DP World has surpassed 100 million TEUs of container handling capacity across its global portfolio since it opened its doors 45 years ago.
The milestone comes after the company invested more than $11 billion in strategic projects and infrastructure developments over the last decade, resulting in capacity growth of 33%. Expansions and new greenfield developments as well as acquisitions fuelled its double-digit growth over the period.
Starting with 75.6 million TEUs in 2014, the company invested in modernising infrastructure to meet the demands of the evolving global supply chain.
Its global gross container handling capacity has risen by 5% in the last 12 months, giving it a robust platform to extend its reach into the supply chain. It now holds a 9.2% share of the global container market.
DP World group chairman and chief executive, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said crossing the 100m TEU mark was a “momentous milestone”.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to investing in world-class ports and logistics infrastructure to make trade flow. We are confident that the global container market will continue to grow in the years ahead, and we will have the capacity to service it,” he said.
“Through our decades of experience operating in some of the most dynamic markets in the world, we have gained a deep understanding of every aspect of the complex global supply chain. This allows us to build customised solutions where others can only see obstacles.”
Global container throughput is expected to grow by 2.8% this year, according to Drewry Container Forecaster.
DP World COO, Ports and Terminals, Tiemen Meester, said: “Reaching such an impressive milestone is significant for us, but it’s what that figure represents in terms of the flow of global trade and what it has enabled in the markets we have invested in that is really exciting.
“Over the last 20 years, we have invested in ports and terminals across the world, often in less traditional and underdeveloped trade markets, where our socio-economic impact has been significant. One of the major highlights of 2024 has been our takeover of the Dar es Salaam facility in Tanzania, which has not been developed since the 1950s, with vessel waiting times of sometimes more than a month,” he said.
“Our work there in the last six months has almost eradicated that issue, and the future looks a lot brighter for Tanzanian trade.”
This year also marks significant anniversaries, including 45 years of Jebel Ali Port and 40 years of the Jebel Ali Freezone.
