Saudi Arabia is experiencing exponential growth in its ports and shipping sectors with a number of mega infrastructural land and sea projects worth $30 billion within the government’s current five-year plan, according to an expert.

The key port projects coming up in Saudi Arabia include Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP), currently undergoing an expansion, which will eventually increase capacity by 45 per cent, according to Chris Hayman, the chairman of Seatrade, the organiser of the Saudi Maritime Congress which will take place from November 25 to 26 this year and attract up to 200 delegates.

Other major projects in the kingdom include the seaport in Phase One of the $26-billion King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) in the Western Province, which opened in January and is designed to become one of the top 10 ports in the world; Marafiq’s $210-million marine facilities at Yanbu Industrial City;  and Saudi Aramco’s Dareen Port expansion project, which is due to be completed this year.

There are currently four major Saudi ports: Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail commercial and industrial port and Yanbu industrial and commercial port.