The Saudi Ports Authority (SPA) awarded on Sunday a number of contracts totaling SR500 million for the development and maintenance of the country's ports. Three contracts, signed by SPA President Abdul Aziz Al-Tuwaijri, were for the King Abdul Aziz Port, the second largest port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the build of two new berths for the handling of bulk cargo at a cost of SR170 million. The contract was awarded to Huta Hegerfeld Saudia, SPA said in a statement. Saudi Transport Minister Jabara Al-Seraisry attended the signing ceremony. Saudi Arabia's ports are currently undertaking projects worth an estimated SR4 billion. Al-Balagha Trading Group also agreed a SR53 million contract at the port to rent the King Fahd Shipyard for a period of ten years. "This contract will help King Abdul Aziz Port to attract more shipping lines," SPA said. A third contract, at a cost of SR94 million, was granted for the cleaning and general maintenance of the port for three years. The China Harbor Engineering Co. was also awarded a contract for the building of a new SR129 million wharf at Yanbu's King Fahd Industrial Port.
