Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) launched on Sunday a new railway service linking the north and east networks, passing through Jubail Industrial City to ship industrial materials and goods.
The Emir of Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Naif inaugurated the railway project in the presence of the Minister of Transport and Logistics and SAR Chairman of the Board of Directors, Saleh al-Jasser, and Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Rumaih al-Rumaih.
SAR said that the new network aims to reduce carbon emissions, increase the carrying capacity of the freight train, support exports and the competitiveness of Saudi products.
The Railways added that this connection would contribute to providing integrated solutions and complete logistical services by linking the commercial and industrial ports in Dammam and Jubail with the train network.
SAR also said that the internal Jubail network would serve the industrial facilities in Jubail Industrial City that link it to the King Fahd Industrial Port and Jubail Commercial Port in Jubail.
It aims to promote traffic safety, reduce carbon emissions of other means of transportation, and increase the attractiveness of the local market through regional and international connectivity.
The Public Transport Authority indicated that the new project in Jubail will replace more than 200,000 trucks annually, which supports the logistic sector and preserves the environment and infrastructure.
The railway stimulates national industries and raises railway transport rates while integrating with other means of transport and improving the quality of life.
Meanwhile, Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed two contracts worth $170 million with PC Marine Services and Modern Building Leaders (MBL) to deepen and build new berths at Jeddah Islamic Port
It comes within the framework of Mawani's initiatives to enhance the maritime transport and logistics sector and upgrade port operations by implementing over 160 projects in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
The contract with MBL, in association with Huta Hegerfeld Saudia, will develop Jeddah Islamic Port's deepening of harbor approach channels, turning basins, waterways, and the south terminal basin.
These upgrades will enable the arrival of giant vessels with a capacity of up to 24,000 TEUs, besides attracting new global shipping lines to local shores.
Under the contract, PC Marine Services will build new berths (26 to 31) measuring 16 meters deep and 1,100 meters long at the multi-cargo terminals to receive large bulk grain carriers and accommodate larger vessels to cover the local market demand.
It also aims to secure the Kingdom's strategic reserve by increasing the amount of imported grain and enhancing the food security system through Jeddah Islamic Port.
Saudi ports are one of the most important economic and commercial tributaries and play a pivotal role in developing local, regional, and international trade.
