28th Sep 2010 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) the first fully automated, world-class container facility at Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP), Saudi Arabias key port continues to expand its throughput capacity, deploying new equipment. Arriving on the "Zhen Hua 20 the 5th batch of equipment included two of industrys most advanced ship-to-shore container cranes, bringing the total number of cranes currently serving RSGT a $510 project and the Kingdoms first Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) port project, is spearheading the development of the countrys maritime and logistics sector and well set to redefine container business in the region. Showcasing commitment the terminal operators, despite the global downturn, maintained their pace, consecutively advancing the Jeddah ports infrastructure in line with market growth.
"JIP has experienced resurgence in container volume growth in the first half of this year, resonating with our expectations," Tan Lye said. The slight upswing in the global economy and fear of the specter of congestion has prompted most terminal operators to rethink their investments. Luckily RSGT has always remained ahead of the game. We continued, despite the world crisis actually ordering more equipment than initially proposed.
The new STS cranes, capable of stacking containers 24 across outfitted with the up-to-the- minute technology, such as crane monitoring systems (CMS), single and twin lifts enabling each crane to simultaneously handle two 40ft containers, have been positioned at the feeder berth which used solely by vessels calling at the terminal.
Notably RSGT is the only terminal on in JIP capable of receiving the next generation of super- mega vessels 13,000 TEUs and above. With the latest technology and state of art equipment already in place the terminal will ensure high productivity, raising the overall ports capacity by up to 2M teus annually.
Commercial operations started at the terminal in December 2009 with full operations scheduled by the end of this year. RSGT is the first facility in the region to deploy a unique combination of highest standard of equipment and state of art technology, added the COO. These new cranes will certainly fulfill an essential component of RSGTs long-term plans for enhanced efficiency.
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About Red Sea Gate Way Terminal:
Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is third and latest world-class container facility at Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP), Saudi Arabias no 1 Port. On the Red Sea and close to the main east- west shipping routes, RSGT strategic location makes it an obvious choice for shipping lines with large transshipment volumes who also require easy access to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . The first BOT port development agreement in Saudi Arabia, where the private sector invested nearly SAR 2 billion funded by Saudi banks. RSGT was honored in 2007 with the innovative prestigious IFN Ijara Deal of the Year award for its best Islamic project financing deal and Euromoneys Middle East Transport Deal of the Year award.
Covering over a half million square meters, Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) is the latest Greenfield container terminal at Jeddah Islamic port (JIP), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias most significant port.
RSGT through its layout, design, state-of-the-art equipment and cuttingedge technology will enhance JIPs overall capability to compete with the top ports in the world. Adding up to 2 million TEUs annually to the existing ports capacity, the facility offers operational efficiency, optimal cargo movement and increased capacity, and allowing the next generation supersize 13,000+ container vessels by means of its dedicated navigation channel (300m wide) and deep water draught up to 18m. The new terminal will open opportunities for customers around the world and provide cutting edge solutions to fulfill their business needs, furthermore seeking to provide shipping lines with high-quality services enabling great improvements in container handling productivity and turnaround times. Since Dec 2009, the first phase commercial operation of the world class terminal has been up and running; with full operations target before the end of 2010. . The terminals home port JIP recently was ranked as 4 stars in the same league as many of the worlds leading ports in terms of efficiency of cargo handling, port fees, information services, problem-solving and application of global standards.
About Jeddah Islamic Port
Jeddah Islamic Port has an excellent location in the middle of the international shipping route between east and west. Its the most important and largest port in Saudi Arabia, as it serves the commercial centers through which 73% of the Saudi's gateway traffic by sea are being handled. JIP recently was ranked as 4 stars in the same league as many of the worlds leading ports in terms of efficiency of cargo handling, port fees, information services, problem-solving and application of global standards.
For more information, please contact
Lubna A.A. Karim
PR & Communications Manager
Direct: +966 2 627 3058
Switchboard: +966 2 648 5678
Fax: +966 2 647 1930
Mobile: +966566166562
Email: lubna.karim@rsgt.com
Web: www.rsgt.com
Red Sea Gateway Terminal
P.O. Box 51327, Jeddah 21543
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Press Release 2010
