DP World to Test Autonomous Logistics at Jebel Ali Port

DP World has become the first strategic partner of SHIFFT, a new autonomous logistics venture backed by Dubai Future Foundation and Oxa, with initial deployments planned at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai.

The partnership will focus on developing and testing autonomous logistics systems for ports, terminals and industrial zones, with the potential for future deployment across DP World’s network of more than 60 ports and terminals worldwide.

SHIFFT was established under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Programme in collaboration with autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa.

Work with DP World will cover vehicle integration, autonomous driving, fleet management, traffic routing, safety systems, digital twins, situational intelligence and operational performance optimisation.

Jebel Ali Port currently operates more than 900 vehicles for inter-terminal container movements and for shuttling cargo between quay cranes, yard stacks and terminal gates. DP World sees autonomous operations as an important part of its long-term strategy for improving efficiency and supply-chain resilience.

“The selection of DP World as the first strategic partner of SHIFFT marks an important step in developing and implementing autonomous logistics solutions from Dubai,” said Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at Dubai Future Foundation.

DP World will contribute operational expertise, safety knowledge and workforce transformation experience as the systems are developed around real port operating conditions.

“For our customers and partners, autonomous technology translates into more predictable, resilient supply chains that keep cargo moving reliably and at speed,” said Ibrahim Al Najjar, SVP – Information Technology at DP World GCC.

Oxa will contribute its autonomous vehicle technology and software capabilities to the programme.

“This collaboration aims to transform industrial vehicles into an intelligent, autonomous digital workforce capable of operating efficiently in complex, mixed-use environments,” said Paul Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxa.

The initial work at Jebel Ali will provide a test environment for systems that could later be scaled across DP World’s global terminal network.