Port of NEOM has made a big move towards becoming a modern and eco-friendly port with the arrival of Saudi Arabia’s first fully automated, remote-controlled ship-to-shore (STS) and electric rubber-tyred gantry (eRTG) cranes. This milestone is a key part of the port’s vision to establish itself as a global centre for smart and sustainable trade.
Situated strategically on the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes worldwide, Port of NEOM already plays a vital role as a gateway on the East–West trade route. The new advanced cranes are set to be instrumental in the port’s automation plans, enabling high-volume and efficient cargo handling. Their remote-control functionality means operators can work from safe and comfortable environments, preparing the workforce for the future.
Development at Port of NEOM is progressing rapidly ahead of the 2026 launch of Terminal 1, a state-of-the-art container terminal. Recent achievements include the completion of a 900-metre quay wall and deepening the port channel to 18.5 metres, allowing the largest vessels passing through the Suez Canal to dock here.
Terminal 1 will also introduce horizontal transport automation as part of the wider aim for full automation. Once operational, these technologies will greatly increase the port’s logistics capacity, stimulate industrial growth in the region, open up global market access, strengthen supply chains, and create new business opportunities.
Sean Kelly, Managing Director of Port of NEOM, said: “The arrival of our first automated cranes marks a tangible milestone as we lay the foundations for an advanced, future-ready port. We’re not only accelerating industrial growth in northwest Saudi Arabia, but we’re also setting a new benchmark for performance, efficiency, innovation and establishing a vital trade gateway for the Kingdom and the region beyond.”
Alongside these infrastructural and technological advances, Port of NEOM is investing in local talent development. A notable initiative focuses on training Saudi women for high-tech roles, including preparing the next generation of Production Specialists to operate remote cranes. This effort aims to create a more inclusive future for logistics and industry.
Currently, ten trainees from the Tabuk region are enrolled in an intensive two-year programme combining technical lessons, practical training, and mentorship. Hajjer Alatawi, one of the participants, shared: “This experience has shown me that port logistics is far more complex than just moving cargo; it’s about teamwork, precision and responsibility. Seeing more Saudi women entering this space gives me hope for a future where industries are defined by skills, not gender.”
By equipping Saudi workers with advanced skills, Port of NEOM supports the broader NEOM vision of building a sustainable, diverse, and innovative ecosystem that strengthens regional economic resilience and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.
