Saudi Arabia opens main command and control center to enhance maritime, cargo operations

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia has opened a command and control center to ensure seamless maritime and cargo operations, enhancing readiness to handle risks such as natural disasters.

The Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser, who is also chairman of the Saudi Ports Authority, known as Mawani, inaugurated the center on Aug. 16 at the organization’s Riyadh-based headquarters.

The initiative aligns with Mawani’s commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s ports by ensuring continuous excellence in maritime operations, including improving cargo procedures, the readiness of assets, and preparedness for challenges such as natural and environmental disasters. 

It supports the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The center contributes to crisis management in collaboration with the relevant authorities, utilizing advanced programs and systems that assist in data collection and analysis. It helps to issue appropriate guidance for decision-makers, fostering trust and sustainable relationships.

The center coordinates and integrates all activities and operations across various government sectors and levels to ensure business continuity. Its responsibilities include corresponding efforts among different entities and training and developing human resources to ensure their high efficiency in addressing various risks.

In June, Al-Jasser inaugurated a similar base at Jeddah Islamic Port, emphasizing the crucial role of command and control centers and capacity building in boosting operational efficiency and resilience in the port sector.

He said the center would enhance long-term institutional performance, improve coordination and cooperation among government and private entities, facilitate information exchange, enable joint decision-making, and help achieve Mawani’s strategic objectives.

Al-Jasser also said the Kingdom’s leadership supports projects and initiatives within the transport and logistics system to maximize service and developmental roles while ensuring the security and safety of maritime transport and the port sector.

Omar Hariri, president of Mawani, said that the Jeddah center aids in crisis management in collaboration with relevant authorities. It leverages advanced programs and systems for data collection and analysis, issuing directives, and fostering trust among stakeholders, thereby contributing to a positive and sustainable relationship.

According to Mawani, command and control centers offer several competitive advantages, including integrating and coordinating operations across various sectors and governmental levels to ensure business continuity. They also facilitate efforts between entities and support the training and development of human resources to manage risks effectively.