In northern Saudi Arabia, a consortium comprising allied companies has embarked on the initial phase of the NEOM port area development. This endeavor encompasses the allocation of contracts for the construction of numerous mobile cranes and container stations, forming integral components of the primary preparations preceding the port’s launch.
NEOM, on Wednesday, opened the port to investors and businesses. The port, which is being transformed into the primary seaport of entry to the northwest of Saudi Arabia, was earlier known as Duba Port.
Duba Port’s management was transferred from national maritime regulator Mawani to NEOM in 2022.
Transferring the port’s management aligns with national transformation policies to regulate port operations and establish global logistics centers, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s international market connections.
The port is located within the Oxagon complex for advanced and sustainable industries, serving as the primary maritime gateway to the northwestern region of the Kingdom.
Since the transfer process, the port has witnessed numerous development activities, enhancing its infrastructure and capabilities to accommodate the growing volume of goods arriving at NEOM. This includes an increase in container handling and general cargo operations.
Nadhmi Al Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM said: “The Port of NEOM will be pivotal to the continued commercial competitiveness, economic diversification and maritime trade ambitions of the Kingdom. Our vision is to build one of the world’s most technologically advanced, efficient and sustainable ports with the first fully integrated and automated supply chain and logistics network, and this first phase of development is a step towards realizing that.
Located on the Red Sea, at the crossroads of global trading routes, the port will be a critical enabler for NEOM and a catalyst for broader economic development in the region. Our investment to date of over SAR 7.5 billion and our intention to open the first advanced terminal in 2025 demonstrates our commitment to the vision.”
“The Port of NEOM will be a critical enabler to the overall build, operations and economic ambitions of NEOM – from the import of goods and materials during the development phase and as a new global port serving the region. This is particularly important as development accelerates and businesses across NEOM come on-stream,” said Sean Kelly, Managing Director – Port of NEOM.
Bolstering connectivity to global markets, the first fixed call container service is being operated by CMA CGM – a global player in sea, air, land, and logistics solutions. With Port of NEOM added to their existing JEDDEX service, this is the first direct connection to and from NEOM through CMA CGM’s global network. In addition, the port sees multiple ad-hoc vessel calls with consignments carrying materials and goods that support the ongoing development across NEOM.
Contracts for design, dredging and quay wall construction, and cargo handling equipment have been recently awarded. Jacobs was named as the main design consultant with Moffatt and Nichol, IGO and Trent as main subconsultants; the redesign project, valued at over SAR 180 million, spans terminals, warehouses, rail delivery, infrastructure, a sustainable energy network and more.
