Imagine containers stacked high stretching toward the horizon. This is the Riyadh Dry Port. It is not just a place of logistics. It is a vital artery pumping commerce into the heart of Saudi Arabia.
The Riyadh Dry Port stands as the largest inland port in the Kingdom. Established in 1982, it links Riyadh to the world. This dry port plays a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure. It facilitates the smooth movement of goods across the country.
Consider its location in the as-Sinaiyah neighborhood. It is near the Riyadh railway station. The Riyadh Dry Port spans a massive 918,639 square meters. That is enough space to hold six warehouses each measuring 6,480 square meters.
Initially, the Saudi Railways Organization or SRO managed the port. They also operated the cargo line. SRO managed empty container yards in Dammam. Later, they decided to privatize the port’s operations.
In 2011, BAAS International Group or BIG secured a 10-year contract. They took over handling operations at the Riyadh Dry Port.
The Riyadh Dry Port is the only dry port in Saudi Arabia that handles over 300,000 TEUs of imported containers each year. It serves as a critical link between Dammam Sea Port and Riyadh. All containers arriving at Dammam Sea Port are efficiently transported to the Riyadh Dry Port by rail.
In 2003, the port handled 250,000 TEUs. By 2013, that number doubled to 500,000 TEUs. In May 2013, the port handled 26,000 TEUs. In May 2014, it handled 30,749 TEUs. On June 5, 2014, the port processed a record 987 containers in a single day.
The Riyadh Dry Port ecosystem includes the Riyadh Empty Yard and the Dammam Empty Container Yard. These interconnected facilities ensure efficient cargo transfer.
The port’s equipment includes 10 straddle carriers and 13 reach stackers. It also has 6 empty container handlers. A chill transfer area and a bonded DG warehouse are also available.
In 2012, concerns arose about the port’s operations. Disruptions in goods clearance led to complaints. However, improvements were implemented.
In 2013, Navis SPARCS N4 terminal operating system was deployed. Riyadh became the fifth port globally to run a combination of SPARCS N4 V2.2, XPS, and ECN4 NAVIS modules.
In 2016, the port faced a unique challenge. Customs authorities discovered nearly 5 kg of hashish hidden inside a consignment.
The Riyadh Dry Port values reliability and efficiency. The port migrated its physical N4 systems to a virtual environment. They also set up secondary data centers. The transition was smooth. N4 adapted to the VMWare environment easily.
Even during a major electricity breakdown in 2016, the N4 system remained operational. This ensured port operations were unaffected.
Since implementing Navis N4, BIG has seen a 10% increase in container volumes each year. The port was able to handle 1085 full import containers in one day. That is a 75% increase from 2012 operations.
Navis N4 integrates easily with other applications. Running N4 and SAP together has improved operational efficiency. N4 is the backbone of port operations at the Riyadh Dry Port. It has streamlined activities and improved gate and yard operations by over 75%.
The Riyadh Dry Port is more than just a logistics hub. It is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to growth. It is a symbol of efficiency. As containers continue to flow, the port remains a vital link connecting the Kingdom to the global economy.