The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has launched a new initiative aiming at automating operations in the country’s ports.
During the launching ceremony of the Smart Ports initiative, Mawani signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with telecommunications firms Ericsson and Huawei, port operator Saudi Global Ports Company (SGP), the Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company (RSGT) and port developer and operator DP World.
All parties will cooperate in accelerating and implementing 5G technology in both the logistics and operation sector to contribute to the automation of port operations. The partners will also cooperate in providing communications and information technology services as well as infrastructure, cloud computing services development, cybersecurity, application services, and platforms.
“Today, Saudi ports are entering a crucial stage of transforming into automated Smart Ports by adopting the technologies of the ‘Fourth industrial revolution’ with their advanced applications besides relying on AI technology, IoT and technologies of 5G with the aim of raising the efficiency of the operational performance of Saudi port network and developing the marine transport system to enhance the Kingdom’s presence on the global logistics services map,” said Omar bin Talal Hariri, President of Saudi Ports Authority.
Local ports play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 to increase the gross domestic product share of non-oil exports from 16% to 50%, especially since the ports account for more than 90% of the Saudi export movement, he added.
The shift to smart ports is expected to contribute to stimulating and attracting investments in the sectors of ports, marine transport, logistics services, and developing Saudi exports and imports to and from local and global markets.
The initiative also aims contribute to preserving the marine environment through the adoption of clean and renewable energy and implementing the latest technology equipment in all operational processes in domestic ports.
Source: Seatrade Maritime News
