DP World: Record Revenues & Record Sustainability Targets

DP World closed its 2024 fiscal year with its strongest financial performance to date.

The logistics company reported US$20bn in revenue - a 20% jump on the previous year - and US$5.5bn in EBITDA, up 15% from 2023. 

These results exemplify the group’s strategy of aligning with shifting supply chain models and reinforcing its integrated service offering across ports, terminals and logistics.

The year was not only DP World’s most profitable year - it also marked a turning point in its sustainability efforts.

The rise in revenue is fuelled by strong contributions from new concessions, acquisitions and higher earnings from terminal operations, especially in the Americas and the Middle East. On a like-for-like basis, revenue per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) from ports and terminals saw a rise of 13.9%.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, describes it as “a remarkable achievement given the complex geopolitical landscape.”

He attributes the performance to “strategic focus on high-margin cargo, end-to-end integrated supply chain solutions and disciplined cost optimisation.”

The full financial picture

While EBITDA growth and revenue increases headline the results, there are areas of pressure.

Other figures include:

• Adjusted EBITDA up from US$5.1bn to US$5.45bn
• EBIT rising from US$3.05bn to US$3.36bn

Bin Sulayem adds: “Our asset-appropriate strategy, combined with critical infrastructure in key markets, ensures that we scale efficiently while delivering specialised capabilities where they are needed most.”

This combination of targeted investment and operational discipline enables DP World to expand beyond core port activity, offering integrated logistics that streamline the movement of goods and help customers avoid reliance on third parties.

“By enhancing connectivity and streamlining supply chains, we are reinforcing DP World’s role as a leading trade enabler—helping cargo owners navigate complexity, go to market quicker and build greater supply chain resilience,” he adds.

Environmental investment meets financial muscle

The company also confirmed a 15% emissions reduction since 2022 in its 2024 ESG Report.

Renewable sources now supply 65% of its electricity, part of a wider decarbonisation strategy aiming for a 42% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.

The company is also the first logistics operator in its region to have its climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

To support this, DP World issued a US$100m Blue Bond to fund ocean conservation and sustainable marine practices. It also published its first Green Sukuk Impact and Allocation Report, allocating US$1.17bn to low-carbon logistics and infrastructure.

“The journey to a sustainable future is critical," says bin Sulayem. "As a leader in global trade, we recognise that achieving meaningful change requires sustained innovation, strong partnerships and a clear commitment to our targets.”

Sustainability is embedded in the company’s “Our World, Our Future” strategy in which electrification of port equipment, use of biofuels and expansion of rail and barge networks all contribute to lowering emissions. At the same time, AI-powered route optimisation and energy-efficient warehousing reduce waste and cost.

DP World also makes direct contributions to community impact through education programmes, including digital classrooms and scholarships, along with infrastructure investment in water access and sanitation through its foundation partnerships.

Supply chain leadership and future resilience

With a logistics network spanning six continents and 50,000 professionals, DP World is using its scale to build value-added, low-emission supply chain solutions. Its push into premium services with competitive rates gives customers more efficient options while supporting broader decarbonisation.

Bin Sulayem believes the foundation is now in place for the company to continue growing despite trade volatility: “In 2024, we delivered a strong performance, further reinforcing our financial position by reducing net leverage and strengthening the balance sheet." 

He also flags the risk of geopolitical tension disrupting trade, but maintains confidence in DP World’s ability to adapt: “We remain confident in the strength of our portfolio, which we expect to continue delivering robust performance.”

As DP World looks to expand into new markets, it continues to rely on bolt-on acquisitions and targeted infrastructure upgrades. These actions are designed to build resilience into supply chains while reducing environmental impact.

The company’s long-term goal is to meet Scope 3 emissions targets by 2030 and hit full net zero by 2050. With customer expectations evolving and environmental regulation tightening, DP World’s model of integrated, efficient and sustainable logistics may serve as a blueprint for the sector.

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