DP World, a unit of debt-laden conglomerate Dubai World, has reported a 15% increase in Q1 gross container volumes to 11.2 million teu.

The company, which operates 49 terminals worldwide, attributed the growth to its marine operations in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Last month, DP World reported a 46% drop in 2009 profits.

In 2009 the company’s consolidated throughput declined by 8%, handling 25.6 million teu.

Total revenues for 2009 fell 14% to $2.8bn on pricing pressure and volume decline.