DP World Launches Fully Automated Terminal in Dubai

Post by : Amit

Photo: Reuters

Dubai’s DP World, a global leader in smart logistics and port management, has officially launched a fully automated cargo terminal at Jebel Ali Port, setting a new benchmark for port operations in the Middle East. The high-tech terminal—equipped with autonomous straddle carriers, AI-powered stacking cranes, and blockchain-based logistics systems—is now the most advanced container handling facility in the region and among the most sophisticated in the world.

The unveiling ceremony, attended by UAE government officials, logistics leaders, and international trade delegations, marks a major milestone in DP World’s strategy to build intelligent, future-proof infrastructure capable of handling rising global trade volumes with unmatched precision, speed, and sustainability.

Located within the sprawling Jebel Ali Port complex, the new terminal—referred to as Terminal 5—is designed to process millions of containers annually with minimal human intervention. Self-driving straddle carriers transport containers across the yard with centimeter-level accuracy, while robotic gantry cranes stack and move cargo based on real-time algorithms and predictive flow data.

Every movement across the terminal is monitored and directed by AI-driven control systems, which optimize routes, reduce idle time, and minimize emissions. The entire operation is backed by secure blockchain infrastructure, allowing shippers, customs, and carriers to track cargo seamlessly across the supply chain with tamper-proof, transparent records.

"Jebel Ali Terminal 5 is not just a facility—it’s a glimpse into the future of global trade," said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. “This is where technology, sustainability, and scale come together to reshape how the world moves goods.”

The new terminal strengthens Jebel Ali Port’s standing as one of the top 10 busiest ports in the world and solidifies Dubai’s role as a strategic trade gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe. With regional shipping demand rising and supply chains becoming increasingly digitized, the port is positioning itself as the hub of choice for smart logistics and automated operations.

Terminal 5 was developed in alignment with Dubai’s 2030 Vision for smart infrastructure and sustainable development. It is powered by renewable electricity, incorporates energy-efficient lighting and cranes, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions per container by up to 40% compared to traditional terminals.

One of the standout features of the new terminal is its integration into DP World’s broader digital logistics ecosystem, including Cargoes Flow, the company’s proprietary blockchain and cloud platform. This allows customers to book, track, and clear shipments in real-time, while enabling smart customs processing, cargo insurance, and financing—all on a single dashboard.

The system leverages IoT sensors embedded across containers and handling equipment to deliver real-time analytics, providing end-to-end visibility, predictive maintenance, and unprecedented cargo security. For port users, it means faster throughput, fewer delays, and greater control over their supply chains.

The launch has already attracted attention from port authorities and logistics firms around the globe. Delegations from Singapore, Rotterdam, and Shanghai were reportedly in attendance, examining the facility as a potential model for next-generation terminals in their own regions.

Industry analysts note that Terminal 5 places DP World ahead of its competitors in the race to digitize port infrastructure, especially in a post-pandemic environment where resilience, automation, and transparency have become critical operational imperatives.

Dubai, Automated Cargo Terminal