DP World has successfully completed the first phase of its innovative marine life support project at the Jebel Ali Port, featuring the installation of 1,000 “living marine structures” designed to transform vertical surfaces into thriving habitats for marine life. This initiative aims to enhance biodiversity and improve coastal infrastructure efficiency, representing a successful extension of the company’s similar experience at the Callao Port in Peru.
These panels were developed in collaboration with the scientific program of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, with plans to expand the project to include 6,000 panels by 2028. Once fully implemented, this will create the longest continuous waterfront in the region dedicated to supporting natural ecosystems.
The panels feature diverse geometric designs that mimic natural rock formations, such as tidal pools. This allows marine organisms to settle and grow, effectively transforming coastal structures into supportive habitats for marine life.
Abdullah bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World in the Gulf Cooperation Council, stated that ports play a crucial role in enhancing coastal resilience. He emphasized that this program demonstrates how infrastructure can facilitate trade while contributing to the restoration of natural habitats. By integrating research-based designs across our ports, we empower marine ecosystems to thrive in previously under-valued biological environments.
A biodiversity monitoring program at Jebel Ali Port will commence in 2026 to evaluate the impact of these new panels and contribute to global knowledge regarding the role of ports in supporting environmental resilience.
This project is part of DP World’s Ocean Strategy and aligns with global biodiversity goals under the Kunming-Montreal framework, reflecting the company’s commitment to investing in sustainable coastal infrastructure across its international network.
The Jebel Ali initiative was designed following the success at Callao Port, where 66 species were recorded across 12 marine communities within a year, with seven species found exclusively on the surfaces of the panels.
No invasive species were recorded, while algal diversity increased and the environmental functions of the site improved, showcasing the high effectiveness of the nature-inspired designs.
DP World continues to expand its nature-supporting projects, which include backing the Dubai Reef initiative, one of the largest coral cultivation projects globally aimed at boosting marine biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, promoting circular economy models in port waste management, and launching additional ocean protection programs.
Amid the growing environmental pressures facing coastal cities, the living seawall project at Jebel Ali serves as a scalable global model that combines science, sustainability, and port development.