More space for manoeuvres at Saudiports
The nine ports of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) are undergoing some major developments. For instance, an integrated shipment scheduling system was recently rolled out at King Abdul Aziz port. The system forms part of the electronic clearance service that is meant to reduce waiting times at Saudi ports.
Clients can now electronically schedule an appointment and choose their carrier, all of which can axe time at the port to only 17 minutes.
Mawani has also sponsored a cooperation agreement for shipbuilding and repairing at King Abdul Aziz port in Dammam, and issued Saudi Ports' first foreign investor permit enabling maritime agencies to carry out business operations.
Several regulations covering the licensing and operating of a shipping agency and ship chandlers (excluding bunkering services) have been approved. They allow foreign companies to establish their own shipping agencies and serve their ships in all Saudi ports. (kd)