First scheduled vessel calls at DP World's Jebel Ali terminal 3

Once operations at T3 are in full swing, the largest semi-automated facility in the world will add 4m teu of capacity to Jebel Ali, bringing total capacity at the UAE port to 19m teu. The new terminal is capable of handling up to 10 ultra large container ships (ULCS) at once, with remotely operated quay cranes, state of the art equipment and an 18m draft.

Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman, DP World, commented: "We are proud to welcome the APL Phoenix to T3 as trial operations begin at our newest terminal. As the $850m T3 comes online, it will support the growth of Dubai, the UAE and the wider region.

"Today we are pleased to welcome one of our most important customers, APL, as the first shipping line to call at this impressive container facility. T3 was built in direct response to the feedback from customers like APL who told us clearly they needed more capacity at Jebel Ali. Shipping lines can now bring more of the world's largest ships to our facilities and help improve the efficiency of the supply chain."

Kenneth Glenn, president, APL, said: "APL congratulates DP World on the opening of the Jebel Ali T3. As the world's biggest semi-automated facility, T3 is well-equipped to provide our ships with optimal and sustainable service efficiency and reliability. This is a key success factor for the container liner business. We are very pleased to work with DP World in continuously improving the speed and efficiency of our vessel dispatch here in Jebel Ali, and throughout our global network."

Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World and chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation will be guest of honour at Seatrade Middle East Maritime next week. Sulayem will officially open the event, which runs from 28-30 October at Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. DP World UAE region will exhibit at stand R1.