DP World has posted a 7.4 per cent year-on-year increase in first quarter volumes to 13.8 million TEU across its global portfolio of marine terminals.

"This growth was driven by an excellent performance in our Asia Pacific and Indian subcontinent region which reported 14.6 per cent growth in volumes as new capacity across the region supported strong growth across our Asia Pacific portfolio," said DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

Despite challenges in Europe, Middle East and Africa, this region was 4.4 per cent better in performance in the Middle East and Africa. The Americas and Australia region reported growth of 8.7 per cent driven by a strong performance in the Americas.

Its portfolio of consolidated terminals reported container volumes of 6.6 million TEU. Its five terminals in Australia were on track to show year-on-year 5.9 per cent growth.

Jebel Ali, UAE, continued to deliver volume growth handling 3.2 million TEU in the first three months of the year, 8.5 per cent ahead of the same period 2011.

A focus on faster growing emerging markets and more stable origin and destination (O&D) will continue into 2012, added the statement.