DP World Reports Record Cargo Volumes At Jebel Ali Port For The First Time Since 2015

DP World achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, with Jebel Ali Port recording its highest container and breakbulk cargo volumes since 2015. The port managed 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), an increase of 1 million TEUs from the previous year. This achievement underscores Jebel Ali's status as a premier trade and logistics hub in the region, despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

The growth in breakbulk cargo was notable, rising by 23% to reach 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs). This marks the second-highest performance for breakbulk cargo in nearly ten years. The increase was driven by regional investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development. Imports accounted for 80% of total shipments, including wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials.

Jebel Ali Port played a vital role in supporting significant international projects throughout 2024. It facilitated the shipment of 45,000 MT of bagged wheat flour for humanitarian aid to regions in the Middle East and Africa. Additionally, it consolidated structural steel exports for an aluminium recycling plant in the US and managed logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project by handling the export of 60% of its structural components.

The port's annual container capacity stands at 19.4 million TEUs across four terminals, with over 100 berths and a quay length of 25 kilometres. It also has dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo. Dubai’s Mina Al Hamriya Port complements these capabilities by accommodating bulk and breakbulk cargo along with various vessel types.

Globally, DP World's network handled a record-breaking 88.3 million TEUs in 2024, reflecting an 8.3% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights DP World's resilience amid global economic uncertainties and concerns about trade outlooks worldwide.

Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated: "This performance reflects the strength of our world-class ports and logistics infrastructure. The 15.5 million TEUs handled at Jebel Ali in 2024, along with the strong growth in breakbulk cargo, shows our capacity to meet increasing demand in both sectors."

Future Prospects for Breakbulk Cargo

The demand for breakbulk cargo is expected to continue growing due to major infrastructure projects within the region. In the UAE alone, planned construction projects are valued at approximately $112 billion for 2024.

Despite global uncertainties, DP World remains committed to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate trade. The thriving ecosystem within Jebel Ali Free Zone and strong ties with major global economies position DP World well to support increasing trade volumes across the region.

With inputs from WAM