The design and rack structure of the Boxbay system means that containers are stored up to eleven storeys high. Courtesy DP World
The design and rack structure of the Boxbay system means that containers are stored up to eleven storeys high. Courtesy DP World
The design and rack structure of the Boxbay system means that containers are stored up to eleven storeys high. Courtesy DP World
The design and rack structure of the Boxbay system means that containers are stored up to eleven storeys high. Courtesy DP World

Dubai's Boxbay: DP World reveals smart container handling system ahead of Expo 2020


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Global ports operator DP World and industrial engineering firm SMS Group entered into a joint venture that aims to change the way that containers are handled in ports.

The companies announced "Boxbay", a new and 'smart' shipping container storage system that will be ready in time for the Dubai Expo 2020, with a pilot project scheduled at Jebel Ali Terminal 4, DP World said on Wednesday.

DP World said the system is touted as faster, cheaper and safer than traditional methods of moving and storing containers.

"We are excited by the prospects for Boxbay as handling speed and efficiencies are key aspects of the ports and terminals business and the system is a major development for the sector around the world," Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World's chairman, said. "We continue to explore new technologies that push boundaries, disrupt and add value for our operations and customers."

Dubai will host the Expo 2020 event that's expected to contribute Dh122.6 billion to the UAE's economy in the period from 2013 to 2031, according to a study released this week by auditing firm Ernst & Young.

The design and rack structure of the Boxbay system means that containers are stored up to eleven stories high, offering the same capacity of traditional terminals but in a third of the surface area, the company said.

The system eliminates unpaid and unproductive reshuffling because it's fully automated and has direct access to each container, according to DP World.

"It also features significant gains in handling speed, energy efficiency, safety and a major reduction in operating costs," DP World said.

A new international joint venture that aims to change the way that containers are handled in ports has been launched by DP World and industrial engineering firm SMS Group. Courtesy DP World
A new international joint venture that aims to change the way that containers are handled in ports has been launched by DP World and industrial engineering firm SMS Group. Courtesy DP World
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

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