Mawani, the Saudi Ports Authority, in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization, has inked deals to privatise multipurpose cargo terminals at eight key Saudi ports.
The 20-year agreements, totalling over SAR 2.2 billion (€500 million) in private sector investments, were awarded to national partners Saudi Global Ports and Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company.
The contracts are a strategic step in expanding the operational capabilities and efficiency of Saudi Arabia’s maritime infrastructure. Saudi Global Ports will manage terminals at four Eastern Province ports, including King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Jubail Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail and Ras Al-Khair Port.
Red Sea Gateway Terminal will operate terminals at four Western Province ports: Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu and Jazan Port.
Upgrades at these ports include new handling equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes and modern logistics vehicles aimed at reducing truck turnaround times and berth stays.
The initiative supports Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy by enhancing public-private collaboration, boosting port competitiveness and reinforcing the kingdom’s role as a global logistics hub.
The contracts were signed following approval from the Supervisory Committee for Privatization in the Transport and Logistics Sector and mark a major milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s maritime sector.
