DP World and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have unveiled the new South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, integrating digital technologies to improve operational efficiency.
As announced, the three-year project has transformed South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable container terminals, while also more than doubling the capacity from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs.
In addition, the terminal’s modernisation integrates automation and digitalisation to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will reduce gate transaction times supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying for precise record keeping.
Automated and electrified yard cranes have also been introduced, along with an expanded fleet of quay cranes that will grow from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, reaching 22 as the terminal scales up to 5 million TEUs.
Furthermore, due to the surging demand for perishable cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal’s capacity for refrigerated containers (reefers) has been expanded from 1,200 to 2,340, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments. DP World is also developing a s facility for inspecting up to 75 reefers at one time.
The terminal spans a total quay length of 2,150 metres, including a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.
Moreover, DP World announced the implementation of initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions at South Container Terminal by 50% in the next five years.
The measures include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, along with green building designs and water recycling systems.
