DP World Jeddah Islamic Port Logistics Park Sparks a Bold New Chapter for Red Sea Cargo

DP World is moving fast in Jeddah Islamic Port as shipping activity returns to the Red Sea corridor. The company has added three new semi-automated quay cranes to support larger vessels and keep cargo moving. This comes during a period when trade flows are stabilising after disruption, but maritime security concerns still shape daily operations. DP World says it is working with port authorities, security partners, and shipping customers to maintain safe and reliable operations.

Capacity numbers show why this matters. In 2025, DP World’s terminal in Jeddah handled over 1.3 million TEUs, more than double the previous year. Weekly services also increased to 38 calls, a sign of returning confidence among shipping lines. The terminal is built for scale, with a 2,150-metre quay length and deep-water access of up to 18 metres, allowing it to accommodate up to five large vessels at the same time.

The new cranes raise the ship-to-shore fleet to 17. Each crane has a lifting capacity of 65 tonnes. DP World says this helps the terminal serve multiple mainline ships simultaneously, reduce waiting times, and improve turnaround efficiency for shipping lines.

How the Logistics Park Fits Into the Red Sea Comeback

Port upgrades are only one part of the story. DP World also started building the Jeddah Logistics Park in May 2024. The project was announced as a US$250 million facility covering 415,000 square metres. It is being developed under a 30-year agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). The goal is to add storage and distribution capacity close to the port, so cargo can move more smoothly from ship to inland routes.

These steps sit inside a broader US$800 million modernisation programme. The first phase of redevelopment was completed in December 2024 and more than doubled capacity from 1.8 million TEUs to 4 million TEUs. DP World has also stated plans for further expansion to reach 5 million TEUs as demand grows, supported by additional ship-to-shore cranes.

Partnerships are also reshaping confidence in Jeddah. APM Terminals (APMT), linked to Maersk, will acquire a 37.5% minority stake in DP World’s Southern Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. DP World will retain a 62.5% majority stake and continue to lead operations. This deal takes place while many vessels have been avoiding the region due to ongoing hostilities, and sources note that Jeddah has lost up to a third of its TEU totals during the diversion period.