I am also confident that a large number of our domestic companies, in cooperation with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Serbia, will take part in Expo Dubai 2020. Serbia has a lot to offer and show to the world.
For DP World Novi Sad, as the owner of the port of Novi Sad, this year has been one of great excitement and milestone achievements, but there is still much to be done and a number of challenges that lie ahead, according to the company’s Executive Director, Maja Antolović.
“First of all, we are excited for the start of 2020 Expo Dubai in October, because where our headquarters is based, in the UAE. This is a truly global event taking place over six months and is expected to be the biggest event ever to be held in the Middle East. It will be a huge opportunity for DP World to show its latest achievements and innovative solutions in the field of logistics and transport, industrial parks and supply chain management, on a global stage with the eyes of the whole world firmly fixed on it.
As a proud Dubai born and based company, DP World wants to demonstrate the incredible work it does in all the countries in which it operates. DP Word connects the world, all people and businesses, and DP World Novi Sad connects Novi Sad with Europe and the world.
Expo Dubai 2020 is an opportunity for DP World to showcase its latest achievements and innovative solutions in the field of logistics and transport, industrial parks and supply chain maintenance on a world-wide stage
I am also confident that a large number of our domestic companies, in cooperation with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Serbia, will take part in Expo Dubai 2020. Serbia has a lot to offer and show to the world.
What are the biggest challenges you faced last year and in 2021?
We have faced many challenges, especially those brought about by the pandemic, but we have met them head-on and surpassed expectations with DP World Novi Sad recording its best results since the establishment of the port.
Thanks to good organization and our employees, we handled more than 1.6 million tonnes of goods, invested in a new port crane and fertilizer packaging machine, and we also procured a new pusher ship called Albatross, which increased the work safety and efficiency at the port.
In late May, we completed the renovation of the new passenger terminal on the Danube, in which we invested 500,000 euros, offering another entrance into Novi Sad for passengers and guests who come to this city via the Danube. Now, we must continue the investment cycle worth 35 million euros, not only to maintain our leading position but also to further expand the capacities and efficiency of our port.
DP World Novi Sad plans to implement development projects worth 35 million euros in the coming period. Could you elaborate on that?
What we are planning to do at the Port of Novi Sad this autumn is, first and foremost, the construction of a container terminal for the transport of goods, which DP World is renowned for worldwide.
Along with our container terminal in Novi Sad, we are building a new grain silo because cereals, primarily wheat and corn, are the main commodities which are handled through our port. It is also necessary to extend the vertical quay and to complete the examination of the Danube-Tisa-Danube river canal in our port to check for any possible unexploded ordnance.
Once we finish this work, not only will the port have a completely new modern look, but we will be ready to fulfil the strategic goal of DP World Novi Sad, which is to make the city of Novi Sad and our port the most important point on the entire Danube, because Serbia is and will remain a key market for DP World.
How much have you invested in modernizing your equipment and applying the latest solutions?
I can’t share much of the detail on this yet, but as a world leader in logistics and as a smart trade enabler, DP World is committed to digitalizing its entire business and investing in technology and innovation that will deliver efficiencies of service wherever possible and Novi Sad is part of this strategy.
Our plans include investing a significant part of the 35m euros in technology and state-of-the-art equipment.
You have been involved in the project from the very beginning. Can the Port of Novi Sad become the leading port in Serbia and what needs to be done to make it so?
It is not a question of whether Novi Sad can be one of the largest port in Serbia, because it certainly already is, along with the port of Smedrevo. The challenge is what we can do to grow our presence and importance in Serbia and on the Danube.
We believe strengthening the port of Novi Sad is also strengthening the City of Novi Sad, which will help bring prosperity to the people. DP World has a long and proud record for delivery in this area, therefore we are a company that knows what it’s doing.
Do you have a vision of what Novi Sad will look like in a few years and what role will the Port of Novi Sad play in that?
Novi Sad is flourishing, and I am confident that it will become the largest business, trade and traffic center of Vojvodina and the entire north of Serbia for years to come. The new high-speed railway to Belgrade, which will go to Budapest, further investments in water transport and investments in education, culture and tourist facilities, will strengthen the prestigious rank of Novi Sad. I have no doubt that our port will play a key role in that growth.
Working with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Serbia, we want to establish the Novi Sad – Constanta – Dubai container line. By utilizing the vast logistical experience of DP World, which already manages some of the largest ports in the world, I believe Novi Sad will become a European transport and trade hub.
DP World Novi Sad remains committed to an investment cycle worth 35 million euros, not only to preserve the leading position, but also to further expand the capacity and efficiency of our port
If we can offer one of the easiest, fastest and safest ways to export goods from Europe to the Middle East, further into the American continent and also to the largest European centers, the sky is the limit. We are aiming high because we believe in Novi Sad’s potential.
However, DP Word did not come to Novi Sad just to deal with port affairs. We want to be responsible member of our community. We want the city and its citizens, wherever we can, to take part in environmental, humanitarian, cultural and educational actions that are carried out in Novi Sad, because we and the city live together, we are there for each other.
In the end, we have a slightly more personal question. You were born in Belgrade and you were the youngest participant in the Olympic Games as a member of the Serbian national swimming team. Today, you hold one of the highest positions in a company from the United Arab Emirates.
Yes, you are right about my participation in the Olympic Games in Atlanta when I swam for Serbia. I was barely 16 years old at that time. It was a great experience that determined my life later because I was given a chance as a child to learn that only if you apply strong will, work hard and sacrifice, as well as have help from your team, can you achieve success. There are no shortcuts to that, both in life and in business.