DP World, Mawani Inaugurate SAR 3B State-of-the-Art Terminal in Jeddah

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have officially opened the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. This marks a big step in DP World's SAR 3 billion ($800 million) expansion project, aimed at upgrading the terminal and strengthening Saudi Arabia's role as a major global trade hub.

A three-year effort has transformed the terminal into one of the most modern and eco-friendly container terminals in the region. The project has more than doubled its capacity, increasing from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs. Looking ahead, the terminal is expected to handle up to 5 million TEUs as more advanced equipment is added based on demand.

Since DP World first started managing the terminal in 1999 – its first operation outside the UAE – it has played a crucial role in trade across the region. This expansion is part of a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on increasing trade and diversifying the economy.

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The inauguration ceremony was attended by several top officials, including Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, DP World Group Chairman and CEO His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and DP World GCC CEO and Managing Director Abdulla Bin Damithan. Other senior representatives from DP World, Mawani, government bodies, and key customers were also present.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated, “This expansion is a major milestone in our long-term investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. With over 25 years of experience in Jeddah, we remain committed to boosting trade in the region. The new terminal will improve efficiency, make supply chains stronger, and open up new trade opportunities for Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

Focus on Efficiency & Sustainability

The upgraded terminal is designed with modern technology to boost efficiency. Advanced digital systems will reduce gate processing times from two minutes to just 10 seconds. Smart tracking and AI-based cargo tallying will help in keeping precise records.

New automated and electric-powered yard cranes have been introduced, and the number of quay cranes will increase from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025. Eventually, there will be 22 quay cranes to help manage the growing volume of trade.

Due to rising demand for perishable goods such as food and medicine, the terminal has expanded its refrigerated container (reefer) capacity from 1,200 to 2,340 units. A specialized inspection facility is also being developed to check up to 75 reefers at a time, making it the largest such facility in Saudi Arabia.

The terminal now spans 2,150 metres in quay length and features an 18-metre-deep quay that can accommodate up to five ultra-large container ships at once.

Commitment to a Greener Future

DP World is also focusing on sustainability at the South Container Terminal. The company has set a goal to cut CO₂ emissions by 50% in the next five years. This will be achieved by switching to electric yard cranes and trucks, installing solar panels, exploring floating solar power technology, and using eco-friendly building designs with water recycling systems. These measures will help reduce pollution and improve air quality, making the Jeddah terminal a model for sustainable port operations.

Expansion Beyond the Terminal

Next to the terminal, DP World is building the Jeddah Logistics Park, a massive 415,000 square metre facility. It will be the largest logistics hub of its kind in Saudi Arabia, providing top-notch warehousing, distribution, and freight forwarding services. Integrated with the terminal, this logistics park will help speed up cargo transfers and improve overall efficiency. The project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

With these developments, DP World and Mawani are not only expanding Jeddah Islamic Port but also reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a key trade link connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.