DP World's container handling hits record high in 2024, up 8.3%

Gulf Today

06-02-2025

DP World's ports and terminals handled a record 88.3 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, up 8.3% year-on-year despite macroeconomic headwinds and concerns over the outlook for global trade.
The global logistics business, which now has the capacity to handle more than 100 million TEU across operations in 78 countries, benefitted from long-term infrastructure investment contributing to strong growth and new services calling at its terminals.
DP World's record performance underscores the strength of its diversified global portfolio and its ability to navigate supply chain volatility, ensuring continued service for customers worldwide.
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said, 'During the last 10 years we have invested more than $11 billion in world-class ports and logistics infrastructure to make trade flow. This record performance is further evidence that our long-term investment is providing the right services for our customers in the right places.
'As we continue to expand our reach deeper into the global supply chain by expanding our end-to-end logistics capabilities, we are confident that the container market will continue to grow and that we have the capacity to service it. Whatever the short-term challenges, we remain bullish on the outlook for world trade.'
Leading the way in terms of performance across the DP World portfolio was the Posorja terminal in Ecuador, on South America's west coast, which posted a remarkable 87% uplift in volume to nearly 1 million TEUs.
Double-digit growth was seen at San Antonio in Chile, Yarimca in Türkiye, Chennai in India, Callao in Peru, Antwerp in Belgium and London Gateway in the UK. DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port also saw a 7% increase from 2023.
At the same time, new ports and terminals added nearly 1 million TEUs to the total volume. This includes the new DP World- Evyap merger in Turkey, new operations at Dar Es Salaam Port in Tanzania and the Belawan New Container Terminal in Indonesia.
Last week, Nasdaq Dubai welcomed Middle East and North Africa's first corporate Blue Bond listing of $100 million by DP World, a leading provider of global end-to-end supply chain solutions.
Issued under DP World's $10 billion Global Medium-Term Note Programme, the bond carries a 5.250 percent coupon rate and matures in 2029.
The issuance achieved a spread of 99.6 basis points (bps) above US Treasuries — the tightest spread ever achieved by DP World in both the bond and Sukuk markets. It highlights the region's growing commitment to sustainable finance, with proceeds funding critical projects such as marine transportation, port infrastructure, and water-positive initiatives.
This landmark issuance contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), addressing the significant funding gap for sustainable marine and water-related initiatives, and solidifying Nasdaq Dubai's position as a leading platform for innovative ESG-linked financial instruments.
This listing also contributes to further enhancing the role of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a hub for sustainable finance.
Nasdaq Dubai's ESG offerings include Green Bonds, Sustainability Bonds, Sustainability-Linked Bonds, and now the region's first Blue Bond. The total value of debt listings on Nasdaq Dubai currently stands at $137 billion, of which $29 billion consists of ESG-linked issuances.
To commemorate the listing, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, rang the market-opening bell at Nasdaq Dubai, joined by Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of Nasdaq Dubai, and Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM).
Bin Sulayem said, "The listing of our first Blue Bond represents a significant step forward in DP World's journey to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the global supply chain. By directing funds toward critical marine and water-positive initiatives, we not only align with the UN's SDGs but also setting a benchmark for sustainable finance in the region.
"This achievement highlights our commitment to fostering economic growth while safeguarding the marine ecosystems that are vital to global trade and future generations."
Al Fahim stated, "The exchange remains committed to supporting issuers as they drive impactful, ESG-focused financing that contributes to long-term environmental and economic prosperity."
Ali, in turn, said, "This listing marks a significant milestone in the region's sustainable finance landscape, as DP World's Blue Bond sets a precedent for innovative ESG-linked issuances in the Middle East. At Nasdaq Dubai, we are proud to provide a robust platform for issuers like DP World to access global investors and channel funding toward impactful, sustainable initiatives."
Ian Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), commented, "As the regulator of the DIFC, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that enhance transparency and enable investors to make informed, impact-driven decisions, whilst helping to further solidify Dubai's position as a leading hub for green and sustainable finance."
The proceeds of this pioneering Blue Bond will be directed toward financing sustainable projects, including marine transportation, port infrastructure enhancements, marine pollution prevention, and nature and water-positive initiatives.
This issuance aligns with DP World's Ocean Strategy and its comprehensive Decarbonisation and Water Strategies, reaffirming the company's commitment to sustainable practices within the maritime sector.
With this Blue Bond listing, DP World further cements its position as a leading issuer on Nasdaq Dubai. Currently, DP World and its subsidiaries have 11 debt listings on the exchange, comprising bonds and sukuk, with a combined value of $10 billion.