Apr.29--SINGAPORE's global port operator, PSA International (PSA) together with Saudi state-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) has started operations of a second container terminal in the King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam, a key gateway port on the Persian Gulf.
Their joint venture company, Saudi Global Ports (SGP), handled its first commercial vessel, the 2,000-TEU Niara, owned by Orient Express Line.
Located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Dammam City, phase 1 of SGP's terminal has 16 metres alongside, and is equipped with six quay cranes of 23 container row span on 700 metres of quay.
When the new SGP terminal is fully developed, it will have a quay length of 1,200 metres and 12 quay cranes, with a designed capacity of 1.8 million TEU a year.
"The completion and start-up of PSA's first container terminal in Dammam testifies to PSA's commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said PSA International CEO Tan Chong Meng.
"I am confident that this important gateway port will help the region grow its trade and business activities," he said.
Said Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Mufadhi, secretary general of the Public Investment Fund: "The second container terminal in Dammam is commercially and strategically significant for the development of the kingdom's economy."
(Source:shippingazette)