Ports rivalry emerges on busy West Coast

摘要

Jeddah Islamic Port (JIP) on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, strategically located in the Red Sea on the main Asia-Europe trade route, is facing increased competition since the opening of King Abdullah Port (KAP) at Rabigh. DP World, which operates the south terminal at JIP, has seen a sudden fall-off in throughput after MSC decamped to KAP. Last year it handled only around 800,000teu, a third of its capacity, and additionally has to pay 65% of its revenues to the Saudi government under the terms of its concession.