ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — In a major leap toward achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) announced the signing of a SAR1.7 billion ($453 million) agreement between Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) — the Kingdom’s leading national container terminal operator — and CMA CGM Group, one of the world’s largest shipping companies.
The deal, unveiled during the ninth annual Future Investment Initiative (FII9) in Riyadh, aims to develop and operate the fourth container terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, significantly boosting its capacity and global competitiveness.
Transforming Jeddah into the Red Sea’s Maritime Powerhouse
Under the agreement, the new terminal will add a handling capacity of 2.6 million TEUs, reinforcing Jeddah Islamic Port’s position as a key logistics and trade hub along the Red Sea.
The signing ceremony was attended by CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé, RSGT Chairman Aamer Abdullah Alireza, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, and Mawani President Eng. Suliman bin Khalid Al-Mazroua.
Al-Mazroua emphasized that the strategic partnership reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to transforming its ports into world-class logistics centers, in line with Vision 2030.
“This partnership enhances our capacity, connectivity, and innovation across the port network, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s role as a global gateway for trade and a driver of sustainable economic growth,” he stated on October 29, 2025.
A Next-Generation Terminal for the Future of Global Trade
The SAR1.7 billion investment forms part of RSGT’s broader expansion strategy at Jeddah Islamic Port under its long-term concession agreement with Mawani, originally signed in 2020.
The project will focus on developing state-of-the-art infrastructure, deploying modern cargo-handling equipment, and integrating digital and sustainable technologies to maximize operational efficiency and reliability.
Upon completion, RSGT’s total annual handling capacity will increase to 8.8 million TEUs, further cementing the port’s role as a pivotal link in the Europe–Asia–Africa maritime corridor.
Through this collaboration, Jeddah Islamic Port will benefit from CMA CGM’s extensive global network and RSGT’s operational excellence, improving service quality and logistics integration.
The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to boost port throughput, expand transshipment operations, and position the Kingdom as a top global logistics hub.
With its 62 multipurpose berths, Jeddah Islamic Port stands as the largest port on the Red Sea, serving as a vital regional and international trade gateway. The expansion will further elevate Saudi Arabia’s standing in the global maritime sector — driving innovation, sustainability, and long-term economic growth. (SPA)
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