DP World Southampton Achieves Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Status

DP World Southampton has recently achieved Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status (Security and Safety Certificate), a recognised industry standard.  The awarding body for this certification is Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The AEO concept is part of an EU wide initiative to tackle terrorism, counterfeiting and fraud and is complementary to DP World Southampton’s ISO 28000 security supply chain management certification.  The terminal’s AEO status will be recognised across all Member States.

Talking about the achievement, Campbell Mason, DP World Southampton, said:

“This certification is a key achievement for DP World Southampton which is beneficial to our customers who move cargo through the terminal.  As an integral part of the international supply chain, we have proven to HMRC that the company is compliant with the necessary criteria as well as trustworthy, safe and secure.”

The introduction of AEO status is the EU response to the need to secure international supply chains and the introduction of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in the USA of which DP World Southampton is a member.

Notes to Editors

1. DP World Southampton is the UK's second largest container terminal.
2. DP World Southampton is a joint venture between DP World (51%) and Associated British Ports (49%).
3. In November 2007, DP World Southampton achieved certification to ISO 28000.
4. DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49¹ terminals and 12 new developments across 31 countries².
5. In 2008, DP World handled more than 46.8 million TEU across its portfolio - an increase of 18% on 2006.

As at February 2009

¹ Two terminals in Algeria will join the portfolio in the first half of 2009
² As of February 2009