Port of NEOM: Leading the Future of Sustainable Trade

The Port of NEOM, located in Oxagon on the Red Sea Coast, is poised to become a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s maritime and economic future as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 roadmap. Recently, Sean Kelly, Managing Director of the Port of NEOM, highlighted the latest developments at the project while emphasising the port’s strategic importance at the crossroads of global trade routes and its commitment to sustainability. 

One of the most significant aspects of NEOM’s transformation is the construction of two new container terminals. The first terminal, scheduled for completion in 2025, will have a throughput capacity of 1.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually, with plans for further expansion. A second terminal is designed to accommodate up to 10 million TEUs annually, solidifying NEOM’s position as a future hub for global trade. Kelly emphasised that the port’s proximity to the Suez Canal, which handles over 12% of global trade, further strengthens its strategic value in the region. 

NEOM's redevelopment builds on the historic significance of Duba Port, a critical trading link for centuries. However, this modernisation is not just about increasing capacity; it is deeply rooted in sustainability. Kelly has underscored the port’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, with operations powered entirely by primarily solar renewable energy. The port will be one of the most environmentally friendly globally, with all excavated materials from dredging reused in local construction projects. 

As part of NEOM’s broader construction efforts, the port’s general cargo services are expanding so that, by the end of 2024, it will have an additional 90,000 square metres of space for general and project cargo, with the capacity to accommodate up to 30 million tonnes annually. Furthermore, the port is set to become a key enabler of ROPAX ferry services, which will facilitate the transportation of 4.5 million tonnes of cargo and 200,000 passengers annually by 2026, enhancing trade routes between Saudi Arabia and Egypt via Safaga. 

Kelly also highlighted the innovative use of modular housing to support the growing workforce at NEOM, with prefabricated units being shipped in from Malaysia. Key partnerships, such as with the Green Hydrogen Company, underline NEOM’s central role in sustainability-driven projects. By 2026, the Green Hydrogen plant is expected to produce 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen daily, turning the port into a critical supply chain partner for this green initiative. 

In conclusion, the Port of NEOM is not only shaping Saudi Arabia’s maritime future but also setting a global standard for sustainability in logistics. With cutting-edge infrastructure, strategic location and a clear focus on environmental responsibility, NEOM will emerge as a leading logistics and trade hub, driving the region’s economic growth while championing sustainable development.