YORK Int’l, King Abdullah Port Co-sign MoU  

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal to develop the capabilities of the maritime sector in the Kingdom, the Ports Development Company (PDC), the owner and developer of King Abdullah Port, co-signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), with Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK), the leading provider of integrated solutions in HVAC-R, fire, safety and security systems, and building management systems and controls.

Recently co-signed memo sets out the general principles and modalities of cooperation between the two parties to develop the capabilities of marine services, at King Abdullah Port in line with Vision 2030.

Main objectives of the memo include supporting the development of local content and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP) as well as providing technical support for establishing a marine office and the required facilities to offer vessel maintenance and repair services, at King Abdullah Port.

This agreement also includes the provision to strengthen the cooperation between both parties to provide the necessary solutions to facilitate the comprehensive diversification of the services at King Abdullah Port.

The MoU was signed by Jay New, the Chief Executive Officer of King Abdullah Port representing PDC, and Dr. Mohanad A-lShaikh, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Salem Johnson Controls (YORK).

Demonstrating the commitment to Saudi Arabia’s vision as well as its efforts to establish a regional office as part of the Kingdom’s Regional Headquarters program, executives from YORK’s parent company, attended the signing ceremony.”

The agreement reflects the keen interest of the leadership of Saudi Arabia to develop the Kingdom’s ports. In addition, Jay New commented, adding that it aims to achieve the objectives of the vision of HRH Crown Prince by leveraging Saudi Arabia’s unique geographical location on the red sea, through which 13% of world trade passes, and develop the Kingdom as a major center of international trade and a hub connecting three continents.”

“The memorandum comes as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve the objectives of NIDLP, one of the largest and most ambitious programs under the Saudi Vision 2030 that aims to enhance the competitiveness of the economy and transform the Kingdom into a leading global logistics center, he explained.

This is an objective we are always seeking to achieve through our various initiatives that contribute to enhancing the operational performance of King Abdullah Port,” he drew attention.

“The signing of the memorandum of understanding reflects the keenness of the two parties to establish a strategic partnership to support the national economy and to take advantage of potential opportunities, Dr. Mohanad Al-Shaikh remarked, pointing that:  The Ports Development Company is a leading global company in providing repair services.

It aims to further develop the commercial capacity of King Abdullah Port by establishing facilities for vessel maintenance and repair services, he elaborated.

Such an agreement is particularly significant as King Abdullah Port is the first ever fully commercially-administered port, in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, owned and financed entirely by the private sector.”