Jebel Ali Port has seen a steady growth in volumes since its inception. As a key contributor to Dubai’s economic growth and diversification the port witnessed a surge in volumes over the past decade which has resulted in a continual requirement of capacity expansions. It was during this period that the Journey to develop Container Terminal 2 commenced.
The expansion was announced in Aug’2005 by Dubai Ports Authority.
The first phase included development of 1.2km of quay length, 4 berths with 17m depth alongside and 2 million TEU capacity. Container Terminal 2 commenced operations during 2007 bringing capacity of Jebel Ali Port to 11 million TEU and the unique ability to handle the largest vessels in the world at the time. Container Terminal 2 received its first ship – ‘Dubai Discovery’ in the first week of August 2007.
It was during 2007 that Jebel Ali port handled more than 10 million TEU in a single year for the first time. This required the phase 2 development of Container Terminal 2 to be expedited. The project involved developing 1.3km of additional quay, 3 berths and 3 million TEU handling capacity bringing total handling capacity at Jebel Ali to 14 million TEU during 2009. It was also during this period that container handling operations were suspended in Mina Rashid and transferred to Jebel Ali Port.
The development of Container Terminal 2 was a response to our customer’s requirement to increase capacity and efficiencies for the shipping lines to be able to bring in mega vessels into Jebel Ali. The works also involved deepening the channel up to 17 meters Container Terminal 2 is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and machinery, including 29 mega Quay Cranes capable of lifting two 40 foot containers or four 20 foot containers in one move from ship to quay or quay to ship. The tandem lift cranes have a capacity of 80 tonnes and when commissioned had the widest outreach in the industry, i.e, they were the largest in the world. The terminal is also equipped with 60 rail mounted gantries (RMGs) rather than the conventional rubber-tyred gantries (RTGs). Jebel Ali Port was the first within the wider region to have this unique capability all increasing handling efficiencies and turnaround time of vessels.
Infrastructure and equipment were complemented by terminal management systems. DP World implemented Advanced Navis Sparks 3.6 operational system in the terminal. This was complemented by terminal gate automation systems, the first port in the region to bring in gate automation resulting in quicker truck turn times and access to market for the importers & exporters. In addition the terminal was equipped with the most sophisticated security system to enhance the security capabilities within the port facilities. Subsequently, Rostima – Labour management system was integrated to the Terminal Berthing and Gate automation systems. This enabled to best deploy labour depending on a number of variables such as vessel arrivals to gate appointments. The system was interfaced with the HR department’s time attendance readers and assigns manpower to points of work through mobile text message notification – matching man to machine on real time information. The first integrated control room for container operations was set up within the terminal – providing comprehensive operational interface for planning, monitoring and control.
Innovation is enshrined in our values and the development of Container Terminal 2 was a testimony to our passion to innovate, implement new technologies and provide an unparalled customer experience.
During 2011, DP World committed to expanding Container Terminal 2 by 400m adding an additional berth and bringing total quay length to 3km. Additional yard will increase handling capacity at Container Terminal 2 to 6 million TEU/annum. The Terminal has the unique ability to handle 6 mega vessels simultaneously. The additional capacity was launched by DP World earlier in 2013.
Expanding Jebel Ali Port’s capacity in line with market demand is part of our commitment to nurture trade and cater to meet the emerging needs of the shipping lines and traders.
Did you knowContainer Terminal 2 was designed to segregate the yard and operations traffic from the vessel traffic with a quay side perimeter fence ensuring safety and maximum efficiency.