DP World Expands Jeddah Port Capacity as Red Sea Trade Rebounds

As shipping activity gradually returns to the Red Sea, DP World is accelerating its expansion at Jeddah Islamic Port, reinforcing its position as a key logistics hub in the region.

The global ports operator has introduced three new quay cranes to the terminal, a strategic move aimed at boosting capacity and supporting the resurgence of trade flows following a period of disruption. The expansion comes at a time when major shipping lines are cautiously resuming services along the Red Sea corridor, signaling renewed confidence in the route.

Scaling Up for Growth

The addition of the new semi-automated cranes increases the terminal’s ship-to-shore fleet to 17, with further expansions already planned. Each crane is equipped with a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes, enabling the efficient handling of ultra-large container vessels.

This upgrade allows the terminal to serve multiple mainline ships simultaneously, significantly reducing waiting times and improving turnaround efficiency—critical factors in maintaining smooth global supply chains.

The infrastructure supporting these operations is equally robust. With a quay length of 2,150 metres and deep-water access of up to 18 metres, the port can accommodate up to five large vessels at the same time, positioning it among the region’s most capable maritime facilities.

Strong Rebound in Volumes

The expansion follows a notable recovery in cargo volumes. In 2025, the terminal handled more than 1.3 million TEUs, more than doubling its throughput compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the growing importance of the Red Sea as a critical trade route once again.

Weekly vessel calls have also risen to 38, reflecting increased activity and confidence among global shipping operators.

Backed by Major Investment

The crane deployment forms part of a broader $800 million modernisation programme, aimed at enhancing both capacity and operational performance. As a result of ongoing upgrades, terminal capacity has already increased from 1.8 million to 4 million TEUs, with plans to reach 5 million TEUs in the near future.

According to Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World Saudi Arabia, the investment is focused on ensuring long-term efficiency and scalability.

“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,” he said.

Navigating Regional Challenges

Despite the recovery, shipping operations in the Red Sea remain sensitive to regional geopolitical developments. Ensuring reliability and safety continues to be a top priority for logistics operators.

Alshaikh emphasized that DP World is working closely with port authorities, security partners, and shipping clients to maintain stable operations.

“While recent regional developments have brought new challenges, we are working closely… to ensure safe, reliable operations to keep trade moving across the Red Sea and beyond,” he added.

Strengthening End-to-End Logistics

Beyond port infrastructure, DP World is also expanding its freight forwarding capabilities and improving inland connectivity across Saudi Arabia. These efforts aim to streamline cargo movement from ports to final destinations, enhancing the overall efficiency of the supply chain.

A Strategic Position in Global Trade

As global shipping patterns continue to adjust to geopolitical and logistical challenges, the Red Sea is re-emerging as a vital corridor for international trade. DP World’s expansion at Jeddah Islamic Port reflects a forward-looking strategy—one that anticipates growing demand while ensuring resilience in an evolving maritime landscape.

With increased capacity, advanced infrastructure, and a focus on reliability, the terminal is well-positioned to support the next phase of growth in regional and global trade.