Dubai’s DP World and the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have launched the first direct shipping line connecting Jebel Ali Port with Egypt’s Sokhna Port through Jeddah Islamic Port, the largest port in Saudi Arabia with annual volumes of over 6 million TEUs.
The new shipping line – the fourth to be launched this year by Mawani – aims to provide shipping services on the Red Sea coast. It also builds on the kingdom’s Ministry of Transport’s plans to develop its freighting operations connectivity by sea, land and air with surrounding countries, taking advantage of Saudi Arabia’s position between Europe and Africa.
In December last year, DP World was awarded a 30-year concession by Mawani) for the management and development of the Jeddah South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement, DP World will invest up to $500 million to modernise the port, including major infrastructure development to enable it to serve the ultra-large container carriers (ULCCs).
“The launch of the new shipping line is part of Mawani’s ambitious initiatives to achieve its strategic goals set by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP) to support economic growth, foster investments and contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 positioning Saudi Arabia as a global centre for logistics,” said Eng. Saad Alkhalb, President of Saudi Ports Authority.
“The direct shipping line will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with more ports in the East and the West, making it a central regional and global gateway, and establishing the kingdom as a leading logistics centre. The line will also help facilitate trade across all the global supply chains, increase transhipment volumes and gain an upgraded share of the ships on the Red Sea Coast.”
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and CEO, said the launch of the first dedicated shipping service connecting Jebel Ali, Jeddah and Sokhna will be “a game changer in promoting the much-needed intra-regional trade”.
“The shipping line will directly benefit the Arab world’s three largest markets. We’re committed to delivering best-in-class efficiency and productivity using smart technology-led logistics,” Bin Sulayem said.
“The strategic positioning of our ports also enhances the flow of global trade along the arterial – Europe/Asia – sea route. DP World in Jeddah is integral to the Saudi ports ecosystem and raises the kingdom’s competitiveness in line with its 2030 growth vision.”
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