Jeddah Islamic Port, part of The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) won the Port of The Year and Digital Transformation awards at the 7th Green Shipping Summit held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands on February 15-16 beating top international rivals including Hamburg and Rotterdam.
A press release by Mawani said, “The newest accolade for Jeddah Islamic Port, ranked eighth in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index 2021, reflects the extensive package of development programs and high-impact investments implemented at Saudi Arabia’s busiest hub.”
These programs include deals to set up five world-class logistics parks as well as the launch of new cargo services that enhance the Kingdom’s maritime connectivity including the establishment of the region’s “largest logistics park” at a cost of $346 million at the Jeddah Islamic Port along with Maersk.
This facility which is scheduled to be completed by the first quarter of 2024 will reportedly help create more than 2,500 direct and indirect job opportunities.
In addition, the port has received 12 environmentally friendly cranes constructed with the most recent technologies in support of sustainable energy.
“This award is a testament to Mawani’s industry-leading strategies such as the Smart Ports initiative, a blueprint that aims to automate port operations by leveraging 5G and AI technologies, deploy state-of-the-art digital tools to upgrade collaboration with port operators, and build port management systems to expand the current suite of best-in-class services from 46 to 150,” said the release.
The Green Shipping Summit is held annually to shape the future of the maritime industry through discussions and exchange of ideas between top industry stakeholders seeking a shared path towards a carbon-neutral and innovative future.
The event also hosts an awards ceremony to honor trailblazing entities for adopting best practices and standards in sustainable shipping.
Jeddah Islamic Port is the primary gateway to the Holy Mosque in Mecca for Muslim pilgrims from around the world. It has much historical significance since being established in 646 A.D. during the reign of the Caliph Uthman ibn Affan.
Today, the port is the biggest gateway for Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports and the Red Sea’s top re-export point, with 75 percent of the country’s exports and inbound transshipment going through it.
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