Under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), the Authority—together with the National Center for Privatization (NCP)—has signed a series of Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts to privatize multipurpose cargo terminals across eight key Saudi ports. These 20-year agreements represent a major milestone in the Kingdom's logistics and maritime development.
The contracts, signed with Saudi Global Ports and Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company, bring in over SAR 2.2 billion (US$586 million) in private sector investments aimed at enhancing port capacity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness.
© Mawani
Senior officials in attendance included Mr. Mazen bin Ahmed Al-Turki, Acting President of Mawani; Eng. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Zamil, Chairman of Saudi Global Ports, and Mr. Aamer Alireza, Chairman of Red Sea Gateway Terminal.
H.E. Eng. Al-Jasser emphasized the strategic value of the agreements, noting that consistent private investment in Saudi ports reflects the Kingdom's growing appeal as a logistics hub. He linked the sector's performance improvements to support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. He added that these partnerships are central to realizing the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030.
H.E. Mr. Mohannad bin Ahmed Basodan, CEO of NCP, described the initiative as one of the most comprehensive privatization efforts in the maritime sector. He stressed its alignment with global best practices and its anticipated long-term economic benefits.
Under the BOT framework, Saudi Global Ports will oversee development and operations at four ports in the Eastern Province: King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Jubail Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, and Ras Al-Khair Port. Meanwhile, Red Sea Gateway Terminal will manage four ports in the Western Province: Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, and Jazan Port.
At King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, planned enhancements include increased container handling capacity through the installation of ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, as well as smart yard equipment. These improvements are expected to reduce turnaround times for trucks and vessels and improve overall port efficiency.
The contracts were approved by the Supervisory Committee for Privatization in the Transport and Logistics Sector, chaired by H.E. Eng. Al-Jasser. The initiative supports Saudi Arabia's goals of expanding logistics infrastructure, promoting economic diversification, and advancing sustainable development under Vision 2030.
© MawaniFor more information:
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani)
Tel: +966 11 408 9617
Email: [email protected]
www.mawani.gov.sa
