United Arab Shipping Company’s 18,000 TEU Al Nefud has made its maiden call at the Red Sea Gateway Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.

“UASC is very proud of its strong ties with KSA and the Saudi Ports Authority as we continue to provide our Saudi customers with efficient and effective shipping solutions using different ports in the kingdom,” said Waleed Al Dawood, chief operating officer of UASC. “KSA has been one of UASC’s key shareholding nations and the kingdom provided significant support since its establishment in 1976.”

Nabeel Al-Amudi, chairman of UASC and president of the Saudi Ports Authority, said that the arrival of Al Nefud at Jeddah was another milestone in the port’s track record of achievements and an indicator of the increasing importance of the port and Saudi Arabia in the shipping industry.

“Jeddah Islamic Port is equally capable of receiving and handling vessels of this size and class,” saidAl-Amudi. “Ports are considered to be the backbone of a country’s economy and the Saudi Ports Authority always seeks to support the ongoing development in the kingdom through providing services of the highest standards.”

The shipping line has now received six vessels in the 18,800 TEU class. The ships are considered to be the world’s greenest because of their environmentally friendly features, according to UASC.