To enhance the connectivity between maritime and rail transport modes and improve the efficiency of logistics operations within the transportation and logistics system, the first container shipment was transported from Jubail Commercial Port to Riyadh Dry Port. This was achieved via the railway line that connects Jubail Commercial Port with the East Train Network, carrying a load of 78 TEUs. The maximum capacity for a single trip on the railway is 140 TEUs. This milestone was reached through the collaborative and integrated efforts of the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani”, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority “GAZT”, Saudi Arabia Railways “SAR”, and the Mediterranean Shipping Company “MSC”.
This achievement reflects the cooperation between “Mawani” and other relevant authorities, notably “SAR”, contributing to achieving integration in the transport of containers, bulk materials, and general cargo by connecting the ports using trains. SAR networks connect Riyadh Dry Port with King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, Jubail Commercial Port, and Ras Al-Khair Port. This adds a competitive advantage to those ports and contributes to the development of loading and unloading services.
Operating the railway line enhances the connection between maritime and rail transport modes, increases the efficiency of logistics operations, and consolidates the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub bridging three continents. It also promotes the quality of the services provided at the ports, offering innovative logistics services that enhance the efficiency of exports and imports.
This initiative will provide logistical support to industrial and commercial ports in the Kingdom, enhancing their competitiveness and supporting trade movements by offering safe and sustainable solutions that reduce harmful emissions and help maintain the environment.
Notably, the Saudi Ports Authority “Mawani” entered into a partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia Railways in early April to establish a unified framework and adopt a general organizational and legislative model for cargo transportation activities to and from Mawani’s ports via railways. This is in line with the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy “NTLS” and the Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Saudi Ports Authority
