Saudi Global Ports Group Begins Operations At Jubail Container Terminal Under 30-Year Agreement

Saudi Global Ports Group (SGP) has started operating the Jubail Container Terminal (JCT) at Jubail Commercial Port under a 30-year privatisation agreement with the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani).

The project is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve its logistics sector and supply chain under Vision 2030.

Jubail Commercial Port is an important export hub in the Eastern Province. With JCT now part of SGP’s network on the eastern coast, the company expects better coordination between its terminals, improved use of capacity, and more flexible services for customers.

SGP will invest around SAR2 billion (about $532 million) during the concession period. This will be used to upgrade infrastructure and bring in new equipment so the terminal can handle larger vessels and support long-term operations.

انسجامًا مع رؤية السعودية 2030، تجسّد هذه الخطوة دورنا المستمر في ترسيخ مكانة المملكة كمركز لوجستي عالمي.
ومن خلال ميناء الجبيل التجاري، نُعزّز تكامل العمليات، ونرتقي بكفاءة الأداء، وندعم انسيابية حركة التجارة عبر القطاعات الحيوية. pic.twitter.com/m9qb1fRBFv

— SaudiGlobalPorts (@SaudiGlobalPort) April 1, 2026

As part of the upgrade, the quay length will increase from 1,000 metres to 1,400 metres, and berth depth will be deepened from 14 metres to 18 metres.

The number of ship-to-shore cranes will go up from six to 10, while rubber-tyred gantry cranes will increase from 13 to 29. These cranes will be automated and more environmentally friendly.

The terminal’s capacity will increase from 1.5 million TEU to 2.4 million TEU per year. It covers an area of around 460,000 square metres and will be able to handle larger, new-generation container ships.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, said the start of operations shows stronger cooperation with the private sector and confidence in the country’s investment environment.

He added that the project supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

Mawani President Suliman Al-Mazrou said the project is part of efforts to improve port performance and make Saudi ports more competitive regionally and globally.

He said the partnership will help develop infrastructure and logistics services at Jubail Commercial Port according to international standards.

The terminal will also improve links between ports, inland logistics facilities and supply chains, helping cargo move more smoothly and making the system more reliable.

Jubail Commercial Port is located close to major industrial cities, making it an important gateway for exports and imports.

The upgraded terminal is expected to support local industries and improve connections with regional and global markets.

References: arabnews, container news