Neom port cuts cargo transit time with new trade corridor

Arab News

3 days ago

RIYADH: Neom port has completed a trial of a new multimodal regional trade corridor linking Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq, cutting cargo transit times by more than half, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The pilot, conducted in partnership with the Logistics Partnership Council, demonstrated significantly faster delivery compared to traditional shipping routes.
The trial shipment originated in Cairo, Egypt, and traveled via Safaga Port across the Red Sea to Neom port. From there, it continued overland to Irbil in northern Iraq, covering more than 900 km.
The initiative brought together multiple government and regulatory bodies — including the Transport General Authority and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority — alongside private sector stakeholders such as shipowners, exporters, importers, export councils, and logistics firms.
The successful test comes as Neom port accelerates infrastructure upgrades and moves toward full automation. In June, it received Saudi Arabia's first remote-controlled ship-to-shore and electric rubber-tyred Gantry cranes. Operated from ergonomic control rooms, the cranes mark a milestone in the development of Terminal 1.
A 900-meter quay wall has also been completed, and the port's access channel has been deepened to 18.5 meters, enabling it to accommodate the world's largest container ships.
As part of Neom's workforce development strategy, the crane operations program includes training Saudi women in advanced technical roles.
According to SPA, the new trade corridor achieved high levels of operational efficiency across each stage of the journey, offering an integrated logistics solution that enhances competitiveness.
'This pilot project is a pivotal step in implementing a long-term vision to enhance Neom port's role as a major logistics and maritime hub in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,' the agency stated.
Strategically located on the Red Sea and near the Arar border crossing — a key entry point into Iraq — Neom port aims to become a regional gateway connecting global trade routes and streamlining movement across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The corridor project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objective of building a world-class logistics ecosystem by integrating ports, land crossings, and customs centers. It also presents a scalable model to strengthen domestic logistics connectivity and reinforce the Kingdom's position as a central player in regional and international trade.