DP World says planned Fujairah terminals could cut Indian Ocean sailing times by up to five days

Dubai-based DP World has proposed building two new terminals in Fujairah, a move that could reduce sailing times on Indian Ocean shipping routes by up to five days. The UAE ports and logistics operator claims that its Fujairah terminals, still under development, would provide cargo owners with an alternative gateway to global markets and improve schedule reliability and cost efficiency.

The proposal comes as companies increasingly seek alternative shipping routes to mitigate disruptions in established maritime corridors. According to a DP World survey, 86% of supply chain officers see access to alternative and multimodal trade routes as a competitive advantage.

Fujairah's strategic location outside the Strait of Hormuz and on the Gulf of Oman, with direct access to the Indian Ocean, makes it an ideal location for the new terminals. By avoiding the same routing choices as vessels using ports on the Arabian Gulf, the proposed terminals could save shipping time and improve overall efficiency.

DP World is constructing the terminals in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed within 24 to 30 months. Once operational, the Fujairah terminals will add 2.5 million TEUs and 3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo capacity to the UAE's logistics network. This expansion will strengthen the Jebel Ali ecosystem, providing cargo owners with greater flexibility, choice, and resilience in their supply chains.