DP World, a Dubai-based Company, controlled by debt-laden Dubai World reported decline in its full year net profit as it handled 8 per cent fewer containers in 2009.

Its throughput declined 6 per cent at its core terminals in Dubai. The company is the first container terminal operator to announce throughput figures for 2009 since the invention of container shipping in 1956.

However, the firm, one of the leading container terminal operators in the World, expressed satisfaction over its performance adding that its position is better than other port operators of the world as it focused on the highly potential emerging economies.

Mohammed Sharaf, DP World's Chief Executive, said its move to shift its focus toward emerging economies turned more resilient for the company. Sharaf, terming last year as very challenging for the port industry, added, "While we have lost some business, we have gained some."

Slow business and commercial activities due to global slowdown dropped the overall port handling capacity of all operators worldwide by 12 per cent to 464m TEU.

DP World's stock market value may surge after listing with London Stock Exchange. Shares of the port operator surged 2 per cent at 54 cents, pushing the valuation of operator to $8.96 billon.