Neom Port tests trade corridor linking Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Iraq
Neom Port has successfully tested a
new multimodal trade corridor that connects Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq,
reducing cargo transit times by more than 50%.
The pilot project, carried out in
collaboration with the Logistics Partnership Council, demonstrated significant
improvements in delivery speed when compared to traditional shipping routes.
The trial shipment began in Cairo,
Egypt, and traveled via Safaga Port across the Red Sea to Neom Port. From
there, it continued overland to Irbil in northern Iraq, covering a distance of
over 900 kilometers.
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to deploy automated cranes at Port of Neom
The project brought together several
government and regulatory bodies, including the Transport General Authority and
the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, alongside private sector partners such
as shipowners, exporters, importers, export councils, and logistics firms.
This successful trial comes as Neom
Port accelerates its infrastructure upgrades and shifts towards full
automation. In June, it became home to Saudi Arabia's first remote-controlled
ship-to-shore cranes and electric rubber-tyred gantry cranes, operated from
ergonomic control rooms. These cranes mark a key milestone in the development
of Terminal 1.
Additionally, a 900-meter quay wall
has been completed, and the port’s access channel has been deepened to 18.5
meters, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest container ships.
As part of its workforce development
strategy, Neom Port is also training Saudi women for advanced technical roles
in crane operations.
The new trade corridor has shown
impressive operational efficiency across all stages of the journey, offering a
comprehensive logistics solution that boosts competitiveness.
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"This pilot project marks an
important step in realizing a long-term vision to position Neom Port as a
leading logistics and maritime hub in Saudi Arabia," said the agency.
Strategically located on the Red Sea
and near the Arar border crossing — a crucial entry point into Iraq — Neom Port
aims to become a key regional gateway, connecting global trade routes and
facilitating movement across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
The corridor project aligns with
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of building a world-class logistics ecosystem
by integrating ports, land crossings, and customs centers. It also provides a
scalable model to strengthen domestic logistics and reinforce the Kingdom’s
role as a central player in regional and global trade.
Source: Arab News
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