- DP World expanded Jeddah’s South Container Terminal from 1.8 million to 4 million TEUs, with a future goal of 5 million TEUs.
- Advanced automation, AI, and IoT improve cargo handling, reducing gate transaction times to 10 seconds.
- Green initiatives target 50% CO₂ reduction, and the Jeddah Logistics Park will enhance trade connectivity by Q2 2026.
DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have officially inaugurated the upgraded South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SAR 3 billion ($800 million) modernisation and expansion programme. The three-year project has transformed the terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable facilities, more than doubling its handling capacity to 4 million TEUs, with plans to reach 5 million TEUs as demand increases.
His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the significance of the project:
“Today marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. This expansion builds on our 25-year legacy in Jeddah and reinforces our commitment to driving trade growth in the region. With this modernized terminal, we are enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain resilience, and creating new trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for decades to come.”
Strengthening Jeddah’s Role as a Global Trade Hub
Jeddah Islamic Port has played a crucial role in regional trade since DP World’s first concession outside the UAE in 1999. The expansion is part of a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, reinforcing Jeddah’s strategic position as a key trade gateway while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of increasing trade connectivity and economic diversification.
The official inauguration was attended by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, alongside DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World GCC CEO Abdulla Bin Damithan, and senior representatives from DP World, Mawani, and government entities.
Advanced Technology and Sustainability Initiatives
The modernized terminal integrates cutting-edge automation and digitalization to enhance efficiency and cargo handling capabilities. Smart systems have reduced gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds, supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered tallying for precise record-keeping.
To further improve operations, automated and electrified yard cranes have been deployed, and the number of quay cranes will increase from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, reaching 22 as the terminal scales up to 5 million TEUs.
With the rising demand for perishable cargo, the terminal has expanded its refrigerated container (reefer) capacity from 1,200 to 2,340, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments. A state-of-the-art reefer inspection facility is also being developed, capable of handling up to 75 containers simultaneously—the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia.
Spanning a 2,150-metre quay length, the terminal features a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Commitment to Sustainable Operations
In alignment with DP World’s global sustainability strategy, several green initiatives have been implemented to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% over the next five years. These measures include:
- Electrification of yard cranes and trucks
- Solar panel installations and exploration of floating solar platforms
- Green building designs and water recycling systems
These efforts will significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and establish the Jeddah terminal as a model for sustainable port operations.
Integration with Jeddah Logistics Park
Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000-square-metre Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated logistics facility in Saudi Arabia. Offering state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution, and freight-forwarding services, the park will further strengthen Jeddah’s role as a major trade hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrated with the terminal, the logistics park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance supply chain efficiency and is set to be completed by Q2 2026.
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Source: DP World
