Riyadh, April 29, 2024, The Saudi Ports Authority, Mawani, announced a significant milestone in transportation and logistics with the first container shipment transported by rail from Jubail Commercial Port to Riyadh Dry Port on Saturday, April 27. This development, outlined in a press release, signifies a step forward in enhancing transportation efficiency.
The shipment, comprising 78 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), was carried on the railway linking Jubail Commercial Port with the East Train Network, capable of handling a maximum of 140 TEUs per trip. This achievement was made possible through collaborative efforts between Mawani, the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), and the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
According to the release, this collaboration plays a vital role in establishing an integrated transport system for containers, bulk materials, and general cargo. SAR's networks connect Riyadh Dry Port with key ports such as King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, Jubail Commercial Port, and Ras Al-Khair Port, providing a competitive edge and enhancing loading and unloading services.
The introduction of the railway connection not only improves connectivity and logistics efficiency but also reinforces Saudi Arabia's status as a global logistics hub bridging continents. It elevates the quality of services at ports, offering innovative logistics solutions that streamline exports and imports.
"This initiative will provide logistical support to industrial and commercial ports in the Kingdom, enhancing their competitiveness and supporting trade by offering safe and sustainable solutions that reduce harmful emissions and help preserve the environment," stated the release.
In early April, Mawani entered into a partnership agreement with SAR, aligning with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030 goals. This collaboration aims to establish a unified framework for cargo transportation to and from ports via railways, further enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of the Kingdom's logistics sector.
