New Articles
  August 27th, 2024 | Written by

Maersk Unveils SAR 1.3 Billion Logistics Hub at Jeddah Islamic Port: A Major Milestone in Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Ambitions

[shareaholic app="share_buttons" id="13106399"]

Under the auspices of HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz, adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Governor of the Makkah Region, and with the attendance of HE Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority, Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region, inaugurated Maersk’s largest global logistics investment at Jeddah Islamic Port. Valued at SAR 1.3 billion, the event drew key figures from Saudi Arabia’s logistics and maritime sectors.

Read also: DMCC Strengthens UAE-US Trade Ties with Successful Roadshows in San Francisco and Denver

The newly launched logistics park is one of ten such facilities at Jeddah Islamic Port, funded by private sector investments. This initiative aligns with the Saudi Ports Authority and the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services’ strategy to develop advanced logistics infrastructure in Saudi ports through partnerships with leading national and international companies. The park is set to enhance the efficiency of logistics services and boost operational capabilities, solidifying the Kingdom’s status as a pivotal player in global maritime trade.

HE Al-Jasser highlighted the robust support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for the transport and logistics sector. He noted that Saudi Arabia’s port sector is experiencing unprecedented advancements, marked by increased operational performance, record achievements in international metrics, and expanded maritime connections with countries worldwide. The sector has become an attractive destination for significant global investments, with foreign capital in the logistics domain exceeding SAR 10 billion. This influx of investment is driving economic growth, fostering knowledge transfer, and creating over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, further positioning the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

The Minister further explained that the new logistics park at Jeddah Islamic Port will play a crucial role in bolstering the Kingdom’s economic activity, providing high-efficiency logistics services to support trade and exports, and enhancing supply chain capabilities. He emphasized that with ongoing support from the Crown Prince, the transport and logistics system will continue to meet the ambitious goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

HE Mr. Omar Hariri, President of the Saudi Ports Authority, underscored that the new logistics park represents a continuation of strategic partnerships between “Mawani” and major global and national companies. He highlighted the park’s contribution to the growth of the logistics services industry and its role in advancing economic and developmental activities by offering advanced, intelligent logistics solutions that facilitate exports and strengthen supply chains. These advancements are expected to lead to significant improvements in operational performance at Saudi ports, further enhancing the country’s logistics sector and global trade connectivity.

Spanning 225,000 square meters, the integrated logistics park includes facilities for the storage and distribution of general cargo, refrigerated food products, and re-export goods, as well as areas for Less than Container Load (LCL) cargo. It also features an e-commerce fulfillment center with high-density storage and innovative mechanical solutions, along with a specialized internal women’s academy. This academy aims to empower Saudi women by providing specialized training and employment opportunities, contributing to gender diversity in the workplace.

The park is equipped with an advanced warehouse management system, utilizing modern technologies and digital solutions for efficient inventory management, as well as state-of-the-art security measures to ensure the safety of the facility, its employees, and customer goods.