DP World has announced a significant capacity upgrade at its Jeddah Islamic Port terminal with the addition of three new semi-automated quay cranes. This expansion comes as trade volumes in the Red Sea corridor show a robust rebound, with the terminal handling over 1.3 million TEUs in 2025—more than double the volume of the previous year.
The new equipment strengthens the terminal’s ability to handle the world’s largest container vessels and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as a global logistics hub under Vision 2030.
Advanced Engineering for Ultra-Large Vessels
The three new cranes, manufactured by ZPMC, are currently in the commissioning phase and represent a major leap in berth productivity. These additions bring the terminal’s total ship-to-shore fleet to 17, with a long-term target of 22 units.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities:
- Lifting Capacity: 65 tonnes per crane, allowing for the efficient handling of heavy laden containers.
- Simultaneous Operations: The expanded fleet enables the terminal to serve multiple mainline vessels at once.
- Deep-Water Access: The South Container Terminal features a 2,150-metre quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) simultaneously.
A $800 Million Modernization Program
The deployment of these cranes is a key component of a massive $800 million investment aimed at revolutionizing the terminal’s infrastructure. This program has already successfully scaled terminal capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million TEUs, with a final roadmap leading to a 5 million TEU capacity.
Beyond hardware, the investment focuses on:
- Advanced Automation: Implementing technologies designed to improve vessel turnaround times.
- Operational Agility: Enhancing the terminal’s ability to maintain reliable trade flows despite regional maritime security challenges.
- End-to-End Solutions: Expanding DP World’s freight forwarding and inland connectivity throughout the Kingdom.
Rebound in Red Sea Trade Volumes
The 2025 performance data highlights a significant recovery for the region. As shipping lines returned to the Red Sea corridor, weekly calls at the terminal increased to 38.
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World KSA, noted that while recent regional developments have introduced new complexities, the company is working closely with port authorities and security partners to ensure safe and reliable operations. The current expansion ensures that the terminal can accommodate the increasing volumes and larger vessel sizes that define modern global trade.
By combining technological investment with physical infrastructure growth, DP World is ensuring that Jeddah remains a resilient and high-performing gateway for trade between the East and West.
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