20 June 2024 (Lloyd's List) - KING Abdulaziz Port Dammam has received three quay cranes and three hybrid automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes, which operator Saudi Global Ports says will increase the port’s capacity to 3.2m teu from 2.5m teu.

Aside from the nearly 30% increase in teu capacity, the new quay cranes have a minimum outreach of 25 rows with the ability to extend, which means the port will be able to take the largest boxships of 24,000 teu or more.

The new equipment will undergo eight weeks of testing before becoming operational in August 2024.

SGP has also ordered an extra 15 hybrid RTGs, which are expected to be delivered in July 2024. SGP has committed to spending SAR7bn ($1.8bn) over its 30-year concession to develop both container terminals it operates at King Abdulaziz Port Dammam.