Logistics

The three-year project has transformed the South Container Terminal. (Image source: DP World)

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have officially inaugurated the new South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SAR3bn (US$800mn) expansion project.

The three-year project has transformed the South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable facilities, more than doubling its capacity from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs.

Future plans include further expansion to accommodate 5 million TEUs as demand grows, supported by additional ship-to-shore equipment.

Since becoming DP World's first concession outside the UAE in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a critical role in regional trade.

This latest expansion, carried out under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, reinforces Jeddah’s status as a key logistics hub and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of increasing trade connectivity and economic diversification.

Advancing efficiency and sustainability

The modernisation of the terminal integrates advanced automation and digitalisation to enhance operational efficiency. Smart systems will reduce gate transaction times from two minutes to just 10 seconds, aided by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered tallying systems for improved record keeping.

The terminal now features automated and electrified yard cranes, while the number of quay cranes will increase from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, eventually reaching 22 as capacity expands to 5 million TEUs.

In response to rising demand for perishable cargo, particularly food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal has expanded its refrigerated container (reefer) capacity from 1,200 to 2,340 units. DP World is also developing a specialised inspection facility capable of handling up to 75 reefers at once—the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

The facility now boasts a total quay length of 2,150 m, including an 18 m deep-water quay, enabling it to accommodate up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously.

As part of its global sustainability strategy, DP World aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions at the South Container Terminal by 50% within five years. Sustainability measures include electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, and green building initiatives with water recycling systems. These efforts will significantly reduce emissions, improve air quality, and position Jeddah’s terminal as a leader in sustainable port operations.

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000 sqm Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom. The logistics park will offer advanced warehousing, distribution, and freight forwarding services, further cementing Jeddah’s role as a central trade hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The project, seamlessly integrated with the terminal, is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

Also read: Aldar, DP World to develop UAE logistics park

Siemens presents cutting-edge AI and automation solutions for intralogistics, enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability at LogiMAT 2025. (Image source: Siemen)

At LogiMAT 2025, taking place March 11-13, Siemens presents its latest advancements in industrial automation and digitalisation for the intralogistics sector

In response to global challenges such as labor shortages, rising sustainability demands, and demographic shifts, Siemens introduces cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. A key highlight, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, an advanced industrial vision AI, enables AI-powered picking robots. This technology exemplifies how software-defined and data-driven automation drives adaptability in automation solutions, tackling the complexity of modern intralogistics while ensuring long-term reliability. The Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and cross-platform integration, accelerating the shift toward a Digital Enterprise.

Revolutionising robot-based picking with AI

At the core of Siemens' LogiMAT showcase, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro, a pre-trained deep-learning vision software, enables robots to perform model-free 3D picking of unknown objects. Equipped with adaptable vacuum multi-grippers, the system determines gripping poses (6-DoF) in milliseconds, handling a diverse range of inventory items regardless of their shape, size, or packaging. This innovation paves the way for cost-effective, autonomous, and scalable robot solutions in single-piece order picking, particularly benefiting e-commerce and addressing workforce shortages in repetitive picking tasks.

As part of the Siemens Industrial Operations X portfolio within Siemens Xcelerator, Simatic Robot Pick AI Pro integrates software-defined automation and data-driven solutions in industrial ecosystems. A critical element of this approach, Simatic AX, a modern development environment, enhances efficiency in managing both physical and virtual controls. Siemens leverages virtual PLCs to enable greater flexibility and scalability, deploying control systems as software containers through industrial edge management. By integrating these technologies, Industrial Operations X facilitates seamless collaboration across different systems while leveraging edge and cloud computing to optimise operations. This enables machine builders to create highly adaptable and scalable robot order-picking systems tailored to specific industry needs.

Siemens’ AI-powered vision software allows robots to autonomously recognise and handle a vast array of objects, significantly boosting adaptability in dynamic warehouse environments. Additionally, seamless integration with Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) ensures continuous data flow from robot picking cells to broader operational processes. Through the Siemens Xcelerator ecosystem, certified partners like Zivid (industrial 3D cameras) and Piab (vacuum tools) contribute to the ongoing development of innovative automation solutions.

Siemens industrial copilot: AI-powered engineering assistance

At LogiMAT 2025, Siemens Industrial Copilot enhances automation engineering by streamlining code generation, fault diagnosis, and system development. As the first generative AI assistant for industrial engineering, the Siemens Industrial Copilot for TIA Portal Engineering simplifies complex development workflows while reducing errors. Thanks to seamless integration into the TIA Portal, the AI assistant accelerates automation projects and enables less experienced professionals to apply their skills effectively.

The agreement was announced during World Governments Summit 2025.

The UAE has initiated the process of mapping air corridors and developing a legal framework for cargo drones and piloted and autonomous air taxis, according to a statement from the country's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). 

The agreement was announced during World Governments Summit 2025.

The GCAA and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) organisations, ASPIRE and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), are collaborating to accomplish this.

These aerial corridors and regulations set to be defined within the next 20 months, with the routes connecting key international airports and iconic places in the UAE.

The statement added that these new air corridors will offer innovative solutions for passenger and cargo transport, relieving pressure on traditional road networks and improving connectivity.

The employment of autonomous aircraft in urban and suburban environments to provide creative transportation options for people and commodities is known as advanced air mobility, or AAM.

Future-focused

This partnership intends to create a comprehensive regulatory framework that guarantees safety and operational efficiency, with TII spearheading the development of AAM's technical aspects and ASPIRE concentrating on building a network of stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and researchers.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director general of the GCAA, said, “Air corridor mapping for piloted and autonomous air taxis and drones is a crucial milestone that will enable the seamless implementation of Advanced Air Mobility into the UAE’s infrastructure. This initiative ensures the safe and efficient adoption of air mobility, delivering transformative solutions to urban transport and paving the way for a smarter, more connected future.”

Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of TII, said, "This transformative collaboration with GCAA is reshaping the future of urban transportation. By advancing airspace management and integrating piloted and autonomous air taxis and cargo drones, we are not only enhancing urban connectivity but also driving sustainable and accessible mobility solutions that will benefit future generations."

Stephane Timpano from ASPIRE, said, "Addressing real-time urban mobility challenges through innovative solutions like air taxis and drones is a major step forward. This initiative directly supports sustainable economic growth by creating a flexible and diverse transport system that eases pressure on urban infrastructure and fosters smarter, more resilient cities."

Prof. Enrico Natalizio, Chief Researcher of the Autonomous Robotics Research Center at TII, said, "At TII, we’re developing advanced AI-powered control, vision and communication algorithms for autonomous systems that enable real-time decision-making for air taxis and drones. Having mastered this technology, we are able to propose methodologies for AAM corridors design to optimise routes, ensure collision avoidance, and integrate seamlessly with urban airspace, marking a key step toward efficient and safe autonomous air mobility in complex urban environments."

Also read: Hellmann introduces automated storage robots

The UAT programme provides factories and warehouses with new tech. (Image source: Hellmann)

At Hellmann's eCommerce Fulfilment Centre at Dubai CommerCity (DCC), Hellmann Worldwide Logistics have installed robotic automated storage systems.

Hellmann Worldwide Logistics has launched a new programme that enables logistics companies around the region to increase storage space, improve operational efficiency, and speed up product delivery to the market.

Based on the newest robotics technology, Hellmann's creative UAT programme provides factories and warehouses with adaptable, dependable, thorough, high-quality, and effective solutions.

Additionally, it offers blockchain management for a variety of industries, enabling businesses to use smart technologies to improve and automate their logistical services, increasing productivity, corporate growth, and operational expansion.

Growing UAE's logistics space

Underpinned by an integrated infrastructure and digital ecosystem that conform to the highest international standards and best practices, DCC provides a wide variety of advantages along with an extensive bundle of logistical services and cutting-edge technologies.

By supporting sustainable growth, guaranteeing business continuity, and embracing the idea of digital trade across all of its operations and services, DCC seeks to satisfy the demands of the businesses who operate there.

With its prime location in the Logistics Cluster of Dubai CommerCity, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics' eCommerce Fulfilment Centre uses the newest technological developments and digital solutions to manage logistics operations and innovations to increase the effectiveness of supply chains and cargo handling procedures.

Abdulrahman Shaheen, senior vice president of property management and supply chain at Dubai CommerCity, said, “We are committed to supporting various innovative and digital solutions that elevate the operational processes of companies within Dubai CommerCity. Hellmann’s innovative programme for advanced logistics services, which utilises robotics technology, adds significant value to the range of leading technologies and services available in our free zone. This programmenot only supports the growth of companies in the logistics sector but also facilitates their business expansion, enhances the quality and excellence of logistical operations, and accelerates their efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.”

This type of smart innovation marks a qualitative leap forward, aligning with Dubai CommerCity’s vision to offer the best logistics service technologies. By incorporating cutting-edge solutions such as robotics, AI, and advanced supply chain management, we are enhancing our efforts towards a complete digital transformation, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for the digital economy and the most advanced and innovative logistics services."

Francois Coron, managing director of Hellmann UAE, said, "We are excited about this innovative development. Our investment in robotics solutions will significantly enhance our speed, accuracy, and efficiency, leading to increased warehouse productivity with real-time monitoring and volume flexibility. With our centralised location at Dubai CommerCity and by working closely with our customers, we are providing a comprehensive eCommerce fulfillment centre that meets all business needs and goals with end-to-end logistics solutions for both B2B and B2C models. This development resonates with our mission to provide reliable integrated logistics solutions powered by technology, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit."

Also read: AD Ports invests in Angolan logistics