DP World has partnered with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) to launch the first direct shipping line connecting the Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai with Egypt’s Port of Sokhna through the Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, DP World said the announcement “ushers in a new era” in the region’s maritime industry. The new shipping line, the fourth Mawani has launched in 2020, will provide previously unavailable shipping services on the Red Sea coast.
“DP World is pleased that our strategic partnership with the Saudi Ports Authority (MAWANI) is moving from strength to strength, thanks to the continued support of His Excellency Eng. Saleh Bin Nasser Al-Jasser, the Right Honorable Minister of Transport,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO.
“The shipping line will directly benefit the Arab world’s three largest markets.
“We’re committed to delivering best-in-class efficiency and productivity using smart technology-led logistics.
“The strategic positioning of our ports also enhances the flow of global trade along the arterial – Europe/Asia – sea route. DP World in Jeddah is integral to the Saudi ports ecosystem and raises the Kingdom’s competitiveness in line with its 2030 growth vision.”
It is the latest major collaboration between DP World and Mawani. In December 2019, the terminal operator was awarded a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) concession by Mawani for the management and development of the Jeddah South Container Terminal.
Under that agreement, DP World will invest up to $500 million to improve and modernise the Jeddah Islamic Port, including major infrastructure development to enable the port to serve the ultra-large container carriers (ULCCs).
The launch is part of Saudi Arabia’s wider goal to diversify its economy and become a trade hub between Asia, Africa and Europe.
His Excellency Saad Alkhalb, President, MAWANI, said: “The launch of the new shipping line is part of Mawani’s ambitious initiatives to achieve its strategic goals set by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP) to support economic growth, foster investments and contribute to achieving Saudi Vision 2030 positioning Saudi Arabia as a global centre for logistics.
“The direct shipping line will connect Jeddah Islamic Port with more ports in the East and the West, making it a central regional and global gateway, and establishing the Kingdom as a leading logistics centre.
“The line will also help facilitate trade across all the global supply chains, increase transhipment volumes and gain an upgraded share of the ships on the Red Sea Coast.
“All these benefits are expected to boost the overall competitiveness and efficiency of the operations and services provided by Saudi ports while increasing investment opportunities in this vital sector”.
