APM Terminals' CEO Reflects on 2020

The year is coming to its end and it’s fair to say that 2020 has pushed us all to unexpected limits. However, if the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed the way we work, it has also highlighted the importance of collaboration, trust and engagement - so I want to start this message by thanking all our colleagues, customers, vendors and partners for great joint efforts in 2020. We can not only be proud of how much we have accomplished, but above all – that we have accomplished that together!

In 2020 we saw social activity around the world slowing down, however the need for undisrupted cargo flows did not reduce. People still need access to food, medicine, clothes and all other goods that are moved across the globe on container vessels and handled in ports and terminals.

To meet those needs, tens of thousands of people at APM Terminals show up at work every day, pick up their uniforms and protective gears and do their jobs with passion, commitment and enthusiasm. We are exceptionally proud of all these colleagues around the world thanks to whom we “keep the world” running and deliver on our promises to our customers and the society.

2020 has also raised the bar high when it comes to safety standards, not least because of the challenges imposed by the pandemic. But with increased safety protocols in place and strict adherence to our ways of working, we have been able to maintain undisrupted operations in all our facilities and actively support local communities throughout those challenging months.

2020 marked some milestone developments aimed at future growth, like formal steps towards expansion in Poti (Georgia), additional berths in Yokohama (Japan) or a ground-breaking ceremony for the new terminal in Cote d’Ivoire, together with our partners.

We welcomed new shipping lines and their liner services to our terminals, and we continued to upgrade our equipment fleet and increase our operational capabilities around the world with the aim of giving our customers an even better service and experience.

As we reflect on 2020, we also look ahead to 2021, which will mark the 20th anniversary of our company as an independent business under our current name. I am sure it will be an exciting year and we look for it with optimism and excitement!

Morten Engelstoft
CEO, APM Terminals