Dubai: DP World is accelerating the development of two major ports in Fujairah, bringing forward their planned opening as the UAE strengthens alternative shipping routes to keep goods moving despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Dubai-based ports operator said the two terminals, involving investments of around Dh2.5 billion, are now expected to begin phased operations within 18 to 24 months, compared with an earlier estimate of 24 to 30 months.
The move follows a major shift in how cargo reaches the UAE. Between early March and the end of October, DP World transported more than one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), a standard measure of container capacity, from east coast ports to Jebel Ali and domestic markets using trucks and trains.
The alternative routes have allowed shipments to enter through ports outside the Strait of Hormuz before travelling overland to Dubai for customs clearance, storage and distribution.
Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.
Jebel Ali remains operational
Shehab Mohamad Aljasmi, Chief Commercial Officer, Ports & Terminals at DP World GCC, said Jebel Ali Port had remained open throughout the crisis, with disruptions limiting operations for just six hours since the crisis began.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, he said DP World had established a trucking network…
