Global marine terminal operator DP World has won the coveted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award at the Lloyd’s List Global Awards 2011 in London. 

The biggest names in international shipping gathered for the gala ceremony to acknowledge outstanding achievements in the industry. 

The judges cited DP World’s initiatives aimed at developing port communities and building health infrastructure in many of the countries in which it operates, and its efforts to help find a solution to the problem of piracy. 

In Dubai in April this year, DP World co-convened, along with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first ever public-private counter-piracy conference, highlighting that long term onshore community projects in areas that are prime recruiting grounds for pirates are vital to any comprehensive solution to the problem of maritime piracy. 

During the conference, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, signed a provisional framework agreement to expand a network of community centres or clinics in port communities in East Africa, which includes Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti, Kenya and Mozambique. 

DP World has committed US$400,000 to these initiatives, which are part of the Port Communities Livelihood and Security Initiative (PCLSI), a collaboration of industry-backed projects addressing critical human and infrastructure needs in and around the perimeter of ports in Africa, Arabia and South East Asia, particularly in areas affected by, or at risk of becoming havens for, piracy. 

DP World also donated $100,000 to the UN Counter Piracy Trust Fund during the April conference, which was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials from more than 65 governments, the United Nations, and over 120 maritime industry leaders. 

Commenting on the Lloyd’s List CSR Award, HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “We are fundamentally part of the communities in which we operate and we believe strongly in being an active member of those communities. DP World firmly believes that by actively contributing to their welfare and security we could help address the fundamental socio-economic causes behind the problem of piracy. We are pleased and encouraged that our efforts have been recognised, and we remain committed to working towards tangible onshore solutions to make international shipping safer.” 

Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “Along with initiatives designed to enhance the lives of the people in port communities, we have also sought to address the serious issue of piracy, which has devastating effects on the captives and their families and communities as well as threatening peace and security internationally. We are very proud to be recognised with this award and in turn we would like to thank our partners in the various initiatives we have undertaken, and all those who have contributed to this important work.” 

The Lloyd’s List award, one of the most acclaimed shipping industry honours, was accepted on behalf of DP World by Flemming Dalgaard, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Europe and Russia Region.