DP World Invests $800 Million in Advanced Terminal Expansion at Jeddah Port
Image Credits: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem/X
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.
Image Credits: Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem/X
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
