Committing to the implementation of the MoU sponsored by the Crown Prince
King Abdullah Port Receives 28 Cranes To Increase Annual Capacity Of Container Terminals To 5 Million TEU
King Abdullah Economic City, July 2019: In the largest commercial operation of its kind in the history of KSA, King Abdullah Port has received 28 state-of-the-art Liebherr cranes to start the expansion of the container terminals. The latter was decided through a MoU signed with National Container Terminal on the day the port was officially inaugurated in the presence of the Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman last February.
The technical teams are currently assembling the cranes and they are expected to begin operating at the beginning of next year as part of the first phase of the expansion of the container terminals, which will help raise the port’s annual capacity to five million TEU; thereby effectively serving trade movement in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, the most important maritime trade corridor in the world.
The new cranes include 20 gantry cranes and 8 STS cranes, which are the largest of their kind, with an outreach of 70 m (25 rows) and a safe working load of 65 t. The cranes that were supplied in this deal will join their operational counterparts in the port. They are the largest cranes exported by Liebherr and can serve mega container ships easily and seamlessly.
On the other hand, the gantry cranes can handle seven containers height and are characterized by a unique eight-rope reeving system as well as built-in, anti-sway and anti-skew features resulting in unparalleled rigidity and optimum productivity.
King Abdullah Port was established based on an ambitious vision that stemmed from KSA’s need for a world class port capable of receiving modern mega ships to accommodate the increasing number of imports, the growing needs of residents, and the increasing exports to global markets. The concept of King Abdullah Port is in full harmony with Vision 2030, which was launched by the government to drive a competitive, non-oil-dependent economy.
King Abdullah Port was ranked the second fastest-growing port in the world in 2018 by Alphaliner, the global leader in marine data analysis, port capabilities, and the future of developing vessels and maritime routes around the world. The port’s throughput increased from 1.7 million TEU in 2017 to 2.3 million TEU in 2018.
Run by the Ports Development Company, King Abdullah Port is the region’s first port to be fully owned, developed and operated by the private sector. It has been listed as the fastest-growing container port and one of the world’s 100 largest ports after less than four years of operation. Eight of the largest shipping lines work at the port to offer integrated services to importers and exporters. The port’s development plan is proceeding at a steady pace and a clear vision to become one of the world’s leading ports, utilizing its advanced facilities and proximity to the Bonded and Re-export Zone and the logistics park; offering clients logistics support that can enable them to achieve their desired growth.
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About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast on one of the world’s busiest maritime shipping lanes and with direct access to extensive transportation networks and urban centers, King Abdullah Port is the first privately owned, developed and operated commercial port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region.
King Abdullah Port occupies a total area of 17.4 km2 and enjoys close proximity to King Abdullah Economic City’s Industrial Valley and the bonded zone. The port is making an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. Once fully built, King Abdullah Port will be able to handle 20 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU and 15 million t of clean bulk cargo every year.
With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-meter water berths, expanding roll-on/roll-off operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port is capable of receiving today’s diverse mega cargo ships, fulfilling the growing needs of the young and fast-growing population of the Kingdom and the region.
King Abdullah Port is testament to the important role of the private sector in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and is well on its way to meeting its goal of becoming one of the top ports worldwide.
Now that the Saudi Vision 2030 and the national transformation program have been starting the implementation process, the objectives of which include turning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into a regional and global hub for trade and industry and a strategic commercial corridor that connects three continents, with the aim being to bring about a vigorous national economy based on diversity and the full utilization of the Kingdom’s economic resources and commercial capabilities for the benefit of comprehensive development, the role of King Abdullah Port, the first port ever to be fully owned and developed by the private sector in the Kingdom and Middle East, as a major driver of these efforts, cannot be understated.
According to many economists and experts, the vital role King Abdullah Port expected to play is perfectly in line with the post-petroleum vision of HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. This is especially true as the Kingdom upholds its status as a key player in the global economic arena as part of the G20, which includes 19 countries plus the European Union.
As an outlet for exports and a primary gateway to new markets, King Abdullah Port not only enhances the trade capabilities and boosts commercial exchange between the Kingdom and global markets, but also invigorates the freight transport industry, which will help the Kingdom regain its fair share of imports by bringing them back to Saudi shores, in lieu of having to use the ports of neighboring countries.
“There are plenty of aspects that set King Abdullah Port apart from others in the region, on top of which is its strategic location,” says Abdullah Hameedadin, Managing Director of the Ports Development Company. “Some 20% to 25% of the world’s non-petroleum trade passes through the Red Sea, which translates into about 730 million tonnes of freight on more than 11,000 vessels having passed through the Suez Canal in 2015.
“Given these astounding figures, King Abdullah Port’s strategic location in the Red Sea is bound to make it the premier gateway for goods into Saudi Arabia and the emerging markets of neighboring countries, and a hub for the transshipment industry in Middle Eastern ports and beyond.”
As to the port’s current and future role and how it fits in with the Saudi Vision 2030, Hameedadin adds that King Abdullah Port offers its services in a region that enjoys brisk growth in its population, with the resulting corresponding growth in the consumption of all kinds of products.
“King Abdullah Port also provides invaluable support to the export industry, thanks to its proximity to industrial and manufacturing facilities in King Abdullah Economic City’s Industrial Valley, and to Rabigh, which is home to such major corporations as its namesake Petro Rabigh, as well as to Yanbu, Jeddah, and Al Madinah, where many industries seek opportunities to establish global reach. For all these reasons and more, King Abdullah Port is an invaluable asset, not only for the Kingdom, but the entire region.”
Besides its prime location, another aspect that sets King Abdullah Port apart is the state-of-the-art technologies employed to operate it. As the smart gate system is set to be brought online in the fourth quarter of 2016, King Abdullah Port’s management system revolves around an e-platform that brings together all stakeholders based on their needs to execute or get information about various operations.
King Abdullah Port also utilizes a modern, advanced transport network, designed to carry out all loading, unloading and transportation of goods quickly and efficiently. The port’s proximity and access to the Kingdom’s road network facilitates the smooth, efficient and timesaving transportation of goods to where they need to go.
All of these advantages, in addition to modern facilities and long, 18-meter-deep berths, will contribute to King Abdullah Port’s role as a powerhouse of the Saudi economy and a driver of growth as a catalyst for business.
The cooperation between King Abdullah Port and all supporting government agencies, such as ministries, security agencies, and institutions, is wide and deep. Their support was indispensable in helping the port achieve multiple successes and record-breaking operational levels. The public-private collaboration is key to the success of efforts to achieve diversification of investments and the enablement of the national economy. The relationship between King Abdullah Port and those agencies is one of symbiosis that aims to achieve the greater good of public interest. The Economic Cities Authority is a vital strategic enabler of the port’s operations, thanks to its role in attracting business to this industrial and commercial center, made all the more robust with KAEC and the Industrial Valley working together as an integral system.
King Abdullah Port and the Saudi Ports Authority enjoy a great working relationship. Initiatives of cooperation between the two sides strengthen integration in the Saudi ports system, working together to meet the growing activity in both imports and exports, which in turn helps meet the needs of major projects across the Kingdom and bolster business and commerce.
King Abdullah Port has made great strides in a relatively short time. Operationally, Berth 4 was opened in May 2015, right on schedule, raising the port’s capacity to around three million TEU. Constructed and brought online in record time, it was equipped with modern cranes with a capacity of 65 t each, and a reach of 25 containers. Bringing Berth 4 online was vastly instrumental in boosting King Abdullah Port’s TEU throughput in 2015. Operating with three berths for the first four months of the year and four berths for the remainder, the port handled 1.3 million TEU while in 2016 it has witnessed an increase of nearly 8% taking the annual throughput up to 1.4 million TEU.
2015 witnessed the signing of an agreement with NYK Group, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, to operate automotive RORO activities. The company’s first berth is expected to open by 2017, with a second to follow a year later, for a combined capacity of 600,000 vehicles a year.
By the end of 2016 the full infrastructural work of berths 5 & 6 has been completed and which will lift the port capacity to 4 million TEU a year.
Honorable presence confirms Port’s importance to Vision 2030
King Abdullah Economic City, February 2019: HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, officially inaugurated King Abdullah Port on Monday, 11 February 2019, during a visit to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC). The visit came during a series of internal tours of projects located in the Kingdom’s provinces.
The inauguration ceremony began with a speech from the Minister of Transport and Board Member of the Economic Cities Authority (ECA), HE Dr. Nabeel M. Al-Amudi. He praised the Crown Prince’s visit and generous patronage of the official opening of King Abdullah Port, which is the first privately developed, managed and operated port in the Kingdom and region. He said: “I would like to emphasize how important this national project is, and how the achievements we are witnessing today would not have been possible without Allah, followed by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and his support, patronage, and commitment to advance our beloved nation.”
Chairman of the Ports Development Company (PDC), Mr. Saleh bin Ladin, welcomed the Crown Prince, and expressed his honor in opening King Abdullah Port, which is owned and developed by PDC. He commented: “King Abdullah Port has undergone major milestones during its development, two of which represent historical moments in the port’s journey. The first was the nationwide leap that occurred when the esteemed Council of Ministers approved Vision 2030 under the chairmanship of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HRH King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The second is the one we are witnessing today, as Your Royal Highnesses honors this port through its opening ceremony.”
He added: “We are looking forward to making King Abdullah Port a major logistics hub, and a key driver in the Kingdom’s logistics sector by utilizing its geographical location on one of the most important trade routes in the world, in order to attract all types of investments to the Kingdom and increase the nation’s share of global trade.”
At the end of his speech, bin Ladin thanked the port’s partners, which include international shipping companies and operators, and government agencies working at the port. He also praised the important role played by ECA, the government agency overseeing King Abdullah Port. He thanked ECA for their efforts in enabling and supporting the port’s development work, in order to achieve strategic objectives and enhance its role in meeting the needs of the growing Saudi market, in addition to contributing to advancing the national economy.
MSC Group Executive Chairman, Capt. Gianluigi Aponte, emphasized the quality of the world-class services offered by King Abdullah Port to international shipping companies. He said: “I am pleased MSC plays a vital role in developing this significant project, thereby contributing to achieving the objectives of Vision 2030. The strategic location of King Abdullah Port will enable it to effectively contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the Kingdom and the Gulf region in general, which has the potential to become a key logistics hub for global trade. We at MSC believe this region provides us with an excellent opportunity to carry out our work in container transport and port terminal activities, while ensuring the provision of high-quality services to our customers and contributing to the growth and development of our operations.”
After the speeches, honored guests watched a short film about the port’s development, followed by the announcement of MoUs signed by the port. The event was concluded with the inauguration of King Abdullah Port by the Crown Prince.
The agreements already signed by the port, include a MoU between King Abdullah Port and Saudia Cargo for the establishment of a land-air bridge. This will help link the Kingdom’s ports sector to the airport sector for the first time, with intra-trade volume expected to reach SR10 billion by 2030. The MoU will positively impact on several sectors, most notably e-commerce, and promote the Kingdom’s standing as a regional logistics hub. In addition, a MoU was signed between the port and Petro Rabigh to adopt the port as the main logistics platform for the company’s petrochemical exports. This MoU will enable the port to become a platform for exporting petrochemicals through the Red Sea, in addition to adding competitive value and increasing the level of Saudi exports.
Another MoU signed by King Abdullah Port with the National Container Terminals will expand the port’s container terminal and increase throughput to seven million TEU, making it the largest container port on the Red Sea coast. The beginning of drilling operations on the north basin between the port and Huta Marine was also announced, an agreement which will add 10 million TEU of throughput and 15 million t of bulk cargo.
The inspirational concept that led to the creation of King Abdullah Port was the visionary realization that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia needed a world class port capable of receiving today’s mega cargo ships in order to handle the increasing number of imports to fulfill the growing needs of the young and fast growing population, while also facilitating increased exports to global markets. Today, the far-sighted concept of King Abdullah Port is completely aligned with the government’s Vision 2030 for an economy that is non-dependent on oil, and boosting the Kingdom’s competitive role.
The added value of King Abdullah Port in the Kingdom’s socioeconomic development journey is based on capacity building. Saudization rates in the port have reached 61.5%, excluding labor. Eight of the largest shipping lines operate at the port to offer integrated services to importers and exporters, and the port’s development plan is proceeding at a steady pace with a clear vision to become one of the world’s leading ports. Utilizing its advanced facilities and proximity to the Bonded and Re-export Zone, and the logistics park, King Abdullah Port offers its clients logistics support to enable them to achieve their desired growth. The port has established partnerships with shipping companies, banks, and global port operators, with investments exceeding SR13 billion.
The government, represented by ECA, is responsible for overseeing, organizing, and coordinating the government agencies involved in the port’s activities, in order to ensure a smooth flow of work. King Abdullah Port is one of the latest infrastructure megaprojects in the Middle East, and is a testament to the success of public-private partnerships.
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About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast on one of the world’s busiest maritime shipping lanes and with direct access to extensive transportation networks and urban centers, King Abdullah Port is the first privately owned, developed and operated commercial port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region.
King Abdullah Port occupies a total area of 17.4 km2 and enjoys close proximity to King Abdullah Economic City’s Industrial Valley and the bonded zone. The port is making an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. Once fully built, King Abdullah Port will be able to handle 20 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU and 15 million t of clean bulk cargo every year.
With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-meter water berths, expanding roll-on/roll-off operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port is capable of receiving today’s diverse mega cargo ships, fulfilling the growing needs of the young and fast-growing population of the Kingdom and the region.
King Abdullah Port is testament to the important role of the private sector in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and is well on its way to meeting its goal of becoming one of the top ports worldwide.
A highly strategic location serves multiple key markers.
The infrastructure of King Abdullah Port is designed to handle the world’s largest vessels – and to save time and money.
A single window into regulatory and logistics data makes port operations more efficient.
Our Port Community System (PCS) integrates data from various systems, improving how that data is shared and used.
The result? Processes can be better planned, accuracy is gained, and cargo handling speeds up.
Our ultimate target is to deliver swift and smooth services to our business partners.
From crane operators and tug pilots to VTS personnel, we aim to hire the most talented people in the industry. We equip them with cutting-edge technology to ensure their efficiency, and to enforce their professionalism.
At King Abdullah Port, to ensure superior partner experience, we adhere to the following core values:
The Port Community System enables efficient, transparent and reliable operation that provide significant cost savings
Optimizes performances of the Port/terminal gates reducing truck turn-around time and improving security processes
Achievement reflects the port’s ability to fulfill the Vision 2030 objective of increasing the growth percentage of non-oil exports
King Abdullah Economic City, February 2020: The annual throughput of King Abdullah Port for bulk and general cargo increased to 2.98 million t by the end of 2019, compared to 689,000 t in 2018, registering a 333% increase. In addition, 85 cargo ships docked in the port in 2019 compared to 57 Ships in 2018. These numbers reflect the port’s key role in activating the Saudi logistics and maritime trade sector, increasing the competitiveness of the Kingdom, and contributing to achieving the Vision 2030 objective of increasing the percentage of non-oil exports.
The volume of import containers handled by the port in 2019 reached 203,670 TEU compared to 190,005 TEU in 2018, representing an increase of 7.2%. Meanwhile, market conditions led to a 12.2% decline in annual throughput for container handling. This can be attributed to the current tensions in trade relations between China and the United States, together with a decrease in transshipment operations caused by recent changes in shipping lines. Several freight ship companies are undergoing ship adjustments and development operations in order to conform with new regulations and systems that will be applied this year in Emission Control Areas.
February 2019 saw King Abdullah Port witness the most prominent event since its inception, when it was officially inaugurated by Crown Prince HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman. It was ranked second in the list of the fastest-growing ports in the world in 2018 according to Alphaliner, the leading global specialist in analyzing maritime transport data, port capabilities, and the future of ships and shipping routes around the world. The port also received the MSC MINA container ship, one of the largest in the world, during its first visit to the Kingdom.
Run by the Ports Development Company, King Abdullah Port is the region’s first port to be fully owned, developed and operated by the private sector. It has been listed as the fastest-growing container port and one of the world’s 100 largest ports after less than four years of operation. 10 of the largest shipping lines work at the port to offer integrated services to importers and exporters. King Abdullah Port’s development plan is proceeding at a steady pace and it is set to consolidate its place among the leading ports globally. The port’s advanced facilities and proximity to a bonded and re-export zone and logistics park offer clients world-class logistics support to enable them to achieve their desired growth.
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About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast in King Abdullah Economic City, King Abdullah Port is the Middle East’s first privately owned, developed and operated port. Occupying an area of 17.4 km2, and enjoying close proximity to the key Saudi cities of Jeddah, Holy Makkah, Al Madinah and Yanbu, as well as its direct access to extensive transportation networks that facilitates the cargo transport through the kingdom and the rest of the region, the port is making an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s global role in maritime trade and logistics. Once fully completed, King Abdullah Port will be capable of handling 20 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU and 15 million t of clean bulk cargo annually.
With state-of-the-art infrastructure and processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-m berths, multi-level expanding operations, in addition to a fully-integrated Port Community System, the Smart Gate system and multipurpose bonded and re-export zones, King Abdullah Port reflects the important role of the private sector in realizing Vision 2030.
Dubai, UAE – February 2020: King Abdullah Port, the first privately owned, developed and operated port in the Middle East, is extending its support for the upcoming 2020 edition of Breakbulk Middle East (BBME) as platinum sponsor. This marks the third consecutive year in which King Abdullah Port will contribute to the success of the conference and exhibition.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif AlNuaimi, the UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime, BBME will take place on February 25-26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Officially inaugurated by HRH Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, in February 2019, King Abdullah Port has established itself as a leading regional logistics hub. As one of the largest infrastructure megaprojects in the Middle East run fully by the private sector, the facility is set to play a key role in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious roadmap for the future.
The port has gone through a phase of rapid expansion and was named second among the world’s fastest growing ports by Alphaliner in 2018. The same year, it moved up to 83rd place on the list of the world’s 100 biggest container ports.
Ranked as the second-largest in the Kingdom in terms of container handling, King Abdullah Port’s position, with the upcoming launch of a new Smart Gate System, is set to boost the efficiency of cargo flowing in and out, and volumes are poised to increase further in the year ahead.
Ben Blamire, Event Director of Breakbulk Middle East emphasized: “Having the full support of an esteemed industry name such as King Abdullah Port is highly beneficial for our event. Similarly, we are adamant on reciprocating this support by ensuring Breakbulk Middle East provides the utmost value, not only to our loyal and valued sponsors, but also to each and every exhibitor and visitor. Thus, we are extremely grateful to King Abdullah Port and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the many years ahead.”
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About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, King Abdullah Port is the Middle East’s first privately owned, developed and operated port. Occupying an area of 17.4 km2, it enjoys close proximity to a 1-km2 bonded and re-export zone and the key Saudi cities of Jeddah, Holy Makkah and Al Madinah. The port is making an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s global role in maritime trade and logistics. Once fully completed, King Abdullah Port will be capable of handling 20 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU and 15 million t of clean bulk cargo annually.
With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-m berths, multi-level expanding operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port reflects the important role of the private sector in realizing the Saudi Vision 2030 and is on course to take its place among the world’s top ports.
King Abdullah Economic City, December 2019: King Abdullah Port organized a two-day ‘Sea Captain Day’ field trip for high school students from The World Academy.
After being welcomed at King Abdullah Port’s VIP hall with brochures, the students were introduced to ports and the maritime transport sector in general and King Abdullah Port in particular. The trip allowed the students to visit the port’s operations center and container terminals in an exciting experience that helped them see the port’s activities up close, starting with the process of transporting containers in the container terminal.
The participating students learned about the vessel movement service in real-time and witnessed the process of transporting bulk cargo as well as Almarai Company’s cranes and warehouses in the bulk and general cargo terminal. The trip also helped the students understand the various operations, tasks, and roles in the port’s divisions. During an open discussion, port officials answered all of the students’ questions and inquiries, which reflected their interest in the technical and administrative aspects of the port.
In addition, the students gained a deep understanding of the port’s role as a new logistics hub and marine gateway to the Kingdom on the Red Sea coast, as well as how its strategic location enables it to contribute to the fulfillment of the objectives of Vision 2030 and transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics platform linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. They also learned about the port’s ability to receive the largest container vessels in the world due to its powerful and advanced infrastructure, which includes the world’s deepest 18-m water berths.
The school trip is one of the social initiatives of King Abdullah Port in line with its efforts to engage with the community. The port seeks to deliver realistic experiences to new generations and encourage them to learn about port activities first-hand in order to raise their awareness and knowledge of the port, logistics and freight sector, and enhance their contributions towards achieving the objectives of Vision 2030. As a roadmap for the Kingdom’s future, the Vision places significant emphasis on creating vibrant and dynamic young talents who are capable of driving the growth and development of the Kingdom.
Located in King Abdullah Economic City, The World Academy provides its students with advanced, world-class education to prepare the new generation of leaders from the Kindergarten stage until High School. It provides its students with cutting-edge technical facilities as well as a group of laboratories, such as the Design and Technology Laboratory, LEGO Robotics, and 3D printing, in addition to other supporting services such as the Student Services Center, the entrepreneurship and professional skills zone, and various indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
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About King Abdullah Port
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast on one of the world’s busiest maritime shipping lanes and with direct access to extensive transportation networks and urban centers, King Abdullah Port is the first privately owned, developed and operated commercial port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the region.
King Abdullah Port occupies a total area of 17.4 km2 and enjoys close proximity to King Abdullah Economic City’s Industrial Valley and the bonded zone. The port is making an increasingly important contribution to the Kingdom’s regional and global role in trade, logistics and shipping. Once fully built, King Abdullah Port will be able to handle 20 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU and 15 million t of clean bulk cargo every year.
With state-of-the-art processing facilities, the world’s deepest 18-meter water berths, expanding roll-on/roll-off operations, and a fully-integrated Port Community System, King Abdullah Port is capable of receiving today’s diverse mega cargo ships, fulfilling the growing needs of the young and fast-growing population of the Kingdom and the region.
King Abdullah Port is testament to the important role of the private sector in realizing Saudi Vision 2030 and is well on its way to meeting its goal of becoming one of the top ports worldwide.