Dubai-based ports operator DP World says it will expand the capacity at Jebel Ali port by one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) to 15 million TEUs by 2012.

The project will involve expanding the quay at Jebel Ali Container Terminal 2 by 400 metres to 3,000 metres. This will allow the port to handle up to six vessels with an individual capacity of 15,000 TEUs simultaneously, which will increase efficiency. The work is expected to be complete by the end of 2012.

“We have seen very strong container volume growth in the region, with DP World, the UAE region handling a record 6.1 million TEUs in the first six months of 2011,” says Mohammed Muallem, senior vice-president and managing director of DP World, UAE.

“This further expansion of Jebel Ali demonstrates our commitment to deliver the best-in-class infrastructure for our customers and continues to ensure Jebel Ali is integral to delivering trade growth within the region.”

The UAE region also recorded a throughput of 3.1 million TEUs in the second quarter of 2011, its best ever quarterly performance (MEED 12:5:11).

Jebel Ali Container Terminal 2 is currently equipped with 29 super post Panamax gantry cranes and 60 rail mounted gantries. It has a draught of 17 metres.