Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's oil capital and major Gulf coast economic hub.
Port Overview
Ad Dammam, located in Saudi Arabia, is a significant maritime hub. King Abdulaziz Port, also known as Dammam Port, is the largest in the Arabian Gulf and ranks third in the Middle East and North Africa. Strategically, it serves as a major export center for the oil industry and a key distribution point for inland cities. The port's strategic importance is enhanced by its connection to Riyadh via a railway line. However, specific annual TEU capacity figures are not readily available, but it is known for handling substantial cargo volumes.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Ad Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port features two main container terminals, advanced general cargo terminals, and forty-three fully serviced berths for large vessels. Facilities include modern warehouses, rail connectivity to Riyadh, and ship repair docks. The port is equipped with high-capacity quay cranes, mobile cranes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for efficient cargo handling. It supports container, bulk, and general cargo operations, making it a key logistics hub for Saudi Arabia.
Container Terminals
Ad Dammam’s King Abdulaziz Port features two main container terminals with a total of 9 dedicated container berths and a quay length of 2,380 meters. Annual container handling capacity is approximately 3 million TEUs. The terminals employ advanced automation, including automated gate systems and container tracking. Major operators include Saudi Global Ports (SGP), a PSA subsidiary, and International Port Services (IPS), part of Hutchison Ports. The port is a key logistics hub for eastern and central Saudi Arabia.
Port Services
- Container handling: Two modern container terminals with deep berths, advanced cranes, and automated gate systems for efficient loading and unloading.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for general cargo, bulk cargo, Ro/Ro, project cargo, and specialized berths for grain, cement, and fertilizers.
- Ship services: Pilotage, tug assistance, ship repairs, bunkering, provisions, and waste disposal.
- Warehousing: On-site storage, cold storage, and integrated logistics zones for cargo consolidation and distribution.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services, supporting swift cargo movement and compliance.
Global Connectivity
Ad Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port) is a major gateway on the Arabian Gulf, serving Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and key inland regions via extensive road and rail links, including direct rail to Riyadh. The port connects to major Asian hubs such as Shanghai, Ningbo, Yantian, Kaohsiung, Port Klang, Laem Chabang, and Vung Tau, as well as regional ports like Jebel Ali and Umm Qasr. Shipping routes link Dammam to China, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and Europe.
Port Statistics
Ad Dammam (King Abdulaziz Port), Saudi Arabia: Key Statistics
- TEU Throughput: Approximately 2.5 million TEU annually, with strong year-on-year growth.
- World Ranking: Ranked 67th globally among container ports.
- Number of Berths: 43 berths.
- Port Area: Covers around 19 square kilometers.
- Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and COSCO.
The port is a critical gateway for Saudi Arabia’s eastern region, supporting robust import and export volumes and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.
