Jeddah, KSA – DP World welcomed the Morten Maersk, one of the world’s largest container vessels, on her maiden call at the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, further strengthening maritime connectivity between Saudi Arabia and global markets.

The vessel operates on the AE15 east-west container service, jointly operated by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd as part of the Gemini Cooperation network. The service connects key markets across Asia with the Mediterranean and Europe.

Jeddah was added to the AE15 service earlier this year, providing importers and exporters in the Kingdom with direct connections to major global trade hubs, including Qingdao, Ningbo and Tanjung Pelepas in Asia, as well as Port Said and Damietta in the Mediterranean.

Measuring approximately 399 metres in length, the Morten Maersk has a capacity of more than 19,000 TEUs and is designed to operate on some of the world’s busiest trade routes.

Mohamed El Sheikh, CEO of DP World Saudi Arabia, said: “Jeddah Islamic Port provides our customers with direct access to major global trade routes, supported by advanced infrastructure and operational capabilities that enable the port to handle some of the largest container vessels serving global trade lanes.

“At the South Container Terminal, our focus is on delivering reliable and efficient operations while enabling customers to benefit from connectivity that supports the growth of their businesses. As shipping services such as AE15 expand their connectivity through Jeddah, customers gain greater choice and easier access to markets that are strategically important to their businesses.”

The AE15 service currently operates through the Suez Canal following a network restructuring announced by Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd in July 2026. The changes were designed to provide more efficient transit times for customers moving cargo between Asia and Europe. The subsequent addition of Jeddah Islamic Port to the service further expands connectivity options through one of the world’s most important trade corridors.

The continued deployment of the AE15 service to Jeddah comes as DP World advances investments in the development of the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. The programme focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the terminal’s long-term capacity to handle growing cargo volumes.

The investment programme includes the introduction of modern equipment, increased automation and the gradual reduction of carbon emissions generated by terminal operations.

These developments are aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of cargo handling, while providing shipping lines and cargo owners with the infrastructure and operational capabilities needed to respond to evolving global trade flows.