The authority was chosen from seven potential operators who, in turn, were picked from 11 rival bidders. The DPA will also be expected to provide all support in terms of technical requirements, IT and training. The Jeddah Islamic Port is positioning itself as the best port of call on the east-west trades. It is located in the Red Sea south of the Suez Canal. It is also the gateway to the Saudi market of more than 16 million consumers.
Authorities hope to cash in on trans-shipments to the wider Middle East region.
This contract follows closely on the heels of one that was awarded to DPA towards the end of last year to manage a new container terminal in Beirut. The Jeddah move is part of the DPA's diversification plan that has already seen it win the management contract for Beirut's port.