DP World is no longer just a global port operator — it’s now redefining the future of logistics.

In this compelling session from DELIVER Europe 2025, Robert Maslamoney, Global Senior Vice President at DP World, unveiled the company’s freight forwarding ambitions and logistics innovations tailored for the modern retail landscape. From full supply chain integration to AI-powered control towers, DP World is repositioning itself as a single end-to-end logistics partner with global reach and bold sustainability goals.

A Volatile Global Supply Chain

Maslamoney set the stage by acknowledging today’s volatile, uncertain supply chain environment: climate events, geopolitical disruptions, and economic instability have created urgent challenges for retailers. From the Red Sea crisis diverting 55% of ocean capacity to El Niño effects in Panama, shipping is no longer straightforward.

Retailers need more flexibility, faster delivery, and greater cost-efficiency — without sacrificing visibility or sustainability.

Building Infrastructure for Agility

At the heart of DP World’s strategy is infrastructure investment. Maslamoney cited facilities like Jebel Ali in the UAE, which offers over 100 berths, 80+ weekly services, and a network of 10,700 companies offering integrated logistics. Similar expansion is underway in Romania’s Constanta port, positioning it as a critical European gateway.

These hubs serve as shock absorbers for global disruption, allowing DP World to reroute and adjust with minimal impact on customers.

From Ports to Platforms: DP World’s Evolution

DP World has transformed from a traditional port operator into a customer-centric logistics provider with three key business segments:

• Port & Terminal Operations: 70 marine and inland assets globally, 103 million TEU throughput, and the world’s largest port operator by volume.

• Marine Services: 110 container vessels, 130,000 containers, and a vast East-West network.

• Logistics & Freight: Including freight forwarding, contract logistics, and market access.

Over $11 billion in revenue now comes from its logistics division — over half of DP World’s total top-line.

The “New Kid on the Block”: Freight Forwarding

In just 19 months, DP World launched a freight forwarding business in 67 countries with 285 locations. But this is no ordinary freight model.

Unlike brokers or intermediaries, DP World owns the assets. Customers get access to priority capacity, schedule reliability, real-time tracking, and technology-enabled platforms. It's a freight experience designed for speed and resilience, not lowest-cost alone.

Retail Case Studies: Real Impact

• Home Goods Retailer: By shifting 30% of sourcing from a single region to Eastern Europe and Latin America, lead times dropped by 5 weeks and logistics costs by 15%.                                    
   

• Australian Fashion Brand: DP World consolidated inbound flows into a single centre, provided bespoke value-added services like kitting and packaging, then exported via its ocean network to the UK and Southeast Asia — all using owned assets.

Artificial Intelligence & Data-Driven Execution

DP World isn’t jumping on the AI bandwagon without discipline. They’ve invested heavily in master data management and created AI co-pilots for both operations and commercial teams.

These systems flag potential customs issues, reduce clearance delays, and optimise load planning. In their vinyl record fulfilment centre in Europe, 60+ robots handle order picking, showing how automation is already deeply embedded.

Sustainability Is a Core Commitment

In Saudi Arabia, DP World is building the region’s largest integrated logistics park — fully solar powered, with 415,000 sqm of sustainable warehousing. This is part of a global initiative to electrify fleets, reduce carbon intensity, and transition to cleaner fuels.

But DP World also recognises that sustainability is a shared responsibility — calling on governments, partners, and customers to collaborate at scale.

People First, Talent Always

For all its infrastructure, DP World sees its people as its greatest asset. With 115,000+ employees across 75 countries, talent development is decentralised and hands-on. 70% of training happens on the job, supported by mentoring and leadership development.

What Makes DP World Different?

• End-to-End Ownership: From ports to trucks to warehouses to software, DP World owns and operates the supply chain.

• Global Talent: A workforce embedded in every region for seamless handoff and execution.

• Tech and Infrastructure Investment: Solar-powered mega facilities, robotic automation, and data-driven decision support.

• Freight Forwarding Reinvented: Not just quoting rates — but delivering guaranteed outcomes.

Final Message: Choose a Logistics Partner, Not a Vendor

If your business needs resilience, predictability, and agility — especially in ecommerce and retail — DP World positions itself as the global partner to deliver just that.

Whether it’s expanding your sourcing footprint, shortening lead times, or future-proofing with AI, DP World is building logistics infrastructure not just for today, but for the world of tomorrow.