NEOM Port Welcomes KSA’s First Fully Automated Cranes

Photo: SPA

The Port of NEOM has reached a big milestone with the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s first fully automated, remote-controlled Ship-To-Shore (STS) and Electric Rubber-Tyred Gantry (eRTG) cranes. This is a major step toward making NEOM a global center for smart and sustainable trade.

Located on the Red Sea, the Port of NEOM sits on one of the busiest trade routes in the world. It already plays an important role as a key gateway for trade between the East and West. The new high-tech cranes are part of the port’s automation plans and are expected to boost efficiency and support large-scale operations. These cranes can be controlled remotely, which means operators can work in safer, more comfortable environments.

Sean Kelly, Managing Director of the Port of NEOM, said that the arrival of these cranes shows real progress in building a next-generation port. “We’re not only boosting industrial growth in northwest Saudi Arabia but also setting new standards for performance, innovation, and efficiency,” he said.

Supporting Local Talent and Saudi Women

Along with advanced technology, the Port of NEOM is also focused on growing local talent. This includes training Saudi women to work in tech-focused jobs. The port has launched a unique training program to prepare people to become remote crane operators, helping to create a more inclusive future in the logistics industry.

Right now, ten participants from the Tabuk region are enrolled in a two-year program. It includes technical lessons, hands-on practice, and personal mentoring. One trainee, Hajjer Alatawi, said the job is about more than moving cargo — it’s about teamwork, precision, and responsibility. She also shared that seeing more Saudi women in this field gives her hope for a future where opportunities are based on skills, not gender.

By offering these kinds of programs, the port is helping to achieve NEOM’s broader vision: building a sustainable, diverse, and innovative economy that supports Saudi Vision 2030.

Progress on Terminal 1

Work is moving fast on Terminal 1, a new container terminal set to open in 2026. Key updates include the completion of a 900-meter quay wall and deepening the port channel to 18.5 meters, allowing the world’s largest ships to dock at NEOM.

Terminal 1 will also use automated transport systems as part of its goal to become fully automated. Once complete, these upgrades will grow the port’s capacity, boost regional industry, improve supply chain strength, and create global business opportunities.