DP World expands Jebel Ali vehicle capacity amid 28% rise in 2025 volumes

Dubai: DP World has launched a major expansion of its automotive logistics infrastructure at Jebel Ali Port, opening a 2.6 million square foot vehicle yard at Terminal 4. The upgrade adds 13,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) to the port’s storage capacity, increasing the total to 75,000 CEUs—an increase of nearly 21%.

The move comes in response to surging demand, with roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) volumes at the port rising by 28% year-on-year in the first half of 2025. Jebel Ali handled 545,000 vehicles during the period, with imports making up 65% of the total, sourced primarily from China, Japan, Thailand, India, and South Korea.

As part of the upgrade, RoRo operations have been relocated from Terminal 1 to a new purpose-built zone at Terminal 4. The dedicated area includes an 800-metre quay capable of handling up to three RoRo vessels at once. The shift aims to improve berth availability, optimise port-wide operations, and reduce turnaround times.

"Dubai is scaling up its role as a global automotive trade hub, and this expansion gives car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers faster, more reliable access to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond," said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC.

“This is a customer-focused investment. More yard space, quicker service and reliable berth availability are all designed to help the automotive supply chain grow,” added Shahab Al Jassmi, SVP - Commercial, Ports and Terminals, DP World GCC.

The expansion forms part of DP World’s broader automotive strategy, which includes plans for a 20 million square foot advanced car market in Dubai—set to become the world’s largest. These developments align with Dubai’s D33 agenda to double the size of its economy by 2033 and enhance its position as a global smart logistics hub.