AMSteel to operate new bulk, general cargo berth at King Abdullah Port

The port operator and steel shipper will operate the port’s first bulk and general cargo terminal starting in the second quarter of 2018.    King Abdullah Port has signed an agreement with port operator and steel shipper AMSteel regarding the operation of the first bulk and general cargo terminal berth at the port.
   The agreement allows AMSteel to operate the terminal berth for 25 years starting in the second quarter of 2018. Construction is still ongoing, and the port expects the completion of the first phase of bulk and general cargo terminals, with a capacity of three million tons, to be operational starting the second quarter of 2018.
   “Since its establishment in 2015, AMSteel has been characterized by its outstanding successes in a short period of time, through its provision of clearance, logistics, storage, and door-to-door shipping services,” said Hassan Al-Attas, chairman of AMSteel, “It has also managed to win the trust of major customers both globally and locally, all seeking to benefit from the company’s services and experience in several projects.”
   King Abdullah Port succeeded in increasing its annual throughput to 1.4 million TEUs by the end of 2016 with its infrastructure’s annual capacity reaching four million TEUs, the port stated. According to ocean carrier schedule and capacity database BlueWater Reporting, 14 services call the port, including three 2M Alliance services and multiple standalone services operated by MSC, Maersk Line and X-Press. 
   “Signing this agreement comes within the framework of developing our capabilities in the field of bulk and general cargo. It will enable us to actively contribute to promoting this industry due to its economic benefits and its support for the development journey in the Kingdom,” said Eng. Abdullah M. Hameedadin, managing director of the Ports Development Company, owner and developer of King Abdullah Port. “We at King Abdullah Port are keen to cooperate with entities that are experienced and knowledgeable in order to enable ourselves to develop business at the port and contribute to the development of the maritime transport industry in the Kingdom, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.”