DP World Jeddah has installed three new semi-automated quay cranes at its terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port, expanding the facility’s ability to handle large container vessels as shipping activity returns to the Red Sea corridor.
The cranes, built by ZPMC and currently in commissioning, increase the terminal’s total ship-to-shore crane count from 14 to 17. DP World plans to expand that number to 22 as part of future capacity upgrades.
Crane Specifications and Terminal Infrastructure
Each new crane carries a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes. Together, they increase berth productivity and allow the terminal to serve multiple mainline vessels simultaneously.
DP World’s South Container Terminal spans a total quay length of 2,150 metres. The facility includes a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels at the same time.
DP World Jeddah and the $800 Million Modernisation Programme
The new cranes form part of an $800 million modernisation programme that raised terminal capacity from 1.8 million to 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The investment also sets the stage for a future capacity target of 5 million TEUs, with additional ship-to-shore equipment to be deployed as demand grows.
The terminal is equipped with modernised handling equipment and automation technologies designed to improve turnaround times and operational efficiency.
Volume Recovery and Red Sea Trade Activity
In 2025, DP World Jeddah handled over 1.3 million TEUs, more than double the volumes recorded in the previous year. The increase followed the return of shipping lines to the Red Sea corridor, with weekly service calls rising to 38.
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World KSA, said the expansion supports customers moving goods more efficiently while accommodating larger vessels and growing container volumes.
“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.”
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO, DP World KSA
Inland Connectivity and Vision 2030 Alignment
DP World has also expanded its freight forwarding operations in the Kingdom, strengthening inland connectivity and broadening access to end-to-end supply chain solutions. The company said these efforts support Saudi Arabia’s broader economic development goals under Vision 2030.
The company operates across six continents with a workforce of over 125,000 employees, combining port infrastructure with logistics and technology services to support global trade flows. DP World said it continues to invest in technology, infrastructure, and operational capability to support trade growth across Saudi Arabia and the wider Red Sea region.