Maersk has officially opened its largest logistics park in the Middle East at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a significant milestone in the region’s logistics landscape. The expansive 225,000 square meter facility represents a $250 million investment, underlining Maersk’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The inauguration, attended by high-profile dignitaries including Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and Maersk’s CEO Vincent Clerc, highlighted the strategic importance of the facility. Positioned at a critical maritime hub, Jeddah Islamic Port connects Asia, Europe, and Africa, making it a pivotal point for global trade.
The new logistics park is more than just a storage facility; it embodies Maersk’s integrated logistics strategy. It offers multimodal connectivity, warehousing solutions for both B2B and e-commerce needs, temperature-controlled storage, and a custom-bonded setup. This setup is tailored to support a wide range of industries, from FMCG to petrochemicals, reinforcing the versatility and scalability of the park’s offerings.
In line with Maersk’s sustainability goals, the facility is designed with several green initiatives. Up to 70% of its energy will be sourced from solar power, with 32,000 solar panels installed across 64,000 square meters of rooftop space. Additionally, the park will utilize electric equipment and vehicles, LED lighting with sensors, and other energy-efficient technologies to minimize its carbon footprint. These efforts are a crucial part of Maersk’s ambition to reach Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The logistics park also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with the establishment of an in-house women’s academy. This academy offers tailored training programs aimed at empowering Saudi women to enter and thrive in the logistics and supply chain sectors. This initiative is a step towards breaking down barriers in an industry traditionally dominated by men, ensuring that the park is not only a beacon of innovation but also of social progress.
Safety, as always, remains a top priority for Maersk. The facility incorporates world-class safety features, including advanced firefighting systems, segregated pedestrian and equipment paths, and comprehensive surveillance systems. These measures ensure the security of both the personnel and the cargo, making the park one of the safest logistics facilities in the region.
The opening of this logistics park is a clear indicator of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global trade. As the country continues to enhance its logistics infrastructure, facilities like Maersk’s at Jeddah Port will play a crucial role in boosting the Kingdom’s economic activity, supporting trade, and connecting supply chains on an international scale.