King Abdullah, Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was a transformative leader known for humanitarianism, moderate reforms, and global influence.
Port Overview
King Abdullah Port is located in King Abdullah Economic City on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, about 120 km north of Jeddah. As one of the largest and most advanced ports in the region, it covers approximately 20 square kilometers and is part of a broader 168 square kilometer economic zone. The port holds strategic importance as a key transshipment hub on the main East-West shipping route, linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its annual container handling capacity is 25 million TEU, ranking it among the world’s top container ports.
Facilities & Infrastructure
King Abdullah Port features advanced container, Ro-Ro, and bulk cargo terminals. The container terminal has a capacity of 25 million TEU, equipped with some of the world’s largest quay cranes (65-ton, 25-TEU span), over 20 quay cranes, 68 yard cranes, and 3,000 reefer plugs. The Ro-Ro terminal handles 1.5 million CEUs, while bulk and general cargo terminals manage up to 30 million tons. Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and smart gate systems enhance operational efficiency.
Container Terminals
King Abdullah Port’s container terminals feature 11 berths with a total quay length of over 11,000 meters and a channel depth of 18 meters. The annual container handling capacity is 25 million TEU. The terminals are highly automated, utilizing advanced Port Community and Smart Gate systems for efficient operations. Major operators include National Container Terminals (NCT) and Ports Development Company, serving global shipping lines.
Port Services
- Container handling: Advanced container terminals with high-capacity cranes and automated systems for efficient loading, unloading, and transshipment.
- Cargo operations: Facilities for general, bulk, and agricultural cargo, including discharge, storage, and transfer services.
- Ship services: Marine operations such as pilotage, towage, mooring, and vessel support.
- Warehousing: Short-term and long-term storage, bonded zones, and computerized inventory management.
- Customs: Expedited cargo clearance, integrated customs processing, and smart gate systems for efficient entry and exit.
Global Connectivity
King Abdullah Port, located on the Red Sea, serves as a major transshipment hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is integrated into global shipping routes operated by leading lines such as MSC and Maersk, linking to ports in the Mediterranean, Indian Subcontinent, East Asia, and Africa. The port directly serves Saudi Arabia’s western and central regions, including Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, and Yanbu, and is positioned on the main East-West maritime corridor for efficient access to major global markets.
Port Statistics
King Abdullah Port, Saudi Arabia
- TEU throughput: 2.81 million TEU (2021); 2.91 million TEU (2022)
- World ranking: 74th globally by Lloyd’s List (2021); ranked 1st in the World Bank CPPI 2021 for port efficiency
- Number of berths: 18 container berths (expandable)
- Port area: 17.4 square kilometers (approx. 1,740 hectares)
- Shipping lines: Served by 17 of the world’s largest shipping lines, offering direct connections to major global ports
