Expo drives demand for non-containerised cargo
dubai — The throughput of noncontainerised cargo such as breakbulk, bulk and project cargo has experienced a steady upward movement at DP World’s flagship Jebel Ali Port.
DP World UAE region, which operates Jebel Ali Port, said its teams are prepared to meet the expected increase in demand for breakbulk and project cargo handling services in the run-up to Expo 2020 Dubai.
DP World UAE Region saw a wide range of imports — from the gigantic domed steel trellis that will adorn the centrepiece at the Expo 2020 venue to luxury yachts and rising quantities of bulk and breakbulk cargo. The trellis, weighing 2,265 tonnes and with an enclosed space of 724,000 cubic metres when fully assembled, was shipped to Jebel Ali Port from Italy and moved to the Expo venue by road.
During the five-year period from 2013 to 2017, Jebel Ali Port registered an annualised average throughput of 4.8 million metric tonnes of breakbulk and 4.1 million metric tonnes of bulk.
“Non-containerised cargo is an important part of DP World’s business, accounting for nearly a quarter of our total volumes and bringing commercial value to everything we do in Jebel Ali. The demand for handling breakbulk and special project cargo is expected to rise sharply in the months ahead in view of Expo 2020 Dubai. DP World UAE Region is working to ensure that Jebel Ali Port is ready to fulfil its role as the premier gateway for Expo-bound cargo,” Mohammed Al Muallem, DP World’s CEO and MD for the UAE, said.