Ruppersberger is Pleased with Dubai Sale of U.S. Port Operations to US Company

Dubai Ports World Announces Sale of Operations to AIG

(Baltimore, MD)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) is pleased with the announcement by Dubai Ports World that it will sell its day to day port operations at six major ports including the Port of Baltimore to AIG Global Investment Group, an American company.  AIG will operate the terminal and manage the unloading and loading of containers at the Seagirt and Dundalk Marine Terminals.  The company currently employs about 65 employees.  In February, Congressman Ruppersberger expressed concern about Dubai Ports World, a foreign government owned company in the United Arab Emirates, taking over US port operations. 

“I have strong reservations about allowing a company owned by a foreign government to run critical operations at our nation’s ports – including the Port of Baltimore.  Baltimore’s Port is one of the state’s biggest economic engines.  I put the safety and security of Maryland families first.  I am pleased this issue has been resolved and port operations at the Port of Baltimore will now be run by an American company,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD). 

In February, DP World took over facilities at six major ports including Baltimore, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, and New Orleans when it acquired Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P &O) of London, England, for a reported $6.8 million.  The Bush Administration approved the deal.  After controversy erupted close to the proposed sale date, DP World agreed to hold the port operations separately until a suitable buyer could be found. 

Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger is a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and is a co-chair of the Congressional Port Security Caucus.  He visited the United Arab Emirates, toured the Port of Dubai, and met with the Port’s Chairman in March. 

The Port of Baltimore is in the Maryland 2nd Congressional District.

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