APMT’s ACT – a Public Private Partnership model

The Jordanian government has issued a report showing that the success of privatisation efforts depends on operational structures, transparency of operations, market structure, expenditure, and the monitoring process. Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) was seen as a good example of achievement based on its operational structure, performance monitoring, sustainability and privatisation success.

ACT was deemed a model privatisation venture within its category i.e. ventures based on a build-operate- transfer (BOT) structure that are owned by The Kingdom, but partnered with the private sector in operations and management/administration.

This set-up resulted in improved company performance in both increased productivity and efficiency. Monthly throughput showed a significant increase following privatisation from 405,658 teu in 2006 to 872,809 teu in 2013 with new jobs increasing from 748 to 886 in the same period. Vessels sizes have also increased from 1,000 teu feeder vessels to 7,200 teu main line vessels with more than nine weekly services calling today.