Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has inked a long-term deal with shipping giant Bahri to build and operate an integrated logistics park on land leased at the Jeddah Islamic Port at a total area of 95,436m2.
Commenting on this HE Omar Talal Hariri, president of MAWANI said: “Launching this project forms a core part of our initiatives to achieve the objectives of the National Transportation and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), which envisions setting up similar logistics zones within and beyond Saudi ports to empower the kingdom’s bid to become a global logistics hub as well as provide world-class logistics services to accelerate economic development and enable overall transformation in line with Vision 2030.”
Meanwhile, HE Eng. Abdullah Ali Aldubaikhi, chief executive officer of Bahri added: “Leveraging Jeddah Islamic Port’s strategic location, this agreement will further expand Bahri’s import, transport, distribution, and storage capabilities and help the company raise the level of its services according to international standards. We constantly strive to be a responsible business that builds sustainable capabilities and offers solutions that meet the exact needs of our partners.”
Bahri’s scope of work
Once built, Bahri will manage operations at the facility for a duration of 20 years. The 95436m2 logistics zone will provide storage and handling services for all types of inbound and outbound shipping containers that are owned by Bahri and other entities. It will be capable of storing reefer, insulated and dry containers with services like container maintenance and repair, container cleaning, bonded storage, and haulage available to clients at any given point.
Jeddah Islamic Port
Efforts are underway to expand the Jeddah Islamic Port’s capacity and to upgrade its operations with the help of development projects and concessions. A recent concession worth $2.4bn (SAR9bn) was awarded to DP World for a period of 30 years to improve the operational efficiency of the port’s container terminals and raise its capacity by 70% to be able to handle more than 13 million units.
MAWANI past deal with Maersk Saudi Arabia
In November 2021, MAWANI had signed a similar deal with Maersk Saudi Arabia to establish an integrated logistics park at the Jeddah Islamic Port, set to be the company’s largest in the Middle East, with the aim of enhancing the port’s exceptional operational capabilities and value-added services​.