DP World has confirmed plans that will add 1.5 million TEU to the capacity of its Container Terminal 3 (T3) at the flagship Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.
The terminal operator said in a statement that the expansion is to meet emerging market demand and increase the port’s capacity from 18 million TEU to 19.5 million TEU.
It added that T3 now has a capacity of 4 million TEU and will be the world’s largest semi-automated terminal.
The upgrade includes raising the heights of seven existing quay cranes by retrofitting them to meet the requirements of the new mega container vessels.
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DP World, UAE Region handled 7.7 million TEU in the first half of 2017, growing 4.3% year-on-year.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: “Increasing the handling capacity at Terminal 3 is in response to the high levels of utilisation at the port and with the recovery in volumes the medium-term outlook remains positive, particularly with the lead up to Expo 2020.
“Our priority is to ensure that we can serve our customers efficiently and deliver the benefits of scale that the new fleet of ocean going mega vessels offer.
“Volumes are rising again in our UAE region and we expect Expo 2020 and the opening up of new markets to drive medium term growth.
“The on-going improvements to capacity and productivity at Jebel Ali send out a clear message to our customers that their favourite port in the region remains focused on providing them with the first rate service and efficiency they expect from us.”