DP World Expands Jeddah Port With $800 Million High-Tech Terminal

DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have officially opened the South container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.

The SAR 3 Billion ($800 Million) investment has modernised the terminal with cutting-edge technology, increasing its capacity from 1.8 million TEUs to 4 million TEUs. Future expansion plans aim to raise this to 5 million TEUs.

This terminal upgrade is part of a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement.

A special ceremony was held to mark the inauguration, attended by key figures including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; UAE’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohammad Al Nahyan; DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; and Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC.

Senior representatives from DP World, Mawani, government officials, and key customers were also present.

The modernised terminal incorporates the latest automation and digital systems, making operations smoother and more efficient. New smart systems have reduced gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds.

Internet of Things (IOT) enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying have been introduced for accurate record-keeping.

The number of quay cranes at the terminal will increase from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025 and expand to 22 as capacity reaches 5 million TEUs.

Automated and electrified yard cranes have also been introduced to improve operational speed and efficiency.

The terminal has also expanded its capacity to handle temperature-sensitive cargo, such as food and pharmaceuticals. The number of refrigerated container (reefer) slots has grown from 1,200 to 2,340, ensuring optimal storage conditions for perishable goods.

DP World is building a specialised facility for reefer inspections, which will be able to check up to 75 refrigerated containers at once. This will be the largest port-based reefer inspection facility in Saudi Arabia.

The upgraded terminal can now accommodate up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously with a total quay length of 2,150 meters and a deep-water berth of 18 meters.

The company has set a goal to cut carbon emissions at the South Container Terminal by 50% within the next five years. Several sustainability measures are being implemented, including:

• Electrification of yard cranes and trucks
• Installation of solar panels
• Exploration of floating solar platforms
• Green building designs and water recycling systems.

DP World is also developing Jeddah Logistics Park, a 415,000 square meter facility designed to enhance cargo handling and distribution. This will be the largest integrated logistics hub in Saudi Arabia.

The logistics park will offer state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution, and freight forwarding services, and is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026. Integrated with the terminal, it will streamline cargo transfers and improve supply chain efficiency.

Jeddah Islamic Port has been a key trade hub for DP World since it became the company’s first international concession in 1999.

Reference: DP World

Source: Maritime Shipping News