Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and DP World Jeddah have jointly started work on the expansion and revamp of the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.
When works conclude in 2024, the revamped terminal will double the port’s container handling capacity from 2.4m teu to 4m teu.
The development of the South Container Terminal is part of the new concession agreement Mawani had signed with DP World Jeddah in April 2020 to continue operating and managing the facility for the next 30 years. The company has committed to a total investment of $800m to modernise the terminal.
The new overhaul project, which will take place over four phases, will see infrastructural upgrades, including the broadening of draught depth and quay, and the installation of advanced equipment and technologies.
The development plans include extending the length of the quay from 1,500m to 2,150m and deepening the draught to 18m, to service five vessels simultaneously and handle current and future largest container vessels up to 26,000 teu.
DP World said 15 new ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes and 60 new electrically powered Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTGs) cranes will be added to the container yard in batches starting in 2022.
“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,” remarked Omar Hariri, President of Mawani.
“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,” he added.
“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,” said DP World Jeddah and Country Head Saudi Arabia Mohammad Alshaikh.
“Our strategy as a smart trade enabler is to modernise 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,” he stated.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
