87% of Shuwaikh Port development completed; opening scheduled for 2028
Enhancing the navigational channel’s efficiency and increasing its depth to 12 meters to accommodate large vessels
A state-of-the-art passenger terminal dedicated to serving cruise ships arriving in the country to develop and encourage the sector
Najah Bilal
As part of its efforts to build a diversified economy that contributes to maximizing non-oil revenues, and within its vigorous initiatives to expand the local port system to enhance international transport and trade, a recent government report revealed that the completion date for the “Shuwaikh Port Development Project” will be in 2028. The report noted that the current execution rate has reached 87%, with a total cost of 165 million dinars, as part of the country’s efforts to expand and modernize its local port infrastructure.
The report, a copy of which was obtained by “Al-Siyasa,” clarified that the main objective of this massive, vital project is to enable the port to receive modern deep-draft container ships under all tidal conditions. This includes enhancing the efficiency and safety factor of the navigational channel by increasing its depth to 12 meters, thereby encouraging global shipping lines to direct their vessels, which have a draft of up to 14 meters, toward Shuwaikh Port.
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The report stated that development operations contribute to receiving larger numbers of modern container ship generations. These works include deepening the water channel leading to the port, constructing a new semi-automatic container terminal, and rehabilitating and deepening moorings numbered 1 to 7 to accommodate large vessels and increase the port’s overall capacity. Furthermore, the project will lead to operational and tourism development. Among the key targets of the Shuwaikh Port development is the redistribution of activities and spaces within the port, the construction of administrative buildings for all relevant government and regulatory authorities, and the creation of an integrated customs inspection zone to enhance the efficiency and speed of operational processes.
In a move to support the tourism sector, the report indicated that a state-of-the-art passenger terminal dedicated to serving cruise ships arriving in the country will be established.
In the same context, a well-informed source told “Al-Siyasa” that the Shuwaikh Port development project will trigger a qualitative leap, leading to a massive increase and diversification in ship arrivals. The source revealed that the country aims to raise the port’s capacity to handle 1.7 million containers annually. The Shuwaikh Port expansion and development project is one of the most important strategic projects under the umbrella of the “New Kuwait 2035” development plan, which seeks to enhance Kuwait’s position on the regional and international maritime trade and transport map, positively reflecting on the country’s comprehensive economic growth. Shuwaikh Port, the main commercial port, is classified among the most important ports in Kuwait and the region due to its strategic location in the Shuwaikh Industrial Area, near the capital, making it a primary hub for cargo storage and distribution and a vital node for maritime traffic.
The source explained that the port in its new form will serve as a pivotal pillar supporting development targets, effectively contributing to diversifying national income sources and reducing reliance on oil. Additionally, it will provide promising and high-quality job opportunities for Kuwaiti youth of both genders, while simultaneously revitalizing commercial, service, and logistics activities associated with port operations.
Regarding the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, the source confirmed that this massive project also represents one of the key strategic pillars for economic development in Kuwait, aiming to stimulate international trade. It will form an integral link to enhance transport routes and logistical connectivity between Kuwait and various countries worldwide, particularly given its close ties to global supply chains.
In the same context, the source indicated that the Kuwait Ports Authority is advancing with rapid strides and intensive efforts to achieve a leading position in the maritime port management and operations sector, by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class logistics services. These efforts aim to transform Kuwait’s ports into a key player linking the national economy to global markets, thereby ensuring the enhancement of the country’s sustainable economic growth and keeping pace with the latest developments in the international shipping sector.
