RIYADH: The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, has begun operating the container terminal at Jubail Commercial Port under a concession agreement with Saudi Global Ports, with an investment value exceeding SR2 billion ($532 million).
The commencement of operations comes in implementation of the concession agreement signed between the two parties, which includes developing the infrastructure, upgrading operational equipment, and increasing the length of the quays from 1,000 to 1,400 meters as well as deepening the berths from 14 to 18 meters, increasing the number of ship to shore cranes from six to 10, and increasing the number of rubber-tyred gantry cranes from 13 to 29 automated and environmentally friendly cranes.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Ports Authority, Saleh Al-Jasser, stated: “The commencement of operations at the container terminal in Jubail Commercial Port is a result of deepening the partnership with the private sector and confidence in the Kingdom's investment environment. It contributes to achieving the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.”
He added: “The project enhances the Kingdom’s competitiveness as a global logistics hub connecting three continents, supports the growth of supply chains and maritime trade, and strengthens the role of Saudi ports in attracting global shipping lines and the new generation of mega-ships.”
The start of operations increases the container terminal’s capacity from 1.5 million to 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually, covering an area of 460,000 sq. meters. This enables the terminal to accommodate the new generation of mega-ships, increases operational efficiency, and reinforces Jubail Commercial Port’s position as a pivotal logistics gateway supporting the Kingdom’s sustainable growth.
It also enhances operational integration with the group's terminals in the ports of the Eastern Province.
For his part, Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazrou affirmed that the commencement of operations at the terminal comes within the framework of the authority’s strategy aimed at raising the efficiency of port operations and enhancing their regional and global competitiveness.
He pointed out that this partnership represents a qualitative step toward developing the infrastructure and logistics services at Jubail Commercial Port according to the highest international standards. He added that this comes as an extension of the strategic partnership with the national private sector to support trade and global supply chains.
Jubail Commercial Port is one of the vital ports in the Eastern Province, distinguished by its strategic location near industrial cities, making it an important hub for supporting the movement of exports and imports and strengthening supply chains, in addition to its role in serving national industries and connecting them to regional and global markets.
