Saudi Arabia invests $171 million to expand Jeddah Islamic Port

Saudi Arabia is investing $171 million to expand cargo-handling capacity at Jeddah Islamic Port as it continues to strengthen supply chains and advance its logistics ambitions under Vision 2030

The investment, announced by the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), will be carried out in partnership with Red Sea Gateway Terminal and DP World. The project is designed to increase port capacity, improve cargo-handling efficiency, and reinforce the Kingdom’s logistics infrastructure in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy.

According to Mawani, the upgrades will enhance the port’s ability to handle growing volumes of refrigerated cargo while improving the movement of temperature-sensitive goods and expanding logistics services for customers.

The expansion includes the addition of three ship-to-shore cranes, 27 rubber-tyred gantry cranes, 91 terminal trucks, and seven pieces of ground-handling equipment. Container terminal yards will also be expanded by 200,000 square meters to improve operational capacity and cargo flows.

Cold-chain infrastructure is set for a significant upgrade, with reefer plug points increasing from 4,800 to 9,000 and cold storage capacity expanding from eight rooms to 75.

The investment is expected to support broader growth across Saudi Arabia’s logistics ecosystem, creating opportunities in warehousing, freight forwarding, distribution, and cold-chain services while encouraging additional private-sector investment.

Located on one of the world’s busiest East-West maritime trade corridors, Jeddah Islamic Port serves as Saudi Arabia’s primary gateway on the Red Sea, connecting trade routes across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

The latest investment builds on Mawani’s wider efforts to expand the Kingdom’s port infrastructure. In June, the authority awarded a container terminal concession worth more than SR2 billion at Jubail Commercial Port to increase capacity, attract private investment, and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s maritime connectivity.