The proposed facility, worth 1.3 billion Saudi riyals (SAR), is expected to contribute to the development of a world-class logistics sector in Saudi Arabia. Mawani in partnership with major industry players aims to meet the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS), Mawani announced on its website.

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and Maersk have held the ground-breaking ceremony for the global shipping giant’s largest integrated logistics park in the Middle East region at Jeddah Islamic Port. The proposed facility, worth 1.3 billion Saudi riyals (SAR), is expected to contribute to the development of a world-class logistics sector in Saudi Arabia.

Due for completion in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, the logistics development project, spanning 225,000 square metres, will offer a range of green logistics solutions that connect and simplify supply chains with an ability to handle 200,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The state-of-the-art property will include warehousing and distribution facilities for general cargo and cold chain storage as well as dedicated hubs for trans-shipment, air freight, and LCL (less than container load) cargo besides housing an ecommerce fulfilment centre.

Powered entirely by solar panels spread over 65,000 square metres, the Maersk facility will deploy electric vehicles and machinery to handle and haul cargo in its bid to achieve carbon-neutrality by 2040, added Mawani.

The facility will feature warehouse management systems that leverage modern technologies and digital solutions to oversee inventory and track and trace them at item and unit level, besides offering advanced analytical dashboards to bolster efficiency and deliver a competitive advantage for importers, exporters, and shipping agents. Plans are also underway to build an in-house female training academy at the Jeddah-based logistics site.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the facility followed a deal that was signed between Mawani and Maersk in November 2021.

With the potential to create over 2,500 direct and indirect job opportunities, the logistics park is critical to Saudi Arabia’s vision of increasing the proportion of non-oil exports to 50 per cent of non-oil gross domestic product (GDP) besides catalysing national socioeconomic growth.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)