Aqaba Port Expansion Projects to Boost Oil Handling, Cargo Capacity and Regional Transit Trade
Shipping Arabia, November 11, 2026 – Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is advancing major port expansion projects to increase oil handling capacity, expand vehicle and container storage facilities, and strengthen Aqaba’s position as a regional maritime, logistics and energy trading hub. The investments aim to accommodate rising cargo volumes, improve operational efficiency and expand the port system’s ability to support regional transit trade.
ADC CEO Hussein Al-Safadi outlined the developments in an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra). He said the projects respond to growing cargo handling and trade activity while strengthening Aqaba’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
The expansion program follows a recent visit to Aqaba by Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, during which the government emphasized the importance of accelerating port development and infrastructure projects.
New Oil Jetty to Increase Aqaba’s Handling Capacity to 11 Million Tonnes
Among the most significant Aqaba port expansion projects is the development of a new oil jetty designed to accommodate vessels of up to 160,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT).
The facility will handle crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, bitumen and ammonia. Its targeted annual handling capacity is 5 million tonnes, increasing Aqaba’s total oil handling capacity to approximately 11 million tonnes per year.
According to Al-Safadi, the project will help meet domestic energy requirements while expanding Aqaba’s capabilities in petroleum exports and regional energy trade.
Implementation will follow two separate contractual arrangements. ADC will undertake the marine construction works through an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, for which the tender has already been issued.
A specialized operator will separately equip and operate the facility under an Equip-Operate-Transfer (EOT) arrangement. ADC expects to issue the operator tender shortly, while completion of the oil port development and expansion projects is planned within the next two years.
In parallel, ADC is developing a Single Point Mooring (SPM) facility offshore to support crude oil and heavy fuel oil exports.
The SPM project will be financed and implemented by the private sector under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Al-Safadi indicated that the relevant agreement is expected around mid-2027, with the facility scheduled to enter service within eight months of signing.
Both energy infrastructure projects are expected to support Iraqi oil exports through Aqaba and strengthen regional transit trade. They will also help relieve operational pressure on the existing oil terminal, which is currently operating at full capacity.
Vehicle Storage Expansion and Strong Cargo Growth
ADC is also implementing substantial improvements to vehicle and container storage infrastructure in response to increasing cargo volumes.
The corporation has allocated approximately 150,000 square meters adjacent to Aqaba New Port to expand vehicle storage capacity from 6,000 to 17,000 vehicles.
Additionally, a 67,500-square-meter area near Aqaba Container Terminal has been allocated for empty container storage. Further storage capacity is being made available through private logistics companies and Aqaba Logistics Village.
These developments coincide with significant increases in cargo handling and transit activity across Aqaba’s ports.
During the first nine months of 2026, cargo throughput at Aqaba New Port, the multipurpose port, increased by 63.6% to reach 5.85 million tonnes. During the same period, oil terminal throughput rose by 39.3% to 3.43 million tonnes.
Transit cargo volumes recorded particularly strong growth. Aqaba New Port handled 1.8 million tonnes of transit cargo, compared with approximately 38,900 tonnes during the corresponding period of 2025.
Meanwhile, transit container throughput at Aqaba Container Terminal increased by 151.8%, reaching 115,762 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
Al-Safadi said the figures demonstrate the growing importance of Aqaba in regional trade and reinforce the need for continued investment in port infrastructure, logistics facilities and operational services.
To accommodate rising vehicle imports and cargo handling demand, ADC has temporarily permitted roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels and heavy cargo operations at Aqaba Cruise Terminal.
The cruise terminal has handled 79,795 vehicles since the beginning of 2026, providing additional capacity for vehicle traffic while other port facilities undergo expansion.
ADC has also coordinated with the Land Transport Regulatory Commission to allow foreign vehicle transport trucks to load directly from the port, supporting more efficient vehicle movements.
Improving Border Connectivity and Multimodal Transport
Alongside its port expansion projects, ADC is working to improve land transport connections and facilitate cross-border cargo movements.
The corporation is coordinating with the relevant authorities and the Saudi side to improve truck movements through the Durra border crossing between Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Plans also include preparing a temporary truck staging area within the border crossing to accommodate increased truck and cargo traffic.
Al-Safadi emphasized the importance of integrating Aqaba’s maritime infrastructure with the planned Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway and Aqaba–Ma’an dry port projects.
These developments are intended to strengthen connections between Aqaba’s ports, production centers, storage facilities and regional markets.
Improved multimodal connectivity would support more efficient cargo transportation and strengthen Aqaba’s role as a gateway for imports, exports and regional transit cargo.
ADC is also seeking greater private-sector participation in developing and operating specialized facilities through partnership arrangements similar to those planned for the oil jetty and SPM project.
The corporation considers these partnerships important for expanding operational capacity, improving service efficiency and attracting additional investment.
South Aqaba Investment Complex Expansion and New Logistics Opportunities
Beyond maritime infrastructure, ADC is pursuing new investment opportunities in logistics, industrial development and energy-related activities.
A major component is the South Aqaba Investment Complex, developed by National Real Estate Company (NREC), with an investment of approximately JOD 21 million.
The complex occupies more than 1.5 million square meters of developed land and includes 12 modern warehouses, four ready-built industrial buildings and additional serviced plots designated for storage and light industrial activities.
According to Al-Safadi, the complex reached full occupancy during 2026, highlighting demand for industrial and logistics facilities in Aqaba.
ADC is currently holding discussions with NREC regarding a further expansion of approximately 500 dunums. The additional land would create opportunities to attract more industrial, warehousing and logistics investments.
The corporation expects its infrastructure and investment projects to generate direct employment during construction and operational phases. Additional indirect employment opportunities are anticipated in transportation, storage, maintenance and supporting services.
The projects are also expected to create opportunities for local companies to participate in supply chains associated with port development, industrial facilities and logistics operations.
Al-Safadi said ADC will announce further investment projects and their details as the necessary procedures are completed.
Taken together, the Aqaba port expansion projects form part of a wider development strategy extending beyond additional cargo handling capacity. By combining new oil infrastructure, expanded storage facilities, improved transport connectivity and private-sector investment, ADC aims to strengthen Aqaba’s role in regional maritime trade, energy logistics and transit cargo movements.
Source: Al Dustour