DP World has added three semi-automated quay cranes at its South Container Terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port, expanding capacity and improving efficiency in handling larger container vessels. Moreover, the upgrade comes as shipping activity resumes across the Red Sea, supporting more stable trade flows despite ongoing security concerns.
Capacity expansion supports Red Sea trade recovery
Each crane has a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes, which strengthens berth productivity and allows the terminal to handle multiple mainline vessels at the same time. Additionally, the expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia ambitions to strengthen its position as a global logistics hub.
The cranes, built by ZPMC and currently undergoing commissioning, increase the number of ship-to-shore cranes from 14 to 17. Furthermore, future upgrades are expected to raise the total to 22, supporting long-term capacity growth.
Terminal upgrades linked to $800 million investment
The terminal spans a quay length of 2,150 metres, including an 18-metre deep-water section. As a result, it can accommodate up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Additionally, the facility operates with modernised handling equipment and automation technologies designed to improve turnaround times and overall operational efficiency. Moreover, the new cranes form part of an $800 million modernisation programme that lifted capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million TEUs. Therefore, the investment supports a future target capacity of 5 million TEUs as demand increases.
CEO highlights operational resilience
Mohammad Alshaikh said: “By expanding capacity and enhancing operational agility, we are helping our customers move goods more efficiently and strengthening the terminal’s ability to accommodate larger vessels and growing container volumes. While recent regional developments have brought new challenges, we are working closely with port authorities, security partners and shipping customers to ensure safe, reliable operations to keep trade moving across the Red Sea and beyond.”
In 2025, the Jeddah terminal handled more than 1.3 million TEUs, more than double the previous year’s volume. Furthermore, services increased to 38 weekly calls as shipping lines returned to the Red Sea corridor.
DP World also expanded its freight forwarding footprint across the kingdom. Additionally, this strengthened inland connectivity and broadened access to end-to-end supply chain solutions.
