DP World’s New $800M Terminal Strengthens Saudi Trade Hub

DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have shown their new $800 million South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. This development revolutionizes maritime operations in the region. The terminal’s handling capacity has grown substantially from 1.8 million TEUs to 4 million TEUs. Future expansions could push this capacity to 5 million TEUs.

Jeddah Islamic Port processes more than 4.5 million TEUs each year. It stands as Saudi Arabia’s main maritime gateway and handles nearly 60% of the kingdom’s sea imports. The modernized terminal boasts a 2,150-meter quay with an 18-meter-deep section. This allows five ultra-large container ships to dock simultaneously. Advanced automation systems have streamlined operations at the terminal. The gate processing time has dropped from two minutes to just 10 seconds.

DP World Transforms Jeddah Islamic Port with $800M Investment

DP World and Mawani have invested SR3 billion in a three-year expansion project at Jeddah Islamic Port. The South Container Terminal has become one of the region’s most advanced and eco-friendly container facilities. It operates under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer agreement.

The terminal now boasts a cutting-edge deep-water quay that stretches 2,150 meters with an 18-meter depth. This impressive infrastructure can handle five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously. The facility uses automated and electrified yard cranes. Its fleet of quay cranes will grow from 14 to 17 by late 2025 and will reach 22 as operations expand.

Several technological upgrades have transformed the terminal:

• IoT-enabled cargo tracking systems
• AI-powered cargo tallying to maintain accurate records
• Automated gate processing systems
• Electrified yard operations for eco-friendly handling

The terminal’s capacity for refrigerated containers has doubled from 1,200 to 2,340 units. This expansion meets the growing needs for food and pharmaceutical shipments. The facility also has detailed sustainability features, including a rooftop solar installation that generates 20MW of renewable energy.

DP World has started building a SAR900 million logistics park alongside the terminal upgrade. This massive facility covers 415,000 square meters. Saudi Arabia’s largest integrated logistics park will offer 185,000 square meters of warehousing space and a multi-purpose storage yard. The development combines bonded and unbonded zones with specialized storage facilities for dry, chilled, and cold storage needs.

These projects support Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to boost trade connectivity and economic diversification. Jeddah Islamic Port has become a vital trade gateway that strengthens the kingdom’s role in global logistics and maritime commerce. DP World’s detailed modernization program shows its steadfast dedication to making Jeddah a premier regional trade hub while focusing on operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

AI Powers New Terminal Operations

The South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port features innovative technology and digital systems that boost operational efficiency. Smart technologies have cut gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds. This change has dramatically improved cargo processing speed.

IoT-enabled cargo tracking systems work alongside AI-powered cargo tallying mechanisms at the terminal. These systems create a complete digital ecosystem that tracks and manages cargo movement throughout the facility.

Automated and electrified yard cranes serve as the foundation of the terminal’s modern operations. The facility’s quay crane fleet will grow from 14 units to 17 by the end of 2025. The terminal will end up with 22 cranes as it expands to handle 5 million TEUs. This equipment expansion matches the terminal’s growing capacity needs.

The terminal’s digital infrastructure uses up-to-the-minute monitoring through advanced sensors and IoT devices. These systems enable:

• Precise tracking of container movements
• Up-to-the-minute cargo status updates
• Automated gate processing
• Improved operational safety protocols

DP World has started initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions at the South Container Terminal by 50% within the next five years. Electrified equipment and smart energy management systems support these environmental goals.

The terminal houses a modern facility that can inspect up to 75 reefer containers at once. This makes it Saudi Arabia’s largest port-centric inspection facility. This specialized infrastructure helps the port handle temperature-sensitive cargo quickly and effectively.

Digital transformation goes beyond simple automation. The terminal uses predictive maintenance and advanced analytics to optimize resource allocation. These systems study operational patterns, spot potential bottlenecks, and recommend efficiency improvements. This ensures smooth cargo flow with minimal disruptions to operations.

Terminal Expansion Reshapes Regional Trade

Jeddah Islamic Port’s strategic location on the Red Sea makes it a crucial hub for global trade routes. The port handles about 60% of Saudi Arabia’s sea imports. Recent improvements to the South Container Terminal have boosted its capabilities and strengthened its infrastructure.

The terminal’s expanded capacity lines up with Saudi Vision 2030’s aim to make the kingdom a world-class logistics hub. Modern infrastructure now allows the facility to handle ultra-large container carriers and helps cargo move smoothly between international markets.

The terminal’s improvement program includes complete infrastructure upgrades. Phase I of the combined facility features a 2,600-meter berth length and spans 1.5 million square meters. This growth helps handle more containers and stimulates revenue by accommodating bigger vessels on global and regional trade routes.

The terminal has built specialized facilities to meet the rising need for temperature-controlled cargo. Saudi Arabia’s largest inspection center can process 75 refrigerated containers at once. This upgrade especially helps food and pharmaceutical industries by ensuring proper handling of perishable goods.

The port’s strategic advantages go beyond infrastructure:

• Direct access to African markets
• Smooth connectivity with eastern trading partners
• Location on vital east-west trade routes
• Handling of 13% of global container traffic

This expansion project is the life-blood of Saudi Arabia’s maritime goals, drawing AED 6.24 billion in foreign investment. Such investment shows strong international faith in the port’s ability to drive regional trade.

The terminal’s growth creates significant economic opportunities and has added 1,400 new jobs. Strategic collaborations between Mawani and international operators help advance Saudi Arabia’s logistics goals.

This modernization effort makes Jeddah Islamic Port a vital player in regional commerce. The port supports domestic economic growth and international trade relationships. Its resilient infrastructure and improved operations make it essential to global supply chains, especially for trade between East and West.

Jeddah Islamic Port’s South Container Terminal shows Saudi Arabia’s steadfast dedication to maritime excellence. This $800 million project substantially improves the kingdom’s role as a global trade facilitator. The terminal now handles twice as many containers and establishes new standards in port automation.

Smart systems and AI-powered tracking mechanisms have improved operations and reduced processing times throughout the facility. These upgrades match Saudi Vision 2030’s aims to boost trade connections and diversify the economy.

The port’s location on major trade routes and its modern infrastructure make it a vital connection between East and West. This project creates 1,400 new jobs and Saudi Arabia’s largest integrated logistics park, which strengthens the regional economy.

The South Container Terminal establishes new standards for environmental stewardship in maritime operations through automation and environmentally responsible methods. Plans to cut CO₂ emissions by half and add renewable energy sources demonstrate a balanced strategy for growth and sustainability. These improvements benefit both operations and the surrounding environment.