Hutchison Ports will invest in and operate JCPDI Port, Saudi Arabia, after signing an agreement with the Royal Commission in Jubail and Yanbu.
In a statement, the terminal operator said the Port consists of world class, multipurpose terminals within the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI).
Speaking at a virtual signing ceremony, Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Saadan, Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, said the Port was established to provide modern logistics services in the region and support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
“Today, we are signing an investment and operation agreement with Hutchison Ports, one of the world’s leading port operators,” he said.
“We are seeking to provide the best services and to ensure the highest levels of quality and efficiency.”
Eric IP, Group Managing Director, Hutchison Ports, Middle East and Africa, also commented, “We have a presence of 20 years in Saudi Arabia, and it is a very important market for Hutchison Ports.
“Marking a new chapter for us, JCPDI Port is located at the crossroads of the one of the busiest east-west trade lanes and the rapidly growing north-south trade lanes.
“We look forward to working closely with the Royal Commission to help JCPDI reach its full potential and contribute to the Saudi Vision 2030.”
As part of the world’s leading port network, the Port will benefit from the latest port technologies and best industrial practices.
It is located on China’s Belt and Road Initiative and is the Kingdom’s closest port to East Asia.
It is considered a major gateway to the Kingdom’s southern region, which has an estimated population of 4.5 million people.
The terminals are expected to support economic growth in the entire region and to serve eastern and southern Africa.
To be developed over two phases, the multipurpose port will consist of a container terminal and a general cargo and dry-bulk terminal. Each will be equipped with the latest in handling equipment and have quayside draft of 16.5 meters.
Commercial operations of Phase I will launch this year starting with the general cargo and dry-bulk terminal. With a berth length of 540m, this facility will serve the immediate needs of the growing list of JCPDI tenants.
Subsequently, Phase I of the container terminal is expected to start commercial operations in early 2022 and offer 730 meters of berth.
