en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has signed seven agreements with multiple domestic and international companies to build and expand logistics centers at Jeddah Islamic Port and the Khumra Logistics Zone, with a total project investment of nearly 10 billion Saudi riyals, approximately $267 million.

The signing ceremony was chaired by Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Ports Authority Board, Saleh Al-Jasser, and attended by several officials, including Ports Authority President Sulaiman Almazrou.

These projects are a key component of the authority's plan to expand logistics infrastructure on the west coast, aiming to implement the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub. Saleh Al-Jasser stated that the launch and expansion of these logistics centers fully reflect the leadership's continued support for the development of the transport and logistics sector, enhancing the comprehensive capabilities of Jeddah Islamic Port and the Khumra Logistics Zone, improving supply chain efficiency, and further consolidating Saudi Arabia's status as a gateway for the Red Sea region and global trade. These projects will encourage broader private sector participation, promote commercial activities, and enhance the overall competitiveness of Saudi ports by providing advanced logistics infrastructure.

Sulaiman Almazrou regarded these projects as strategic initiatives within the authority's port development plan, believing they will improve port operational readiness, expand handling capacity, and drive the localization of logistics services and related industries. He noted that Saudi ports are transforming from mere transit points into investment and economic hubs, playing a greater role in regional and international trade. With the signing of the latest agreements, the total number of logistics centers at Saudi ports has increased to 34, including 17 at Jeddah Islamic Port, with cumulative investments exceeding 14 billion riyals. The seven new centers cover an area of over 384,000 square meters, dedicated to warehousing, assembly, and re-export operations. The authority expects these projects to create more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, while supporting integrated logistics services and strengthening domestic and international supply chains.

These facilities will be equipped with cargo handling infrastructure and digital logistics platforms, aimed at improving operational efficiency, accelerating delivery speeds, and supporting the expansion of local and international companies operating in Saudi Arabia. Among them, the expansion project of the Maersk Logistics Center at Jeddah Islamic Port, with an investment of 40 million riyals, will add 60,000 square meters of container and yard space, aiming to enhance logistics service levels and provide more efficient operational solutions for importers and exporters.