KPMG to lead preparation of the new strategic plan for the Ports Authority

The Kuwait Ports Authority has appointed KPMG in Kuwait to lead the preparation of its strategic plan, under tender number 3/2025/2026. As the lead advisor, KPMG will provide strategic consulting services to the Authority, supported by Haskoning Netherlands B.V. and Dar Al-Handasah Consultancy Group in the field of engineering consulting, with the aim of enhancing the competitiveness of Kuwait’s commercial ports and their connectivity capabilities, and improving their performance. KPMG in Kuwait will integrate the outputs of the three firms into a unified strategic plan, lead market analysis, commercial and regulatory analytics, and develop and implement the strategy.

Dr. Rashid Al-Qanaei, Managing Partner at KPMG in Kuwait, said: “Kuwait Ports play a pivotal role in diversifying the national economy and achieving the ambitions of Kuwait Vision 2035 to become a regional hub for trade and logistics. We are proud of the trust placed in us by the Kuwait Ports Authority, as this assignment reflects our firm commitment to the public sector in Kuwait and to institutions that contribute to shaping the country’s future.”

The scope of work for the new strategy comprises two integrated tracks. The first focuses on strategy development, planning, and establishing an implementation framework, including an assessment of the Kuwait Ports Authority’s market position and current performance. Based on strategic options and the roadmap, detailed plans will be prepared for various areas of the Authority’s operations, supported by key performance indicators, a risk management framework, and a monitoring plan. The second track involves establishing a Strategic Technical Support Office, operational for 36 months under KPMG’s leadership, to provide strategic oversight, technical consulting, and comprehensive project management support to the Authority.

The new strategy will also examine the Kuwait Ports Authority’s position within the regional port sector, which is witnessing increasing competition. In this context, Mr. Sameer Bhathnagar, Partner and Global Head of Ports at KPMG, said: “Ports in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries compete fiercely in terms of capacity, connectivity to transport networks, and service levels. The Kuwait Ports Authority has a genuine opportunity to enhance Kuwait’s position within global shipping networks. Drawing on KPMG’s experience working with more than 50 global and regional entities in the maritime sector, we will deploy international best practices to formulate a strategy tailored to Kuwait’s needs.”

For his part, Mr. Imran Sheikh, Associate Partner and Head of Advisory Services for the Government and Infrastructure Sector at KPMG in Kuwait, emphasized that linking planning with execution is central to this assignment. He stated: “The Kuwait Ports Authority has clear aspirations for the future of Kuwait’s ports. Working together with Haskoning and Dar Al-Handasah Consultancy Group, we will translate these aspirations into an actionable strategy. Through the dedicated Strategic Technical Support Office for this assignment, we will work alongside the Authority’s teams to transform this strategy into measurable projects, decisions, and outcomes.”