King Abdulaziz Port Sets New Container Throughput Record

The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam has set a new record for container throughput on a single vessel, handling 20,645 TEUs on the COSCO SHIPPING AQUARIUS 036E, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). This achievement, announced on August 7, 2024, reinforces the port’s role as a critical gateway for trade and a key component of the Kingdom’s logistics sector, aligning with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).

Context and Background

This record marks a significant milestone for King Abdulaziz Port, which is operated under the oversight of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). The port has been undergoing continuous expansion of its infrastructure to increase its capacity and maintain its competitive edge. In May 2024, it set a previous container throughput record of 292,612 TEUs, demonstrating a steady trajectory of operational growth.

Key Details

The record was made possible through strategic investments and partnerships. In 2024, the port received 21 quay cranes (QC) and RTG cranes as part of commercial attribution contracts signed by Mawani with Saudi Global Ports (SGP), with an investment value of SAR7 billion. Additionally, a contract was signed between SGP and the leading Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer SANY to supply the port with 80 electric trucks. This represents the largest single contract globally signed by SANY for the manufacture and supply of electric trucks, highlighting the port’s commitment to sustainable and efficient operations.

Implications and Impact

King Abdulaziz Port serves as a key gateway for goods from around the world to the eastern and central regions of the Kingdom. It is connected by rail to the Riyadh dry port, facilitating seamless logistics and trade. With 43 fully equipped berths and a handling capacity of up to 105 million tons of cargo and containers, the port is well-positioned to support increasing trade volumes and enhance Saudi Arabia’s connectivity to global markets.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement reflects the success of Mawani in boosting operational efficiency and strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub. By expanding infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies, King Abdulaziz Port is contributing to the goals of Vision 2030, including diversifying the economy and enhancing the efficiency of the logistics sector.

20 Questions

Q1. What record did King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam set?

A1. The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam set a new record for container throughput on a single vessel, handling 20,645 TEUs on the COSCO SHIPPING AQUARIUS 036E, as announced by the Saudi Press Agency on August 7, 2024.

Q2. Which vessel was involved in achieving the record?

A2. The record was achieved by the COSCO SHIPPING AQUARIUS 036E, a large container ship that called at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.

Q3. What is the significance of this record for Saudi Arabia?

A3. This record underscores the port’s pivotal role in supporting trade and the logistics sector, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, and helps cement Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Q4. What is the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS)?

A4. The NTLS is a Saudi initiative that aims to transform the Kingdom into a global logistics hub by enhancing transport infrastructure, improving connectivity, and boosting the efficiency of the logistics sector.

Q5. Which authority oversees King Abdulaziz Port?

A5. The Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, oversees the operations and development of King Abdulaziz Port and other ports in the Kingdom.

Q6. What infrastructure expansions have taken place at the port?

A6. In 2024, the port received 21 quay cranes and RTG cranes as part of commercial contracts worth SAR7 billion, signed by Mawani with Saudi Global Ports, to increase capacity and efficiency.

Q7. What is Saudi Global Ports (SGP)?

A7. Saudi Global Ports is a company that manages and operates container terminals in Saudi ports, including at King Abdulaziz Port, and is involved in strategic investments to enhance port capabilities.

Q8. What is the partnership between SGP and SANY?

A8. SGP signed a contract with Chinese manufacturer SANY to supply the port with 80 electric trucks, marking the largest single contract globally for SANY in the manufacture and supply of electric trucks.

Q9. What are electric trucks used for at the port?

A9. The electric trucks are used for moving containers within the port, contributing to sustainable and efficient operations by reducing emissions and operating costs.

Q10. What container throughput record did the port set in May 2024?

A10. In May 2024, King Abdulaziz Port set a container throughput record of 292,612 TEUs, reflecting its growing capacity and operational efficiency.

Q11. How is the port connected to Riyadh?

A11. The port is connected by rail to the Riyadh dry port, enabling seamless movement of goods between the eastern region and the capital.

Q12. How many berths does King Abdulaziz Port have?

A12. King Abdulaziz Port has 43 fully equipped berths, with a total handling capacity of up to 105 million tons of cargo and containers.

Q13. What regions does the port serve as a gateway for?

A13. The port serves as a key gateway for goods from around the world to the eastern and central regions of Saudi Arabia.

Q14. What is the role of Mawani in this record?

A14. Mawani oversees the port’s operations and has implemented strategic initiatives to increase operational efficiency and maintain the competitive edge of King Abdulaziz Port.

Q15. How does this record support Vision 2030?

A15. This record supports Vision 2030 by boosting the logistics sector, diversifying the economy, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub.

Q16. What is the capacity of King Abdulaziz Port in terms of cargo?

A16. The port has a handling capacity of up to 105 million tons of cargo and containers, making it one of the largest ports in the region.

Q17. What is a TEU in container shipping?

A17. A TEU, or twenty-foot equivalent unit, is a standard measure for shipping containers, used to quantify a container ship’s cargo capacity.

Q18. How does the port’s rail connection benefit trade?

A18. The rail connection to Riyadh provides efficient and cost-effective transport for goods, reducing transit times and improving supply chain connectivity.

A19. The electric trucks help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, aligning with global sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s environmental initiatives.

Q20. What makes King Abdulaziz Port a competitive global hub?

A20. Its advanced infrastructure, strategic investments in cranes and electric trucks, high container throughput capacity, and rail connectivity make it a key player in global trade and logistics.

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