Jeddah South Container Terminal handles record 221,200 TEUs in July

SAUDI ARABIA – The South Container Terminal (SCT) at Jeddah Islamic Port has handled more than 221,200 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July 2026, its highest monthly throughput since DP World began operating the terminal in 1999.

The record shows monthly volumes above those recorded before the disruption to Red Sea shipping began in late 2023, the company said.

SCT also recorded its highest-ever monthly export volume over the same period, handling 79,720 TEUs, as growing trade flow continues to drive demand through Jeddah.

The record performance follows strong growth in the first half of the year, when SCT volumes rose by nearly 79% year on year.

The terminal has also continued to attract new services, including a Wan Hai-operated mainline container vessel.

Strategic Investments and Infrastructure Upgrades

Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan, CEO & MD, DP World GCC, said: “Jeddah is a key gateway for Saudi Arabia’s trade, connecting businesses in the Kingdom with regional and global markets. As trade flows grow, our focus is on building the capacity and connectivity needed to move cargo seamlessly across the wider regional network. By strengthening the links between ports, inland logistics and distribution facilities, we are giving customers more options and more reliable routes to market.“

DP World’s recent investments at SCT include three additional quay cranes, bringing the terminal’s quay crane fleet to 17; 17 automated electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes (AeRTGs); 35 electric terminal tractors; 30 additional trailers; and upgrades to reefer and cold-storage infrastructure.

These investments are strengthening SCT’s ability to handle higher vessel and cargo volumes, while further expansion is underway to increase annual capacity to 5 million TEUs.

Regional Connectivity and Future Outlook

Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO, DP World KSA, added: “The July record reflects the continued growth in trade moving through Jeddah. As volumes increase, our priority is to ensure the terminal has the capacity, equipment and operational capability to support our customers. We are also strengthening inland connectivity and logistics capabilities to support customers as their supply chain requirements evolve.”

SCT is a key part of DP World’s integrated logistics network in the region, linking maritime trade via Jeddah Islamic Port with inland transport, warehousing and distribution. This includes the development of the US$250 million, 415,000 sq-m Jeddah Logistics Park.

Ultimately, this record highlights unprecedented growth and modernization for Saudi Arabia’s maritime logistics sector.

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