DP World and Saudi Ports Authority announced the completion of a huge SR3 billion terminal expansion of the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. The expansion raises the terminal’s capacity to 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), further consolidating Jeddah’s role as a hub maritime center in the region. This initiative is under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, the goal of which is to develop the country’s logistics sector and make it a key player in international trade.
The newly expanded terminal boasts state-of-the-art technology, automation, and green practices, with faster and more efficient cargo handling. DP World’s investment is in line with its wider commitment to upgrading port infrastructure and enhancing connectivity along vital trade routes. The expansion brings in smart port solutions such as automated cranes and digital track-and-trace systems, which are likely to rationalize operations and decrease turnaround time for vessels.
Through increased capacity and efficiency of operations, the upgraded terminal will increase Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports and bring in global shipping lines. Jeddah Islamic Port is already a trade gateway for Asia, Europe, and Africa, and the investment will further enhance its competitiveness in the world supply chain. In addition, the project aids in the generation of employment and local skills development, which promotes economic diversification and growth in Saudi Arabia.
The opening of the expanded terminal is a milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans for maritime expansion, as the kingdom seeks to emerge as a global logistics leader. The joint venture between DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority reflects the increasing economic relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as the two countries strive to increase trade, infrastructure, and investment opportunities.
