DP World Becomes Partner in C-TPAT

DP World Ltd., the world’s fourth-biggest port operator, has been certified as a partner in the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism initiative, Bloomberg reported.

The Dubai government-owned company said in a statement it was rolling out the standards throughout its network of 44 terminals across the world.

The validation will provide DP World customers with benefits “including priority clearance of containers,” which will help the efficient flow of goods to market, DP World Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Sharaf said.

C-TPAT is a business-government program run through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security to build relationships that strengthen overall supply chain and border security.

DP World gained six U.S. port terminals in 2006 when it bought London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. for $6.8 billion.

In March 2007 it sold the terminals to American International Group Inc., appeasing U.S. lawmakers who said Dubai’s ownership would jeopardize national security, Bloomberg reported.

DP World is also involved in the U.S. government’s Container Security Initiative, in which customs officers are based at 14 DP World terminals to inspect containers bound for the United States, the statement said.