Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO), a Saudi Arabia-based subsidiary of global port operator Gulftainer, announced its expansion initiative that includes the installation of additional assets and equipment worth USD 50 million that further enhanced the handling capacity of Jubail Commercial Port (JCP).
Initiatives such as: dredging to 14m datum, employing and training young Saudis in key positions and revamping the port’s IT system, has enhanced JCP’s export and import operations, and overall efficiency. These improvements are projected to contribute to Jubail’s GDP by more than USD 100 million.
The arrival of the new equipment, including three Super Post-Panamax quay cranes, five rubber tyre gantries, and 18 reefer gantries increased the handling capacity of the port by up to 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). These enhancements have also enabled the port to handle the majority of the 1 million TEU export market in the province, and prepares the Port for the upcoming growth in the Polymers expansion and general cargo imports for the oil and gas sector.
The recent initiative is in line with the National Ports and Logistic Development Program and the Saudi 2030 Vision’s third pillar covering container and general cargo ports, ro-ro operations, logistics, and bonded re-export zones. While this investment solves the medium term logistic issues, GSCCO is discussing further development of the JCP, supporting the expansion of Jubail and Raz Al Khair and the transformation of the Kingdom as a global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Currently, the port has quay crane rates of more than 35 moves per hour (MPH) for containers, making GSCCO one of the most productive terminal operators in the Gulf region.
GSCCO reported that some major mainline vessels have already committed to the support of the Jubail expansion following the recent developments as part of the expansion drive. With the enhanced draft of 14 m (15 m depending on the tide), the port also expects to handle vessels that have a 16,000 TEU capacity.
Commenting on the recent initiative made by GSCCO, Jason French, the MD of GSCCO, said: “GSCCO is proud to continue to support the transformation that Jubail Commercial Port has undergone since we first started handling operations, and we look forward to expanding further to support major exporters and importers and the greater city of Jubail. With the support and backing of the Gulftainer Group, we continue to lead the way in the development of the supply chain in KSA, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.”
GSCCO’s partnership with Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and the Ministry of Transportation (MOT) were also a crucial part of the investment strategy’s success. Since 2008, the Gulftainer subsidiary has collaborated with the Saudi authorities and developed the Jubail port, increasing its capacity from 50,000 TEUs to 700,000 TEUs prior to the recent investment. With the installation of additional equipment, GSCCO also expects the port to offer a new gateway for imports to the recently opened International Maritime Industries Complex in Ras Al Khair, which is about 60 km north of Jubail.
“While the Jubail port already records the highest individual quay crane productivity rate in the KSA, we expect the addition of three quay cranes to double the vessel operating rate (VOR) on mainline vessels. This will help ensure faster turnaround and assist shipping lines in reducing costs by approximately 25 per cent” French added.
In January 2021, GSCCO also opened its inland container depot (ICD) and empty container yard inside the Jubail port, which has enhanced the flexibility of all exporters and is expanding to handle more imports and General cargo handling/ storage, for major engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) companies.
About GSCCO
Founded in 1985, the Gulf Stevedoring Contracting Company (GSCCO) is one of the most notable port operators in Saudi Arabia. Based in the heart of the Berry Oil Field in Jubail, the company has a history of over 35 years of managing 14 port concessions.
GSCCO is an expert in providing efficient supply chain solutions, making it a leading figure in the KSA maritime port sector. It is the only terminal operator in the country that has handled over 35 million TEUs and 10 million tonnes of general cargo.
In 2013, GSCCO became part of Gulftainer group, one of the leading privately owned and independent terminal operators in the world, which is based in Sharjah, UAE. For more information on GSCCO, visit https://www.gulfstevedoring.com/website/
About Gulftainer
Established in 1976, Gulftainer is a privately owned, independent port management and 3PL logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and for more than 45 years it has been delivering a world-class performance to its customers. Its global footprint including operations in the UAE, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the USA.
Gulftainer is excited to create an open, collaborative platform to lead the port industry’s revolution, engaging startups, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders to create the future of the ports and logistics industry. For more information on Gulftainer, visit www.gulftainer.com
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
