Arab News, Wed, Jun 26, 2024 | Dhu al-Hijjah 20, 1445
PIF subsidiary SGP and SANY seal $1.87bn deal to supply electric trucks to Dammam port
Saudi Arabia:
An agreement worth SR7 billion ($1.87
billion) was struck between Saudi Global Ports and a Chinese company to advance
green operational capacities at the Kingdom’s ports.
The deal — hailed as the world’s largest single
contract for the manufacture and supply of electric trucks — was signed by the
Public Investment Fund subsidiary and China’s SANY for King Abdulaziz Port in
Dammam, according to a statement from the Kingdom’s ports authority.
As per the contract, SANY will deliver 80 electric
trucks to the port, added the release from the authority, also known as
Mawani.
This move is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategy to
position itself as a major global logistics hub, connecting three continents, in
line with its National Transport and Logistics Strategy.
The facility, honored as “Port of The Year” for
2024 at the ShipTek awards, will boast the largest fleet of electric vehicles in
the Middle East upon completion of the deal.
Electric trucks play a major role in safeguarding
the environment at ports by producing zero exhaust emissions, thereby reducing
air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
They also offer enhanced energy efficiency and
cost savings in operations and maintenance.
Omar Hariri, president of Mawani, highlighted in
the statement that the contract signing contributes to the port’s development
and modernization into a flexible and sustainable logistical center.
He emphasized the depth of the strategic
partnership between Mawani and SGP, aiming to establish a pioneering model for
operational excellence and logistical efficiency.
Hariri also stressed that this reflects the
pivotal role of King Abdulaziz Port in supporting commercial movement, aligned
with the objectives of the national strategy for transport and logistics
services.
In the long term, it aims to contribute to clean
air and combat climate change, aligning with the objectives of the Saudi Green
Initiative and Vision 2030’s sustainability goals.
Earlier this year, the Chinese firm delivered 50
dump trucks to the Kingdom, where they joined over 1,700 units of SANY machines
already deployed on site for the construction of NEOM, marking a significant
contribution to the development.
The agreement was signed during the Transport
Logistics China exhibition in Shanghai, being held from June 25 to 27.
The event will feature over 700 exhibitors
showcasing their offerings across 50,000 sq. m. of exhibition space, allowing
visitors to explore the latest developments and trends through the conference
program.