The strategically located port is making waves with accomplishments on multiple fronts
In an era where global maritime trade and logistics are fiercely competitive, King Abdullah Port has emerged as a leader in innovation, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence.
Privately owned, developed, and operated infrastructure megaproject in Saudi Arabia has swiftly ascended to international prominence, gaining acclaim within an incredibly short period since its inception. The extraordinary success of King Abdullah Port is a testament to visionary leadership, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
The Ports Development Company (PDC), the owner and developer of King Abdullah Port, is the first ‘privately’ owned and funded port facility of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.
Strategically located at the confluence of the most vital global trade routes, King Abdullah Port enjoys close proximity to key Saudi cities, including Jeddah, Holy Mecca, Al Medina, Yanbu, Riyadh, and Neom, as well as neighbouring countries. Its direct access to extensive transportation networks facilitates cargo movement throughout the Kingdom and the rest of the region, further enhancing its role as an enabler of Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure.
Top spot
Within a mere four years of its operation, King Abdullah Port has secured a spot among the world’s top 100 ports, a remarkable achievement that showcases its growing influence on the global stage.
The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence’s 2022 Container Port Performance Index report named the port as the most efficient container port globally, highlighting its relentless pursuit of operational efficiency and innovation.
The port’s astounding rise can be attributed to its strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. These national development plans have laid the foundation for the Kingdom’s transformation into an international logistics hub, with King Abdullah Port serving as an enabler of global trade.
Dynamic landscape
“As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the global maritime and logistics industry, King Abdullah Port remains steadfast in its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, operational excellence, and collaboration. Our unwavering dedication to excellence and strategic foresight have positioned us at the forefront of private sector-driven state-of-the-art infrastructure development,” affirmed Jay New, CEO, King Abdullah Port.
“We are proud to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economy, and we will continue to build upon our successes as we forge ahead with our ambitious growth plans,” he continued.
Despite global trade uncertainties in 2022, King Abdullah Port reported impressive growth across nearly all metrics, showcasing its resilience and ability to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s logistics infrastructure, an official press communique stated.
Breakbulk
Notably, the non-containerized sector experienced substantial growth, with Breakbulk increasing by 143%, agri-bulk by 108%, and other bulk categories by 52%. Additionally, the port facilitated
the shipping of 288 trucks to Australia as part of its first Ro-Ro trial.
King Abdullah Port’s accomplishments extend beyond mere numbers and rankings; they include groundbreaking milestones that have set new industry standards.
The port recently recorded the highest handling volume on a single vessel call in Saudi ports, processing 20,152 TEUs within 77.46 hours of operation on the MSC Renee. This impressive feat demonstrates the port’s exceptional efficiency and capabilities. The port was also named the ‘Second Fastest Growing Port in the World’ for the second time in four years by Alphaliner.
Tabadul
The port’s commitment to innovation and collaboration is further exemplified by its recent partnership with Tabadul, a leading provider of advanced transport management systems.
This strategic alliance aims to integrate King Abdullah Port’s smart gate system with Tabadul’s platform and connect with key government bodies, unlocking a plethora of opportunities and benefits for the services provided by the port. The primary objective of this collaboration is to boost operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance the overall performance of the port, solidifying its position as a crucial player in the global economy.
As King Abdullah Port continues to break new ground and redefine industry standards under the visionary leadership of its CEO Jay New, it serves as a shining example of the potential that lies within private sector-driven infrastructure development. Its inspiring story of unwavering dedication to excellence, strategic foresight, and innovative thinking has undoubtedly captured the attention of the global maritime and logistics community at large, the press statement concluded.
BOX OUT
King Abdullah Port: A remarkable legacy
Sitting strategically at the crossroads of the most vital global trade routes interlinking three continents, King Abdullah Port, located on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, meets the Kingdom’s need for an advantageously located port that contributes to the achievement of its ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 by means of building a prosperous competitive economy with diversified income streams.
Besides its strategic location on the world map, its location at the local level is of no less importance. King Abdullah Port covers 17.4sqkm of King Abdullah Economic City, 90km north of Jeddah, the second largest city in the Kingdom, and its main trade hub.
The port location represents a vital element in the integrated transportation network of the Kingdom, as it is connected through a network of highways to many major and industrial cities, including Rabigh and Yanbu, which are witnessing a significant trade movement in petrochemicals in addition to being adjacent to the Industrial Valley, the latest and largest industrial area.
