Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia
Al Jubail is Saudi Arabia’s leading industrial port city, home to the world’s largest petrochemical complex.
Port Overview
Al Jubail is located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia along the Persian Gulf. It is home to Jubail Industrial City, the world’s largest industrial city, covering approximately 1,016 square kilometers. Strategically, Al Jubail serves as a major port and industrial hub, supporting Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and energy sectors and contributing about 7% of the nation’s GDP. The port handles significant container traffic, with an annual capacity exceeding 1.5 million TEU, making it one of the largest container ports in the region.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia’s main port facilities include King Fahd Industrial Port and Jubail Commercial Port, featuring multiple specialized terminals for containers, general cargo, dry bulk, and liquid chemicals. The ports are equipped with high-capacity ship-to-shore cranes, mobile cranes, and advanced cargo handling systems. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and modern logistics infrastructure support efficient container and bulk cargo movement, serving the city’s vast petrochemical, steel, and industrial sectors.
Container Terminals
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, features two main container terminals: Jubail Commercial Port and King Fahad Industrial Port. Jubail Commercial Port has 16 berths, with its container terminal offering a capacity of 1.8 million TEU per year. The automation level is moderate, with ongoing modernization efforts. Major operators include Saudi Global Ports, which manages both terminals under long-term concessions, focusing on efficiency and infrastructure upgrades.
Port Services
- Container handling: Dedicated terminals for efficient loading and unloading of containers.
- Cargo operations: Bulk, general, and liquid cargo handling, including petrochemicals, industrial goods, and raw materials.
- Ship services: Berthing, pilotage, tugging, ship repair, bunkering, diving, and marine rescue.
- Warehousing: Storage facilities for industrial materials and cargo.
- Customs: On-site customs clearance and inspection for import and export cargo.
Global Connectivity
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, is a major industrial port with strong connectivity to the Gulf, Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is linked by rail and highways to Riyadh, Dammam, and other key Saudi cities, and serves as a gateway for petrochemical exports. Regular shipping routes connect Jubail to major regional and global ports, including new services to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Mediterranean, supporting efficient access to international markets.
Port Statistics
Al Jubail (King Fahad Industrial Port), Saudi Arabia: Key Statistics
- TEU throughput: Approximately 500,000 TEU annually
- World ranking: Among top 100 container ports globally
- Number of berths: 34
- Port area: Over 4.2 million square meters
- Shipping lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, and others
The port specializes in industrial cargo, petrochemicals, and bulk commodities, supporting Saudi Arabia’s role as a leading logistics hub.
