“Disruptions Are Inevitable, But Trade Always Finds a Way”

By Simon West

Shahab Al Jassmi, senior vice president of commercial ports and terminals at DP World GCC, shares insight on Jebel Ali’s record-breaking year for breakbulk, the challenges of geopolitical pressures and supply chain disruptions, and the vital role of partnerships in the Middle East.

From Issue 2, 2025 of Breakbulk Magazine.

Q: DP World GCC has had a very good year for breakbulk. What key factors contributed to this success, and how does the company plan to sustain this momentum moving forward?

Shahab Al Jassmi: 2024 has been a record year for breakbulk at Jebel Ali Port, handling 5.36 million metric tonnes, a 23% year-on-year increase, marking the highest volumes since 2015​. This growth has been fueled by large-scale infrastructure projects, industrial expansion, and the growing demand for renewable energy components across the region.

Jebel Ali’s role as a strategic hub for breakbulk logistics has been reinforced through key projects over the past year, including facilitating 45,000 metric tonnes of wheat flour shipments as part of humanitarian aid efforts, consolidating structural steel exports for an aluminum recycling plant in the USA and streamlining logistics for a large mining project by handling the export of 60% of its structural components.

Looking ahead, urban development, manufacturing, and renewable energy investments across the GCC will continue to drive breakbulk demand. To sustain this growth, we remain focused on expanding infrastructure, enhancing Ro-Ro and heavy-lift capabilities, and investing in digital solutions that improve efficiency and resilience.

Q: Which sectors or commodities have seen the most growth in breakbulk?

SAJ: Breakbulk volumes have surged in 2024, largely driven by infrastructure expansion and industrial development across the GCC. Over 80% of shipments were imports, reflecting rising demand for construction materials, heavy machinery, and renewable energy components. Wind turbines and solar panels have been in particularly high demand, supporting large-scale projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which aims to generate 5,000 MW by 2030​. The continued investment in regional infrastructure has also led to a rise in imports of oversized equipment, steel, and cement.

At the same time, the GCC has emerged as a hub for structural steel exports, especially amid China’s slowdown and trade flows being redirected. Regional ports have taken on a greater role in consolidating shipments for major projects in the USA and Africa​, with Jebel Ali taking the lead. On the export side, sugar, iron, and steel have remained among the most prominent commodities, driven by strong global demand for construction materials.

As mega projects in Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to progress, and the region prioritizes energy diversification, we expect breakbulk demand to remain strong​.

Q: Geopolitical pressures and supply chain disruptions continue to affect global trade. How has DP World managed to maintain stability and growth despite these challenges?

SAJ: Disruptions are inevitable, but trade always finds a way. Our focus continues to be on diversifying supply chains and growing our infrastructure to strengthen resilience. With over 100 berths, a 25-km quay length, and dedicated terminals for breakbulk, Ro-Ro, and heavy-lift cargo, Jebel Ali Port is designed to absorb shocks and support trade flows. The expansion of Mina Al Hamriya Port, has strengthened this capacity, creating a versatile ecosystem that complements Jebel Ali’s role as a critical trade hub.

Beyond infrastructure, our strength lies in offering integrated solutions. The logistics ecosystem at Jebel Ali, supported by Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), enables manufacturers and exporters to benefit from a fully integrated supply chain, with access to facilities for assembly, fabrication, and value-added services. Strong partnerships with global shippers, airlines, and key industry players also ensure that we can handle breakbulk operations reliably, even in challenging market conditions.

Q: Can you share examples of successful partnerships or initiatives that have made a significant impact on DP World's operations in the GCC?

SAJ: Collaboration has been fundamental to our success in strengthening trade flows and future-proofing supply chains.

Over the last year, we have invested heavily in modernizing the DP World Terminal in Jeddah, having broken ground on a $250 million logistics park in the Kingdom in partnership with Mawani. This month, we also welcomed the first vessel under the landmark Gemini Cooperation - a strategic alliance between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk at Jebel Ali port, reinforcing our position as the leading maritime hub in the Middle East. The efficiency and resilience of our port operations, coupled with the advanced logistics capabilities of our hub, make us a trusted partner for shipping lines.

We are also committed to workforce development. The Future Sustainability Leaders Program, in partnership with Schneider Electric is equipping Emirati youth with skills in AI, decarbonization, and sustainable trade, ensuring that the next generation is prepared for the evolving needs of global trade.

By working closely with governments, industry leaders, and the private sector, we are building a more connected, agile, and sustainable supply chain for the future and reinforcing Dubai’s maritime legacy.

Q: What emerging technologies or digital solutions are you most excited about for transforming port and terminal operations? Can you share details of any specific technologies that DP World is implementing?

SAJ: Technology is at the heart of trade optimization, and at DP World, we are implementing solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and visibility across our operations.

One of the most significant innovations is BOXBAY, a fully automated high-bay container storage system at Jebel Ali’s Terminal 4, which allows direct access to containers without the need for reshuffling, reducing land use by up to 75% compared to traditional yards. Electrification is another key focus area. In partnership with Einride, we are rolling out a fleet of over 100 electric trucks to optimize inter-terminal cargo flows and reduce emissions.

Digital trade platforms have also been enhanced to provide greater transparency and control over shipments. SeaRates enables real-time tracking across land, sea, and air, while Cargoes P&T improves marine terminal operations by utilizing AI, machine learning, and IoT. Meanwhile, Dubai Trade, the UAE’s primary single window trade platform, has processed more than 300 million transactions last year, simplifying customs and trade processes.

DP World is host port for Breakbulk Middle East. The 2026 edition of the event is taking place on 10-11 February 2026.