DP World adds Semi-automated cranes at Jeddah Port, boosts capacity to 4 million TEUs
The company has also expanded its freight forwarding operations to improve inland connectivity across Saudi Arabia.
SAUDI ARABIA – DP World has added three semi-automated cranes at Jeddah Islamic Port by raising terminal capacity to 4 million TEUs, increasing berth productivity, and enabling simultaneous handling of multiple mainline vessels.
Each crane has a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes and was built by ZPMC. The new units raise the terminal’s total number of ship-to-shore cranes from 14 to 17, with plans to expand to 22 as part of future upgrades.
Why Port Efficiency Matters for Fresh Produce
For fresh produce exporters and logistics professionals across the Middle East and Africa, port efficiency directly translates to reduced spoilage and improved market access.
For instance, perishable goods such as avocados, berries, citrus, and cut flowers require rapid, predictable turnaround times to maintain cold chain integrity from farm to shelf. Thus, Jeddah Islamic Port serves as a critical gateway for East African produce destined for Gulf markets, as well as for European and Asian re-exports.
The facility features a 2,150-metre quay, including a deep-water berth with a depth of 18 metres, and can handle up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously. The crane deployment is part of a US$800 million modernisation programme that has already raised terminal capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million TEUs.
Recovery in Red Sea Shipping Volumes
In 2025, DP World Jeddah handled over 1.3 million TEUs, more than double the volumes recorded in the previous year. Weekly services rose to 38 calls following the return of shipping lines to the Red Sea corridor after regional security disruptions.
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World KSA, 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.”
Strategic Alignment with Vision 2030
The company has also expanded its freight forwarding operations to improve inland connectivity across Saudi Arabia. DP World said it will continue investments in infrastructure, technology, and operations to support trade growth in line with Vision 2030.
For regional food investors, these upgrades promise more predictable shipping schedules, reduced demurrage costs, and enhanced supply chain resilience for perishable cargo moving through the Red Sea gateway.
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