Latest news with #PortofNEOM
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
NEOM Port halves transit time with new trade corridor linking Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq
The Port of NEOM conducted a successful pilot trial of a new strategic intra-regional corridor linking key trading hubs in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Implemented by the Port of NEOM and the Logistics Private Sector Engagement Council, the initiative offers a highly effective, integrated, and competitive logistics solution. This reduces the transit time by more than 50% on routes from Egypt compared to traditional pathways. As part of the pilot project, the first shipments departed from Cairo, passing through Safaga Port. They left to the Port of NEOM across the Red Sea before overlanding to their destination in Erbil, Iraq, covering over 900 kilometers. The project connects main inland logistics corridors to facilitate seamless trade flows between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, unlocking new opportunities for cross-border commerce and economic growth. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, the corridor boosts inland logistics connectivity within the Kingdom and anchors the country's position as a central global logistics hub in regional and international trade. © 2025 All Rights Reserved Arab Finance For Information Technology Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
a day ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Port of NEOM Halves Transit Time by over 50% via Regional Trade Corridor
Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM conducted a successful pilot trial of a new strategic intra-regional corridor connecting key trading hubs in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq. The initiative, conducted by the Port of NEOM and the Logistics Private Sector Engagement Council, more than halved the shipment transit time compared to traditional routes. As part of the pilot project, the first shipments departed from Cairo, passing through Safaga Port and then across the Red Sea to the Port of NEOM before continuing overland to their destination in Erbil, Iraq, covering over 900 kilometers, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday. The project's success exemplifies effective integration among various governmental and regulatory bodies, including the Transport General Authority; the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority; and private-sector partners including shipowners, key exporters and importers, export councils, and logistics companies. The initiative delivers a highly effective, integrated and competitive logistics solution, demonstrated by a reduction in transit time of more than 50% on routes from Egypt compared to traditional pathways. It not only highlights the efficiency gains achievable through collaboration, but also signals the broader potential to significantly reduce costs and transit times across other regional and global trade corridors. The initiative lays the foundation for long-term ambitions and reinforces Port of NEOM's growing role in advancing Saudi Arabia's maritime and logistics goals. The port uses its unique strategic geographical location on the Red Sea, near the Arar border, which serves as a primary entry point into Iraq. The unique location positions the port as a vital regional gateway, connecting major global trade routes. By linking critical inland logistics corridors, it facilitates seamless trade flows between Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, unlocking new opportunities for cross-border commerce and economic growth. Building on the success of the initiative, the corridor demonstrates a scalable model for enhancing inland logistics connectivity within Saudi Arabia and enhances the nation's position as a central global logistics hub in regional and international trade. It supports the Saudi Vision 2030 goal of building a diversified economy, through the development of a world-class, integrated logistics ecosystem, linking ports, roads and customs centers.
Al Arabiya
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's NEOM port halves Cairo-Iraq trade transit times in regional trade pilot
Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM has successfully completed a pilot program that reduced transit times by more than 50 percent on a key regional trade route connecting Egypt and Iraq, as the Kingdom seeks to establish itself as a major logistics hub under its Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The initiative, conducted in partnership with the Logistics Partnership Council, tested an intermodal corridor spanning over 900 kilometers from Cairo via Egypt's Port of Safaga, across the Red Sea to Port of NEOM, and then overland to commercial warehouses in Erbil, Iraq. The pilot involved collaboration between Saudi government agencies including the Transport General Authority and the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, along with private sector partners including shipowners, importers, exporters, and logistics companies. 'The Port of NEOM is the catalyst for overall economic development for the northwest region of the Kingdom and the broader region,' said Sean Kelly, managing director at the Port of NEOM. 'The intermodal corridor opening up this historical trade lane is a primary initiative in this effort. It's been proven many times that opening up supply chain options—reducing costs, reducing transit times—accelerates regional economic development and prosperity, and the intermodal corridor can play this role.' The project represents part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to develop its logistics sector and reduce the economy's dependence on oil revenues. The Kingdom is investing heavily in ports, roads, and customs infrastructure to capture more of the trade flows between Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Port of NEOM's location on the Red Sea and proximity to the Arar border crossing into Iraq positions it to serve growing trade between the regions. The success of the pilot suggests the route could offer an alternative to traditional shipping paths that currently handle Egypt–Iraq trade. The corridor is designed to be scalable and could be expanded to other regional trade routes, according to project organizers. Saudi officials say such initiatives support the Vision 2030 goal of building what they describe as a world-class integrated logistics ecosystem. The pilot's completion comes as regional countries seek to boost intra-regional trade and reduce logistics costs amid ongoing global supply chain challenges.
Arab News
05-06-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's Port of NEOM installs 1st automated cranes, targets 2026 launch
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's $500-billion giga-project NEOM has installed the Kingdom's first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes at its Red Sea port as it moves ahead with plans to begin operations in 2026. The delivery of next-generation ship-to-shore and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes marks a key milestone in the development of Terminal 1, which will accommodate the world's largest container ships. NEOM is aiming to position the facility as a global logistics hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. The facility supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by contributing to economic diversification through enhanced trade, logistics, and industrial capabilities. As global supply chains shift toward resilience and efficiency, NEOM's strategic Red Sea location positions it as a vital link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. 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.' He added: '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.' The new cranes will enable high-efficiency operations while allowing remote control from ergonomic workstations. Infrastructure developments, including a 900-meter quay wall and an 18.5-meter-deep channel, ensure the port can handle the largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal. Terminal 1 will also feature horizontal transport automation, boosting logistics capacity and regional industrial growth. Alongside infrastructure upgrades, the port is investing in local talent development. A specialized program is training Saudi workers, including women, for high-tech roles such as remote crane operations. Ten participants from Saudi Arabia's Tabuk region are currently in a two-year program combining technical training and mentorship. Trainee Hajjer Alatawi said: 'This experience has shown me that port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it's about teamwork, precision and responsibility. Seeing more Saudi women entering this space gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.' The press release added that by empowering Saudi workers with high-tech skills, 'Port of NEOM is supporting NEOM's vision of being a catalyst for a sustainable, diverse and innovative ecosystem that enables regional economic resilience and advances the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.'
Zawya
05-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Port of NEOM receives fully automated cranes; work on track
Saudi Arabia - 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. Ten participants from the Tabuk region are currently enrolled in an intensive two-year programme that blends technical instruction and hands-on training with dedicated mentorship. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
