DP World, in partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), has officially inaugurated the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. The launch marks a key milestone in DP World’s SAR3bn ($800m) expansion and development programme to upgrade the terminal.
The three-year development has more than doubled the terminal’s capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with a vision to further increase it to 5 million TEUs. The expansion is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to fortify Jeddah’s role as a key gateway for regional trade and to diversify the nation’s economy.
DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “Today marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. This expansion builds on our 25-year legacy in Jeddah and reinforces our commitment to driving trade growth in the region. With this modernised terminal, we are enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain resilience, and creating new trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for decades to come.”
As part of the terminal’s modernisation, DP World has integrated automation and digital technologies to streamline operations. The implementation of smart systems is set to reduce gate transaction times dramatically and is supported by Internet of Things (IoT) enabled cargo tracking and AI-enhanced cargo tallying systems.
In response to the growing demand for perishable goods, the terminal’s refrigerated container capacity has been increased, and a new facility is underway to inspect up to 75 reefers simultaneously, the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia. The terminal now boasts a quay length of 2,150m and can accommodate five ultra-large container vessels concurrently.
DP World’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its initiatives to halve carbon dioxide emissions at the terminal within five years. Electrification of equipment, solar power installations, and green building practices are among the measures being implemented to reduce the environmental impact.
The new terminal also features automated and electrified yard cranes.
Additionally, DP World is developing the Jeddah Logistics Park, a 415,000 square metre integrated logistics facility set to be the largest in Saudi Arabia, further cementing Jeddah’s strategic importance as a trade conduit between Asia, Africa, and Europe. The logistics park is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026, offering advanced warehousing and freight services directly connected to the terminal.
