DP World to increase capacity at Jebel Ali port to 15 million TEU

DP World has started construction of a 400 metre quay extension at its flagship Jebel Ali Port, which would increase the capacity at the facility by 1 million TEU to 15 million TEU.

The expansion, expected to be completed by the end of 2012, will extend the quay at Jebel Ali Container Terminal 2 to 3,000 metres. This will permit Jebel Ali to handle up to six vessels of 15000 TEU simultaneously, thereby improving efficiencies and reducing turnaround time.

"We have seen very strong container volume growth in the region, with DP World, UAE Region handling a record 6.1 million TEU in the first six months of 2011. This further expansion of Jebel Ali demonstrates our commitment to deliver the best-in-class infrastructure for our customers and continues to ensure Jebel Ali is integral to delivering trade growth within the region," Mohammed Al Muallem, senior vice president and managing director, DP World, UAE region, said.

The UAE region also delivered its best-ever quarterly performance with a second quarter throughput of 3.1 million TEU, he said.

Al Maullem was delivering the keynote address at the TOC Container Supply Chain Middle East 2011 Conference.

The last major expansion at Jebel Ali was an additional 5 million TEU, which opened in phases from 2008. T2 is currently equipped with 29 super post panamax gantry cranes and 60 rail mounted gantries (RMG), and with a draught of 17 metres, is capable of handling the world's largest container liners.