Maersk subsidiary takes minority stake in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah container terminal

APM Terminals, part of Maersk, has acquired a 37.5% stake in the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, joining UAE-based DP World, which retains 62.5% control. The partnership is expected to enhance regional logistics capabilities and support trade flows across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk, has purchased a 37.5% share in the South Container Terminal (SCT) located at Jeddah Islamic Port, according to official disclosures.

DP World, the UAE-based operator, maintains a 62.5% majority stake and continues to manage daily terminal operations. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This development reflects a strategic alignment between two major players in global port operations, potentially increasing operational efficiency and connectivity at one of the Middle East’s busiest trade gateways. By combining APM Terminals’ extensive shipping network with DP World’s on-ground expertise, the collaboration could facilitate faster cargo handling and improve throughput for regional and international shipments.

The move is significant for stakeholders in the shipping, logistics, and supply chain sectors, particularly companies engaged in Asia-Europe-Africa trade routes. Enhanced terminal capacity and shared operational knowledge may attract higher container volumes, benefiting importers, exporters, and freight forwarders.

For investors, the minority stake acquisition signals potential for further infrastructure development and collaborative projects in Saudi Arabia’s port sector.

DP World, headquartered in Dubai, operates terminals worldwide and holds long-term concessions across strategic global trade routes.

APM Terminals provides container handling and logistics services in multiple international markets, supporting Maersk’s global shipping operations.