<h3 data-path-to-node="3"><b data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="0">FUJAIRAH, UAE</b> — <b data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="16">Global Port Logistics Heavyweight Expands Deepwater Infrastructure Outside the Strait of Hormuz Chokepoint</b></h3><p data-path-to-node="4">In a major strategic expansion designed to bolster regional supply chain resilience and provide alternative transshipment pathways in West Asia, global logistics giant DP World has signed a definitive concession agreement with the Port of Fujairah Authority. The deal grants DP World the long-term rights to design, build, and operate two new state-of-the-art deepwater terminals—one specialized container facility and one high-capacity dry bulk terminal—at the Port of Fujairah.</p><p data-path-to-node="5">Located on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates along the Gulf of Oman, the strategic positioning of the port provides ocean carriers and industrial shippers direct access to Indian Ocean trade routes, completely bypassing the congested and geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz.</p><h4 data-path-to-node="6"><b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="0">Technical Scope &amp; Terminal Capacity Specifications</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="7">The expansion represents a major capital investment aimed at significantly increasing the UAE's total maritime throughput capabilities:</p><ol start="1" data-path-to-node="8"><li><p data-path-to-node="8,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">High-Efficiency Container Terminal:</b> The new container terminal will feature a 1,200-meter quay wall with a natural draft depth of 18 meters. It will be equipped with fully automated Super Post-Panamax ship-to-shore (STS) gantry cranes and electric rubber-tyred gantry (e-RTG) stacking units. Upon completion of Phase-1, the facility will add an initial annual handling capacity of 1.8 million TEUs, tailored to handle ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs) engaged in East-West liner services.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">Mechanized Dry Bulk Terminal:</b> Engineered to support rising regional aggregate, clinker, and industrial mineral trades, the dedicated bulk handling facility will feature automated high-speed conveyor belts and continuous ship loaders. The terminal is designed to process up to 12 million tonnes of dry bulk cargo annually, dramatically cutting vessel berth dwell times.</p></li><li><p data-path-to-node="8,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="8,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">Smart Gate and Intermodal Hinterland Connectivity:</b> Both terminals will be directly connected to the Etihad Rail freight network and integrated with DP World’s single-window digital customs platform, enabling rapid landside evacuation to domestic production hubs across the GCC.</p></li></ol><h4 data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="9" data-index-in-node="0">Strategic Insulation Against Chokepoint Disruptions</b></h4><p data-path-to-node="10">Speaking at the signing ceremony in Fujairah, DP World Group Chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted the operational necessity of expanding deepwater handling capacity along the Gulf of Oman.</p><p data-path-to-node="11">"The Port of Fujairah holds an indispensable position in global maritime trade geography," stated Sultan Bin Sulayem. "By developing high-capacity, technology-driven container and bulk terminals outside the Strait of Hormuz, we are providing global shipping lines and regional exporters with an agile, high-velocity alternative. This strategic footprint reinforces trade flow continuity, reduces insurance risk premiums for ocean carriers, and cements the UAE's standing as a premier global logistics hub."</p><p data-path-to-node="12">Construction on Phase-1 infrastructure is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with initial berth operations targeted to begin by late 2028.</p>