DB World adds 30 million containers to its operational capacity between 2015 and 2025

Data showed that, over the last decade, the Dubai Ports World (DP World) group continued to consolidate its position as one of the largest port and supply chain operators in the world, adding during the period between 2015 and 2025 approximately 30 million containers to its operational capacity across its global portfolio, with a growth of approximately 37%, while its capital spending during this period reached $17.4 billion (about 63.8 billion dirhams).

According to a report issued by DB World, a copy of which was obtained by Emirates Today, the rates of exploitation of absorptive capacity (a measure that shows the extent of actually using available energy) recorded high levels throughout that period, reaching more than 85.3% in recent years, in an indication of the efficient use of assets and the group’s ability to achieve a balance between expansion and actual demand for its services.

Capacity

In detail, a report issued by the Dubai Ports World Group (DP World) showed that, over the last decade, the group has continued to consolidate its position as one of the largest port and supply chain operators in the world, driven by a long-term expansion strategy that focused on increasing global capacity and enhancing the logistical infrastructure, through huge and continuous investments.

According to data obtained by Emirates Today, the group’s total capacity witnessed clear growth in the period between 2015 and 2025, as it rose from about 79.6 million standard containers (20 feet) in 2015 to exceed 109.5 million containers in 2025, in an upward path that reflects a systematic expansion of the group’s operational assets across its international portfolio around the world.

Based on the data, in 10 years, DB World has added approximately 30 million containers to its operational capacity across its global portfolio, with a growth of approximately 37%.

In parallel with the significant growth in absorptive capacity, the data indicates a stronger performance every year in terms of the percentage of exploitation of this capacity in its global portfolio.

This growth was supported by qualitative expansions that included developing new terminals and expanding existing facilities, in addition to entering new markets through partnerships and acquisitions. In the first years of the period (2015-2018), the capacity gradually increased from less than 80 million containers to more than 90 million, before the pace of expansion accelerated after 2020 to reach more than 100 million containers, with new operational capacities continuing to be added until 2025.

The data also shows that the utilization rates of absorptive capacity (a measure that shows the extent of actual use of available energy) remained at high levels throughout the period, reaching more than 85.3% in recent years, which is an indicator of the efficient use of assets and the group’s ability to achieve a balance between expansion and actual demand for its services. This also reflects the success of the business model adopted by the company, which is based on diversifying its portfolio in various geographical locations.

Volume of investments

In a related context, data indicate that during the period from 2015 to 2020, investments (capital spending) maintained levels ranging between 1.1 and 1.4 billion dollars annually, which is in line with its expansion in many international markets. However, the subsequent phase, especially after 2021, witnessed a noticeable jump in the volume of spending, as investments rose to 1.7 billion dollars in 2022, and then to more than two billion dollars in in 2023, reaching $3.1 billion in 2025.

DB World invested $3.1 billion (about 11.3 billion dirhams) in capital expenditures during 2025 (up from $2.2 billion in 2024) to support the expansion of absorptive capacity and enhance productivity globally. The year 2025 recorded the highest capital expenditure in the group’s portfolio since 2015, according to the data available until that date.

This leap reflects a shift in the group’s strategy towards rapid expansion and taking advantage of the opportunities created by changes in global supply chains, especially after the “Corona” pandemic. These investments were not limited to ports and marine stations, but also included the development of logistics centers, free zones, and integrated transportation services, which enhances the group’s transformation into a comprehensive provider of logistical solutions.

11 billion dirhams in capital spending in 2026

The group’s capital spending budget for 2026 is about three billion dollars (about 11 billion dirhams), with a focus on priority projects, including Jebel Ali, Drydocks World, Tuna Tecra (India), London Gateway (United Kingdom), Ndayane (Senegal), and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). DP World aims to add 2.8 million containers to its portfolio during the year 2026 as a whole, to meet demand in the main commercial markets around The world.

The Group continues to accelerate its transformation into a fully integrated global logistics services provider, building on its solid foundations in ports, terminals and marine services. It expanded its logistics presence through 300 branches and 500 global locations at the end of 2025. The group also currently manages 11 economic zones with plans to expand to 20 zones, which contributes to the establishment of integrated commercial and industrial centers, linking local economies to global markets.

• 85.3% utilization of capacity at DB World.