RoRo volumes up 28% in H1 2025 as Dubai cements role as global trade hub
DP World has significantly expanded its automotive logistics capacity to meet growing demand at Jebel Ali Port, with the launch of a new 2.6mn sqft vehicle storage yard at Terminal 4.
The upgrade adds 13,000 CEUs (car equivalent units), raising the port’s total storage capacity to 75,000 CEUs, and further cements Dubai’s position as the Middle East’s leading hub for automotive trade.
The expansion includes an 800m quay that can handle up to three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels simultaneously.
Speeding-up turnaround times
By reallocating RoRo operations from Terminal 1 to the new purpose-built zone at Terminal 4, DP World is improving berth availability, speeding up turnaround times and expanding port space to meet growing customer demand and absorb future flows.
“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,” asserted Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC.
Customer-focused investment
“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,” noted Shahab Al Jassmi, SVP, Commercial, Ports and Terminals, DP World GCC.
The announcement comes amid strong growth in vehicle volumes. In the first half of 2025, Jebel Ali handled 545,000 vehicles at the port, up 28% year-on-year. Imports accounted for 65% of the total, primarily from China, Japan, Thailand, India and South Korea.
The expansion is part of DP World’s broader automotive strategy, which includes plans for a 20mn sqft advanced car market in Dubai, set to be the largest in the world.
