DP World Reports Record Cargo Volumes at Jebel Ali Port, Marking Best Performance Since 2015

DP World has achieved another milestone year for global trade, recording its highest container and breakbulk cargo volumes at Jebel Ali Port since 2015.

The port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, an increase of 1 million TEUs compared to the previous year. This marks Jebel Ali’s highest throughput in nearly a decade, further cementing its position as the region’s premier trade and logistics hub despite ongoing supply chain challenges.

The figure accounts for nearly 18% of DP World’s total global throughput of 88.3 million TEUs for the year.

Breakbulk cargo also saw impressive growth, surging 23% year-on-year to reach 5.4 million metric tonnes (MTs)—the second-highest performance in almost ten years.

Driving Forces Behind Growth

According to Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, these record volumes reflect the strength of DP World’s world-class ports and logistics infrastructure.

“The 15.5 million TEUs handled at Jebel Ali in 2024, alongside the strong breakbulk growth, demonstrate our ability to meet rising demand across both sectors. With a dynamic ecosystem in Jebel Ali Free Zone and strong global trade ties, we are well-positioned to drive the region’s expanding trade volumes. Despite global uncertainties, we remain committed to investing in advanced infrastructure to facilitate seamless trade,” he said.

The rise in container throughput was fueled by robust local and regional demand, particularly from Asia and the Indian Subcontinent, new shipping services enhancing connectivity, and efficient operations that ensured smooth cargo movement, even amid challenges such as the Red Sea crisis.

Meanwhile, breakbulk cargo growth was driven by major regional investments in infrastructure, renewable energy, and industrial development. The port handled significant shipments of wind turbines, solar panels, heavy machinery, and construction materials, with imports making up 80% of total breakbulk shipments. Outbound shipments were led by sugar, iron, and steel.

Supporting Major Projects & Future Growth

Jebel Ali Port played a vital role in supporting international projects in 2024, including:

• 45,000 MT of bagged wheat flour shipments for humanitarian aid across the Middle East and Africa.
• Consolidation of structural steel exports for an aluminium recycling plant in the US.
• Logistics support for Liberia’s largest mining project, managing the export of 60% of its structural components.

The breakbulk sector is expected to continue growing, fueled by major regional infrastructure projects, with the UAE alone planning approximately $112 billion in construction projects in 2024.

Jebel Ali’s Strategic Capabilities

Jebel Ali Port boasts an annual container capacity of 19.4 million TEUs, spanning four terminals, over 100 berths, and a 25 km quay length. It also features dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo, complemented by Dubai’s Mina Al Hamriya Port, which handles bulk and breakbulk shipments.

On a global scale, DP World’s network of ports and terminals handled a record 88.3 million TEUs in 2024, reflecting an 8.3% year-on-year increase—a testament to the company’s resilience amid macroeconomic uncertainties and shifting global trade dynamics.