The Saudi Ports Authority has signed SR582m-worth ($133m) of contracts for the development of the kingdom’s ports.

Three of the deals are for the King Abdulaziz port at Dammam. The first is a SR170m contract for the construction of two wharfs to handle bulk goods at the port. This was won by the local Huta Hegerfeld Saudia. The second contract for the port is worth SR53m and was won by the local Al-Balagha Trading Group. The company will rent King Fahd shipyard at the port for 10 years. The third contract is worth SR94m and covers the cleaning and maintenance of the port for three years.

Two contracts were also signed for King Fahd Industrial port in Yanbu. China Harbour Engineering Company won the first contract worth SR129m, which covers the construction of a new wharf for Yasref refining company to export petroleum products. The second deal was worth SR33m to build a 109-metre high marine tower to house administrative offices and an operations room. This contract was won by the local Advanced Contracting.

The local Ibn Omaira Establishment won a SR60m contract to develop the electricity and power network at Jizan port.

And the local Marine Service Projects Company won a SR24m deal that covers the construction of two wharfs at Dhuba port. Local Saudi Al-Tarees for Trade, Industry and Contracting won an SR19m asphalting and lighting project at the port.

A further SR1bn-worth of port contracts are due to be awarded soon.