DP World has deployed 35 new electric terminal tractors at the South Container Terminal of Jeddah Islamic Port to expand its fleet capacity.
The deployment increases the terminal tractor fleet at the South Container Terminal (SCT) by more than 20%. This expansion is part of a larger 800 million USD long-term investment by DP World to update port infrastructure at the gateway. The new vehicles will move containers between the quayside and the yard, replacing older diesel-powered machinery with cleaner alternatives.
Fleet Expansion at Jeddah Islamic Port
The South Container Terminal is one of the primary trade gateways in Saudi Arabia. As container volumes through the Red Sea corridor continue to grow, maintaining efficient equipment movement is critical for vessel turnaround times. The addition of these new units aims to improve equipment availability and operational flow across the terminal.
The SCT facility covers approximately one million square meters. It features 2,150 meters of quay length across five container berths. With an operational depth of 18 meters, the terminal can accommodate some of the largest container vessels currently in service globally.
Environmental and Operational Impact of Electric Terminal Tractors
The introduction of these electric terminal tractors is expected to reduce the annual carbon dioxide emissions of the tractor fleet by approximately 20% compared to current levels. This shift supports the transition toward cleaner port operations while maintaining the necessary power to handle heavy container loads.
“Every investment we make is focused on delivering greater reliability, efficiency and capacity for our customers while supporting Saudi Arabia’s growing trade ambitions. The addition of the tractors strengthens our operational resilience, increases equipment availability and represents an important milestone in transforming SCT into a future-ready, lower-carbon gateway for regional and global trade.”
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World KSA
Long-Term Infrastructure Investment
The 800 million USD investment program aims to establish the Jeddah terminal as a highly efficient and sustainable facility in the region. This fleet expansion follows a previous upgrade in March 2026, when DP World introduced three new semi-automated quay cranes. Those additions increased the terminal’s ship-to-shore crane fleet to 17 units, enhancing overall handling capacity.
These infrastructure updates align with broader efforts to strengthen the local economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a competitive global logistics hub. By upgrading machinery and automation, the port aims to handle larger volumes with fewer delays.
Future Electrification Goals
The deployment of these new electric terminal tractors represents a step toward the terminal’s target of electrifying 100% of its yard equipment by the year 2030. This goal supports DP World’s global decarbonization strategy as well as the environmental objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.
By gradually phasing out diesel engines, the terminal operator plans to reduce its overall environmental footprint. The transition to electric machinery is designed to maintain high performance levels while lowering long-term maintenance and fuel costs at the Jeddah facility.
