DP World welcomed the first scheduled vessel – the APL Phoenix – into its new US$850 million Container Terminal 3 in Jebel Ali, Dubai recently as it prepares to serve customers.
Once fully operational in 2015, the container terminal will add a further 4 million TEU capacity to the port, taking total handling capacity at Jebel Ali to 19 million TEU.
Terminal 3 has an 18m draft which enables Jebel Ali to handle more of the new generation mega vessels, and as many as 10 ultra large container vessels at any one time.
DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said: “We are proud to welcome the APL Phoenix to Terminal 3 as trial operations begin at our newest terminal. As the US$850 million Terminal 3 comes on line, it will support the growth of Dubai, the UAE and the wider region.
“And in line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai’s vision of transforming the city with smart systems using technology, Terminal 3 will be the world’s largest semi-automated terminal, providing operational efficiencies for customers, comfortable and safe working conditions for our people and environmental benefits by reducing our carbon footprint. Terminal 3 will be 30% more carbon efficient than a traditional terminal.”
Sultan bin Sulayem further commented: “Terminal 3 was built in direct response to the feedback from customers like APL who told us clearly they needed more capacity at Jebel Ali. Shipping lines can now bring more of the world’s largest ships to our facilities and help improve the efficiency of the supply chain.”
Kenneth Glenn, President of APL, concluded: “As the world’s biggest semi-automated facility, Terminal 3 is well-equipped to provide our ships with optimal and sustainable service efficiency and reliability.”
