Mawani signs privatisation contracts for multipurpose cargo terminals at eight Saudi ports
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), in collaboration with the National Center for Privatization (NCP), recently signed a series of landmark Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts to privatise multipurpose cargo terminals across eight key Saudi ports. These agreements span a 20-year period and mark a significant milestone in the Kingdom's logistics and maritime sector.
The contracts, signed with national champions Saudi Global Ports and Red Sea Gateway Terminal Company, will bring over SAR 2.2 billion in private sector investments to enhance port capabilities and competitiveness.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Mawani, emphasised the strategic importance of these agreements, stating that the continuous flow of private investments into Saudi ports reflects the strength and global appeal of the Kingdom's logistics ecosystem. "These partnerships are a cornerstone of our mission to establish Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub," he noted. "They align closely with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030."
H.E. Mr. Mohannad bin Ahmed Basodan, CEO of NCP, affirmed the Center's commitment to enabling the private sector to deliver enhanced services and operational performance. "This project represents one of the most comprehensive privatisation initiatives in the Kingdom's maritime domain," he said, citing its alignment with international benchmarks and its long-term economic impact.
Under the new BOT model, Saudi Global Ports (SGP), part of the PSA Group, will assume development and operational responsibilities at four Eastern Province ports: King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, Jubail Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Jubail, and Ras Al-Khair Port.
PSA International’s Regional CEO Europe & Mediterranean and Middle East South Asia, Mr Vincent Ng, said: “PSA is proud to be alongside Saudi Arabia’s growth journey for over 10 years. We are excited to continue to work alongside Public Investment Fund, Mawani and other stakeholders in the Kingdom, supporting SGP with our global expertise and network as it expands its ecosystem to include capabilities that can bring new and differentiated value to the Kingdom’s ports and logistics sector.”
Meanwhile, Red Sea Gateway Terminal will oversee operations and development at four ports in the Western Province: Jeddah Islamic Port, Yanbu Commercial Port, King Fahd Industrial Port in Yanbu, and Jazan Port.