise anyone that this issue has blown up on them. It is a wonder, frankly, that the administration didn't see this coming. They didn't and here we are."
• Judd Legum, "BREAKING: Al-Qaeda Infiltrated UAE Government, According To 2002 Letter," Think Progress, March 1, 2006.
• Jeff Bliss, "US port sale 'was truly flawed'," New Zealand Herald, March 1, 2006.
• Joel Connelly, "Holes in port security can cost us dearly," Seattle Post-Intelligencer, March 1, 2006.
• Andrea Stone and Mimi Hall, "U.S. executive in ports deal says company is no threat," USA Today, March 1, 2006.
• Marianne Means, Opinion: "Bush's Port Deal: 'Trust us' refrain has worn thin," Hearst Newspapers (Seattle Post-Intelligencer), March 1, 2006.
• "DP World will not replace managers in US: paper," Reuters (London), March 1, 2006.
• Carl Hulse, "Senators question Dubai firm's stance on Israel boycott," New York Times (San Francisco Chronicle), March 1, 2006.
• Sens. Hillary Clinton and Robert Menendez, Opinion: "They're American ports," New York Daily News, March 1, 2006.
• William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn, "Cancel This Deal, Diplomatically. The Dubai Ports World deal can’t work," National Review Online, March 1, 2006.
• "Lawmaker: Port deal never probed for terror ties. Coast Guard official says ports 'far more secure now'," CNN, March 1, 2006.
• Georgia10, "DP World Plays Dirty In Port Deal," Political Cortex, March 1, 2006.
• Tom Ball, "DP World Debacle: Why? Follow the money!" Political Cortex, March 1, 2006.
• David Corn, "Posturing Over Ports," Tom Paine, March 2, 2006.
• Nathan Guttman, "JPost article center of US ports battle," Jerusalem Post, March 2, 2006.
• Dan Robinson, "Bush Administration Faces More Tough Questions Over Port Management Deal," Voice of America, March 2, 2006.
• "UPDATE 1-UK judge allows DP World bid for P&O to proceed," Reuters, March 2, 2006.
• Liz Sidoti, "Update 8: Republican Will Try to Squash Ports Deal," Associated Press (Forbes), March 2, 2006.
• "Ports deal to close by Monday: official," Reuters (ABC News), March 2, 2006: "Dubai Ports World's $6.85 billion acquisition of Britain's P&O will close on Friday or Monday, despite an additional 45-day review by the U.S. government in response to security concerns," Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt told a Senate panel.
• "Ports deal review awaits new filing by DP World," Reuters (Khaleej Times), March 3, 2006.
• Jonathan Weisman, "Panel Chairman to Fight Port Deal. Hunter Also Vows to Block Purchase by 2nd Dubai Firm," Washington Post (Seattle Times), March 3, 2006.