In a significant step toward enhancing Saudi Arabia’s transport and logistics infrastructure, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority, officially initiated the construction of a major logistics corridor. This key development will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with the Al-Khumrah Logistics Park. The groundbreaking ceremony brought together prominent figures from the transport and logistics sectors, including Eng. Suliman Almazroua, President of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), and other senior executives.
A Major Investment in Logistics Infrastructure
The corridor project is being undertaken by Mawani and carries an investment value exceeding SAR 689 million. Designed as a dedicated logistics route, the corridor will span 17 kilometers and provide two lanes in both directions. It is strategically planned to include 12 bridges, ensuring an uninterrupted and efficient route for truck movement between the port and the logistics park. This specialized connection will bypass the congested inner-city roads of Jeddah, creating a more direct and streamlined flow of goods.
Boosting Port Efficiency and Logistics Integration
Minister Al-Jasser emphasized that the new corridor will be instrumental in improving the efficiency of truck movements, potentially boosting the operational capacity of Jeddah Islamic Port by 10%. Beyond increasing throughput, the corridor will support the broader integration of transport networks and enhance the resilience of supply chains. These improvements form part of a comprehensive approach to expanding the Kingdom’s logistics capabilities and aligning infrastructure with future growth.
Relieving Urban Traffic and Enhancing Safety
According to the Minister, the project will also play a crucial role in alleviating urban traffic pressures by separating heavy truck routes from general city roads. This separation will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and reduce noise and visual pollution in areas surrounding the port. By redirecting freight traffic, the corridor is expected to make a noticeable difference in the daily commuting experience of residents and contribute to more organized urban mobility.
Alignment with National Logistics Strategy
The development of the corridor reflects Mawani’s broader vision to raise the performance of Jeddah Islamic Port and unlock the strategic potential of the Al-Khumrah Logistics Park. It is fully aligned with the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which positions Saudi Arabia as a pivotal logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe. The project symbolizes a forward-looking commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness in maritime trade and logistics.
Infrastructure Enhancements and Environmental Gains
Alongside the main corridor, the project will include vital infrastructure features such as emergency access points, maintenance facilities, and an advanced rainwater drainage system. These elements will ensure operational reliability in all conditions. Notably, the corridor is expected to support environmental goals by reducing truck congestion and cutting down on emissions, thereby contributing to improved air quality and urban livability.
Creating Value for Stakeholders and Driving Investment
The corridor is set to deliver wide-ranging benefits to key stakeholders including shipping lines, logistics providers, transporters, importers, and exporters. By simplifying cargo and container movement and reducing delays, it will help unlock efficiency gains across the logistics ecosystem. Furthermore, the improved connectivity is likely to stimulate new investment opportunities in the Al-Khumrah area and its surrounding regions.
Jeddah Islamic Port: A Gateway to the Red Sea
Jeddah Islamic Port remains one of the most critical maritime hubs on the Red Sea coastline. Spanning 12.5 square kilometers, the port features 62 multipurpose berths and houses numerous specialized terminals equipped with modern infrastructure. With the launch of this dedicated logistics corridor, the port’s strategic importance is further amplified, reinforcing its role as a central node in Saudi Arabia’s trade and logistics network.
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