On August 21, 2024, Maersk inaugurated a sprawling 225,000-square-meter logistics hub at the Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia. This monumental project, which represents an investment of $250 million, is hailed by the Danish company as the largest logistics park in the Middle East. The facility is designed to offer integrated logistics solutions under one roof, featuring multimodal connections between sea, land, and air transport. It includes temperature-controlled warehouses, a customs setup, distribution solutions, and first and last-mile services.
In alignment with Maersk's ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, the logistics park will harness up to 70% of its energy from 32,000 solar panels installed on its 64,000-square-meter rooftop. The use of electric equipment, electric trucks, low-consumption LED lighting, and light sensors further contributes to minimizing the environmental impact of the facility.
Safety is a top priority at the new park, which adopts a "Safety by Design" approach. This includes state-of-the-art fire protection systems, separate pathways for pedestrians and equipment, and a comprehensive surveillance camera system, ensuring maximum security for both workers and goods.
A noteworthy initiative at the facility is the establishment of an in-house academy dedicated to training Saudi women in the logistics and supply chain sectors. This academy aims to promote diversity and inclusion by offering tailored training programs to prepare women for careers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The goal is to create a supportive work environment that fosters the professional growth of Saudi women.
With this new logistics park, Maersk solidifies its position as a leader in the sector, while Saudi Arabia moves closer to realizing its Vision 2030—an ambitious plan to diversify the Kingdom's economy and reduce its reliance on oil by promoting the development of crucial sectors like logistics.
