Port Newark Container Terminal appoints new president

The shareholders of the Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) have appointed Joseph Assante to the position of President, effective November 30.

PNCT is jointly owned by P&O Nedlloyd and P&O Ports.

Assante joins the company from American President Lines, where he has served as Director of North East Operations since 1998, responsible for various operational activities for the region spanning from Maine to Norfolk, VA. Prior to joining APL, Mr. Assante held several positions in the transport sector, including service as Operations Manager for JFK-IAT Terminal 4 at JFK Airport, and Yard Manager and Marine Operations Manager for Maher Terminals in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

“Joe brings an inside knowledge of the industry that will be of great value as PNCT continues its drive to be the best in meeting the requirements of its customers” said Rob Scavone, Regional Director Americas for P&O Ports.

PNCT commenced operations in mid-2000, and is now handling a container volume of over 400,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) per annum.

The company recently took delivery of two new post-panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes, and will receive another two in the first quarter of 2002. The redevelopment of the terminal facility is now well underway, and will be substantially complete by the third quarter of 2002, at which time capacity will be increased to approximately one million TEU per annum.