First of 84 new STS automated gantry cranes arrive with retrofitted equipment servicing global shipping alliances

Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Global trade enabler DP World is stepping up container handling productivity at its flagship Jebel Ali Port, by adding 1.5 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) to Container Terminal 3 (T3).

The expansion is in response to emerging market demand and increases the port’s capacity from 18 million TEU to 19.5 million TEU. T3 now has a capacity of 4 million TEU and will be the world’s largest semi-automated terminal.

The first batch of 37 new ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and 47 Automated Rail Mounted Gantry (ARMG) cranes are already operational and servicing customers. The 720,000 sqm facility was inaugurated in 2014 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group 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. The new cranes and retrofitting reflects the investments we make in infrastructure, equipment, technology and training of our teams. Today, Jebel Ali has the capability to accommodate ten mega container ships simultaneously and we are on schedule to increase this number significantly.

“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.”

The upgrade includes raising the heights of seven existing quay cranes by retrofitting them to meet the requirements of the new mega container vessels. The major refurbishing work will improve efficiency and productivity while prolonging the lifespan of the cranes. Shore-side expansion work will cover all the port’s functioning Container Terminals, T1, T2 and T3.

DP World, UAE Region handled 7.7 million TEU in 1H2017, growing 4.3% year-on-year. Jebel Ali Port is expected to see container traffic increase over the coming years in the lead up to Expo 2020.

Jebel Ali’s Container Terminal (T1) now has 15 ZPMC replacement STS cranes, with 70 tonne twin-lift capability. They are equipped to handle the latest Triple-E mega vessels. Its capability is further strengthened by the crane heightening project, with six cranes being refitted to service the new container ships.

Container Terminal 2 (T2) will receive three STS and 12 ARMG cranes. The STS cranes are dual hoist tandem types capable of lifting two 40 TEU containers or four 20 TEU boxes, with a combined weight of 100 tonnes. Three existing cranes will be retro-fitted to raise their heights to handle the next generation vessels. The 12 ARMGs are double cantilever/double truck lane models capable of handling twin lift containers to a combined weight of 70 tonnes.

ZPMC (Shanghai Zhenua heavy Industries Company) are also commissioning the final six cranes of Jebel Ali’s Container Terminal 3 (T3) - single hoist tandem types capable of lifting up to 100 tonnes.

Meanwhile, in line with market demand, Container Terminal 4 (T4) will take delivery of 13 STS cranes, which are dual hoist tandem models able to lift a combined weight of 120 tonnes and 35 ARMG cranes that are the double cantilever/double truck lane types able to handle twin-lift containers to a combined weight of 70 tonnes

Jebel Ali is one of the few ports in the Middle East capable of berthing multiple modern era megaships that have a carrying capacity of 18,000 TEU and more. The Port’s capabilities were highlighted earlier this year when the MSC Eloane, the world’s largest containership berthed there.

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About DP World:
DP World  is a leading enabler of global trade and an integral part of the supply chain.

 We operate multiple yet related businesses – from marine and inland terminals, maritime services, logistics and ancillary services to technology-driven trade solutions.

 We have a portfolio of 78 operating marine and inland terminals supported by over 50 related businesses in 40 countries across six continents with a significant presence in both high-growth and mature markets. We aim to be essential to the bright future of global trade, ensuring everything we do has a long-lasting positive impact on economies and society.

 Our dedicated team of over 36,000 employees from 103 countries cultivates long-standing relationships with governments, shipping lines, importers and exporters, communities, and many other important constituents of the global supply chain, to add value and provide quality services today and tomorrow.

 Container handling is the company’s core business and generates more than three quarters of its revenue. In 2016, DP World handled around 64 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across our portfolio. With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, the current gross capacity of 84.6 million TEU is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand. By thinking ahead, foreseeing change and innovating we aim to create the most productive, efficient and safe trade solutions globally.

© Press Release 2017