DP World's Record-Breaking Year at Jebel Ali Port
With an annual container capacity of 19.4 million TEUs across four terminals, DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port is one of the most technologically-advanced facilities of its kind.
In 2024, a variety of cutting-edge capabilities enabled the Dubai site to handle its highest container and breakbulk cargo volumes since 2015, processing 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) – a rise of one million compared to 2023. This accounts for almost 18% of DP World’s global container volume of 88.3 million TEUs for the year.
Breakbulk cargo volumes also surged by 23% year-on-year, reaching 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs), making it the second-highest performance in almost a decade.
“This performance reflects the strength of our world-class ports and logistics infrastructure," comments Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director for the GCC at DP World. "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."
The impressive performance reaffirms Jebel Ali’s status as the Middle East’s leading trade and logistics hub, even as global supply chains continue to face disruption.
Container and breakbulk volumes see strong growth
The increase in container throughput at Jebel Ali Port was driven by robust demand from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, enhanced global connectivity through new shipping services, as well as operational efficiencies that ensured smooth cargo movement despite supply chain challenges such as the Red Sea crisis.
Breakbulk growth was propelled by rising investments in infrastructure, renewable energy and industrial projects. Jebel Ali handled large shipments of wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery and construction materials, with imports accounting for 80% of total shipments. Sugar, iron and steel dominated outbound shipments.
Demand for breakbulk cargo is expected to continue growing, supported by major infrastructure projects across the region. In the UAE alone, planned construction projects in 2024 are valued at approximately US$112bn.
Support for major international projects
Jebel Ali Port played a key role in facilitating several major global projects in 2024, handling 45,000 MT of bagged wheat flour shipments for humanitarian aid in the Middle East and Africa.
The port also supported the US aluminium recycling industry by consolidating and exporting structural steel, while managing logistics for Liberia’s largest mining project by handling 60% of its structural components.
The port’s advanced infrastructure supports its ability to manage such large-scale projects. In addition to 100+ berths and 25 kilometre quay length, it features dedicated facilities for breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) and heavy-lift cargo.
Mina Al Hamriya Port in Dubai further complements these capabilities by handling bulk and breakbulk shipments and accommodating a wide range of vessel types.
DP World maintains global trade resilience
Globally, DP World’s network of ports and terminals handled a record 88.3 million TEUs in 2024, an 8.3% year-on-year increase.
Such performance highlights the company’s ability to navigate macroeconomic pressures and uncertainties in the global trade outlook.
Abdulla concludes: "With a thriving ecosystem in Jebel Ali Free Zone and strong ties with major global economies, we are well-positioned to support the region’s growing trade volumes. Despite global uncertainties, we remain committed to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate trade."
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