DP World Launches $800 Million Modern Terminal in Jeddah

DP World with the Saudi Ports Authorities-Mawani has opened what could be taken as the most modern South Container Terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port. This project forms part of DP World’s SAR 3 billion ($800 million) expansion and modernization program to further enhance Jeddah’s status as another key global trade hub. 

Snapshot of the New Terminal in Jeddah

This project is a three-year transformation of South Container Terminal into one of the most advanced and environmentally sustainable container terminals in the region. More than 70 percent increase in the terminal’s capacity was achieved, going from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs, and eventually, 5 million TEUs as demand grows in the future.

Key Features and Enhancements

• Extended Receivable facility: The terminal therefore now has a quay length of 2,150 meters, including a deep-water quay with an 18 meter depth, and can accommodate up to five ultra-large container vessels docked at the same time.
• Advanced Automation: Yard cranes are automated and electrified, expanding the operational efficiency of quay cranes integrated with additional equipment. The numbers should increase at the end of 2025 from 14 to 17 before culminating to 22 with the expansion of the terminal capacity to 5 million TEUs.
• Sustainability Initiatives: This terminal is part of a larger commitment by DP World’s carbon neutrality strategy where CO2 emissions will be brought down by 50% over the next five years. The measures to achieve this target include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, installation of solar panels, exploration of floating solar platforms, and implementation of water recycling systems.
• Increased Reefer Capacity: The capacity for refrigerated containers has been increased from 1,200 to 2,340 in response to increasing demand for chilled cargo. At the same time, a facility capable of inspecting up to 75 reefers at the same time has been developed, making this the largest port-centric facility of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Importance of Jeddah

Positioned at the Red Sea, Jeddah links three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. The modernization of the South Container Terminal will build on that competitive status by developing and creating additional capacity for increased trade flowing in and out of Jeddah as an important regional trade hub. 

Future Developments: Jeddah Logistics Park

The terminal will sit next to DP World’s 415,000 m2 Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom. Its completion is targeted for Q2 2026. The park will provide state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution and freight forwarding facilities, further enhancing Jeddah’s position among key hubs linking trade routes across the Asian, African, and European continents. 

Complement the Saudi Vision 2030

This development is in line with the trade and economic diversification objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom is boosting the capabilities of the Jeddah Islamic Port to transform it into a leading global trade hub that can attract investments and promote economic growth.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the new terminal in Jeddah marks a brilliant appointment in DP World selle-investment strategy. This terminal is foreseen to increase trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for many decades to come with its efficiencies gained, resilience obtained in the supply chain, and augmented capacities.

FAQs

1. How much has the newly modernized Jeddah terminal been designed to carry?

With the terminal having a capacity of 4 million TEUs, the South Container Terminal has been enhanced from a capacity of 1.8 million TEUs to that capacity, with possible future expansion to 5 million TEUs. 

2. In what way does terminal modernization correspond with the objectives of environmental sustainability?

Over a five-year period, the terminal plans to lessen CO₂ emissions by 50 percent through electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panels installation, installation of water recycling systems, etc. 

3. What other facilities are established to supplement Jeddah’s function as a centre of trade?

DP World is further going to enhance Jeddah’s status as a dominant hub for trade routes across Asia, Africa, and Europe with the development of 415,000 square meter Jeddah Logistics Park, which will provide warehousing, distribution, and priorities-freight forwarding services.