NEOM Port Advances Global Trade with Smart Cranes & 2026 Terminal 1 Launch

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – June 04, 2025 – The Port of NEOM, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, has marked a significant milestone with the arrival of the Kingdom’s first fully automated, remote-controlled Ship-To-Shore (STS) and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes. Strategically located on the Red Sea, one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, the port is set  to become a global hub for smart, sustainable trade, serving as a critical gateway on the East–West trade route. The advanced cranes will drive the port’s automation strategy, enabling high-volume, high-efficiency operations while supporting a future-ready workforce model with operators managing equipment from secure, ergonomic environments.

Development is progressing rapidly toward the 2026 opening of Terminal 1, a next-generation container terminal designed to accommodate the world’s largest vessels transiting the Suez Canal. Key infrastructure achievements include the completion of a 900-meter quay wall and the deepening of the port channel to 18.5 meters. Terminal 1 will feature horizontal transport automation, enhancing logistics capacity, driving regional industrial growth, and unlocking new business opportunities by strengthening supply chain resilience and access to global markets.

In an official press release, Sean Kelly, Managing Director of Port of NEOM, stated, “The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port. We’re not only accelerating industrial growth in northwest Saudi Arabia, but we’re also setting a new benchmark for performance, efficiency, innovation and establishing a vital trade gateway for the Kingdom and the region beyond.”

The Port of NEOM is also committed to promoting local talent, with a pioneering initiative to train Saudi women for high-tech roles. Ten participants from the Tabuk region are enrolled in a two-year intensive program blending technical instruction, hands-on training, and mentorship to develop Production Specialists skilled in remote crane operations. Hajjer Alatawi, a trainee participating in the program, said: “This experience has shown me that port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it’s about teamwork, precision and responsibility. Seeing more Saudi women entering this space gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.” 

By equipping Saudi workers with high-tech skills, the Port of NEOM supports NEOM’s vision of a sustainable, innovative ecosystem, enhances regional economic resilience, and aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to drive economic diversification and technological advancement.