DP World, Mawani unveil South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port

DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have inaugurated the cutting-edge South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant milestone in DP World’s US$800 million expansion initiative.

This transformative project aims to enhance terminal operations and solidify Saudi Arabia’s status as a premier global trade hub.

Completed over three years, the modernization of the South Container Terminal has positioned it among the most advanced and sustainable container facilities in the region. The upgrade has more than doubled its capacity from 1.8 million TEUs to 4 million TEUs, with a future expansion target of 5 million TEUs as additional ship-to-shore equipment is introduced to meet growing demand.

Since becoming DP World’s first international concession in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a pivotal role in regional trade. This latest expansion, executed under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, reinforces Jeddah’s importance as a strategic trade gateway and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to strengthen trade connectivity and economic diversification.

A formal ceremony was held to commemorate the terminal’s opening, attended by key dignitaries, including Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, DP World Group Chairman and CEO; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; as well as senior representatives from DP World, Mawani, government entities, and major customers.

The upgraded terminal integrates cutting-edge automation and digitalization, significantly improving operational efficiency. Smart technologies have reduced gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds, while Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled cargo tracking and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered tallying systems ensure precise record-keeping.

To further enhance efficiency, automated and electrified yard cranes have been deployed, alongside an expanded fleet of quay cranes, which will increase from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025 and reach 22 as capacity scales up to 5 million TEUs.

In response to the rising demand for perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal has expanded its refrigerated container (reefer) capacity from 1,200 to 2,340 units.

Additionally, DP World is constructing a cutting-edge facility capable of inspecting up to 75 reefers simultaneously—the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

The terminal spans a total quay length of 2,150 metres, featuring a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, enabling it to accommodate up to five ultra-large container vessels at once.

DP World is implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy at the South Container Terminal, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% over the next five years. Initiatives include electrifying yard cranes and trucks, installing solar panels, exploring floating solar platforms, incorporating green building designs, and implementing water recycling systems.

These measures will significantly lower emissions, improve air quality, and position DP World’s Jeddah terminal as a benchmark for sustainable port operations.

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is developing the 415,000-square-metre Jeddah Logistics Park—the largest integrated logistics facility in Saudi Arabia. This state-of-the-art hub will offer advanced warehousing, distribution, and freight-forwarding services, reinforcing Jeddah’s role as a vital trade link between Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Seamlessly integrated with the terminal, the logistics park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance supply chain efficiency, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2026.

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