The King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam has recently set
a significant benchmark in global shipping by handling an impressive 20,645
TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) on a single vessel, the COSCO SHIPPING
AQUARIUS 036E. This new record underscores the port’s critical role in
supporting international trade and logistics, reflecting its advanced
operational capabilities and strategic importance. This milestone aligns with
the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics
Strategy (NTLS), which aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global
logistics hub. The achievement highlights the ongoing success of the Saudi
Ports Authority (Mawani) in enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of King Abdulaziz Port. The port's ability to handle such a large volume of
containers on a single ship is a testament to its state-of-the-art
infrastructure and operational excellence. In recent years, King Abdulaziz Port
has seen continuous expansion and modernization. Notably, in 2024, the port
integrated 21 new quay cranes (QCs) and rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes into
its operations. These additions were part of commercial contracts between
Mawani and Saudi Global Ports (SGP), representing a substantial investment of
SAR 7 billion. This expansion is aimed at increasing the port’s capacity and
efficiency, enabling it to manage larger volumes of cargo and streamline
operations. Further emphasizing its commitment to innovation and
sustainability, the port has also signed a landmark contract with SANY, a leading
Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer. This agreement involves supplying the
port with 80 electric trucks, marking the largest single contract globally for
the manufacture and supply of electric trucks by SANY. In addition to these
advancements, King Abdulaziz Port set a new container throughput record of
292,612 TEUs in May 2024. This achievement solidifies the port's position as a
vital gateway for goods entering the eastern and central regions of Saudi Arabia.
The port is well-equipped to handle this high volume with its 43 fully
operational berths and a total cargo handling capacity of up to 105 million
tons. The port’s strategic connection to the Riyadh dry port via rail further
enhances its role in regional logistics, facilitating efficient transport and
distribution of goods across the Kingdom. These developments collectively
underscore King Abdulaziz Port’s pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s trade
infrastructure and its alignment with national and global logistics strategies.

