DP World’s Jebel Ali Container Terminal 3 is set to be the world’s largest semi - automated facility
DP World’s Jebel Ali Container Terminal 3 (T3) , inaugurated yesterday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is set to be the world’s largest semi - automated facility, the company said in its press release.
With 19 highly sophisticated automated quay cranes and 50 automated rail mounted gantry (RMG) yard cranes, T3 will be at least 30% more carbon efficient than a conventional terminal operation. Importantly, automation will transform the workplace at the port, creating around 1000 skilled jobs . And with the cran es operated from a purpose built operations building set apart from the quayside using remote control technology, the work has attracted highly skilled – and diverse – people.
30% of the new quay crane operators recruited are Emiratis, and of those, a thi rd are women. The figure is even higher for RMG operators, with 70% of those recruited Emiratis and 70% of that group being Emirati women. His Highness, accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Crown Prince of Dubai , and S heikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Deputy Ruler of Dubai , was welcomed to T3 by HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, Mohammed Sharaf, Group CEO, DP World, Mohammed Al Mu allem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region and other senior officials .
During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed talked with some of the new female recruits about their new roles and view ed construction of the pioneering Terminal 3 , which will add 4 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) capacity to the port this year, taking total capacity to 19 million TEU.
HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “ We were honoured by His Highness ’s visit to our flagship facility. Jebel Ali is one of Dubai’s jewels and continues to lead the industry by pioneering large scale automation . This is also in line with His Highness ’s vision of transforming Dubai with smart systems using technology. And because it takes jobs from the quayside to the safety and security of the operations building, the work has proven attractive to Emirati nationals, including women , who , we are delighted to note, make up a significant number of our new T3 team. “ We are especially pleased to be able to provide opportunities for those with special needs , with consoles and equipment in the operations room designed for wheelchair access. In doing so , we are proud to support the recent initiative of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Crown Prince of Dubai and Chair man of the Dubai Executive Council to promote employment of those with special needs . ”
HE Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Vice Chairman, DP World, said: “Jebel Ali is the model for our global portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents including the new developments we have underway in Europe, Africa, India and the Middle East. The unrivalled efficiency and connectivity of Jebel Ali, plus the adjacent free zone, home to around 7000 companies, has been and continues to be a driver of growth for the economy not just of Dubai and the UAE but for the wider region of some two billion people from the subcontinent to East Africa.”
Mohammed Sharaf, Group CEO, DP World , said: “ Automation and new technology are the way of the future and will help our customers and the wider supply chain realise the efficiencies on land that the new mega - ships generate at sea. They are a giant leap forward in te rms of customer service . They will also make a significant difference as we gear up for Expo 2020 , with tried and tested infrastructure that will support the preparation for this important event .”
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region , said: “ The expansion of Terminal 2 , which we opened in June last year , and the opening of T3 this year mean we will be able to handle ten of the largest vessels afloat simultaneously – the only port in the region able to do so. With the forthcoming connection of Etihad Rail to Jebel Ali, the port will be part of a multi - modal supply chain that seamlessly links sea - road - rail and air through the Dubai Logistics Corridor, reinforc ing our position as the premier gateway for the region and the entire Middle East. Planning for the long term is something we have always done and will continue for the benefit of future generations.” One of the new women crane operators gave His Highness a live demonstration of a remotely controlled quay crane during his visit to the port .