King Abdullah Port has ranked first among the most efficient container ports in the world on the 2021 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) report published by The World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. The port improved its ranking from second place last year after achieving the highest points among 443 ports on both the administrative and statistical methodological approaches of the index, which scores ports against different metrics. Asian and Middle Eastern ports dominated the ranking for the most efficient gateways in the world. King Abdullah Port is followed by counterparts in Oman (Port of Salalah) and Qatar (Hamad Port) respectively. Commenting on the new milestone, King Abdullah Port Chief Executive Officer Jay New said: “We are proud to announce that King Abdullah Port has been awarded the first position in the CPPI global ranking for container ports. “This prestigious accolade represents a major leap forward and was made possible thanks to our commitment to consistent growth and our unique ability to mitigate challenges caused by disruptions in the global supply chain, as well as the success of strategic decisions taken in the face of profound uncertainties. “This recognition will serve as a motivation to continue to maintain our position as the industry leader and increase our contribution to transforming the Kingdom into a global hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa and increasing its non-oil exports, as per the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.” King Abdullah Port’s ranking in CPPI 2021 recognizes its efforts to achieve increased operational efficiency, quality controls and infrastructure development and management. The recognition also demonstrates the port’s continuous progress in accordance with its long-term strategic plans and objectives, embodying the motto ‘Sailing Toward the Vision’ launched during its official inauguration in 2019. The new ranking also comes as a testimony to its contribution to the objectives of Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to raise the efficiency of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, transform the Kingdom into a leading global trade hub, and diversify its economy. King Abdullah Port has been actively contributing to the Kingdom’s ambition for a diversified economy that relies on the non-oil sector, of which logistics is a focus area, through its highly efficient business plan based on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, complemented by the efforts of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani). The unique PPP model consists of a partnership with over 17 government agencies, under the supervision of the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority, while retaining full management and operation control by the private sector. — SPA