The Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) has partnered with DP World, the Dubai-based major logistics provider, to launch the first direct shipping line connecting United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Jebel Ali Port in Dubai with Egypt’s Sokhna Port through Jeddah Islamic Port.
The new shipping line, which is the fourth to be launched by MAWANI in 2020, heralds a new era in the region’s shipping industry, as it aims to provide shipping services on the Red Sea coast.
“The launch of the first dedicated shipping service connecting Jebel Ali, Jeddah and Sokhna will be a game changer in promoting the much-needed intra-regional trade,” stated DP World Group chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, who added, “The shipping line will directly benefit the Arab world’s three largest markets.”
Under the agreement, DP World will invest up to US$500 million to improve and modernise the Jeddah Islamic Port, including major infrastructure development to enable the port to serve the world’s largest mega containerships, ultra-large container carriers (ULCC).
The move has been taken under the supervision and follow-up of the Saudi minister of transport, Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser. The Ministry of Transport’s vision has been focused on linking the Kingdom to the surrounding countries by sea, land and air in a strategy aimed to unlock opportunities and connecting it intermodally with Europe and Africa.
“The line will also help facilitate trade across all the global supply chains, increase transhipment volumes and gain an upgraded share of the ships on the Red Sea Coast,” said MAWANI president, Eng. Saad Alkhalb.
DP World in December last year was awarded a 30-year build-operate-transfer concession by MAWANI, for the management and development of the Jeddah South Container Terminal at the multi-purpose Jeddah Islamic Port.
