Shipping Arabia, March 8, 2025 — DP World, in collaboration with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), has officially opened the newly expanded South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant enhancement in the port’s capacity and technological capabilities.
The completion of this $800 million expansion project increases the terminal’s capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with future projections aiming for 5 million TEUs. This development positions the Jeddah terminal as a leading hub for maritime trade in the region, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to promote economic diversification and connectivity.
The inauguration ceremony featured prominent attendees, including Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and DP World Group Chairman and CEO, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem remarked, “This expansion not only underscores our commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s trade landscape but also establishes new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in regional maritime operations.”
The upgraded terminal incorporates state-of-the-art automation and digital technologies designed to improve logistical efficiency and significantly reduce gate transaction times. Key innovations include IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-driven systems for precise cargo handling.
The facility’s design features advanced yard cranes and an expanded fleet of quay cranes, which will further support the terminal’s increased capacity. Additionally, the terminal has enhanced its capabilities for handling refrigerated containers, addressing the growing demand for perishable goods.
In line with DP World’s global sustainability objectives, the South Container Terminal is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 50% over the next five years through initiatives such as electrification and solar energy.
Adjacent to the terminal, the Jeddah Logistics Park is currently under development. This 415,000 square meter facility will further optimize the port’s efficiency by providing integrated warehousing and distribution services, scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2026.
This strategic expansion not only strengthens Jeddah’s position as a vital gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe but also exemplifies DP World’s commitment to promoting sustainable growth in global maritime trade.
