NEOM Port receives first fully automated cranes

  

First fully automated cranes arrive at Neom Port

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM megaproject has reached a major milestone with the arrival of its first fully automated, remote-controlled cranes at its new Red Sea port—part of the Kingdom’s drive to establish a world-class trade hub by 2026. In a groundbreaking move, the port has also launched a program to train Saudi women as crane operators.

The Port of NEOM has received state-of-the-art Ship-To-Shore (STS) and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes—the first of their kind deployed in the country. This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and boost innovation in key sectors.

Located within Oxagon, NEOM’s 48-square-kilometer advanced manufacturing hub, the port is strategically positioned along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. It aims to become a key node on East-West shipping lines, supported by significant infrastructure upgrades including a 900-meter quay wall and an 18.5-meter-deep channel capable of handling the largest container ships passing through the Suez Canal.

 

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“This is a tangible milestone as we build a next-generation, future-ready port,” said Sean Kelly, Managing Director of the Port of NEOM.

As part of its development, the port has launched a two-year training program for Production Specialists, including ten female trainees from the Tabuk region. The initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader push to integrate women into traditionally male-dominated industries.

One trainee, Hajjer Alatawi, shared her experience: “Port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it’s about teamwork, precision, and responsibility.” She added that the increasing presence of women in the sector “gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.”

The remote-control technology allows crane operators to work from secure, climate-controlled environments, making roles safer and more accessible—especially for women.

 

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Terminal 1 is set to open in 2026 and will include horizontal transport automation, with full automation planned in later phases. The port is expected to significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s logistics capabilities and strengthen regional supply chain resilience.

Source: al-Arabiya