DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port posts record volumes

DP World achieved a remarkable year for trade in 2024, recording its highest container and breakbulk cargo volumes at Jebel Ali Port since 2015.

The operator’s flagship facility processed 15.5 million TEUs, translating to an increase of 1 million TEUs compared to the previous year. This represents the highest container throughput in nearly a decade, solidifying Jebel Ali’s status as the region’s premier trade and logistics hub, despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

The figure accounts for nearly 18% of DP World’s total global container throughput of 88.3 million TEUs in 2024.

Container throughput growth was driven by robust local and regional demand, especially from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, along with the introduction of new shipping services that enhanced global connectivity, according to the company’s statement.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, commented: “This performance reflects the strength of our world-class ports and logistics infrastructure. The 15.5 million TEUs handled at Jebel Ali in 2024, along with the strong growth in breakbulk cargo, show our capacity to meet increasing demand in both sectors. With a thriving ecosystem in the Jebel Ali Free Zone and strong ties with major global economies, we are well-positioned to support the region’s growing trade volumes. Despite global uncertainties, we remain committed to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate trade.”

Breakbulk cargo also experienced significant growth, increasing by 23% year-on-year to reach 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs), marking the second-best performance in almost a decade. The growth in breakbulk cargo was supported by regional investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial projects. Jebel Ali handled large imports of wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials, which accounted for 80% of total shipments. Outbound shipments were dominated by sugar, iron, and steel.

Major infrastructure projects in the region contributed to the surge in breakbulk demand, which is expected to grow further as the value of planned construction projects in the UAE alone reaches an estimated US$112 billion in 2024.

Jebel Ali Port played a vital role in supporting key international initiatives in 2024. Highlights included handling 45,000 MT of bagged wheat flour for humanitarian aid to regions in the Middle East and Africa, consolidating structural steel exports for an aluminium recycling facility in the US, and managing logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project by handling 60% of its structural components.

With an annual container capacity of 19.4 million TEUs spread across four terminals, over 100 berths, and a 25-kilometre quay length, Jebel Ali Port is well-equipped to handle diverse cargo types. It also features dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo. Complementing Jebel Ali, Dubai’s Mina Al Hamriya Port specializes in handling bulk and breakbulk cargo and accommodates a variety of vessels.

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