Jebel Ali Port Hits Highest Cargo Volume Since 2015—15.5M TEUs Handled

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  • Jebel Ali Port recorded its highest cargo volumes since 2015.
  • 15.5 million TEUs were handled in 2024, up 1 million TEUs from the previous year.
  • Breakbulk cargo surged 23%, reaching 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs).
  • DP World handled a record 88.3 million TEUs globally, an 8.3% increase from 2023.

DP World reports that it has achieved record-breaking trade volumes at Jebel Ali Port in 2024, handling 15.5 million TEUs—its highest container throughput in nearly a decade. This figure represents 18% of DP World’s total global throughput of 88.3 million TEUs, which saw an 8.3% year-on-year increase.

What Drove the Growth?

Breakbulk cargo also experienced significant growth, rising 23% from 2023 to 5.4 million metric tonnes. This marks the second-best breakbulk performance in the past decade. The growth was driven by:

  1. Increased regional demand, especially from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent.
  2. New shipping services that improved global connectivity.
  3. Efficient cargo handling despite challenges like the Red Sea crisis.
  4. Infrastructure investments in renewable energy and industrial development.

Jebel Ali facilitated shipments of wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials, with imports making up 80% of total shipments. Exports were led by sugar, iron, and steel.

Supporting Global Trade & Humanitarian Efforts

Jebel Ali played a key role in global logistics and humanitarian aid, including:

  1. 45,000 MT of wheat flour shipped for humanitarian aid to the Middle East and Africa.
  2. Structural steel exports for an aluminium recycling plant in the US.
  3. Export logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project, handling 60% of structural components.

Jebel Ali Port’s Capacity & Future Outlook

With an annual capacity of 19.4 million TEUs, Jebel Ali features:

  1. 4 terminals
  2. 100+ berths
  3. 25 km of quay length
  4. Dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo

The port’s expansion is set to continue, with the UAE’s planned construction projects valued at $112 billion in 2024, ensuring sustained demand for trade and logistics services.

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Source: DP World