Mawani signs US$532M Jubail port deal with Saudi Global Ports, boosts capacity

SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Ports Authority has signed a concession agreement with Saudi Global Ports to develop, operate, and manage the container terminal at Jubail Commercial Port, with investments exceeding SAR2 billion (US$532.7 million).

The expansion will increase annual container-handling capacity to approximately 2.4 million TEUs, enabling the terminal to handle larger container ships and support growing trade flows through Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Capacity Expansion

Under the deal, SGP will modernize the terminal and expand its infrastructure, including extending the quay to approximately 1,400 metres and increasing berth depth to 18 metres. The operator will also deploy additional ship-to-shore and rubber-tyred gantry cranes to increase cargo-handling capacity and improve vessel turnaround times.

For fresh produce exporters and logistics operators, the 18-metre berth depth allows larger vessels carrying refrigerated containers to dock directly at Jubail, reducing the need to tranship via other Gulf ports. The expanded quay length and additional cranes will accelerate vessel turnaround times, minimizing delays for perishable cargo shipments.

Strategic Gateway on the Eastern Coast

The Saudi Ports Authority said the strategic concession aims to transform Jubail Commercial Port into a major logistics gateway on the kingdom’s eastern coast by enhancing terminal infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening the port’s competitiveness within regional and international maritime trade networks.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, governor of the Eastern Province, and Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh Al-Jasser, who also chairs Mawani.

Additionally, the concession aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position the kingdom as a leading global logistics hub.

Private Sector Participation and Economic Growth

The project is expected to enhance operational integration across Saudi Global Ports’ terminal network, improve logistics services for importers and exporters, and create new investment opportunities that support sustainable economic growth.

Saudi Arabia has been expanding private-sector participation in its ports sector as part of its Vision 2030 programme, which aims to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

The concession also aligns with the broader National Transport and Logistics Strategy, positioning Jubail as a key node in the kingdom’s expanding maritime network.

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