DB World installs the first 1,000 live marine structure panels at Jebel Ali Port

DP World Group has completed the first phase of its pioneering project to support marine life at Jebel Ali Port, with the installation of 1,000 panels of “living marine structures” designed to transform seawall surfaces into habitats where marine life thrives, enhancing biodiversity and increasing the efficiency of coastal infrastructure, in a move that represents a successful extension of the group’s experience in Callao Port in Peru.

Developed in partnership with the Sydney Institute of Oceanography’s science program, Living Seals, the project is set to expand to 6,000 panels by 2028, creating the region’s longest continuous waterfront dedicated to supporting natural ecosystems when completed.

The panels feature various geometric designs that mimic natural rock formations such as rock basins, allowing marine organisms to settle and grow, and transforming coastal structures into habitats that support marine life.

Abdullah bin Demaithan, CEO and General Manager of DB World, GCC, said: “Ports play a vital role in enhancing coastal resilience. This program shows how infrastructure can support trade movement while at the same time contributing to the restoration of natural environmental habitats. By incorporating designs based on scientific research across our ports, we are working to enable marine ecosystems to stabilize and thrive in environments that used to have limited biological value.”

The biodiversity monitoring program at Jebel Ali Port will begin in 2026 to analyze the impact of these new panels and contribute to enriching global knowledge about the role of ports in supporting environmental resilience.

The project is part of DB World’s ocean strategy, supports global biodiversity goals in accordance with the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework, and reflects the group’s commitment to investing in sustainable coastal infrastructure across its international network.

The project in Jebel Ali was designed after the success of the pilot experiment at Callao Port in Peru, where 66 species were recorded across 12 marine groups over 12 months, including seven species that appeared only on the surfaces of the panels.

No alien species were recorded, while the diversity of algae increased and the ecological functions of the site improved, reflecting the high effectiveness of nature-inspired designs.

DB World continues to expand its projects supporting nature, including support for the “Dubai Mashad” initiative, which is one of the largest marine reef farming and propagation projects in the world, and aims to enhance marine diversity and reduce the impact of carbon emissions, develop circular economy models in port waste management, and launch additional programs to protect the oceans.

With increasing environmental pressures on coastal cities, the Jebel Ali Living Seawalls project represents a scalable global model that combines science, sustainability, and port development.