Mohammed Al Muallem

Jebel Ali Port, operated by DP World, UAE Region, is showcasing its offerings as the region’s premier gateway for breakbulk and project cargo at the 4th Breakbulk Middle East 2019 conference and exhibition in Dubai, UAE.

The event which opened today (February 11) will conclude tomorrow (February 12).

As Expo 2020’s Premier Global Trade Partner, DP World has been scaling up its flagship Jebel Ali Port operations to handle expo-bound cargo and related services. Also hosted by DP World, UAE Region, Breakbulk ME 2019 brings together the region's leading shippers and project cargo professionals.

The throughput of non-containerised cargo such as breakbulk, bulk and project cargo has moved in a steady upward direction at Jebel Ali Port, evident in its average annual throughput of 4.8 million metric tonnes (MT) of breakbulk and 4.1 million MT of bulk between 2013 and 2017.

Mohammed Al Muallem, chief executive officer and managing director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “We are directly responsible for ensuring all expo related cargo brought into Dubai are handled safely and in a timely manner. Our dedicated teams have been doing a great job of handling what’s already passed through our terminals and yards.”

“Non-containerised cargo is an important part of our business and accounts for nearly a quarter of total volumes. The event is ideally timed to bring focused attention to the breakbulk and project cargo sector, especially in light of the $900 billion worth of infrastructure projects in the pipeline,” he said.

“The world class hub services at Jebel Ali Port are strengthened by a high degree of specialisation in the storage and handling of all kinds of cargo. Our Integrated Port and Logistics offerings at Jebel Ali are supported by purpose-built facilities for the expanding demand of breakbulk, project cargo, Ro-Ro and other general cargo handling services. We are proud to be a part of the event,” he added.

The importance of breakbulk is underscored by DP World’s focus of aligning Jebel Ali Port’s operations and services with its numerous Parks and Zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), National Industries Park and Dubai Auto Zone, its online trade services platform Dubai Trade, and security services through World Security. This integrated business model has allowed the company to position itself across the supply chain and provide seamless, customised support to suit existing market conditions.

With about $900 billion worth of projects planned or underway, the UAE is the Mena region’s second biggest projects market. That includes $589 billion worth of announced projects under construction and a pipeline of unawarded projects of about $310 billion.

DP World’s flagship facility, Jebel Ali Port, is the premier gateway for over 80 weekly services connecting more than 140 ports worldwide and hinterland road connectivity across the GCC and beyond.

Jebel Ali is equipped to handle the growing demand for heavy lift and project cargo offering tailor-made solutions (including space for storage and assembly) for any shipment, regardless of the size or weight, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service