Jeddah, March 09, 2025 — In a significant move to bolster its position as a global trade hub, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), in collaboration with DP World, has officially launched a major expansion project at the South Container Terminal of Jeddah Islamic Port. This SAR 3 billion ($800 million) initiative, which comes under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, is set to revolutionize the operational capabilities of one of the Kingdom’s most vital ports. With the expansion, the terminal's annual capacity will surge from 1.8 million to 4 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), enhancing the Kingdom's strategic role in global maritime trade.
This ambitious project includes the implementation of cutting-edge technologies aimed at streamlining port operations. The modernization efforts will see the introduction of advanced automation, digitization, and smart systems to optimize workflow and efficiency. A key development will be the reduction of gate transaction times to just 10 seconds, achieved through the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. These innovations are set to dramatically enhance the speed and accuracy of operations, making the port more competitive on the global stage.
Additionally, the expansion includes the deployment of automated electric yard cranes and an increase in the fleet of coastal cranes, growing from 14 to 17 by 2025. These improvements will not only enhance the terminal's operational efficiency but will also help reduce the environmental impact, as the use of electric cranes aligns with the project’s sustainability goals. A further upgrade will be the expansion of the terminal's refrigerated container capacity, which will increase from 1,200 to 2,340 containers, meeting the growing demand for cold storage solutions. DP World is also set to develop a state-of-the-art facility capable of inspecting up to 75 refrigerated containers simultaneously, further enhancing the terminal's handling of perishable goods.
The physical infrastructure of the terminal will also see major upgrades. The port's 2,150-meter berth, which includes an 18-meter deep-water section, will be capable of accommodating up to five large container ships simultaneously. This significant upgrade will ensure that Jeddah Islamic Port can handle the largest vessels in global maritime trade, reinforcing its strategic position as a key link between the continents of Asia, Africa, and Europe.
In line with global sustainability goals, Mawani and DP World have committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 50% within the next five years. This ambitious target will be supported through the use of electric cranes and trucks, the incorporation of green building designs, and the installation of water recycling systems throughout the terminal. These eco-friendly measures reflect a growing emphasis on minimizing the environmental footprint of industrial operations while maintaining efficient service.
As part of the broader expansion efforts, DP World is also investing in a new 415,000-square-meter logistics area that will provide advanced storage, distribution, and shipping services. This new logistics hub will further strengthen Jeddah Islamic Port’s capacity to facilitate smooth and efficient trade across multiple sectors, providing a competitive edge to businesses that rely on this key transshipment hub.
The completion of the expansion project is expected in the second quarter of 2026, and once operational, the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port will be among the most advanced and capable facilities in the region, playing a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics and trade powerhouse. With a combination of advanced technology, sustainable practices, and expanded capacity, the terminal will continue to serve as a crucial node in international trade and commerce, driving economic growth and development across the Kingdom.