Saudi Global Ports (SGP), a subsidiary of PSA International, and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC) have signed an agreement to roll out three new quay cranes at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
The agreement follows the commercial concession signed with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) worth SAR 7 billion ($1.8 billion) to modernise King Abdulaziz Port into a competitive and sustainable global container hub.
The modern crane equipment will have a minimum outreach of 25 rows, which enables the handling of next generation giant vessels at optimum efficiency and scale.
SGP is also assessing possibilities to equip the cranes with remote operation and photovoltaic panels to harness solar energy to achieve sustainability and automation of port operations.
The President of MAWANI stated that the deal was a direct result of the Smart Ports initiative launched earlier this year to boost the competitive edge of Saudi ports.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors at SGP highlighted that the company will continue to aim to achieve sustainability targets by looking at possibilities of harnessing renewable energy in future quay crane operations.
“PSA is pleased to have worked alongside Saudi Global Ports to develop the optimal design and specifications of the quay cranes and support the rigorous evaluation process,” said Regional CEO of Middle East and South Asia and Head of Group Business Development of PSA International, Wan Chee Foong.
“PSA’s commitment to the transformation of King Abdulaziz in Dammam into a leading port with long-term sustainability, automation, digitization and integrated supply chain goals will ensure Saudi Global Ports remain relevant and future-ready, realizing the Kingdom’s plans to become a global logistics hub.”
In March, King Abdulaziz Port recorded the highest daily container throughput for any port in Saudi Arabia.
The port handled a total volume of 18,020 TEU on a single vessel after the COSCO Shipping Capricorn docked at its facilities.
