Looking back on 2024: A year of milestones, transformation, and growth

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been an extraordinary journey for DP World across Europe.??

The European supply chain industry in 2024 was shaped by rapid changes, including, the conversion to digital, sustainability demands, and ongoing geopolitical complexities that continue to redefine how global trade operates. These challenges also provided opportunities for us as DP World to demonstrate our resilience and agility. Across Europe, we worked closely with our partners to ensure the seamless flow of goods, despite the fluctuating market conditions.?

We invested heavily in cutting-edge digital solutions, optimising supply chain visibility and efficiency in a world that demands both speed and sustainable alternatives. At the same time, we expanded our decarbonisation efforts, aligning our operations with the European Union’s ambitious environmental targets. These initiatives reaffirmed our commitments to making trade more sustainable while driving tangible value for our customers.?

From forming strategic partnerships and celebrating key anniversaries to advancing logistics for our customers, partners, and the wider industry, this year has underscored the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited about the momentum we as a business carry into 2025.?

Redefining regional trade from Türkiye to Romania??

This year, we celebrated the landmark creation of DP World?Evyap, an achievement that strengthens our presence and operational capabilities in Türkiye and the surrounding regions. The merger reflects our commitment to enhancing connectivity, efficiency, and trade facilitation in a region that plays a pivotal role in connecting the Eastern and Western trading hemispheres.?

With nearshoring trends moving manufacturers closer to their end customers, Türkiye has emerged as one of the most sought-after locations for businesses worldwide. With that in mind, robust supply chains and logistics infrastructures have become essential to supporting local and international business growth, both in Europe and beyond. With more than 900 logistics experts working across a combined berthing space of over 2,000-metres, specialist port-side logistics services, and advanced rail and road connections to optimise cargo’s onward journey, DP World Evyap has become a beacon of strategic collaboration, creating value for our customers and communities.??

And just over the strait, we celebrated 20 years of operation in Romania – an anniversary that highlighted decades of success in this key European market. Romania has always been a cornerstone of DP World’s presence in Europe, and this year, we reaffirmed our commitment to the region with investments aimed at driving long-term growth and sustainable development. Our new €115 million investment in the port of Constanta is set to fund a new five hectares ‘project' cargo terminal for heavy, large and complex cargo, the addition of a multi-transport platform that will open next year and a new ‘roll-on, roll-off’ RO-RO terminal that will handle 80,000 vehicles per year at its peak.??

The development of these new facilities will ensure that Constanta remains at the forefront of global trade, equipped to meet the evolving needs of the market.??

This year,?we also announced our expansion in Aiud to enhance connectivity and support regional trade. Aiud, located in the industrial heartland of Romania, became home to a new, 82,000 sqm hi-tech intermodal logistics hub following DP World’s €21 million investment.?

I was honoured to join our team in Constanta to celebrate their hard work, and the enduring partnerships and initiatives that have defined our success in Romania.?

Navigating new horizons with McLaren and SailGP?

In 2024, DP World’s partnership with McLaren Racing reached new heights, embodying our commitment to innovation and precision at every turn. As McLaren’s official partner, this year we utilised our expertise in global logistics to optimise the team's operations, ensuring seamless delivery of critical equipment across the world.?

Beyond the track, our partnership grew deeper, thanks to our shared commitment to sustainability and pioneering technology, driving advancements that benefit industries far beyond motorsport. Together, we demonstrated how collaboration can accelerate progress, push boundaries, and deliver exceptional performance on a global scale – culminating in McLaren’s historic 2024 Constructor Champion title after a heart-racing season.?

This year we also announced a fantastic new partnership with SailGP. As the Global Logistics Partner of the world’s fastest on-water racing series, I’m certain that my colleagues’ expertise, effort and dedication will enable the championship to travel efficiently between iconic venues worldwide. This partnership goes beyond logistics, highlighting our joint obligation to preserve ocean health and combating climate change. Together, our teams are working hard to not only redefine high-performance sailing but also champion a sustainable future for our planet.?

Empowering progress across Europe?

Our achievements in 2024 also extend to the broader impact we’ve had across Europe. From leveraging state-of-the-art technologies – such as the 80+ Locus Robotics pick robots operating at our logistics site in Bicester, the Fetch Robot at our Waalwijk facility, and the Kardex Smart Dynamic Storage solution in Tilburg. We have optimised our operations to foster a culture of sustainability, continuing to drive action on this important agenda.?

This year, we showed up strong at COP29, highlighting how the region is leading by example thanks to the many initiatives that help support the European Union’s ambitious climate goals. DP World has, and continues to play, an integral role in modernising the region’s trade infrastructure and contributing to economic growth in Europe.?That’s why it is our responsibility to champion and lead climate action. Beyond Europe, our initiatives were recognised globally, and this year we were awarded the much-coveted SBTi Accreditation. As the first Middle East-based logistics company to achieve this accreditation, we are emboldened in our efforts in pushing forward our strategic efforts toward a sustainable future for the logistics industry and beyond. This achievement recognises the ambition of our revised target of a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030, up from 28%.??

Looking to 2025 and beyond?

2024 has been a year of incredible milestones for DP World Europe. It’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation meets collaboration, and vision aligns with action. As we reflect on these achievements, let us carry forward the same passion and purpose into the new year.?

As we prepare for 2025, I am filled with optimism about the trends that will shape the future of the supply chain industry across the world.??

I’m certain that Europe will continue to lead the race for better, more future-proofed trade. By staying ahead of the curve, we will continue to deliver on our promise to connect people, businesses, and economies in ways that create lasting value.?

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