10/06/2026 04:45 AST
Saudi Arabia has awarded a container terminal concession at Jubail Commercial Port worth more than SR2 billion ($533 million), in a move aimed at expanding port capacity, attracting private investment, and reinforcing the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub.
The Saudi Ports Authority, or Mawani, represented by its president, Suliman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua, signed the agreement with Saudi Global Ports, represented by its CEO Rob Harrison, to operate the container terminal.
The agreements come as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to position itself as a leading global logistics hub under Vision 2030, with major investments focused on expanding port capacity, improving supply chain efficiency, and increasing private sector participation in transport infrastructure.
Leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, the Kingdom aims to strengthen its role as a key gateway for international trade and connectivity.
The signing was held under the patronage of Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, and in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Board of Mawani, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, as well as the Chairman of the Board of SGP, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Zamil, along with several officials.
"The project aims to deliver several economic benefits, including enabling the container terminal to accommodate next-generation mega vessels, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the competitiveness of Jubail Commercial Port regionally and globally," Mawani said in a statement.
It added that the project also seeks to strengthen the port's position as a key logistics gateway supporting Saudi Arabia's sustainable growth.
Al-Jasser stated that the agreement represents a strategic step reflecting the strength of the partnership with the private sector.
He noted that it demonstrates the rapid development of the ports sector, supported by the wise leadership and the follow-up of the governor of the Eastern Province.
The statement further cited the minister as saying that the project "will enhance operational integration between the group's terminals on the eastern coast, improve service levels for the private sector, create new investment opportunities supporting sustainable development, and increase the Kingdom's attractiveness as a global logistics hub, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030."
Al-Mazroua confirmed that the project represents a qualitative leap in developing operational infrastructure through increasing berth length to 1,400 meters, deepening it to 18 meters, and expanding the number of ship-to-shore cranes and rail-mounted gantry cranes to 39 automated and environmentally friendly units.
He added that the undertaking will increase the container terminal's capacity to 2.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units, enabling it to accommodate next-generation vessels and reinforcing the port's role as a key logistics gateway supporting the Kingdom's sustainable development.
Al-Zamil said the initiative supports the group's expansion strategy and aligns with Saudi Arabia's logistics objectives, adding that it would strengthen the capabilities of the Kingdom's ports, improve operational efficiency, enhance supply chains, and facilitate maritime trade through more advanced and flexible solutions.
Agility logistics zone at King Abdulaziz Port
The Eastern Province governor also patronized an agreement between Mawani and Agility Logistics Parks to establish an integrated logistics zone for Agility at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, covering an area of approximately 400,000 sq. meters.
Al-Jaser affirmed that this project represents a strategic step within efforts to develop Saudi ports and enable them to play a pivotal role in global supply chains.
He noted that the new logistics zone will contribute to improving service efficiency and enhancing the smooth flow of commercial traffic, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
Al-Mazroua explained that the logistics zone project represents a qualitative leap in strengthening the infrastructure of Saudi ports and expanding partnerships with the private sector within the ports and logistics ecosystem in the Kingdom, as well as supporting supply chains.
He said the project would support industrial and economic growth in Saudi Arabia while reflecting Mawani's efforts to attract international partners to help develop logistics infrastructure and strengthen the competitiveness of the Kingdom's ports at the regional and global levels.
"In the same context, Agility stated that the project reflects its commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and its strategic approach to contributing to the development of infrastructure that supports economic growth in the Kingdom, in line with the rapid growth witnessed in the maritime and logistics sectors," a separate Mawani statement said.
King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam is distinguished by its integrated infrastructure and logistics facilities that attract major international companies. It has 43 fully equipped berths and a handling capacity of up to 105 million tons annually.
Integrated truck services center in Dammam
The governor also patronized the signing of a project contract between Mawani and Q Saudi Trading Co. to establish an integrated truck services center at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, with investments amounting to SR180 million.
Commenting on the project, signed by Al-Mazroua and the CEO of the Saudi company, Abdullah Naiem Qaranbeesh, Al-Jasser affirmed that the project is part of ongoing efforts to develop Saudi ports and enhance their operational readiness.
He noted that the new center will contribute to improving traffic flow, reducing waiting times, and supporting the efficiency of supply chains, in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
Al-Mazroua said the center would enhance services at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam and improve coordination between its operational facilities, helping strengthen the competitiveness of Saudi ports, according to a separate Mawani statement.
He added that the project is being developed on a total area of 97,742 sq. meters, making it a qualitative addition to the port's operational infrastructure and a key supporter of the logistics services ecosystem in the Eastern Province.
Qaranbeesh stated that the project reflects the company's commitment to providing innovative solutions to support the logistics sector.
"He noted that the center will offer advanced services that improve the experience of drivers and beneficiaries and enhance operational efficiency at one of the Kingdom's most important ports," the statement added.
The center includes a truck marshalling and waiting area equipped to the highest standards, helping to regulate truck movement and improve entry and exit efficiency at the port.
It will also provide integrated services for drivers, including rest areas and a range of commercial amenities for port visitors, helping improve working conditions for those employed in the maritime and logistics sectors.
Arab News
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