DP World completes massive dredging operation in Jebel Ali
DP World has successfully completed the largest dredging programme at its flagship Jebel Ali Port in a decade.
Dredging the draught was the largest operation in a decade
DP World has successfully completed the largest dredging programme at its flagship Jebel Ali Port in a decade, allowing the port to handle more big vessels at the same time by deepening the draught.
The dredging added to the expansion work currently underway, adding 1 million TEU of new capacity to Container Terminal 2 later this year and another 4 million TEU capacity Container Terminal 3 by 2014, once completed, will enable Jebel Ali Port to handle up to 10 of the next generation 18,000 TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) mega vessels at the same time – the only port in the region able to do so.
In total, 477,000m3 of soil have been dredged from 2,900m of quay wall at the roll-on roll-off (roro) vehicle carrier terminal, the tanker terminal and three container berths. The dredging deepened the draught of the roro and tanker berths from -10.5 to -11.5m while container berths 14, 16 and 17 were extended from -14 to -16m.
“As the trade gateway for the United Arab Emirates, Middle East and the wider region, the capabilities of Jebel Ali are always reviewed to make sure they are in line with customers’ needs,” explained DP World’s chairman HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. “As more of our customers add larger vessels to their fleets, we have responded by deepening the berths to increase our efficiency as a key link in one of the busiest supply chains in the world.”
Yasser Zaghloul, CEO, National Marine Dredging Company, Abu Dhabi, said that the project boosts the port infrastructure and facilities and “enhances trade flow into Dubai, the Middle East and the wider region.”
Mohammed Al Muallem, managing director, DP World, UAE Region, said that the dredging operation was instigated in response to customer demand.
“This project will enable Jebel Ali to meet their needs to handle more of the larger ships, providing the efficient and cost effective services they have come to rely on,” he said. “Today, Jebel Ali Port is handling each week an average of three ultra-large container ships (ULCS) with a capacity of 14,000 TEU and above and we believe that number will increase steadily in the coming years.”
