[260417.EN.BIZ] King Abdullah Port Now 98th Biggest as New Berths Up Capacity

KING Abdullah Port, 100 kilometres north of Jeddah on the Saudi Red Sea shore, is now ranked 98th among the world's biggest container ports, reports the Saudi Gazette.

In terms of handling capacity, it has risen from 104th position in 2015, after boosting its handling capacity from 1.3 million TEU in 2015 to 1.4 million in 2016, an increase of eight per cent.

With the completion of the infrastructure works for Berth 5 and Berth 6, the port's annual capacity increases to four million TEU when the two new berths begin operations in 2017.

Said Ports Development Company managing director Abdullah Hameedadin: "Our entry into the world's top 100 container ports is a manifestation of our commitment to our goals, especially given the port's state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic location."

King Abdullah Port announced receiving 729 vessels in 2016 compared to 637 vessels in 2015, partly due to establishing partnerships with Maersk Line, MSC and CMA CGM.

The kingdom had led the growth of container shipping rates on the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East, growing 5.1 per cent. The kingdom contributed 28 per cent of the annual increase in imports, especially of chemicals.

The management of King Abdullah Port expects the completion of the first phase of bulk cargo terminals with a capacity of three million tons, in addition to the roll-on/roll-off terminals with a capacity of 300,000 CEU to be ready this year.

This comes after King Abdullah Port previously signed an agreement with NYK Group for operating the ro-ro terminal.

Source : HKSG.