Latest news with #PortOfNEOM
Trade Arabia
5 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Port of NEOM receives fully automated cranes; work on track
Port of NEOM, set to become an advanced and sustainable port, has marked a major milestone with the arrival of the first fully automated, remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) and electric rubber-tyred gantry (eRTG) cranes in KSA — advancing its goal to become a global hub for smart, sustainable trade. Strategically located on the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, Port of NEOM is already serving as a critical gateway on the East–West trade route. The newly arrived state-of-the-art cranes will play a critical role in the port's automation strategy, unlocking the potential for high-volume, high-efficiency operations. Importantly, their remote-control capability allows for a future-ready workforce model, where operators can manage equipment from secure, ergonomic environments. Development of Port of NEOM continues at pace ahead of the 2026 opening of Terminal 1, a next-generation container terminal, with recent infrastructure milestones including the completion of a 900-m quay wall and the deepening of the port channel to 18.5 m — enabling the world's largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal to call at Port of NEOM. Terminal 1 will also feature horizontal transport automation as part of the broader goal to achieve full automation. Once operational, these technologies will significantly expand the port's logistics capacity, driving regional industrial growth, opening access to global markets, enhancing supply chain resilience and unlocking business opportunities. Sean Kelly, Managing Director of Port of NEOM, said: 'The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port. We're not only accelerating industrial growth in northwest Saudi Arabia, but we're also setting a new benchmark for performance, efficiency, innovation and establishing a vital trade gateway for the Kingdom and the region beyond.' In parallel with its investments in infrastructure and automation, Port of NEOM is also committed to developing local talent, including training Saudi women to take on high-tech roles. Central to this effort is a pioneering initiative to train the next generation of Production Specialists to gain the skills to become remote crane operators, thereby helping shape a more inclusive future for the logistics and industrial sectors.
Al Arabiya
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's NEOM port receives first automated cranes, trains female operators
Saudi Arabia's futuristic NEOM megaproject has received its first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes for its massive new port as the Kingdom pushes to establish a major Red Sea trade hub by 2026, with a pioneering program training Saudi women as crane operators. The Port of NEOM welcomed the arrival of automated Ship-To-Shore and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes, marking the first such equipment deployed in Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom seeks to diversify its economy under the Vision 2030 reform program. The Port of NEOM is at the heart of Oxagon, an advanced global manufacturing hub taking shape over 48 square kilometers. Together, they represent the maritime and industrial heart of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's NEOM mega-project, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Located on one of the world's busiest maritime corridors, the port is positioned to serve as a critical gateway on East-West trade routes. The facility has completed a 900-meter quay wall and deepened its channel to 18.5 meters to accommodate the largest container vessels transiting the Suez Canal. 'The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port,' said Sean Kelly, managing director of Port of NEOM. The project includes an intensive two-year training program for Production Specialists, with ten participants from the Tabuk region learning to operate the remote-controlled equipment. The initiative represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to increase women's participation in traditionally male-dominated industries. Hajjer Alatawi, one of the female trainees, said the program had shown her that 'port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it's about teamwork, precision and responsibility.' She added that seeing more Saudi women entering the field 'gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.' The remote-control capability allows operators to manage equipment from secure, ergonomic environments rather than traditional crane cabins, potentially making the roles more accessible to women and supporting workplace safety standards. Terminal 1 of the port is scheduled to launch in 2026 and will feature horizontal transport automation as part of broader plans for full automation. The facility aims to significantly expand the Kingdom's logistics capacity and enhance supply chain resilience in the region.
