Dubai Ports World (DP World) and the General Authority for Ports, known as Mawani, have unveiled a new advanced container terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port. This project represents a significant milestone in DP World’s expansion and development program, with an investment of 3 billion Saudi Riyals (approximately 800 million US dollars) aimed at modernizing the terminal and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global trade hub.

The project, which took three years to complete, has transformed the Southern Container Terminal into one of the most advanced and sustainable container terminals in the region. The new facility has increased capacity more than double, from 1.8 million standard containers to 4 million standard containers. Future plans aim for a capacity of 5 million standard containers, with additional vessel handling equipment being deployed in response to demand growth.

Since 1999, when Jeddah became the first international terminal for DP World outside the United Arab Emirates, it has played a crucial role in supporting regional trade. The recent expansion, carried out under a 30-year build-operate-transfer agreement, reinforces Jeddah’s status as a strategic trade gateway and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to enhance trade connectivity and economic diversification.

A formal inauguration ceremony was held, attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the General Authority for Ports, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World; Abdullah bin Dumithan, CEO and General Manager of DP World for the Gulf Cooperation Council; and other senior representatives from DP World, Mawani, government agencies, and key clients.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem remarked that the day marks a turning point in their long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. He emphasized that this expansion reflects their 25-year legacy in Jeddah and enhances their commitment to driving trade growth in the region. He stated, “Through this advanced terminal, we aim to improve efficiency, enhance supply chain resilience, and provide new business opportunities for Saudi Arabia and beyond for decades to come.”

The terminal’s development includes the integration of advanced automation and digitization systems to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will significantly reduce gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds, supported by IoT-based cargo tracking and AI-assisted inventory management for accurate goods registration.

Additionally, electric-powered automated cranes have been introduced, and the number of quay cranes will expand from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, eventually reaching 22 as the terminal grows to accommodate 5 million standard containers. In response to the rising demand for perishable goods such as food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal’s capacity for refrigerated containers has been increased from 1 200 to 2 340 containers, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments. DP World is also developing a state-of-the-art facility to inspect up to 75 refrigerated containers simultaneously, the largest of its kind in the Kingdom. The terminal’s quay stretches a total of 2,150 meters, including a deep-water berth with a depth of 18 meters, allowing it to accommodate up to five large container ships at a time.

In line with DP World’s global sustainability strategy, the Southern Container Terminal is adopting a series of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50% over the next five years.

These initiatives include converting yard cranes and trucks to electric power, installing solar panels, exploring innovative solutions like floating solar platforms, and implementing green building standards and water recycling systems. These efforts are expected to significantly contribute to emission reductions and improve air quality, solidifying the terminal’s position as a leading model for sustainable port operations.

Alongside the terminal, DP World is investing in the development of the Jeddah Logistics Park, covering an area of 415 000 square meters. This facility, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom, will provide advanced services for storage, distribution, and shipping, enhancing Jeddah’s role as a key hub connecting trade routes between Asia, Africa, and Europe. When integrated with the terminal, the Jeddah Logistics Park will streamline cargo transfer operations and increase efficiency, with completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.