DP World has announced a significant milestone at Jebel Ali Port, achieving its highest cargo volumes since 2015.
In 2024, the port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), marking an increase of 1 million TEUs compared to the previous year. This impressive figure represents approximately 18% of DP World’s total global container throughput of 88.3 million TEUs for the year.
Record Growth in Breakbulk Cargo
In addition to container throughput, Jebel Ali Port also experienced a notable surge in breakbulk cargo, which rose by 23% year-on-year to reach 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs).
This performance is the second-highest in nearly a decade, underscoring the port’s pivotal role in regional trade and logistics.
The growth in breakbulk cargo was driven by increasing investments in regional infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and industrial development.
Notably, Jebel Ali facilitated large shipments of essential goods such as wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials. Imports accounted for 80% of total breakbulk shipments, while exports were primarily led by sugar, iron, and steel.
Factors Driving Growth
Several factors contributed to the remarkable growth at Jebel Ali Port:
-
Local and Regional Demand: The port’s throughput was significantly bolstered by strong demand from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent. New shipping services have enhanced global connectivity and operational efficiency.
-
Supply Chain Adjustments: Amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions, including challenges related to the Red Sea crisis, Jebel Ali has emerged as a critical hub for overland services and sea-air initiatives. For instance, Maersk utilized the port for cargoes arriving by ship for onward transport via air freight.
-
Major International Projects: The port played a key role in facilitating humanitarian aid shipments, including 45,000 MT of bagged wheat flour to the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, it managed structural steel exports for a U.S.-based aluminum recycling plant and handled logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project by consolidating and exporting 60% of its structural components.
Infrastructure and Future Outlook
Jebel Ali Port boasts an annual container handling capacity of 19.4 million TEUs, supported by four terminals, over 100 berths, and a 25-kilometer quay length.
The port also features dedicated terminals for breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro), and heavy-lift cargo.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasized that this performance reflects the strength of their world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.
He stated that “the 15.5 million TEUs handled at Jebel Ali in 2024, along with the strong growth in breakbulk cargo, show our capacity to meet increasing demand in both sectors.”
He also highlighted DP World’s commitment to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate trade despite global uncertainties.
