APM Terminals, an independent subsidiary of A.P. Moller–Maersk, has acquired a 37.5% stake in the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced. 

The move positions Jeddah as one of Maersk’s key gateways for boosting connectivity to local markets and its global maritime network, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

The partnership is expected to establish a strategic presence for Maersk at Jeddah Islamic Port, contributing to increased vessel calls and transshipment container volumes, and attracting additional Maersk-affiliated and partner shipping lines. This will further enhance the port’s status as a major trade hub on the Red Sea coast.

DP World will retain a 62.5% majority shareholding in the terminal and continue to lead the operations at the facility.

The investment strengthens the long-term collaboration between the two organisations and brings together complementary capabilities to enhance Jeddah Islamic Port’s role as a vital gateway to Saudi Arabia and a key Red Sea hub connecting trade flows between Asia, Europe and Africa, said an APM Terminals statement.

Since securing the 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer concession in 2019, DP World has delivered a major upgrade and expansion of the Southern Container Terminal, significantly increasing capacity, improving efficiency and raising sustainability standards in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Separately, both DP World and Maersk have made significant investments in integrated logistics capacity within Jeddah Islamic Port, linking the quay to warehousing, distribution and inland transport, allowing customers to benefit from enhanced connectivity and more integrated logistics support across the supply chain, while ensuring the terminal continues to serve as a critical gateway for import and export cargo.

Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World, said: “Saudi Arabia is a strategic market for DP World, and Jeddah Islamic Port has been central to our growth in the Kingdom for more than two decades. Since securing the concession in 2019, we have transformed the Southern Container Terminal into a modern, high-capacity gateway, further strengthening Jeddah’s position as a leading Red Sea hub in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This partnership reflects the confidence global industry leaders place in DP World’s capabilities and the world-class terminal we have developed in Jeddah Islamic Port.”

Keith Svendsen, CEO of APM Terminals, said: “Jeddah Islamic Port is a vital gateway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a key hub in our customers' supply chains. We are pleased to invest in the Southern Container Terminal and to deepen our presence in Saudi Arabia through this strategic step. Jeddah is one of the region's most important trade corridors. This investment secures long-term access to quality infrastructure and strengthens our ability to support customers with reliable, scalable capacity in the Kingdom.” -TradeArabia News Service