According to The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) article published on February 17, 2023, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Maersk have held the groundbreaking ceremony for the global shipping giant’s largest integrated logistics park in the Middle East region at Jeddah Islamic Port in the presence of senior industry officials and executives following a deal that was signed between both entities in November 2021.
The proposed 1.3-billion-riyal facility fuels Mawani’s drive to develop a world-class logistics sector in the heart of the Kingdom in partnership with major industry players in line with the ambitions of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS).
Due for completion in Q1 2024, the 225,000 sq. m. logistics development will offer a range of green logistics solutions that connect and simplify supply chains with an ability to handle 200,000 TEUs.
The state-of-the-art property will include warehousing and distribution facilities for general cargo and cold chain storage as well as dedicated hubs for transshipment, air freight, and LCL (Less than Container Load) cargo besides housing an ecommerce fulfillment center.
Powered entirely by solar panels spread over 65,000 sq. m., the Maersk facility will deploy electric vehicles and machinery to handle and haul cargo in its bid to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040.
The facility will feature cutting-edge warehouse management systems that leverage modern technologies and digital solutions to oversee inventory and track and trace them at item and unit level, besides offering advanced analytical dashboards to bolster efficiency and deliver a competitive advantage for importers, exporters, and shipping agents. Plans are also underway to build an in-house female training academy at the Jeddah-based logistics site.
With the potential to create over 2,500 direct and indirect job opportunities, the logistics park is critical to the Kingdom’s vision of increasing the proportion of non-oil exports to 50% of non-oil GDP besides catalyzing national socioeconomic growth.
