DP World has deployed 17 new Automated Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (AeRTG) cranes at its South Container Terminal in Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia, as part of a US$56 million investment to improve operational efficiency, strengthen cargo-handling and reduce emissions.
The new cranes reduce annual CO₂ emissions per crane by approximately 64% compared with conventional diesel-powered equipment and strengthen the terminal’s container-handling capabilities as it moves towards more efficient and sustainable port operations.
The terminal’s fleet now comprises 77 Rubber-Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, 50 of which are electric and automated, representing approximately 65% of the fleet and reducing reliance on diesel-powered equipment.
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Equipped with advanced automation, intelligent positioning and remote-control technology, the AeRTGs move containers with greater precision and consistency, supporting greater reliability across yard operations.
Operators manage the cranes from dedicated control stations, while fully electric drive systems eliminate direct diesel exhaust emissions during operation and reduce noise levels.
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World KSA, said: “Our continued investment in Jeddah is focused on delivering a more efficient, reliable and competitive terminal for our customers. By combining automation and electrification, we are strengthening our ability to handle growing trade volumes while reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
"This is part of our long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia, ensuring Jeddah has the infrastructure and capabilities to support the Kingdom’s ambitions for the future of trade.”
The new AeRTGs form part of DP World’s US$800 million modernisation programme at the South Container Terminal, which includes infrastructure upgrades, expanded yard capabilities and plans to increase annual handling capacity from 3.9 million to 5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
Together, these investments are strengthening Jeddah Islamic Port’s role as a key gateway for Saudi Arabia’s trade, providing shipping lines and cargo owners with more efficient and dependable connections to regional and global markets.
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