The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) along with DP World Jeddah, recently announced laying down the foundation stone for the overall expansion drive as well as revamping of the South Container Terminal within the jurisdiction of Jeddah Islamic Port. Once its completed, it will be getting doubled as port’s container handling prospect from 2.4 million to 4 million TEUs within 2024.
This will as well boost Jeddah’s position as the commercial trade, logistics centre amongst the Red Sea Coast. As per the firm statement, the overall revamp of prospect comes in the line alongside Saudi Arabia’s strategy for progression of ports infrastructure for unearthing the Kingdom’s maritime logistics and transportation potential, said senior officials at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the development and transformation of the South Container Terminal.
The progression of the South Container Terminal is fragment of the new concession agreement MAWANI signed with DP World Jeddah in April 2020 to endure operating and managing the capacity for the forthcoming 30 years.
As per the joint announcement, the firms have been steadfast to an overall investment of $800 million to revolutionize the terminal. The latest overhaul project, which will take place over four phases and is set to be accomplished by 2024, will realize infrastructural upgrades, comprising the broadening of draft depth and quay, and the installation of advanced equipment and technologies.
Statement from His Excellency Omar Hariri, President of MAWANI
Commenting on the announcement, His Excellency Omar Hariri, President of MAWANI, stated: “The continuing development of our national ports through public-private partnerships is a priority for us at MAWANI as part of our long-term strategy to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s ports sector and bolster the Kingdom’s pre-eminent position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents as envisaged in Vision 2030. With its strong track record in successfully delivering on concession contracts and operating ports facilities, DP World Jeddah is a strategic partner for us in our efforts to further develop Jeddah Islamic Port. We are confident that the new expansion project will have a significant impact not only on the port but also the Kingdom’s economy and society.”
Statement from Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO DP World Jeddah and Country Head KSA
Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO DP World Jeddah and Country Head KSA, stated: “We are working closely with Jeddah’s Islamic Port Authority and MAWANI to continue strengthening the port’s position as a strategic trade hub, connecting Eastern and Western trade routes. Our strategy as a smart trade enabler is to modernize the facility, expand its capacity and diversify the range of smart logistics services on offer at the South Container Terminal. This will help in improving the quality of the service for our current customers and assist our efforts towards attracting new business to the port.”
As per the firms’ reports, the progression strategies embrace extending the length of the quay from 1500m to 2150m and deepening the draft to 18m, which will empower the terminal to service five vessels simultaneously and switch the principal container vessels in operation today and in the future, booming up to 26,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit). The modernization of the terminal yard surface, enhancements to the lighting and a complete upgrade to the utilities are also planned.
DP World announced that it will be operating fifteen new Ship to Shore (STS) gantry cranes highlighting the latest technology and sixty latest electrically powered Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTGs) cranes will be added to the container yard in batches starting in 2022.
This will enable DP World Jeddah to upsurge its annual container conduct capacity from 2.4 million TEUs to 4 million by 2024. The RTG cranes will be precise from a state-of-the-art remote-control room by Saudi operators, as part of DP World Jeddah’s focus on developing local talent.
Since 1999, DP World Jeddah has been operating the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port as a concession partner. In close cooperation with MAWANI, the company has achieved several remarkable achievements including a significant increase in annual container handling capacity and better customer service.
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