DP World-owned companies, P&O Maritime Logistics and Unifeeder, have established a new route in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using modified and efficient multi-carrying vessels (MCVs).
The two companies have introduced a new coastal service for the UAE, connecting Jebel Ali port to other ports around the country, aiming to ease supply chain bottlenecks.
The inaugural intra-UAE shipment of 200 TEUs sailed from Jebel Ali to the Port of Ajman and arrived on 7 October 2022.
DP World said the new routes are serviced by a fleet of modified MCVs to bypass congestion by calling smaller berth and aim to cut transit times by days.
The shallow draft vessels use less space and can access areas of ports, where larger ships cannot fit due to their size and length and can turn around at least twice as fast as larger vessels on shortsea routes.
According to DP World’s announcement, initial shipments will focus on moving food imports into the UAE with its reefer capabilities, and moving commodities such as cement, out of it.
By moving additional volumes of containerised cargo between Jebel Ali and other ports in the UAE, DP World aims to connect customers and main line carriers to an integrated ecosystem at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).
“Our hope is that our customers can enjoy a more seamless and sustainable solution along the coast of the UAE, as well as secure better access to our global hub, Jebel Ali,” commented Jesper Kristensen, Group chief operating officer, Marine Services at DP World.
DP World created its Marine Services combining its maritime solutions and feedering expertise from its marine businesses including Unifeeder and P&O Maritime Logistics.
The service starts with two to three calls per week, with a focus on connecting UAE to the wider Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Far East.
For the next phase of development, DP World said it will deploy additional vessels and add more port calls along the UAE coast.
