SAHIR BIN M. TAHLAWI Director General of Jeddah Islamic Port

The strategic importance of Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea is undeniable. A prime location at the connection point between Europe and the Middle East, and proximity to major shipping lines on the Red Sea, make it the point of entry for almost 60% of the country’s imports. It is also the port of choice for the thousands of Muslim pilgrims who travel to Makkah and Madinah each year.

The port belongs to the Saudi Ports Authority, but the consistent need for expansion has prompted the outsourcing of operations to the private sector, which has been quick to invest in a lucrative business.

Seven years ago, purchase of several state-of-the-art cranes enabled the port to treat 170 containers per ship per hour, an unequalled standard. In 2002, the port handled one million containers; last year, it processed 2.4 million and within a few years it is expected to be handling around 5 million containers annually. “Liners prefer a port that can provide both transhipment services and cargo entry,” says its Director General Sahir Bin M. Tahlawi.

Jeddah Islamic Port boasts 58 berths distributed to handle specialized cargo types, and a ship repair yard with capacity to accommodate vessels up to 60,000 tonnes. Changes to procedure and technological developments have helped to reduce processing times for customers, a factor that increases the port’s appeal. Three stations with x-ray machines for customs inspections will contribute even further to the smooth running of operations. “We give priority to attracting and maintaining clients,” concludes Mr. Tahlawi.