Ports operator DP World , a unit of debt-laden conglomerate Dubai World, reported a rise in first-quarter container volumes and forecast improved earnings this year partly on cost cuts.

The group also said it remained committed to its plan to list on the London Stock Exchange.

In a statement, DP World said gross container volumes rose 15 percent in the first quarter to 11.2 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a benchmark for transportation, from its operational terminals.

It credited growth in Australia and the Asia Pacific region for the increase.

"The return of volume growth in 2010, combined with cost reduction and efficiency initiatives, will deliver an improvement in results over last year," Mohammed Sharaf, chief executive, said in a statement.

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

Sharaf reiterated that, while the first quarter had shown signs of recovery in container volume growth, it was too early to say if the trend would continue.

The company, which is not included in Dubai World's debt restructuring plan, is one of the largest port operators in the world and is 77 percent owned by state-linked conglomerate. (Reuters)