Saudi-French partnership worth $426 million to develop container terminal at Jeddah Port
(Arabic) – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced the signing of an agreement between Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) and the French CMA CGM Group to develop and operate the fourth terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, with investments totaling approximately $426.7 million (SAR 1.6 billion).
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Saudi-French Investment Roundtable, attended by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and French President Emmanuel Macron, in a move reflecting the port’s pivotal role and its growing importance within the global trade system.
The agreement extends the strategic partnership between Mawani, RSGT, and CMA CGM, underscoring the expansion of collaborations with major global companies to enhance the capabilities of Saudi ports, support the growth of the maritime and logistics sectors, and strengthen the Kingdom’s integration into global trade networks. This contributes to achieving the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
The project aims to develop and operate the fourth container terminal, with an annual capacity of approximately 2.6 million standard containers, under the existing concession agreement with RSGT. This will enhance the operational capabilities of Jeddah Islamic Port to accommodate trade growth and solidify its position as a key hub on global trade and shipping routes. The project includes the development of deep-water berths to accommodate modern ultra-large container vessels, as well as equipping the terminal with advanced operational technologies and 10 new ship-to-shore cranes. These enhancements will improve handling efficiency, productivity, service reliability, and the port’s capacity to manage growing volumes of containers and vessels.
The project will strengthen Jeddah Islamic Port’s ability to attract global shipping lines and services, increase cargo flows, and expand its connectivity to international markets. Leveraging its strategic location on the Red Sea and maritime trade routes linking Asia, Europe, and Africa, the project will support the smooth flow of exports and imports, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of supply chains.
The project also embodies the efforts of the Saudi Ports Authority to develop the infrastructure of Saudi ports, improve their operational efficiency, and enable strategic partnerships with major global companies, operators, and shipping lines. These initiatives enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi ports system and reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub and a nexus connecting three continents.
The development of the fourth terminal is part of the ongoing modernization of Jeddah Islamic Port, which includes expanding container terminals, upgrading infrastructure, equipment, and operational technologies, and strengthening maritime and logistics services. These efforts aim to enhance the port’s readiness to keep pace with growth in global trade and supply chains.
