4 days ago
DP World posts double-digit growth as global trade platform shows resilient
DP World has reported a strong financial and operational performance for the first half of 2025, highlighting the resilience of its integrated global trade platform in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions, shipping disruptions, and uncertainty over global trade tariffs.
Revenue for the six months to June 30 rose 20.4 per cent year-on-year to $11.244 billion, driven by robust growth in its Ports & Terminals division and contributions from recent acquisitions. Adjusted Ebitda increased 21.4 per cent to $3.033 billion, while container volumes climbed 6.7 per cent across its global portfolio to reach 45.4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). On a like-for-like basis, volumes rose 5.6 per cent.
Group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the results underscored the effectiveness of DP World's strategy of offering integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions and operating critical infrastructure in key global markets. 'Ongoing geopolitical tensions, the closure of the Red Sea route, and rising uncertainty around trade tariffs have caused significant disruption across the industry. Despite these challenges, our network and capabilities have allowed us to support cargo owners and deliver a strong set of results,' he said.
Across the company's regions, Asia Pacific and India posted a 2.6 per cent increase in gross container throughput to 21.75 million TEUs, while Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw volumes rise 12 per cent to 16.91 million TEUs. In the Americas and Australia, throughput climbed 7.9 per cent to 6.78 million TEUs. DP World's flagship Jebel Ali Port handled 7.77 million TEUs, up 6 per cent year-on-year.
At terminals where DP World has operational control, the company handled 27.4 million TEUs in the first half, a 7.5 per cent increase on the same period last year.
The group's profitability saw a notable surge, with operating profit (EBIT) rising 27.3 per cent to $1.902 billion, total profit increasing 68.5 per cent to $960 million, and profit attributable to owners doubling to $532 million. The Ebitda margin improved slightly to 27 per cent from 26.8 per cent a year earlier.
Group Deputy CEO and CFO Yuvraj Narayan credited the performance to ongoing strength in Ports & Terminals and Marine Services, combined with disciplined balance sheet management. 'We remain well-positioned to fund strategic growth, maintain our credit profile, and adapt to changing market conditions,' he said.
DP World invested $1.08 billion in capital expenditure during the first half, with a full-year capex target of $2.5 billion. The funds are earmarked for expanding Jebel Ali Port, upgrading Drydocks World facilities, developing Tuna Tekra in India, enhancing London Gateway in the UK, and building capacity in Dakar, Senegal. Additional investments are being directed into DP World Logistics and P&O Maritime Logistics to expand terminal capacity, integrate supply chains, and strengthen digital capabilities.
The company's logistics arm has been a key growth driver, with its freight forwarding platform now spanning about 300 locations and covering more than 90 per cent of global trade lanes. Through Unifeeder, DP World continues to provide multimodal transport solutions that have helped maintain cargo flows amid global supply chain disruptions.
Sulayem said recent acquisitions have broadened DP World's service offering, introducing specialised capabilities to meet the evolving needs of cargo owners. 'These investments address inefficiencies and strengthen connectivity across key trade corridors, enabling us to deliver more resilient and tailored solutions,' he said.
DP World expects its full-year Ebitda performance to remain strong, underpinned by sustained volume growth, operational leverage in its ports business, and continued execution of its global integration strategy. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the company remains confident about the medium- to long-term outlook for global trade.
'As supply chains evolve, DP World is well-positioned to lead the industry in delivering efficient, resilient, and sustainable trade solutions that create long-term value,' Sulayem said.
