São Paulo – The port operator DP World has expanded the capacity at the Jebel Ali Port, in Dubai, by 1 million TEUs (each TEU is equivalent to 20-foot container). After the expansion, the port’s capacity has increased to 15 million TEUs, and the quay wall at Terminal 2 has been lengthened from 400 metres to 3,000 metres, allowing for six mega ships to dock at once. The information was released by DP World this Wednesday (26th).
“Efficiency is the hallmark that sets Jebel Ali apart as the region’s premier port and the reason why it’s been voted the Best Seaport in the Middle East for 19 years in a row,”said DP World chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem during the official opening of the port, according to a press release. “IT has played a significant role in the UAE’s economic growth and in supporting Dubai’s sustained development, and is set to continue that role far in the future, serving a wider region of around two billion people,” he said.
The ceremony marking the terminal’s expansion saw the docking of one of the largest cargo ships in existence, the MSC La Spezia. The vessel is 366 metres long and has capacity for 14,000 TEUs.
“Expanding Jebel Ali Port’s capacity in line with market demand is aprt of our commitment to be always ready to meet the emerging needs of the shipping lines and traders,” said DP World CEO Mohammed Sharaf.
According to the press release, cargo throughput in Jebel Ali had exceeded the port’s capacity by 1 million TEUs in the last two years, leaving the port under pressure with larger vessels and a larger proportion of cargo destined for or originating from Dubai.
A third terminal is under construction and will increase the port’s capacity to 19 million TEUs. It should be completed in 2014 and will be one of the most modern maritime terminals in the world, at 1,860 metres. As a result, Jebel Ali will be able to accommodate ten mega ships at once. Upon completion, the new terminal will create over 1,000 direct jobs.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
