Expansion of Vehicle Capacity at Jebel Ali Port by DP World through Construction of New Yard and Quay

In a significant move to bolster Dubai's position as a global automotive trade hub, DP World has announced an expansion of its vehicle infrastructure at the Port of Jebel Ali.

The expansion, named "Terminal 4," will see the addition of a new storage yard and a dedicated automotive quay at Terminal 4. The new storage yard will cover an area of 2.6 million square feet, offering an increased capacity for 13,000 car equivalent units (CEUs), boosting the total capacity at Jebel Ali by 21% to 75,000 CEUs.

Ro-ro operations will be reallocated from Terminal 1 to the new zone at Terminal 4, aiming to improve berth availability and turnaround times. An 800m quay will be constructed at Terminal 4, capable of berthing three roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) vessels simultaneously.

The expansion is in response to rising demand for vehicle logistics in the region. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and managing director of DP World GCC, stated that the expansion gives car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers faster, more reliable access to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

DP World also plans to expand its vehicle infrastructure further by developing a 20 million square foot advanced car market in Dubai, expected to be the largest in the world upon completion.

Imports make up 65% of the volume of vehicles at Jebel Ali, with the majority originating from China, Japan, Thailand, India, and South Korea. Advancements in digital management systems, inspection processes, and specialized handling for electric and hybrid vehicles are part of the port's offerings.

The port's strategic location and strong multimodal links offer rail and road connections across the Middle East and Africa. Tiemen Meester, group chief operating officer for ports and terminals at DP World, stated that Dubai is positioning itself as a gateway for OEMs entering the region, with Jebel Ali serving as a reliable and secure transhipment hub for the region.

The expansion is expected to support Dubai's D33 plan, a government strategy aiming to double the country's economy by 2033 and enhance its smart logistics capabilities. Shahab Al Jassmi, senior vice president of commercial, ports and terminals at DP World GCC, stated that the expansion is designed to help the automotive supply chain grow.

So far this year, 545,000 vehicles have passed through Jebel Ali, marking a 28% year-on-year increase. The Port of Jebel Ali's expansion of its automotive strategy is a testament to its commitment to meeting the growing demand for vehicle logistics in the region.

Expansion of Vehicle Capacity at Jebel Ali Port by DP World through Construction of New Yard and Quay