The Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani" announced the signing of a contract between Saudi Global Ports (SGP) and the Chinese heavy equipment manufacturer "SANY" to supply King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam with 80 electric trucks. This represents the largest single contract globally signed by "SANY" for manufacturing and supplying electric trucks, This is part of the commercial concession contracts signed by Mawani with Saudi Global Ports, with an investment value of 7 billion Saudi Riyals.

The contract was signed in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Mr. Rayan Al-Bakri; the CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, Eng. Suleiman Al-Mazrou; the Deputy President of Saudi Ports Authority "Mawani" for Commercial Affairs, Mr. Abdullah Al-Munif; the Deputy President for Strategy, Eng. Khalid Al-Ghaith; and the Deputy President for East Coast Operations, Mr. Hani Al-Ghusab. The contract was signed between the Chief Operating Officer of Saudi Global Ports Mr Goh Seng Lee and the General Manager of SANY Heavy Marine Industries, Mr Tony Tang. The signing ceremony was also attended by several officials, on the sidelines of the "China Transport and Logistics Exhibition 2024," as part of the participation with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program and the transport and logistics system.

On this occasion, H.E. Mr. Omar Hariri, President of "Mawani," stated that the signing of this contract contributes to developing and modernizing King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam to become a flexible and sustainable logistics hub. He emphasized the deep strategic partnership between "Mawani" and "SGP" in making the port a leading model for operational excellence and logistical efficiency, as the operator of the port’s container terminals.

This also reflects the pivotal role of King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam in supporting commercial movement, in line with the targets of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), to solidify the Kingdom’s standing as a global logistics hub bridging three continents.

The electric trucks are distinguished by their significant role in preserving the environment in ports, as they produce zero exhaust emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. They also have higher energy efficiency and save a lot in operational and maintenance costs. Additionally, they are more sustainable in the long term, contributing to air cleanliness and combating climate change, in line with the Green Middle East Initiative and the Saudi Green Initiative, within the Saudi Vision 2030.

It is worth noting that King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam recently won the "Port of The Year" award within the "ShipTek" awards held in Al Khobar city, in recognition of the exceptional achievements made by the Saudi Ports Authority in developing its infrastructure, which has contributed to achieving several record numbers in container throughput, including handling 292,612 TEUs in May 2024.

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	Issue 91 of Robban Assafina (May/ June 2024)