The following release was published by Mawani:
The Kingdom, represented by the Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani", recorded 231.7 points in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, according to the report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) issued during the second quarter of 2024.
Throughout 2024, Mawani's efforts aimed at developing the infrastructure of the Kingdom’s ports have continued, enhancing the competitiveness of ports regionally and internationally, and supporting and facilitating global trade. Development works at Red Sea Gateway in the Northern Container Terminal of Jeddah Islamic Port have been completed with investments reaching one billion Saudi Riyals. Additionally, dredging works for the Northwestern Approach Channel at the port have been completed, extending 3,000 meters in length, 300 meters in width, and 18.5 meters in depth—an increase from 17 meters. Moreover, the Northwest Turning Basin has been expanded to a diameter of 700 meters and deepened to 18.5 meters from its previous depth of 16.5 meters.
As part of commercial concessions totaling seven billion Riyals, Mawani signed an agreement with Saudi Global Ports. Consequently, King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam received six rubber-tired gantry cranes (RTG) and quay cranes (QC), enhancing infrastructure and operational efficiency to handle large vessels effectively.
Through strategic partnerships with several global shipping lines, Mawani added 14 new maritime shipping services at Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port, strengthening connections between Saudi ports and those in the East and West.
Mawani also continued its efforts in establishing logistics parks, including the creation of a logistics area at Jeddah Islamic Port valued at 175 million Riyals in collaboration with MEDLOG, the logistics arm of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Additionally, laying the cornerstone for a logistics hub spanning 95,436 square meters for the Saudi National Shipping Carrier (Bahri) for an integrated logistics area covering 415,000 square meters with investments exceeding 500 million Riyals, in cooperation with Dubai World Group.
Mawani's efforts in infrastructure development have received international recognition, including the “Outstanding Infrastructure” award and the “Best Contribution to Economic Infrastructure Development” award. King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam was honored as “Port of The Year” at the 19th edition of the ShipTek Awards held in 2024 in Al-Khobar.
Source: Mawani