Port Technology International speaks to Daniel Phay, Chief Operating Officer of Saudi Global Ports Group (SGP), about SGP’s expansion beyond terminal operations, the growing role of rail and inland logistics, and how digitalisation is supporting more connected and resilient supply chains across Saudi Arabia.
1. SGP is expanding beyond terminal operations into rail, inland logistics and wider port-linked services. What does that shift change in practice?
The shift has transformed SGP from a terminal operator into an integrated supply chain ecosystem. Today, we manage the entire cargo journey, from the vessel’s arrival at the port to final delivery inland.
This means that we plan and measure operations differently. Success is no longer based solely on terminal productivity or throughput, but on end-to-end supply chain performance, reliability and customer experience. As a member of the PSA Group, we also connect our customers to an integrated and intelligent global network of port ecosystems, in line with PSA International’s Node to Network Strategy.
By integrating ports, rail, inland terminals and logistics zones within the Kingdom and globally, SGP provides customers with greater visibility, faster transit times and more resilient supply chain solutions, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global logistics hub.
2. King Abdulaziz Port Dammam is central to SGP’s network and to Saudi Arabia’s Eastern trade gateway. What are the main operational priorities as volumes, vessel sizes and customer expectations continue to grow?
Our priorities are safety and resilience, operational excellence and customer experience, all supported by digital transformation.
We have significantly expanded the terminal’s capabilities to accommodate larger, next-generation mega container vessels, while continuing to invest in infrastructure, equipment and digital solutions. These enhancements have also increased the terminal’s annual handling capacity to 3.8 million TEUs.
At the same time, we are strengthening connectivity beyond the port gate through rail and inland logistics solutions, ensuring that cargo moves efficiently to key markets across Saudi Arabia.
Ultimately, our objective is to operate a world-class mega supply chain hub that can accommodate future trade growth while delivering reliability and operational excellence for our customers.
3. With SGP now operating Jubail Container Terminal, how does this strengthen the company’s Eastern Coast network, particularly for exports and regional supply chains?
Jubail Container Terminal significantly strengthens our integrated Eastern Coast network and brings us closer to Saudi Arabia’s major industrial and petrochemical customers.
The terminal enhances network resilience by providing customers with additional gateway options, while strengthening connectivity between ports, rail and inland logistics assets.
It also allows us to better support industrial exports and coordinate more efficient supply chain solutions for manufacturers and exporters, further reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional logistics hub.
4. Rail and inland connectivity are central to Saudi Arabia’s logistics ambitions, but the real test is often reliability, coordination and visibility. What needs to work well behind the scenes to make cargo movement between Dammam, Riyadh and inland markets more efficient?
Efficiency depends on coordination, visibility and collaboration.
At SGP, we synchronise vessel schedules, rail operations and inland supply chain activities to create predictable and reliable cargo flows. Digital platforms and real-time data provide customers with greater transparency and enable proactive decision-making.
Strong partnerships across the supply chain ecosystem are equally important. When ports, rail operators and logistics providers work together, cargo moves more efficiently, and customers benefit from more reliable supply chains.
5. SGP has invested in remote operations, real-time tracking, automated gates and digital yard systems. Which technologies are delivering the clearest operational value today, and where do you see the next major opportunity?
Real-time tracking, automated gates and digital yard systems are already delivering significant value by improving efficiency, increasing visibility and enhancing the customer experience. For example, the introduction of automated gates has effectively halved gate service times, while initiatives such as ‘SGP Best Pick’ help direct transporters to the nearest suitable container, reducing truck travel distances and waiting times.
These initiatives, alongside our fleet of electrified equipment, also support SGP’s sustainability efforts by reducing CO2 emissions in line with Vision 2030.
The next major opportunity lies in advanced analytics, artificial intelligence and predictive operations. Data-driven decision-making will enable operators to anticipate disruptions, optimise assets and further improve reliability and productivity.
Technology will continue to be a key enabler of smarter, more connected and more resilient supply chains.
6. Supply chain resilience is now a major priority for ports and terminal operators. How is SGP working to make cargo flows more reliable and resilient for customers?
Resilience is embedded in our integrated operating model and strengthened through our connection to PSA International’s global network under the Node to Network Strategy.
By linking SGP’s ports, rail services, inland terminals and supply chain facilities with PSA’s global network, we provide customers with greater cargo visibility, broader routing options and access to alternative supply chain solutions when disruptions occur.
We also work alongside fellow PIF portfolio companies, including SAR and Folk Maritime, to strengthen multimodal connectivity across the Kingdom. These complementary capabilities contribute to a more connected and resilient supply chain ecosystem, while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a leading global logistics hub.
This combination of strong local operations, strategic collaboration and global connectivity enables us to deliver more predictable, reliable and flexible cargo flows, while helping our customers build greater resilience into their supply chains.
7. Looking ahead, what would meaningful operational progress look like for SGP over the next five to ten years, particularly in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 logistics ambitions?
Meaningful progress means continuing our evolution into a fully integrated supply chain ecosystem that seamlessly connects ports, rail, inland logistics and industrial zones.
As part of this journey, developments such as the Dammam Integrated Logistics Zone (DILZ) will further strengthen our ecosystem by providing logistics, warehousing and value-added supply chain solutions, with seamless connectivity across maritime, rail and road networks. This will create greater opportunities for businesses serving Saudi Arabia, the GCC and global markets, while advancing SGP’s ambition to become a leading hub for the Upper Gulf.
We will continue to enhance efficiency, digital integration, sustainability and customer experience, while strengthening supply chain resilience and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions.
Ultimately, we aim to be the trade and supply chain enabler that connects Saudi Arabia to global markets, enables industrial growth and strengthens the Kingdom’s position as a leading global logistics hub.
Daniel Phay
Chief Operating Officer, Saudi Global Ports Group and Chief Executive Officer, SGP Container Terminals
Daniel Phay is the Chief Operating Officer of Saudi Global Ports Group and Chief Executive Officer of SGP Container Terminals, leading operations, expansion and digital transformation across Saudi Arabia’s largest container gateway on the Eastern Coast. He has extensive leadership experience across container, bulk and inland logistics operations and has managed multiple joint ventures in Singapore and Vietnam, including SP-PSA International Port, Tan Cang Que Vo JSC and Sotrans Group, during his tenure as Managing Director for Vietnam at PSA International.
Earlier in his career, Daniel was Deputy CEO of the CMA CGM–PSA Lion Terminal, one of CMA CGM’s largest joint-venture terminals in Southeast Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/danielphay
Saudi Global Ports Group
Saudi Global Ports Group (SGP) is Saudi Arabia’s leading port operator and a trusted partner within the region’s ports and supply chain ecosystem.
SGP operates and manages a diverse portfolio, including deep-sea container and multipurpose terminals at King Abdulaziz Port Dammam; multipurpose terminals at Jubail Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port and Ras Al-Khair Port; and three rail-linked terminals under the Riyadh Dry Port Ecosystem through SGP Intermodal.
