The container terminal operator of Dammam Seaport, Saudi Global Ports (SGP) has been awarded a concession by Saudi Railway Company (SAR) to develop and operate the Riyadh Dry Port Ecosystem (RDP), comprising three facilities in Riyadh and Dammam.
Following a public-private partnership tender process under the authority of Saudi Arabia’s Privatization Supervisory Committee, SGP intends to develop and operate RDP and Dammam Seaport as an integrated system, to improve logistics network flow efficiencies and reduce logistics costs in the country.
Saudi Global Ports will also be collaborating with SAR and various stakeholders to provide multimodal and cargo solutions for market needs, and grow RDP’s rail freight activities.
In addition, SGP will invest in a modernisation program to upgrade civil infrastructure and facilities, procure new equipment and develop technologies such as automation and a unified digital platform, which is expected to enhance the security, safety and sustainability of supply chains, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services.
“Saudi Global Ports is honoured to be selected as Saudi Railway Company’s partner to transform the Riyadh Dry Port Ecosystem into a modern logistics facility that supports the Kingdom Vision 2030’s second pillar of a thriving Saudi economy,” stated SGP chairman, Abdulla Al Zamil.
Under this agreement, SGP and SAR will work together to raise the operational efficiency of the Riyadh-Dammam Freight line and more than double RDP’s handling capacity to 1.5 million containers annually by 2030, according to a statement.
“With the support of Saudi Railway Company, we will work towards a quick and smooth transition and thereafter streamline the supply chain landscape for more efficient cargo movement between Dammam and Riyadh,” noted SGP Chairman.
