King Abdullah Port, the first privately owned, developed, and operated port in the Middle East, has reached 15 million TEU in container throughput.

"King Abdullah Port hit the new milestone in throughput in a record time of under nine years since its container terminal commenced operations in September 2013, cementing its standing as a leading container port in the Middle East," the port said in a statement.

Saudi Arabia's newest port facility noted that the "milestone" was achieved through the port's infrastructure and facilities built to global standards, market-leading service offerings, and efficient operations.

Amid the continuing market challenges worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, King Abdullah Port has registered double-digit growth in 2021 with a 31% rise in container throughput — boosting its reputation as a thriving trade hub on the globally important East-West shipping route.

"Since the launch of our container terminal in 2013, we have relentlessly pursued excellence in our service offerings through the development of world-class infrastructure and port facilities. These efforts have resulted in shining milestones that strengthen King Abdullah Port's growing significance as a leading regional provider of comprehensive logistics solutions and a trusted partner of Saudi Arabia's private and public sectors," said Jay New, CEO of King Abdullah Port.

"The 15 million TEU accomplishment in a record time signifies our strong growth and resilience despite challenges facing international trade and the maritime shipping sector over the years," New added, noting that even at the height of supply chain disruptions worldwide due to Covid-19, the port effectively served its customers and played a key role in Saudi's efforts to fight the pandemic.

"We thank our employees for their dedication and hard work and our partners for their continuous support without which we would not have reached this new achievement. It will motivate us to aim for further successes while also boosting our contribution to raise the efficiency of Saudi Arabia's logistics sector, transform the Kingdom into a leading global trade hub, diversify its economy and increase its non-oil exports, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy," the port chief further said.

One of the Middle East's largest infrastructure megaprojects, King Abdullah Port has been built to the latest specifications and standards and is designed to support trade and economic growth in the Kingdom for decades to come.

The port is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including the world's largest and most advanced cranes, and its 18-meter water berths are the world's deepest.

King Abdullah Port, owned by the Ports Development Company, is the region's first port to be owned, developed, and operated by the private sector.

Once fully completed, King Abdullah Port will be capable of handling 25 million TEU, 1.5 million CEU, and 25 million tons of clean bulk cargo annually.

The port was earlier ranked by The World Bank as the second most efficient port in 2020,